The Widow's Web

by Susan Moore

Trust no one. Especially those closest to you…

When tech mogul Brad Jones is found drowned off the Marin coast, his death is quickly ruled a suicide. But his wife, Dr. Anna Jones, a renowned cyber-psychologist, isn't convinced. Driven by grief and suspicion, Anna begins to dig into Brad's past, uncovering secrets that lead her deep into the world of Silicon Valley’s elite.

As Anna delves deeper, she crosses paths with Scott and Kristy Lyle, influential figures with connections reaching the highest echelons of tech power. The deeper Anna goes, the more she realizes Brad’s death is tied to a dark, long-buried secret—one that powerful people would kill to protect. Caught between the dangerous truth and powerful enemies, will Anna risk everything to expose the sinister forces at play?

The Widow’s Web is a gripping psychological thriller that explores ambition, betrayal, and the terrifying reality that our worst enemies may be those we trust the most. A must-read for fans of Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins, this novel will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Genres: Mystery, Psychological

290 pages, Paperback

First published January 3, 2025

About the author

Susan Moore is an author and screenwriter whose creative journey has been fueled by the world of technology. Her work captures the essence of what it means to be human in a complex and ever-changing world. She has over three decades of experience working in the film, tech, and media, most notably at Skywalker for Lucasfilm Ltd. She has been successfully published worldwide for the ‘Nat Walker Trilogy’ and ‘Power Families’ series, and has an MA with distinction in Creative Writing from Kingston University, London. Her thriller, ‘The Widow’s Web’, is being published by Bloodhound Books in January 2025.

Reviews

[Stacy40pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Widow’s Web by Susan Moore. Thanks to @booksparks #wrc2025 for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️

When tech mogul is found dead, his wife Dr. Anna Jones, is suspicious of the suicide ruling. As she digs into his past, she uncovers secrets in the highest echelons of the tech industry.

This was a little slow moving but there were twists as you went along. The Silicone Valley business stuff is what slowed it down for me, but the drama between the couples and individuals definitely kept my interest. I really wanted to know what happened to Brad and had some sneaky suspicions the whole time…

The Widow’s Web is available now.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from beginning to end, that's how I can describe my feelings towards this book.
With a captivating plot, characters that drawn you to the story, lots of twists and turns ands captivating suspense, this book will show you the sinister behind the scene world of Silicon valley's elite couples where nothing is what it seems and you cannot trust anyone.
An excellent psychological thriller very hard to put down.

[Stacy Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ebook from bloodhound Books for an honest review I returned.


I felt it wasn't as thrilling. I would like it to have been. I thought it was slow moving, not so much physiological, either. I would have liked to have been so much more thrilling considering everything. I didn't feel gripped to the story or the main character. I thought it was more about if they could come through all the secrets coming.

[dianas_books_cars_coffee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Anna Jones finds her tech mogul husband, Brad, in the ocean barely floating next to his surfboard. She drags him in and tries to save his life, but it's too late, and his death is ruled a suicide. Anna is convinced that Brad would never take his own life. Fueled by grief and suspicion, Anna begins to dig. She gets closer to Scott Lyle, the father of her son Jack's girlfriend and the man who invested in Brad's start-up. The more she digs, the more disturbing the truth becomes. Was Brad killed to keep a sinister secret that could bring down powerful men hidden?

Honestly, this book was a bit slow. It took me a while to get into it. It did pick up near the end, and there was definitely a jaw-dropping reveal! There was lots of drama centered around the tech industry and lots of rich people behaving badly. This book was told in multiple POVs and multiple timelines. There were definitely some despicable characters! There's lots of betrayal and tons of secrets. The mystery did keep me reading. But just because this book was meh to me doesn't it will be for you!

[Cess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know much about the tech world or even how venture capitalists work, but The Widow’s Web was such a propulsive thriller that I didn’t mind the techie jargons. I was completely engrossed in the story —- the deception, the betrayals and the abuse of power!!! The way these billionnaires live both amazed and disgusted me! And behind those lavish lifestyle lies some deep dark secrets! I was super intrigued with SWS or sudden wealth syndrome and also the profession of MC Dr. Anna Jones — she’s a cyberpsychologist (she studies how people interact with technology and how technology affects people's behavior and mental health).  Learning new things while being entertained is such a bonus! Despite some cringey details, I honestly couldn’t put the book down until I got to the last page! I can’t expound more without spoiling the plot, but suffice it to say, pick this up if you want to read about sinister tales surrounding Silicon Valley’s richie rich!

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read! There were moments when the pace slowed down a bit, but the character drama and my curiosity about what really happened to Brad kept me flipping the pages! Everything is not what it seems to be, and there were a couple of surprising twists! The different timelines and perspectives really cranked up the suspense and tied everything together. Overall, I had a great time with this book. It was captivating, entertaining, and packed with drama, suspense, and secrets! A big thank you to Book Sparks and Susan Moore for sharing this book with me!

[Claire Kronmiller · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! This book was super entertaining and the twist at the end was good but some of the tech-terms used in this book were kind of confusing at times.

[Julie Maleski (juliereads_alot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 BOOK TOUR BOOK REVIEW 📚

The Widow's Web By Susan Moore
Publication Date: January 16, 2025
Publisher: Bloodhound Books

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A huge thank you to BookSparks, Bloodhound Books, and Susan Moore for inviting me to be a part of this #WRC2025 book tour and for this #gifted copy of the book in exchange for my honest review!

📚MY REVIEW:

A MASSIVE five star alert -- I was absolutely blown away by The Widow's Web, from Susan Moore! This read was completely unputdownable, as I devoured it in one sitting this morning.

Its storyline pulled me in immediately. The book began with Anna trying to rescue her husband Brad's body from the ocean after a tragic accident during his daily morning surfing. What initially seemed to be your standard psychological thriller about a husband with big secrets that aren't revealed until his death... Turned into something so much darker and far more unexpected than I had anticipated. Just sit down, buckle up, and hold on tight -- this one is chilling and downright riveting.

Chapters alternated between multiple timelines and were told from the perspective of multiple characters, which really created a brilliant sense of foreboding and dread as the mystery surrounding Brad's secrets unfolded. This book was a fast-paced and salacious read about the power of wealth in Silicon Valley and the twisted deceit, greed, and corruption that can come from having all the money you could ever want.

While I know there are trigger warnings in this read, it's impossible to share them without giving away significant portions of the plot that would be huge spoilers -- and I always share spoiler-free reviews. I guess I would simply advise readers to be aware of potential triggers in the second half of the book.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers and darker plotlines, you don't wanna miss this one. If you're a fan of salacious gossip, betrayals, and deceptions that would rival the most audacious headlines, be sure to add The Widow's Web to your TBR list immediately. This book is available now!!

#TheWidowsWeb #SusanMoore #BloodhoundBooks #booksparks #booktour #thrilleraddict #thrillerlover #psychologicalthrillers #fivestarreads #mustreads #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to join @booksparks in their #WRC2025 The Art of Reading, and 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑾𝑰𝑫𝑶𝑾'𝑺 𝑾𝑬𝑩 𝒃𝒚 𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒏 𝑴𝒐𝒐𝒓𝒆 has been a great start to the challenge!

I have been racing through this quick read and enjoyed the ride! A tech mogul is found dead, but the suicide ruling doesn't make sense to his cyber-psychologist wife, Anna. As she begins to dig into her husband's past, she uncovers secrets that weave into a much deeper web of hidden truths.

I did have a good time reading this psychological suspense. I was not thoroughly shocked at some of the reveals, but it was a satisfying mystery that kept me on my toes, just in case I was wrong! It definitely addresses the "tech-bro" culture that has been forefront and now seemingly elevated, unfortunately.

This was a fast-paced suspense with short chapters, multiple POV's, and dual timelines to keep the pace moving. I don't always know exactly what the author may have in mind with a book; pure entertainment or a deeper character or culture study. I feel like this is a bit of a critique on the tech-bro culture, but it felt mostly on the entertaining side.

For a lighter suspense read, I recommend this one from @bloodhound.books that is out now.

3.5 stars, rounded up.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Widow's Web is an enthralling thriller set in the heart of Silicon Valley, where the world of technology meets a gripping mystery. The story follows Dr. Anna Jones, who is reeling from the shocking death of her husband, Brad, a prominent figure in the tech industry. Officially labeled a suicide, Anna can't shake the feeling that something sinister is at play.

A Gripping Mystery

As she sets out to find the truth, Anna encounters a tangled web of secrets and deception. The plot unfolds gradually, drawing readers into the competitive and often ruthless world of tech start-ups. Driven by her love for Brad and a fierce desire for justice, Anna navigates a landscape filled with betrayal and ambition.

Characters and Relationships

The characters are well-defined, particularly Anna, whose journey through grief is both relatable and compelling. Her evolving relationship with Scott Lyle, a key player in Brad's life and investments, adds emotional depth and tension. Their connection blurs the lines between friend and foe, which causes me to continually guess where the plot is heading.

Themes and Highlights

The novel takes on the darker aspects of wealth and the tech industry, exploring how the quest for power and success can reveal the ugly sides of human nature. Themes of ambition, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to protect their interests are woven throughout the narrative.

Pacing and Setting

While the Silicon Valley setting and tech industry jargon add authenticity to the story, they may not appeal to all readers. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the suspense to build gradually. However, for me, the slow burn felt like it was treading water and going nowhere. It was too stagnant, with moments where the plot seemed to stall.

My Final Thoughts

The Widow's Web is a thought-provoking mystery that challenges our understanding of truth and loyalty in a world obsessed with success. Its exploration of human nature and the complexities of the tech industry makes it a captivating read for those who enjoy intricate plots and emotional depth.

However, the downfall was the pacing. The beginning and end of the book caught my interest and moved quickly. And though it was necessary for character development, the middle of the book was definitely a slow burn.

Thank you to #susanmoorewriter, #bloodhound.books, and #booksparks (#wrc2025) for my gifted copy.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into this but once it happened, I found myself totally engrossed in the story.

Brad is a tech enterpreneur whose body is discovered by his wife. It becomes clear that he died from an overdose and Anna is convinced it was not an accident. While trying to cope with her grief, she finds herself recalling snippets of some dark memories but they fade before she can realise what they are. The story is told across several timelines - when they were looking for funding for their start-up and the current day, as well as from different people's perspectives which I found helped the story along immensely.

This turned out to be a darker read than I was expecting, and all the better for it.

[Edens Book Den · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

When wealthy tech mogul Brad Jones passes away, it kicks off a series of unexpected events. His wife Anna isn’t buying what the coroner’s report says, and as more details come to light, hidden family secrets and devious plots begin to surface. Anna’s world is turned upside down as she realizes everything she thought she knew might be a lie. She’s thrust into a tangled web of deceit and betrayal that’s messing with her emotions and sanity. Can she uncover who her husband truly was and what was actually real? Fair warning: this story touches on sensitive topics like SA and trauma. It’s a gripping read from start to finish, offering multiple perspectives as you root for the MC to get justice and see the whole truth come to light. You won’t be able to put it down!

[Dive Into A Good Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! This book took me on an intensely dark ride that led me to an end that made me gasp aloud. I am still processing what I just read. Also, who does that to someone that they love? I mean there is a special place in hell for you. I loved Anna, her character is flawless. She is determined and will not let no get in her way. On her path to truth there are some gut-wrenching aspects of her life that she did not know happened. That made me want to throw the book across the room. It is a book that you need to get and read immediately.

Anna's life has turned upside down since that morning she heard the family dog barking at the beach. She runs down to get the dog and instead finds her husband in the ocean. She pulls Brad out, but she is too late. Leaving her teenage son and herself experiencing every emotion under the sun. The police are saying suicide, but there is something that is niggling at the back of Anna's brain. She must go deep into their past to uncover secrets that have been buried for so long and deep it is insane that Anna found them. This is a book I do not want to give too much detail. You the reader needs to go in dark and then we need to have a discussion.

Thank you to Susan Moore, Bloodhound Books, and Book Sparks for my gifted copy. This book took me by compete surprise and I cannot wait to spread the word!

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Widow's Web is a slow burn mystery/thriller focused on the tech industry in Silicon Valley. It had many twists and turns along the way, but for me it was a little too slow moving. I felt like nothing truly happened to keep my attention fully. I think the Silicon Valley and tech talk for me was what made it less enjoyable on my end. The drama, secrets and lies was definitely the highlight for me in this book.

Overall, I think this book is truly for a specific audience that is interested in the subject matter and not looking for all around constant thrills. I believe I just wasn't the correct audience for this one. It is in no way a bad book, give it a shot if this is your jam !

✨️Thank you to @booksparks & Susan Moore for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Charlie Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolute thrill ride! Fast-paced and gripping, it dives deep into the dark underbelly of the dot-com tech world, following the meteoric rise (and fall) of those who go from rags to riches—only to uncover some seriously dark secrets along the way. From the very first chapter, this book hooks you with alternating POVs, including that of a rising gossip columnist who thrives on the downfall of the wealthy, leveraging their scandals for his own fame. The twists were completely unexpected, and I loved every page! Highly recommend this to my fellow #thriller readers!

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Widow's Web offers a solid storyline with intriguing twists and a satisfying conclusion. However, the pacing feels a bit slow, and it takes a while to really pick up momentum. It's definitely worth reading if you're a fan of thrillers, but if you're not particularly interested in technology, you might want to skip it, as there’s a good amount of tech-focused detail woven throughout the narrative.

[Hallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in lightning quick time as got hooked into the unfolding drama. Great to get behind the scenes of how the tech world works and did not expect some of those twists and turns in the plot. A great thriller.

[Ari Damoulakis · Rating 1 out of 5]

What the hell was all this rubbish? For me, totally boring.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The vibe and feel to The Widow’s Web was such a huge part of the experience. From the get go, when Anna realizes her dog is missing, later finding the dog on the beach, barking at the sea, the reader gets the sense of foreboding and that something isn’t quite right. Minutes later, Anna discovers her husband Brad dead–a man who spent the majority of his life in the water. None of it adds up.

The niggling feeling that something isn’t right propels Anna to research deeper into what really happened to Brad, and what starts as a means to prove he didn’t commit suicide, unravels into something so much bigger and scarier than she could have ever imagined. There are varying timelines at play; the now and the past, and told from different perspectives, so the reader gets right into each character’s motivation and ultimately, why Brad was found in the Marin coast.

The book takes a turn into territory I didn’t see coming, but it added to the depth and darkness to the plot. There was a suspenseful, clue-like atmosphere behind everything while Anna followed one lead after the next, and just when I thought she’d hit a brick wall and had nowhere else to go, something else would crop up and the storyline would go in an entirely different direction. Anna is doing this to rectify what really happened to her husband, to save her family, but ultimately, to put an end to the wrongs that continue to plague the tech industry, despite her fears and what might happen to her if she reveals she knows too much. The Widow’s Web was such a thrilling experience, and well worth the five stars I’ve given it!

[Amy Kubal · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Steph Ayers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very dark. Not sure I would recommend

[Kim DeVenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner from start to finish!