{"id":32444,"date":"2025-07-30T02:33:17","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T02:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/32444\/"},"modified":"2025-07-30T02:33:17","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T02:33:17","slug":"why-hunting-wives-is-your-newest-book-to-tv-obsession","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/32444\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Hunting Wives Is Your Newest Book to TV Obsession"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally appeared on E! Online<\/a><\/p>\n

BookTok, it\u2019s time to press play.<\/p>\n

Indeed, May Cobb\u2019s best-selling novel The Hunting Wives has come to life on screen\u2014and this Texas murder mystery is a sight to behold.<\/p>\n

Over the course of eight episodes, the Netflix series follows protagonist Sophie O\u2019Neil (Brittany Snow) as she navigates her new life in the small town of Maple Brook after moving from Boston for her husband\u2019s job. But when she comes face to face with Margo Banks (Malin Akerman<\/a>), the leader of an elite social circle, she becomes obsessed with fitting into their high-society mold.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was so enamored with Beth Dutton from Yellowstone and just thought, \u2018Wow, what a character, and what a fierce character to play,\u2019\u201d Malin told Variety<\/a> earlier this month. \u201cAnd then this came along and I went, \u2018Yep, this\u2019ll work. I can do this one.\u2019 This is a bit more soapy, but just so much fun to play.\u201d<\/p>\n

More from E! Online<\/p>\n

After all, the series has its own fair share of drama, betrayal, troubled pasts and forbidden romances. And just like many of the best murder mysteries, season one ends with a shocking twist.<\/p>\n

“I loved it because I don’t think anyone saw that coming,\u201d Malin told People<\/a> in an interview published July 28. \u201cIt’s crazy. It’s really nuts, and it’s the hypocrisy behind everything that these women apparently stand for. What they will actually do to protect their lives and livelihoods and social status is beyond anything I’ve ever seen.”<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Netflix<\/p>\n

As for whether there will be a second season? While the fate of Maple Brook has yet to be announced, Malin made it clear that she would love the opportunity to continue Sophie\u2019s journey.<\/p>\n

“I definitely want a season two,\u201d the Heartbreak Kid actress gushed, \u201cnot only to see it all play out, but when you get to go back to a show over and over again, it’s like going to summer camp and seeing the people that you love the most.”<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s what this show feels like,\u201d she added. \u201cI loved everyone on the cast and crew. If we get a second season, I’ll be so, so happy.”<\/p>\n

For more books that have come to life on the screen, keep reading\u2026<\/p>\n

Lessons in Chemistry<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Lessons<\/p>\n

Miniseries Lessons in Chemistry\u2014based on Bonnie Gramus’ 2022 debut novel of the same name<\/a>\u2014received a total of 10 Emmy noms in 2024, including ones for stars Brie Larson<\/a>, Lewis Pullman, Aja Naomi King<\/a> and Millicent Shelton. Both the Apple TV+ series\u2014which earned a nomination for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series\u2014and the book follow chemist Elizabeth Zott (Larson) as she navigates heartache, misogyny and ultimately stardom as a cooking show host in 1960s Southern California.<\/p>\n

Sh\u014dgun<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Sh\u014dgun<\/em><\/p>\"<\/p>\n

After Sh\u014dgun premiered in 2024, it became the first Japanese-language series to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series\u2014garnering 25 nominations in total at the 2024 Emmys. The FX show is based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel of the same name<\/a>, which focused on events and important figures from Japan in the 1600s, just as the Edo period was beginning. In addition to the 2024 series, the book was previously adapted into a 1980 miniseries and also into a stage musical, board game and video games.<\/p>\n

The Morning Show<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>The<\/p>\n

Ripley<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Ripley<\/em><\/p>\"<\/p>\n

An adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 psychological thriller The Talented Mr. Ripley<\/a>, Ripley stars Andrew Scott<\/a> as the titular Tom Ripley, a grifter in 1960s New York who is hired by a wealthy shipping magnate to persuade his son Dickie (Johnny Flynn) to leave his European escapades and return to the U.S. The Netflix miniseries\u2014which also costars Dakota Fanning<\/a>\u2014premiered in 2024 and received 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 for Fanning.<\/p>\n

Red, White & Royal Blue \u00a0<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Red,<\/p>\n

Feud: Capote vs. The Swans<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Feud:<\/p>\n

The second entry in Ryan Murphy<\/a>‘s anthology series, 2024’s Feud: Capote vs. The Swans tells the story of how celebrated writer Truman Capote (Tom Hollander<\/a>) ruined his friendships with his “Swans”\u2014a group of New York City socialites\u2014after writing about thinly veiled versions of them in a 1975 Esquire article. Based on Laurence Leamer’s 2021 book Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era<\/a>, the FX show boasted a bevy of stars including Naomi Watts<\/a>, Diane Lane<\/a>, Chlo\u00eb Sevigny<\/a>, Calista Flockhart<\/a>, Demi Moore<\/a>, Molly Ringwald<\/a> and the late Treat Williams<\/a>. The second season earned 10 Emmy nominations in 2024, including acting nods for Hollander, Watts, Williams and Lane.<\/p>\n

Fellow Travelers<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Fellow<\/p>\n

Based on the 2008 novel of the same name<\/a> by Thomas Mallon, 2023’s Fellow Travelers tells the story of Hawkins Fuller (Matt Bomer<\/a>) and Timothy Laughlin (Jonathan Bailey<\/a>) as they navigate a volatile relationship that spans from the 1950s to the 1980s. Both Bomer and Bailey received 2024 Emmy acting nominations for the Showtime miniseries: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Bomer and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Bailey. <\/p>\n

Bridgerton\"<i>Bridgerton<\/i>\"<\/p>\n

Netflix’s adaptation of Julia Quinn’s romance book series Bridgerton<\/a> was a cultural phenomenon at the end of 2020. Why? Well, thanks to a diverse cast, an incredible score and some steamy sex scenes, subscribers to the streaming service couldn’t get enough of the series. Bridgerton also received critical acclaim, earning an Outstanding Drama Series nomination at the 2021 Emmys.<\/p>\n

Game of Thrones\"<i>Game<\/p>\n

This drama full of epic battles and star-crossed romance is based on the popular book series<\/a> by George R.R Martin. While the novels are best-sellers in their own right, the TV show has garnered fans from all over the world, including many who wouldn’t even call themselves fans of the source material. Over the course of eight seasons, the HBO series received 58 Emmy Awards, more than any other drama in history. And while viewers remain divided on the controversial conclusion, which saw the series surpass Martin’s plotting to reveal an ending all its own, the show will go down as one of the most celebrated of all time.<\/p>\n

Big Little Lies\"<i>Big<\/p>\n

HBO’s adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s best-selling novel<\/a> of the same name lured some A-list talent to the small screen, with Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoe Kravitz and Laura Dern occupying the very enviable real estate owned by the five women who find themselves caught up in a murder investigation. Every bit as enthralling as the book, the first season earned eight Primetime Emmy Awards and enticed none other than Meryl Streep herself to sign on for a pivotal role in the second season, which Moriarty helped shape despite there being no source material left to mine. Though not as universally beloved as the first, season two still earned Streep and Dern Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series nominations.<\/p>\n

3 Body Problem<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>3<\/p>\n

3 Body Problem garnered six 2024 Emmy nominations after its debut, including a coveted Outstanding Drama Series nomination. The Netflix series\u2014set in the U.K. and China\u2014follows a group of scientists dealing with an extraterrestrial mystery and planetary threat. It’s based on Liu Cixin’s book series Remembrance of Earth’s Past<\/a>, which debuted in 2006 with The Three-Body Problem. Cixin followed that up with The Dark Forest in 2008 and Death’s End in 2010.<\/p>\n

Slow Horses<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Slow<\/p>\n

British spy thriller Slow Horses first premiered on Apple TV+ in 2022, but it was the show’s third season that resonated with 2024 Emmy voters, nabbing nine nominations including Outstanding Drama Series, as well as Lead Actor and Supporting Actor nominations for stars Gary Oldman<\/a> and Jack Lowden, respectively. The series is based on Mick Herron’s spy novel series, Slough House<\/a>, with the first book Slow Horses<\/a> debuting in 2010. There are currently eight books in the series, with the most recent entry Bad Actors<\/a> dropping in 2023.<\/p>\n

Palm Royale<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Palm<\/p>\n

Palm Royale earned three 2024 Emmy nominations after its debut: Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Kristen Wiig<\/a> and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Carol Burnett<\/a>. Although based on the 2018 book Mr. & Mrs. American Pie<\/a> by Juliet McDaniel, the Apple TV+ show wildly diverges from its source material. Set in the late \u201860s, the series follows Wiig’s former beauty pageant queen Maxine Simmons as she attempts to break into Florida’s Palm Beach high society. However, in the novel, Maxine finds herself exiled to Scottsdale, Ariz., from Palm Springs when she causes a drunken scene at Thanksgiving after her husband reveals he’s leaving her to be with his secretary.<\/p>\n

Under the Bridge<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>Under<\/p>\n

Lily Gladstone<\/a> earned an Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie 2024 Emmy nomination for Hulu’s 2024 miniseries Under The Bridge, based on Rebecca Godfrey’s 2005 true crime book of the same name<\/a>. The show traces the events of the 1997 murder of 14 year old Reena Virk by eight of her peers in Saanich, British Columbia, Canada.<\/p>\n

The Sympathizer<\/p>\n

\"<p><em>The<\/p>\n

The 2024 miniseries The Sympathizer is a historical black comedy based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 2015 novel of the same name<\/a>. The HBO series takes place near the end of the Vietnam War, centering on a Vietnamese spy who makes his way to a refugee camp in the U.S., and finds his loyalties tested as he continues to report back to the Viet Cong. The show earned an Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the 2024 Emmys for Robert Downey Jr.<\/a>, who took on five different roles in the series.<\/p>\n

The Handmaid’s Tale\"<i>The<\/p>\n

Premiering on Hulu in 2017, this adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian 1985 novel<\/a> centered in the totalitarian state of Gilead following a Second American Civil War. And while the series has long since left its source material behind as it continues the tale of June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss), the titular subjugated handmaid, and her quest for freedom. It’s won several Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series in its first season.<\/p>\n

Roots\"<i>Roots<\/i>\"<\/p>\n

This groundbreaking mini-series was originally adapted from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alex Haley’s 1976 novel <\/a>Roots: The Saga of an American Family<\/a>. Just one year later, Roots, starring LeVar Burton, premiered on ABC and became a cultural phenomenon, winning nine Emmys as well as a coveted Peabody Award. The ratings were also sky high, and the finale still holds a record as the second-most-watched-overall series finale in U.S. TV history. In 2016, a remake of the same name premiered, starring Malachi Kirby and Anika Noni Rose.<\/p>\n

True Blood\"<i>True<\/p>\n

A waitress who can read minds and vampires with southern accents are only a few of the intriguing characters on this immortal drama. The series, starring now-real-life couple Anna Pacquin and Stephen Moyer, is based on The Southern Vampire Mysteries books by Charlaine Harris<\/a> and focuses on a small town in Louisiana. After seven seasons, the show came to an end in 2014, but we will forever be grateful for giving all of us the gift of naked Alexander Skarsg\u00e5rd and Joe Manganiello.<\/p>\n

Sherlock\"<i>Sherlock<\/i>\"<\/p>\n

A modern take on the iconic detective series by British author<\/a> Sir Arthur Conan Doyle<\/a>, this U.K. series starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman was not only a success in its homeland, but the drama won fans all over the world, including the U.S., where it won the trophy for Best Television Film at the 2016 Emmys.<\/p>\n

Outlander\"<i>Outlander<\/i>\"<\/p>\n

Time travel, rebellion, and a love triangle are just the beginning of this exciting series based on historical fiction books by author Diana Gabaldon<\/a>. Caitriona Balfe plays a nurse who travels to a different century and eventually falls in love with a rogue Scottish highlander (Sam Heughan) despite already being married in her time. <\/p>\n

The Undoing\"<i>The<\/p>\n

Based on the 2014 novel You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz<\/a>, The Undoing once again put Nicole Kidman in a leading role at the heart of a murder mystery. Specifically, therapist Grace Fraser (Kidman)’s life is turned upside down when her husband Jonathan (Hugh Grant) becomes a suspect in the murder of Elena Alves (Matilda De Angelis).<\/p>\n

While the finale left viewers feeling conflicted, everyone could agree that Kidman’s wardrobe was A+ in the series.<\/p>\n

Dexter\"<i>Dexter<\/i>\"<\/p>\n

This crime drama following Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), a blood spatter expert by day and serial killer by night, was originally based on books by author Jeff Lindsay<\/a>. Over the course of eight seasons on Showtime, the series garnered a cult following, as well as 23 Emmy nominations. That series finale, though? Let’s just say it’s never easy to stick a landing.<\/p>\n

The creative team took a second shot at wrapping up Dexter’s story as a limited event series, titled Dexter: New Blood in 2021.<\/p>\n

Orange Is the New Black\"<i>Orange<\/p>\n

The award-winning Netflix original series is based on author Piper Kerman’s memoir Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison <\/a>and was an instant hit. Fans loved the show’s mix of sarcastic humor and heart-wrenching storylines, as well as the strong female characters, including Crazy Eyes Suzanne (Uzo Aduba), Sophia (Laverne Cox), Pennsatucky (Taryn Manning) and the beloved Poussey Washington (Samira Wiley). After seven seasons, viewers left Litchfield behind for good in 2019.<\/p>\n

Friday Night Lights\"<i>Friday<\/p>\n

Before Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) entered the TV screens and hearts of viewers, this sports drama was initially adapted into a film starring Billy Bob Thornton in the same role. But in 2006, author H.G. Bissinger’s non-fiction book<\/a> Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream<\/a>, hit the small screen and made non-football fans into believers. In addition to Chandler, the series also starred Connie Britton, Minka Kelly, Scott Porter, Michael B. Jordan, and everyone’s favorite bad boy, Taylor Kitsch as Tim Riggins. Everyone say it with us now, “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts…”<\/p>\n

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Originally appeared on E! Online BookTok, it\u2019s time to press play. Indeed, May Cobb\u2019s best-selling novel The Hunting…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":32445,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[19614,457,19618,19612,1825,96,19613,19616,19610,805,19611,19615,19617,56,54,55],"class_list":{"0":"post-32444","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-books","8":"tag-bestselling-novel","9":"tag-books","10":"tag-drama-series","11":"tag-emmy-nomination","12":"tag-emmys","13":"tag-entertainment","14":"tag-jonathan-bailey","15":"tag-limited-or-anthology-series","16":"tag-malin-akerman","17":"tag-nicole-kidman","18":"tag-outstanding-drama-series","19":"tag-outstanding-supporting-actor","20":"tag-outstanding-supporting-actress","21":"tag-uk","22":"tag-united-kingdom","23":"tag-unitedkingdom"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32444","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32444"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32444\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32445"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32444"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32444"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32444"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}