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Deadly Inspirations #1
The Widow
A brutally murdered husband. An abused wife who wanted him gone for good… Did the wealthy widow arrange his death—and can a disgraced detective discover the truth?
"Your husband is dead."
Lorraine Rowe receives the news from an anonymous killer threatening her too—unless she pays an inflated fee for her estranged partner’s murder. Overwhelmed by fear and indecision, Lorraine struggles to survive as her carefully constructed life of lies begins to unravel.
Detective Sergeant Fiona ‘Fifi’ Fielding is fighting for her future after allowing her violent temper to jeopardise her career. Is it karma that dumps a man’s badly tortured corpse on her doorstep—or something more sinister? And will the ensuing investigation enable Fiona to redeem herself?
Both women have lived through traumatic events and have much in common, but when the truth-seeker meets the accomplished dissembler, events spiral inexorably towards a deadly climax.
This hard-hitting, twisted thriller weaves deception, misdirection and psychological torment into a page-turning tale of murder and mayhem that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Not for the faint of heart…
The Widow is the first standalone novel in a loosely linked series inspired by The Seven Deadly Sins.
Deadly Inspirations – Book one ‘GREED’
A British Police Thriller featuring Detective Sergeant Fiona ‘Fifi’ Fielding. If you like complex plots, strong female characters, and high-stakes murder mysteries with plenty of suspense, you’ll love Will Patching’s latest gripping novel.
Order The Widow today to uncover the truth behind a criminal’s veil of lies!
"Your husband is dead."
Lorraine Rowe receives the news from an anonymous killer threatening her too—unless she pays an inflated fee for her estranged partner’s murder. Overwhelmed by fear and indecision, Lorraine struggles to survive as her carefully constructed life of lies begins to unravel.
Detective Sergeant Fiona ‘Fifi’ Fielding is fighting for her future after allowing her violent temper to jeopardise her career. Is it karma that dumps a man’s badly tortured corpse on her doorstep—or something more sinister? And will the ensuing investigation enable Fiona to redeem herself?
Both women have lived through traumatic events and have much in common, but when the truth-seeker meets the accomplished dissembler, events spiral inexorably towards a deadly climax.
This hard-hitting, twisted thriller weaves deception, misdirection and psychological torment into a page-turning tale of murder and mayhem that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Not for the faint of heart…
The Widow is the first standalone novel in a loosely linked series inspired by The Seven Deadly Sins.
Deadly Inspirations – Book one ‘GREED’
A British Police Thriller featuring Detective Sergeant Fiona ‘Fifi’ Fielding. If you like complex plots, strong female characters, and high-stakes murder mysteries with plenty of suspense, you’ll love Will Patching’s latest gripping novel.
Order The Widow today to uncover the truth behind a criminal’s veil of lies!
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2019
164 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Will Patching
26 books151 followersWill Patching's approach to writing
Will writes gritty crime stories that mix murder mystery, psychological suspense and intense thrills while offering unique insights into the darker side of human nature. His ‘pull no punches’ style and sparse but often brutal descriptive passages will not suit all readers, so if you are into cozy mysteries you might want to look elsewhere!
With complex plots and rounded characters, Will’s novels are necessarily longer than average, usually well over 100,000 words, so these are definitely stories designed for readers who like to really get their teeth into a good yarn!
Now considered something of an expert on psychopaths, thanks to his extensive research and personal experience of people with this personality disorder, Will set up a popular website to help lay readers understand these destructive individuals and why their existence is so important to society in general. Visit the site here.
Will’s writing draws heavily on this expertise but his novels are designed to entertain rather than educate – though many readers appreciate both aspects of his writing. He is currently working on completing two trilogies, though each novel is a self-contained story.
The first novel in each trilogy, Remorseless and The Hack, are already published, with the sequels due in late 2016 and early 2017 respectively. The third and final instalments are expected by the end of 2017.
Personal background:
Will Patching was born and raised in ‘Sarf Lunnon’, Engerland, or at least, that’s how he pronounces it! Hence, many scenes from his novels are situated in London, the surrounding suburbs and other parts of southeast England, though they also span as far afield as Thailand and the USA.
His approach to writing is to hit the reader with hard truths about the world we live in, and his mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels are designed to get your pulse pounding. One male reader decided he needed to check his door locks late one night while reading Remorseless and subsequently commented on social media:
‘Seriously scary!’
Will’s eclectic professional experience – from his teenage role as a ‘gardener’ weeding sewage treatment filter beds, through flying a Hawk jet very fast, very low and very dangerously before the RAF realised and booted him out, then attending Harvard on a course for potential CEOs, largely thanks to the Peter Principle of promotion, and more recently, to building his dream, a charter yacht that sank in SE Asian waters – all have led to a rich and varied life, often reflected in his writing.
If you would like to know more about this indie author you might like to join Will’s Readers Group. You’ll also gain exclusive access to novel backstories, author insights, prize draws and more, including notification whenever a new novel is released. Head to this webpage for more info!
Will writes gritty crime stories that mix murder mystery, psychological suspense and intense thrills while offering unique insights into the darker side of human nature. His ‘pull no punches’ style and sparse but often brutal descriptive passages will not suit all readers, so if you are into cozy mysteries you might want to look elsewhere!
With complex plots and rounded characters, Will’s novels are necessarily longer than average, usually well over 100,000 words, so these are definitely stories designed for readers who like to really get their teeth into a good yarn!
Now considered something of an expert on psychopaths, thanks to his extensive research and personal experience of people with this personality disorder, Will set up a popular website to help lay readers understand these destructive individuals and why their existence is so important to society in general. Visit the site here.
Will’s writing draws heavily on this expertise but his novels are designed to entertain rather than educate – though many readers appreciate both aspects of his writing. He is currently working on completing two trilogies, though each novel is a self-contained story.
The first novel in each trilogy, Remorseless and The Hack, are already published, with the sequels due in late 2016 and early 2017 respectively. The third and final instalments are expected by the end of 2017.
Personal background:
Will Patching was born and raised in ‘Sarf Lunnon’, Engerland, or at least, that’s how he pronounces it! Hence, many scenes from his novels are situated in London, the surrounding suburbs and other parts of southeast England, though they also span as far afield as Thailand and the USA.
His approach to writing is to hit the reader with hard truths about the world we live in, and his mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels are designed to get your pulse pounding. One male reader decided he needed to check his door locks late one night while reading Remorseless and subsequently commented on social media:
‘Seriously scary!’
Will’s eclectic professional experience – from his teenage role as a ‘gardener’ weeding sewage treatment filter beds, through flying a Hawk jet very fast, very low and very dangerously before the RAF realised and booted him out, then attending Harvard on a course for potential CEOs, largely thanks to the Peter Principle of promotion, and more recently, to building his dream, a charter yacht that sank in SE Asian waters – all have led to a rich and varied life, often reflected in his writing.
If you would like to know more about this indie author you might like to join Will’s Readers Group. You’ll also gain exclusive access to novel backstories, author insights, prize draws and more, including notification whenever a new novel is released. Head to this webpage for more info!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 27, 2021
5 stars audio
4.25 stars story!
4.25 stars story!
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August 21, 2019This was a gritty read. From the title I knew what I was getting into. I haven’t read the previous books of the author so all the characters were new to me.
3 strong female characters formed the core of this story. FIONA a cop who had been abducted months earlier who suffered from PTSD. She was investigating Wheeler’s death. LORRAINE a wife who hated her husband Wheeler so much that she was willing to take a contract on him via the Irish mafia. She did receive a call telling her about the husband’s death and asking her to pay a huge amount to prevent the same fate. ANNEMARIE a reporter eager to get to the truth with links to both women.
My first book by Will Patching, showed me a different style of writing. It was hard core and raw. There was a strength of honesty in it. I was quite amazed at the author’s dexterity in writing complexed multi-layered women. Each had their own need to survive the difficulties of their circumstances.
The plot was twisted and kept me on my toes with Albanian Mafia playing a role in it (I knew nothing about them). There were some graphic scenes, but I thought that the story needed it to make the characters come alive. The author’s explanation at the end of the story gave me a hidden glimpse of how the plot developed.
Overall, this book is for readers who enjoy a hard hitting, gritty, no holds barred Police Thriller.
3 strong female characters formed the core of this story. FIONA a cop who had been abducted months earlier who suffered from PTSD. She was investigating Wheeler’s death. LORRAINE a wife who hated her husband Wheeler so much that she was willing to take a contract on him via the Irish mafia. She did receive a call telling her about the husband’s death and asking her to pay a huge amount to prevent the same fate. ANNEMARIE a reporter eager to get to the truth with links to both women.
My first book by Will Patching, showed me a different style of writing. It was hard core and raw. There was a strength of honesty in it. I was quite amazed at the author’s dexterity in writing complexed multi-layered women. Each had their own need to survive the difficulties of their circumstances.
The plot was twisted and kept me on my toes with Albanian Mafia playing a role in it (I knew nothing about them). There were some graphic scenes, but I thought that the story needed it to make the characters come alive. The author’s explanation at the end of the story gave me a hidden glimpse of how the plot developed.
Overall, this book is for readers who enjoy a hard hitting, gritty, no holds barred Police Thriller.
August 18, 2019
Author Will Patching’s seventh book “The Widow” showcases Detective Sergeant Fiona Fielding (Fifi to her friends), a minor character pulled from the pages of “Mutilated,” a previous novel. While I wasn’t sure what to expect from this first book in a new series, there are plenty of reasons for both old and new fans to ¬¬-be excited. Here’s why:
DS Fielding charges the atmosphere with a mixture of attitude and heart, approaching her job with candor and professionalism. Although I am not usually in favor of saddling a character with a mental affliction – too many characters in this genre experience the same symptoms – I was surprised and happy with Mr. Patching’s handling of this aspect of Fifi’s characterization. Many of the characters are fleshed out, providing readers with plenty of solid motivation for their actions.
The story allows the reader to guess who the ultimate villain might be as well as the motive. There are enough twists and red herrings to throw us off-track, a new addition to Mr. Patching’s bag of tricks. Told through multiple viewpoints, the characters provide us with clues that may help or cloud our efforts to discover the truth. The book is a standalone novel.
The Author’s Forward is appreciated, warning that the book is wrapped in realism and some of the characters speak with a measure of profanity lacing their words. Mr. Patching also warns us of “disturbing imagery,” descriptions that allow the evil and grit of characters to be exposed. For me, these descriptive passages add to the atmosphere, adding a tinge of horror while providing the background for a good thriller.
I was a big fan of the author’s Remorseless Trilogy, previously considering it some of his best writing. Mr. Patching stretches out into new territory with “The Widow,” providing us with a polished offering that still contains the grit that marks it as a Patching novel. Readers of the detective/thriller genre will find this to be a welcome addition to their libraries. Five stars.
My thanks to the author for an advance electronic copy of this book.
DS Fielding charges the atmosphere with a mixture of attitude and heart, approaching her job with candor and professionalism. Although I am not usually in favor of saddling a character with a mental affliction – too many characters in this genre experience the same symptoms – I was surprised and happy with Mr. Patching’s handling of this aspect of Fifi’s characterization. Many of the characters are fleshed out, providing readers with plenty of solid motivation for their actions.
The story allows the reader to guess who the ultimate villain might be as well as the motive. There are enough twists and red herrings to throw us off-track, a new addition to Mr. Patching’s bag of tricks. Told through multiple viewpoints, the characters provide us with clues that may help or cloud our efforts to discover the truth. The book is a standalone novel.
The Author’s Forward is appreciated, warning that the book is wrapped in realism and some of the characters speak with a measure of profanity lacing their words. Mr. Patching also warns us of “disturbing imagery,” descriptions that allow the evil and grit of characters to be exposed. For me, these descriptive passages add to the atmosphere, adding a tinge of horror while providing the background for a good thriller.
I was a big fan of the author’s Remorseless Trilogy, previously considering it some of his best writing. Mr. Patching stretches out into new territory with “The Widow,” providing us with a polished offering that still contains the grit that marks it as a Patching novel. Readers of the detective/thriller genre will find this to be a welcome addition to their libraries. Five stars.
My thanks to the author for an advance electronic copy of this book.
August 19, 2019
Lorraine Rowe receives an anonymous phone call announcing that her husband is dead. And they demand a huge payment. She's not exactly upet about her husband's death ... they've been separated several months at her behest because he nearly beat her to death.
DS Fiona Fielding (FiFi) is a detective barely hanging onto her job. Abducted and tortured some time back, she still suffers from severe PTSD. She beat up a man just because he happened to touch her hand while reaching for the hanging strap on the train. She's seeing a therapist on condition of keeping her job.
Both women have been through hell and back and actually have a lot in common.
When her husband's body is found, Lorraine becomes the prime suspect. FiFi wonders about the body found so close to her own home. Coincidence .. or is someone sending her a message? While investigating, she thinks that Lorraine is not telling everything she knows .... did she kill her husband or have him killed?
Also in the mix is Annemarie, a very nosy reporter who wants a story .....
This one seems to have a little bit of everything .... Albanians and their drug running operation... the Irish Mafia ... blackmail .... murder. There is also some torture ... mostly in memories and / or flashbacks. The author has done a great job in keeping it a bit subdued. The suspense starts at the very beginning and doesn't let up until the surprising conclusion.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 2, 2019
The Widow is the first crime novel I have read from Will Patching, and although this is often overstated I can genuinely say that I will be picking up his back catalogue to enjoy. What I liked was that there was simply no messing around; Patching gets you right to the heart of the story quickly and with impressive skill. There is also no unnecessary padding; an issue many books seem to have. It is a cross between a police procedural and a thriller as there was certainly some wildly thrilling twists and turns, peaks and troughs throughout the story. The writing is perfect for this genre with plenty of gritty, raw and straight to the point passages which I found rather refreshing.
The story is an original one and I particularly appreciated that the characters, and not just the plot, were given ample development. To say it's an addictive read would be an understatement. I, of course, loved the graphic nature of the story too as who doesn't love some gore with their grit? You can never get bored or complacent with this multifaceted story as there is quite a bit going on so you have to stay on the ball. The non-stop action and suspense barely give you a moment to breathe and had me reading it in a single sitting desperate to know what happens. The icing on the cake for me was the explanations of how the story materialised at the back of the book. Highly recommended.
The story is an original one and I particularly appreciated that the characters, and not just the plot, were given ample development. To say it's an addictive read would be an understatement. I, of course, loved the graphic nature of the story too as who doesn't love some gore with their grit? You can never get bored or complacent with this multifaceted story as there is quite a bit going on so you have to stay on the ball. The non-stop action and suspense barely give you a moment to breathe and had me reading it in a single sitting desperate to know what happens. The icing on the cake for me was the explanations of how the story materialised at the back of the book. Highly recommended.
May 6, 2022
I thought I had bagged a bargain after discovering this for free in Apple Books, having heard enough good things about Will Patching’s work. But this particular one fell a bit flat for me. Despite being full of all the gore and grit you’d anticipate, it never really evolved into the ‘page turner’ every great crime thriller should be. It’s biggest flaw besides this, was how relatively significant character or plot arcs were almost unnaturally sliced in to what I felt overall, was a well constructed story.
This is one of 3 books with the main character playing a B part in another series and whilst assured it wouldn’t matter what order these were read, I would expect the earlier works to be a better representation of the Authors’ prowess.
I’d be pleased to know which would be the best example of this.
This is one of 3 books with the main character playing a B part in another series and whilst assured it wouldn’t matter what order these were read, I would expect the earlier works to be a better representation of the Authors’ prowess.
I’d be pleased to know which would be the best example of this.
September 3, 2019
Oh boy, my skin just tingled from picking up my kindle to read this book. I had already met DS Fiona Fifi Fielding in my favourite series for last year, The Remorseless Trilogy. But be warned, Will Patching will set your imagination on fire, as he introduces you to some of the most wickedly violent criminals that you would care never to meet. The thing is the most of it he leaves to you to fill in, so you can take a horse to water but you can’t make it drink, sort of thing. Make what you read into as much as you want, it is really up to you.
The story centres around some pretty hardened criminals who have fallen foul of someone even more ruthless than they are. Now I have a pretty vivid imagination that runs wild at times so believe me the horse I mentioned is pretty well bloated with gruesome images.
The core of the story centres around three very strong women that would stay well clear of each other normally but they all have a common goal.
Fiona is after who is behind the brutal killing of a known criminal.
Lorraine Rowe is the former live-in partner of the victim that has been murdered and is being blackmailed by the killer.
Finally, Annemarie is a Reporter determined to get the inside scoop on the whole story.
What follows is an edge of your seat full-on tense and unforgettable racey read. Loved being with Fiona on her own personal internal battle, as my frustrations grew along with hers. Very powerful stuff.
Magnus, a real badass criminal, was one of my favourite characters, I know, I know, but now and again you just have to love the bad guy. Definitely someone I would want on my side. The story has so many characters, all very memorable and so many avenues to go down, PTSD, the Mafia and what is really important in life.
A standalone novel but one of many such books I hope. Highly recommended!
The story centres around some pretty hardened criminals who have fallen foul of someone even more ruthless than they are. Now I have a pretty vivid imagination that runs wild at times so believe me the horse I mentioned is pretty well bloated with gruesome images.
The core of the story centres around three very strong women that would stay well clear of each other normally but they all have a common goal.
Fiona is after who is behind the brutal killing of a known criminal.
Lorraine Rowe is the former live-in partner of the victim that has been murdered and is being blackmailed by the killer.
Finally, Annemarie is a Reporter determined to get the inside scoop on the whole story.
What follows is an edge of your seat full-on tense and unforgettable racey read. Loved being with Fiona on her own personal internal battle, as my frustrations grew along with hers. Very powerful stuff.
Magnus, a real badass criminal, was one of my favourite characters, I know, I know, but now and again you just have to love the bad guy. Definitely someone I would want on my side. The story has so many characters, all very memorable and so many avenues to go down, PTSD, the Mafia and what is really important in life.
A standalone novel but one of many such books I hope. Highly recommended!
September 6, 2019
I thought that this was a really gripping read and it had me well and truly hooked!
I thought that the plot was excellent, it was well developed and the detail was spot on for me, the book kept to the fact, the story was focussed and there was no unnecessary plot to detract from the main story. The characters were perfect for the storyline and I loved getting to know the team too. The author has a really good writing style too, it is easy to follow and understand.
This is the first in a new series and I can’t wait to read the next book – this was a brilliant start and I will definitely be checking out his back catalogue after reading this one!!
It is 5 stars from me for this one, a thoroughly enjoyable story and one I am going to be highly recommending – 5 stars from me!!
I thought that the plot was excellent, it was well developed and the detail was spot on for me, the book kept to the fact, the story was focussed and there was no unnecessary plot to detract from the main story. The characters were perfect for the storyline and I loved getting to know the team too. The author has a really good writing style too, it is easy to follow and understand.
This is the first in a new series and I can’t wait to read the next book – this was a brilliant start and I will definitely be checking out his back catalogue after reading this one!!
It is 5 stars from me for this one, a thoroughly enjoyable story and one I am going to be highly recommending – 5 stars from me!!
November 6, 2021
I’ve always enjoyed Will Patching’s work and this is no exception. I won this in a charity auction earlier this year. It’s gruesome, but it’s exciting. It’s so well written that I found myself changing my mind about people as the story progressed. Favourite bit – when Fiona, the sergeant, after suffering concussion, told her boss exactly what she thought about her! If you’re into drug smuggling gangs, shadowy drug empire bosses and brutal murders, this is the one for you.
September 5, 2019
The Widow by Will Patching
Deadly Inspirations #1
Twisted and twisty this thriller had more than one person tied up in knots. Even I found myself tightening up as I read wondering what would happen next and who, if anyone, would come out unscathed at the end of the book.
The story grabbed me from the beginning and I found myself invested in what would happen next. At first I found myself trying to catch up with the people in the story as I first found myself with widow Loraine Rowe listening in on the phone call she received from her husband’s murderer. Next I was plunked into a psychiatrist’s office with Dr. Asker as he asked Detective Sergeant Fiona “Fifi” Fielding to delve into her PTSD induced nightmares. A bit later another female was thrown into the mix when a hungry reporter showed up willing to do just about anything to get “the story”. And there actually was a fourth female that played a part and that was Fifi’s boss and her part, though perhaps overlooked at first, was important in the end.
This book was not easy reading and having read the notice at the beginning kindly posted by the author I had an idea that it might be dark and gritty and have me wanting to look away at times but how CAN a reader look away when the story is written and not unfolding on a screen? So, a cringe and peeking through fingers but I definitely had to read to find out what happened even during the darkest scenes. Thankfully the torture was not done in gruesome detail BUT there was enough information there that the images may linger awhile in my mind.
This is a book for those who like to think and stretch and take a look at the darker side. It was interesting to me that though some of the people were not necessarily “good” I found myself liking them and wishing they had been able to have a different life than the one they were living. It made me think about why people do. It made me wonder what I would be willing to do to keep myself or a loved one safe.
Did I like this book? Yes
Did it make me think? Definitely
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Note: At the end of the book the author mentions tidbits about his writing. I found this section fascinating as it gave me a look into the way his mind works and how he set up a stellar story.
Thank you to BOTSB and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Deadly Inspirations #1
Twisted and twisty this thriller had more than one person tied up in knots. Even I found myself tightening up as I read wondering what would happen next and who, if anyone, would come out unscathed at the end of the book.
The story grabbed me from the beginning and I found myself invested in what would happen next. At first I found myself trying to catch up with the people in the story as I first found myself with widow Loraine Rowe listening in on the phone call she received from her husband’s murderer. Next I was plunked into a psychiatrist’s office with Dr. Asker as he asked Detective Sergeant Fiona “Fifi” Fielding to delve into her PTSD induced nightmares. A bit later another female was thrown into the mix when a hungry reporter showed up willing to do just about anything to get “the story”. And there actually was a fourth female that played a part and that was Fifi’s boss and her part, though perhaps overlooked at first, was important in the end.
This book was not easy reading and having read the notice at the beginning kindly posted by the author I had an idea that it might be dark and gritty and have me wanting to look away at times but how CAN a reader look away when the story is written and not unfolding on a screen? So, a cringe and peeking through fingers but I definitely had to read to find out what happened even during the darkest scenes. Thankfully the torture was not done in gruesome detail BUT there was enough information there that the images may linger awhile in my mind.
This is a book for those who like to think and stretch and take a look at the darker side. It was interesting to me that though some of the people were not necessarily “good” I found myself liking them and wishing they had been able to have a different life than the one they were living. It made me think about why people do. It made me wonder what I would be willing to do to keep myself or a loved one safe.
Did I like this book? Yes
Did it make me think? Definitely
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Note: At the end of the book the author mentions tidbits about his writing. I found this section fascinating as it gave me a look into the way his mind works and how he set up a stellar story.
Thank you to BOTSB and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
August 7, 2019
Detective Sergeant Fiona Fielding is back at work after a period of sick leave and wanting to get back to her old style jobs. She was abducted and suffered an attack which she is still having nightmares about. She is seeing a psychologist who needs to sign her fit for duties.she also discovers that he is seeing her boss in a romantic way. Lorraine Rowe has been split from her violent husband for five months. She realises how much he has changed since they first met. She dislikes him and just wants him out of her life for good. When she receives a call saying that he is dead and unless she pays up a rather large sum she too could be next. He has suffered a very violent death. The two women have shared experiences however with a journalist wanting a story in the mix its difficult to get the widow to talk the truth. Ooh! I liked Fifi and felt for her predicament in wanting to find the truth but being a little intimidated by what had gone before. Will has the skill of writing well rounded characters and a plot that keeps you turning the pages to find out more. good to read the explanations at the end. The parts that are real and how things came about. Nice also to have a character with PTSD a much misunderstood illness that can have devastating effects on someone’s life. Thanks Will, I really enjoyed this.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
August 3, 2019
I have read all of Will Patching's books so it was great delving more into the life of Fifi. What a gritty, complex person she is.
Lorraine, like Fifi, has serious trust issues coupled with an abiding hatred and distrust of 'the filth' (police). All understandable considering her past and especially what happened to her mother.
Annemarie is a tenacious reporter who will go to any means to get a scoop for the tabloid she is employed by. She also has a personal vendetta against the Albanian Shqiptare (pronounced Shitare ((Shi-tar-ray)) in Albanian) Mafia and is constantly on the lookout for information that will bring them to their knees.
I really enjoyed The Widow and hope there will be more books featuring Fifi and Annemarie to come. Happy reading. Annemarie
I received this book as an A.R.C. from the Author and have chosen to leave a review.
Lorraine, like Fifi, has serious trust issues coupled with an abiding hatred and distrust of 'the filth' (police). All understandable considering her past and especially what happened to her mother.
Annemarie is a tenacious reporter who will go to any means to get a scoop for the tabloid she is employed by. She also has a personal vendetta against the Albanian Shqiptare (pronounced Shitare ((Shi-tar-ray)) in Albanian) Mafia and is constantly on the lookout for information that will bring them to their knees.
I really enjoyed The Widow and hope there will be more books featuring Fifi and Annemarie to come. Happy reading. Annemarie
I received this book as an A.R.C. from the Author and have chosen to leave a review.
September 7, 2019
This is a new to me author and I’m delighted to read this which is a very promising start to Deadly Inspirations series.
We have three main female characters in this story.
DS Fiona Fielding (Fife) is a good detective yet she nearly lost her job. To keep her job she must see a therapist.
Lorraine Rowe becomes a prime suspect when her husbands body is found.
Annemarie is a reporter who will do anything to get a story.
I really enjoyed this story. I’m so looking forward to more of this series.
We have three main female characters in this story.
DS Fiona Fielding (Fife) is a good detective yet she nearly lost her job. To keep her job she must see a therapist.
Lorraine Rowe becomes a prime suspect when her husbands body is found.
Annemarie is a reporter who will do anything to get a story.
I really enjoyed this story. I’m so looking forward to more of this series.
August 3, 2019
This book will grab you from the very start and reel you right in it! Two different women with some horrible things in common. One on the side of the law, one just trying to survive no matter what it takes. A very gripping story! Loved it! Will Patching at his best!! I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
August 12, 2019
This is another cracking thriller. This author certainly knows how to write them that’s for sure. Having read this others I sort of knew what to expect and this did not disappoint. Suspenseful and action all the way. Highly recommended.
October 23, 2019
An interesting story that comes together quite nicely with a police officer, a reporter, a widow, and numerous bad guys. This is the third book I've read of Will's. He is quickly becoming a favorite.
August 1, 2019
I loved, loved, loved this book! Will Patching goes above and beyond with the suspense, drama and psychological terror in this amazing story. Edge of your seat read!
August 15, 2021
3.5⭐️
Gore score 4/5
I was lucky to win a signed paperback copy of this book in a book club.
It is the first book I’ve read of this author. It’s very dark and gritty in places, which I enjoyed. It’s roots are firmly bedded in the seedy world of organised crime, which isn’t a favourite sphere for me.
As I have problems with the print size in some paperbacks I feel it’s worth mentioning that the format is a larger sized book with a good font size. The author is considerate including a note to warn about bad language and possible triggers although not being specific to avoid spoilers. I hasten to add the language isn’t excessive.
The story alternates between Fifi the troubled DS and Lorraine the widow who is being blackmailed, with some input from journalist Annemarie and Magnus Lorraine’s self appointed bodyguard and friend.
It grabbed my attention straight away.
Each chapter is a day and has a title moving between the POV of Fifi and Lorraine. They chapter length is very long.
It’s quite descriptive which keeps the pace slower. The tension level is lacking for me through the middle section.
As for the main characters,Lorraine isn’t likeable, and I didn’t find Fifi endearing either. The one I liked the most is the gritty journalist Annemarie. I did warm more to the characters by the end.
I found some of the scenarios weren’t convincing enough in their plausibility, but they did add to the tension.
Unfortunately it didn’t grab me as much as I’d hoped after the opening section. Some of the issue might be my lack of concentration today which might have affected my engagement with the book.
If you enjoy dark gritty organised crime thrillers I think that you would enjoy this book.
Gore score 4/5
I was lucky to win a signed paperback copy of this book in a book club.
It is the first book I’ve read of this author. It’s very dark and gritty in places, which I enjoyed. It’s roots are firmly bedded in the seedy world of organised crime, which isn’t a favourite sphere for me.
As I have problems with the print size in some paperbacks I feel it’s worth mentioning that the format is a larger sized book with a good font size. The author is considerate including a note to warn about bad language and possible triggers although not being specific to avoid spoilers. I hasten to add the language isn’t excessive.
The story alternates between Fifi the troubled DS and Lorraine the widow who is being blackmailed, with some input from journalist Annemarie and Magnus Lorraine’s self appointed bodyguard and friend.
It grabbed my attention straight away.
Each chapter is a day and has a title moving between the POV of Fifi and Lorraine. They chapter length is very long.
It’s quite descriptive which keeps the pace slower. The tension level is lacking for me through the middle section.
As for the main characters,Lorraine isn’t likeable, and I didn’t find Fifi endearing either. The one I liked the most is the gritty journalist Annemarie. I did warm more to the characters by the end.
I found some of the scenarios weren’t convincing enough in their plausibility, but they did add to the tension.
Unfortunately it didn’t grab me as much as I’d hoped after the opening section. Some of the issue might be my lack of concentration today which might have affected my engagement with the book.
If you enjoy dark gritty organised crime thrillers I think that you would enjoy this book.
October 30, 2022
I took an extra day to respond to this. The book is dark. It portrays a female detective who is all so very human. She is suffering from a mind shattering PTSD because she has been tortured in her line of work. She has a strong desire to be a very good detective in spite of her mental and therefore physical limitations. She interviews a female suspect of murdering her husband and forms a connection with her. She believes she is not guilty. Is she successful in proving her not guilty? You have to read the book. I kept laying the book aside but it is compelling and a page turner. I would recommend it but don't read in bed.
June 30, 2022
Ah no. Not for me. As much as I love crime stories, but I am not too keen on books revolving around organised crime, drugs, money laundering, gang killing and the lot, and I am always a bit suspicious of authors who seem to be overly keen to describe torture and mutilation in too much detail. It doesn't add to the story to know ribs or internal organs have been exposed, skin removed or hot pokers put somewhere they shouldn't. Serious, it DOES NOT add to the story.
In addition, although generally well written, I couldn't really relate to or get a connection with any of the characters in this book. Fiona, Annemarie, Lorraine, Magnus, none of them are even remotely likeable, sorry.
In addition, although generally well written, I couldn't really relate to or get a connection with any of the characters in this book. Fiona, Annemarie, Lorraine, Magnus, none of them are even remotely likeable, sorry.
July 8, 2022
I was not sure at first if I would like this book or not. I didn't care for the way the author used like old fashioned English as a way of speaking and trying to read was difficult at first. I did enjoy the book and did get used to the way the story was written, but I am sure that someone with a squeamish sense of the way he describes some of the gory parts may not sit well with all that read this book. I do recommend this to everyone, as it does keep you hanging on right to the end of the story.
August 11, 2022
This was just hard work. Despite the story being descriptive, gory and full of action it took ages for me to get into it though towards it was a good story. What spoilt it for me was the long chapters. Is it really necessary to have a chapter lasting over an hour, enough to put anyone offFor me, had the chapters npbeen shorted anD snappy it could have been a page turner but they were long, drawn out and not enjoyable for me. Sorry.
September 27, 2022
I COULDN'T GET INTO THIS BOOK; I HATED THE WRITING STYLE TO MANY WORDS JUST TO DO THE SMALLEST OF THINGS. LEAD CHARACTER HAD TOO MANY PROBLEMS THE MOST IMPORTANT BEING MENTAL ONES. SHE'S VERY UNLIKABLE AND ANNOYING AS HELL WITH HER OVERUSE OF "THE SOUNDBITE THIS", "THE SOUNDBITE THAT". GROAN, I WANTED TOO JUST PUT THIS ON MY DNF SHELF. I SKIPPED THROUGH AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE JUST TO GET DONE. UGH! THAT WILL BE ONE & DONE. ;<
November 1, 2022
I read The Veteran by Will Patching a little while ago and loved it and have just read The Widow which precedes it. Loved it just as much. It certainly kept me guessing right through the book. I kept going from one character to the other as I tried to work out who was behind a couple of murders. There are quite a few unsavoury characters throughout the book so there are certainly quite a few possibilities. A bit dark in places but thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 27, 2021
Another excellent read by my favorite psychological thriller authors. Will Patching has a way with his characters that have you engaged from the start, clear thru to the end. I am engrossed by his never perfect crime solvers, their strengths and their weaknesses compel you to page after page. Keep writing, and I will keep reading. Thank you Mr. Patching.........oncE again!!!!!!
April 11, 2022
As others have said, gritty. I'd say graphic, too, in the descriptions of what gangsters can do when "sending a message" or taking revenge.
But to me it's a good story, well told with good pace and (as I knew what sort of descriptions there would be) one I enjoyed reading.
If that sounds like your sort of story, I'd recommend you give it a go.
But to me it's a good story, well told with good pace and (as I knew what sort of descriptions there would be) one I enjoyed reading.
If that sounds like your sort of story, I'd recommend you give it a go.
July 5, 2022
Brutal!
This is the second book I have read by the author, both excellent. Nail biting gritty thrillers bringing great enjoyment and entertainment. Heart pounding fast paced action of the grizzly kind with a super storyline and fascinating characters. Not for the fainthearted reader as it does get rather gory but highly recommended for those of you who like a toe curling experience through words.
This is the second book I have read by the author, both excellent. Nail biting gritty thrillers bringing great enjoyment and entertainment. Heart pounding fast paced action of the grizzly kind with a super storyline and fascinating characters. Not for the fainthearted reader as it does get rather gory but highly recommended for those of you who like a toe curling experience through words.
June 20, 2021
An excellent gritty thriller set in UK. The main protagonist is fighting against ptsd which sends her into a paralysed state when faced with aggression - when she snaps out of it she’s a fighting machine unable to restrain her actions.
The torture scenes are graphic, not for the faint hearted
The torture scenes are graphic, not for the faint hearted
April 5, 2022
This is an engrossing novel with complex, interesting characters. The cops and the criminals are flawed but very human. They are not the most likable but they are believable. The pacing is fast and portions are brutal. Overall a rewarding read.
April 14, 2022
Battered
I really enjoyed reading about Fifi. She doesn't take any guff from anyone. She puts on a good show. I didn't figure out the murderer until close to the end, which I like. I don't like figuring out out from the first. Good read.
I really enjoyed reading about Fifi. She doesn't take any guff from anyone. She puts on a good show. I didn't figure out the murderer until close to the end, which I like. I don't like figuring out out from the first. Good read.
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