Widows & Orphans

Rachael Flynn #1

by Susan Meissner

"Widows and Orphans "is the debut novel in the new Rachael Flynn mystery series by critically acclaimed author, Susan Meissner.? The perfect new series for readers who enjoy CBA authors Dee Henderson, Angela Hunt, and Brandilyn Collins.

When her ultra-ministry-minded brother, Joshua, confesses to murder, lawyer Rachael Flynn begs him to let her represent him, certain that he is innocent. But Joshua refuses her offer of counsel.

As Rachael works on the case, she begins to suspect that Josh knows who the real killer is, but she is unable to get him to cooperate with his defense.? Why won't he talk to her? What is Josh hiding?

The answer is revealed in a stunning conclusion that will have readers eager for the second book in this gripping new series.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Christian, Audiobook, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Susan Meissner is a USA Today bestselling novelist with more than a million books in the hands of readers, and in eighteen languages. Her critically acclaimed works of historical fiction have been named to numerous lists including Publishers Weekly’s annual roster of 100 best books, Library Reads Top Picks, Real Simple annual tally of best books, Goodreads Readers’ Choice awards, Booklist’s Top Ten, and Book of the Month.

She attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and is a former managing editor of a weekly newspaper. Susan’s expertise as a storyteller and her thoroughly researched topics make her a favorite author of book clubs everywhere. Her engaging and warm speaking style appeal to all manner of women’s groups, literary organizations, libraries and learning institutions, and service clubs.

When she is not working on a new novel, she enjoys teaching workshops on writing, spending time with her family, music, reading great books, and traveling.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was definitely one of Susan Meissner's weaker novels. I felt zero interest in Josh's storyline. Helping orphans and widows by committing crimes just does not appeal to me. Neither he nor his case were compelling. I found the whole thing weak and uninteresting. Of course the plight of the young women was extremely sad and moving but under developed.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read.. first in a series

[Gayle Cappelluti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reserved this book in the library because I have grown to love the writing of Susan Meissner over this past year, and feel as though I can't get enough of her entertaining stories. When I realized that this one was a mystery, and a religious novel, I thought, well, that seems really different from the other books of hers I've read so far, and I thought, perhaps I would pass after all. I am so glad I didn't!
This novel is so well written, the characters so real and three dimensional, the plot so engaging, I truly could not put the book down. I know that statement can be viewed as hyperbole, but I am really not exaggerating. I read this book in one sitting, starting in the early morning and sitting to write this review before turning in. It was really that good.
Rachael Flynn is a New York City defense attorney who is called home to Minneapolis when her mother phones to report that Rachael's deeply devout and ministry-minded younger brother has just confessed to the murder of a local store owner. "Is there anything you can do to help?" asked their mother? And with that, Rachael, her artist husband, Trace, and their infant daughter McKenna are Minneapolis bound, determined to do whatever is necessary to get to the bottom of this mystery. Could gentle Joshua, who has dedicated his life to helping the widows and orphans of the world, since the tender age of twelve, really have taken a life? Was he taking the rap for someone else? And if he was, why was he? Rachael leaves no stone unturned in her search for truth and justice.
Along the way, the reader meets the gloriously colorful cast of characters who help Rachael and her family readjust to life in Minneapolis, while also helping her to tie up the loose ends of Josh's case, fellow artists who will apparently do anything for a friend, including house them, feed them, baby-sit, and even recreate the crime in multi- media in the hope of finding some previously undiscovered clue. Juxtaposed with Rachael's parents, and the mysteries of faith, the story is well rounded, rich, vibrant, and absolutely mind blowing.
We all like to think of ourselves as kind and loving people who want to help the down trodden among us. But how far would we really go to make a difference in the life of one poor soul?


After rereading this Meissner book, I find I have another opinion, based on all the books I've read in between. While I still enjoy Susan Meissner's work, and found this one to be a departure from much of her other books, I found myself coming to the end wanting more. Perhaps it's my exposure to the work of JOdi Picoult, but I ended wishing the book had gone a little deeper into what comes next. Why not show some courtroom drama? How about giving the reader an inkling into what might befall Joshua next? While the absence of these next steps didn't detract from the story, I do think their addition would flesh out the conclusion.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Publisher:

When her ultra—ministry—minded brother, Joshua, confesses to murder, lawyer Rachael Flynn begs him to let her represent him, certain that he is innocent. But Joshua refuses her offer of counsel.As Rachael works on the case, she begins to suspect that Josh knows who the real killer is, but she is unable to get him to cooperate with his defense. Why won't he talk to her? What is Josh hiding?

The answer is revealed in a stunning conclusion that will have readers eager for the second book in this gripping new series.

My review:

Widows & Orphans is another page turner crafted by Susan Meissner. I have always enjoyed her women's fiction, but after reading her Rachel Flynn Mystery, book 1, I can see the author has a real knack for mystery plots. I had a very hard time putting this book down. Just when I thought I knew where the story might be going, the heroine would discover something else. And she was a fabulous character, too. A new mom, breastfeeding, and the works. What a sympathetic heroine!

Rachel loved her brother Josh, believed in him, and was willing to fight for him and for the truth even when he'd given up on himself. Rachel's brother was one of the most creative characters I've seen in a long time in regards to his internal motivation. The in-depth examination of Josh's heart (that the author delved into) gave me the happy shivers. The spiritual thread was also profound and so well done I'm still thinking about it and probably will be for days.

The entire book was written from the heroine's perspective, but the author did such a wonderful job with the characterization, dialog and description, that I didn't notice because I felt like I knew the other players as if I'd been in their points of view. Fig was a total dork genius, but lovable and funny. I loved how he referred to Rachel's baby as the dictator or the princess and stuff like that. Trace, Rachel's husband, was an awesome character, too, and a great husband. I just loved the whole crew of secondary characters and I'm thrilled that there are several more books coming out in this series. I can't wait to get to Sticks and Stones next! If I didn't have so many deadlines I'd read it now!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This early Susan Meissner book, a Christian novel and a suspenseful story, is not as well done as many of Meissner's books, being one of her earlier efforts and a change of focus to a mystery. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it--just the problems of being a new mother who is breastfeeding and trying to get anything else done--and Rachael has some important things she needs to get done--are well-told reminders of that time in a young professional mother's life. Although I couldn't believe that a nursing mother was drinking coffee and eating spicy Indian food. The story is important and mostly well told, although much of the plot's development depends on a verbal description of quite a few sketches and pictures created by Rachael's artist husband and his friends, which is a set-up for disaster in the hands of a lesser writer and really doesn't succeed as well as it should in this context. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the two other mysteries in the Rachael Flynn series.

[Jerianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really liking this author, who is truly Christian and also a very good writer. She isn't too graphic, and doesn't force God down anyone's throat. She knows what she's talking about and I feel has a deep love for the Savior.
Don't know and don't care what religion she belongs to, she knows God.

[Katie Allart · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish the book. Someone with no knowledge of law enforcement might enjoy the book but it was so far off of what would actually be allowed in a murder investigation that I just couldn’t get into it.

[Parkland Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars
Completed: Sep. 8/25

Series: Rachael Flynn, #1
Format: audiobook (borrowed - Everand)
Narrator: Tavia Gilbert -- one of the best!

Book #115 of 2025: I believe this is my 16th book by Susan Meissner. I will definitely read the rest of this series. Well, I will likely listen to the audiobooks because Tavia Gilbert is a favourite narrator of mine.

Rachael Flynn is an attorney, happily married, with an infant. Her brother confesses to a murder and she is determined to find out who he is protecting. He has dedicated his life to widows and orphans his entire life. He felt called by God since he was young. Rachael knows her brother wouldn't intentionally harm anyone except to help someone else or in self-defence.

The story takes us through her journey and process amidst the stress and turmoil. Her husband Trace's friends are a rather...that is.... REALLY eclectic bunch that grow on a person. Tavia's voice for Fig felt spot on.

There are some twists and turns that keep the reader wondering what truly happened in that basement. I hope the remaining books in the series close up a few questions I have about the "after" of this story.

[Shay Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently this was Meissners debut novel ( Christian fiction /mystery) and very different to her more famous historical fiction books. Not so emotionally involved or heart wrenching but more of a murder mystery and family drama. I liked it Although it dragged in the middle while they explored the mystery. The characters were likeable and the ending was satisfactory after a time of wondering where things would land.

[Midge · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man tells police he killed a pedophile. His sister dont believe he could murder anyone, so she works with a detective to get the truth. Surprisingly, it's not what either suspected. Very good.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think you have figured out what really happened a new piece of information comes into the story. Rachel Flynn is so sure her brother did not commit the crime of murder. The evidence, however, tells a different story. Her brother a devout Christian who hates violence and lives a humble life says he killed the owner of a small store, but did he? The two girls he was trying to protect confirm that he did commit the murder. Rachel, who is on maternity leave from her law firm, travels from Manhattan to St Cloud, her home town, to help her brother. Joshua sticks to his story that he killed the man but Rachel knows it can not be true, not her brother “A good man, a man of compassion, a man whose credo was easily ‘first do no harm’.”

She begs her brother to let her defend him but he rejects her offer. She eventually even puts some doubt in the detective’s mind that maybe Joshua did not commit the murder, that there is more to what really happened in that store and there is. How will she get to the truth?

Rachel and her husband, Trace with their two month old baby girl , McKenna, travel to Minnesota. They stay at a friend’s home, who just “bought a loft and studio overlooking the Mississippi”. Fig and Trace were college classmates at Minneapolis College of Art and design.

With the help of Fig and his art friends they come up with different scenarios of what really could have happened. They never see the crime scene, they go on what Rachel has told them. The truth finally comes out from Joshua but will the police believe him.

I liked the way the author brought the story together, it certainly kept my interest. You have to read the whole story, no skipping chapters. One of the artists figured it out!

[Margaret Czekay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purposefully looked for another Susan Meissner title after thoroughly enjoying her A Fall of Marigolds. This one by contrast was just okay for me. It started out with a pretty good premise- a man is murdered and the sister of the person who confessed believes that her religious zealot brother only confessed to protect someone else because he felt called by God to protect the weak. She felt that he must be trying to protect the " real" murderer. The problem for me was that 98 percent of this book was just the sister's musings as to what possibly could really have happened, over and over again and it took way longer than I liked to reveal the whole truth. The story moves slowly and l felt like instead of swimming laps through the waters of this book I was wading through jello. I mean it was at the point where I was googling "Susan Meissner" "Widows and Orphans" and " spoilers" together to save myself from the slow moving slog reading the rest of this book became for me. It was not a bad story at all but could have been written in half the wordage. Took a bit too long to wrap up for my taste but the ending was a decent one. Try it if you feel like it.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the debut novel for this author. I had no idea that she wrote Christian fiction back in the day. In Widows and Orphans, Rachael Flynn is a lawyer who is on maternity leave, when she finds out her brother has confessed to a murder. She sets about trying to prove he is lying.

I ultimately did like the story. However, I think it could have been a lot shorter. It was a bit repetitive and went over a lot of the same material. I thought Rachael was a strong female character. The mystery wasn't too surprising, but there was a little twist. Overall, I think for a debut, it was a good effort. Her later writings are much stronger. There are a couple more books in the series and I look forward to reading them.

[Elisa Foreman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe this was Susan Meissner’s first novel. It is the first of three books in a mystery series about the main character, Rachel Flynn. In this book Rachel, an attorney, struggles to figure out what happened when she learns that her brother has confessed to killing a man, but she doesn’t believe he could have done it.

While this was a good mystery novel from a Christian perspective it was not like Meissner’s other historic fiction books. I’m giving it three stars, because for what it was the book was good and lacked the inappropriate material often in mystery novels. However, this is not my favorite genre and I don’t feel like it was a great enough book for me to recommend. If you want a mystery this one was probably worth the read.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Widows and Orphans by Susan Meissner is another beautifully written novel from an author who never disappoints. As always, Meissner’s prose is engaging, and her ability to weave emotional depth into a compelling storyline is remarkable. This book carries a slightly darker tone than some of her others, but that wasn’t the reason for the 4.5-star rating. The pacing was a tad slow at times, and a few plot points felt somewhat unrealistic. However, the storytelling, character development, and emotional pull still made it a worthwhile read.

I’d definitely recommend Widows and Orphans—even if it’s not my absolute favorite of Meissner’s works. She has a way of drawing readers in, and this book is no exception!

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offered good mystery elements to it - attempts of Rachael Flynn, a defense attorney, to figure out why her benevolent brother would admit to a horrific, out of character crime. The storyline well handles the background and details of the heinous crime in question without going overboard with unnecessary and gruesome descriptions. Although some of the dialogue was a bit trite for my liking, (it could have been because of the narrator's inflections), I appreciated Rachael's inner struggles as she wrestled with her brother, Josh's guilty plea and her own gut reaction and discoveries to what actually took place.

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Widows & Orphans by Susan Meissner is the first book of the Rachael Flynn mystery series set in contemporary Minnesota. Rachael, a New York defense attorney, is enjoying an extended maternity leave with her newborn McKenna and her artist husband Trace in their Manhattan loft. Her mother calls, hysterical with the news that her younger brother confessed to murder. Rachael cannot believe it. Her devoutly religious brother Joshua dedicated his life to serving widows & orphans, at a long-ago tent revival meeting. Rachael, Trace and McKenna quickly travel to Minnesota, determined to find out what really happened. They stay with Trace's good friend "Fig", a fellow artist.

Rachael is convinced Joshua is taking the blame to protect someone else. She has astonishing ease meeting the detective in charge of the case, and convincing him there is reasonable doubt, due to her brother's unique personality. The detective not only allows her to read the crime file (on her own!) but to visit the crime scene. [In which alternate universe could this happen?!]

A clever, rare plot device: several of Fig's artist friends sketch drawings of possible alternatives how the crime may have occurred (including whodunit), sparking Rachael's intuition. The breakthrough comes from someone who was there, because the coverup secret is too difficult to keep.

[Jay Heubner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Attorney and new mother, Rachel Fylnn’s ultra-religious brother Joshua confesses to murdering an Asian grocery store owner, but Rachael’s instincts tell her that something’s wrong and that he is covering for someone. Her investigation eventually leads her to the truth; that Josh accidently killed the ringleader of a group of men who were sexually abusing young Vietnamese girls and that one of the girls, not Josh, shot the grocery store owner who was trafficking the girls. We listened to this e-book while on several walks in Seagrove Beach, not plot was basic and there was lots of blah-blah-blah.

[Brenda Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a Christian man, Josh, who dedicated his life to helping widows and orphans. His sister was an attorney, Rachel. Her mother had called her to tell her that Josh admitted to killing a man. Rachel knew her brother could not murder. He was lying to protect 2 teen girls who were being sexually abused. In the end the true story was finally told by the 15 year old. Josh had indeed killed a man by banging his head on the floor while enraged over the abuse. Then the 15 year old got a gun and killed her cousin who was promoting the abuse by men he owed money to. Josh buried the one body and took the blame for murdering the grocery owner cousin to save the girls

[CYNTHIA · Rating 3 out of 5]

When her ultra-ministry-minded brother, Joshua, confesses to murder, lawyer Rachael Flynn begs him to let her represent him, certain that he is innocent. But Joshua refuses her offer of counsel.

As Rachael works on the case, she begins to suspect that Josh knows who the real killer is, but she is unable to get him to cooperate with his defense.? Why won't he talk to her? What is Josh hiding?

The answer is revealed in a stunning conclusion that will have readers eager for the second book in this gripping new series.

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to really like this book as I’ve read one of her historical fiction titles and enjoyed it and found it well researched. There was just something about this one that didn’t quite click with me. I think it might be that she was writing a Christian fiction book but didn’t seem to have a clear understanding of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We can’t earn it in any way.. I think this could have been really good with a clearer understanding. I’m bummed because I thought I’d found a series I’d really like. Bummer

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a unique and intriguing story. I honestly don't know how to describe it without giving too much away. There are difficult subjects at play that could be triggers for some, specifically child prostitution and sexual abuse.

In the midst of the heaviness of this book, you find some fun quirky characters that provide a bit of a break. Fig is the best! The role the artists played in the story was fascinating to me.

This is Suspense at its best and faith definitely plays a role. But note.. it is heavy and has some very dark moments, so be prepared for that.

[Colleen Mertens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery involves a sister trying to help her brother who confessed to a murder he didn't commit. It shows love and compassion in good ways. It also deals with hearing from God and being clear about what Scriptures mean before misunderstanding them can create havoc in lives. It was an interesting premise and some of the minor characters who help were intriguing and would be good to explore more about as well.

[Ellie Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel can’t believe that her younger brother committed the crime that he’s been arrested for, and so she investigates what happened and who he might be trying to protect. I love this series for the way that the characters discover how God has gifted them, and how they use that to defend the innocent. The mystery element of the stories in the series keep their unpredictability and make for compelling reading.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Rachel Flynn is a lawyer trying to determine who the real killer is after her very religious brother, Joshua, confesses to a murder he could not have committed.
The title of this story is based on the Bible verse James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

God's Touch

How does a young man who was apparently on assignment from God to seek out and care for those who were unable to care for themselves end up confessing to murder and refusing help from his attorney sister?

Susan Meissner can weave just such a tale of mystery, deep convictions, and and families close to being torn apart because of the dark places in this fallen world. A highly recommended page turner. On to Book Two.

[Mary Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took a couple starts before I could really get into this book, but once I did, I had a hard time putting it down. Susan takes us through an unimaginable tale of a man willing to sacrifice his life for someone else while his family, his sister in particular, fights to save him from himself. She provides a certain character for comic relief that's way too quirky at first, but you come to love him by the end. And the twist at the end is tragic but believable and satisfying.

[Tricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took a while for me to get into this book. It felt a bit repetitive at times. I found it a little boring that way. I did not realize this was published by a Christian book group until I got to the end. That did not impact the story tremendously but Faith was a primary part of one of the main character's personalities. It might not be for everybody because of that. Think I just came across this one when I was looking at books by the same author.

[Taira Gladwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoying reading a Christian novel that is well written, not cheesy, and gives you something to think about on topics that aren't always easy to encounter. I've enjoyed everything I've read by Meissner so far and look forward to reading more books by her.

Also loved her realness in the book about life of a nursing mom and a dad with a hungry infant, because as a mom of 2, it definitely resonates!!!

[Lindsay Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed a book that felt like a movie as I tackled a massive decluttering project. This was just the ticket. I’ve enjoyed all of Meissner’s books. This isn’t her best but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I love how the characters grapple with the idea of what true religion is and I love the emphasis on family. The lack of a tacky and predictable romance was refreshing. I plan to finish the series as I finish my project!