(Reviewed by JD Jung)
We’ve all heard stories about the “mother in-law from hell”. Maybe you even have one. Rest assured though, that she can’t be as evil as this fiancé’s mother.
Eve has found the love of her life, Gideon. The only problem is that Gideon’s mother will do anything to wreck their relationship. That includes searching for secrets in Eve’s past, which shouldn’t be that hard to find.
Actually, there’s another problem: Gideon thinks that his mom, Marjorie, is “amazing” and clearly a victim. Eve tries to find ways to “manage” Marjorie, like uncovering dark secrets from her past with the threat of blackmail, but that could easily backfire.
Not only is Eve a self-proclaimed psychopath but her best friend, Claire, a clinical psychologist in training, thinks that this paranoia is all in her head. Eve’s parents died when she was six and Claire maintains that she is overreacting due to her own “mother issues “that are sabotaging her relationship with Marjorie.
Eve bumps into Marjorie’s estranged twin sister who is a kleptomaniac; Eve’s brother –who she wishes was estranged –touts bizarre conspiracy theories to Gideon’s family. Needless to say this is family dysfunction on steroids.
Though there is a story line, In-laws and Outlaws is such a hysterical read, that it really doesn’t need one. Eve’s narrative digressions are pure enjoyment, not an annoyance. The many quirky characters will keep you in stitches. Why Eve doesn’t dump Gideon is beyond me. Also, I didn’t care for the ending, but as I said, the plot is secondary.
With the stresses of everyday life along with the daunting events in the news, it’s nice to escape to a funny, enjoyable place. In-laws and Outlaws is the perfect diversion.
