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The Perfect Widow
Louise Bridges has the perfect life.
A loving husband, Patrick. Two adorable children. A comfortable home.
So when PC Becca Holt arrives to break the news that Patrick has been killed in an accident, she thinks Louise’s perfect world is about to collapse around her.
But Louise doesn’t react in the way Becca would expect her to on hearing of her husband’s death. And there are only three plates set out for dinner as if Louise already knew Patrick wouldn’t be home that night…
The more Becca digs, the more secrets she uncovers in the Bridges’ marriage – and the more she wonders just how far Louise would go to get what she wants…
Is Louise a loving wife – or a cold-hearted killer?
A loving husband, Patrick. Two adorable children. A comfortable home.
So when PC Becca Holt arrives to break the news that Patrick has been killed in an accident, she thinks Louise’s perfect world is about to collapse around her.
But Louise doesn’t react in the way Becca would expect her to on hearing of her husband’s death. And there are only three plates set out for dinner as if Louise already knew Patrick wouldn’t be home that night…
The more Becca digs, the more secrets she uncovers in the Bridges’ marriage – and the more she wonders just how far Louise would go to get what she wants…
Is Louise a loving wife – or a cold-hearted killer?
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
December 2, 2019
EXCERPT: I hadn't fitted in. That was my simple crime, that was why both Pete and I knew it wouldn't work, couldn't go any further. But what he didn't realise was that it was always my crime. I'd never fitted in anywhere. My fear now was that I never would. It had taken so much work to get this close -and then it had turned out that I had never really been close at all. I'd worked so hard to be this version of me. How could it still not be right?
It was like being five at school all over again. Or seven. Or nine. Or eleven. No one had ever wanted to play with me. I'd understood why, at one level, but that didn't make it any easier to bear. There was something very different about me. I knew it, and somehow they did too. I wasn't sure how they were able to tell. Maybe it was the smoke. That always clung to me. In many ways it seemed the least of my mother's bad habits. Or maybe it was the way I held myself. Maybe it was the twist in my smile, something flitting behind my eyes. It was obvious that I knew too much, but it wasn't the sort of delicious secret that the girls queued up behind the loos to share. It was the sort that no one wanted any part of. Ever. The sort that I haven't spoken of, even now. I didn't fit in. Couldn't. Wasn't ever going to, no matter what I did.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Louise Bridges has the perfect life.
A loving husband, Patrick. Two adorable children. A comfortable home.
So when PC Becca Holt arrives to break the news that Patrick has been killed in an accident, she thinks Louise’s perfect world is about to collapse around her.
But Louise doesn’t react in the way Becca would expect her to on hearing of her husband’s death. And there are only three plates set out for dinner as if Louise already knew Patrick wouldn’t be home that night…
The more Becca digs, the more secrets she uncovers in the Bridges’ marriage – and the more she wonders just how far Louise would go to get what she wants…
Is Louise a loving wife – or a cold-hearted killer?
MY THOUGHTS: I honestly don't know how to review The Perfect Widow without giving things away, but I have to try.
Is Louise a loving wife - or a cold hearted killer? That is the million dollar question.
And why is PC Becca Holt so determined to prove that she is the latter? Is it to prove herself as a policewoman, or does she have darker motives?
These two women are opposites in all respects. Becca is single, overweight, and the only love affair in her life is with food. Louise is slender, beautiful, wealthy, and lives in a beautiful home with her two children and a husband who is something in the city.
These two women are the central characters in the story...Becca determined to prove that Louise is not what she seems; Louise determined to protect her life and the innocence of her children.
Let the battle commence.
I read the final two thirds of The Perfect Widow this afternoon after picking it up intending to read only a few pages over lunch.
The story is told over two timelines, 'then' and 'now', from the viewpoints of Louise and Becca. While the chapters are short, the writing snappy, the revelations are made slowly, enticingly. This isn't a nail-biter of a novel, it's quieter than that, but it is a cleverly compelling read.
#ThePerfectWidow #NetGalley
😍😯😳😍
THE AUTHOR: Before turning to crime, Alice Castle was a UK newspaper journalist for The Daily Express, The Times and The Daily Telegraph. She writes psychological thrillers for HQDigital as A.M. Castle and the London Murder Mystery cozy crime series as Alice Castle.
Alice lives in south London and is married with two children, two step-children and two cats.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to HQ Digital via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Perfect Widow by A.M. Castle for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
It was like being five at school all over again. Or seven. Or nine. Or eleven. No one had ever wanted to play with me. I'd understood why, at one level, but that didn't make it any easier to bear. There was something very different about me. I knew it, and somehow they did too. I wasn't sure how they were able to tell. Maybe it was the smoke. That always clung to me. In many ways it seemed the least of my mother's bad habits. Or maybe it was the way I held myself. Maybe it was the twist in my smile, something flitting behind my eyes. It was obvious that I knew too much, but it wasn't the sort of delicious secret that the girls queued up behind the loos to share. It was the sort that no one wanted any part of. Ever. The sort that I haven't spoken of, even now. I didn't fit in. Couldn't. Wasn't ever going to, no matter what I did.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Louise Bridges has the perfect life.
A loving husband, Patrick. Two adorable children. A comfortable home.
So when PC Becca Holt arrives to break the news that Patrick has been killed in an accident, she thinks Louise’s perfect world is about to collapse around her.
But Louise doesn’t react in the way Becca would expect her to on hearing of her husband’s death. And there are only three plates set out for dinner as if Louise already knew Patrick wouldn’t be home that night…
The more Becca digs, the more secrets she uncovers in the Bridges’ marriage – and the more she wonders just how far Louise would go to get what she wants…
Is Louise a loving wife – or a cold-hearted killer?
MY THOUGHTS: I honestly don't know how to review The Perfect Widow without giving things away, but I have to try.
Is Louise a loving wife - or a cold hearted killer? That is the million dollar question.
And why is PC Becca Holt so determined to prove that she is the latter? Is it to prove herself as a policewoman, or does she have darker motives?
These two women are opposites in all respects. Becca is single, overweight, and the only love affair in her life is with food. Louise is slender, beautiful, wealthy, and lives in a beautiful home with her two children and a husband who is something in the city.
These two women are the central characters in the story...Becca determined to prove that Louise is not what she seems; Louise determined to protect her life and the innocence of her children.
Let the battle commence.
I read the final two thirds of The Perfect Widow this afternoon after picking it up intending to read only a few pages over lunch.
The story is told over two timelines, 'then' and 'now', from the viewpoints of Louise and Becca. While the chapters are short, the writing snappy, the revelations are made slowly, enticingly. This isn't a nail-biter of a novel, it's quieter than that, but it is a cleverly compelling read.
#ThePerfectWidow #NetGalley
😍😯😳😍
THE AUTHOR: Before turning to crime, Alice Castle was a UK newspaper journalist for The Daily Express, The Times and The Daily Telegraph. She writes psychological thrillers for HQDigital as A.M. Castle and the London Murder Mystery cozy crime series as Alice Castle.
Alice lives in south London and is married with two children, two step-children and two cats.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to HQ Digital via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Perfect Widow by A.M. Castle for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 2, 2019
This book was a hot mess. 1.5 stars rounded up.
::sigh::
Where to start?
The Perfect Widow sounded so intriguing in it's synopsis...somewhat creepy even. Trust me when I say, it wasn't. Told from two points of view, those of Louise (in both the past, where she daydreamed about a douchey guy for half the book, and the present, where we read very little about how she's dealing with said douche's death), and Becca, who was given the job to deliver the bad news to the newly minted widow, and decided to investigate her because "she didn't act right."
First, let me just say, Becca's character was an idiot. She should have been fired from her job. I hated her sections of the story because it was nothing but obsessive ramblings about Louise's "perfect thighs" and her "too clean home." Becca, who is described as overweight early in the novel (and who is fat shamed endlessly by the author), clearly wanted to bring Louise down, but more out of jealously than any real sense of justice. It felt as though she was added to the book as an afterthought, when the author realized she needed an antagonist. Meh.
Second, although I found Louise's character somewhat sympathetic, her then sections were repetitive and rambling. We literally read the same things over and over and over again. I wasn't overly impressed by the insta-love either.
Finally, the chapters were super short and clunky. If done correctly, this works at keeping the book moving and flowing.
...It wasn't done correctly in this novel...
What it did was leave us with terribly unfinished characters, and actions that were never explained. Further, I believe this book was advertised as a psychological thriller. It definitely is not. I think I'd likely categorize it as domestic drama.
Bottom line: This story was underwhelming in every possible way. Not recommended.
**Despite my lackluster review, I'd still like to thank the publisher for my advanced copy, in exchange for my honest thoughts.
::sigh::
Where to start?
The Perfect Widow sounded so intriguing in it's synopsis...somewhat creepy even. Trust me when I say, it wasn't. Told from two points of view, those of Louise (in both the past, where she daydreamed about a douchey guy for half the book, and the present, where we read very little about how she's dealing with said douche's death), and Becca, who was given the job to deliver the bad news to the newly minted widow, and decided to investigate her because "she didn't act right."
First, let me just say, Becca's character was an idiot. She should have been fired from her job. I hated her sections of the story because it was nothing but obsessive ramblings about Louise's "perfect thighs" and her "too clean home." Becca, who is described as overweight early in the novel (and who is fat shamed endlessly by the author), clearly wanted to bring Louise down, but more out of jealously than any real sense of justice. It felt as though she was added to the book as an afterthought, when the author realized she needed an antagonist. Meh.
Second, although I found Louise's character somewhat sympathetic, her then sections were repetitive and rambling. We literally read the same things over and over and over again. I wasn't overly impressed by the insta-love either.
Finally, the chapters were super short and clunky. If done correctly, this works at keeping the book moving and flowing.
...It wasn't done correctly in this novel...
What it did was leave us with terribly unfinished characters, and actions that were never explained. Further, I believe this book was advertised as a psychological thriller. It definitely is not. I think I'd likely categorize it as domestic drama.
Bottom line: This story was underwhelming in every possible way. Not recommended.
**Despite my lackluster review, I'd still like to thank the publisher for my advanced copy, in exchange for my honest thoughts.
November 1, 2019
Louise
Saw her man, waited, planned, waited some more, pounced, struck and snared him
And with him came everything she had craved, wealth, a family and prestige
But Louise hadn’t always been Louise
Her younger years had been turmolic ( made up word ) to say the least.....she has no intention of EVER going back to anything less than the perfect life she now has
Becca, a P.C. with her eye more on doughnuts than crime some days, she is the one to tell Louise her hubby has tragically died
She also gets a niggle that Louise hasn’t reacted quite as she would have expected
I loved both, narcissistic Louise and despairing Becca, 2 unequals that made a great pairing as the book went back and forth between past and present, 2 more different characters you couldn’t hope for in a book, both wonderfully played
I loved the almost diary style of the book, short snappy sentences, lots of ‘mulling’ ( some repetition it has to be said ) and much dark humour that goes on in their musings and came across ( for me ) really well, very clever descriptions of ordinary life/situations that had me smiling and wincing depending on the wording
Some of the other characters we meet are a tad lacklustre and almost extras but that doesn’t matter too much as these 2 are personality enough to carry them all
A good ending that brought the book and both main characters to a conclusion and once again I find myself saying about a book that I really enjoyed it and looked forward to reading it when I wasn’t!!!
9/10
5 Stars
Saw her man, waited, planned, waited some more, pounced, struck and snared him
And with him came everything she had craved, wealth, a family and prestige
But Louise hadn’t always been Louise
Her younger years had been turmolic ( made up word ) to say the least.....she has no intention of EVER going back to anything less than the perfect life she now has
Becca, a P.C. with her eye more on doughnuts than crime some days, she is the one to tell Louise her hubby has tragically died
She also gets a niggle that Louise hasn’t reacted quite as she would have expected
I loved both, narcissistic Louise and despairing Becca, 2 unequals that made a great pairing as the book went back and forth between past and present, 2 more different characters you couldn’t hope for in a book, both wonderfully played
I loved the almost diary style of the book, short snappy sentences, lots of ‘mulling’ ( some repetition it has to be said ) and much dark humour that goes on in their musings and came across ( for me ) really well, very clever descriptions of ordinary life/situations that had me smiling and wincing depending on the wording
Some of the other characters we meet are a tad lacklustre and almost extras but that doesn’t matter too much as these 2 are personality enough to carry them all
A good ending that brought the book and both main characters to a conclusion and once again I find myself saying about a book that I really enjoyed it and looked forward to reading it when I wasn’t!!!
9/10
5 Stars
April 11, 2020
This audiobook was so much fun! It's written in a memoir type of style... Dangerously honest, dark & witty. Very easy to listen to, i couldn't get enough. The 2 main characters were great.. (or kinda awful in their own ways, depending on who you ask.🤣) It's hard to describe how, without giving anything away. But they were the perfect 2 sides of a coin. I gotta thank my GR friends for this 1! I don't feel like the book description does it any justice, i really only picked it up because of my friends reviews & ratings.. & im glad i did. It might not be anything totally unique or any brand new concepts, but the writing had me hooked.. & the ending was so good. Just an overall satisfying read!
December 2, 2019
When PC Becca Holt arrives at Louise Bridges's home to break the news that her husband has been killed in an accident, she's taken aback by Louise's reaction. Louise doesn't seem very shocked by her husband's death. And there are only three plates set for dinner, one for Louise, and two for her children, as if she knew that her husband wouldn't be coming back home. Becca is convinced that there is more to Louise than meets the eye and is determined to do whatever it takes to prove it.
Louise Bridges has a loving husband, two beautiful children, and a comfortable house. But getting to this point in her life has not been easy and she will do anything to protect the life she's worked so hard for.
I really wanted to love this book. It started off with so much potential. The first few chapters kept me turning the pages. But the story quickly became slow and repetitive. There were too many chapters with Louise sitting at work, desperately trying to get Patrick to notice her. And too many with Becca sitting at her work, eating a lot of junk food, complaining about her weight, her mom, and obsessing about Louise's perfect life. The only thing that kept me from giving up on this book was Louise. Yes, she was a narcissist, who did some very bad things But I found her to be very likable and I admired her determination for a better life. I rooted for her and wished she had realized a lot sooner that Patrick was not worth her time. There was really nothing shocking about the twist at the end. It basically cemented what we already knew from the start- that Louise was willing to do anything to keep her perfect life. Overall, this book was not for me. But if you like slow-burn thrillers, then you might enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Louise Bridges has a loving husband, two beautiful children, and a comfortable house. But getting to this point in her life has not been easy and she will do anything to protect the life she's worked so hard for.
I really wanted to love this book. It started off with so much potential. The first few chapters kept me turning the pages. But the story quickly became slow and repetitive. There were too many chapters with Louise sitting at work, desperately trying to get Patrick to notice her. And too many with Becca sitting at her work, eating a lot of junk food, complaining about her weight, her mom, and obsessing about Louise's perfect life. The only thing that kept me from giving up on this book was Louise. Yes, she was a narcissist, who did some very bad things But I found her to be very likable and I admired her determination for a better life. I rooted for her and wished she had realized a lot sooner that Patrick was not worth her time. There was really nothing shocking about the twist at the end. It basically cemented what we already knew from the start- that Louise was willing to do anything to keep her perfect life. Overall, this book was not for me. But if you like slow-burn thrillers, then you might enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2021
This is told from two points of view and two different timelines. One is that of P. C. Becca Holt, who is convinced, that Louise Bridges killed her husband. This is based on the fact that Louise does not react as expected to the news of her husband’s death. She just needs to be able to prove Louise is guilty of murder. Is Louise a devoted wife or is she a murderer? The other is Louise’s story which is most of the narrative. It is told in the ‘now’ but also back ‘then.’ Back then being when she first met Patrick and the hours she spent obsessing about him and how to get his attention.
The reader senses both Becca and Louise are unreliable narrators who alter facts to suit their own imaginings and purposes. Neither of them are likeable characters. The question remains throughout is Louise is a killer or not? The chapters are short and yet despite that weighed down at times by repetition and too much time in Louise’s head. I kept reading basically to find out the real status with Louise. That said, I had issues with the ending that did not sit well with me and pulled my rating down further. And I hated the way Becca was portrayed as the fat woman who scoffed donuts and anything else sweet.
This is not what I’d call a psychological thriller. That term seems to me to be too loosely used these days for too many novels. However if you like a domestic drama you may like this one. For me it was too repetitive and just an okay read, no great twists or surprises and nothing memorable.
The reader senses both Becca and Louise are unreliable narrators who alter facts to suit their own imaginings and purposes. Neither of them are likeable characters. The question remains throughout is Louise is a killer or not? The chapters are short and yet despite that weighed down at times by repetition and too much time in Louise’s head. I kept reading basically to find out the real status with Louise. That said, I had issues with the ending that did not sit well with me and pulled my rating down further. And I hated the way Becca was portrayed as the fat woman who scoffed donuts and anything else sweet.
This is not what I’d call a psychological thriller. That term seems to me to be too loosely used these days for too many novels. However if you like a domestic drama you may like this one. For me it was too repetitive and just an okay read, no great twists or surprises and nothing memorable.
July 16, 2020
As much as it hurts me, I can't give "The perfect widow" more than 1 star out of 5, and that's me being generous. First of all, I didn't like the writing style at all. Lots of short sentences and short chapters that didn't allow for the story or the characters to develop. And when there's a chapter a bit longer we get pages and pages, going on and on about the same subject, feeling as if the author had a certain number of pages to fill and she didn't know how.
There are two different points of view, Louise's, with past and present lines, and Becca's, the PC that investigates the death of Louise's husband. And "investigate" is maybe a word too big for what she does. We know she suspects Louise of being involved in her husband's death, because she has an intuition, and that's all. In several points throughout the book we get sentences like "The evidence was stacking up so beautifully now" or "How had the woman got away with this for so long?", but the author doesn't explain at all what that evidence is or what she got away with, or even the steps Becca has taken to uncover that information. It's not till the last quarter of the book that the reader starts to get some answers.
And then we have Louise. In the present line we barely get to see how she's coping with her husband's death, and in the past line she's lusting after a man that barely says two words to her for half the book, showing an obsessive thinking and behavior that make her such an unlikable character.
There was a twist at the last couple of chapters, but it was so out of the blue and I was so bored out of my mind at that point that I couldn't care less 😒
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
There are two different points of view, Louise's, with past and present lines, and Becca's, the PC that investigates the death of Louise's husband. And "investigate" is maybe a word too big for what she does. We know she suspects Louise of being involved in her husband's death, because she has an intuition, and that's all. In several points throughout the book we get sentences like "The evidence was stacking up so beautifully now" or "How had the woman got away with this for so long?", but the author doesn't explain at all what that evidence is or what she got away with, or even the steps Becca has taken to uncover that information. It's not till the last quarter of the book that the reader starts to get some answers.
And then we have Louise. In the present line we barely get to see how she's coping with her husband's death, and in the past line she's lusting after a man that barely says two words to her for half the book, showing an obsessive thinking and behavior that make her such an unlikable character.
There was a twist at the last couple of chapters, but it was so out of the blue and I was so bored out of my mind at that point that I couldn't care less 😒
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2019
"Don't we all have lies we need, at all costs, to hide? ...how far will people go to protect the life they love?"
On a September evening, the doorbell rings at the Bridges' beautiful home. Louise Bridges is at the kitchen table doing homework with her 13-year-old son, Giles, and her 11-year-old daughter, Emmy, was upstairs doing who knows what when Louise asks her to get the door. It's the worst news imaginable. A fire at the office has killed her husband, Patrick. Louise gathers her children to her as she absorbs this shocking and devastating information from the police who are doing the knock. She's a widow now, with two children that need all her love and support. But PC Becca Holt isn't satisfied with the verdict of accidental death and she's determined to prove that Louise isn't "The Perfect Widow" that everyone sees. NO SPOILERS.
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller! I loved the writing style and the way the narrative was written from the points of view of both Louise and Becca as well as the shifts back and forth in time. The sentences and the chapters were short which made the story fly by and was so absorbing that I read it in a single sitting as I couldn't put it down without knowing the outcome. The two female characters, Louise and Becca, were so different and each was dealing with the fallout from their pasts and that insight into their personalities made them so relatable in many ways. I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to happen within these pages, but I was quite pleased with the conclusion. I've not read any other books by this author, but I will definitely keep an eye out for future titles.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend. A very entertaining domestic drama with many nuances that challenge your thoughts on crime and punishment!
On a September evening, the doorbell rings at the Bridges' beautiful home. Louise Bridges is at the kitchen table doing homework with her 13-year-old son, Giles, and her 11-year-old daughter, Emmy, was upstairs doing who knows what when Louise asks her to get the door. It's the worst news imaginable. A fire at the office has killed her husband, Patrick. Louise gathers her children to her as she absorbs this shocking and devastating information from the police who are doing the knock. She's a widow now, with two children that need all her love and support. But PC Becca Holt isn't satisfied with the verdict of accidental death and she's determined to prove that Louise isn't "The Perfect Widow" that everyone sees. NO SPOILERS.
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller! I loved the writing style and the way the narrative was written from the points of view of both Louise and Becca as well as the shifts back and forth in time. The sentences and the chapters were short which made the story fly by and was so absorbing that I read it in a single sitting as I couldn't put it down without knowing the outcome. The two female characters, Louise and Becca, were so different and each was dealing with the fallout from their pasts and that insight into their personalities made them so relatable in many ways. I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to happen within these pages, but I was quite pleased with the conclusion. I've not read any other books by this author, but I will definitely keep an eye out for future titles.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend. A very entertaining domestic drama with many nuances that challenge your thoughts on crime and punishment!
October 18, 2019
Louise Bridges has the perfect life, with a perfect house, wonderful husband and two children. Then one day PC Becca Holt arrives to tell her that her husband, Patrick, has been killed in an accident. But Louise doesn't react the way Becca expects and although Patrick's death is an accident, Becca starts to investigate further.
This one started out fast paced, with her husband being killed. However, after that I felt there was a plateau in the story and I didn't enjoy Louise's backstory as much. That said, I am so glad I stuck with this and continued as it picked up again and I was pleasantly surprised. What I loved is that just when I thought the story was heading in a certain direction, there was a twist and I was completely surprised. Overall an enjoyable read. 3.7* rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK & HQDigital for this advance review e-copy, in exchange for my honest review.
This one started out fast paced, with her husband being killed. However, after that I felt there was a plateau in the story and I didn't enjoy Louise's backstory as much. That said, I am so glad I stuck with this and continued as it picked up again and I was pleasantly surprised. What I loved is that just when I thought the story was heading in a certain direction, there was a twist and I was completely surprised. Overall an enjoyable read. 3.7* rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK & HQDigital for this advance review e-copy, in exchange for my honest review.
November 6, 2019
Louise’s husband has been killed in a fire at work. One of the police officers, Becca, who delivers the news to her thinks something is “off” about this wife’s reaction and, despite her own emotional issues, pursues the case. Told from the perspectives of these two characters, much is revealed about both of their backgrounds and what has brought them to this time and place.
I really liked this psychological thriller; I couldn’t put it down. I think it is one of the best of this genre that I have read. The writing is excellent, with vivid descriptions, a painfully good understanding of human nature, and a sharp sense of humor.
I really liked this psychological thriller; I couldn’t put it down. I think it is one of the best of this genre that I have read. The writing is excellent, with vivid descriptions, a painfully good understanding of human nature, and a sharp sense of humor.
November 19, 2019
A curious mix of psychological suspense and family drama, this story will appeal to those who like psychological orientated suspense. This story doesn’t have the impact common to most thrillers but does use the unreliable protagonist technique well. There are two, in this story, Louise, the perfect widow and Becca the policewoman who sets out to investigate her, based on one brief observation.
Primarily a story of obsession, emotional damage, resulting from poor nurturing in childhood and control The plot handles the psychological theme competently. The introduction of a crusading police constable, who sees beneath the image Louise portrays isn’t convincing. Becca, in many ways, is a superfluous character, except perhaps in her obsessive similarities to Louise?
The plot lacks real-time action, everything is retold either in the past or present by Louise or Becca. this slows the pace and leaves you in the characters heads for too long, making some the twists not as suspenseful as they could be, if written less passively.
A story for the psychological fiction devotees, who like to see how the mind works, given a certain set of stimuli, rather than those who like a combination of jaw-dropping twists and a twisted unexpected ending.
I received a copy of this book from HQ Digital UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Primarily a story of obsession, emotional damage, resulting from poor nurturing in childhood and control The plot handles the psychological theme competently. The introduction of a crusading police constable, who sees beneath the image Louise portrays isn’t convincing. Becca, in many ways, is a superfluous character, except perhaps in her obsessive similarities to Louise?
The plot lacks real-time action, everything is retold either in the past or present by Louise or Becca. this slows the pace and leaves you in the characters heads for too long, making some the twists not as suspenseful as they could be, if written less passively.
A story for the psychological fiction devotees, who like to see how the mind works, given a certain set of stimuli, rather than those who like a combination of jaw-dropping twists and a twisted unexpected ending.
I received a copy of this book from HQ Digital UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 30, 2021
What a mess. I intended to give it two stars but I can't think of a single thing that I liked about this book. Maybe the fact that the murderer got away? I don't know, this only happens if I'm rooting for the murderer and this murderer was not the kind of person I'd root for in any case.
The writing wasn't great and all over the place, the "then" chapters are boring and repetitive, the characters are extremely unlikable, the tiny twist is ridiculous (especially the fact that someone recognises the involvement of another person because a child she sees has the same chin as him and therefore must be his daughter, yea right). I was hoping the characters would grow on me but it seems like I have wasted my time.
Also, all the fat-shaming in this book is a big no-no...
The writing wasn't great and all over the place, the "then" chapters are boring and repetitive, the characters are extremely unlikable, the tiny twist is ridiculous (especially the fact that someone recognises the involvement of another person because a child she sees has the same chin as him and therefore must be his daughter, yea right). I was hoping the characters would grow on me but it seems like I have wasted my time.
Also, all the fat-shaming in this book is a big no-no...
April 23, 2020
My thoughts
Would I recommend it? Yes
Would I read more by this author?yes
WOW I can't believe it took me this long to read this read this. Because once I started I knew that I was going to be in for a ride of my life and it didn't let me down. It even made me question who should I believe or even trust in this story, should it be the Louise ( the widow) or Becca ( the cop) both have so much to gain or even lose. Plus there was times I kept asking myself should I even trust either one of them. As well as reminding myself that people deal with death in different ways and that was perfectly fine. Then there was the times that I kept asking myself what if Patrick's death wasn't accident and if that's the case who would want him dead or maybe it was suicide. As for the the two main characters while I didn't like them at times and while they both had flaws ,they did play off of each other really well ( think Sherlock Homes and his arch enemy Professor James Moriarty).An thing I should say is that its a slow burning which some case works and some cases doesn't but in this one the author was able to pull it off really well that it worked in away that it made you want to set back and just read and watch as the story came to life. But it does make it an interesting type of read as you find at more about the characters and what led up to this two different characters meeting like they did .So all I can say now is set back and enjoy the ride as your cleverly led me in one direction and then another, with the many twists keeping me guessing until the end. With that said I want to thank NetGalley as well as the publisher for letting read and review it .
Would I recommend it? Yes
Would I read more by this author?yes
WOW I can't believe it took me this long to read this read this. Because once I started I knew that I was going to be in for a ride of my life and it didn't let me down. It even made me question who should I believe or even trust in this story, should it be the Louise ( the widow) or Becca ( the cop) both have so much to gain or even lose. Plus there was times I kept asking myself should I even trust either one of them. As well as reminding myself that people deal with death in different ways and that was perfectly fine. Then there was the times that I kept asking myself what if Patrick's death wasn't accident and if that's the case who would want him dead or maybe it was suicide. As for the the two main characters while I didn't like them at times and while they both had flaws ,they did play off of each other really well ( think Sherlock Homes and his arch enemy Professor James Moriarty).An thing I should say is that its a slow burning which some case works and some cases doesn't but in this one the author was able to pull it off really well that it worked in away that it made you want to set back and just read and watch as the story came to life. But it does make it an interesting type of read as you find at more about the characters and what led up to this two different characters meeting like they did .So all I can say now is set back and enjoy the ride as your cleverly led me in one direction and then another, with the many twists keeping me guessing until the end. With that said I want to thank NetGalley as well as the publisher for letting read and review it .
November 15, 2019
This is another author who has written in a different genre the one I''m used to reading from her - and what a successful move it is!!
Louise Bridges has a perfect life: perfect husband, two perfect children - one of each, of course - and a stunning, perfect home. She devotes herself to her family and has never stopped loving husband Patrick. After receiving the shattering news of Patrick's death, one of the police officers finds it playing on her mind afterwards about how Louise reacted to the dreadful words they had to impart. Why didn't her world cave in on her, as would be expected? Despite an official verdict to the contrary, Becca decides to look into this 'off the books' hoping it may gain her recognition and advance her career in the force.
I know this author's work really well; I'm a big fan of her London Murder Mysteries and have always felt that her journalistic background shows through in the tremendous use of language in her novels. The Perfect Widow is a stunning read, securing this author's place in the world of thrillers. Skilfully crafted, and slowly revealing the whole story, my attention was not only on the page - I couldn't take my eyes off it! The story is told on two time-scales - the present and the past - and also from two different points of view: that of both Louise and Becca. Right up until the very last, I couldn't have told you which way this was going and I was utterly astounded at the ending! An staggeringly gratifying read and one I'm thrilled to have read. Within any doubt, a sparkling five stars - and no less - will do!
Louise Bridges has a perfect life: perfect husband, two perfect children - one of each, of course - and a stunning, perfect home. She devotes herself to her family and has never stopped loving husband Patrick. After receiving the shattering news of Patrick's death, one of the police officers finds it playing on her mind afterwards about how Louise reacted to the dreadful words they had to impart. Why didn't her world cave in on her, as would be expected? Despite an official verdict to the contrary, Becca decides to look into this 'off the books' hoping it may gain her recognition and advance her career in the force.
I know this author's work really well; I'm a big fan of her London Murder Mysteries and have always felt that her journalistic background shows through in the tremendous use of language in her novels. The Perfect Widow is a stunning read, securing this author's place in the world of thrillers. Skilfully crafted, and slowly revealing the whole story, my attention was not only on the page - I couldn't take my eyes off it! The story is told on two time-scales - the present and the past - and also from two different points of view: that of both Louise and Becca. Right up until the very last, I couldn't have told you which way this was going and I was utterly astounded at the ending! An staggeringly gratifying read and one I'm thrilled to have read. Within any doubt, a sparkling five stars - and no less - will do!
October 11, 2019
On the surface, Louise Bridges has it all. The perfect husband. Two beautiful children. A lovely home. But then one night, there's a knock at the door: two police officers with the terrible news that Louise's husband Patrick is dead.
Officer Becca Holt hasn't delivered news like this before, so she has nothing to compare Louise's reaction to. But even so, something strikes her as off about Louise's reaction. Did Patrick really die in an accident? Or was there more to it than meets the eye?
The story is narrated alternately by Louise and Becca, and we see both past and present timelines unfold from Louise's perspective. I really enjoyed seeing how a younger Louise and Patrick first met, and was more invested in Louise's character as a result.
The story is well paced with some excellent twists, and I was never really sure who to trust - enough doubt is cast on the reliability of each narrator to make the read an interesting and engaging one. I was also conversely rooting for both women - for Becca to prove herself in the face of the disdain from her older male colleagues, and for Louise to get away with any crimes she may have committed.
A gripping novel with brilliantly drawn characters and an ending I won't forget in a hurry. I can't wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley, who provided me with a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Officer Becca Holt hasn't delivered news like this before, so she has nothing to compare Louise's reaction to. But even so, something strikes her as off about Louise's reaction. Did Patrick really die in an accident? Or was there more to it than meets the eye?
The story is narrated alternately by Louise and Becca, and we see both past and present timelines unfold from Louise's perspective. I really enjoyed seeing how a younger Louise and Patrick first met, and was more invested in Louise's character as a result.
The story is well paced with some excellent twists, and I was never really sure who to trust - enough doubt is cast on the reliability of each narrator to make the read an interesting and engaging one. I was also conversely rooting for both women - for Becca to prove herself in the face of the disdain from her older male colleagues, and for Louise to get away with any crimes she may have committed.
A gripping novel with brilliantly drawn characters and an ending I won't forget in a hurry. I can't wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley, who provided me with a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2019
Louise planned and snared the perfect husband who died. Becca, a cop, broke the news to her. But something caught Becca's attention about Louise and she went investigating.
My first book by this author, the two women seemed more self absorbed initially till the secrets spilled through the pages. The writing was staccato, it slowed in the middle and picked up in the end. A twist changed the story's direction in the last few pages.
Overall, it was good but could have been better.
My first book by this author, the two women seemed more self absorbed initially till the secrets spilled through the pages. The writing was staccato, it slowed in the middle and picked up in the end. A twist changed the story's direction in the last few pages.
Overall, it was good but could have been better.
October 30, 2019
Thank you Net Galley and HQ Digital for an early copy of The Perfect Widow. Unbelievably Great!!!! I Loved this book. I couldn't get enough reading about Louise, I just thought the whole plot was wonderful. I looked forward to finding out what was going on every time I picked up the book. Thank you A.M. Castle.
October 24, 2019
Absolutely loved this novel! So gripping but also didn’t want it to end. Hope to read more of A M Castle’s work ASAP
October 17, 2019
Rating: 3 stars
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!
I do hate leaving a bad review, because I appreciate how long it takes to write a book, but I have to say this book was not great. The only way I can describe it is very rambling and over-explained. I think the plot does have potential to be interesting, and I liked how it ended, but there needs to be changes in how its written to do it justice.
Most of the book was about how Louise Bridges was lusting after this one man, and basically her journey to get him. The writer seems to have this writing style where every single point rambles on for ages, and is repeated again and again. There was also a few story lines that didn't seem at all relevant (what was the purpose of Pete?). I didn't mind Becca's POV, but was struggling to see why she even suspected Louise, since her evidence was quite far fetched.
I didn't mind the plot, and liked that it ended with Louise getting away with it, though as said before its not surprising that she did get away with it since Becca's evidence was terrible. Anyway, I wouldn't really class this as a thriller, it was somewhat of a romance with a sudden out-of-the-blue twist at the end. I give it 3 stars because I did enjoy bits of it and it does have potential!
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!
I do hate leaving a bad review, because I appreciate how long it takes to write a book, but I have to say this book was not great. The only way I can describe it is very rambling and over-explained. I think the plot does have potential to be interesting, and I liked how it ended, but there needs to be changes in how its written to do it justice.
Most of the book was about how Louise Bridges was lusting after this one man, and basically her journey to get him. The writer seems to have this writing style where every single point rambles on for ages, and is repeated again and again. There was also a few story lines that didn't seem at all relevant (what was the purpose of Pete?). I didn't mind Becca's POV, but was struggling to see why she even suspected Louise, since her evidence was quite far fetched.
I didn't mind the plot, and liked that it ended with Louise getting away with it, though as said before its not surprising that she did get away with it since Becca's evidence was terrible. Anyway, I wouldn't really class this as a thriller, it was somewhat of a romance with a sudden out-of-the-blue twist at the end. I give it 3 stars because I did enjoy bits of it and it does have potential!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2019
It is one of those books I find hard to review. It was a fast read with a good storyline but it lacked some substance for me. Some parts were very slow and other parts felt rushed.
Louise has it all. The perfect husband and marriage (or so it seems to outsiders); the perfect(spotless) home that everyone is envious of and the 2.5 children. Getting to this point in her life was not easy. It took a lot of hard work and reinventing of herself. Then she gets the news that her husband died in a fire at work.
PC Becca Holt is dissatisfied with her life and job. She gets to deliver the news of Patrick's death but something doesn't feel right about Louise's reaction and she is like a dog with a bone. She would do whatever she can; legal or not; to prove her instincts are right.
I think the story has a lot of potential but I felt a bit let down. There is also not a lot of action in the book. Some people dont like books that's too gory so I think there will be people who enjoy this book. It is more of a mystery family drama.
Thank you to #netgalley and #HQDigital for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Louise has it all. The perfect husband and marriage (or so it seems to outsiders); the perfect(spotless) home that everyone is envious of and the 2.5 children. Getting to this point in her life was not easy. It took a lot of hard work and reinventing of herself. Then she gets the news that her husband died in a fire at work.
PC Becca Holt is dissatisfied with her life and job. She gets to deliver the news of Patrick's death but something doesn't feel right about Louise's reaction and she is like a dog with a bone. She would do whatever she can; legal or not; to prove her instincts are right.
I think the story has a lot of potential but I felt a bit let down. There is also not a lot of action in the book. Some people dont like books that's too gory so I think there will be people who enjoy this book. It is more of a mystery family drama.
Thank you to #netgalley and #HQDigital for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 2, 2019
I couldn't put this book down. I started at lunchtime and held on to it until bed time.
It's fast paced, witty and yet painful. The characters are startling. Can they all really behave in the way they do? Are they really capable of what it is they may or may not have done?
The family setting feels realistic - in a cringey, entitled and wealthy way. It's hard to love Louise, but I found myself growing fond of her friends, family and the investigating officers.
I'll be sure to read A.M. Castle's next book.
It's fast paced, witty and yet painful. The characters are startling. Can they all really behave in the way they do? Are they really capable of what it is they may or may not have done?
The family setting feels realistic - in a cringey, entitled and wealthy way. It's hard to love Louise, but I found myself growing fond of her friends, family and the investigating officers.
I'll be sure to read A.M. Castle's next book.
February 19, 2020
It's slow going, but it gets better.
November 19, 2019
The Perfect Widow is a clever and compelling psychological thriller which is the author’s debut novel in this genre.
The novel is split between ‘then’ and ‘now’ chapters which helps the reader to see the story from various points of view which I thought was very interesting and helped me to see the whole story more clearly. I don’t think I was a particular fan of either of the main characters as they both had flaws which I found quite irritating and which meant I was unable to warm to them. Becky’s constant mistakes and inability to make much headway in the investigation grated on me after a while as I felt she should have been able to do a much better job. Louise was a much more sympathetic character as I could understand why she behaves like she did but her need to control things was a bit worrying and meant that I couldn’t warm to her. These flaws did make both characters seem more realistic however, which was probably the author’s intention as it did increase the level of unease in the book.
This book was a bit of a slow burner as the reader learns more about the characters and their past but soon picks up as things become very interesting. The author cleverly led me in one direction and then another, with the many twists keeping me guessing until the end. There is a level of unease in the book which slowly builds as the reader becomes more aware of what is going on. I actually found it quite thought provoking to think about how much we can ever truly know someone.
Huge thanks to Jessica Lee from HQ stories for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
The novel is split between ‘then’ and ‘now’ chapters which helps the reader to see the story from various points of view which I thought was very interesting and helped me to see the whole story more clearly. I don’t think I was a particular fan of either of the main characters as they both had flaws which I found quite irritating and which meant I was unable to warm to them. Becky’s constant mistakes and inability to make much headway in the investigation grated on me after a while as I felt she should have been able to do a much better job. Louise was a much more sympathetic character as I could understand why she behaves like she did but her need to control things was a bit worrying and meant that I couldn’t warm to her. These flaws did make both characters seem more realistic however, which was probably the author’s intention as it did increase the level of unease in the book.
This book was a bit of a slow burner as the reader learns more about the characters and their past but soon picks up as things become very interesting. The author cleverly led me in one direction and then another, with the many twists keeping me guessing until the end. There is a level of unease in the book which slowly builds as the reader becomes more aware of what is going on. I actually found it quite thought provoking to think about how much we can ever truly know someone.
Huge thanks to Jessica Lee from HQ stories for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
November 17, 2019
I’m reviewing The Perfect Widow by A.M Castle, for Netgalley pre published.
The title is quite deceiving after reading the book. It led me to be surprised by what I read. I don’t like to give away spoilers and so you will have to discover for yourselves.
The characters are built up quite slowly and the chapters break up between ‘Then’ and ‘Now.’
There are also different versions from the different characters, to give their aspects and point of views on what happens.
I struggled to empathise with any of the characters. Becca, although has some good notions, repeatedly fails to gain any hard evidence and makes ‘rookie’ mistakes. I found that irritating but I still had to know! So perhaps that was the point?
Louise ‘tells the reader,’ how she got to where she is now which is to explain her behaviour. A lot becomes clear about her past, how she grew up and what she experienced, as if in some way as to explain away her behaviour.
Louise reminds herself repeatedly that she loves Patrick and it gelt to me that she wanted to be wanted and to be in control because she wasn’t as a child.
I really enjoyed how the story led to the how, of what was done. I expected it to be a ‘oh, so that’s what that was’ moment. But it didn’t come. Louise cleverly changed to fit in wherever she needed to. They were her survival skills from her childhood.
This book could quite easily have the ‘marmite factor.’ It did for me!
The title is quite deceiving after reading the book. It led me to be surprised by what I read. I don’t like to give away spoilers and so you will have to discover for yourselves.
The characters are built up quite slowly and the chapters break up between ‘Then’ and ‘Now.’
There are also different versions from the different characters, to give their aspects and point of views on what happens.
I struggled to empathise with any of the characters. Becca, although has some good notions, repeatedly fails to gain any hard evidence and makes ‘rookie’ mistakes. I found that irritating but I still had to know! So perhaps that was the point?
Louise ‘tells the reader,’ how she got to where she is now which is to explain her behaviour. A lot becomes clear about her past, how she grew up and what she experienced, as if in some way as to explain away her behaviour.
Louise reminds herself repeatedly that she loves Patrick and it gelt to me that she wanted to be wanted and to be in control because she wasn’t as a child.
I really enjoyed how the story led to the how, of what was done. I expected it to be a ‘oh, so that’s what that was’ moment. But it didn’t come. Louise cleverly changed to fit in wherever she needed to. They were her survival skills from her childhood.
This book could quite easily have the ‘marmite factor.’ It did for me!
November 21, 2019
The Perfect Widow by A.M. Castle is a marvellous contemporary psychological suspense that will draw you in from the start.
A.M. Castle has created a compelling plotline, intricate and clever with its twists and turns. Her characters are well drawn, not always likable but realistic. She manipulated my emotional responses well.
The novel is about obsessions – once something takes a hold, everything else pales into insignificance. We see a coppers nose that is suspicious – but is her nose correct?
People have secrets and pasts they want hidden. To what lengths are they prepared to go?
There is neglect of a minor. “My childhood was about survival.” This neglect is a catalyst for self-improvement, creating a drive and passion. In contrast there are well loved children who are put first at all costs.
The novel is written from two alternating points of view and time frames of ‘then’ and ‘now.’ I found the whole book riveting and could not put it down.
The Perfect Widow was a cleverly constructed book delving into the human psyche. There is an element of fear – just how well do you know your loved ones? Where do you place your trust? An excellent book.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
A.M. Castle has created a compelling plotline, intricate and clever with its twists and turns. Her characters are well drawn, not always likable but realistic. She manipulated my emotional responses well.
The novel is about obsessions – once something takes a hold, everything else pales into insignificance. We see a coppers nose that is suspicious – but is her nose correct?
People have secrets and pasts they want hidden. To what lengths are they prepared to go?
There is neglect of a minor. “My childhood was about survival.” This neglect is a catalyst for self-improvement, creating a drive and passion. In contrast there are well loved children who are put first at all costs.
The novel is written from two alternating points of view and time frames of ‘then’ and ‘now.’ I found the whole book riveting and could not put it down.
The Perfect Widow was a cleverly constructed book delving into the human psyche. There is an element of fear – just how well do you know your loved ones? Where do you place your trust? An excellent book.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
December 2, 2019
I adore stories about flawed characters with dangerous obsessions so of course this book was right up my street! Louise is a perfect wife and mother with an apparently perfect life but her husband Patrick's sudden death opens up a can of psychological worms. I found it quirky and in places funny as well as intriguing, shocking and heartbreaking. As well as Louise's viewpoint we hear from Becca, a police officer who delivers the news about Patrick but who becomes suspicious of Louise and is determined to prove that she's not as innocent as she appears. While being polar opposites, the women are both largely products of their relationship with their mothers who are equally dreadful in different ways. If you want a break from formula psychological thrillers this could be the perfect choice
November 12, 2019
I loved this book! Really exciting and full of suspense, great writing style.
November 12, 2019
Really good, fast paced book. Couldn't put it down.
5 Stars from me!
5 Stars from me!
March 24, 2020
I'm familiar with AM (Alice) Castle from her London Murder Mysteries cosy crime series, so I was keen to see how she would approach the psychological thriller genre. The Perfect Widow is anything but cosy, and I loved the way the story creeps up on the reader. It takes some time to gather pace, but once it does, there are a whole host of secrets to come exploding out of the closet.
The Perfect Widow is narrated by both Louise, Patrick's wife, and Becca, the detective investigating Patrick's death. This allowed Castle to build tension as we learnt what happened in the time leading up to the death. I listened to the audio version of the book and I loved the way the narrators used their tone of voice to add humour, and in Louise's case, a few sinister undertones, as this helped me to gain some insight into these wonderfully created characters.
There are a few twists and turns as the novel gathers pace and Castle kept me on my toes the whole way through in what was a thoroughly enjoyable book to listen to.
The Perfect Widow is narrated by both Louise, Patrick's wife, and Becca, the detective investigating Patrick's death. This allowed Castle to build tension as we learnt what happened in the time leading up to the death. I listened to the audio version of the book and I loved the way the narrators used their tone of voice to add humour, and in Louise's case, a few sinister undertones, as this helped me to gain some insight into these wonderfully created characters.
There are a few twists and turns as the novel gathers pace and Castle kept me on my toes the whole way through in what was a thoroughly enjoyable book to listen to.
April 6, 2020
The author has quite a unique writing style in this novel; each chapter is quite short and alternates primarily between the two main characters; Louise; the widow whose reaction to the death of her husband isn't what would normally be expected and Becca; the cop who fees that something is amiss and starts to delve into Louise's life and the accident.
A slow burner of a psychological thriller with well written characters - I was especially intrigued by Becca and hope that she features in future books by this author.
I enjoyed the narration by Imogen Church and Rebecca Courtney and they really helped bring the characters to life. I look forward to reading some other novels by this author.
A slow burner of a psychological thriller with well written characters - I was especially intrigued by Becca and hope that she features in future books by this author.
I enjoyed the narration by Imogen Church and Rebecca Courtney and they really helped bring the characters to life. I look forward to reading some other novels by this author.
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