The First Widows

by S.E. Reed, Caitlin Shannon (Narrator)

A completely binge-worthy domestic thriller

Some people will do anything for family. Even kill for it…

When Sophia, a wealthy woman far from home, meets Rebecca, a struggling nurse and mother, at a paint-and-sip class in New York, their friendship unfolds just as you might expect.

The lonely outsider finds her place. The overwhelmed mother gets the help she desperately needs. The two women save each other.

But that’s only the beginning.

The first time Sophia reads Rebecca’s journal, it’s curiosity. The next time, it’s desperation.

Because she’s realized she’s not the only one in this house with secrets…

A dark, twisting domestic thriller for fans of Freida McFadden and Jeneva Rose, about the people we trust, and the ones who destroy us.

Genres: Thriller

Audible Audio

Published March 23, 2026

About the author

S.E. Reed is an award-winning multi-genre author. She grew up in the Pacific Northwest, but longed to see the rest of America. After living in all five regions, she finally settled in Florida–nestled between the swampy Everglades and Atlantic Ocean. Many of her stories have a strong contemporary southern theme, but she also dabbles in the strange, bizarre, and fantastical.

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books]

Ugh! 27% in and just found out one of the main characters was in the book The First Wives. Anyone read both and can tell me if I need to stop and go read that one first? I hate when it's not mentioned anywhere 😠

[Lu thrillskillsandchills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read The First Wives last year and absolutely loved it — an easy 5-star read. So naturally, The First Widows went straight onto my TBR the moment it was announced. And somehow… I think I loved this one even more.

This is a seriously addictive domestic thriller. The kind that pulls you in quickly and quietly tightens its grip until suddenly you’re racing through chapters because you have to know how it’s going to unfold. The tension builds steadily, the character dynamics are compelling, and the sense of unease is handled so well.

S.E. Reed has a real knack for writing relationships that feel intimate but unsettling — you’re constantly questioning motives, trust, and just how much you truly know about the people on the page.

Two books into this series and both have been solid 5-star reads for me. A genuine 10 / 10 series so far, and one I’d absolutely recommend adding to your TBR.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this is a representation of S.E. Reed's books then I need them all! The First Widows is not your typical domestic thriller where you have a housewife that lives a double life and everything is quite predictable. Yes, we do have a wife and mother in this thriller who is encouraged by her husband to become a housewife, and yes she lives a double life, but it's absolutely insane! The suspense, the jaw-dropping moments, the truth about Sophia and Rebecca- all of it will have you craving more. I was left at a loss for words by the time I was done with this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and S. E. Reed for this ARC!

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE FIRST WIDOWS by S.E. Reed is a twisty psychological domestic thriller focused on themes of toxic friendship, manipulation, and the secrets hidden within marriages. It acts as a follow-up to The First Wives, featuring the character Sophia. 

Highlights...

The Initial Meeting: 
Sophia, a wealthy woman (art dealer) and outsider, meets Rebecca, a struggling nurse, mother of two, and housewife, at a paint-and-sip class in New York. Originally from the author's previous book, The First Wives.

The Friendship: 
The two women form a quick bond; Sophia offers support to the overwhelmed Rebecca, who feels trapped in a sham marriage with a cheating husband.

The Manipulation: Sophia consciously manipulates the friendship, infiltrating Rebecca's life, with a hidden, yet to be fully revealed, motive.

The Diaries: 
Sophia finds and reads Rebecca’s journals, starting with curiosity but turning into desperation as she realizes Rebecca has dark secrets.

The Shift in Dynamics: 
Rebecca becomes increasingly insecure and unhinged, while Sophia takes control of the situation.
Twists and Tension: The story escalates into a web of lies, featuring characters willing to kill to protect their family, culminating in shocking twists. 

My thoughts...

THE FIRST WIDOWS is a fast-paced "unputdownable" thriller with "morally grey" characters and a satisfying, albeit twisty, ending.

The plot follows a dark, twisting friendship between two women that quickly turns toxic. A domestic thriller centered on the theme that some people will do anything for family—even kill for it. This sets a theme of distorted loyalty where the "safety" of the family unit justifies horrific actions.

The story explores the danger of letting a stranger into your most intimate spaces. It questions how quickly we can "trust" someone who appears to be exactly what we need, only for that trust to be used as a weapon.

In a dark and gritty atmosphere, the author masterfully portrays a world steeped in unsettling tension, where appearances can be deceiving, and trust is a fragile concept.

Sophia and Rebecca emerge as unreliable narrators, weaving their complex tales with chilling undertones that keep readers questioning the truth beneath their words. As their stories unfold, the sense of danger and uncertainty deepens, leaving a haunting impression that lingers long after the final page is turned.

Themes:
~The Facade of Trust
~Toxic Adult Friendships
~The Weight of Secrets
~Extreme Family Loyalty
~Identity and Manipulation

The Audiobook...

Narrated by the incredibly versatile Caitlin Shannon, this audiobook isn't just a reading—it’s a performance. Shannon expertly navigates the distinct, often brittle personalities of the widows, giving each a unique vocal thumbprint that makes the mounting tension feel deeply personal

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that feel claustrophobic and high-stakes, this is a must-listen. Shannon’s narration is masterfully nuanced. She captures the 'slow-burn' tension of S.E. Reed’s writing perfectly, using quiet, calculated pauses that make the eventual reveals feel earned. The character work is so versatile that you forget you’re listening to a single narrator.

Special thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading and listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Mar 23, 2026
March Newsletter

[Yvette Jarrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
The First Widows by S.E. Reed
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What begins as an innocent friendship quickly spirals into something far more unsettling.

Rebecca is overwhelmed, raising two young daughters while her husband’s demanding career keeps him away more often than not. When she meets Sophia at an art studio, the glamorous and wealthy woman seems to arrive at exactly the right moment. Their friendship begins with laughter, wine, and a welcome escape from Rebecca’s exhausting routine.

But as Sophia gradually weaves herself deeper into Rebecca’s life and family, subtle cracks begin to appear, and it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems.

This twisty domestic thriller thrives on uneasy dynamics, hidden motives, and the fragile line between friendship and manipulation. Both Rebecca and Sophia feel slightly off-balance from the start, which kept me constantly questioning who could truly be trusted.

The pacing slows slightly in the middle but builds toward a fast, gripping finale filled with well-timed twists and revelations. Themes of mental health, addiction, and emotional instability add depth to the suspense, making the story feel both unsettling and compelling.

Dark, tense, and emotionally charged, The First Widows is a gripping exploration of secrets, manipulation, and the dangerous side of friendship.

If you enjoy character-driven domestic thrillers with psychological tension and shocking twists, this one is worth picking up.

The First Widows comes out March 23, 2026. Huge thank you to Netgally and Storm Publishing for my advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This completely took me by surprise. Was the writing perfect? No—but I absolutely loved it!! I genuinely didn’t want it to end, so imagine my excitement when I finished this review and peeked around to see there’s a connected book that comes before it.

While this absolutely works as a standalone, the FMC is featured in The First Wives, and after reading that description, it seems like it fills in a few light questions I had. That said, if I hadn’t known about the first book, those lingering questions wouldn’t have impacted my enjoyment. Not everything needs to be fully spelled out to make a story satisfying.

I did toy with rounding this down a star because of the narration. On the positive side, Caitlin Shannon has a really pleasant, easy-to-listen-to voice. Her diction is clear, and she does a solid job navigating both American and British accents. However, there were some noticeable issues. The consistency of certain character voices wavered at times, which could be a bit distracting. More importantly, there were several word mispronunciations throughout the audiobook. Once you catch one, it’s hard not to keep noticing them, and it definitely pulled me out of the story more than I would have liked.

Even with those issues, I was completely invested. The pacing kept me engaged, and I found myself eager to keep listening whenever I had a chance. This ended up being such a fun and unexpectedly gripping read for me.

I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Dreamscape Media via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

[Vanessa ✨ Romancy reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

Thank you to Dreamscape Media, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the audiobook!

This story so many intense moments- had to brace myself a few times to see how Rebecca would react to news/situations. Pacing was a little slow in the middle, but had a fast start and a great ending with twists and turns.

[Cin (cinsnextchapter) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Widows is a wild and addictive follow-up to The First Wives. While it connects to the earlier story, it works just as well on its own, so you could easily start with either book. What begins as a story of unlikely best friends slowly unravels as secrets begin to surface in ways I was NOT expecting. Every twist made me question what was really going on, and I ended up glued to the pages far later than planned. Absolutely outrageous throughout, and I LOVED the ending!

[adianez villegas · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was intense from the beginning to the end .. I could not stop reading.. it’s a really good book

[Jennifer Bendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a psychological mess and I loved it. I thought I knew where the storyline was going and I was 100% wrong. Some parts were hard to read, my only trigger involving young kids, but once the point was made the book shifted right back to focusing on the adults and their mayhem. This book was the definition of a psychological thriller.

[Alyssa Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this to read as an ARC through NetGalley.
I really enjoyed this! It was full of suspense and kept me wondering who was guilty of what and who was actually crazy.
I didn’t realize this was the second book to the First Wives, and while I think it could have been helpful to have more information on Hannah from that, the book was great as a standalone.
I will definitely be seeking out more of her books!

[Caitlin Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read from this author and it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed reading this one, I loved the short chapters and different POV and timelines. Highly satisfied.

[RonRonReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the early access, for my first ever ARC!

I enjoyed the book so much, I finished it in two sittings. This book gives “we are all a little mad here” vibes. S.E. Reed’s storytelling was phenomenal. Each characters POV was well written, and I felt like I was the brain of Sophia and Rebecca—you just jump right in to their stream of consciousness. I liked the roller coaster of a ride that the plot was considering I finished it in a day! You’re questioning motives, but then, wait, are you rooting for the wrong person? Who can you trust? The book has you wanting more so you can figure it all out.

My only two qualms were 1. they said this could be read as a standalone. But throughout the book I felt left out, as I haven’t read The First Wives. There were more than a handful of references about that book/ Sophia’s past which left me with the feeling of, “I should’ve read that first.” 2. I had trouble trying to figure out what Sophia’s purpose was throughout the book… a person to call home? Or maybe that would’ve been easily answered had I ready The First Wives first. But that’s just me!

All in all, I enjoyed the multiple POV’s, especially involving an unreliable narrator! You don’t know who to believe and this book keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. Big fan of the unhinged-ness both characters are willing to go to and would recommend this book!

[Aisha Faisal · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE FIRST WIDOWS by S.E. Reed is a twisty psychological domestic thriller focused on themes of toxic friendship, manipulation, and the secrets hidden within marriages. Huge thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC! This honest review is based on an early access copy.

Mood: unhinged • tense • addictive • “trust no one” energy

I just finished The First Widows and… yeah, my brain is still buffering.

This is one of those books where you think you understand what’s going on, and then suddenly you’re questioning everything, including yourself. It follows Sophia (wealthy, controlled, slightly… off) and Rebecca (overwhelmed mum, messy life, even messier marriage), whose friendship starts off feeling like fate and quickly spirals into something way darker.

If you’re a fan of the "unhinged" energy found in books by Freida McFadden or Jeneva Rose, The First Widows needs to be at the top of your TBR. I devoured this in just two sittings. It’s a fast-paced, "unputdownable" ride that gives off major "we’re all a little mad here" vibes.

The Plot:
The story centers on a dark, twisting friendship between two women that quickly spirals into a toxic game of cat-and-mouse. We meet Rebecca, an overwhelmed nurse and mother of two who feels trapped in a sham marriage, and Sophia, a glamorous, wealthy art dealer who seems to appear at exactly the right moment.

They meet at a paint-and-sip class in New York and form an instant bond. But as Sophia weaves herself into Rebecca’s intimate spaces, the "safety" of their friendship begins to fracture. When Sophia discovers Rebecca’s diaries, she realizes her new friend is harboring secrets far darker than she imagined.

What Worked for Me:
The Unreliable Narrators: I loved the dual-POV structure here. S.E. Reed’s storytelling is phenomenal; you are dropped straight into the stream of consciousness of both women. You’ll find yourself questioning everyone’s motives and constantly wondering, "Wait, am I rooting for the wrong person?"

The Tension: The author masterfully portrays a world where trust is a fragile weapon. The transition from an innocent friendship to a web of manipulation and distorted loyalty is chilling. It explores the terrifying reality of what happens when people are willing to kill to protect their version of "family."

The Atmosphere: Gritty and unsettling. The themes of mental health, addiction, and emotional instability add a layer of depth that makes the suspense feel earned rather than just shocking.

A Few Notes
While I loved the ride, I did have two small qualms:

Read the Prequel First: This is marketed as a standalone, but I felt slightly left out having not read The First Wives. There are numerous references to Sophia’s past and her relationship with Hannah that would likely have given her character more weight and clarity.

The Mid-Point Pacing: The story slows down slightly in the middle, though it more than makes up for it with a high-octane finale filled with well-timed revelations.

Final Verdict:

Dark, tense, and emotionally charged, The First Widows is a gripping exploration of the dangerous side of friendship. It’s a "morally grey" masterpiece that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. Overall, this was dark, gripping, and lowkey chaotic (in a good way). If you love unreliable narrators, toxic friendships, and thrillers that keep you guessing the entire time, add this to your list immediately.

[Kas_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t read The First Wives before picking up The First Widows, but after finishing this one, I will 100% be going back to read it. Technically you don’t necessarily need to read the first book to understand this story, but as someone who likes to pause and really unpack character backstories, I do think reading The First Wives first would add more depth, especially when it comes to understanding Sophia.

From the description alone, I was hooked. Sophia is a wealthy woman living in NYC who meets Rebecca, a struggling mother, at a paint-and-sip class. Two lonely women from completely different worlds find comfort in each other despite their class differences. They become one another’s solace, but that’s only the beginning. When Sophia begins reading Rebecca’s journal, what starts as curiosity quickly shifts into desperation. Because Rebecca isn’t the only one hiding secrets in that house.

The book really dives into both women’s lives and their complicated, messy friendship. We meet Rebecca, a mother of two, married to a doctor who is constantly away and having an affair. He dismisses her dream of performing on Broadway, and their marriage is honestly on thin ice. Rebecca herself is deeply flawed and at times neglects her kids and makes decisions that are honestly shocking. There were moments where I thought, I would have called CAS on her (CPS here in Canada) because some of her actions were very questionable.

Sophia, on the other hand, meets Rebecca at the paint-and-sip and almost immediately inserts herself into her life. To me, it felt like the popular girl befriending the nerd, not out of cruelty, but out of a strange sense of protection or superiority, at first, but later on it felt like she pushed for the friendship for other reasons. That dynamic made their relationship fascinating. Sophia is incredibly loyal and often steps in to care for Rebecca’s children, which I found both interesting and slightly unsettling. I think reading The First Wives would give more context to her reasonings on why she does what she does.

Overall, I’m giving this 4.5/5 stars. I loved the pacing, the character development, and the way their relationship slowly unraveled. The author does an incredible job of pulling you in and making you question everything. Both women are unhinged in their own ways, and there were so many moments where I genuinely didn’t know who to believe or where the story was heading. The tension builds beautifully, and the ending was really great.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advance copy! Publication date: March 23, 2026.

[TheNovelNomad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some friendships save you. Others study you.

The First Widows is domestic suspense at its most intoxicating — intimate, unsettling, and quietly explosive.

S.E. Reed takes what seems like a familiar setup — two lonely women meeting at a paint-and-sip class — and slowly, expertly peels it open. Sophia, wealthy and displaced. Rebecca, overwhelmed and drowning in motherhood and betrayal. On the surface, they are exactly what the other needs. And that’s what makes it so dangerous.

What makes this novel stand out isn’t just the twists (though they absolutely land). It’s the emotional manipulation at the center. Reed understands adult female friendship — the hunger for it, the vulnerability inside it, the subtle power plays we don’t always admit are happening. Watching Sophia and Rebecca circle each other is like watching a match hover over gasoline.

The journal element is brilliantly deployed. The first time it’s curiosity. The next time, it’s something far darker. That slow escalation from fascination to obsession is handled with such control that you can feel the tension tightening with every chapter.

And then there’s the shifting allegiance. Reed makes you question your instincts constantly. Just when you think you know who the victim is… you don’t. Just when you think you’ve identified the villain… think again. That emotional whiplash is deliberate and incredibly effective.

The pacing is sharp, but what impressed me most is how layered the characters feel. No one is purely innocent. No one is purely monstrous. That moral grayness makes the unraveling hit harder because it feels disturbingly plausible.

The final act delivers exactly what a thriller should: shock, satisfaction, and that delicious moment of realization when you see how carefully everything was constructed from the beginning.

S.E. Reed has crafted a story that isn’t just about secrets — it’s about need. About what happens when longing for family, belonging, or validation becomes something corrosive. And about how quickly trust can turn into a weapon.

Dark. Addictive. Cleverly executed.

This is domestic suspense done with confidence — and it proves once again that Reed knows exactly how to get inside her readers’ heads and refuse to leave.

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently, this is a sequel to another book, which I wasn’t aware of, based on the description. I don’t think it matters if you read that one or not, except that you would probably have a better idea what you were getting into with this one. Rebecca is a nurse and mother of two young girls whom she couldn’t care less about. She’s somewhere in her late thirties, I guess, as her age is never stated. She’s obsessed with getting on Broadway, but doesn’t audition anymore, mainly because her husband doesn’t want her to. I would think she’s too old to be a breakout star, but what do I know? She meets Sophia, also of indiscriminate age, who is obscenely wealthy and wants to be friends with Rebecca for no reason other than she looks like good best friend material. ??

They become friends, and Sophia goes out of her way to make Rebecca’s life easier for her. Rebecca, in turn, becomes an even worse mother. Seriously, Child Protective Services would have been called several times throughout the story if this were real life. But Sophia just covers for her and lets her get away with continued negligence. Rebecca’s married, but her husband is rarely around and doesn’t seem to notice or care that his children are neglected. He’s a pediatric heart surgeon who travels the world to teach and give talks and is therefore absent from his family most of the time.

And that’s pretty much the story. Rebecca grows increasingly unstable, Sophia turns into a surrogate mom, and life continues until someone goes completely psychotic. This is where some more background on Sophia would help in this story – was she unable to have kids? Did she have some at one point and lose them? Why’s she so desperate to infiltrate Rebecca’s life instead of reporting her and getting the heck away? Well, who knows because we’re never told.

I read this practically in one sitting because it just flies by, and the author’s great at immersing you right into the story, but I had hoped there’d be more explanation. At least there’s a good resolution that I think ties into the first book.

My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the free advanced reading copy of this book.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie Carter is BACKKKK!!!! 🥳 I LURRRRVE her! If you know, you know! 🤪

Six months earlier, Sophie and Rebecca meet at an art studio in New York. Rebecca is an overwhelmed mum of two daughters and works as a nurse at a clinic while her husband, Mitch, is away working out of town. 🖼️���

The two get on like a house on fire and soon exchange numbers to stay in touch. Sophie is eager to learn more about Rebecca and her life, and the pair quickly become close friends. 🫂

Before long, Sophie moves in with Rebecca and her family temporarily, claiming her apartment is being refurbished. Mitch is the only one who objects. 😕

What should be a fun arrangement between friends soon takes an uneasy turn, as Rebecca starts to feel that Sophie is slowly taking over her home. 😬 Small tensions begin to appear, and it becomes clear that not everything is quite what it seems… 🤔

This story will make you question motives, trust, and how well you really know the people you let into your life. 🤯

A seriously dark, addictive, twist-filled domestic thriller that will pull you in and have you racing through the chapters! 😱

I was completely invested in Sophie, and now I need to know what she’s really up to with Rebecca and what all this obsession is about! If you read the first book, you’ll know exactly what I mean. 🤨

I absolutely loved The First Wives, which I received as an ARC from NetGalley last year - a five-star read for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ So when I heard the second book in the series was coming out, I was beyond excited to dive in.

I started this yesterday afternoon… and somehow finished it by this morning! 😱

That’s how addictive it was! I literally couldn’t put it down. I would’ve stayed up even later reading, but I was already knackered after only 3 hours of sleep! 📖👀

Know why? 🤷🏼‍♀️

Because it’s soooo flipping FANTASTIC! 🤩

Shelby has done it again! 🙌🏼

A massive thank you to this gorgeous girl, Shelby, for gifting me this copy before the release date so I could read it. ♥️ And just so you know… Shelby is a total sweetheart! I love her!! 🫶🏼😘

✨ Pub date – 23rd March 2026 ✨

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The First Widows
Series: Book #2 The First Wives
Author: S. E. Reed
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Caitlin Shannon
Publisher: Dreamscape Media/Storm Publishing
Genre: Dark Domestic Thriller
Pub Date: March 23, 2026
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages :276

I read the first in this series’ The First Wives” my comments was~ Ms, Reed is new to me.
Although I didn’t love this - I’ll give her another chance. SO here I am!

In that story Sophie Carter works her way into Hannah McMIllian’s life. Hannah was a trad-wife influencer married to Court who is in crypto finance. They have four- year old twins Rowen and Ruby.
Sophie’s husband Blake is also in finance, so she feels she has met someone who understands the same pressures of living with high standards.

In this story Sophia weaves herself deeper into Rebecca’s life
Rebecca is a wannabe actress but is currently a Nurse and mother of young daughters Sara and Bailey. Her husband is a Doctor with a demanding career that keeps him away more.

Hmm might he be having an affair?
Rebecca meets wealthy Sophia at an art studio; their friendship begins with
laughter, wine, and a welcome escape from Rebecca’s exhausting routine.

At first this wasn’t working for me the characters were easy not to like.
(I am not a fan of their’ no filter’ language and hearing foul language it is always worst than reading it-I had hoped the story would out weight it.) I was pleased that Hannah and the children stepped in.

To me this was better than the first one.

About the Author ~ S.E. Reed is an award-winning multi-genre author. She grew up in the Pacific Northwest but longed to see the rest of America. After living in all five regions, she finally settled in Florida–nestled between the swampy Everglades and Atlantic Ocean. Many of her stories have a strong contemporary southern theme, but she also dabbles in the strange, bizarre, and fantastical.

Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media/Storm Publishing for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date was March 23, 2026.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was approved for the ARC of The First Widows, I didn’t realize it was part of a series—so I went back and read The First Wives first. I’m really glad I did because both books were fantastic.

And that prologue—wow. Right away I knew I was in for a great read.

This story follows Sophia, who we first met in The First Wives. Now living in New York, she meets Rebecca, a nurse and mother of two young daughters who’s struggling with a cheating husband and a life that feels increasingly out of control. Their friendship quickly becomes intense—Sophia is searching for a best friend she can treat like family, while Rebecca is drawn to Sophia’s confidence and glamorous life.

But of course… things aren’t quite what they seem.

When Sophia begins finding Rebecca’s diaries, buried secrets start surfacing and the story shifts into a tense psychological thriller filled with manipulation, lies, and shifting loyalties.

One thing I really liked was how the book explores the complexity of adult friendships. Both women are searching for someone who truly understands them, which felt very relatable. But layered on top of that realism are darker twists that kept the tension building.

I also found myself constantly switching allegiances between Sophia and Rebecca. Just when I thought I had one of them figured out, something would happen that made me question everything again.

The second half especially ramps up, with twists that kept me guessing about where the story was headed.

You don’t necessarily need to read The First Wives first, but there are a few references to earlier events—and honestly it’s a great introduction to Sophia, so I’d recommend starting there if you can.

Overall, The First Widows is a twisty, entertaining psychological thriller that kept me hooked.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Donna Satterlee]

I didn't realize there was a book prior to this one, The First Wives, which I had not read. That said, this is easily a book that stands alone. I do plan to go back and ready this book to gain some insight to the characters mentioned in this book.

It starts with Sophia, a very wealthy, lonely woman who meets Rebecca, a nurse and mother, in a painting class. Sophia is looking for someone to be close to and return to between her various international trips for her art business. It starts with the hint that Sophia has really "targeted" Rebecca as her new best friend.

You discover pretty quick that Rebecca is a very troubled woman. She is unhappy in her marriage, not particularly thrilled by motherhood and dreams of what could have been if she had had been able to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress on Broadway.

Sophia moves into Rebecca's home and begins to bond with Rebecca and her young daughters. She realizes quickly how the daughters are in need of a real, caring mother figure, something she never thought she would be.

As time goes by Sophia gets insight to the real trouble with Rebecca's live and the revelations are really rather unbelievable. It becomes apparent to Sophia how troubled Rebecca is and how unsafe it is for her to be around her children. She takes steps to help the children and give them the live they deserve.

This as one of the fastest reads I have enjoyed lately and it was hard to put down as you wanted to know what was going to happen next. The author does an incredible job of pulling you in and making you question everything. Both women are unhinged in their own ways, and there were so many moments where I genuinely didn’t know who to believe or where the story was heading. The tension builds beautifully, and the ending was really great.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm publishing for an ARC in exchange for a review - 4.5 stars

Sophia, who we first met in The First Wives, is living in New York when she meets Rebecca, a nurse and mum of two young daughters with a cheating husband. They both feel like the other woman is the answer to their prayers - a best friend to treat like a member of the family for Sophia, and a cool glamorous partner in crime for Rebecca to feel important again. But all is not quite what it seems, as Sophia starts finding Rebecca’s diaries and revealing hidden secrets from the past!

Wow what a prologue! I knew this was going to be as good as The First Wives straight away from that opening!

I would say that you don’t need to have read The First Wives, but there’s a few references in here to what happened in the previous book, and also it was a great book and really introduces you to Sophia so I would recommend reading it first!

In The First Widows, we really delve into the two women’s characters and the complicated notion of making friends as adults. It was quite rooted in reality in that respect, with both women just really wanting a friend and that solid base where you’re always welcome. It can be hard to develop as an adult between demanding jobs, childcare and home life. But of course with the added unhinged psychological thriller layers of malicious intent and scandalous lies!

At first I felt like I was constantly switching my allegiances between the two main characters - they’re both kind of unhinged!

In the second half, the story really gets going with some amazing, totally unexpected twists and I kept changing my mind about where I thought things were heading.

And it was a really satisfying ending! Another excellent instalment in this series - will we see more of Sophia in another book? I hope so!

[TrishAM · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
This is a book that you won't want to put down, it is both captivating and disturbing in equal measures.
Nurse Rebecca Hendricks is good at her job, but she still basks in the reputation of her internationally known, paediatric cardiac surgeon husband, Dt Mitch Hendricks. Rebecca is stressed and lonely, juggling her work with two young children, a house and an ever absent husband, a husband who is not only famous but handsome and attractive to other women, she had been forced to put her ambition to be an actress on hold after one failed audition after another.
Rebecca meets wealthy art specialist, Sophia Carter and is captivated by her aura and her designer clothes, could this be a match made in heaven ? Rebecca is lonely and desperately needing help with her two young children, Sara and Bailey, Sophia yearns for a family that she can fit into and this one seems perfect, Rebecca's maternal instincts are practically zilch but Sophia has an instant connection with Sara and Bailey........the children love her from the beginning, what could go wrong ?
As this chilling story unfolds, the author builds up the suspense and the tension at a steady pace, Rebecca and Sophia fall into a companionable friendship but gradually the façade begins to crumble, all is not what it seems.
This is a well written, psychological thriller, I didn't particularly like any of the characters but I don't think that I was supposed to, Rebecca becomes more and more erratic, Sophia plants herself deeper into the family dynamic and uses her vast wealth to bribe and coerce, this book had me on the edge of my seat and guessing until the very end.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First Widows hooked me from the very first pages with its quiet tension and beautifully controlled unraveling of two women’s lives. Sophia and Rebecca meet in the most ordinary of places—a paint‑and‑sip class in New York—but their connection quickly deepens into something far more complicated, tender, and unsettling. The early chapters have a lovely softness to them: two women finding comfort, purpose, and a sense of belonging in each other’s company. It feels safe… until it absolutely isn’t.

What I loved most is how the story shifts almost imperceptibly from companionship to claustrophobia. The moment Sophia opens Rebecca’s journal out of “curiosity,” you can feel the ground tilt. That single act becomes the hinge on which the entire novel turns, revealing layers of secrets, shifting power, and the kind of domestic danger that hides in plain sight.

The writing is crisp and immersive, with a steady, simmering dread that never tips into melodrama. Fans of Freida McFadden and Jeneva Rose will appreciate the sharp twists, but what sets this book apart is its emotional intelligence—the way it explores loneliness, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to protect the version of family they believe they deserve.

A dark, addictive domestic thriller that lingers long after the final page. Perfect for readers who enjoy elegant tension, morally messy characters, and the slow, delicious realization that no one in this house is telling the whole truth.

My thanks to SE Reed, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Kristin List · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Widows by S. R. Reed is the kind of psychological thriller that completely pulls you in and refuses to let go. From the very beginning, the story has an uneasy edge that keeps you turning pages, never quite sure who to trust.
The story begins with what seems like a simple friendship. Sophia, a wealthy woman who feels out of place and alone, meets Rebecca, a hardworking nurse juggling life and motherhood. Their bond forms quickly, and at first it feels like they’ve each found exactly what they needed in the other. But as their lives become more intertwined, it becomes clear that both women are carrying secrets—and some of them are far darker than expected.
What makes this book so gripping is how the tension slowly builds. Just when you think you understand the characters or where the story might be headed, another twist shifts everything. The discoveries surrounding Rebecca’s journal add an especially chilling layer to the story, turning curiosity into suspicion and pushing the suspense even further.
Reed does a great job creating characters who feel complicated and unpredictable. No one is entirely what they seem, which makes the story even more unsettling in the best way. The plot moves quickly, and the constant twists kept me guessing right up until the end.
Dark, tense, and packed with surprises, The First Widows is a thriller that’s very hard to put down. If you enjoy suspense filled with secrets, unreliable characters, and shocking turns, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Michelle | Simply in the Moment · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The First Widows, S.E. Reed continues Sophia's story. She is now searching for her new best friend after Hannah moved to the farm. Sophia befriends Rebecca, who appears to be seeking to become a Broadway star, while also being a mom to two young kids and a wife to a world-renowned pediatric surgeon.

With the encouragement of her new best friend, Sophia, Rebecca quits her job as a registered nurse and auditions for a play that Sophia buys her the main role in. The drama begins, and Sophia learns that Rebecca isn't necessarily who she presented herself to be. As Sophia grows closer to Rebecca's children, she falls in love with them and will protect them at all costs. Sophia, being Sophia, doesn't use conventional ways to help protect them.

The twists are so good and creepy. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, the author switches it up and throws you for a loop. You're not sure which character to believe. The characters are unlikable, but in a good way; you're not sure who the true antagonists are or if the author is leading you astray. You can't help but feel the tension throughout the book while feeling complete empathy for the two children. You'll find your heart absolutely breaking for them.

The book is very well-written, and I can't wait to read more books from the author. She has a true knack for thrillers that tell a complete story and keep the reader on the edge of their seats.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC; all opinions are my own.

[Claire Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a dark, twisty domestic thriller that refuses to let up, The First Widows is an absolute must read. The pace is perfect, never feeling dull or slow, and I found myself completely glued to the pages as the story unraveled. It explores the terrifying danger of letting a stranger into your most intimate spaces and questions how quickly trust can be weaponized against you.

At its core, this is a story of an unlikely friendship between two women that quickly turns toxic. The theme of distorted loyalty is front and center here: the idea that some people will do anything for family, even kill for it. The characters are brilliantly morally grey, and largely unlikable in the best way possible. You spend the whole book unsure of who the true antagonist is or if the author is leading you astray.

While the adults are playing dangerous games, your heart will absolutely break for the two children caught in the crossfire. The empathy you feel for them adds a layer of genuine tension to the creepy atmosphere.

Just when I thought I had it all figured out, S.E. Reed threw me for a loop. The ending was completely unexpected.It provides that rare, satisfying payoff where the secrets just keep coming until the very last page.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book

***Note for readers***
I didn’t realize this was a follow-up to 'The First Wives', but it works perfectly as a standalone. That said, I enjoyed this so much that I will certainly be adding The First Wives to my tbr

[Tessa Pacelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first domestic thriller for me this year and it’s a good one! At its core THE FIRST WIDOWS is about friendship, secrets, class tension, and how far people will go to protect what they love. Sophia is a wealthy woman, adrift and far from home. Rebecca is a struggling nurse and mom barely keeping her life together and mourning her lost showbiz dreams. They meet at a paint-and-sip class in New York and instantly click in that too-fast, too-easy way that screams trouble. Rebecca needs help. Sophia offers it. It feels like salvation.

The chapters alternate between the two characters and even at one point Rebecca’s husband Mitch (who is arrogant, neglectful, and has secrets of his own) and I really liked how they inform each other. Every interaction and each perspective makes you question who you’re rooting for and why. You think one character is the villain until the next chapter flips that assumption. That’s exactly the kind of psychological edge thrillers should have but often don’t.

If you want a thriller that feels like watching a slow-burn train wreck you cannot look away from, this is the book for you. It’s filled with secrets, lies, betrayals, love and definitely some undiagnosed / untreated mental illness. It is twisty, ruthlessly paced, and it never lets up on tension. I read it in one afternoon. Fast and fun!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted copy.

[Debbie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review: The First Widows by S.E. Reed
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
I went into this one expecting a standard "odd couple" friendship story, but S.E. Reed quickly reminded me that in domestic thrillers, no one is ever just "being nice."
The dynamic between Sophia and Rebecca pulled me in immediately. You have the wealthy, isolated Sophia and the drowning, overworked nurse Rebecca—two women who seem like the answer to each other's prayers. I loved how the author built that initial sense of relief and "saving" each other, because it made the inevitable cracks in the foundation feel so much more unsettling.
What I loved:
• The Journal Trop: Once Sophia started snooping in Rebecca’s diary, I couldn't put the book down. There is something so voyeuristic and tense about a character reading someone else's private thoughts while living under the same roof.
• The Pace: If you’re a fan of Freida McFadden or Jeneva Rose, you’ll recognize this breakneck speed. The chapters are short, and the "just one more" factor is very real.
• The Themes: It really digs into that dark question: How far would you go for family? While I guessed one of the "big reveals" a little early, the final twists still had enough bite to keep me satisfied. It’s a twisty, paranoid, and highly addictive read about the danger of letting a stranger into your home—and your secrets.
Bottom line: A perfect weekend "popcorn" thriller that makes you want to double-check the locks on your doors.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Messy and Unhinged in the Best Possible Way! ​
Searching for a perfect friend in all the wrong places has never felt so dangerously addictive.
Building on the momentum of the brilliant First Wives, but easily read as a standalone, S.E. Reed delivers a chilling follow-up that explores the toxic insides of a seemingly ordinary suburban family.
When Sophia decides Rebecca is the missing piece of her life, she expects a fresh start, but as she inserts herself into Rebecca’s world, she finds a foundation already crumbling. Watching Sophia attempt to mould her new friend into a curated ideal is fascinating, yet it is the cracks in Rebecca’s own nature that truly unsettle.
As Rebecca's true personality begins to surface, the relationship spirals into a chaotic, suffocating fracture.
​The character development is superb, stripping away every mask to reveal the unhinged reality beneath. I found my loyalties shifting between the two women in the beginning as the narrative spiralled toward an ending that was tied up as neatly as a Broadway show programme wrapped in a bow.
I loved Ekaterina and her witty comments, but seeing Hannah again was the perfect icing on the cake.
If you love a messy, twisty domestic thriller that keeps you reading into the wee small hours, this is an absolute must-read.
My thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my own opinion.