'You're really going to like it here! It's a nice town with nice people! You couldn't have made a better choice' are the words that greet Joanna when she and her family move to the suburban town of Stepford — a welcome escape from the noisy and mistrustful city. Joanna hopes to find some like-minded friends, who will play tennis and discuss the Women's Liberation movement with her. Certainly the women she's met so far have been pleasant and helpful, if a little over-zealous with the housekeeping.

Her husband reluctantly joins the only local organisation, the Men's Association — no women allowed. In fact, the women don't seem to do anything round here for themselves, or even relax — there's always a floor to wax or a window to clean. Her only friend, Bobbie, is also new to Stepford and together they plot how they will shake the Town That Time Forgot into embracing the swinging sixties. But their efforts to change the most unprogressive town in America uncovers an altogether more sinister mystery. Something has happened to the wives of Stepford in the years since the Men's Association formed, something that has turned them into servile, soulless objects, and behind the town's idyllic façade lies a terrible secret from which Joanna may never escape.
--back cover