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The Widow by Fiona Barton

The Widow

by Fiona Barton

  • Critics' Consensus (3):
  • Readers' Rating (25):
  • Published:
  • Feb 2016, 336 pages
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There are currently 25 reader reviews for The Widow
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Kathleen Kelly

The Widow
"The Widow
Wednesday, June 9, 2010

I can hear the sound of her crunching up the path. Heavy footed in high heels. She's almost at the door, hesitating and smoothing her hair out of her face. Nice outfit: jacket with big buttons, decent dress underneath, and glasses perched on her head. Not a Jehovah's Witnesses or from the Labour party. Must be a reporter, but not the usual. She's my second one today--fourth this week, and it's only Wednesday. I bet she says, "I'm sorry to bother you at such a difficult time". They all say that and put on that stupid face. Like they care." --- from Chapter one of The Widow bymore
Carol G. (Leesburg, VA)

Hooked from the beginning
This book is almost identical in style to The Girl on the Train, right down to the back and forth chronology. Having said that, I found this story more gripping. I wanted to know almost immediately what was going on with these people, what was simmering under the surface. I felt there was a perpetual 'gray cloud' hanging above every day in the story and I didn't like Glen from the beginning although I could not put my finger on the reason.
The story is easy to read and follow and the characters are very relatable.
I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who like the suspense genre. I will be recommending thismore
Kathy G. (Danville, CA)

The Widow
I was hooked from the beginning to the end with the well developed characters and the intriguing plot development. I enjoyed Fiona Barton's writing style with her transitions between characters and the past and the present.

The pedophile element of the story were disturbing and creepy.( More than I wanted to know on that subject.) With that being said, I would still recommend the book and encourage book clubs to select The Widow.
Rosemary C. (Austin, TX)

Intriguing style, engaging psychological study
Ms. Barton has written a very readable, credible story that captures the reader from the first page. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the same set of facts and circumstances from the viewpoints of multiple characters so that I had some understanding for each person's motivations and personalities. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Liz B. (Fairview, TX)

Creepy Good
The Widow is a well-written psychological thriller. I really enjoyed the in-depth character development and the author's smooth writing style. The book keeps you guessing and asking dark questions about the relationship between Glen and Jean. This would generate good club discussion; I would definitely recommend it to friends.
Anna R. (Oak Ridge, TN)

Riveting Story
This book had me hooked from the first sentence. I had a hard time getting anything done because I wanted to find out what was going to happen! The plot had many twists and turns and I didn't not who was guilty. Was it the husband? The wife? What did she know? Why didn't she question him more? Was she afraid or just brain washed?
The writing was excellent and kept me, the reader, engaged the entire book. When you have the pleasure of reading this book, be prepared; you won't get anything else done because you want to find out what happens! It is suspenseful to the last page. It is an excellent read.
Candace F. (Lincoln, NE)

Ms. Barton, I'm wanting more!
Dealing with child abduction and death are dark subjects. I don't read many psychological thrillers but this one caught my attention. Fiona Barton wrote a "grab you from the first page....to the last" thriller. Her style is smooth and the transition from character to character was easy to follow. Did Jean know her husband Glen had abducted and murdered little Bella? And if she knew how could she stay with a man that had committed these horrible crimes? After reading the very last word I had a sense of satisfaction knowing Jean was at last free from Glen and his "accident" hadn't been an accident at all, Socialmore
Jeanne W. (Columbia, MD)

Keeps you guessing...and thinking
What a great book! Reminiscent of both Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train, with its unreliable narrator, it's the tale of what happens to a couple when the husband is accused of child abduction. What did/does the wife know? Is he guilty? Is she complicit? The book constantly leaves the reader sure of what happened and then completely unsure. It's a real roller-coaster of a ride.

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