The Hunting Wives Ending Explained: 7 Shocking Twists That Separate The Book And Netflix Series
The mystery surrounding The Hunting Wives has captivated readers and viewers alike, but the biggest puzzle of all isn't the murder—it's the ending. As of December 22, 2025, the conversation around May Cobb's bestselling novel and its explosive Netflix series adaptation, starring Brittany Snow as Sophie O'Neil, centers on one crucial fact: the book and the series conclude with two fundamentally different, and equally shocking, revelations. This divergence has sparked intense debate among fans, raising the stakes on who the true killer of Abby Jackson is and what the ultimate fate of the elite East Texas socialites will be.
The core narrative follows Sophie O'Neil, a former New York writer who moves to the quiet, affluent town of Mapleton, Texas, only to become dangerously obsessed with the charismatic and exclusive group known as The Hunting Wives, led by the magnetic Margot. When a local teenager, Abby Jackson, is found dead, Sophie's pursuit of belonging turns into a desperate search for the truth, forcing her to confront the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of Mapleton's perfect facade. Understanding the two distinct endings is essential to grasping the full scope of this scandalous thriller.
The Definitive Guide to May Cobb's Novel Ending: The Original Killer and Sophie's Fate
The original source material, May Cobb's novel, delivers a conclusion that is both dark and deeply rooted in the pathology of motherhood and obsession. The book's ending provides a clear answer to the central murder mystery, firmly establishing the identity and motive of Abby Jackson's killer. For readers who initially fell in love with the novel, this is the canonical version of the truth.
The Shocking Identity of the Killer in the Book
In May Cobb's novel, the killer is revealed to be Jill, the mother of Abby's boyfriend, Brad.
Jill’s motive is a chilling reflection of her desperate need to protect her son, Brad, at all costs.
The narrative establishes that Jill lured Abby out, using one of Margot's guns to commit the murder.
In a further twist, the novel also suggests that Jill was responsible for the death of Margot, effectively eliminating the leader of the notorious group.
Sophie O'Neil's Book Conclusion
The novel's ending for protagonist Sophie O'Neil is one of survival and introspection. After the terrifying events, Sophie is primarily portrayed as an observer who gets pulled into the group's drama.
She survives the ordeal, eventually going through a process of therapy and self-reflection to recover from her dangerous obsession with The Hunting Wives.
The book closes with Sophie having survived the experience, stepping back from the dangerous allure of the Mapleton elite and finding a path toward normalcy, though scarred by the secrets she uncovered.
The Netflix Series Ending: Who *Really* Killed Abby Jackson and Why?
The 2025 Netflix series adaptation, which quickly became a breakout hit, took a sharp turn away from the novel's conclusion, delivering an alternate ending designed to maximize shock value and set the stage for a potential Season 2.
Showrunner Rebecca Cutter and May Cobb made the deliberate choice to "swap a few" key plot points, fundamentally altering the identity of the murderer and the ultimate fate of Sophie O'Neil.
The Series' Major Twist: Margot is the Murderer
In the Netflix series, the true killer of Abby Jackson is revealed to be Margot, the charismatic and manipulative leader of The Hunting Wives, played by Malin Akerman.
The series uses a series of flashbacks and investigative sequences to expose Margot’s role.
Margot shot Abby with Sophie's gun after Abby was lured out by Jill, who still played a role in the setup but was not the one who pulled the trigger.
This change shifts the focus of the murder from a mother's pathological protectiveness (Jill) to the lengths a powerful socialite will go to maintain control and cover up a secret (Margot).
A Darker Fate for Sophie O'Neil
Perhaps the most significant difference in the series is the dramatic and much darker ending for Sophie O'Neil.
Unlike the novel's version, where Sophie survives and finds self-reflection, the series sees Sophie directly involved in a second, fatal act: she kills Kyle.
This twist completely changes Sophie's character arc from a passive observer to an active participant in the violence and secrecy of Mapleton.
By the end of the first season, Sophie has gone through a profound transformation, suggesting she has fully embraced—or at least been consumed by—the dark side of The Hunting Wives' world.
The Hunting Wives Season 2 and Character Fates: Setting Up a Sequel
The decision to alter the ending in the Netflix series was a calculated move, specifically designed to leave the door wide open for a second season.
Netflix officially ordered a second season of the hit thriller in mid-September 2025, just two months after its premiere, confirming that the story of the East Texas socialites is far from over.
Key Differences That Pave the Way for Season 2
- Sophie’s Survival and Guilt: The fact that Sophie is directly responsible for a death (Kyle) and is still alive and in Mapleton gives the second season a compelling new protagonist arc centered on guilt, cover-up, and the potential for blackmail.
- The Hunting Wives Group: In the book, the group is essentially dismantled with the deaths of Margot and the exposure of Jill. In the series, the core group remains, though fractured, leaving room for new members, new secrets, and a continuation of their scandalous activities.
- Unresolved Tension: The series leaves several threads dangling, including the full extent of the Mapleton elite's corruption and the future of characters like Jill and Brad, who are still implicated in the initial cover-up.
The series ending ensures that both leads, Sophie and Margot, are still alive and breathing, unlike the novel where Margot is killed.
This critical change allows the second season to explore the fallout of the murder cover-up and the deep psychological toll it takes on the women, promising a new wave of scandals and power struggles among the Mapleton socialites.
Plot-Hole-Riddled Twists and Fan Theories
While the Netflix series provided a definitive answer to "Who killed Abby Jackson?" with Margot, the twist has not been without controversy.
Some critics and fans have pointed out that the series' ending, particularly the rapid shift in the killer's identity from Jill to Margot, created a few plot holes and left some character motives feeling underdeveloped compared to the book's more focused narrative on Jill's maternal obsession.
However, the general consensus among viewers is that the series successfully delivered a high-octane, twist-filled conclusion that perfectly captured the sensational, scandalous tone of the thriller genre, satisfying the curiosity of those seeking a fresh take on the story.
Fan theories for Season 2 often focus on whether Sophie will be able to truly escape the clutches of The Hunting Wives, or if she will fully descend into the moral ambiguity of her new East Texas life. The biggest question remains: can Sophie O'Neil keep her own dark secret—the murder of Kyle—hidden from her husband, her family, and the ever-watchful eyes of Mapleton? The stage is set for a thrilling continuation of this dangerous tale of obsession and elite small-town secrets.
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