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The Widows’ Detective Club #4
The Widows' Guide to Last Orders
Life in Little Shaw is as nice as pie for librarian Ginny Cole. She’s got a tentative truce with her grumpy neighbour Detective Inspector Wallace, and Sunday quiz nights at The Lost Goat with her friends (team The Merry Widows). Until the young quizmaster is found dead in the cellar. The police call it an accident; Ginny suspects murder. But with Wallace strangely impossible to locate and convince, she and the other widows must step – carefully, mind – into the breach.
The victim, it turns out, wasn’t just torturing locals with impossible trivia. He was hunting for his great-aunt who vanished from Little Shaw in 1963, along with what village gossips insist was a fortune in Cold War secrets. Now Ginny and her friends must decode a sixty-year-old mystery involving priest holes, spy scandals, and the competing egos of the local history society.
But when the killer strikes again, the widows need to solve this fast before someone calls last orders on them…
A brilliantly twisty cozy mystery perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch, Robert Thorogood and anyone who thinks retirement should come with a side of solving murders.
The victim, it turns out, wasn’t just torturing locals with impossible trivia. He was hunting for his great-aunt who vanished from Little Shaw in 1963, along with what village gossips insist was a fortune in Cold War secrets. Now Ginny and her friends must decode a sixty-year-old mystery involving priest holes, spy scandals, and the competing egos of the local history society.
But when the killer strikes again, the widows need to solve this fast before someone calls last orders on them…
A brilliantly twisty cozy mystery perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch, Robert Thorogood and anyone who thinks retirement should come with a side of solving murders.
236 pages, Paperback
Published March 26, 2026
About the author
Amanda Ashby
31 books439 followersAmanda Ashby was born in Australia but now lives in New Zealand where she writes romance, young adult and middle grade books. She also works in a library, owns far too many vintage tablecloths and likes to delight her family by constantly rearranging the furniture.
She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award, and her first young adult book was listed by the New York Public Libraryʼs Stuff for the Teen Age. Because she’s mysterious she also writes middle grade books under the name, Catherine Holt and hopes that all this writing won’t interfere with her Netflix schedule.
She also runs writing workshops and loves to speak to people about Buffy (er, she means writing). See her Website for more information.
She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award, and her first young adult book was listed by the New York Public Libraryʼs Stuff for the Teen Age. Because she’s mysterious she also writes middle grade books under the name, Catherine Holt and hopes that all this writing won’t interfere with her Netflix schedule.
She also runs writing workshops and loves to speak to people about Buffy (er, she means writing). See her Website for more information.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Widows' Guide to Last Orders by Amanda Ashby
Synopsis /
Life in Little Shaw is as nice as pie for librarian Ginny Cole. She’s got a tentative truce with her grumpy neighbour Detective Inspector Wallace, and Sunday quiz nights at The Lost Goat with her friends (team The Merry Widows). Until the young quizmaster is found dead in the cellar. The police call it an accident; Ginny suspects murder. But with Wallace strangely impossible to locate and convince, she and the other widows must step – carefully, mind – into the breach.
The victim, it turns out, wasn’t just torturing locals with impossible trivia. He was hunting for his great-aunt who vanished from Little Shaw in 1963, along with what village gossips insist was a fortune in Cold War secrets. Now Ginny and her friends must decode a sixty-year-old mystery involving priest holes, spy scandals, and the competing egos of the local history society.
But when the killer strikes again, the widows need to solve this fast before someone calls last orders on them…
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Amanda Ashby for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
This is my first Amanda Ashby read and although coming into this series at Book #4, I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I was easily able to read through the story and follow and understand the characters with the author dropping just enough background filler to keep me up-to-date.
Life in Little Shaw is as nice as pie for 61 year-old librarian, Ginny Cole; or should that be, as sweet as Moscato?
Ginny Cole, together with 71 year-old JM, and fellow retirees Tuppence and Hen are known affectionately by locals around Little Shaw by their pub quiz trivia name, The Merry Widows. The quartet have also made a name for themselves locally as amateur detectives, having had success solving crimes by uncovering secrets the police have missed.
At this is where we find our protagonists at the opening of the story – at the Lost Goat pub for the Sunday quiz night. The jovial competitive atmosphere of quiz night quickly comes to an end when part-time bartender and local quizmaster Nathan is found dead in the pub's cellar.
The police initially treat Nathan's death as a tragic accident – think he'd fallen down the stairs, but Ginny suspects foul play.
This is a terrific little cozy, with the author adding in intriguing elements to keep the reader hooked, involving local history rivalries, spies and scandal, whispers of the Cold War and something called a 'priest hole' (I had to look that one up!).
This is another nod to the "underestimated" – those older women in a quaint English village – suspects often underestimate them. Here, the group use this to their advantage to gather information through local gossip, and, by being 'nosy' in ways that don't immediately alert a killer.
The author has created a strong fellowship of women who wholly support each other and whose individual talents combine together to help solve crime.
The pacing, like a good Sauvignon Blanc, is crisp and sharp. The humour is gentle and full of heart.
I can't wait to go back to the beginning of this series to see where it all began!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for April 15, 2026.
Synopsis /
Life in Little Shaw is as nice as pie for librarian Ginny Cole. She’s got a tentative truce with her grumpy neighbour Detective Inspector Wallace, and Sunday quiz nights at The Lost Goat with her friends (team The Merry Widows). Until the young quizmaster is found dead in the cellar. The police call it an accident; Ginny suspects murder. But with Wallace strangely impossible to locate and convince, she and the other widows must step – carefully, mind – into the breach.
The victim, it turns out, wasn’t just torturing locals with impossible trivia. He was hunting for his great-aunt who vanished from Little Shaw in 1963, along with what village gossips insist was a fortune in Cold War secrets. Now Ginny and her friends must decode a sixty-year-old mystery involving priest holes, spy scandals, and the competing egos of the local history society.
But when the killer strikes again, the widows need to solve this fast before someone calls last orders on them…
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Amanda Ashby for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
This is my first Amanda Ashby read and although coming into this series at Book #4, I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I was easily able to read through the story and follow and understand the characters with the author dropping just enough background filler to keep me up-to-date.
Life in Little Shaw is as nice as pie for 61 year-old librarian, Ginny Cole; or should that be, as sweet as Moscato?
Ginny Cole, together with 71 year-old JM, and fellow retirees Tuppence and Hen are known affectionately by locals around Little Shaw by their pub quiz trivia name, The Merry Widows. The quartet have also made a name for themselves locally as amateur detectives, having had success solving crimes by uncovering secrets the police have missed.
At this is where we find our protagonists at the opening of the story – at the Lost Goat pub for the Sunday quiz night. The jovial competitive atmosphere of quiz night quickly comes to an end when part-time bartender and local quizmaster Nathan is found dead in the pub's cellar.
The police initially treat Nathan's death as a tragic accident – think he'd fallen down the stairs, but Ginny suspects foul play.
This is a terrific little cozy, with the author adding in intriguing elements to keep the reader hooked, involving local history rivalries, spies and scandal, whispers of the Cold War and something called a 'priest hole' (I had to look that one up!).
This is another nod to the "underestimated" – those older women in a quaint English village – suspects often underestimate them. Here, the group use this to their advantage to gather information through local gossip, and, by being 'nosy' in ways that don't immediately alert a killer.
The author has created a strong fellowship of women who wholly support each other and whose individual talents combine together to help solve crime.
The pacing, like a good Sauvignon Blanc, is crisp and sharp. The humour is gentle and full of heart.
I can't wait to go back to the beginning of this series to see where it all began!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for April 15, 2026.
May 27, 2026
We are back in Little Shaw with The Widows’ Detective club, things have been a bit quiet and the ladies have been adhering with DI Wallace’s wish to stay out of things but when their Merry Widows trivia team are at the pub The Lost Goat and the barman is found dead in the cellar after going to change a keg, the police say is was death by misadventure but the ladies think otherwise and well the ladies cannot help themselves and this time their murder board is a stack of old beer coasters, let the investigation begin.
The victim Nathan has moved to Little Shaw apparently to trace his great aunt who lived in Little Shaw back in 1963 it appears that she vanished that year as well and what the ladies uncover from gossip will lead them to spies, to uncovering code and priest holes there is a lot of digging into local history, but when there is another murder DI Wallace is soon it appears working with the ladies but will they find out who the killer is and uncover the sixty year old mystery?
This is another awesome story in this fabulous series that had me thinking all the way through the characters are so good, as always Ginny, Tuppence, JM and Hen used the clues and their instincts to get the answers.
I loved this one and highly recommend it to any lover of a good cosy mystery, I am looking forward to more visits to Little Shaw in the future.
My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
The victim Nathan has moved to Little Shaw apparently to trace his great aunt who lived in Little Shaw back in 1963 it appears that she vanished that year as well and what the ladies uncover from gossip will lead them to spies, to uncovering code and priest holes there is a lot of digging into local history, but when there is another murder DI Wallace is soon it appears working with the ladies but will they find out who the killer is and uncover the sixty year old mystery?
This is another awesome story in this fabulous series that had me thinking all the way through the characters are so good, as always Ginny, Tuppence, JM and Hen used the clues and their instincts to get the answers.
I loved this one and highly recommend it to any lover of a good cosy mystery, I am looking forward to more visits to Little Shaw in the future.
My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
April 23, 2026
Probably my favourite out of the bunch!
April 15, 2026
Everything was calm, cozy, and slightly tipsy at pub quiz night… until someone ended up dead in the cellar. Nothing shatters a peaceful village evening quite like a body next to the beer kegs, and suddenly Little Shaw doesn’t feel quite so sleepy anymore. The Widows’ Guide to Last Orders by Amanda Ashby immediately pulled me into the charming chaos of village life, where gossip spreads faster than the ale flows and mysteries seem to lurk behind every polite smile. Published by Storm Publishing, and many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC. This is the fourth book in the Widows’ Detective Club series, but it honestly feels welcoming whether you’ve read the earlier books or not. Stepping into Little Shaw feels like wandering into a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other’s business, and if they don’t, they’re determined to find out. At the center of it all is Ginny Cole, the village librarian, who quickly proves that curiosity is both a blessing and a dangerous habit when someone turns up dead. What I loved most about this story is how it balances cozy charm with a genuinely intriguing mystery. The story begins with the death of Nathan, the young quizmaster at the local pub, The Lost Goat. The police quickly label it an accident, the sort of tragic mishap that villages whisper about for a week before moving on. But Ginny isn’t convinced. And if Ginny isn’t convinced, neither are her friends — the wonderfully determined group known as the Merry Widows. Watching Ginny and the widows follow threads of suspicion through their quiet village was an absolute delight. Their investigation slowly opens doors to secrets buried decades in the past, including a mysterious disappearance from the 1960s, whispers of Cold War intrigue, and rumors of hidden fortunes. What starts as a suspicious fall in a cellar gradually becomes something much bigger, weaving together history, village rivalries, and a puzzle that refuses to stay simple. Ginny is such a compelling character to spend time with. She’s observant in the quiet way librarians often are, noticing small details others overlook. She doesn’t charge into danger like a traditional detective, but her persistence is far more powerful. And the Merry Widows are equally wonderful. Their friendship is full of warmth, dry humor, and the kind of loyalty that only comes from shared life experience. They tease each other, support each other, and occasionally dive headfirst into trouble together. The banter between the women made me laugh more than once, especially when they begin questioning everything and everyone around them. Their determination to uncover the truth feels both heartfelt and slightly mischievous, like they know they probably shouldn’t be investigating… but they absolutely will anyway. The setting itself deserves its own moment of appreciation. Little Shaw is one of those cozy fictional villages that feels incredibly vivid. The pub, the library, the local history society, and the layers of gossip all make the place feel alive. It’s charming on the surface but filled with secrets just beneath it, which makes it the perfect playground for a mystery. One line in particular captured the spirit of the story beautifully: “Small villages are built on secrets. The trick is knowing which ones matter.” That quote perfectly reflects the atmosphere of the book. Everyone in Little Shaw seems to know something, but figuring out which secrets connect to the truth becomes the real challenge. The pacing of the mystery was spot on for me. It slowly builds tension while keeping that cozy, comforting tone that makes this genre so addictive. There are twists scattered throughout the story that kept me guessing, and I genuinely enjoyed watching the puzzle unfold piece by piece. Every new discovery felt like another small crack in the tidy image of village life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was such an enjoyable read from start to finish. It’s clever without being complicated, suspenseful without losing its warmth, and filled with characters who feel real enough that you start to care about them very quickly. Readers who love cozy mysteries with strong friendships, clever clues, and small-town settings will absolutely adore this book. If you enjoy stories like The Thursday Murder Club or mysteries where amateur detectives rely on observation, persistence, and a bit of stubborn curiosity, this series is definitely one to add to your reading list. By the time I reached the final chapters, I was completely invested in how everything would unfold. The resolution was satisfying, surprising, and exactly the kind of twisty reveal that makes cozy mysteries so much fun. Even better, it left me excited to see what kind of trouble the widows might stumble into next. There’s something deeply comforting about a story where friendship, curiosity, and a little bit of courage can uncover the truth, even in a village full of secrets. Now I’m curious… if you lived in a place like Little Shaw and someone suspicious turned up dead after a pub quiz night, would you quietly trust the police to handle it, or would you start asking questions of your own? #TheWidowsGuideToLastOrders #AmandaAshby #CozyMystery #BookReview #NetGalley #StormPublishing #MysteryReaders #Bookstagram #CozyMysterySeries #MysteryLovers #BookCommunity #BookRecommendations
March 10, 2026
The Widow’s Guide to Last Orders is a wonderfully warm, slyly clever cozy mystery that wraps you in the charm of Little Shaw before nudging you straight into danger. Ginny Cole, with her librarian’s curiosity and quietly determined heart, makes an irresistible guide through a village where the gossip flows as freely as the ale at The Lost Goat — and where even a Sunday quiz night can turn deadly.
The murder of the young quizmaster is the perfect spark for this story: unexpected, unsettling, and just suspicious enough to rouse Ginny’s instincts. The police may be content to call it an accident, but Ginny — and her delightfully mismatched band of Merry Widows — know better. With DI Wallace inconveniently absent and impossible to pin down, the women step into the breach with a mix of caution, wit, and the kind of camaraderie that makes this series shine.
What follows is a deliciously twisty investigation that reaches far beyond the pub cellar. The victim’s search for a great‑aunt who vanished in 1963 opens a door onto a sixty‑year‑old mystery involving hidden priest holes, Cold War whispers, and the wonderfully petty rivalries of the local history society. The past and present weave together beautifully, each clue adding texture to the village’s secrets without ever overwhelming the cozy tone.
The humour is gentle but sharp, the stakes real but never grim, and the pacing just right — a steady unravelling that keeps you turning pages while still letting you savour the atmosphere. And when the killer strikes again, the tension tightens in a way that feels earned, reminding you that even the coziest corners can hide real danger.
Charming, twisty, and full of heart, The Widow’s Guide to Last Orders is a delight for anyone who believes retirement should come with good friends, good puzzles, and the occasional murder to solve.
My thanks to Amanda Ashby, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The murder of the young quizmaster is the perfect spark for this story: unexpected, unsettling, and just suspicious enough to rouse Ginny’s instincts. The police may be content to call it an accident, but Ginny — and her delightfully mismatched band of Merry Widows — know better. With DI Wallace inconveniently absent and impossible to pin down, the women step into the breach with a mix of caution, wit, and the kind of camaraderie that makes this series shine.
What follows is a deliciously twisty investigation that reaches far beyond the pub cellar. The victim’s search for a great‑aunt who vanished in 1963 opens a door onto a sixty‑year‑old mystery involving hidden priest holes, Cold War whispers, and the wonderfully petty rivalries of the local history society. The past and present weave together beautifully, each clue adding texture to the village’s secrets without ever overwhelming the cozy tone.
The humour is gentle but sharp, the stakes real but never grim, and the pacing just right — a steady unravelling that keeps you turning pages while still letting you savour the atmosphere. And when the killer strikes again, the tension tightens in a way that feels earned, reminding you that even the coziest corners can hide real danger.
Charming, twisty, and full of heart, The Widow’s Guide to Last Orders is a delight for anyone who believes retirement should come with good friends, good puzzles, and the occasional murder to solve.
My thanks to Amanda Ashby, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Widow’s Guide to Last Orders begins with a map which proves to be most useful as you join Ginny and her friends in the small country town of Little Shaw. The ladies are at a quiz night held at the local pub, The Lost Goat, which ends in serious verbal abuse of the local Detective Inspector James Wallace, whose team just happened to win, again!
Ginny and her friends, the team of Merry Widows was nonplussed about the reaction from people who were normally respected members of the community. Nathan the bar attendant who set the quiz questions was looking overwhelmed at the aggressive reaction and volunteered to go to the cellar to change the keg.
He is murdered, the police are calling it accidental, but Ginny and her friends simply can’t help thinking otherwise, but who would do such a thing over quiz questions sets the town alight with gossip,
Having felt the wrath of James Wallace on a previous case in which they became entangled, the Merry Widows realise this time they will need to tread carefully, that is if they survive the get fit regime organised by JM, as DI Wallace seems to be otherwise occupied and more surly than usual.
As the local librarian, Ginny considers there may be a clue in the last books Nathan borrowed as to what may have led to his death. Going through the books she comes across an old photo with what appears to be a code on the back.
Loving to solve a puzzle, the ladies set out to use their collective wits and skills to try and discover what was behind Nathan’s death. A cast of very colourful locals, some with a past sunk deep in crime, but who are reformed and now elderly gentlemen, and a secret almost hidden in clear view, sadly sees the death of another community member before the killer can be discovered.
Excellent for a day on the couch indulging and cozy murder, A Widow’s Guide to Last Orders, book 4 in The Widows’ Detective Club will appeal to the hidden detective in us all.
Ginny and her friends, the team of Merry Widows was nonplussed about the reaction from people who were normally respected members of the community. Nathan the bar attendant who set the quiz questions was looking overwhelmed at the aggressive reaction and volunteered to go to the cellar to change the keg.
He is murdered, the police are calling it accidental, but Ginny and her friends simply can’t help thinking otherwise, but who would do such a thing over quiz questions sets the town alight with gossip,
Having felt the wrath of James Wallace on a previous case in which they became entangled, the Merry Widows realise this time they will need to tread carefully, that is if they survive the get fit regime organised by JM, as DI Wallace seems to be otherwise occupied and more surly than usual.
As the local librarian, Ginny considers there may be a clue in the last books Nathan borrowed as to what may have led to his death. Going through the books she comes across an old photo with what appears to be a code on the back.
Loving to solve a puzzle, the ladies set out to use their collective wits and skills to try and discover what was behind Nathan’s death. A cast of very colourful locals, some with a past sunk deep in crime, but who are reformed and now elderly gentlemen, and a secret almost hidden in clear view, sadly sees the death of another community member before the killer can be discovered.
Excellent for a day on the couch indulging and cozy murder, A Widow’s Guide to Last Orders, book 4 in The Widows’ Detective Club will appeal to the hidden detective in us all.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Widows’ Guide to Last Orders is a fantastic fourth installment in The Widows’ Detective Club, and every bit as enjoyable as the previous books.
When bartender and quizmaster Nathan is found dead in the cellar of The Lost Goat, his death is quickly ruled an accident—just a tragic fall over a keg. Ginny Cole and her friends initially accept this, but everything changes when they discover Nathan had been searching for his long-lost great-aunt, Peggy Barlow, who vanished from Little Shaw back in 1963 amid rumors she was a spy. As more details emerge—along with multiple people eager to tell Peggy’s story—the Merry Widows (Ginny, JM, Tuppence, and Hen) begin to suspect there’s far more to Nathan’s death than meets the eye.
With DI Wallace out of the picture, the widows are free to investigate at their own pace (and with their usual determination). Eventually, they manage to convince him that this could indeed be murder, and he joins forces with them, using their discoveries to push the case forward.
The historical thread involving Peggy and her love, Mikhail Volkov, a Russian defector, adds a compelling layer to the story. It deepens the mystery with twists and intrigue that go beyond a typical cozy crime. The blend of past and present is handled beautifully, keeping the plot engaging and full of surprises.
As always, the charm of Little Shaw and its residents shines through, and the widows themselves remain an absolute joy to follow. Their friendship, humor, and relentless curiosity are at the heart of what makes this series so special. And the ending? Completely unexpected—I didn’t see it coming, and I suspect many readers won’t either.
Overall, this is a clever, warm, and thoroughly entertaining cozy mystery that fans of the series—and the genre—will love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When bartender and quizmaster Nathan is found dead in the cellar of The Lost Goat, his death is quickly ruled an accident—just a tragic fall over a keg. Ginny Cole and her friends initially accept this, but everything changes when they discover Nathan had been searching for his long-lost great-aunt, Peggy Barlow, who vanished from Little Shaw back in 1963 amid rumors she was a spy. As more details emerge—along with multiple people eager to tell Peggy’s story—the Merry Widows (Ginny, JM, Tuppence, and Hen) begin to suspect there’s far more to Nathan’s death than meets the eye.
With DI Wallace out of the picture, the widows are free to investigate at their own pace (and with their usual determination). Eventually, they manage to convince him that this could indeed be murder, and he joins forces with them, using their discoveries to push the case forward.
The historical thread involving Peggy and her love, Mikhail Volkov, a Russian defector, adds a compelling layer to the story. It deepens the mystery with twists and intrigue that go beyond a typical cozy crime. The blend of past and present is handled beautifully, keeping the plot engaging and full of surprises.
As always, the charm of Little Shaw and its residents shines through, and the widows themselves remain an absolute joy to follow. Their friendship, humor, and relentless curiosity are at the heart of what makes this series so special. And the ending? Completely unexpected—I didn’t see it coming, and I suspect many readers won’t either.
Overall, this is a clever, warm, and thoroughly entertaining cozy mystery that fans of the series—and the genre—will love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2026
There’s a particular magic to a cozy mystery that understands its strengths and leans fully into them—and The Widow’s Guide to Last Order does exactly that. What makes this installment in the Widows’ Detective Club series so enjoyable isn’t just the mystery itself, but the delightful company readers keep along the way. Ginny Cole and the Merry Widows are the kind of characters who feel instantly familiar: sharp, observant, and wonderfully unwilling to leave well enough alone when something doesn’t add up. One of the series’ greatest strengths is its perspective. Cozy mysteries often celebrate community, but this story does so through a group of women who bring decades of life experience, wit, and resilience to their sleuthing. Their friendship is the emotional backbone of the novel, adding warmth and humor even as the puzzle grows more complex. The setting of Little Shaw is equally compelling. It’s the kind of village that feels layered with history—where old rivalries, forgotten stories, and long-held secrets quietly shape the present. That sense of place gives the mystery a richness that goes beyond the central investigation. The plotting strikes a satisfying balance between playful and clever, delivering enough twists to keep readers guessing while still allowing the characters and their relationships to take center stage. It’s an approach that perfectly suits the cozy genre: engaging, witty, and driven as much by personality as by puzzle. For readers who love character-forward mysteries filled with charm, humor, and a touch of village intrigue, this series continues to be a standout. It’s proof that sometimes the best detectives aren’t the ones with badges—they’re the ones with sharp minds, loyal friends, and a healthy suspicion of anything that doesn’t quite add up.
April 19, 2026
This was a such a lot of fun! The drama, the twists, the... horse costume?
This was a lot crammed into not that many pages, with the plot moving along at a brisk pace and not really giving you chance to breathe. Opening at a quiz night that quickly turns fatal, the story moves into some unexpected and interesting directions involving spies, priest holes, nuns, and so much more.
There were some moments when I had to pause and flick back a couple of pages, convinced I had missed something, because the story had taken such a wild turn. It was ridiculous and over the top at times, but it somehow managed to mostly walk the balance well, and those wild moments were matched with decent plot and character moments.
I enjoyed Ginny as a main character, a lot. She is smart and brave but not brash and over the top. She's curious but not to the point of destruction and indeed quite often has to be the one dragged into it because she doesn't want to needlessly risk herself. She's also the heart of the story and its her desire to do right by Nathan, to give his family some peace that really gets the ball rolling - without her desire to help, the murderer might very well have gotten away with it!
There were one or two moments that upon deeper reflection didn't make a lot of sense, and the horror of power walking, but the rest of the book more than made up for it.
I felt very connected to the characters and near the end found myself getting quite worked up with the fear that a certain character was involved in the whole thing.
Highly entertaining, with plenty of side plots - Hamlet 3:1 anyone? Stalkers? Theft? A Power plant disaster from the 60s?
This is well worth a read and will keep you distracted and amused the whole time.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
This was a lot crammed into not that many pages, with the plot moving along at a brisk pace and not really giving you chance to breathe. Opening at a quiz night that quickly turns fatal, the story moves into some unexpected and interesting directions involving spies, priest holes, nuns, and so much more.
There were some moments when I had to pause and flick back a couple of pages, convinced I had missed something, because the story had taken such a wild turn. It was ridiculous and over the top at times, but it somehow managed to mostly walk the balance well, and those wild moments were matched with decent plot and character moments.
I enjoyed Ginny as a main character, a lot. She is smart and brave but not brash and over the top. She's curious but not to the point of destruction and indeed quite often has to be the one dragged into it because she doesn't want to needlessly risk herself. She's also the heart of the story and its her desire to do right by Nathan, to give his family some peace that really gets the ball rolling - without her desire to help, the murderer might very well have gotten away with it!
There were one or two moments that upon deeper reflection didn't make a lot of sense, and the horror of power walking, but the rest of the book more than made up for it.
I felt very connected to the characters and near the end found myself getting quite worked up with the fear that a certain character was involved in the whole thing.
Highly entertaining, with plenty of side plots - Hamlet 3:1 anyone? Stalkers? Theft? A Power plant disaster from the 60s?
This is well worth a read and will keep you distracted and amused the whole time.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
April 21, 2026
📚 Read as a book 📃 No. of pages: 268 ⏱ Duration: 4 hours
🏷️ Publisher name: Storm Publishing | ARC provided by NetGalley
I jumped into this one mid-series, and I’ll be honest: I felt a bit like the person who arrives at the party after all the inside jokes have already been told. Since this is the fourth installment of The Widows’ Detective Club, there was a slight disconnect for me emotionally. The beginning felt a little slow, heavy with references to past events that made me feel like I was intruding on a private conversation among old friends. If you’re new to Little Shaw, I’d definitely suggest starting with book one so you can truly invest in Ginny and her crew.
That said, the moment the body drops? Oh, we’re back in business. The mystery itself is where this book shines. The blend of a present-day murder with a Cold War–era disappearance adds a fun layer of intrigue, and the whole “priest holes and village secrets” vibe was chef’s kiss for cozy mystery lovers. The investigation felt warm, engaging, and just twisty enough to keep me flipping pages.
Between the village gossip, the history society egos, and the hunt for Cold War secrets, the mystery turned into a solid, twisty puzzle. It’s charming enough that I’m actually tempted to go back and read the first three books just so I can officially feel like "part of the family."
Would I recommend it?
If you’re new, start from book one to really feel the emotional depth of these characters. As a standalone, it’s a bit of a slow burn at first, but once it gets going, it’s a cozy, satisfying mystery with charm and clever twists. And honestly? It made me want to go back and read the earlier books, which says a lot.
🏷️ Publisher name: Storm Publishing | ARC provided by NetGalley
I jumped into this one mid-series, and I’ll be honest: I felt a bit like the person who arrives at the party after all the inside jokes have already been told. Since this is the fourth installment of The Widows’ Detective Club, there was a slight disconnect for me emotionally. The beginning felt a little slow, heavy with references to past events that made me feel like I was intruding on a private conversation among old friends. If you’re new to Little Shaw, I’d definitely suggest starting with book one so you can truly invest in Ginny and her crew.
That said, the moment the body drops? Oh, we’re back in business. The mystery itself is where this book shines. The blend of a present-day murder with a Cold War–era disappearance adds a fun layer of intrigue, and the whole “priest holes and village secrets” vibe was chef’s kiss for cozy mystery lovers. The investigation felt warm, engaging, and just twisty enough to keep me flipping pages.
Between the village gossip, the history society egos, and the hunt for Cold War secrets, the mystery turned into a solid, twisty puzzle. It’s charming enough that I’m actually tempted to go back and read the first three books just so I can officially feel like "part of the family."
Would I recommend it?
If you’re new, start from book one to really feel the emotional depth of these characters. As a standalone, it’s a bit of a slow burn at first, but once it gets going, it’s a cozy, satisfying mystery with charm and clever twists. And honestly? It made me want to go back and read the earlier books, which says a lot.
April 12, 2026
When Storm Publishing gave me the opportunity to read The Widows’ Guide to Last Orders, I didn’t realize I was stepping into a series—so of course I had to go back and read The Widows’ Guide to Murder, Backstabbing, and Skulduggery first… and I absolutely fell in love with this group of women.
This was my first experience with Amanda Ashby, and it definitely won’t be my last.
There’s something so special about this series, and it really comes down to the characters. Ginny, Hen, Tuppence, and JM have such a natural, believable dynamic—more like a group of friends you’d want to sit down with at the pub than amateur detectives. Their loyalty, humor, and curiosity make every mystery feel both personal and fun to unravel.
In this installment, what starts as the suspicious “accidental” death of a young quizmaster quickly turns into something much deeper. I loved how the story wove between present-day investigation and a decades-old mystery, adding layers without ever losing that cozy feel. The historical elements, hidden secrets, and small-town dynamics gave this one a little extra depth compared to a typical cozy mystery.
The pacing was steady and engaging—just enough twists to keep me guessing without feeling overly complicated. And when things escalate, you’re reminded that even in the coziest settings, there’s still real danger lurking beneath the surface.
Overall, this is such a warm, character-driven series that balances charm, mystery, and heart so well. Whether you’ve been following the widows from the beginning or are just jumping in, this one is easy to sink into and incredibly enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!
This was my first experience with Amanda Ashby, and it definitely won’t be my last.
There’s something so special about this series, and it really comes down to the characters. Ginny, Hen, Tuppence, and JM have such a natural, believable dynamic—more like a group of friends you’d want to sit down with at the pub than amateur detectives. Their loyalty, humor, and curiosity make every mystery feel both personal and fun to unravel.
In this installment, what starts as the suspicious “accidental” death of a young quizmaster quickly turns into something much deeper. I loved how the story wove between present-day investigation and a decades-old mystery, adding layers without ever losing that cozy feel. The historical elements, hidden secrets, and small-town dynamics gave this one a little extra depth compared to a typical cozy mystery.
The pacing was steady and engaging—just enough twists to keep me guessing without feeling overly complicated. And when things escalate, you’re reminded that even in the coziest settings, there’s still real danger lurking beneath the surface.
Overall, this is such a warm, character-driven series that balances charm, mystery, and heart so well. Whether you’ve been following the widows from the beginning or are just jumping in, this one is easy to sink into and incredibly enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
** “Being able to remember those who had passed was beyond value.” **
Amanda Ashby continues her fun cozy mystery series featuring four widowed friends with a knack for solving murders in “The Widows’ Guide to Last Orders.”
When the barman and quizmaster of The Lost Goat ends up dead in the cellar, village librarian Ginny Cole is once again pulled into an investigation of questionable circumstances. With the help of her friends JM, Hen and Tuppence, the ladies feel there is more to Nathan’s death than just an accidental fall.
So when the case takes a strange turn involving 1960s spies, and when other people end up dead too, they dig deeper into their investigation.
What follows is another fun cozy mystery by Ashby. She once again creates a delightfully fun story filled with mystery and humor that will appeal to all mystery lovers. She develops a fun cast of characters, some lovable, some quirky, and some who are quite loathsome, all while developing lots of twists and turns and misdirections. And through her story she reminds us about the power of friendship and loyalty; to question everything; and to honor the past.
Fans of series like Richard Osman’s “The Thursday Murder Club,” Robert Thorogood’s “The Marlow Murder Club” and Peter Boland’s “The Charity Shop Detective Agency Mysteries” will love “The Widows’ Guide to Last Orders,” which is due out April 15.
Five stars out of five.
Storm Publishing provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Amanda Ashby continues her fun cozy mystery series featuring four widowed friends with a knack for solving murders in “The Widows’ Guide to Last Orders.”
When the barman and quizmaster of The Lost Goat ends up dead in the cellar, village librarian Ginny Cole is once again pulled into an investigation of questionable circumstances. With the help of her friends JM, Hen and Tuppence, the ladies feel there is more to Nathan’s death than just an accidental fall.
So when the case takes a strange turn involving 1960s spies, and when other people end up dead too, they dig deeper into their investigation.
What follows is another fun cozy mystery by Ashby. She once again creates a delightfully fun story filled with mystery and humor that will appeal to all mystery lovers. She develops a fun cast of characters, some lovable, some quirky, and some who are quite loathsome, all while developing lots of twists and turns and misdirections. And through her story she reminds us about the power of friendship and loyalty; to question everything; and to honor the past.
Fans of series like Richard Osman’s “The Thursday Murder Club,” Robert Thorogood’s “The Marlow Murder Club” and Peter Boland’s “The Charity Shop Detective Agency Mysteries” will love “The Widows’ Guide to Last Orders,” which is due out April 15.
Five stars out of five.
Storm Publishing provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
April 20, 2026
This is almost the perfect cozy murder mystery.
Ginny is a librarian who along with her three friends has a habit of getting swept up in local murder cases. When the barman at her local pub (The Lost Goat - excellent name!) tragically dies after the pub's quiz night, it's recorded as an accident - sad, but not suspicious. Or is it?
This was brilliant fun, I loved every page. The plot moved briskly but didn't end up tangled and confused; it went in all kinds of different - and unexpected - directions and was genuinely well thought through. We had nuns, spies, historians, safe crackers, excellent quiz team names, a fire in a nuclear plant, powerwalking and...my favourite feature...a potential horse costume. The characters all felt very real, and a feature I really loved was the fact that Ginny is something of a reluctant investigator. Rather than being stubbornly determined to investigate on her own, she sort of gets pulled in at points against her better judgment.
The main thing which let it down was the fact that so much was made of no-one following Nathan the barman into the location he died in, and then when the killer and their motive was revealed the 'how' still wasn't explained. There were a couple of moments which didn't quite make sense which was a shame but honestly they're easy to overlook given how entertaining this book is.
Fabulous read, I can't wait for the next one to see what Ginny and The Merry Widows get up to next :)
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -
Ginny is a librarian who along with her three friends has a habit of getting swept up in local murder cases. When the barman at her local pub (The Lost Goat - excellent name!) tragically dies after the pub's quiz night, it's recorded as an accident - sad, but not suspicious. Or is it?
This was brilliant fun, I loved every page. The plot moved briskly but didn't end up tangled and confused; it went in all kinds of different - and unexpected - directions and was genuinely well thought through. We had nuns, spies, historians, safe crackers, excellent quiz team names, a fire in a nuclear plant, powerwalking and...my favourite feature...a potential horse costume. The characters all felt very real, and a feature I really loved was the fact that Ginny is something of a reluctant investigator. Rather than being stubbornly determined to investigate on her own, she sort of gets pulled in at points against her better judgment.
The main thing which let it down was the fact that so much was made of no-one following Nathan the barman into the location he died in, and then when the killer and their motive was revealed the 'how' still wasn't explained. There were a couple of moments which didn't quite make sense which was a shame but honestly they're easy to overlook given how entertaining this book is.
Fabulous read, I can't wait for the next one to see what Ginny and The Merry Widows get up to next :)
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There’s nothing more quintessentially British than a murder mystery set in a sleepy village, unless, of course, it’s a murder mystery solved by a sharp‑witted group of older women. The Widow’s Guide to Last Orders delivers exactly that, and it’s an absolute treat.
This book has all the cozy crime ingredients I love: a grumpy copper who begrudgingly tolerates the widows’ involvement, a cast of eccentric locals, and a wonderfully tight‑knit group of power walking, pub‑quiz‑loving amateur sleuths. The tone is warm, humorous, and charmingly village‑y in all the best ways.
One thing that genuinely surprised and delighted me were the Cold War elements threaded through the plot. It added a layer of intrigue I didn’t expect, and learning about priest holes was fascinating one of those bits of history I probably never would have come across on my own. I love when a book gives me a little “oh wow, I never knew that!” moment, and this one absolutely did.
I found it an easy, comforting read, the kind of book you happily settle into before bed. Even better, this was my first introduction to the Widow’s Detective Club, and I’m delighted to discover there are earlier books in the series waiting for me.
If you enjoy a classic whodunnit with steady pacing, engaging characters, and a delightful English village setting, this is absolutely one to add to your list.
Thank you Net galley for providing a copy of this ARC for free in return for an honest review.
This book has all the cozy crime ingredients I love: a grumpy copper who begrudgingly tolerates the widows’ involvement, a cast of eccentric locals, and a wonderfully tight‑knit group of power walking, pub‑quiz‑loving amateur sleuths. The tone is warm, humorous, and charmingly village‑y in all the best ways.
One thing that genuinely surprised and delighted me were the Cold War elements threaded through the plot. It added a layer of intrigue I didn’t expect, and learning about priest holes was fascinating one of those bits of history I probably never would have come across on my own. I love when a book gives me a little “oh wow, I never knew that!” moment, and this one absolutely did.
I found it an easy, comforting read, the kind of book you happily settle into before bed. Even better, this was my first introduction to the Widow’s Detective Club, and I’m delighted to discover there are earlier books in the series waiting for me.
If you enjoy a classic whodunnit with steady pacing, engaging characters, and a delightful English village setting, this is absolutely one to add to your list.
Thank you Net galley for providing a copy of this ARC for free in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun and comforting read, even if at times things wrapped up a little more neatly than I would have liked. There is a lightness to the story that makes it very easy to settle into, and the sense of community really shines throughout.
The heart of the book lies with the widows themselves, and I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between them. Each character brings something different to the group, creating a warm, supportive and often humorous atmosphere that makes you want to spend more time in their company. The idea of the Widows club is a lovely one, and it is the relationships within it that really carry the story.
The mystery elements are engaging, although they do lean towards the convenient side at times. Moments that could have been more drawn out or challenging, such as long-hidden discoveries, seem to fall into place very quickly. It does make parts of the plot feel a little too easy, but it also keeps the pace moving and the tone light.
What really stood out for me was the humour. The quiz team names alone were enough to bring a smile, and those little touches of wit are scattered throughout the book, giving it a playful and enjoyable feel.
The Widows' Guide to Last Orders by Amanda Ashby is a charming, feel-good read with a strong sense of friendship and fun. While the plot may not challenge too deeply, it more than makes up for it with heart and humour.
My thanks go to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC of this book.
The heart of the book lies with the widows themselves, and I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between them. Each character brings something different to the group, creating a warm, supportive and often humorous atmosphere that makes you want to spend more time in their company. The idea of the Widows club is a lovely one, and it is the relationships within it that really carry the story.
The mystery elements are engaging, although they do lean towards the convenient side at times. Moments that could have been more drawn out or challenging, such as long-hidden discoveries, seem to fall into place very quickly. It does make parts of the plot feel a little too easy, but it also keeps the pace moving and the tone light.
What really stood out for me was the humour. The quiz team names alone were enough to bring a smile, and those little touches of wit are scattered throughout the book, giving it a playful and enjoyable feel.
The Widows' Guide to Last Orders by Amanda Ashby is a charming, feel-good read with a strong sense of friendship and fun. While the plot may not challenge too deeply, it more than makes up for it with heart and humour.
My thanks go to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ginny Cole, newish Little Shaw resident, local librarian, occasional sleuth, and now weekend pub quizzer with her friends as one quarter of The Merry Widows team, is enjoying her life again after the loss of her husband. When her Sunday evening is thrown into chaos by the discovery of a body in the cellar amongst the empty kegs, the police are sure it is an unfortunate accident, Ginny and her friends aren't convinced however, and begin to investigate once again. Uncovering details of a missing Little Shaw resident alongside a Russian defector from the early 1960s, and the history of local priest holes mean there are plenty of clues to follow. When another death occurs the need to discover what links everything together becomes far more urgent, especially as the killer could be gunning for them next!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This was fab and I loved it. The storyline was original, full of twists and turns and I had no idea who dunnit or why until the big reveal which was very satisfying. Ginny and her friends are great main protagonists, all totally different characters who compliment each other to get the job done. The whole series is highly recommended with each book so far a pleasure to read.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This was fab and I loved it. The storyline was original, full of twists and turns and I had no idea who dunnit or why until the big reveal which was very satisfying. Ginny and her friends are great main protagonists, all totally different characters who compliment each other to get the job done. The whole series is highly recommended with each book so far a pleasure to read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I review all books honestly and share my genuine reading experience. Release Date: April 15, 2026
The Widows' Guide to Last Orders is a heartfelt and witty cozy mystery that blends small-town charm with a whodunit twist, following a group of widows who find themselves a bit more involved in a murder investigation than the local police might prefer.
First of all, I loved the little map illustration at the beginning of the town! It immediately pulled me into the setting and made everything feel more vivid. The story itself felt warm, heartfelt, and genuinely funny at times, with just enough intrigue and action to keep things moving. It gave me similar vibes to The Thursday Murder Club, but still felt original with its own distinct characters and dynamic.
I especially loved Ginny as the “leader” of the group, such as her talking to her cat like a person, which was incredibly relatable (as someone who absolutely does the same with my dog). The ensemble cast as a whole was so fun, and I really enjoyed the relationship that develops with the detective. The group may be a bit of a nuisance to the investigation, but you can’t help but feel like he secretly enjoys their meddling. I also found myself thinking this would make a fantastic audiobook! The characters’ voices were already so clear in my head while reading.
The only thing that kept this from being a full five-star read for me was that I wanted a bit more depth from the other ensemble members. I would have loved to see more of their individual stories and interactions outside of Ginny so they could stand even more strongly on their own, even if it meant a slightly longer book.
Overall, this is a great cozy mystery with witty, lovable characters that had me laughing while reading. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy. It's definitely one to pick up when it releases on April 15, 2026!
#TheWidowsGuidetoLastOrders #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I review all books honestly and share my genuine reading experience. Release Date: April 15, 2026
The Widows' Guide to Last Orders is a heartfelt and witty cozy mystery that blends small-town charm with a whodunit twist, following a group of widows who find themselves a bit more involved in a murder investigation than the local police might prefer.
First of all, I loved the little map illustration at the beginning of the town! It immediately pulled me into the setting and made everything feel more vivid. The story itself felt warm, heartfelt, and genuinely funny at times, with just enough intrigue and action to keep things moving. It gave me similar vibes to The Thursday Murder Club, but still felt original with its own distinct characters and dynamic.
I especially loved Ginny as the “leader” of the group, such as her talking to her cat like a person, which was incredibly relatable (as someone who absolutely does the same with my dog). The ensemble cast as a whole was so fun, and I really enjoyed the relationship that develops with the detective. The group may be a bit of a nuisance to the investigation, but you can’t help but feel like he secretly enjoys their meddling. I also found myself thinking this would make a fantastic audiobook! The characters’ voices were already so clear in my head while reading.
The only thing that kept this from being a full five-star read for me was that I wanted a bit more depth from the other ensemble members. I would have loved to see more of their individual stories and interactions outside of Ginny so they could stand even more strongly on their own, even if it meant a slightly longer book.
Overall, this is a great cozy mystery with witty, lovable characters that had me laughing while reading. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy. It's definitely one to pick up when it releases on April 15, 2026!
#TheWidowsGuidetoLastOrders #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Amanda Ashby, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fun, charming installment in the Widows’ Detective Club series. Amanda Ashby has a knack for writing cozy mysteries that balance humor, heart, and a genuinely engaging mystery. The story centers around Ginny and the Merry Widows after a death following quiz night at the local pub. While the police are quick to dismiss it as an accident, the widows aren’t convinced and begin digging into the truth themselves.
What really makes this book shine is the writing and the characters. The widows are witty, observant, and wonderfully stubborn, and their friendship adds so much warmth and humor to the story. The village of Little Shaw also feels like a character in its own right—idyllic on the surface but layered with history, secrets, and plenty of gossip.
Amanda Ashby does a great job weaving together multiple threads of mystery while keeping the tone light and entertaining. It’s the kind of cozy mystery that makes you laugh, keeps you curious, and makes you want to spend more time with these characters. A really enjoyable read, and I’m already looking forward to the next case in the series
This was such a fun, charming installment in the Widows’ Detective Club series. Amanda Ashby has a knack for writing cozy mysteries that balance humor, heart, and a genuinely engaging mystery. The story centers around Ginny and the Merry Widows after a death following quiz night at the local pub. While the police are quick to dismiss it as an accident, the widows aren’t convinced and begin digging into the truth themselves.
What really makes this book shine is the writing and the characters. The widows are witty, observant, and wonderfully stubborn, and their friendship adds so much warmth and humor to the story. The village of Little Shaw also feels like a character in its own right—idyllic on the surface but layered with history, secrets, and plenty of gossip.
Amanda Ashby does a great job weaving together multiple threads of mystery while keeping the tone light and entertaining. It’s the kind of cozy mystery that makes you laugh, keeps you curious, and makes you want to spend more time with these characters. A really enjoyable read, and I’m already looking forward to the next case in the series
March 31, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC by of The Widows’ guide to last orders. .
The story starts with the death of the local quizmaster during a pub quiz which was initially put down to an accident. Ginny isn’t convinced for long, especially once it becomes clear he’d been looking into an old disappearance connected to the village. From there, things start to unravel in that familiar way where past and present begin to overlap.
The real strength of this books is the characters. Ginny, JM, Hen and Tuppence have such an easy, believable dynamic. They’re not polished detectives but curious, persistent, and loyal to each other and that’s what makes it work. There’s a lot of warmth in their interactions, which balances out the darker side of the mystery.
I liked the direction the plot took, particularly the way it reached back into the past. It gave the story a bit more depth and made it feel slightly different from your standard cosy crime. It kept me guessing without getting too complicated, which I appreciated.
Overall, a really solid instalment which was engaging, character driven, and easy to sink into and can be read as a standalone. Definitely one to pick up if you’ve been following the series or enjoy a cosy mystery with a bit of heart.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Widows’ Guide to Last Orders by Amanda Ashby is the fourth book in The Widows’ Detective Club and was just as good a read as the previous stories were.
When bartender/quizmaster Nathan dies in the cellar of The Lost Goat, it is presumed to be an accident because he tripped over a keg. Ginny and her friends first accept this until they discover he was trying to find his lost great-aunt Peggy Barlow, who disappeared from Little Shaw in 1963. Rumor has it that she was a spy. As they learn more about Peggy and find out that three people want to write a book based on her life, then Ginny Cole, JM, Tuppence, and Hen (the merry widows) suspect Nathan’s death was murder.
With DI Wallace absent, the ladies are free to investigate without interference. Eventually they convince him that Nathan’s death could be murder, and he starts investigating with their notes and help.
The storyline of Peggy and her love, Mikhail Volkov, a Russian defector, was interesting and this made the story more complex with twists. I think readers will enjoy the widows and other characters who reside in Little Shaw. The killer totally surprised me, and I think many readers will be surprised, too.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When bartender/quizmaster Nathan dies in the cellar of The Lost Goat, it is presumed to be an accident because he tripped over a keg. Ginny and her friends first accept this until they discover he was trying to find his lost great-aunt Peggy Barlow, who disappeared from Little Shaw in 1963. Rumor has it that she was a spy. As they learn more about Peggy and find out that three people want to write a book based on her life, then Ginny Cole, JM, Tuppence, and Hen (the merry widows) suspect Nathan’s death was murder.
With DI Wallace absent, the ladies are free to investigate without interference. Eventually they convince him that Nathan’s death could be murder, and he starts investigating with their notes and help.
The storyline of Peggy and her love, Mikhail Volkov, a Russian defector, was interesting and this made the story more complex with twists. I think readers will enjoy the widows and other characters who reside in Little Shaw. The killer totally surprised me, and I think many readers will be surprised, too.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ginny Cole and her friends, the widows in the title, want to help a young pub owner and his wife after one of their employees was found dead in the wine cellar. The police rule the death an accident, but Ginny believes that there may be more to the story. When a strangely marked photograph turns up in a library book that the victim returned just prior to his 'accident', Ginny tries to learn more about the young man so that she can return the photograph. When the killer strikes again the Ginny and her friends double their efforts to learn if there is a 1960s spy connection between the victims and their town of Little Shaw, and if this will lead them to the killer.
I've read other titles in this series and enjoyed them all. The widows are a quirky, but likeable, bunch who are always looking out for others which seems to lead them into mysterious and potentially dangerous situations. These are light-read, cozy mysteries, but still with a complexity of plot to keep the reader engaged and satisfied at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I've read other titles in this series and enjoyed them all. The widows are a quirky, but likeable, bunch who are always looking out for others which seems to lead them into mysterious and potentially dangerous situations. These are light-read, cozy mysteries, but still with a complexity of plot to keep the reader engaged and satisfied at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Having read a lot of dark fiction recently, and with that darkness spilling into reality, I figured it was time for a cosy mystery, and they don't come cosier than the Widows series. Ginny, Hen, Tuppence and JM are back for a fourth outing, complete with murder board and knitting. 🧶
The Widow's Guide to Last Orders finds them conducting a secret investigation into the death of the young barman at their local pub, The Lost Goat. The pathologist and police had ruled it an accident, but on learning that the young man was trying to trace his long lost aunt, believed to have been a spy for M15, the widows begin to suspect foul play. Before you can say last orders, there's another death, and this time it's definitely murder. 🍷
With ciphers, rumours of stolen spy secrets, a priest's hole that may hold those secrets, and thefts in a nursing home, Ginny and her friends have plenty to keep them occupied. 🍷
This was a well paced and very entertaining story. I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with the widows. They're very likeable, and I think I would enjoy being on their quiz team, despite not being a widow. 🍷
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.
The Widow's Guide to Last Orders finds them conducting a secret investigation into the death of the young barman at their local pub, The Lost Goat. The pathologist and police had ruled it an accident, but on learning that the young man was trying to trace his long lost aunt, believed to have been a spy for M15, the widows begin to suspect foul play. Before you can say last orders, there's another death, and this time it's definitely murder. 🍷
With ciphers, rumours of stolen spy secrets, a priest's hole that may hold those secrets, and thefts in a nursing home, Ginny and her friends have plenty to keep them occupied. 🍷
This was a well paced and very entertaining story. I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with the widows. They're very likeable, and I think I would enjoy being on their quiz team, despite not being a widow. 🍷
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Widows Guide to Last Orders is the 4th book in Amanda Ashby's The Widows' Detective Club and I really like this series more with each book. Ginny Cole is the town librarian and her friends are Tuppence, JM, and Hen who all 4 are widowed. They have a team (The Merry Widows) in the local trivia competition at their local pub, The Lost Goat. One of the workers at the pub ends up dead after last orders (the British version of last call for drinks) and the secrets surrounding him and his Great Aunt begin to unfold. It is very interesting to learn about the Great Aunt's life. I love how the Widows' Detective Club get clues and keep track of their suspects on the cardboard beer mats. They are careful and don't put themselves in peril which I like. Ginny's next door neighbor is DI James Wallace who is working the murder but is also preoccupied with another case. The book moves at a good pace and there is enough going on that kept me engaged in the story right to the last page. The 4 friends are wonderful characters and make this book so enjoyable. #TheWidowsGuideToLastOrders #TheWidowsDetectiveClub #StormPublishing #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3,5*
I received this ARC from the publisher for my honest opinion,
The Widows’ Guide to Last Orders is the fourth installment in Amanda Ashby’s delightful Widows’ Detective Club series, set in the charming village of Little Shaw. This time, when the quizmaster is found dead in the pub’s cellar after a quiz night, the police are quick to call it an accident—but Ginny, JM, Tuppence, and Hen (the group I grew to enjoy as I read on) suspect there’s more beneath the surface.
While Ashby provides enough context to follow along, I’d say start from the beginning if you can—there’s a flurry of names at the start, and I felt a little adrift at first. That said, once you settle in, you’ll adore it. Ginny, with her down-to-earth wit, is my favorite, but the whole group’s camaraderie and humor is fantastic.
The mystery is deliciously twisty, sprinkled with village secrets, red herrings, and that perfect cozy atmosphere. It’s exactly the kind of whodunit you’d want to curl up with—warm, funny, and full of heart. If you’re after a series that blends genuine friendships with clever sleuthing, don’t miss this one. Grab the first book—and then enjoy your way to this fabulous fourth 🥰
I received this ARC from the publisher for my honest opinion,
The Widows’ Guide to Last Orders is the fourth installment in Amanda Ashby’s delightful Widows’ Detective Club series, set in the charming village of Little Shaw. This time, when the quizmaster is found dead in the pub’s cellar after a quiz night, the police are quick to call it an accident—but Ginny, JM, Tuppence, and Hen (the group I grew to enjoy as I read on) suspect there’s more beneath the surface.
While Ashby provides enough context to follow along, I’d say start from the beginning if you can—there’s a flurry of names at the start, and I felt a little adrift at first. That said, once you settle in, you’ll adore it. Ginny, with her down-to-earth wit, is my favorite, but the whole group’s camaraderie and humor is fantastic.
The mystery is deliciously twisty, sprinkled with village secrets, red herrings, and that perfect cozy atmosphere. It’s exactly the kind of whodunit you’d want to curl up with—warm, funny, and full of heart. If you’re after a series that blends genuine friendships with clever sleuthing, don’t miss this one. Grab the first book—and then enjoy your way to this fabulous fourth 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ginny, JM, Tuppence and Hen are back with a new mystery that will shake Little Shaw.
Sunday quiz night at The Lost Goat has been a success. Nathan, the barman, has come up with great questions for the big night. When the night ends and Nathan goes to the basement to retrieve a barrel, he is later found dead.
When Ginny is back at the library putting books away she finds an old picture of a woman. She looks up who the last borrower was and discovers it belonged to the now diseased Nathan. The picture has a numerical code and Ginny needs to find out who the woman is and what secrets her picture holds.
I always love when the gang is back. I really enjoyed Sylvie Yates' character and story. She brought the drama and secrets to the group's already mysterious search for the killer. Though I felt the ladies were a bit tamed this time around, they came through and really helped out the owners of the pub when they needed it the most. The Wicca and coven mentions warmed my heart. Another great mystery solved thanks to the tenacity and keen eye of these great ladies!
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Sunday quiz night at The Lost Goat has been a success. Nathan, the barman, has come up with great questions for the big night. When the night ends and Nathan goes to the basement to retrieve a barrel, he is later found dead.
When Ginny is back at the library putting books away she finds an old picture of a woman. She looks up who the last borrower was and discovers it belonged to the now diseased Nathan. The picture has a numerical code and Ginny needs to find out who the woman is and what secrets her picture holds.
I always love when the gang is back. I really enjoyed Sylvie Yates' character and story. She brought the drama and secrets to the group's already mysterious search for the killer. Though I felt the ladies were a bit tamed this time around, they came through and really helped out the owners of the pub when they needed it the most. The Wicca and coven mentions warmed my heart. Another great mystery solved thanks to the tenacity and keen eye of these great ladies!
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
April 27, 2026
What a delightfully twisty cozy mystery that blends small-town charm and a genuinely engaging whodunit. Ashby cleverly weaves together elements to build tension and texture. The plot is intricate without becoming overwhelming, delivering satisfying twists while maintaining the cozy tone the genre promises. The real heart of the novel lies in its characters. Ginny is a compelling protagonist; she's observant, determined, and easy to root for. Her dynamic with the other widows adds warmth and humour, with each bringing their own personality and perspective to the investigation. Their camaraderie feels authentic, making their sleuthing entertaining and emotionally grounded.
The dialogue is witty, the pacing wonderful, and the setting vividly drawn, making Little Shaw feel like a place you can easily step into (even if you might want to keep an eye over your shoulder). Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a clever edge, The Widow’s Guide to Last Orders offers more than just a puzzle to solve. It’s a story about friendship, curiosity, and proving that life and adventure don’t slow down with age.
The dialogue is witty, the pacing wonderful, and the setting vividly drawn, making Little Shaw feel like a place you can easily step into (even if you might want to keep an eye over your shoulder). Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a clever edge, The Widow’s Guide to Last Orders offers more than just a puzzle to solve. It’s a story about friendship, curiosity, and proving that life and adventure don’t slow down with age.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve been lucky enough to receive ARCs for the first three books in this series, and honestly, at this point, these characters feel like old friends I’m meeting for a drink at the local. The Widows’ Guide to Last Orders is exactly the kind of "irresistible" cozy mystery I’ve come to expect from Amanda Ashby.
Sometimes series start to lose their steam by book four, but these widows just get better with age. The banter is still sharp, the mystery is genuinely clever, and the small-town vibes are so cozy I kind of want to move in. It’s the perfect "palate cleanser" book—dark enough to keep you guessing but warm enough to make you smile.
If you haven’t started this series yet, what are you waiting for? Go back to book one and catch up. You won't regret it.
A huge thank you to the publisher for letting me continue with this series! I’m leaving this review voluntarily because I’m officially obsessed.
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Amanda Ashby and Storm Publishing 📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
Sometimes series start to lose their steam by book four, but these widows just get better with age. The banter is still sharp, the mystery is genuinely clever, and the small-town vibes are so cozy I kind of want to move in. It’s the perfect "palate cleanser" book—dark enough to keep you guessing but warm enough to make you smile.
If you haven’t started this series yet, what are you waiting for? Go back to book one and catch up. You won't regret it.
A huge thank you to the publisher for letting me continue with this series! I’m leaving this review voluntarily because I’m officially obsessed.
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Amanda Ashby and Storm Publishing 📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Huge thanks to Storm Publishing, NetGalley, and author Amanda Ashby for the ARC.
The story follows four clever and equally quirky widows as they try to solve the mysterious death of the bartender, Nathan, while trying not to step on the toes of Inspector Wallace. During the course of their investigation, they uncover secrets that they could never have imagined and learn about their small, idyllic town's extraordinary history and even more extraordinary women.
I loved every single page of this book and it absolutely delivered everything I could expect from a cozy and quirky murder mystery. The story had multiple layers that unfolded beautifully and the main characters were all adorable. I especially loved how JM never had time to be bothered by anything! I never expected to be blindsided in a cozy mystery but the author made it possible in a masterful way! I highly recommend this book to lovers of quirky characters, funny banter, and intricate layers of small-town murder mystery.
The story follows four clever and equally quirky widows as they try to solve the mysterious death of the bartender, Nathan, while trying not to step on the toes of Inspector Wallace. During the course of their investigation, they uncover secrets that they could never have imagined and learn about their small, idyllic town's extraordinary history and even more extraordinary women.
I loved every single page of this book and it absolutely delivered everything I could expect from a cozy and quirky murder mystery. The story had multiple layers that unfolded beautifully and the main characters were all adorable. I especially loved how JM never had time to be bothered by anything! I never expected to be blindsided in a cozy mystery but the author made it possible in a masterful way! I highly recommend this book to lovers of quirky characters, funny banter, and intricate layers of small-town murder mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I just finished this book, and it was super cute. I enjoyed getting to know Ginny, Hen, Tuppence, and JM. When I requested this book, I didn't realize it was the fourth in a series. Thankfully, it worked really well as a standalone novel, and I didn't feel lost at all. I don't know what it is about old people solving crimes, but I'm here for it, and I love it! Although this book didn't have me on the edge of my seat in suspense, I was happy to read along and enjoy the story as it unfolded. I finished this book quickly in two sessions (only because I had to sleep in between), but I would have finished it in one session had time allowed. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book in the series and may pick up the first three books in the near future to catch up with what the ladies were up to before this book. I definitely recommend this book to others.
Thank you to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Amanda Ashby for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Amanda Ashby for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I have really enjoyed this series and this was another great addition to it! I think Ginny is an easy character to relate to throughout the story. She's just an everyday kind of person who wants to be helpful to others. The other widows are the types of friends you hope you have - loyal, keep you on your toes, are up for just about anything, and are there when you really need them. As always, the widows' interactions with DI Wallace added some levity and they seem to be slowly wearing him down. The mystery here is also filled with multiple possible motives and murderers which makes it so enjoyable to follow along as the women make their discoveries. The former spy element of the story was also interesting and added some extra intrigue to the whole investigation. I am looking forward to see what these ladies get up to next!
I have really enjoyed this series and this was another great addition to it! I think Ginny is an easy character to relate to throughout the story. She's just an everyday kind of person who wants to be helpful to others. The other widows are the types of friends you hope you have - loyal, keep you on your toes, are up for just about anything, and are there when you really need them. As always, the widows' interactions with DI Wallace added some levity and they seem to be slowly wearing him down. The mystery here is also filled with multiple possible motives and murderers which makes it so enjoyable to follow along as the women make their discoveries. The former spy element of the story was also interesting and added some extra intrigue to the whole investigation. I am looking forward to see what these ladies get up to next!
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