Lamb to the Slaughter Summary

• Mary Maloney anticipates her husband Patrick's arrival home from work.
• She is six months pregnant and exhibits a peaceful demeanor.
• Patrick arrives, and Mary fixes him a strong drink and herself a weak one.
• Mary enjoys this quiet time with Patrick after being alone all day.
• Patrick breaks the routine by finishing his first drink quickly and getting another.
• Mary offers to cook dinner, mentioning lamb in the freezer, but Patrick declines.
• Patrick tells Mary that he has something to tell her.
• He is leaving her, which devastates Mary.
• Mary doesn't believe it and tries to act as if nothing has happened.
• She decides to make supper, retrieves a frozen leg of lamb from the freezer.
• Patrick says he is going out instead of eating supper
• Mary hits Patrick in the head with the frozen leg of lamb, killing him instantly.
• Mary realizes she has killed him.
• She is concerned about the consequences for her and her unborn child.
• Mary decides to create an alibi.
• She puts the lamb in the oven to cook.
• She practices a cheerful demeanor and goes to the grocery store.

Grocery store

• Mary buys potatoes, beans, and a dessert to make it seem like a normal evening.
• She returns home, pretending to find Patrick dead.
• Mary calls the police, reporting Patrick's death.
• The police arrive and begin investigating, treating Mary with kindness.
• Mary tells them she went to the store to get vegetables for dinner when she found Patrick.
• The detectives search for the murder weapon, suggesting it might be hidden nearby.
• Mary offers the detectives drinks, and makes conversation.
• She draws their attention to the lamb cooking in the oven and suggests they eat it.
• The detectives eat the lamb, unaware it is the murder weapon.
• They discuss the case, noting the weapon must be large and nearby.
• Mary overhears their conversation and laughs, knowing the weapon is being consumed.