The Ultimate Twist: 7 Shocking Facts About Who Killed Abby In The Hunting Wives

The mystery surrounding Abby Jackson’s murder in The Hunting Wives captivated audiences, but the answer is far more complex and twisty than most viewers—or even readers—anticipated. As of December 2025, the most current and definitive answer depends entirely on whether you watched the recent television series or read May Cobb’s original, best-selling novel. The show’s creative team delivered a major surprise by changing the killer, adding layers of deceit, political scandal, and secret affairs that weren't present in the source material, ensuring the ultimate whodunit.

The identity of Abby’s killer is a shocking revelation that lies at the heart of the series' drama, exposing the dark underbelly of the elite society in Mapleton, Texas. The truth involves a deadly cover-up, a desperate act of self-preservation, and a tangled web of infidelity that rips apart the lives of the town’s wealthiest residents. This deep dive will reveal the true culprit in both versions, their motive, and the trail of clues that led to the final, explosive confrontation.

Abby Jackson Murder: A Complete Profile and Killer's Motive (Series vs. Book)

The murder of Abby Jackson is the central tragedy that propels the entire narrative of The Hunting Wives. A young woman, seemingly innocent, becomes the catalyst for exposing the hypocrisy and moral decay within the exclusive social circle of Mapleton.

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Abby Jackson: Victim Profile

• Name: Abby Jackson
• Role: Girlfriend of Brad Lowes
• Status: A local teenager who was an outsider to the elite "Hunting Wives" group.
• The Discovery: Her body is found, turning a missing person case into a high-profile murder investigation that rocks the town.

The Shocking TV Series Killer Revealed: Margo

In the television series adaptation, the killer is revealed to be Margo, played by Malin Åkerman. This was a significant departure from the book, catching even long-time fans off guard. Margo, the glamorous and politically ambitious leader of The Hunting Wives, was the last person anyone suspected, thanks to a seemingly rock-solid alibi.

Margo's Motive for Killing Abby

Margo's motive was pure, desperate self-preservation. Abby had stumbled upon a secret that would have utterly destroyed Margo’s life and career: her affair with the teenage Brad Lowes, Abby’s own boyfriend. The escalating situation also involved a recent abortion Margo had undergone to cover up the consequences of the affair. Abby's knowledge was a ticking time bomb for Margo's husband's political campaign and her own carefully constructed image. Margo shot Abby to silence her and cover up the affair and the abortion.

The Original Book Killer: Jill Lowes

In May Cobb's original novel, the killer is a different member of the Mapleton elite: Jill Lowes. Jill, the mother of Brad (Abby's boyfriend), is the one ultimately arrested for the crime. This difference is a crucial point for anyone discussing the story, as it changes the entire dynamic of the final act.

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Jill's Motive in the Novel

While the specifics are slightly different in the novel, Jill's motive is also rooted in protecting her son, Brad, and the reputation of her family. She was driven to a violent act to prevent a scandal that would have ruined their lives, specifically tied to Brad and Abby's relationship and the secrets surrounding it.

The Trail of Suspects: Who Else Was Under Suspicion?

The beauty of a great murder mystery lies in its red herrings. The Hunting Wives masterfully pointed the finger at several key characters before the true killer was revealed. The investigation kept viewers guessing right up until the final episodes, with the spotlight shifting constantly.

1. Sophie O’Neil

Sophie, the protagonist who recently moved back to Mapleton, found herself entangled with Margo and The Hunting Wives, quickly becoming the prime suspect. Her erratic behavior, her own secrets, and her proximity to the group made her an easy target for suspicion. She was even arrested at one point, with her own husband, Graham, believing she was losing control.

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2. Jill Lowes (Series Suspect)

Even in the series, Jill Lowes (played by Katie Lowes) was a major suspect. Her intense, protective nature over her son, Brad, and her increasingly violent and unstable behavior led the police and Sophie to believe she was capable of murder. Her breakdown and involvement in other crimes further complicated the investigation, briefly diverting attention from Margo.

3. Pastor Pete

The town’s youth pastor, Pastor Pete (Paul Teal), was another character briefly considered a suspect. His role in the community and the secrets he held added another layer of complexity to the small-town scandal, though his involvement was ultimately a misdirection.

The Final Confrontation: How Sophie Uncovered the Truth

The finale of The Hunting Wives series hinges on Sophie O’Neil’s relentless pursuit of the truth. Despite being a suspect herself, Sophie pieces together the clues that ultimately lead her to Margo. The twist is revealed through meticulous detective work, uncovering the cover-up Margo orchestrated.

Sophie's breakthrough came from a small, overlooked detail—a box of tampons—that helped her expose Margo's lies about her whereabouts and her subsequent abortion. This small piece of evidence, combined with Margo's increasingly desperate actions, forced the truth to the surface.

In a tense climax, Sophie confronts Margo, who finally confesses to shooting Abby. Margo's confession reveals the depth of her deception and the extreme lengths she was willing to go to protect her reputation and her husband's political future. The confrontation not only solves Abby's murder but also shatters the illusion of perfection that Margo and The Hunting Wives had worked so hard to maintain.

The Hunting Wives: Key Entities and Cast

The show’s success lies in its compelling characters, brought to life by a talented cast. Understanding the key players is essential to appreciating the depth of the murder mystery.

Key Characters and Actors (Series)

• Sophie O’Neil: The Protagonist (Played by Britt Robertson)
• Margo: The Killer (Played by Malin Åkerman)
• Jill Lowes: Major Suspect / Book Killer (Played by Katie Lowes)
• Graham O’Neil: Sophie’s Husband
• Brad Lowes: Abby’s Boyfriend / Margo’s Lover (Played by George Ferrier)
• Abby Jackson: The Victim

Thematic Entities

• The Hunting Wives: The exclusive, secretive women's club in Mapleton.
• Mapleton, Texas: The affluent, small-town setting where the murder takes place.
• May Cobb: Author of the original 2021 novel.
• Political Scandal: The backdrop for Margo's motive, tied to her husband's career.
• Infidelity and Cover-up: The core motive for the series' killer.

The ultimate reveal of who killed Abby in The Hunting Wives serves as a powerful commentary on the corrosive nature of secrets and the dark sacrifices people make to maintain their elite status. Whether you prefer the book’s ending with Jill or the series’ twist with Margo, the story successfully delivers a thrilling, unforgettable murder mystery.