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Widows-in-Law

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After the sudden death of her ex-husband, Brian, Lauren helps Brian’s much-younger widow, Jessica, arrange the funeral and settle his affairs. Although they were once adversaries in the battle for Brian’s heart, Lauren agrees to pitch in for the sake of their troubled sixteen-year-old daughter, Emily. But Lauren gets much more than she bargained for when information comes to light about Brian’s shady business deals with his old college friend Jordan Connors and the crime lord Jorge Arena, jeopardizing Brian’s estate and throwing the women into the world of high-stakes illegal gambling.

With only a few days to find out where Brian hid millions of dollars in bonds and in fear for their lives, Lauren, Jessica, and Emily must set aside their differences and work together to secure their inheritance and evade Jorge Arena’s murderous crew.

Widows-in-Law is a gripping tale of mothers and daughters, wives and ex-wives, broken and remade families, and unlikely partners-in-crime. Most of all, it is a moving story about the women left behind to clean up the messes men make.

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2019

151 people are currently reading
1864 people want to read

About the author

Michele W. Miller

5 books71 followers

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5 stars
127 (21%)
4 stars
229 (38%)
3 stars
171 (28%)
2 stars
45 (7%)
1 star
19 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for Nila (digitalcreativepages).
2,668 reviews222 followers
February 26, 2019
This was one of my unexpected reads. I got enamored by the title and downloaded the book. 3 women, Lauren the ex-wife, Jessica the current wife, and Emily, the daughter are all caught up in the aftermath Brian's death after his shady deals and illegal gambling are brought to light. With one mobster wanting his money back and the three women in the dark about it, it became a race against time.

My first book by Michele Miller, I was sucked into the story due to the characters. Each of the women were real, they had their own shades of good and bad. Their struggles either in the past or in the present were well portrayed.

Lauren coming from a bad drug filled childhood made something out of her future as a lawyer, Jessica struggling with anorexia needed to pick herself up after Brian's death, Emily was the dark horse in the story. She was shown as a delinquent, but it was her brains which unearthed the secrets.

There were a few niggles, the book went into past and present with multiple POV, some parts were slow(an absolute no-no for a thriller), and many many mobsters. I stopped counting after the first two.

The book had guns, threats, undercover cops, underhand dealings, mobsters and scamsters. And unscrupulous lawyers!! Overall, a fun read with an unexpected ending twist which made me laugh!!
Profile Image for Nadene  (Totally Addicted to Reading).
1,520 reviews218 followers
June 21, 2019
I never imagined I would have enjoyed this book as much as I did. This book first came on my radar when the publisher contacted me asking for an honest review. I found the premise intriguing and figured why not try it. It was indeed a great choice. Suspense, murder and intrigue served with a dash of romance had me turning the pages of Widows in Law.

The story introduced three females, Lauren a family lawyer, Jessica, a former ER nurse and Emily a teenager. The one thing they have in common is Brian, a lawyer who died under suspicious circumstances. Was it an accident, murder or suicide? (Read the book to find out.) Brian is Lauren’s ex-husband, Jessica’s husband and Emily’s father. The relationship between Lauren, Emily and Jessica as you can imagine was adversarial, but the death of Brian brought about changes, which led to them working together to secure their future finances and preserve their lives. They found themselves caught up in a world of illegal gambling, mobsters, smuggling and weapons trafficking

Forced to spend time working together Lauren and Jessica discovered they had a lot more in common than they thought and an unlikely bond developed as a result. They both had troubled pasts and have had their share of pain and loss. Emily came with her own personal baggage. Drugs, skipping school and all the trouble a teen could get into dogged her footsteps. Together they would learn that their ex-husband/husband/father was not the man they thought him to be.

The prologue promised a suspenseful read, and the story delivered just that as it had me turning the pages. Soon all three females would find themselves in some sticky situations. Faced with the threat of death and imprisonment, they would fight to stay one-step ahead of the criminals and the police. The story flashed back to scenes prior to Brian’s death. This helped me to understand the chaos he left behind and the repercussions it had for those he left behind.

I found the villains unimpressive. The story hinted at them being bad, but I had difficulty seeing them in that light, as they were one-dimensional.

I enjoyed the action, which I found thought was well written. The romantic interest came as a surprise, but I loved how the author blended it with everything that was taking place.

The story ended on a shocking note. It provided the answer I sought, but it left me wondering what next.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Fans of mystery, thriller and suspense novels will enjoy Widows in Law.
Profile Image for Melissa.
373 reviews20 followers
October 24, 2018
Wow! I absolutely loved this book! A need to know what’s gonna happen book! A wife and ex wife come together for their shared daughter and the safety of all their lives when the husband dies tragically in a fire. Money, guns, death, and mob men in this non stop thriller!
Profile Image for Natalie M.
1,439 reviews94 followers
March 21, 2019
This one was woeful. It was like reading a toddlers manifesto - one with self-centred characters, too many directions and not enough knowledge to do anything properly.
The three female protagonists vary from annoying, to the typical female stereotype, to taking on Mexican and Asian cartels. Throw in online gambling, corrupt lawyers, random affairs, lost millions, internet hacking, undercover sting operations, nightmarish childhoods, University rape, a bratty but the perfect 16 year old... and that was just halfway!
Profile Image for Sharon :).
379 reviews32 followers
January 8, 2021
This blended family suspense / thriller was good! I thought the title sounded interesting and it was part of my Audible Plus, pleasantly surprised on how good it was!
Profile Image for Bookish Trina.
398 reviews46 followers
January 6, 2020
Widows-in-Law by Michelle Miller is a well-written, suspenseful novel. I adored the pacing and sequencing of the events told from multiple points of view. Brian dies unexpectedly and his first wife, Lauren, and his current wife/widow, Jessica, both suspect foul play. Meanwhile, Brian’s teenage daughter, Emily, wants to know what happened to her father as well. Will they find out what happened to Brian? Or will they lose their lives trying? What was Brian up to before he died?

I enjoyed watching Lauren, Jessica and Emily's relationship throughout. This read had suspenseful events and I thought it plateaued 75% of the way in then BAM, more action and twists. I enjoyed Miller’s writing. I’m looking forward to picking up more of her books.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Marsha.
Author 33 books896 followers
December 17, 2018
What an entertaining read! Michele W. Miller breaks all stereotypes writing this book, giving such nuanced backstory for each character that the reader adopts them as friends. I've read many thrillers with a similar premise but while those ones entertain, their characters' personalities are usually paper-thin. I loved that Lauren's childhood was so gritty and that she is now so strong, physically and mentally. Jessica surprised me too, and I was rooting for her the entire way. My favorite character was Emily, the daughter -- whip smart and growing up quickly, fiercely loyal to Mom and step-Mom. My second favorite character was Mooky, Carl's dog! There was just enough humor and the faintest touch of romance to keep this novel from being too dark. Brava!
Profile Image for CloudOfThoughts_Books Keirstin.
388 reviews24 followers
October 9, 2018
Widows In Law by author Michele W. Miller is a pretty decent book. The characters were good although I wasn’t a huge huge fan of the plot but overall the book was good and I would still recommend it.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of Widows In law in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for 3 no 7.
751 reviews23 followers
February 26, 2019
“Widows-In-Law” by Michelle Miller opens with a frightening confrontation and two women flattened against a plank avoiding gunfire. How did they get there?

Readers go back in time to mid-October. Lauren Silverman, the “first wife,” juggles relationships with her ex-husband Brian, his current wife Jessica, and her daughter Emily, now living with Brian and Jessica. The group struggles with all the things that happen in “extended” families, and had reached a tolerant truce. That all ended with a phone call, “Brian’s been injured.” Sorrow, chaos, confusion, and trauma follow any death, but especially Brian’s.

The story includes flash backs detailing the past events that shaped characters. The casual conversational style helps readers get to know the participants and to see events from several perspectives. Little details come out piece by piece as Lauren and Jessica struggle with their new situation. There are money concerns, two households to maintain, bills for education, mortgage, and the orthodontist, but Brian’s job should provide earned commissions to allow them time to sort out finances. A call from Brian’s company changes all that. “Is there a problem?” Well, yes, there is a problem, and there is no money due to Brian’s family.

Events continue chronologically and quickly starting on October 18 and ending on December 1. Readers follow the search for answers day by day as indicated at the start of each chapter. The plot shifts points of view, with side-by-side story lines following Jessica, Emily, Lauren, and others. It seems that Brian had many secrets, dangerous ones, complicated ones, illegal ones, deeply hidden ones.

Colorful descriptions put readers into the scenes. “The streetlights still glowed outside Brownie’s but the sky had become sepia….The gray sky ripened into pink and orange as she rode downtown.”
Fear and tension fill every page. “An icy fear kept Jessica’s muscles stiff and her mouth dry. She was trapped between Lauren and the silent man.”

Lauren, Jessica, and Emily form an unusual alliance of women forced by circumstances to clean up a mess left by a death, to work together for mutual good, and to secure a financial future for each of them. I was given a review copy of “Widows-In-Law” by Michelle Miller, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley. It is full of secrets -- codes, trips, money, and influence -- all unveiled in surprising and dangerous ways. It keeps readers turning pages, anxious to learn what disaster or solution waits on the next page.
Profile Image for Julia | NightswithFiction.
193 reviews6 followers
January 1, 2019
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I truly loved this story about three badass women working together to clean up a man's mess. I didn't know what to expect yet I was pleasantly surprised by the plot. It flowed perfectly and I was able to envision everything as if it was playing out right in front of me. I was rooting for Lauren, Jessica, and Emily the entire way and absolutely loved how much they each grew as characters from co-dependent, fragile and afraid to strong, fearless and fierce women. I was in awe of Lauren and her strength and courage, especially coming from such a rough background. I admired Jessica for picking herself up and awakening a side of her that I don't think she knew she had. And Emily - I loved Emily - for her wit, sarcasm, and quick-thinking. I loved Carl (and Mookie!) too and was happy with how everything came full-circle in the end.

Thank you for this really fun and exciting read!

Check out my full review and others on The Reading Conspiracy: https://www.thereadingconspiracy.com
Profile Image for Richard Gibney.
Author 8 books13 followers
December 3, 2018
The novel is plot-driven and a different beast to previous work by the author. It’s probably the most commercial novel to date from this scribe too, whose work (often in the horror genre, but this one is more mainstream thriller) has a literary quality. Great twists and turns, and superb characterisation (particularly the villains!).

Profile Image for Janice Lombardo.
624 reviews8 followers
December 10, 2018
Lauren is an attorney, working for New York City's Family Division. She was married to (philandering) Brian, also an attorney, but he is working in a lucrative private practice. Brian has already remarried to Jessica - a nurse he met on the west coast.

Particularly because they share a 15 year old daughter (Emily), Lauren leaves for Florida where Brian has been critically burned. Emily and Jessica first meet her at the airport. Soon after they all arrive in Florida, Brian is pronounced dead. Steve, Brian's law partner (?) and best friend was also there to help out with arrangements.

At the funeral Rick and Carl (undercover cops) muse over who does attend and who doesn't.

As the reader finds out, both Lauren and Jessica need funds from Brian's estate and/or owed money to him from previous cases. Steve becomes quite unavailable. Eventually, Brian's trusted administrative assistant, Peggy, meets with Lauren with some revealing information. Unfortunately, Lauren, Jessica and Emily become amateur sleuths and they may be are heading for trouble. There had been more than meets the eye going on with Brian and the also elusive Jordan Connor...

A very interesting read. The characters come to life. Wait until the conclusion!

Many thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for a thrill of a ride.
Profile Image for Kerry Clair.
1,243 reviews15 followers
November 8, 2018
Gave up at 60% through. The book was just not all that captivating. The characters all unlikable and not at all interesting to me. I was not at all vested in what happened to any of them and realized I really wasn’t enjoying this book. It was far fetched, over dramatic and unpolished.
Profile Image for Keith Chawgo.
484 reviews18 followers
March 4, 2019
Miller’s new novel starts at a slow burn before rapidly picking up pace to its climatic conclusion. There are bits and pieces of information to help the reader piece together the mystery thriller and at times, sometimes puts the reader ahead of the characters within the pages.

The characters are solidly built and it was good to have three strong female characters get along without fighting over the man. This was a truly refreshing change of pace as normally there tends to be threads of at least I have a man or this is my man narratives in these types of stories. In this case, we have Miller excelling at providing three forthright women taking control and although there is a man who sparks off the trio, but they go above and beyond.

On the other hand, the criminals or bad guys are very stereotyped and have lack of any dimension. They come across as cartoon baddies and though they do carry the threat of death, it would have been nice to have a bit more depth beyond mafia gangland. The business partners were interesting and very well imagined although it was a shame not to have more of them.

The action is handled very well and Miller knows how to build tension. She keeps it tightly reined and doesn’t let it run away from her. The love interest is an odd addition to the proceedings but it does work within the confines of the story and adds a bit of light relief.

Overall, the book is a fun page turner that has three strong female types playing against card board males and criminals but doesn’t take away from enjoyment of the novel. A slow burn that builds to a climax that is rewarding experience.
11.4k reviews197 followers
February 22, 2019
Lauren, Jessica, and Emily have a problem. A big problem. Brian, their ex- husband, husband, and father, is dead- burned to death in Miami. His partner, Steve, is ducking their calls and they are worried about their financial situation. At the same time, as it happens, there are some very bad guys looking for something Brian has- something the women don't know about, at least not yet. Emily, a wily 16 year old if ever there was one, enlists a hacker to help her crack Brian's files, which reveal any number of surprises. Luckily, Lauren is a family court attorney who, if nothing else, is able to gain access to the courts and knows how to work the system when Emily and Jessica are arrested AND when they all decide to fight back. There's a subplot involving a little romantic attraction for Lauren which has its charms. My only quibble is that the underlying bad activity is a little hazy (even for someone accustomed to this genre). Thanks to the publisher for the ARc. This is a highly readable plot driven thriller with three strong female characters.
642 reviews4 followers
December 1, 2018
Lauren, Brian's ex wife and mother of his child feels left out in the cold sometimes. Brian has a beautiful, young wife now. When Brian dies unexpectedly and due to their child, Emily, Lauren helps Jessica, the new wife arrange the funeral.  Emily's feeling's are worth more than than the anger. It comes to light that not all of Brian's dealings are on the up and up. Will they survive long enough to get everything in order? Is the danger caused by someone closer to Brian than they realize. I really liked this book. It is about how two women survive through their differences. I received this book from Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing for a honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
613 reviews
October 23, 2018
This book started a bit slow but definitely by half way in I was captivated! Was Brian's death an accident or was he murdered? This book has so many layers and the more you peel back the more you have to keep reading. Brian wasn't the great man everyone thought he was and Lauren, Jessica and Emily plan to find out what he was up to before his death. This book is very different then my typical mysteries I have been reading lately so I really enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend reading it will keep you reading into the night!
Profile Image for Mandi.
820 reviews11 followers
January 14, 2019
The description of the book was both intriguing and had me wondering if I would be disappointed by the characters; spoiler - I was not disappointed! The female characters were strong, but relatable in their reactions to the situations they were facing. The lengths one would go for money and to hide deceptive behavior in this book had twists and turns you couldn't predict. The situations were a little far fetched for "real life" but sucked me in and kept me turning the pages. All together, a good read I would recommend.
Profile Image for Cassidy Collazo.
294 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2021
I truly enjoyed this book. It played out in my head like a movie. The ex and the mistress, teaming up to escape the crappy situation the husband had put them all in, was very thrilling! I enjoyed the relationships that were formed between the 3 protagonists, I like how they all realized how awful of a person the husband was. And I love the heat and tension between the undercover and the ex wife. It was a good read, and I loved how sappy the ending was!
Profile Image for Denice Langley.
4,823 reviews47 followers
January 29, 2019
This author has done a great job of writing the original storyline as if you were watching a movie. Not only can you see these two women joining together...even though they don't get along...but you'll be peeking through your fingers hoping nothing bad happens to them. The story very quickly becomes a race to see who will win the day and get the money. The good guys win, but along the way, it's an exciting ride.
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,719 reviews22 followers
November 13, 2020
An interesting spin on a murder mystery. The author has created a current wife and an ex-wife who work together to solve their spouse/former spouse's murder. Excellent plot twists, interesting characters, and a wonderful new take on a thriller.
111 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2019
Read 50 pages and was not interested enough in the story to continue reading it.
Profile Image for Mandy Grifka.
27 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2019
If you like suspense and the unexpected then this book is for you. I really enjoyed the pace and outcome of the story! Highly recommend!
1 review
December 14, 2019
I read at least 2 books a week. Could not put this down. So riveting. Character development, plot, great story, and just when I thought I had guessed the ending, another surprise. Can't wait for Miller's next book. On the edge of your seat kind of read.
Profile Image for Barbara Paciotti.
12 reviews21 followers
January 15, 2020
Outstanding read!

Loved the characters and plot twists. A thrilling story with minimal vulgarity and a charming bit of romance. Can't wait to read more from Michele Miller.
Profile Image for Alexis.
185 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2020
I thought this book was terrific! Good writing and a good plot. It will keep you interested all the way to the end!
Profile Image for Hazel James.
Author 9 books631 followers
March 4, 2019
I loved watching the relationship between Lauren, Jessica, and Emily grow throughout the book. Their grit and determination to succeed despite the many obstacles against them was inspiring!
Profile Image for Melissa.
73 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2024
Listened on Everand

For a far-fetched thriller this was incredibly boring to me. It was a slog to get through and I almost dreaded turning it on every day. Once I got to a certain point, I felt like I was too invested to stop reading. The characters were incredibly unlikable. In the end, I didn't care what happened to any of them.
Profile Image for Abbey Miller.
24 reviews
February 26, 2019
Widows-In-Law by Michele Miller is a twisting, thriller where the untimely death of Brian Silverman leaves his family with a nasty mess.

Brian’s ex-wife Lauren, current wife Jessica and daughter Emily put their past differences aside to form an unlikely partnership to discover the suspicious business deals he has been making with a former friend Jordan Connors. This lead him getting mixed up with the wrong crowd and now Jorge Arena’s was out to get the money taken from him, even if it mean killing people to get it.

This book goes back and forth from the different characters viewpoints allowing us, as readers, to see the story unfold from all sides. I gave this book 3 stars because there were parts that were slow for me and would find myself thinking about other things. However , there were plenty of exciting parts that kept me wanting to keep reading and find out the end result. I still would recommend this book for those that enjoy thrillers.

Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Judy Morris.
1,322 reviews30 followers
February 24, 2019
This book was excellent. It started off with a bang, and never quit until the end. Thus books title surprised me cause I thought it would be a psychological story, but it surprised me. Now i will have to read more from this author. Great book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews

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