What do you think?
Rate this book
The Widows’ Cafe
A short story from No. 1 international bestseller and Swedish crime sensation Camilla Lackberg, perfect for fans of Stieg Larsson and Jo Nesbo.
Marianne has opened a cafe in memory of her husband: Café Widows. Most customers that walk through the door are middle aged women, accompannied by men whose behaviour is often quite unpleasant. Suddenly there is a policeman on the doorstep, confronting Marianne with the news that there have been several deaths recently. Men of all different ages and origins are dying of heart attacks, after visiting Cafe Widows. Could it just be a coincidence, or is there something more sinister at play?
20 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
31 people are currently reading
793 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Läckberg
128 books10.2k followersBefore she became one of Sweden’s most popular crime writers, Camilla Läckberg (b. 1974) worked as a marketing director and product manager for several years. Her first two crime novels, Isprinsessan (The Ice Princess) and Predikanten (The Preacher), received rave reviews from the Swedish press and quickly found a large readership. But her big breakthrough came when Stenhuggaren (The Stonecutter) was nominated for The Crime Novel of the Year award in 2005, and also when Olycksfågeln (The Stranger) and Tyskungen (The Hidden Child) were made lead titles in Bonnier’s Book Club.
Camilla’s books have gained even more popularity after being adapted into a TV-series, produced by SVT (Swedish Television).
In April 2017 her tenth book in the Fjällbacka-series, Häxan, was released – claimed to be her best novel so far! In 2019 Camilla received a diamond book for Häxan, since it has sold in over 300 000 copies in Sweden!
And in the spring of 2019 heralds the global launch of The Golden Cage, the first of two dark and suspenseful novels by Camilla Läckberg. After ten internationally bestselling novels and over 26 million copies sold, Läckberg’s next adventure will be a psychological suspense duology.
The Golden Cage was the most sold book in Sweden 2019.
Camilla’s books have gained even more popularity after being adapted into a TV-series, produced by SVT (Swedish Television).
In April 2017 her tenth book in the Fjällbacka-series, Häxan, was released – claimed to be her best novel so far! In 2019 Camilla received a diamond book for Häxan, since it has sold in over 300 000 copies in Sweden!
And in the spring of 2019 heralds the global launch of The Golden Cage, the first of two dark and suspenseful novels by Camilla Läckberg. After ten internationally bestselling novels and over 26 million copies sold, Läckberg’s next adventure will be a psychological suspense duology.
The Golden Cage was the most sold book in Sweden 2019.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 22, 2023
This is a very short story about abusive marriages and how Mariane, the owner of the Widows' cafe, could help to solve some of the problems.
January 28, 2015
Rating: 3.75/5
It was short but as usual Camilla Läckberg style is flawless and she write about the touchy subject of abuse with sensivity. The crime aspect is more between the lines than her usual books but it's still a very nice short story.
It was short but as usual Camilla Läckberg style is flawless and she write about the touchy subject of abuse with sensivity. The crime aspect is more between the lines than her usual books but it's still a very nice short story.
July 17, 2021
Lovely short story with some great brushstrokes that could bring to life a wonderful painting ... the main idea has all the potential to be a good novel! Gripping and compelling lecture.
After reading it, left me pensive, “what if the Widows' Cafe really existed" ...
April 12, 2015
21 pages and wow! Quite possibly the best short story I have read - ever! I have recommended this on several book groups, I loved it THAT much!
I'm not one for giving away the plot but, trust me, even if you do not normally read short stories do try this one - you will not be disappointed!!
I will definitely be reading more from this author in future. A terrific read!!
I'm not one for giving away the plot but, trust me, even if you do not normally read short stories do try this one - you will not be disappointed!!
I will definitely be reading more from this author in future. A terrific read!!
December 28, 2015
A short story from the Swedish crime mistress which takes revenge on beating husbands. I liked the premise and the execution, and even though it was just a short story, the characters really came to life for me and remain with me even now. Recommended!
June 11, 2017
A pretty classy short story. Part revenge, part noir, with even a tilt to cosy crime.
June 3, 2017
a very short story from Camilla Lackberg, author of the Fjallbacka series of police procedurals
January 1, 2019
A enjoyable short story,the ending has me still thinking.
March 21, 2022
I do love Camilla's writing style and on that regard, this short-story didn't disappoint. However, it wasn't exactly surprising...
January 10, 2023
Spännande ”mysdeckarnovell” med karaktärer som känns äkta. Kanske inte helt trovärdig story och något förutsägbart slut, men novellen har en intressant premiss och är väl utförd.
March 8, 2020
A short little story with an impact.
It has that sinister character that makes you feel like you know you should not be condoning the actions of the book but on the other hand, you feel vindicated and totally on board.
The atmosphere and Marianne's character are so well written that make the story flow by in a matter of minutes.
I recommend it!
It has that sinister character that makes you feel like you know you should not be condoning the actions of the book but on the other hand, you feel vindicated and totally on board.
The atmosphere and Marianne's character are so well written that make the story flow by in a matter of minutes.
I recommend it!
January 6, 2015
This is a short story with a sideways nod to crime while raising issues found in abusive relationships.
The quality of Camilla's writing is evident even in this brief account which never blooms fully but in its blossom Lackberg's humour is rich and like a sweet aroma in her matter of fact characters.
Indeed once she has made her telling point this vehicle has served its purpose and the story is done. Brilliant, leaves a smile on one's face.
Following the death of her husband Marianne pours all her energy into running a coffee shop. Her enterprise and story draws similar minded women to the cafe. When Police office calls all isn't perhaps what it seems....
The quality of Camilla's writing is evident even in this brief account which never blooms fully but in its blossom Lackberg's humour is rich and like a sweet aroma in her matter of fact characters.
Indeed once she has made her telling point this vehicle has served its purpose and the story is done. Brilliant, leaves a smile on one's face.
Following the death of her husband Marianne pours all her energy into running a coffee shop. Her enterprise and story draws similar minded women to the cafe. When Police office calls all isn't perhaps what it seems....
May 2, 2024
It is always a pleasure to read page-turning, pulsating 500-page Scandinavian crime fiction that is pacy and pitch-perfect in the likes of Stieg Larsson, Astrid Lindgren, John Lindquist, Jo Nesbø, and et al.
However, this is the first time I am reading a 20-page arresting, subtle yet suspense-filled short story by Camilla Läckberg (translated by Tiina Nunnally). I have already just gotten my advance reader’s copy of her latest novel, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘰𝘰 (excited!).
In this short story, Marianne, a widower, has been the owner of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴’ 𝘊𝘢𝘧é for three years now, thanks to her dead husband Ruben’s money.
The café, a short distance away from the sea, bustles during the summer as both locals and tourists make their visits.
One such summer day, the first customers to the shop—a young couple, a timid wife and an intimidating husband—visit the café. He would definitely qualify for the rudest customer prize.
Marianne can see the wife’s scars on her face—may be a domestic abuse case? She does not complain or ask the lady. As the couple order their coffee, it is served, and they drink and leave.
After a few days, Inspector Detective Eva Wärn makes her way into the shop during the closing time and announces to Marianne about the spree of deaths of men, diagnosed as heart attacks, after visiting her coffee shop the previous day—a common thread, an odd coincidence, that connects the mysterious murder?
So, who is Marianne really? Did Wärn crack the case? Why do only men of all ages die?
Read this shocking little short story, especially for the twisty climax, to welcome and savour the weekend reading mood.
However, this is the first time I am reading a 20-page arresting, subtle yet suspense-filled short story by Camilla Läckberg (translated by Tiina Nunnally). I have already just gotten my advance reader’s copy of her latest novel, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘰𝘰 (excited!).
In this short story, Marianne, a widower, has been the owner of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴’ 𝘊𝘢𝘧é for three years now, thanks to her dead husband Ruben’s money.
The café, a short distance away from the sea, bustles during the summer as both locals and tourists make their visits.
One such summer day, the first customers to the shop—a young couple, a timid wife and an intimidating husband—visit the café. He would definitely qualify for the rudest customer prize.
Marianne can see the wife’s scars on her face—may be a domestic abuse case? She does not complain or ask the lady. As the couple order their coffee, it is served, and they drink and leave.
After a few days, Inspector Detective Eva Wärn makes her way into the shop during the closing time and announces to Marianne about the spree of deaths of men, diagnosed as heart attacks, after visiting her coffee shop the previous day—a common thread, an odd coincidence, that connects the mysterious murder?
So, who is Marianne really? Did Wärn crack the case? Why do only men of all ages die?
Read this shocking little short story, especially for the twisty climax, to welcome and savour the weekend reading mood.
January 4, 2018
Well written but a little predictable
I was intrigued to find Camilla Lackberg's other works because I am reading through her Patrick Hedström and Erica Falk series. This is a short story and well written but predictable. I wish it was longer though, and that can only be a good thing!
I was intrigued to find Camilla Lackberg's other works because I am reading through her Patrick Hedström and Erica Falk series. This is a short story and well written but predictable. I wish it was longer though, and that can only be a good thing!
March 7, 2021
One of the most compelling short stories I have ever read - beautifully written and incredibly haunting.
It truly does depict a reality that is far too common nowadays.
Short, interesting and right to the point. Would love a full novel about Marianne's life, even if it would reduce me to tears, no doubt.
Loved the connection between her and Eva, as well.
It truly does depict a reality that is far too common nowadays.
Short, interesting and right to the point. Would love a full novel about Marianne's life, even if it would reduce me to tears, no doubt.
Loved the connection between her and Eva, as well.
February 23, 2018
Short and sweet a good novelette
April 8, 2019
A great short story that I loved.
July 21, 2019
Short and sweet
May 30, 2020
A short book that had me fascinated from start to finish.
September 18, 2020
IJzersterk verhaal.
July 24, 2022
Glorious short story.
So, so satisfying.
So, so satisfying.
January 14, 2023
This story was a great take on the historical Aqua Tofana scheme.
February 8, 2023
Snappy little story, told well.
February 26, 2023
Short story
January 24, 2025
Impresionante, me ha encantado.
March 23, 2025
En novell om att ta lagen i egna händer eller vigilantism som det tydligen heter med finare ord.
November 14, 2016
I am not a fan of short stories, but this one was really captivating. Enjoyable read. Very well written as usual for Camilla Läckberg's books. The author leaves much to the imagination of the reader when the final page has been turned. It would have been a great story too if it was more elaborated as a full story.
January 8, 2015
marriane opens a cafe in a Swedish city. After the death of her husband who used to abuse her. she uses the money for a good cause.. to help women get rid of their horrible husbands.
Very short read. The crime is on the side. In between the paragraphs and in our imagination.
Very short read. The crime is on the side. In between the paragraphs and in our imagination.
April 28, 2015
Excellent short story, first book I've read by this author and loved it. Will be reading more by this author now!!
Quirky tale of a cafe which does special requests. Wonder how many people would like a cafe like this and to be able to order The Widow's Special!!
Quirky tale of a cafe which does special requests. Wonder how many people would like a cafe like this and to be able to order The Widow's Special!!
December 5, 2015
The Widows' Cafe by Camilla Lackberg is a short story by an award winning author.
This "short" was probably the best short story I have read in a long time, and although I am thoroughly enjoying her Patrick Hedstrom detective series, I thought this had even that series beat.
Total enjoyment !
This "short" was probably the best short story I have read in a long time, and although I am thoroughly enjoying her Patrick Hedstrom detective series, I thought this had even that series beat.
Total enjoyment !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews