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The Widower
A BRAND-NEW totally addictive psychological thriller with a twist you won’t see coming.
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 neighbour moved in.
Damian Mankiewicz is a good-looking, 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.
A jaw-dropping thriller about secrets, suspicion, and the dark side of suburbia. Welcome to The Estates.
Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, Valerie Keogh and T.M. Logan.
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 neighbour moved in.
Damian Mankiewicz is a good-looking, 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.
A jaw-dropping thriller about secrets, suspicion, and the dark side of suburbia. Welcome to The Estates.
Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, Valerie Keogh and T.M. Logan.
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First published September 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
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!
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.
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.
Currently reading
January 13, 2026pre-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.
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.
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 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!
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!
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 12, 2026
This book made no sense. I need to stop expecting too much from free books on audible.
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.
September 22, 2025
This novel delivers a tense, suspenseful ride that begins in the shadow of a neighborhood tragedy and quickly escalates into something far more sinister. With the arrival of a new neighbor, the community is thrust back into a state of unease, and secrets begin to surface in ways that keep you hooked from the very start.
What stands out in Fisher’s storytelling is the way the suspense builds steadily throughout the book. Every chapter carries a sense of foreboding, making you feel as if something unexpected is lurking just around the corner. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and the uncertainty of who can be trusted keeps you on your toes as the mystery deepens.
The characters are drawn with just enough detail to pull you into their lives, while the plot keeps shifting under your feet. Fisher excels at misdirection, leading you down one path before pulling you sharply in another direction. The twists come at the perfect moments, with the final reveal delivering a transformation in the story that is both shocking and satisfying.
What makes The Widower especially effective is its balance of character-driven tension and unpredictable plotting. The neighborhood itself almost becomes a character—scarred by its past, wary of its present, and holding onto secrets that refuse to stay hidden. That sense of a community haunted by tragedy adds another layer of depth and intrigue to the story.
Dark, twisty, and consistently suspenseful, The Widower is a domestic thriller that delivers exactly what fans of the genre crave: a gripping mystery, sharp turns, and an ending that leaves you reeling. Fisher proves once again the power of a well-executed twist and the thrill of a story that refuses to play it safe.
What stands out in Fisher’s storytelling is the way the suspense builds steadily throughout the book. Every chapter carries a sense of foreboding, making you feel as if something unexpected is lurking just around the corner. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and the uncertainty of who can be trusted keeps you on your toes as the mystery deepens.
The characters are drawn with just enough detail to pull you into their lives, while the plot keeps shifting under your feet. Fisher excels at misdirection, leading you down one path before pulling you sharply in another direction. The twists come at the perfect moments, with the final reveal delivering a transformation in the story that is both shocking and satisfying.
What makes The Widower especially effective is its balance of character-driven tension and unpredictable plotting. The neighborhood itself almost becomes a character—scarred by its past, wary of its present, and holding onto secrets that refuse to stay hidden. That sense of a community haunted by tragedy adds another layer of depth and intrigue to the story.
Dark, twisty, and consistently suspenseful, The Widower is a domestic thriller that delivers exactly what fans of the genre crave: a gripping mystery, sharp turns, and an ending that leaves you reeling. Fisher proves once again the power of a well-executed twist and the thrill of a story that refuses to play it safe.
September 3, 2025
Review – The Widower by D.L. Fisher
D.L. Fisher delivers a psychological thriller steeped in tension and subtle layers of suspicion that unfold throughout the story. From the very beginning, the atmosphere of the community conveys a constant sense of unease: the ordinary coexists with a darker undertone that never quite disappears, and this duality keeps the reader’s attention firmly engaged.
The author masterfully plants seeds of doubt. The characters move within an ambiguous space, where every gesture or silence can be interpreted as a sign that something deeper is taking place. That lingering sense of not being able to fully trust anyone is one of the novel’s strongest achievements.
The writing is direct and fast-paced, pulling the reader in even during quieter moments of the plot, as there is always the promise of an unexpected twist ahead. It is the kind of story that encourages you to keep turning the pages, making it an excellent choice for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with dynamic pacing and a touch of domestic suspense.
Personally, I found this to be an entertaining read—perfect for finishing in just a few sittings while immersing yourself in the growing tension. I would especially recommend it to readers who appreciate a gripping mystery filled with family secrets, surprising turns, and that unsettling reminder that what seems ordinary can, at any moment, turn dangerously deceptive.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheWidower #NetGalley #JoffeBooks
D.L. Fisher delivers a psychological thriller steeped in tension and subtle layers of suspicion that unfold throughout the story. From the very beginning, the atmosphere of the community conveys a constant sense of unease: the ordinary coexists with a darker undertone that never quite disappears, and this duality keeps the reader’s attention firmly engaged.
The author masterfully plants seeds of doubt. The characters move within an ambiguous space, where every gesture or silence can be interpreted as a sign that something deeper is taking place. That lingering sense of not being able to fully trust anyone is one of the novel’s strongest achievements.
The writing is direct and fast-paced, pulling the reader in even during quieter moments of the plot, as there is always the promise of an unexpected twist ahead. It is the kind of story that encourages you to keep turning the pages, making it an excellent choice for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with dynamic pacing and a touch of domestic suspense.
Personally, I found this to be an entertaining read—perfect for finishing in just a few sittings while immersing yourself in the growing tension. I would especially recommend it to readers who appreciate a gripping mystery filled with family secrets, surprising turns, and that unsettling reminder that what seems ordinary can, at any moment, turn dangerously deceptive.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheWidower #NetGalley #JoffeBooks
August 15, 2025
The Widower is the follow up to The Stepson, it can be read as a standalone, but I HIGHLY recommend reading the previous one in order to fully grasp everything in this one. For me, having read the first absolutely enhanced my experience of this one. DL knocked it out of the park again with another absolutely addictive, impossible to put down and deliciously twisty read. I was grabbed right from the start and I just could not look away. The story is so fast paced, it unfolds quickly without any added and useless fluff, which I HIGHLY appreciated.
I loved revisiting Carrie, Bennett, TJ & Marnie. My oh my did things take a twisted and unhinged turn, I was here for it. The way the story is woven and how everything fits was masterfully done. The twists were absolutely stellar and completely caught me off guard. It was juicy, filled with secrets, lies and untrustworthy characters. The author was able to make me believe something entirely and then completely shift my mind afterwards. The ending left me wanting more and I am truly hoping that we get another book in the Estates.
Overall, this was a great twisty little popcorn thriller. One sitting bingeable read that is impossible to put down and highly entertaining. Haven't read a DL Fisher book? Get on it! She's fantastic!
✨️Thank you to @joffebooks & @dlfisherthrillers for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved revisiting Carrie, Bennett, TJ & Marnie. My oh my did things take a twisted and unhinged turn, I was here for it. The way the story is woven and how everything fits was masterfully done. The twists were absolutely stellar and completely caught me off guard. It was juicy, filled with secrets, lies and untrustworthy characters. The author was able to make me believe something entirely and then completely shift my mind afterwards. The ending left me wanting more and I am truly hoping that we get another book in the Estates.
Overall, this was a great twisty little popcorn thriller. One sitting bingeable read that is impossible to put down and highly entertaining. Haven't read a DL Fisher book? Get on it! She's fantastic!
✨️Thank you to @joffebooks & @dlfisherthrillers for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2025
An exclusive gated community which has a chequered past is trying it's best to put the past behind them. A serial killer was found to be living amongst them. Carrie, who was fighting for her life in self-defence ended this serial killers life. Mark Black also happened to be her best friends husband. A new neighbour is the best way for a Marnie her best friend to forget about everything that happened. A gorgeous eligible bachelor named Damien is the new owner of the house. Which was previously owned by Mark Black's last victims. He and Marnie hit it off. Although best friend Carrie has reservations. Carrie is determined to not let her friend be taken advantage of. To be honest, I found the character of Carrie, a bit much. Her interest bordering on the side of paranoia. The other characters were rather interesting though. The ending was as I was expecting, which left me a little disappointed. Although there was a slight twist at the very end which also added to the story. Overall a good book.
October 5, 2025
The Widower by D. L. Fisher is set in a neighborhood known as the Estates, one of the most exclusive gated communities in Westchester County. Carrie, her husband Bennett, and her stepson TJ are trying to move on with their lives after the death of a young girl in their exclusive neighborhood. The problem is TJ was a suspect but was cleared by police. However, many of the neighbors don't believe he is innocent. Marnie Black, a recent widow, is Carrie's best friend. Her husband, Mark, was a known sociopathic serial killer, accidentally killed by Carrie. When a handsome widower moves in next door, Marnie is all over him. Carrie, however, is suspicious of him and his real reason for moving in. When another young girl disappears, the finger pointing begins, and no one is above being a suspect.
This is a very fast-moving read packed with action. The tensions and suspense are not lacking. The characters are all unreliable and immature. I did enjoy the story, the writing, and the surprise ending.
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the advanced copy
This is a very fast-moving read packed with action. The tensions and suspense are not lacking. The characters are all unreliable and immature. I did enjoy the story, the writing, and the surprise ending.
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the advanced copy
January 12, 2026
Uncover the dark secrets of suburbia
“The Widower” by D.L. Fischer is a psychological thriller that gripped me from exciting start to shocking end. The story follows a protagonist who's trying to get her life back together, but things take a dark turn when a handsome stranger, Damian, moves in across the street. He's charming and friendly, but there's something off about him – like the fact that he bought a house where a girl was murdered. As the story unfolds, suspicions arise, especially when a local teenager goes missing. The twists and turns are jaw-dropping and the writing is enticing. Jessica Preddy's narration is also highly praised, bringing the characters to life with flair and nuance. For those who enjoy domestic thrillers and complexellent psychological suspense, “The Widower” is a must-have. It’s a bestselling sequel to “The Stepson,” also available in Audible Plus, but can be read as a stand-alone. I will be looking for more by Fisher and Preddy. Epic, indeed!
💥🎙️✍️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✍️🎙️💥
“The Widower” by D.L. Fischer is a psychological thriller that gripped me from exciting start to shocking end. The story follows a protagonist who's trying to get her life back together, but things take a dark turn when a handsome stranger, Damian, moves in across the street. He's charming and friendly, but there's something off about him – like the fact that he bought a house where a girl was murdered. As the story unfolds, suspicions arise, especially when a local teenager goes missing. The twists and turns are jaw-dropping and the writing is enticing. Jessica Preddy's narration is also highly praised, bringing the characters to life with flair and nuance. For those who enjoy domestic thrillers and complexellent psychological suspense, “The Widower” is a must-have. It’s a bestselling sequel to “The Stepson,” also available in Audible Plus, but can be read as a stand-alone. I will be looking for more by Fisher and Preddy. Epic, indeed!
💥🎙️✍️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✍️🎙️💥
January 14, 2026
This review will be similar to book #1’s (The Stepson; previously published as My Husbands Son) with a few additions.
Firstly, the descriptive language transforming words into a mental visual was two steps ahead of the first book. Carry’s inner dialogue in The Widower had me shouting at the pages. The ending had me making all sorts of facial expressions and audible noises as the twists and turns unfolded. Bam, twist. Bam, twist. Bam, twist. I was unprepared.
The ending was not a rushed wrap-up. This whole book is steeped in tension. The moments you may think as ordinary, I’d say Carry goes a bit overboard; Her character has an intense perspective to everything around her. Someone get this chick a spa day certificate because she needs to wind down.
Overall, The Widower is an entertaining read. To understand the setup, I recommend reading book #1. You cannot read The Widower as a stand-alone.
I don’t know if it’s appropriate to mention other Authors in these reviews but I’m going to say it anyway - the ending gives me flashbacks to the twists and turns in Alice Feeney’s Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Oh, and after this Epilogue, I need a part 3 please!
Firstly, the descriptive language transforming words into a mental visual was two steps ahead of the first book. Carry’s inner dialogue in The Widower had me shouting at the pages. The ending had me making all sorts of facial expressions and audible noises as the twists and turns unfolded. Bam, twist. Bam, twist. Bam, twist. I was unprepared.
The ending was not a rushed wrap-up. This whole book is steeped in tension. The moments you may think as ordinary, I’d say Carry goes a bit overboard; Her character has an intense perspective to everything around her. Someone get this chick a spa day certificate because she needs to wind down.
Overall, The Widower is an entertaining read. To understand the setup, I recommend reading book #1. You cannot read The Widower as a stand-alone.
I don’t know if it’s appropriate to mention other Authors in these reviews but I’m going to say it anyway - the ending gives me flashbacks to the twists and turns in Alice Feeney’s Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Oh, and after this Epilogue, I need a part 3 please!
September 13, 2025
3.5 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 19, 2025
This was my first read by D.L. Fisher, and I really enjoyed her style. I devoured the book in under 24 hours because I was so invested in the story and the characters.
The setup is irresistible: a suburban community still reeling from a serial killer, a new “perfect” neighbor with secrets (and a box labeled Do Not Open), and a narrator who can’t shake the feeling that something is very wrong. Add in a missing teen and plenty of neighborhood whispers, and you’ve got the recipe for a bingeable thriller.
I loved the fun twists and constant sense of suspicion—it kept me guessing about the who, how, and why right up to the end. While some beats felt familiar for the genre, Fisher’s pacing and the tightly wound tension made this a fresh and compelling read.
A fast, twisty thriller perfect for devouring in one or two sittings. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author.
The setup is irresistible: a suburban community still reeling from a serial killer, a new “perfect” neighbor with secrets (and a box labeled Do Not Open), and a narrator who can’t shake the feeling that something is very wrong. Add in a missing teen and plenty of neighborhood whispers, and you’ve got the recipe for a bingeable thriller.
I loved the fun twists and constant sense of suspicion—it kept me guessing about the who, how, and why right up to the end. While some beats felt familiar for the genre, Fisher’s pacing and the tightly wound tension made this a fresh and compelling read.
A fast, twisty thriller perfect for devouring in one or two sittings. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author.
August 24, 2025
The Estates is back with (mostly) all of its residents! Carrie is still paranoid as ever and Marnie cranks up the crazy. And now there is a mysterious new neighbor that’s moved in. Is it a coincidence that weird things started happening since he moved in? Or is Carrie just overthinking it all?
The short chapters made it easy to fly through this one. The pacing was good and all the weird events kept making me want to read on. Def read if you love drama and domestic thrillers!
This book is the sequel to The Stepson and technically can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend reading The Stepson first for context and a better understanding of the situation! It’s currently available on KU!
The short chapters made it easy to fly through this one. The pacing was good and all the weird events kept making me want to read on. Def read if you love drama and domestic thrillers!
This book is the sequel to The Stepson and technically can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend reading The Stepson first for context and a better understanding of the situation! It’s currently available on KU!
September 12, 2025
Another Gripping Read
Carrie is trying to get her life back on track after the recent happenings on their exclusive housing development when a new neighbour moves into one of the houses where a teenager who died used to live. Carrie is immediately suspicious, is he all he claims to be? To make matters more difficult Marnie, Carrie's best friend is immediately attracted to him and doesn't like Carrie's suspicions. When another teenager goes missing once again all eyes are on TJ, Carrie's stepson and Carrie herself. Is history repeating itself? This book follows on from The Stepson. Although you don't need to have read it personally I think it would give a better understanding of this book and anyway it is a very good read.
Carrie is trying to get her life back on track after the recent happenings on their exclusive housing development when a new neighbour moves into one of the houses where a teenager who died used to live. Carrie is immediately suspicious, is he all he claims to be? To make matters more difficult Marnie, Carrie's best friend is immediately attracted to him and doesn't like Carrie's suspicions. When another teenager goes missing once again all eyes are on TJ, Carrie's stepson and Carrie herself. Is history repeating itself? This book follows on from The Stepson. Although you don't need to have read it personally I think it would give a better understanding of this book and anyway it is a very good read.
September 13, 2025
The Widower is a creepy atmospheric thriller about the dangerous secrets in suburbia. The mysterious and handsome Damian moves on to the street to a house where a teenage girl had recently been found murdered outside. He seems too good to be true, yet Marnie and Carrie (best friends) are hooked. He has a box in his house labeled “Do Not Open,” which Carrie cannot stop obsessing about. She has enough concerns about her stepson TJ and his possible link to a dead teenager. Then another girl disappears. This book is tight and fast paced, and I read it in one day. The twist at the end was not too difficult to figure out but the story is worth the ride. With thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
September 16, 2025
This is the sequel to The Stepson, but it can be read as a standalone in its own right. Although to know more about the characters and background, maybe it would be best reading The Stepson first.
This is a well written gripping, fast-paced, intruging read. It has surprising revelations and twists, leading to a shocking twisty cliffhanger of an ending.
It does keep you guessing, and there are strong, interesting characters to like and to hate. For example, I liked the character of Carrie but couldn't stand Marnie and wouldn't want a friend like her.
It's a very enjoyable gripping read, and I look forward to reading the next one.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
This is a well written gripping, fast-paced, intruging read. It has surprising revelations and twists, leading to a shocking twisty cliffhanger of an ending.
It does keep you guessing, and there are strong, interesting characters to like and to hate. For example, I liked the character of Carrie but couldn't stand Marnie and wouldn't want a friend like her.
It's a very enjoyable gripping read, and I look forward to reading the next one.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
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