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The Widower
Just when I thought I’d got my life back together, a handsome stranger moves in across the street. He says he lost his wife six months ago. He says he’s here for a fresh start. But I don’t believe him.
Damian Mankiewicz is good-looking, charming, friendly. Too friendly. There’s a box in his hallway marked Do Not Open. The house he bought — it’s where a girl was found murdered. And the way he always seems to be watching me sends a shiver down my spine.
Now another teenager has gone missing. And I can’t shake the feeling the widower knows exactly what happened.
If Damien is hiding something, I’ll find out — before he makes me his next victim.
The bestselling sequel to The Stepson, which can be read as a standalone.
Damian Mankiewicz is good-looking, charming, friendly. Too friendly. There’s a box in his hallway marked Do Not Open. The house he bought — it’s where a girl was found murdered. And the way he always seems to be watching me sends a shiver down my spine.
Now another teenager has gone missing. And I can’t shake the feeling the widower knows exactly what happened.
If Damien is hiding something, I’ll find out — before he makes me his next victim.
The bestselling sequel to The Stepson, which can be read as a standalone.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2025
369 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
August 13, 2025
I’m not really sure how I feel about this book; it’s a very easy read with its short chapters and fast pace, it keeps you guessing as to who everyone really is and what their motives are but I also found the characters to be melodramatic and the story to be really far fetched. The ending felt like the author was told they had 10 minutes to finish the book as there was no logic to the conclusion and no explanation.
August 16, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Widower by D.L. Fisher, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. You never truly know your neighbors and friends in your estate. This was an an engaging read.
December 5, 2025
Fast paced and suspenseful, The Widower kept me at the edge of my seat. Who is the new, handsome, and widowed neighbor and what is he hiding? Who is rattling the lives of the people in the small suburban community? Loved the short chapters and the easy flow of the narrative
Recommended
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC!
Recommended
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC!
January 12, 2026
This book made no sense. I need to stop expecting too much from free books on audible.
February 11, 2026
dnf at 50% — this book doesn’t deserve me spending my time to write a review.
pre-read: i didn’t like the other book that much… but i’m still waiting for my library card to be approved and since i’m still on audible premium and i need smth to listen to at work so why not.
pre-read: i didn’t like the other book that much… but i’m still waiting for my library card to be approved and since i’m still on audible premium and i need smth to listen to at work so why not.
January 26, 2026
DNF simply awful, story , the whining voices throughout, also most of the story is in Carries mind !
January 24, 2026
One of the worst books I’ve ever read.
January 16, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is it.
What really made it for me was seeing the characters and storyline carry over from the previous book. D.L. Fisher does an incredible job of deepening the world they’ve built, making the stakes feel so much higher because you’re already emotionally invested in the cast.
Why I loved it:
The Emotional Rollercoaster: I spent a significant amount of time actually yelling at the book! The tension is palpable, and the author knows exactly how to get under your skin.
The "I Knew It" Factor: I actually suspected the culprit back in the first book, but that didn't take away from the experience at all. In fact, seeing exactly how the author twisted the narrative to reveal them as the true villain was brilliant and incredibly satisfying.
Non-Stop Twists: Just when you think you have a handle on where things are going, another turn sends you spinning.
The writing is sharp, the pacing is perfect, and the payoff is worth every second of stress. I couldn't put it down!
What really made it for me was seeing the characters and storyline carry over from the previous book. D.L. Fisher does an incredible job of deepening the world they’ve built, making the stakes feel so much higher because you’re already emotionally invested in the cast.
Why I loved it:
The Emotional Rollercoaster: I spent a significant amount of time actually yelling at the book! The tension is palpable, and the author knows exactly how to get under your skin.
The "I Knew It" Factor: I actually suspected the culprit back in the first book, but that didn't take away from the experience at all. In fact, seeing exactly how the author twisted the narrative to reveal them as the true villain was brilliant and incredibly satisfying.
Non-Stop Twists: Just when you think you have a handle on where things are going, another turn sends you spinning.
The writing is sharp, the pacing is perfect, and the payoff is worth every second of stress. I couldn't put it down!
September 3, 2025
The Widower is juicy, dramatic, and a total popcorn thriller that feels straight out of a Desperate Housewives episode. Behind the picture perfect homes and manicured lawns is a community filled with gossip, suspicion, and secrets waiting to explode.
This book is packed with neighborhood drama, tension, and plenty of scandal to keep you glued to the pages. I loved how fast paced it was and the short chapters made it so easy to binge. Every character is flawed in the best way which makes the mystery even more fun because you are never sure who can be trusted.
Although this is a sequel to The Stepson, it can still be read on its own. I do think reading the first book gives more context and makes the relationships here even juicier.
Overall, The Widower is the perfect popcorn thriller! fast, dramatic, and loaded with secrets that refuse to stay buried.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is packed with neighborhood drama, tension, and plenty of scandal to keep you glued to the pages. I loved how fast paced it was and the short chapters made it so easy to binge. Every character is flawed in the best way which makes the mystery even more fun because you are never sure who can be trusted.
Although this is a sequel to The Stepson, it can still be read on its own. I do think reading the first book gives more context and makes the relationships here even juicier.
Overall, The Widower is the perfect popcorn thriller! fast, dramatic, and loaded with secrets that refuse to stay buried.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 19, 2025
This was a good read. The story was strong and I enjoyed it. The cover is good. I like the silhouette in the window. It's a little creepy and works beautifully. The story is very well written and flows nicely. The writing had me on edge. It's got a brilliant twist, and I could not put this book down. The setting was good, and it worked. The characters were excellent. Damien was interesting, and I love what he did in this story. I definitely recommend this.
February 3, 2026
If you didn't think it could get worse after The Stepson, D.L. Fisher proves us wrong by dropping The Widower. Carrie Winter is not only extremely insufferable once again, but has also become the stupidest and most gullible protagonist I've ever had the displeasure of reading. Not only that, I found some of the narrative extremely lazy (like ending a chapter on an "Oh no, my item is missing" cliffhanger, just to start the next chapter with "Oh there it is, I just had to reach deeper") and other moments of this completely unbelievable. I truly regret giving so much time to this absolute nonsense, and recommend people steer away from not only this, but The Stepson as well.
January 19, 2026
I picked up The Widower because it was free on Audible Plus and only realized after I started that it’s the second book in a series. Fortunately I’d already read the first one, though it’s probably not 100% necessary.
I didn’t find much depth here — the epilogue of book 1 already summarizes a lot of what unfolds, so many of the “revelations” felt repetitive. The characters aren’t very likable, and the neighbors’ relationships are so uncomfortable that it’s hard to believe they’d be friends.
There is a plot twist, but it isn’t worth the whole book. The amateur sleuthing by the neighbors and the way events unfold feel unrealistic, and the police officer in the story handles things inappropriately, which gives a bad name to police officers in general. But hey, it’s fiction, so you get what you get.
If you want a free, easy, mindless read that requires no effort, you might enjoy this; otherwise I wouldn’t recommend it.
I didn’t find much depth here — the epilogue of book 1 already summarizes a lot of what unfolds, so many of the “revelations” felt repetitive. The characters aren’t very likable, and the neighbors’ relationships are so uncomfortable that it’s hard to believe they’d be friends.
There is a plot twist, but it isn’t worth the whole book. The amateur sleuthing by the neighbors and the way events unfold feel unrealistic, and the police officer in the story handles things inappropriately, which gives a bad name to police officers in general. But hey, it’s fiction, so you get what you get.
If you want a free, easy, mindless read that requires no effort, you might enjoy this; otherwise I wouldn’t recommend it.
January 16, 2026
This is the worst murder mystery I've ever read. The actions of the wife make no sense. She and her husband are supposedly very close but they never tell each other anything that's going on; they just stress out. There is never any correlation between how the character at the end who confronts a killer knows what they know. You never find out how police get some of the information that they get. Even the ending is inconclusive.
January 14, 2026
the ending left way too many questions unanswered. I would not recommend.
February 5, 2026
3.75 rounded to 4 stars for me. Carrie was hoping that nightmare in her neighborhood come to end. She's ready to move on ,and be there for her best friend who's a widow now. That is when new next-door neighbor moves in, and take a liking to Carrie friend. He's also a widower, but Carrie can't help but think he is hiding something. When a local girl disappear, it seems that her family again will be prime suspect.
Who is responsible this time?
Is her stepson innocent?
Who is the new neighbor ,and what he is really doing here?
It was good read, but I liked The Stepson more, in this one Bennett was acting all disconnected , Carrie was letting her friend to walk over her, and I was waiting for her to snap .The twists were good, and it did keep me engaged to the end, hope there will be one more book, so it could be all brought to a good conclusion.
If you like a quick read this psychological thriller will be a good choice.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc.
Who is responsible this time?
Is her stepson innocent?
Who is the new neighbor ,and what he is really doing here?
It was good read, but I liked The Stepson more, in this one Bennett was acting all disconnected , Carrie was letting her friend to walk over her, and I was waiting for her to snap .The twists were good, and it did keep me engaged to the end, hope there will be one more book, so it could be all brought to a good conclusion.
If you like a quick read this psychological thriller will be a good choice.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc.
September 22, 2025
The Widower is an engaging thriller. It is a sequel to The Stepson. I did not realize that and though this book technically works as a standalone I think it might have been even better if I had read the earlier book. The events that occurred before this book are referenced often.
The writing is well done. Short chapters that keep you turning the pages. All the characters feel like they could be suspects so you are not sure who to trust or who is reliable. The twists are unexpected but the ending felt rushed. It feels as though the author left if for a book 3.
This is my first book by this author but I would definitely read others.
The writing is well done. Short chapters that keep you turning the pages. All the characters feel like they could be suspects so you are not sure who to trust or who is reliable. The twists are unexpected but the ending felt rushed. It feels as though the author left if for a book 3.
This is my first book by this author but I would definitely read others.
August 6, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc.
I think I missed a book before this one because I was a little lost. There was a lot of stuff that happened prior to this book that I didn't understand which made things a little more confusing.
I think the twist was done very well at the end but wished for more!
I think I missed a book before this one because I was a little lost. There was a lot of stuff that happened prior to this book that I didn't understand which made things a little more confusing.
I think the twist was done very well at the end but wished for more!
October 6, 2025
2.5 stars if it were an option. The Joffee books keep showing up as suggestions. So far, they’ve all been decently entertaining, though none have been stellar writing. This one was an ok read- I don’t like when the plot twist unravels right at the end so quickly… when the author takes time to unfold a story, then abruptly drops the bombs and it’s over - the ending then feels rushed.
February 5, 2026
I finished this book because I wanted to know how it ended. It’s an easy read, and decently engaging. There were a few things that were obviously supposed to sow doubt into who you suspected was the “bad guy”, but I felt like there were so many things going on that the narrator didn’t care to look into that I wasn’t invested in any singular person being guilty. The ending felt like it was trying to tie everything together while catching us all off guard, but it was so out of left field that I didn’t really care about it. It gave us so many answers that I felt were undeserved.
I found the narrator to be wildly unrelatable, as many of the things she said/did felt less like a real person and more like the author going: “wink wink nudge nudge this is what we all think a basic rich woman living in a beautiful mansion would say right haha she’s so silly with her Mercedes and her wine and expensive furniture”.
And how many times can an author write “Chinese food” without realizing you can use other words like dinner or takeout, or descriptive ones like chicken or noodles. Or just not talk about the Chinese food. She must’ve been hungry when writing that part because it was kind of ridiculous and frustrating how many times she mentioned it with it being not important at all. And now I want Chinese food.
I found the narrator to be wildly unrelatable, as many of the things she said/did felt less like a real person and more like the author going: “wink wink nudge nudge this is what we all think a basic rich woman living in a beautiful mansion would say right haha she’s so silly with her Mercedes and her wine and expensive furniture”.
And how many times can an author write “Chinese food” without realizing you can use other words like dinner or takeout, or descriptive ones like chicken or noodles. Or just not talk about the Chinese food. She must’ve been hungry when writing that part because it was kind of ridiculous and frustrating how many times she mentioned it with it being not important at all. And now I want Chinese food.
August 6, 2025
What a Carrie-on!
Carrie’s back, navigating life in The Estates and striving for normalcy after the previous traumas.
The arrival of a mysterious widower in the infamous murder house immediately raises red flags.
Best friend (sometimes) Marnie is extremely taken with him, but why? When a local teenage girl vanishes, Carrie’s stepson is again under the microscope, forcing Carrie to confront unsettling truths and conduct her own investigation (again) to protect her family.
This novel is a delightful fast paced read, packed with suspense and featuring a protagonist you can't help but root for. Carrie never fails to make me smile with her (sometimes misguided but always well meant) antics.
This is an ideal book for a beach read. I'd recommend reading the first book to understand the history.
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Carrie’s back, navigating life in The Estates and striving for normalcy after the previous traumas.
The arrival of a mysterious widower in the infamous murder house immediately raises red flags.
Best friend (sometimes) Marnie is extremely taken with him, but why? When a local teenage girl vanishes, Carrie’s stepson is again under the microscope, forcing Carrie to confront unsettling truths and conduct her own investigation (again) to protect her family.
This novel is a delightful fast paced read, packed with suspense and featuring a protagonist you can't help but root for. Carrie never fails to make me smile with her (sometimes misguided but always well meant) antics.
This is an ideal book for a beach read. I'd recommend reading the first book to understand the history.
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
August 26, 2025
we are back on the block with carrie, marnie, bennett, and tj after the death if Mark Black... Marnies husband. Only there is a newcomer on the block Damien. He is chisled and Marnie is all over him. Then a girl goes missing and it is like deja vu for Carrie and the prime suspect again is her stepson TJ. Except this time Marnie isn't a helping hand she is doing everything she can to throw TJ under the bus. While Carrie is extra suspicious of the new guy on the block. As the story unfolds we learn new things about Damien, Marnie and Carries family. But what we don't know is that there are more secrets that are about to come out.
August 15, 2025
What a twisty psychological thriller with Desperate Housewives suburban thriller vibes!
This one is full of drama, secrets and murder in a suburban neighborhood where you can’t trust anyone and all characters are unlikeable in that good suspenseful way! I loved the short chapters and pacing.
This is a sequel to The Stepson, but you could technically read it as a stand-alone, but I do think having the context from The Stepson is helpful.
Be sure to add this enjoyable and bingeable psychological domestic thriller to your TBR!
This one is full of drama, secrets and murder in a suburban neighborhood where you can’t trust anyone and all characters are unlikeable in that good suspenseful way! I loved the short chapters and pacing.
This is a sequel to The Stepson, but you could technically read it as a stand-alone, but I do think having the context from The Stepson is helpful.
Be sure to add this enjoyable and bingeable psychological domestic thriller to your TBR!
February 2, 2026
I found this book annoying, but finished it anyways. What annoyed me?
1. None of the characters were very likeable.
2. The narrator was very dramatic and I got tired of hearing every thought in her head.
3. I can't see why Carrie would want to be best friends with Marley who had violent mood swings.
4. The voice actor said words wrong. Like pronouncing lol like it was a word instead of letters. Like saying a road was windy (wind like) instead of windy (twisty).
5. The book seemed to be more about the stepson, although the name of the book was The Widower.
6. People said Carrie's name way to much.
7. Repetitive phrases. How many times can she be so upset she couldn't eat?
8. Frail women. One hears about an accident and passes out. The other constantly feels like her legs are giving out from underneath her.
9. One minute she's afraid her stepson is going to kill her, then she's hiding evidence to protect him from the police.
Why did I finish? Just so I could share how annoying this book was! By the way, it was free on Audible.
1. None of the characters were very likeable.
2. The narrator was very dramatic and I got tired of hearing every thought in her head.
3. I can't see why Carrie would want to be best friends with Marley who had violent mood swings.
4. The voice actor said words wrong. Like pronouncing lol like it was a word instead of letters. Like saying a road was windy (wind like) instead of windy (twisty).
5. The book seemed to be more about the stepson, although the name of the book was The Widower.
6. People said Carrie's name way to much.
7. Repetitive phrases. How many times can she be so upset she couldn't eat?
8. Frail women. One hears about an accident and passes out. The other constantly feels like her legs are giving out from underneath her.
9. One minute she's afraid her stepson is going to kill her, then she's hiding evidence to protect him from the police.
Why did I finish? Just so I could share how annoying this book was! By the way, it was free on Audible.
January 15, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
I didn’t know this was a sequel until I was about halfway through the book. It annoyed me at first, but, besides a few references to a murder in book 1, this was totally readable as a standalone.
A fun thriller - it was fast paced and kept me intrigued! I even caught myself giggling a few times. However, the ending felt rushed and like there were too many revelations at once.
I didn’t know this was a sequel until I was about halfway through the book. It annoyed me at first, but, besides a few references to a murder in book 1, this was totally readable as a standalone.
A fun thriller - it was fast paced and kept me intrigued! I even caught myself giggling a few times. However, the ending felt rushed and like there were too many revelations at once.
January 29, 2026
It was a light, fun read. The plot twist wasn’t anything special, and they dragged the stepson part for too long, but honestly, I didn’t expect more.
February 8, 2026
Well explained in the first part. But then sped up at the end
January 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars
The Widower left me with more questions than answers. While the mystery kept me turning pages, there were so many layers and unanswered moments that I found myself still trying to process what I had read even after finishing the book.
The story felt intentionally confusing, and the ending especially left me unsure of how to feel. I understand the psychological angle, but I personally wanted more clarity and resolution.
It’s intriguing and dark, but the overload of mysteries made it hard for me to fully enjoy or connect with the story.
The Widower left me with more questions than answers. While the mystery kept me turning pages, there were so many layers and unanswered moments that I found myself still trying to process what I had read even after finishing the book.
The story felt intentionally confusing, and the ending especially left me unsure of how to feel. I understand the psychological angle, but I personally wanted more clarity and resolution.
It’s intriguing and dark, but the overload of mysteries made it hard for me to fully enjoy or connect with the story.
August 31, 2025
I’ve officially hit pause on romance reads for now—nothing personal, but they’re just not holding my attention lately. The silver lining? I’m finally ahead of schedule with my Zooloo’s Book Tours reviews (a small miracle in itself!). And The Widower by DL Fisher was the perfect pick to keep me hooked and on track.
This one picks up three months after The Stepson, though you don’t need to have read it to dive into the drama. That said, a little background never hurts. We’re dropped into a tangled web of suspicion, secrets, and suburban unease. Marnie’s husband Mark—cheater and confirmed murderer—has left behind a trail of chaos. But not everyone’s convinced he was the real villain. Whispers around the neighbourhood suggest Carrie’s stepson TJ might be the one with blood on his hands.
When another woman goes missing, TJ becomes the prime suspect. Carrie’s torn—she wants to believe in him, but the evidence is stacking up. And just when you think things couldn’t get more complicated, a new neighbour moves in across the road. He’s a widow, charming, and Marnie’s already flirting. But Carrie’s gut says something’s off. Could he be tied to the latest disappearance?
I’ll admit, the ending felt a bit rushed for my taste. After all that build-up, I wanted just a little more time to sit with the reveal. But overall, this was a solid domestic thriller with plenty of “wait, what?” moments. It really makes you think—how well do we really know the people around us? The ones we wave to in the driveway or chat with at the mailbox?
If you’re in the mood for a twisty read that’ll have you second-guessing every friendly neighbour and family BBQ invite, The Widower delivers. It’s messy, suspenseful, and perfect for those of us who’ve swapped swoony romance for something a little darker.
This one picks up three months after The Stepson, though you don’t need to have read it to dive into the drama. That said, a little background never hurts. We’re dropped into a tangled web of suspicion, secrets, and suburban unease. Marnie’s husband Mark—cheater and confirmed murderer—has left behind a trail of chaos. But not everyone’s convinced he was the real villain. Whispers around the neighbourhood suggest Carrie’s stepson TJ might be the one with blood on his hands.
When another woman goes missing, TJ becomes the prime suspect. Carrie’s torn—she wants to believe in him, but the evidence is stacking up. And just when you think things couldn’t get more complicated, a new neighbour moves in across the road. He’s a widow, charming, and Marnie’s already flirting. But Carrie’s gut says something’s off. Could he be tied to the latest disappearance?
I’ll admit, the ending felt a bit rushed for my taste. After all that build-up, I wanted just a little more time to sit with the reveal. But overall, this was a solid domestic thriller with plenty of “wait, what?” moments. It really makes you think—how well do we really know the people around us? The ones we wave to in the driveway or chat with at the mailbox?
If you’re in the mood for a twisty read that’ll have you second-guessing every friendly neighbour and family BBQ invite, The Widower delivers. It’s messy, suspenseful, and perfect for those of us who’ve swapped swoony romance for something a little darker.
September 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Widower
DL Fisher
9/11/2025
Joffe Books
✨ Review ✨
I’ve read everything DL Fisher has written, and The Widower just might be my new favorite. Carrie’s inner dialogue? Absolute perfection. She was saying exactly what I was thinking—raw, unfiltered, and oh-so-real. Honestly, I would read an entire book of just her thoughts. 10/10, no notes. 👏
Yes, this is a follow-up to The Stepson, and yes, you should read that one too. But let me give you some free advice: whatever you do, do not move into The Estates. Behind those shiny gates lies a neighborhood dripping with money, secrets, and enough jaw-dropping twists to keep you up way past your bedtime.
💀💸 Secrets. Suspense. Suburbia on steroids.
This one is juicy, fast, and addictive—and proves yet again why DL Fisher is on my auto-read list.
BLURB
Just when I thought I’d got my life back together, a handsome stranger moves in across the street. He says he lost his wife six months ago. He says he’s here for a fresh start. But I think he might be a killer.
Three months ago, a serial killer tore through our perfect little community. But he’s dead now, and I’m doing my best to pretend everything’s normal - pot roasts, Pilates, and that my stepson TJ didn’t upend our lives the minute he arrived.
That was before the new neighbor moved in.
Damian Mankiewicz is a goodlooking, friendly, charming widower. But there’s something off about him. The box in his hallway marked Do Not Open. The house he bought - the one where a girl was found murdered. And the way he always seems to be watching.
When a local teenager goes missing, the whispers start all over again. About TJ. About me. About what really happened here.
I’ve already been through hell once. I’m not doing it again. If the widower is hiding something, I’ll find out - before someone else disappears for good.
The Widower
DL Fisher
9/11/2025
Joffe Books
✨ Review ✨
I’ve read everything DL Fisher has written, and The Widower just might be my new favorite. Carrie’s inner dialogue? Absolute perfection. She was saying exactly what I was thinking—raw, unfiltered, and oh-so-real. Honestly, I would read an entire book of just her thoughts. 10/10, no notes. 👏
Yes, this is a follow-up to The Stepson, and yes, you should read that one too. But let me give you some free advice: whatever you do, do not move into The Estates. Behind those shiny gates lies a neighborhood dripping with money, secrets, and enough jaw-dropping twists to keep you up way past your bedtime.
💀💸 Secrets. Suspense. Suburbia on steroids.
This one is juicy, fast, and addictive—and proves yet again why DL Fisher is on my auto-read list.
BLURB
Just when I thought I’d got my life back together, a handsome stranger moves in across the street. He says he lost his wife six months ago. He says he’s here for a fresh start. But I think he might be a killer.
Three months ago, a serial killer tore through our perfect little community. But he’s dead now, and I’m doing my best to pretend everything’s normal - pot roasts, Pilates, and that my stepson TJ didn’t upend our lives the minute he arrived.
That was before the new neighbor moved in.
Damian Mankiewicz is a goodlooking, friendly, charming widower. But there’s something off about him. The box in his hallway marked Do Not Open. The house he bought - the one where a girl was found murdered. And the way he always seems to be watching.
When a local teenager goes missing, the whispers start all over again. About TJ. About me. About what really happened here.
I’ve already been through hell once. I’m not doing it again. If the widower is hiding something, I’ll find out - before someone else disappears for good.
October 11, 2025
Intriguing but chaotic
⭐️⭐️½ (2.5/5 stars)
The Widower by D.L. Fisher has an intriguing premise, blending mystery and domestic drama within a seemingly quiet neighborhood. I especially liked the supporting cast — Bennett, TJ, Damien, and Lydia — who each added a layer of mystery and depth that kept me engaged. The setting also stood out; the close-knit community gave off a nostalgic, almost cinematic vibe, reminding me of shows like Knots Landing or Desperate Housewives. It really did feel like I was peeking into the secrets of an otherwise perfect cul-de-sac.
The pacing starts off a little slow, with the first half heavy on backstory and setup, and Marnie's obsession with Damien, but it picks up considerably in the second half. Once things start moving, there’s quite a lot of drama, secrets, and shocks to keep readers turning the pages.
That said, the book wasn’t an easy one to fully connect with. It opens with a lot of detail about a serial killer and his ties to various residents, which made me feel somewhat lost at first (as though I was reading a sequel). After finishing the book, I later learned this story follows the author's previous book "The Stepson" — something I wish had been noted on the book cover, as reading that first might have provided better context.
Another challenge was the characters themselves. I found it difficult to root for anyone — I couldn’t warm up to Carrie, and Marnie’s overbearing nature made their dynamic hard to enjoy. Moreover, while the ending delivers a few good twists, it ultimately felt too chaotic, with so many revelations happening at once that I was left more dizzy than shocked.
Overall, The Widower has atmosphere and intrigue, but uneven pacing and unrelatable characters kept it from fully landing for me.
⭐️⭐️½ (2.5/5 stars)
The Widower by D.L. Fisher has an intriguing premise, blending mystery and domestic drama within a seemingly quiet neighborhood. I especially liked the supporting cast — Bennett, TJ, Damien, and Lydia — who each added a layer of mystery and depth that kept me engaged. The setting also stood out; the close-knit community gave off a nostalgic, almost cinematic vibe, reminding me of shows like Knots Landing or Desperate Housewives. It really did feel like I was peeking into the secrets of an otherwise perfect cul-de-sac.
The pacing starts off a little slow, with the first half heavy on backstory and setup, and Marnie's obsession with Damien, but it picks up considerably in the second half. Once things start moving, there’s quite a lot of drama, secrets, and shocks to keep readers turning the pages.
That said, the book wasn’t an easy one to fully connect with. It opens with a lot of detail about a serial killer and his ties to various residents, which made me feel somewhat lost at first (as though I was reading a sequel). After finishing the book, I later learned this story follows the author's previous book "The Stepson" — something I wish had been noted on the book cover, as reading that first might have provided better context.
Another challenge was the characters themselves. I found it difficult to root for anyone — I couldn’t warm up to Carrie, and Marnie’s overbearing nature made their dynamic hard to enjoy. Moreover, while the ending delivers a few good twists, it ultimately felt too chaotic, with so many revelations happening at once that I was left more dizzy than shocked.
Overall, The Widower has atmosphere and intrigue, but uneven pacing and unrelatable characters kept it from fully landing for me.
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