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The Widow's Secret
It’s the secrets you don’t know that will kill you.
Married couple Leona and Wayne Woodrow are celebrating their anniversary with a hike on the Appalachian Trail when Wayne slips and falls off a cliff. A search party turns up his bloodied clothing, but not his body.
An inheritance and a huge payout from a life insurance policy do little to ease Leona’s grief. Adding to her stress is Wayne’s brother, Michael, who makes it clear he suspects Leona is somehow responsible for Wayne’s death.
When Michael is shot dead and his wife Chelsea vanishes, Leona finds herself the prime suspect in a twisted plot of secrets, betrayal, and murder.
Leona is sure that what’s been happening is connected to a secret in Wayne’s family. And she’s right. But she has no idea just how shocking that secret is and just how far its keepers will go to protect it…
The Widow’s Secret is a terrifying psychological thriller perfect for fans of K.L. Slater, Miranda Rijks, and Teresa Driscoll.
Married couple Leona and Wayne Woodrow are celebrating their anniversary with a hike on the Appalachian Trail when Wayne slips and falls off a cliff. A search party turns up his bloodied clothing, but not his body.
An inheritance and a huge payout from a life insurance policy do little to ease Leona’s grief. Adding to her stress is Wayne’s brother, Michael, who makes it clear he suspects Leona is somehow responsible for Wayne’s death.
When Michael is shot dead and his wife Chelsea vanishes, Leona finds herself the prime suspect in a twisted plot of secrets, betrayal, and murder.
Leona is sure that what’s been happening is connected to a secret in Wayne’s family. And she’s right. But she has no idea just how shocking that secret is and just how far its keepers will go to protect it…
The Widow’s Secret is a terrifying psychological thriller perfect for fans of K.L. Slater, Miranda Rijks, and Teresa Driscoll.
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First published January 29, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
December 15, 2024
The Widow's Secret is a 2023 release from Theo Baxter, a new author to me. I found it on NetGalley as one of the most requested mysteries this year, so I decided to give it a chance. This one was a tough book for me, but there were several good aspects as well as those that had distracting issues. The protagonist, Leona, is in her early thirties and married to a lawyer who seems like a good husband that is super busy at work. But then he agrees to take time off and go hiking. Shortly into the trip, he falls over a cliff and disappears. While his body is never found, bloody clothes are all that remain. Obviously he must have faked his death right? Kicks off what promises to be a great mystery. The brother hates the widowed sister-in-law and then he is later found dead. Leona looks guilty and a detective tries to help her. Typical mystery plot that easily hooks readers and leaves you at the forefront of solving the crime alongside the widow.
Unfortunately, the writing quality was way too simple to truly hook the reader as a complex thriller. Maybe the author intended this to be a straightforward-tell-the-reader what's happening instead of showing it and dropping suspenseful clues in clever twists and turns... sadly, it was a miss for me. Too often there was repetition of information and the main character's thoughts were that of a young child. I rarely comment on an author's writing style unless it is a mismatch for the plot; I think but could be wrong that the author is still learning the craft and needs time to develop a stronger voice. Nothing at all was wrong with it, and there is definitely talent in building a story and giving personalities to characters. Just felt like it was 25% too long, awkward/stilted dialog where for pages it was discussing trivial things (or rehashing the plot). One or two more deep edits could've made this much stronger. I don't like giving a negative review... and I wouldn't say this was a bad book... but I do think it wasn't quite ready for publication. But the good thing is that the author shows promise and hopefully pushes more next time.
Unfortunately, the writing quality was way too simple to truly hook the reader as a complex thriller. Maybe the author intended this to be a straightforward-tell-the-reader what's happening instead of showing it and dropping suspenseful clues in clever twists and turns... sadly, it was a miss for me. Too often there was repetition of information and the main character's thoughts were that of a young child. I rarely comment on an author's writing style unless it is a mismatch for the plot; I think but could be wrong that the author is still learning the craft and needs time to develop a stronger voice. Nothing at all was wrong with it, and there is definitely talent in building a story and giving personalities to characters. Just felt like it was 25% too long, awkward/stilted dialog where for pages it was discussing trivial things (or rehashing the plot). One or two more deep edits could've made this much stronger. I don't like giving a negative review... and I wouldn't say this was a bad book... but I do think it wasn't quite ready for publication. But the good thing is that the author shows promise and hopefully pushes more next time.
January 17, 2023
Married couple Leona and Wade Woodrow are celebrating their anniversary with a hike on the Appalachian Trail when Wade slips and falls of a cliff. A search party turns up his bloodied clothing, but not his body. An inheritance and huge payout from a life insurance policy do little to ease Leona's grief. Adding to her stress is Wade's brother, Wayne, who makes it clear he suspects Loena is somehow responsible for Wade's death. When Wayne is shot dead and his wife Chelsea vanishes, Leona finds herself the prime suspect in a twisted plot of secrets, betrayal and murder.
The pace is fast from the beginning. The characters are well rounded, and some will get under your skin. You can almost feel Leona's grief dripping from the pages. Once I was pulled into the story, I could not put the book down. I could tell where the story was heading, but that doesn't disappoint me if it's a well written story. There are lots of twists in this well written book and it held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #TheoBaxter for my ARC of #TheWidowsSecret in exchange for an honest review.
The pace is fast from the beginning. The characters are well rounded, and some will get under your skin. You can almost feel Leona's grief dripping from the pages. Once I was pulled into the story, I could not put the book down. I could tell where the story was heading, but that doesn't disappoint me if it's a well written story. There are lots of twists in this well written book and it held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #TheoBaxter for my ARC of #TheWidowsSecret in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2025
COMPELLING PREMISE:
A married couple celebrates their anniversary with a hike on the Appalachian Trail.
The husband slips and falls off a cliff.
Was he pushed?
BRILLIANT TWIST.
I enjoyed the book's twist, revealed midway through the storyline.
WHY NOT 5 STARS?
This was a YYYA (Young, Young, Young Adult) book.
Characterizations were painstakingly shallow.
Quite frankly, this entire book was written at a 3rd-grade reading level. (Huh?)
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Michelle Price.
February 10, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
The Widows Secret is a fast-paced, twisty read that brought a current missing person case near me to the forefront of my mind throughout this book. Leona and her husband Wade are off celebrating their wedding anniversary by hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Wade has an accident and falls off a cliff edge. After a search party look for him, they find some of his clothing with blood on it but no trace of Wade. When Wades brother accuses Leona of being responsible of his brothers death Nd is later found dead by gunshot and his wife Chelsea suddenly disappearing, Leona finds herself as number one suspect for a twisted and intricate plot made up of secrets, lies and betrayal as well as being accused of murder. I did predict the ending of this one, but the twists were amazing. Definitely one to read if you enjoy quick, fast-paced thrillers.
The Widows Secret is a fast-paced, twisty read that brought a current missing person case near me to the forefront of my mind throughout this book. Leona and her husband Wade are off celebrating their wedding anniversary by hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Wade has an accident and falls off a cliff edge. After a search party look for him, they find some of his clothing with blood on it but no trace of Wade. When Wades brother accuses Leona of being responsible of his brothers death Nd is later found dead by gunshot and his wife Chelsea suddenly disappearing, Leona finds herself as number one suspect for a twisted and intricate plot made up of secrets, lies and betrayal as well as being accused of murder. I did predict the ending of this one, but the twists were amazing. Definitely one to read if you enjoy quick, fast-paced thrillers.
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May 8, 2026Road trip listen with the fam 💕
January 29, 2023
This book had a good premise but I found it predicable and a little boring. Note that the character names in the version of the book I read differ from what is in the synopsis. The story centers on Leona and Wayne who have a seemingly perfect marriage when he disappears on a hiking trip and she realizes that all might not be as it seems. Wayne’s brother, Michael, is convinced Leona causes Wayne’s death and will do anything to take her down.
Much of this book is repetitive and focused on Leona’s inner thoughts. I found myself skimming some pages because of this. I also felt that Leona was very immature and naive and so not make decisions I thought normal people would make. The other characters seemed one dimensional to me- I couldn’t figure out what made the various relationships work of why Wayne’s brother Michael hates Leona because he thought she was a gold digger when she made it very clear she came into the marriage with her own money, and Michael’s own wife didn’t seem to have done so. The twist in the story was interesting but I saw it coming from the get-go.
Overall, the story held my interest but the lack of dimension in the characters and the predictability didn’t make this one memorable for me. I’d give it 2.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Much of this book is repetitive and focused on Leona’s inner thoughts. I found myself skimming some pages because of this. I also felt that Leona was very immature and naive and so not make decisions I thought normal people would make. The other characters seemed one dimensional to me- I couldn’t figure out what made the various relationships work of why Wayne’s brother Michael hates Leona because he thought she was a gold digger when she made it very clear she came into the marriage with her own money, and Michael’s own wife didn’t seem to have done so. The twist in the story was interesting but I saw it coming from the get-go.
Overall, the story held my interest but the lack of dimension in the characters and the predictability didn’t make this one memorable for me. I’d give it 2.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2023
Lenore is devastated when she loses Wayne in a horrible hiking accident. Wayne was her only family thankfully her sister-in-law has stuck by her side despite what her husband Michael is saying about the widow. Even at the funeral he screamed at the top of his lungs that she was a murderer and cursed her out in front of everyone. She has since started seeing a psychiatrist due to her nightmares and one she’s not having nightmares she’s suffering from insomnia. It doesn’t help a few months later when is called in to the police department in downtown Boston this is where she meets Jeremy the detective assigned to investigate whether or not she killed her husband. He comes from a wealthy family and Michael sense losing the civil suit has made it his passion in life to send her to prison for something she didn’t even do. So when the handsome detective tells Lenore he believes her she feels much better. but when her sister-in-law insists they get together to try and talk things out. Lenore doesn’t feel so confident. Then when there’s another murder and they try to make it look like Lenore did it instead of feeling crazy and not getting enough sleep Lenore gets pissed and I was out to find out who is doing this to her. This is one crazy book! I loved the ending but the journey was also really good. This is a solid read. If you love thrillers you’ll definitely love this book. I love thrillers with a happy ending and that’s this book. So good so good so good! Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2023
This sounded like a very good book but, unfortunately I guessed the ending very early on. I didn’t like the characters at all. So shallow and selfish. The whole book was not as good as I’d hoped. Yes, it was twisty but, so obvious which spoiled the whole story for me. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 24, 2024
While the protagonist was frustrating at times, this was needed to further the plot. While a bit silly, I really enjoyed it. There were several plot twists that were easy to guess, but that didn’t take any of the enjoyment away. I like that he usually has enjoyable endings that don’t try to push some stupid additional twist that ruins it. He reminds me bit like Daniel Hurst-easy reads for a lazy day!
February 8, 2023
I wanted to like it...
So I'm obsessed with Psychological Thrillers, I devour them and gladly flip through the pages so quickly to find out whodunit. But I have to say, I'm a bit underwhelmed. Let me explain.
From the beginning, the writing read clinical and mechanical. It felt like I was reading a report than a novel. I was never immersed. It was kind of like I was reading something someone was recounting with an insane amount of details. Also, on that same wavelength, I'm not entirely sure why this book is in third person if 87% of it was filled with Leona's thoughts of if she should or shouldn't. If she should be hurting or not. Her inner monologue was a bit much especially from third person POV.
I also don't think this should've been marketed as a psychological thriller. There was nothing particularly thrilling or psychological at play. Instead, I could see where it could be marketed as contemporary fiction or drama, or even suspense by a stretch, but no not psychological.
Leona was insufferable. I know characters are meant to grind your gears sometimes but she was genuinely and totally insufferable. Her decisions were not simply stupid, they put the entire investigation at stake and ruin her life. She acts without thinking (hard to believe since she spends so much time in her head, but I digress)
The story was pretty slow and there wasn't a thrilling twist at the end. I wanted nothing more than to be duped so I could feel a little better at the end of the book but there was nothing, no unbelievable payoff. Nothing.
Read this if you crave a drama where all the cards are on the table.
P.S. the end felt a little rushed after the constancy of an internal monologue in the rest of the book, not sure if that was an artistic choice or not.
P.P.S I have no clue what the widow's secret is. Or what the Woodrow's would do anything to protect. Kinda feels a bit misleading.
So I'm obsessed with Psychological Thrillers, I devour them and gladly flip through the pages so quickly to find out whodunit. But I have to say, I'm a bit underwhelmed. Let me explain.
From the beginning, the writing read clinical and mechanical. It felt like I was reading a report than a novel. I was never immersed. It was kind of like I was reading something someone was recounting with an insane amount of details. Also, on that same wavelength, I'm not entirely sure why this book is in third person if 87% of it was filled with Leona's thoughts of if she should or shouldn't. If she should be hurting or not. Her inner monologue was a bit much especially from third person POV.
I also don't think this should've been marketed as a psychological thriller. There was nothing particularly thrilling or psychological at play. Instead, I could see where it could be marketed as contemporary fiction or drama, or even suspense by a stretch, but no not psychological.
Leona was insufferable. I know characters are meant to grind your gears sometimes but she was genuinely and totally insufferable. Her decisions were not simply stupid, they put the entire investigation at stake and ruin her life. She acts without thinking (hard to believe since she spends so much time in her head, but I digress)
The story was pretty slow and there wasn't a thrilling twist at the end. I wanted nothing more than to be duped so I could feel a little better at the end of the book but there was nothing, no unbelievable payoff. Nothing.
Read this if you crave a drama where all the cards are on the table.
P.S. the end felt a little rushed after the constancy of an internal monologue in the rest of the book, not sure if that was an artistic choice or not.
P.P.S I have no clue what the widow's secret is. Or what the Woodrow's would do anything to protect. Kinda feels a bit misleading.
February 22, 2023
THIS. IS. (not Sparta)SSUFFERR!! *PUNCH*
this was god-awful experience. nothing like a thriller, don't read it. Let's pretend I read this because you wouldn't have to. Nothing new to give, no suspense, nothing compelling.
As Awful and overly simplified language as you can imagine, the same poor, dried-out vocabulary in every sentence, on every new page. It's like the author has just learned English. A2 English textbook, basically. You can check my highlights and notes from Kindle that i made visible on purpose :/
a ,,book'', written by a completely untalented person. 😖😦
And still, it had to take up COMPLETELY unnecessary 346 pages and 41 chapters! final 10-12 chapters were almost exactly the same, with same extremely dumb inner monologues, or some sh*t...
I didn't even feel anything, no character had any personality, all of them were so flat. There are so many italics so you can't even guess who is thinking, the author or a character.
If this was a movie, it would probably get 2 out of 10 on IMDb.
I hoped suspense and compelling story would make up for its simple language as in ,,The Housemaid'''s case.
so the verdict is: Read MY review, not this ,,book''😎
this was god-awful experience. nothing like a thriller, don't read it. Let's pretend I read this because you wouldn't have to. Nothing new to give, no suspense, nothing compelling.
As Awful and overly simplified language as you can imagine, the same poor, dried-out vocabulary in every sentence, on every new page. It's like the author has just learned English. A2 English textbook, basically. You can check my highlights and notes from Kindle that i made visible on purpose :/
a ,,book'', written by a completely untalented person. 😖😦
And still, it had to take up COMPLETELY unnecessary 346 pages and 41 chapters! final 10-12 chapters were almost exactly the same, with same extremely dumb inner monologues, or some sh*t...
I didn't even feel anything, no character had any personality, all of them were so flat. There are so many italics so you can't even guess who is thinking, the author or a character.
If this was a movie, it would probably get 2 out of 10 on IMDb.
I hoped suspense and compelling story would make up for its simple language as in ,,The Housemaid'''s case.
so the verdict is: Read MY review, not this ,,book''😎
April 27, 2026
What would you do if your husband disappeared during you anniversary get away and the only thing left are bloody clothes and his tooth? The what ifs and guilt would slowly eat you up, along with your deep grief of losing the one you love. That’s what more Leona goes through after her husband Wayne disappears.
The book The Widows Secret by Theo Baxter is listed as a psychological thriller. This book started with a lot of potential, unfortunately the book went on way too long with things repeating themselves. Some “twists” are very easy to figure out very early on making this no so much of a thriller. I love knowing and seeing the twists coming in a book, feeling like I’ve solved some mystery with clues laid out, unfortunately this just was ok and not anything like an oh wow moment. It also went on way longer than necessary.
The book The Widows Secret by Theo Baxter is listed as a psychological thriller. This book started with a lot of potential, unfortunately the book went on way too long with things repeating themselves. Some “twists” are very easy to figure out very early on making this no so much of a thriller. I love knowing and seeing the twists coming in a book, feeling like I’ve solved some mystery with clues laid out, unfortunately this just was ok and not anything like an oh wow moment. It also went on way longer than necessary.
January 12, 2023
Book Title: The Widow’s Secret
Author: Theo Baxter
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: January 29, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars!
Leona and Wayne Woodrow are celebrating their fifth anniversary with a hike on the Appalachian Trail. Wayne slips and falls off a cliff. Leona didn’t see him fall but heard his scream and immediately looked over the cliff. She search but didn’t call 911 immediately as she didn’t have cell reception. When she came upon other hikers they called 911 for her. The search team didn’t find anything but the dogs did find Wayne’s backpack with some bloody clothes. Figuring his body was carried off by animals the search ended.
Wayne’s brother, Michael believes Leona is responsible as there is a large insurance policy she will be inheriting.
Next Michael is found dead and his wife Chelsea is missing.
Yikes! what is going on? Does Leona have anything to do with THIS?
I am a big Psychological Thriller fan ~ Love and expect twists and turns.
Although there were times I was yelling at Leona ~ but I liked her!
Want to thank NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 29, 2023
Author: Theo Baxter
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: January 29, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars!
Leona and Wayne Woodrow are celebrating their fifth anniversary with a hike on the Appalachian Trail. Wayne slips and falls off a cliff. Leona didn’t see him fall but heard his scream and immediately looked over the cliff. She search but didn’t call 911 immediately as she didn’t have cell reception. When she came upon other hikers they called 911 for her. The search team didn’t find anything but the dogs did find Wayne’s backpack with some bloody clothes. Figuring his body was carried off by animals the search ended.
Wayne’s brother, Michael believes Leona is responsible as there is a large insurance policy she will be inheriting.
Next Michael is found dead and his wife Chelsea is missing.
Yikes! what is going on? Does Leona have anything to do with THIS?
I am a big Psychological Thriller fan ~ Love and expect twists and turns.
Although there were times I was yelling at Leona ~ but I liked her!
Want to thank NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 29, 2023
March 31, 2023
For a first book, The Widow’s Secret is above average.
The Widow herself is very well-etched. We feel her pain, we even feel her fears, and worse we boil at her stubbornness. Given bouts of self-talk rather long in duration, our Widow has a believable backstory. And as the protagonist, she stands tallest while others either show sparks or simply subsist. The twists and turns are mysterious.
With a better trim, this book can easily touch 4.5. Looking forward to reading many more books from Baxter’s pen.
Our gratitude to Theo Baxter and NetGalley for providing a copy in the Read Now section. However, their generosity does NOT influence this review.
The Widow herself is very well-etched. We feel her pain, we even feel her fears, and worse we boil at her stubbornness. Given bouts of self-talk rather long in duration, our Widow has a believable backstory. And as the protagonist, she stands tallest while others either show sparks or simply subsist. The twists and turns are mysterious.
With a better trim, this book can easily touch 4.5. Looking forward to reading many more books from Baxter’s pen.
Our gratitude to Theo Baxter and NetGalley for providing a copy in the Read Now section. However, their generosity does NOT influence this review.
January 13, 2023
I got about 35-40% and had to stop. I definitely got hooked in in the beginning but as it progressed I felt the character development just dropped off & it got too catty for me.
I also couldn’t handle the childishness and constant harassing / immaturity from Leona’s brother in law. 🙃
I did guess the ending (I skimmed to the end to at least see if my suspicions were correct) about 30% in - so more predictability would’ve been nice.
Thank you to NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review!
I also couldn’t handle the childishness and constant harassing / immaturity from Leona’s brother in law. 🙃
I did guess the ending (I skimmed to the end to at least see if my suspicions were correct) about 30% in - so more predictability would’ve been nice.
Thank you to NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2023
Truly awful
I don’t know how this book received such good reviews. The main character is not likeable at all and the writing is terrible. I don’t usually leave reviews but felt I had to with this one.
I don’t know how this book received such good reviews. The main character is not likeable at all and the writing is terrible. I don’t usually leave reviews but felt I had to with this one.
January 18, 2023
Unoriginal and boring. A 'twist' you could have seen miles away. Maybe good for beginners mystery readers...I skimmed a lot...
April 28, 2026
A fun and twisty suspense novel!
May 6, 2026
Hoopla bonus borrow - Twisted in all the right ways! I will for sure check out more by this author now! Thank you Hoopla for the introduction :)
May 6, 2026
2.5 Too repetitive & predictable. However, the author did a really good job of depicting true grief and the process of grief.
February 5, 2023
The Widow's Secret
by Theo Baxter
4🌟🌟🌟🌟
Description
Some secrets are worth dying for. This one is worth killing for.
Married couple Leona and Wade Woodrow are celebrating their anniversary with a hike on the Appalachian Trail when Wade slips and falls off a cliff. A search party turns up his bloodied clothing, but not his body.
An inheritance and a huge payout from a life insurance policy do little to ease Leona’s grief. Adding to her stress is Wade’s brother, Wayne, who makes it clear he suspects Leona is somehow responsible for Wade’s death.When Wayne is shot dead and his wife Chelsea vanishes, Leona finds herself the prime suspect in a twisted plot of secrets, betrayal, and murder.
Leona is sure that what’s been happening is connected to a secret in Wade’s family. And she’s right. But she has no idea just how shocking that secret is and just how far its keepers will go to protect it…
🛑 🛑🛑 My Review 🛑🛑🛑
I had 3 issues with this book. One being the name of the book .You would think with the title being "The Widow's Secret" that the widow has some kind of major secret that will come out. But she don't. Her husband and Sister n Law does. My second issue is the name of the brother. In the description it says Wayne's brother is named Wade. The brothers in the e-arc I read were named Wayne and Michael. This had me a little confused. So i kept reading thinking maybe he has another brother. After awhile i started back over thinking maybe i read the name wrong. But nope the names are wrong. Hopefully they catch this before it is published. The third thing is Leona hates Michael for all of the things he starts doing to her. I must say i would too. But then in the snap of a finger she is determined to get justice for Michael. I was like wow where did that come from. If these 3 things were fixed then it would be a 5 star review. The author done a lot of repeating from about 60 % on which also annoyed me. I am struggling between a 3 or 4 star review.
Now that is out of the way lets talk about the good. I was glued from the first page to the last! It's not too often I'm able to find books that hold my interest like this! I read this in one sitting!! It was jam packed with action. I loved every min of it. I would love to see this book turned into a lifetime movie. If your one to love lifetime movies then this book is definitely for you.
#TheWidowsSecret #NetGalley.
by Theo Baxter
4🌟🌟🌟🌟
Description
Some secrets are worth dying for. This one is worth killing for.
Married couple Leona and Wade Woodrow are celebrating their anniversary with a hike on the Appalachian Trail when Wade slips and falls off a cliff. A search party turns up his bloodied clothing, but not his body.
An inheritance and a huge payout from a life insurance policy do little to ease Leona’s grief. Adding to her stress is Wade’s brother, Wayne, who makes it clear he suspects Leona is somehow responsible for Wade’s death.When Wayne is shot dead and his wife Chelsea vanishes, Leona finds herself the prime suspect in a twisted plot of secrets, betrayal, and murder.
Leona is sure that what’s been happening is connected to a secret in Wade’s family. And she’s right. But she has no idea just how shocking that secret is and just how far its keepers will go to protect it…
🛑 🛑🛑 My Review 🛑🛑🛑
I had 3 issues with this book. One being the name of the book .You would think with the title being "The Widow's Secret" that the widow has some kind of major secret that will come out. But she don't. Her husband and Sister n Law does. My second issue is the name of the brother. In the description it says Wayne's brother is named Wade. The brothers in the e-arc I read were named Wayne and Michael. This had me a little confused. So i kept reading thinking maybe he has another brother. After awhile i started back over thinking maybe i read the name wrong. But nope the names are wrong. Hopefully they catch this before it is published. The third thing is Leona hates Michael for all of the things he starts doing to her. I must say i would too. But then in the snap of a finger she is determined to get justice for Michael. I was like wow where did that come from. If these 3 things were fixed then it would be a 5 star review. The author done a lot of repeating from about 60 % on which also annoyed me. I am struggling between a 3 or 4 star review.
Now that is out of the way lets talk about the good. I was glued from the first page to the last! It's not too often I'm able to find books that hold my interest like this! I read this in one sitting!! It was jam packed with action. I loved every min of it. I would love to see this book turned into a lifetime movie. If your one to love lifetime movies then this book is definitely for you.
#TheWidowsSecret #NetGalley.
February 10, 2023
I received an advance review #giftedcopy and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Partner @inkubatorbooks and @zooloosbooktours.
I continue to be amazed by this author. This is the fourth book I've read by and boy does he know how to create engaging and realistic psychological thrillers. Every book I've read has kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. This book was no different and this author is an auo-buy for me!
In The Widow's Secret, we meet Leona who is desperate to find out who is framing her for her husband's murder. Leona is a strong female lead. While she comes off as naive at times, she is no shrinking violet. She was madly in love with her husband and trusted him completely only to be betrayed in the end.
The characters are well written and realistic. I felt myself feeling empathy for Leona while also rooting for her to get to the bottom of things so she can move on with her life. The descriptions are accurate and compelling, I felt like I was walking beside the characters as I read this book.
Overall, I highly recommend and can't wait to see what's next from this author!
I continue to be amazed by this author. This is the fourth book I've read by and boy does he know how to create engaging and realistic psychological thrillers. Every book I've read has kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. This book was no different and this author is an auo-buy for me!
In The Widow's Secret, we meet Leona who is desperate to find out who is framing her for her husband's murder. Leona is a strong female lead. While she comes off as naive at times, she is no shrinking violet. She was madly in love with her husband and trusted him completely only to be betrayed in the end.
The characters are well written and realistic. I felt myself feeling empathy for Leona while also rooting for her to get to the bottom of things so she can move on with her life. The descriptions are accurate and compelling, I felt like I was walking beside the characters as I read this book.
Overall, I highly recommend and can't wait to see what's next from this author!
January 21, 2023
I loved the idea of this book. What I got from this book, felt like half of a story. Personally, I loved Leona as a character and think that her grief and the way that it was written was nothing short of masterful. The description was something that anyone who has ever lost a loved one can relate too. Every other character fell flat. There was nothing in the book that spoke to the motivations of any other character - for example, Wayne, Chelsea’s Michael and Jeremy. How did Wayne and Chelsea’s relationship start and how did they manage to keep it a secret from Michael? We got no scenes of them interacting before Wayne’s accident and then are told they’re in love? What in Chelsea’s past made her thirst for money? Why is Jeremy the only person who believes Leona is innocent? I loved the book- I just felt as though the entire thing just needed more context. What I would have loved was another 100 pages of content.
I want to thank NetGalley and Theo Baxter for allowing me to read The Widow’s Secret before its release!
I want to thank NetGalley and Theo Baxter for allowing me to read The Widow’s Secret before its release!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2023
The Widow's Secret by Theo Baxter is a pacey read that pulled me in from the start, though my interest waned slightly as the narrative progressed.
Leona is hiking with her husband Wade on the Appalachian trail when he suddenly slips and falls to his death. In shock and grieving, Leona finds herself in a battle with Wade's brother Wayne, who accuses Leona of murder. Leona's only ally, it seems, is Wayne's wife Chelsea, who soon goes missing following her own husband's death. Suddenly, Leona is plunged into a world of mayhem with only her wits to unravel it all.
This was a quick read that kept me quite entertained, though I never felt truly invested. 3.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC.
Leona is hiking with her husband Wade on the Appalachian trail when he suddenly slips and falls to his death. In shock and grieving, Leona finds herself in a battle with Wade's brother Wayne, who accuses Leona of murder. Leona's only ally, it seems, is Wayne's wife Chelsea, who soon goes missing following her own husband's death. Suddenly, Leona is plunged into a world of mayhem with only her wits to unravel it all.
This was a quick read that kept me quite entertained, though I never felt truly invested. 3.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC.
January 12, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review.
It was definitely a fast paced thriller. The surprise element is broken in the first half of the story and the other half is how the culprits are found and are being punished. There is no jaw dropping twist if you are looking for one.
If you are looking for a fast paced quick read, The Widow's Secret is definitely one to try.
It was definitely a fast paced thriller. The surprise element is broken in the first half of the story and the other half is how the culprits are found and are being punished. There is no jaw dropping twist if you are looking for one.
If you are looking for a fast paced quick read, The Widow's Secret is definitely one to try.
March 10, 2023
Predictable
I guessed the plot very quickly. And I have no idea what the widow’s secret was. And she was a spineless woman and then decided she knew everything all of a sudden. As for the ending, no clue there either. I thought maybe there would be a chilling twist since there never was.
I guessed the plot very quickly. And I have no idea what the widow’s secret was. And she was a spineless woman and then decided she knew everything all of a sudden. As for the ending, no clue there either. I thought maybe there would be a chilling twist since there never was.
January 21, 2023
I'm not sure if it is me or what but I truly could not get into this book. I needed it to have more. More structure, more depth to the characters and plot line. Sorry for the negative review, but it is honest. Thank you netgally for this ARC.
March 20, 2024
Dudeeeeeeeeeeee this book dragged on for forever. I’ll never get that time back & I should have DNFd at 35% like I originally wanted to. 😅
It is doubtful that I’ll read anything else by this author, it just didn’t vibe with me at all.
It is doubtful that I’ll read anything else by this author, it just didn’t vibe with me at all.
June 10, 2024
Silly, and just awful
Silly stupid plot. Silly characters.
Took me 2 days to read and I just skipped most of the last chapters just yo put me out of misery.
Silly stupid plot. Silly characters.
Took me 2 days to read and I just skipped most of the last chapters just yo put me out of misery.
September 29, 2024
leona u dumb bitch why are u doing stuff WITHOUT the police U STUPID FUCK WHAT ARE U GONNA DO 💀 also living for the romance crumbs
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