Mrs. Munck

Consumed with hate, a woman seeks personal redemption through vengeance in this psychological suspense novel from an O. Henry Award–winning author.

Born to impoverished parents on a failing farm, Rose Davies rejected the bleak future of servitude her mother insisted she must endure. Pursuing her own dreams, she leaves her hardscrabble existence in the country for San Francisco, finding employment with an insurance company and drawing the attention of two men who will change her life.

Patrick Leary holds an executive position within the company, having married into the family that owns it. His nephew Harley Munck also works there but lacks the qualities needed to succeed in the business. Both have set their sights on Rose. Politely declining Harley’s interest, she falls under Mr. Leary’s influence. He seduces her into an affair, discarding her when their relationship threatens his reputation. Dismissed from her job, branded as mentally ill, Rose weds Harley, surrendering herself to the same loveless marriage and working-class adversity that devastated her parents. 

Twenty-five years later, Harley is dead, and Rose lives alone in the small rundown town of Port Carquinez, refusing offers to sell her house to land developers. Mr. Leary resides in a nursing home, having suffered a stroke. Contacting the Learys, Rose volunteers to look after her Uncle Patrick whose health will benefit from having a family caregiver. 

Disabled and frail, Mr. Leary has been left at Rose’s mercy. He must answer for the cruelty he inflicted on her so long ago, and confess his part in the tragedy that has haunted her entire life. 

Basis for the film written, directed by, and starring Academy Award–nominee Diane Ladd.