The Widow and the Warrior

by John Wemlinger

The Widow and the Warrior is the story of a family curse, a secret society, and the oldest motives for murder in the world—power and greed.



The latest from award-winning author John Wemlinger, The Widow and the Warrior is set in Frankfort, Michigan, along the shores of Lake Michigan. It tells the story of one wealthy family’s tragic 130-year history. Anna Shane, national political editor for The Washington Post, is poised on the brink of turning her family’s tragedies into triumph until a secret society and a greedy relative conspire to see her murdered. Shawn O’Toole, an ex-Special Forces operator, retired from the Army rather than face war crimes charges. For the last year he has lived in a self-imposed exile, until a call from his father calls him home to Frankfort and a chance to save Anna's life, using some of the very same vigilante tactics that cost him his military career.



From history to mystery, and from wartime to present day greed, this story will stay in your head long after you turn the final page. —Dwight and Barbara Reed, Booksellers, The Bookstore, Frankfort, Michigan



"The Widow and the Warrior" is a riveting, intense thriller depicting greed and power in the context of forces reshaping America in unsettling times. Author John Wemlinger’s extensive experience as a US Army colonel prompts deep explorations of honor, justice, brutality, and what can happen when “opinions veer in ugly directions and beget ugly actions.” Wemlinger’s heroine Anna Shane shows mental toughness, intelligence, and grace as national political editor for The Washington Post and as a daughter faced with the unexpected death of a distant parent. Her quest for truth in her work and personal life lead her to learn of deep family secrets, hidden money, the aftermath of war, and the horrors of murder. She never veers from her journalist’s instincts to examine truth and search for solutions in gun control and politics, and for elected officials. Wemlinger delivers a thoughtful, poignant, and spellbinding read. —Jennifer Carroll, former managing editor, Lansing (Michigan) State Journal; managing editor, The Detroit News; executive editor, The Burlington (VT) Free Press

I’m an avid reader, and when I get hooked on a book I can’t put it down. "The Widow and the Warrior" got me hooked early on with its intriguing narrative and interwoven story lines. A true thriller! —Michelle Graves, Editor, The Manistee News Advocate

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2020

Reviews

[Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)]

MWSA Review

Author John Wemlinger’s The Widow and the Warrior takes readers on a thrilling ride from Washington, D.C., to Michigan and through the deep south. The story keeps readers on the edge of their seats, not sure where the next hit will come from. With a cast of both likeable and remarkably unlikeable characters, the plot includes interesting and unexpected twists that keep the pages turning.

A family mystery, a large inheritance, and political intrigue come together to bring out the best and the worst of people in this story. Old and new military and intelligence alliances deepen to help pinpoint players across the country involved in an elaborate scheme for power and control. The author has some of his characters act in unpredictable ways, which keeps readers guessing throughout. I highly recommend this suspenseful military and political thriller.

Review by Valerie Ormond (February 2024)

[Tricia Frey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book by Wemlinger that I've read and as always, John doesn't disappoint! The character and plot development will grab you from the beginning and keep you riveted until the last page is turned. I appreciate that it is set in Northern Michigan like John's other books I've read. It's a place I love and clearly John does, too. Get cozy, because you're not going to want to put this one down!

[David Nadolny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book and was very pleased with it. I was trepidatious at first because I’d been burned reading another novel by an author whose book was set in the area where our cottage is in upper Michigan, but this author simply wove the area into the story as second thought.

A good murder mystery type novel. Good character development that made them compelling and I enjoyed how a spin on current events played into the plot.

[Randall Grondman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally don't give great reviews for books with politics in them. One of the reasons i like to read is to escape the constant barrage of politics we have. So, when I started the book, I thought here we go I met this author and liked him, and I am not going to be able to give the book five stars. Well ......
The book was so Damm good I have to give it five stars. Great story I loved it so it looks like I will be reading more from John.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book. I enjoyed every moment of reading it. I can't wait to read more books by this author. I just purchased The Cut and Winter's Bloom, Before the Snow Flies.

[Shari Spoelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It’s a fast paced thriller with lots of interesting and likable characters in many different places, especially my favorite place, northwest Michigan.