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DI Beatrice Stubbs #9
Black Widow
Beware the Female of the Species
Private Investigator Beatrice Stubbs is bored of hanging around supermarkets, trying to prove infidelity or petty fraud. She yearns for a job with excitement, adventure and some continental travel. Lesson: be careful what you wish for.
Enter one unexpected assistant, two commissions and her life spins from dull to deadly. While hunting an assassin in Budapest, gossamer traces lead to a respectable family business in France. Despite undercover infiltration of a Parisian perfumery and Bordeaux vineyard, her enquiries soon hit an impenetrable wall.
When the scale of the network emerges, Beatrice still thinks like a cop. She calls in a favour and burns her last bridge, leaving her with nowhere else to turn. Now, she and her assistant are defenceless against predators with many eyes.
The web contracts, trapping them like insects. Entangled in the enemy’s lair, her back against the wall, she can only pray she has not run out of friends.
“I’m a loose end. They don’t like loose ends.”
- GenresCrime
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2019
108 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Marsh
34 books178 followersAs a child, Jill read so obsessively she got kicked out of the school library. But her passion for words continued. She graduated in English Literature and Theatre Studies from the University of Wales and set up a theatre company. Since then, as an actor, director, teacher, writer and journalist, she’s worked in fifteen countries. She learnt something from each one.
Now, with her husband and three dogs, Jill lives in Switzerland, a country with four languages and mountains of new words.
She works as a language trainer all over Europe, collaborates with Nuance Words and Triskele Books, and contributes regularly to Words with JAM magazine. But most of the time, she writes. And reads.
Behind Closed Doors is the first Beatrice Stubbs novel, a European crime series set in compelling locations all over the Continent.
Now, with her husband and three dogs, Jill lives in Switzerland, a country with four languages and mountains of new words.
She works as a language trainer all over Europe, collaborates with Nuance Words and Triskele Books, and contributes regularly to Words with JAM magazine. But most of the time, she writes. And reads.
Behind Closed Doors is the first Beatrice Stubbs novel, a European crime series set in compelling locations all over the Continent.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 17, 2020
If I'd chosen the perfect setting for the next case of the food and wine-loving DI turned private investigator, Beatrice Stubbs, I'd probably also have gone for the French Capital of Wine, Bordeaux. Was there some self-interest at play here from the author? The research for Black Widow must have been hard. ;-)
While the intriguing story of Black Widow grips the reader, the food and beverages Beatrice enjoys when investigating the case of a murdered vintner, leaves you salivating at the mouth.
As always, JJ Marsh weaves a captivating tale while continuing the personal story of our female investigator, who, in spite of her food-loving nature, suffers from bouts of depression. In Black Widow, Beatrice takes on a difficult case that has baffled the police. Helped by a new assistant, she manages to get inside the wealthy Marsault family, but in doing so, she steps straight into the middle of the spider’s web and puts both herself and her young helper in danger.
The only negative in reading JJ Marsh’s latest book is the knowledge that there will be months before the next installment in the Beatrice Stubbs series is out.
If you love European crime novels in the vein of our beloved Miss Marple but haven't yet read any of the books in this series, I'd start with the first box set now. How I envy you. You have the pleasure of reading 9 whole Beatrice Stubbs books to come!
While the intriguing story of Black Widow grips the reader, the food and beverages Beatrice enjoys when investigating the case of a murdered vintner, leaves you salivating at the mouth.
As always, JJ Marsh weaves a captivating tale while continuing the personal story of our female investigator, who, in spite of her food-loving nature, suffers from bouts of depression. In Black Widow, Beatrice takes on a difficult case that has baffled the police. Helped by a new assistant, she manages to get inside the wealthy Marsault family, but in doing so, she steps straight into the middle of the spider’s web and puts both herself and her young helper in danger.
The only negative in reading JJ Marsh’s latest book is the knowledge that there will be months before the next installment in the Beatrice Stubbs series is out.
If you love European crime novels in the vein of our beloved Miss Marple but haven't yet read any of the books in this series, I'd start with the first box set now. How I envy you. You have the pleasure of reading 9 whole Beatrice Stubbs books to come!
July 21, 2025
I have loved this series and still do. The elevation in this novel of Catinca to assistant to PI Stubbs added a ton to this mystery, which brings up some of my negative observations. Catinca is a much better investigator than Beatrice. Most of the danger presented in this case was caused by the naiveité of Beatrice, a retired lifelong police officer with the Met. Not just one mistake but many which the reader could see coming. She has experience with criminal minds and criminal families? Doesn't show.
April 15, 2020
Brilliant
I have read all 9 of the Beatrice Stubbs series and enjoyed them all very much.
They are easy reading and unable to put down stories.
Love them can't wait until the next book is available. 😀
I have read all 9 of the Beatrice Stubbs series and enjoyed them all very much.
They are easy reading and unable to put down stories.
Love them can't wait until the next book is available. 😀
February 20, 2022
This book continues the previous book and resolves some of its loose ends. Also, I liked that Beatrice and Cantica joined forces in this one. There was only one subplot about Marianne, but it wasn’t that exciting. I’m ready for the next one.
March 17, 2020
The good: Still love hanging out with the characters. The not so good: The plot in this one didn’t stack up for me. No real mystery to solve and the tension was short lived.
October 9, 2020
Loved it! This series is definitely worth your time. What fun it is!
February 8, 2021
A visit to Paris
Beatrice and her new partner, Catrinca explore much of the food and sights of Paris as they mix with the rich and criminal.
Beatrice and her new partner, Catrinca explore much of the food and sights of Paris as they mix with the rich and criminal.
May 1, 2021
Enjoyed it. Caught up in preparations for eye surgery, so will say more on others later.
November 12, 2022
Yet again, Beatrice goes international - this time with Adrian’s manager. Readable and enjoyable.
February 28, 2020
When Beatrice learns of the death of a former client she travels to Budapest to investigate his apparent murder. When the case quickly becomes a dead end she finds a surprise assistant with the necessary background and qualities to help her continue her investigation although this choice creates some ripples among her personal friends. With her new assistant’s energy and expertise Beatrice is able to pick up the investigation again and discover the links that lead to her client’s death. This is an excellent extension to the saga of Beatrice Stubbs, PI. This is a great series with travel, food, and wine highlights to savour.
December 8, 2019
BLACK WIDOW is #9 of JJ Marsh’s Beatrice Stubbs mystery series.
I quite enjoy this mystery series. Beatrice is smart and is dealing with her mental health issues very well, very positively. She has intelligent, supportive friends; a devoted partner and very good detective ‘smarts’ or intuition.
The series has readers traveling quite a bit and I love the locations and, of course, the wine and food choices. Portugal (my favorite), Paris, London, the English countryside, Germany, Budapest, Naples, Zurich, Greece - a wonderful travelogue.
The plots are sophisticated enough; the characters personable and intelligent; and (I think I said this before) the locations are terrific.
In BLACK WIDOW, Beatrice takes on a new assistant, Catinca and their investigation of a very old and powerful and rich French family leads them to Bordeaux and finally Paris.
The series is very entertaining, well-written and and has added to my knowledge of and appreciation of delicious wines.
Highly recommended.
I quite enjoy this mystery series. Beatrice is smart and is dealing with her mental health issues very well, very positively. She has intelligent, supportive friends; a devoted partner and very good detective ‘smarts’ or intuition.
The series has readers traveling quite a bit and I love the locations and, of course, the wine and food choices. Portugal (my favorite), Paris, London, the English countryside, Germany, Budapest, Naples, Zurich, Greece - a wonderful travelogue.
The plots are sophisticated enough; the characters personable and intelligent; and (I think I said this before) the locations are terrific.
In BLACK WIDOW, Beatrice takes on a new assistant, Catinca and their investigation of a very old and powerful and rich French family leads them to Bordeaux and finally Paris.
The series is very entertaining, well-written and and has added to my knowledge of and appreciation of delicious wines.
Highly recommended.
November 20, 2019
Great Read!
Once I started reading this book, I could not wait to find out what happened next. Great characters and storyline. The author makes you feel you are seeing all the sights visited by the heroine and you can almost taste all the wonderful food and wines discussed in these pages. Both Beatrice and Catinca bring smiles to the readers face picturing their clothes, hair, makeup and adventures. This series of books are such a pleasure to read. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Once I started reading this book, I could not wait to find out what happened next. Great characters and storyline. The author makes you feel you are seeing all the sights visited by the heroine and you can almost taste all the wonderful food and wines discussed in these pages. Both Beatrice and Catinca bring smiles to the readers face picturing their clothes, hair, makeup and adventures. This series of books are such a pleasure to read. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
December 28, 2019
Another great #Stubbs novel. This time Beatrice is paired with a new (but old) pal, and enjoys herself more whilst uncovering intrigue.
As always, the story is cleverly plotted and beautifully written. I pre-ordered this, and then kept it for weeks as a treat to look forward to , when my busy period was over. It didn't disappoint.
(although, I see that the less stressed Beatrice is, the fewer eggcorns there are ;-) )
As always, the story is cleverly plotted and beautifully written. I pre-ordered this, and then kept it for weeks as a treat to look forward to , when my busy period was over. It didn't disappoint.
(although, I see that the less stressed Beatrice is, the fewer eggcorns there are ;-) )
January 10, 2020
If you enjoy British mysteries, you’ll enjoy JJ Marsh’s Beatrice Stubb’s series. “Black Widow” is the ninth book in the series. Though the books might stand alone, important details and character development occurs over the course of the series. I suggest starting at the beginning with the first book “Behind Closed Doors” (5 stars!). After reading the first book, I was hooked.
January 10, 2020
Another great instalment in this series! Reminds me of the Louise Penny books, with a shot of Anne Cleeves and Robert Galbraith thrown in for good measure. Each book has a great sense of place in a different European location, the characters are fun and worthy of rooting for. Very enjoyable.
July 21, 2020
Another enjoyable adventure. Keep them coming !
November 28, 2019
A slight shift to other characters and the learning curve of a new career and its effects. A makeover on several levels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2019
Fun and entertaining series. Great to read about an older woman who is not perfect while continuing to live and enjoy life!
January 17, 2020
one of my favorite mystery series.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews