Why Hunting Wives Is Your Newest Book to TV Obsession

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BookTok, it’s time to press play.

Without a doubt, the highly successful novel by May Cobb titled “The Hunting Wives” has been brought to life on the big screen, and this gripping Texas murder mystery is truly a spectacle to witness.

Over the span of eight episodes, the Netflix series charts Sophie O’Neil’s (Brittany Snow) journey as she adapts to life in the quaint town of Maple Brook, having relocated from Boston due to her husband’s work. However, when she encounters Margo Banks (Malin Akerman), the head of an exclusive social group, Sophie develops an intense desire to be part of their high-class circle.

In simpler terms, Malin expressed his fascination with Beth Dutton from the show “Yellowstone,” saying, “She’s such an intriguing character! Playing her would be amazing.” Then, he found this new role and thought, “This fits perfectly. I’m up for the challenge.” He added that while it’s a bit more dramatic, it’s still a blast to act in.

To put it simply, the show carries a good deal of suspenseful elements such as personal dramas, deceit, complicated backstories, and illicit love stories. Not unlike great whodunits, its first season concludes with an unexpected turn of events.

Malin expressed her delight in an interview with People on July 28th, saying, “I never anticipated this, it’s wild and utterly shocking! It’s the irony of their actions that these women claim to uphold, yet they go to such extremes to safeguard their lives, careers, and social standing. This exceeds anything I’ve ever witnessed.

Is another season of Maple Brook on the horizon unclear at this point, but its creator, Malin, has expressed her desire for more of Sophie’s story to unfold.

The actress from Heartbreak Kid enthusiastically expressed her desire for a second season, stating, ‘I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds! Working on a show multiple times is like revisiting a cherished summer camp, spending time with beloved friends once more.’

She commented, “The vibe of this series reminds me of something,” she continued. “I adored every member of the cast and team behind the scenes. If there’s another season, I’d be overjoyed beyond words.

For more books that have come to life on the screen, keep reading…

The miniseries “Lessons in Chemistry,” inspired by Bonnie Garmus’ 2022 debut novel of the same name, garnered a total of ten Emmy nominations in 2024. Notable nominees include Brie Larson, Lewis Pullman, Aja Naomi King, and Millicent Shelton. The Apple TV+ series, nominated for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, and the book tell the story of Elizabeth Zott (portrayed by Brie Larson), a chemist who experiences heartache, encounters misogyny, and eventually rises to fame as a cooking show host in 1960s Southern California.

Following the debut of “Shōgun” in 2024, it marked the first Japanese-language series to receive a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Drama Series. This groundbreaking FX show garnered a total of 25 nominations at the 2024 Emmys. The series was inspired by James Clavell’s 1975 novel, sharing the same title, which delved into historical events and significant figures from Japan during the 1600s, as the Edo period commenced. Notably, the book has been adapted before into a miniseries in 1980, a stage musical, board game, and video games.

Ever since its premiere in 2019, “The Morning Show” has maintained its dominance in the streaming industry. This is largely due to captivating performances from its talented cast members like Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Billy Crudup. Notably, they have all received Emmy nominations while the show was airing on Apple TV+. Based on Brian Stelter’s 2013 non-fiction book “Top of the Morning: Inside the Competitive World of Morning TV,” “The Morning Show” provides a glimpse into the inner workings of morning television and has garnered 27 nominations, along with a 2020 win for Billy Crudup in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

In the year 2024, a Netflix miniseries titled “Ripley,” based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 psychological thriller “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” premiered. Andrew Scott stars as Tom Ripley, a cunning con artist residing in 1960s New York City, who is tasked by a prosperous shipping tycoon to convince his son Dickie (Johnny Flynn) to abandon his adventures in Europe and return to the United States. Dakota Fanning also appears in this production. The miniseries garnered 13 Emmy nominations in 2024, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Scott), and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Fanning).

In 2019, Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel “Red, White & Royal Blue” gained popularity and was eventually adapted into an Amazon Prime movie in 2023. This film tells the captivating tale of romance between a character portrayed by Taylor Zakhar Perez, who is the fictional son of the U.S. president, and Nicholas Galitzine, the Prince of England. The movie garnered a nomination for Outstanding Television Movie at the 2024 Emmy Awards.

In Ryan Murphy’s anthology series, titled “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” (airing in 2024), the narrative revolves around how renowned author Truman Capote (portrayed by Tom Hollander) strained his relationships with a circle of New York City high society figures, often referred to as the “Swans,” following his publication of an article in Esquire magazine in 1975 that depicted thinly disguised versions of these individuals. The story is inspired by Laurence Leamer’s 2021 book, “Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era.” The FX show boasted a star-studded cast that included Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Chloë Sevigny, Calista Flockhart, Demi Moore, Molly Ringwald, and the late Treat Williams. This season received 10 Emmy nominations in 2024, including acting nods for Hollander, Watts, Williams, and Lane.

The upcoming TV series “Fellow Travelers,” set to air in 2023, is inspired by the 2008 novel of the same name by Thomas Mallon. This drama follows the tumultuous relationship between Hawkins Fuller (portrayed by Matt Bomer) and Timothy Laughlin (Jonathan Bailey), spanning from the 1950s to the 1980s. Notably, both actors received Emmy nominations for their performances in the Showtime miniseries: Matt Bomer was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, while Jonathan Bailey was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.

At the tail end of 2020, Netflix’s portrayal of Julia Quinn’s romance book series “Bridgerton” became a significant cultural hit. This was largely due to its multicultural cast, captivating soundtrack, and sensual love scenes that left viewers wanting more. Streaming service subscribers were thoroughly engrossed by the show. Furthermore, it garnered critical praise, securing a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series at the 2021 Emmys.

The drama brimming with grand battles and tragic love stories is inspired by the widely acclaimed book series penned by George R.R Martin. Although the books are blockbusters in their own right, the television adaptation has attracted fans worldwide, many of whom aren’t even die-hard followers of the original work. Over eight seasons, this HBO production garnered an impressive 58 Emmy Awards, surpassing any other drama series in terms of wins. Despite the debate over the contentious ending, which diverged from Martin’s original plot to create a unique conclusion, this show is destined to be remembered as one of the most revered productions ever made.

HBO’s screen adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s hit novel attracted top-tier actors to television, with Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoe Kravitz, and Laura Dern playing the five women ensnared in a murder probe. As engrossing as the book, the first season garnered eight Primetime Emmy Awards and even lured Meryl Streep to join for a crucial role in the second season, which Moriarty assisted in shaping despite no more source material being available. Though not universally adored like the first, season two still secured nominations for Meryl Streep and Laura Dern in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category.

The three-part Netflix series titled “3 Body Problem,” set in both the U.K. and China, received six Emmy nominations for 2024, including a notable nod for Outstanding Drama Series. This captivating series revolves around a team of researchers tackling an alien enigma and looming planetary danger. The storyline is inspired by Liu Cixin’s book series “Remembrance of Earth’s Past,” which first premiered in 2006 with the debut novel, “The Three-Body Problem.” This initial work was followed by “The Dark Forest” in 2008 and “Death’s End” in 2010.

In 2022, the British spy thriller titled “Slow Horses” made its debut on Apple TV+, but it was the third season that caught the attention of Emmy voters in 2024, earning nine nominations including Outstanding Drama Series. The stars, Gary Oldman and Jack Lowden, were also recognized with Lead Actor and Supporting Actor nominations respectively. This series is adapted from Mick Herron’s spy novel series “Slough House,” with the first book “Slow Horses” being published in 2010. As of now, there are eight books in the series, with the latest addition “Bad Actors” released in 2023.

The series “Palm Royale,” which made its debut on Apple TV+, received three Emmy nominations for 2024: Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Kristen Wiig), and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Carol Burnett). Interestingly, while the show is based on Juliet McDaniel’s 2018 book “Mr. & Mrs. American Pie,” it veers significantly from its original narrative. The storyline, set in the late ’60s, centers around Kristen Wiig’s character, Maxine Simmons, a former beauty pageant queen, as she strives to infiltrate Florida’s Palm Beach high society. However, unlike in the novel where Maxine is banished from Palm Springs due to a drunken outburst after her husband leaves her for his secretary, the series places her in a different scenario.

Lily Gladstone received a remarkable nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the 2024 Emmys, thanks to her performance in Hulu’s 2024 miniseries titled “Under The Bridge.” This series is adapted from Rebecca Godfrey’s true crime book published in 2005 with the same name. The storyline follows the tragic events surrounding the murder of 14-year-old Reena Virk, which was committed by a group of her peers in Saanich, British Columbia, Canada, in 1997.

In 2024, the miniseries “The Sympathizer” is a historical black comedy, adapted from Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name from 2015. The HBO production unfolds towards the end of the Vietnam War, focusing on a Vietnamese spy who flees to a U.S. refugee camp and faces a struggle as he remains loyal to the Viet Cong while reporting back to them. Robert Downey Jr., who played five distinct roles in the series, was awarded Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the 2024 Emmys for his performance.

Debuting on Hulu in 2017, this adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel from 1985, titled “The Handmaid’s Tale,” unfolds in the authoritarian state of Gilead, which emerged following a second American Civil War. The series has since diverged from its source material as it chronicles the story of June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss), the main character and a handmaid in servitude, and her pursuit of liberty. It has garnered several Emmys, even taking home the award for Outstanding Drama Series during its first season.

Originally based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Roots: The Saga of an American Family” by Alex Haley, which was published in 1976, this groundbreaking mini-series first aired. A year later, in 1977, it premiered on ABC as “Roots,” starring LeVar Burton. This series became a cultural sensation, winning nine Emmys and the Peabody Award. Its ratings were incredibly high, with the finale still holding the record for the second-most-watched TV series finale in U.S. history. In 2016, another adaptation under the same title was released, featuring Malachi Kirby and Anika Noni Rose.

This immortal drama features a waitress with mind-reading abilities and vampires sporting southern accents, among other captivating characters. The show, starring the real-life couple Anna Pacquin and Stephen Moyer, is an adaptation of Charlaine Harris’ “The Southern Vampire Mysteries” series. Set in a Louisiana town, it spans seven seasons before concluding in 2014. We’ll always cherish the sight of Alexander Skarsgård and Joe Manganiello gracing our screens in all their glory.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d say: “I can’t help but rave about the contemporary reinvention of the timeless detective series penned by the esteemed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This captivating U.K. production, featuring the brilliant Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, struck a chord not just in its native land, but also garnered a global following – even here in the United States! To top it all off, it was honored with the prestigious title of Best Television Film at the 2016 Emmys.

This thrilling series, centered around historical fiction novels by author Diana Gabaldon, features themes of time-jumping adventures, rebellion, and romantic entanglements. The talented actress Caitriona Balfe portrays a nurse who finds herself transported to another era, where she develops feelings for a renegade Scottish highlander, Sam Heughan, despite her prior marriage in her original time.

In reference to Jean Hanff Korelitz’s 2014 novel You Should Have Known, Nicole Kidman took center stage once more in the mystery series The Undoing. Her character, Grace Fraser (Kidman), finds her life spiraling as her husband Jonathan (Hugh Grant) comes under suspicion for the murder of Elena Alves (Matilda De Angelis).

Although the final episode sparked mixed emotions among viewers, there was universal agreement that Nicole Kidman’s costumes were top-notch throughout the series.

The crime drama centered around Dexter Morgan, portrayed by Michael C. Hall, who is both a blood spatter analyst during the day and a nighttime serial killer, was initially inspired by the works of author Jeff Lindsay. Over its eight-season run on Showtime, it developed a devoted fanbase and earned 23 Emmy nominations. However, the series finale left much to be desired in terms of conclusion.

In 2021, the creative group decided to revisit Dexter’s tale with a fresh attempt, structuring it as a limited series called “Dexter: New Blood“.

The critically acclaimed Netflix production, “Orange is the New Black,” was inspired by the memoir of the same name written by author Piper Kerman. It quickly became a sensation upon its release, captivating audiences with its unique blend of witty humor and emotionally intense narratives. The show introduced memorable characters such as Suzanne (Uzo Aduba), Sophia (Laverne Cox), Pennsatucky (Taryn Manning) and fan-favorite Poussey Washington (Samira Wiley). After seven seasons, the series concluded in 2019, bidding farewell to Litchfield Penitentiary.

Prior to Kyle Chandler gracing our TV screens and winning our affections, the sports drama was initially presented as a film featuring Billy Bob Thornton in the same role. However, in 2006, H.G. Bissinger’s non-fiction book “Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream” found its way onto television screens, converting non-football enthusiasts into believers. Alongside Chandler, the series also featured Connie Britton, Minka Kelly, Scott Porter, Michael B. Jordan, and Taylor Kitsch as Tim Riggins. Let’s all repeat after me, “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts…

Liane Moriarty’s novel “Nine Perfect Strangers” was adapted into a series in 2021, with Nicole Kidman and David E. Kelley teaming up again for this project. This captivating series premiered on Hulu, featuring Masha Dmitrichenko (portrayed by Kidman) as a wellness retreat leader who aimed to change the lives of nine individuals. The cast included Melissa McCarthy, Luke Evans, Bobby Cannavale, Regina Hall, Michael Shannon, Samara Weaving, Melvin Gregg, Asher Keddie, and Grace Van Patten in various roles.

This television series, penned by author Cecily von Ziegesar from the Upper East Side, is renowned for embodying the clandestine lives of New York City’s elite youth. Regardless if you were a Blair (played by Leighton Meester) or a Serena (portrayed by Blake Lively), it’s hard to deny that the stylish cast left you feeling envious throughout its six-season run on The CW.

The popular book series penned by author Sara Shepard became an irresistible binge-worthy TV show for viewers everywhere. The trendy group of characters, played by Lucy Hale, Shay Mitchell, Ashley Benson, and Troian Bellisario, kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the series. After seven seasons aired on Freeform, the show called “PLL” attempted to resolve all the questions its many fans had as the end approached. Whether viewers were content with these answers or not, that’s a different matter altogether.

The SyFy series The Magicians, based on Lev Grossman’s renowned book series, offers a peek into the magical realm of students at Brakebills University. The characters grapple with college-life struggles such as complicated relationships and substance abuse, while also mastering their magical abilities – making their lives even more intricate. Throughout its five seasons, the tasks became increasingly urgent, often requiring the protagonists to save the multiverse or magic itself (nothing too demanding, of course!). However, one aspect remained consistent: You could always anticipate an exceptional musical episode.

The attractive ensemble of actors such as Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Kat Graham, and Ian Somerhalder played a significant role in making this supernatural CW series popular. Fans of L. J. Smith’s book series were thrilled to watch their beloved characters brought to life on screen within the drama, which concluded after eight seasons in 2017.

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2025-07-30 00:19