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Delia Frost #1
The Widow Catcher
Delia Frost loves her job at the bank. She loves her customers, most of whom are elderly. She doesn’t love the idea of quitting her job to travel around Australia in a motor home with her husband who is recovering from a heart attack. And she can’t bring herself to tell him that she doesn’t want to go.
Days before she quits her job, she is invited to a book club meeting, run by a local celebrity. This seems like a beacon of hope, one last chance to do something for herself before she leaves it all behind.
But this isn’t a random invitation.
Delia has been carefully selected by a serial killer to play her part in the murders of elderly widows.
Finding herself caught in a web of blackmail and murder, Delia is now keen to leave this town behind. But the killer doesn’t want to let her go.
Days before she quits her job, she is invited to a book club meeting, run by a local celebrity. This seems like a beacon of hope, one last chance to do something for herself before she leaves it all behind.
But this isn’t a random invitation.
Delia has been carefully selected by a serial killer to play her part in the murders of elderly widows.
Finding herself caught in a web of blackmail and murder, Delia is now keen to leave this town behind. But the killer doesn’t want to let her go.
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Published August 28, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
June 19, 2021
“Delia never makes a fuss. In a land of sometimes and maybes, Delia always ended up doing the work.” Delia is a character I would like to be friends with. I enjoyed getting to know her and seeing her grow and change throughout the story. Selected by a serial killer to aid in a victim’s torment and demise, Delia is unknowingly immersed in a web of danger and deceit. A murderer is on the loose and the next victim could be someone near and dear. This character driven mystery is the perfect remedy for a reading slump. This is the first book of a series and I look forward to reading the next installment. Thank you BookSirens for my copy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 13, 2020
Elderly women are being found dead .... all by different means, all look like they could be accidents. All are widows. All are members of a book club, run by a local celebrity.
Della Frost works at the bank ... but maybe not for much longer. Her husband recently had a heat attack and now he wants to make the rest of his life memorable. He's decided that Della should quit her job and travel around Australia in a motor home. Unfortunately, she hasn't had the chance to tell him she doesn't want to go.
Wanting to do something for herself, she accepts a co-workers invitation to join the book club. She knows this will probably be a one time thing since she'll soon be traveling.
What Della learns is that she has been carefully selected by a serial killer to play a part in the murders of elderly widows.
This is hyped as a suspense thriller set in a small coastal town. I found it more mysterious than suspenseful. The killer was revealed early on ... but it was the motive that kept me reading. The plot was well-paced, and the characters were skillfully done. The ending was worth the wait.
Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Della Frost works at the bank ... but maybe not for much longer. Her husband recently had a heat attack and now he wants to make the rest of his life memorable. He's decided that Della should quit her job and travel around Australia in a motor home. Unfortunately, she hasn't had the chance to tell him she doesn't want to go.
Wanting to do something for herself, she accepts a co-workers invitation to join the book club. She knows this will probably be a one time thing since she'll soon be traveling.
What Della learns is that she has been carefully selected by a serial killer to play a part in the murders of elderly widows.
This is hyped as a suspense thriller set in a small coastal town. I found it more mysterious than suspenseful. The killer was revealed early on ... but it was the motive that kept me reading. The plot was well-paced, and the characters were skillfully done. The ending was worth the wait.
Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 12, 2020
Took me a short while to take to this but the more I read of this novel the more I liked it. By the end of the book I was wondering what other books had Jonelle Blake wrote.
Delia Frost is happy in her job at the bank and is not looking forward to quitting her job to travel around Australia in a motor home with her husband who is recovering from a heart attack. She wants to tell him that she doesn't want to go can't face it.
Looking for a bit of time to herself decides to go to a book club she had been invited to which is run by a local celebrity. But the invitation is not random and she was selected by a serial killer to play her part in the murders of elderly widows.
Finding herself caught in a web of blackmail and murder, Delia is now keen to leave this town as fast as she can. Except the killer doesn’t want to let her go.
This was a very enjoyable read with some very interesting characters.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Delia Frost is happy in her job at the bank and is not looking forward to quitting her job to travel around Australia in a motor home with her husband who is recovering from a heart attack. She wants to tell him that she doesn't want to go can't face it.
Looking for a bit of time to herself decides to go to a book club she had been invited to which is run by a local celebrity. But the invitation is not random and she was selected by a serial killer to play her part in the murders of elderly widows.
Finding herself caught in a web of blackmail and murder, Delia is now keen to leave this town as fast as she can. Except the killer doesn’t want to let her go.
This was a very enjoyable read with some very interesting characters.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2020
Elderly women are being found dead .... all by different means, all look like they could be accidents. All are widows. All are members of a book club, run by a local celebrity.
Della Frost works at the bank ... but maybe not for much longer. Her husband recently had a heat attack and now he wants to make the rest of his life memorable. He's decided that Della should quit her job and travel around Australia in a motor home. Unfortunately, she hasn't had the chance to tell him she doesn't want to go.
Wanting to do something for herself, she accepts a co-workers invitation to join the book club. She knows this will probably be a one time thing since she'll soon be traveling.
What Della learns is that she has been carefully selected by a serial killer to play a part in the murders of elderly widows.
This is hyped as a suspense thriller set in a small coastal town. I found it more mysterious than suspenseful. The killer was revealed early on ... but it was the motive that kept me reading. The plot was well-paced, and the characters were skillfully done. The ending was worth the wait.
Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Della Frost works at the bank ... but maybe not for much longer. Her husband recently had a heat attack and now he wants to make the rest of his life memorable. He's decided that Della should quit her job and travel around Australia in a motor home. Unfortunately, she hasn't had the chance to tell him she doesn't want to go.
Wanting to do something for herself, she accepts a co-workers invitation to join the book club. She knows this will probably be a one time thing since she'll soon be traveling.
What Della learns is that she has been carefully selected by a serial killer to play a part in the murders of elderly widows.
This is hyped as a suspense thriller set in a small coastal town. I found it more mysterious than suspenseful. The killer was revealed early on ... but it was the motive that kept me reading. The plot was well-paced, and the characters were skillfully done. The ending was worth the wait.
Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 2, 2020
Within the first pages, we meet an elderly lady who’s murdered by her young companion in an ingenious way. Everybody thinks she had a heart attack.
Then we meet Richard and Delia. Richard is recovering from a heart attack and has been given a motorhome by a well-meaning uncle. Now he has sent their children on European and African trips and he wants to travel around Australia for the next year with his wife. Delia is far less enthusiastic about this plan but is reluctant to bring it up. She enjoys her job in the local bank and her colleagues. One of her co-workers takes her to his book club in the house of a famous actress. There she learns that 4 of its members have died over the last months. As a fact, the widow of another member comes round to tell that her husband just died the previous night. Is this club cursed as one of its members thinks?
From here on, the book gets a bit strange. Delia receives a large sum and several bank-account numbers from the actress and doesn’t know what to think or do.
Most of the people in this little coastal town seem awfully nice, the book-club and colleagues but especially Andrew who’s so empathic and concerned. But we know from the start that there’s a murderer amongst them. It’s a bit disappointing that we learn his/her identity around half-way.
Karin, the actress is condemned rather harshly by Delia, but I can relate to some of the things she did. Giving up a child for adoption (for whatever reason) isn’t necessarily an evil or bad thing to do. I’m sure that most mothers find that a very difficult decision and even when they don’t hesitate, it may be in the best interest for the child. I can even see why she thinks that all her family thinks only about her money. And leaving your money to charity is not a crime. Where else would some very worthy organisations get their funding? But cutting your family completely off? That’s cold, yes.
Delia herself is judgemental and prejudiced at times. Because she’s such a nice and friendly person, she also easy to fool as she expects others t, be the same.
It’s difficult to attach one label on this book. It does start out as a cosy mystery with the book-club and the nice and pleasant job with friendly co-workers. But in the second half the pace picks up a bit and the suspense starts building up. It makes an attempt at some psychology as well. But in my opinion, the story falls down with an early reveal of the killer’s identity. From then on, we have to hope that they can catch him/her on time before more damage is done. The story was humorous at times and despite the hybrid of genres, it was a surprisingly pleasant and entertaining, quick read. It’s uplifting. I’d give it 3,5 as it’s not quite a 4.
The ending was a bit disappointing as well. I don’t like it when the knights in shiny armour have to come to the rescue. I prefer that the damsel in distress fights her own. But let’s be thankful for the police force, where would we be without them.
I thank NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the free ARC they gave me and this is my honest, unbiased review.
Then we meet Richard and Delia. Richard is recovering from a heart attack and has been given a motorhome by a well-meaning uncle. Now he has sent their children on European and African trips and he wants to travel around Australia for the next year with his wife. Delia is far less enthusiastic about this plan but is reluctant to bring it up. She enjoys her job in the local bank and her colleagues. One of her co-workers takes her to his book club in the house of a famous actress. There she learns that 4 of its members have died over the last months. As a fact, the widow of another member comes round to tell that her husband just died the previous night. Is this club cursed as one of its members thinks?
From here on, the book gets a bit strange. Delia receives a large sum and several bank-account numbers from the actress and doesn’t know what to think or do.
Most of the people in this little coastal town seem awfully nice, the book-club and colleagues but especially Andrew who’s so empathic and concerned. But we know from the start that there’s a murderer amongst them. It’s a bit disappointing that we learn his/her identity around half-way.
Karin, the actress is condemned rather harshly by Delia, but I can relate to some of the things she did. Giving up a child for adoption (for whatever reason) isn’t necessarily an evil or bad thing to do. I’m sure that most mothers find that a very difficult decision and even when they don’t hesitate, it may be in the best interest for the child. I can even see why she thinks that all her family thinks only about her money. And leaving your money to charity is not a crime. Where else would some very worthy organisations get their funding? But cutting your family completely off? That’s cold, yes.
Delia herself is judgemental and prejudiced at times. Because she’s such a nice and friendly person, she also easy to fool as she expects others t, be the same.
It’s difficult to attach one label on this book. It does start out as a cosy mystery with the book-club and the nice and pleasant job with friendly co-workers. But in the second half the pace picks up a bit and the suspense starts building up. It makes an attempt at some psychology as well. But in my opinion, the story falls down with an early reveal of the killer’s identity. From then on, we have to hope that they can catch him/her on time before more damage is done. The story was humorous at times and despite the hybrid of genres, it was a surprisingly pleasant and entertaining, quick read. It’s uplifting. I’d give it 3,5 as it’s not quite a 4.
The ending was a bit disappointing as well. I don’t like it when the knights in shiny armour have to come to the rescue. I prefer that the damsel in distress fights her own. But let’s be thankful for the police force, where would we be without them.
I thank NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the free ARC they gave me and this is my honest, unbiased review.
July 8, 2021
This was the first book that I have read by this author. It was a fast paced book and did not bog down that much and that was the best part it had going for it and that is not bad. There is another female writer from Australia who writes at a very mind numbing slow pace. The story was somewhat original and the secondary characters were not bad but not great. I felt she could have used a better more seasoned editior to help her tighten up the story. I think overall the story could have been ever better had this happened. It was missing a polished edge to it and I though the over all reason for what was happening was weak and the ending was meh at best if not poor. It was a very fast pace read. I give it 3.1 stars. I guess give it a spin if you are looking for a fast read and not a complex book at all, you can do worse. Woud I read another book by her iffy
July 18, 2023
This is a delightful cozy. Nothing gruesome and ixnay on the sex, drugs and rock and roll lol (usually my thing, but sometimes you need a palate cleanser).
The main character is fun - she's bright, tired (I get it) and trying her best. Her family is quite wonderful. Our mystery is entertaining.
Yes, I knew the *who* of things quite early, but I also didn't care. I was along for the ride.
Fun read!
The main character is fun - she's bright, tired (I get it) and trying her best. Her family is quite wonderful. Our mystery is entertaining.
Yes, I knew the *who* of things quite early, but I also didn't care. I was along for the ride.
Fun read!
October 2, 2020
Delia and her husband, Richard, attend a dinner put on by Delia's workplace. Delia works at a bank. At 53 years old, she does have seniority, there. It is announced that a new position will be opening up. Her boss suggests a lot of those at the dinner should apply. Yet, Richard had suffered a heart attack 6 months ago and has since retired. Since he inherited a motorhome from his uncle, he wants to live each day to its' fullest. This on a year-long motorhome trip. He plans to rent out their house to cover the trip's costs. Of course, this would also mean that Delia leave her job. She sort of wanted to apply for the new position....
Coming home to Richard each night (now that their grown children have moved out) is not Delia's idea of happiness. She likes her job and does not want to take the trip or rent out her home...
One day a coworker, Andrew, invites her to a book club meeting at a former film star's house. Delia goes, lying to Richard that she has a meeting at work. Karin (the home owner) is a bit strange and confined to a wheelchair. Delia also finds the others (5 elderly women) a bit odd as well.
Things get really strange when Delia is handed an envelope by Karin as she is leaving. Karin tells Delia to open the envelope at home.
WOW!!!
A totally, different kind of read. A great descriptive narrative
RECOMMEND!
Many Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for a great read!
Coming home to Richard each night (now that their grown children have moved out) is not Delia's idea of happiness. She likes her job and does not want to take the trip or rent out her home...
One day a coworker, Andrew, invites her to a book club meeting at a former film star's house. Delia goes, lying to Richard that she has a meeting at work. Karin (the home owner) is a bit strange and confined to a wheelchair. Delia also finds the others (5 elderly women) a bit odd as well.
Things get really strange when Delia is handed an envelope by Karin as she is leaving. Karin tells Delia to open the envelope at home.
WOW!!!
A totally, different kind of read. A great descriptive narrative
RECOMMEND!
Many Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for a great read!
December 14, 2020
The Widow Catcher is well written. I would call it a cozy mystery more than a thriller.
Delia Frost is a middle aged bank teller who is having a midlife crisis. Her husband has inherited a motorhome from his uncle and has decided she should retire her position at the bank and travel Australia to celebrate his recovery from a heart attack. Problem is, Delia is not keen on the whole idea of retiring or spending more time catering to her needy husband, Richard. When a coworker invites her to his book club, she finds herself drawn into a murder mystery involving untimely deaths of former and some current elderly members of this club. A serial killer is preying on these unsuspecting women. Will Delia uncover their killer before she herself becomes a target?
I enjoyed this lighthearted cozy mystery. The author knows that humour and pacing keep a reader entertained even if old ladies are dying on the regular. I wish she would not have revealed the killer as quickly as she did but I still enjoyed this read. Police might have been engaged earlier but that would have taken away from Delia’s hunt for the killer she knew was out there.
I will definitely read more of Jonette Blake’s mysteries in the future.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via Book Siren for review.
Delia Frost is a middle aged bank teller who is having a midlife crisis. Her husband has inherited a motorhome from his uncle and has decided she should retire her position at the bank and travel Australia to celebrate his recovery from a heart attack. Problem is, Delia is not keen on the whole idea of retiring or spending more time catering to her needy husband, Richard. When a coworker invites her to his book club, she finds herself drawn into a murder mystery involving untimely deaths of former and some current elderly members of this club. A serial killer is preying on these unsuspecting women. Will Delia uncover their killer before she herself becomes a target?
I enjoyed this lighthearted cozy mystery. The author knows that humour and pacing keep a reader entertained even if old ladies are dying on the regular. I wish she would not have revealed the killer as quickly as she did but I still enjoyed this read. Police might have been engaged earlier but that would have taken away from Delia’s hunt for the killer she knew was out there.
I will definitely read more of Jonette Blake’s mysteries in the future.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via Book Siren for review.
February 18, 2021
Delia's husband wants to enjoy life more after having a heart attack. He wants her to quit her job at the bank and travel in his motorhome. Delia isn't crazy about leaving. When a co worker invites her to a book club run by a actress things get way out of hand. Elderly widows are dying and Delia is pulled right into it. This was a good mystery suspense read. Alot happens and the plot was skillfully done. A great read.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
May 3, 2021
The Widow Catcher by Jonette Baker
This was a pretty quick read, easy to follow storyline and interesting to boot....even if there wasn't alot of suspense or intrigue...more a cozy read than anything. I received an ARC through Booksirens and willingly leave my opinion.
This was a pretty quick read, easy to follow storyline and interesting to boot....even if there wasn't alot of suspense or intrigue...more a cozy read than anything. I received an ARC through Booksirens and willingly leave my opinion.
February 11, 2021
Perhaps it was my years as an Internal Auditor but it was obvious at first acquaintance which character at the bank was the bad guy. Be suspicious, very suspicious, of bank employees living beyond their means by way of unverified lottery winnings. However, I only suspected he was skimming money from his till. I never thought he was The Widow Catcher, a serial killer whose unusual method of finding his victims involved a famous, retired but invalided, actress running a local book club.
“Nobody talks about book club outside of book club.”
The Widow Catcher is like the old television mystery series Columbo. The killer is in plain sight. The challenge is how Delia, his co-worker, can expose him without involving herself. All while dealing with her own difficult family and work issues too. Or will the killer get Delia first?
“Our group is cursed. That’s the fourth death this year. [...] Well it’s either a curse or we have a serial killer on the loose.”
The plot of The Widow Catcher is innovative and the characters seem genuine. The motive was a bit convoluted but the conclusion was exciting. What would you have done if you were in Delia’s shoes? Overall, a unique thriller well worth reading. 4 stars!
Thanks to the author and Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
“Nobody talks about book club outside of book club.”
The Widow Catcher is like the old television mystery series Columbo. The killer is in plain sight. The challenge is how Delia, his co-worker, can expose him without involving herself. All while dealing with her own difficult family and work issues too. Or will the killer get Delia first?
“Our group is cursed. That’s the fourth death this year. [...] Well it’s either a curse or we have a serial killer on the loose.”
The plot of The Widow Catcher is innovative and the characters seem genuine. The motive was a bit convoluted but the conclusion was exciting. What would you have done if you were in Delia’s shoes? Overall, a unique thriller well worth reading. 4 stars!
Thanks to the author and Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 13, 2025
Old ladies in a Book Club are dying, but why?
Delia works at a bank, and she's in a rut. Her and hubby (Richard) want them to go on a tour in a caravan (motorhome). She doesn't appear to be that keen.
The only kid at home is the parrot. Her human 'kids' are traveling, so there is really no reason NOT to. They (really hubby is keen), but Delia is not ready to quit work yet, and she loves interacting with the old ladies at the Book Club AND at work. Even if it involves counting pennies.
Old ladies start dying, and away we go...
It's a non-graphic, good read with a satisfying ending.
I received an ARC (Advanced Review Copy) of this book from Book Sirens, and I am giving you my honest review.
Delia works at a bank, and she's in a rut. Her and hubby (Richard) want them to go on a tour in a caravan (motorhome). She doesn't appear to be that keen.
The only kid at home is the parrot. Her human 'kids' are traveling, so there is really no reason NOT to. They (really hubby is keen), but Delia is not ready to quit work yet, and she loves interacting with the old ladies at the Book Club AND at work. Even if it involves counting pennies.
Old ladies start dying, and away we go...
It's a non-graphic, good read with a satisfying ending.
I received an ARC (Advanced Review Copy) of this book from Book Sirens, and I am giving you my honest review.
October 14, 2020
Celia’s life was just how she wanted it. A husband and a job at the bank was perfect for her life. Then her husband has a heart attack. After realizing how short life really is, her husband wants her to quit the bank and travel with him. While that idea does not resonate well with her, she decides to talk to a coworker who tells her about a book club. Not just any book club though. One that has elderly women turning up dead and a killer who has planned their every move. The characters are very unique to what you would expect and they each help bring validity to the other. The author has done a great job in keeping the readers interest and also keeping us guessing. I must say that after reading this novel, I want to read more by Janelle Blake. I did not expect how this book would end.
Thanks to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 4, 2020
SHORT , COZY MYSTERY READ.
ALSO HAS a SERIAL KILLER ON THE LOOSE.
Delia Frost an elderly woman of fifty five who loves her job as a senior bank teller. Her husband Richard, who has recently recovered from a heart attack wishes to travel all of Australia in his motor-home with his wife. But Delia, is not willing to travel on wheels and leave her everyday life and secretly thinks its a preposterous plan as she hates the idea of traveling on wheels at that age.
Soon, there are mysterious deaths of elderly women in , town single or widowed. In the midst of all this, Delia gets invited to a book club meeting by her close work colleague Andrew. This bookclub meeting turns out to be a DOORWAY TO HELL for Delia as she gets embroiled in a murder and blackmail saga along with a notorious SERIAL KILLER.
This was a decent read but I expected some more thrill and excitement, LESS IS NOT MORE in case of mystery and I wanted MORE.
Thankyou NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #WidowCatcher
ALSO HAS a SERIAL KILLER ON THE LOOSE.
Delia Frost an elderly woman of fifty five who loves her job as a senior bank teller. Her husband Richard, who has recently recovered from a heart attack wishes to travel all of Australia in his motor-home with his wife. But Delia, is not willing to travel on wheels and leave her everyday life and secretly thinks its a preposterous plan as she hates the idea of traveling on wheels at that age.
Soon, there are mysterious deaths of elderly women in , town single or widowed. In the midst of all this, Delia gets invited to a book club meeting by her close work colleague Andrew. This bookclub meeting turns out to be a DOORWAY TO HELL for Delia as she gets embroiled in a murder and blackmail saga along with a notorious SERIAL KILLER.
This was a decent read but I expected some more thrill and excitement, LESS IS NOT MORE in case of mystery and I wanted MORE.
Thankyou NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #WidowCatcher
December 6, 2020
❤️ Review time! ❤️
I enjoyed this quick paced read. It reads almost like a cozy but is a little more dark than a normal cozy. It is told from one point of view and has quick chapters. It kept me interested even though about 60% percent into the book you know what's going on and who done it. I recommend to anyone that likes cozy type thrillers.
Delia is a mom, wife, and Head Teller at a bank. Her husband wants to go on holiday and she's dreading it. She doesn't want to leave her job. Her co-worker invites her to a book club, and it's all downhill from there. Something sinister is going on and people around the book club are dying. Delia plays along with the host of the book club to try and figure it all out in secret but is caught up right in the middle.
I enjoyed this quick paced read. It reads almost like a cozy but is a little more dark than a normal cozy. It is told from one point of view and has quick chapters. It kept me interested even though about 60% percent into the book you know what's going on and who done it. I recommend to anyone that likes cozy type thrillers.
Delia is a mom, wife, and Head Teller at a bank. Her husband wants to go on holiday and she's dreading it. She doesn't want to leave her job. Her co-worker invites her to a book club, and it's all downhill from there. Something sinister is going on and people around the book club are dying. Delia plays along with the host of the book club to try and figure it all out in secret but is caught up right in the middle.
February 23, 2021
This was a nice quick read. The characters were relatable and interesting. Unfortunately I did figure out who the killer was very early on, I’d have preferred a little more mystery in this regard. The ending was tied up in a neat little bow, with a knight in shining armour coming to the protagonist rescue. It would have had more grit if Delia had managed to get herself out of the situation in the end. But that’s because I like strong female characters who can handle themselves. All in all an enjoyable book.
I received a complimentary copy via Voracious Readers in exchange for an unbiased review.
I received a complimentary copy via Voracious Readers in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 21, 2021
I’m not sure what to say about this book. My feelings are mixed. The plot was interesting but blah. The characters weren’t well developed. I couldn’t relate to them at all. I didn’t find this book suspenseful or a thriller. It just was. Don’t let my review stop you from reading it. It maybe enjoyable to you. It just wasn’t for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
February 15, 2021
Delia has been so worried about her husband's health that she daren't tell him that she doesn't want to give up her job and go travelling in a campervan around Australia. Not only does she fear she might trigger another heart attack in him, but she also worries her two children won't have anywhere to return to, should they need her. All this despite them both willingly having moved abroad to live their own lives.
To say she is stuck in a rut - the dependable wife, mother & colleague - is an understatement. When Andrew, a colleague at the bank where she works, invites her to his monthly book club hosted by a local celebrity - a former famous actress - she jumps at the chance. Will this add some sparkle to her life, and give her the confidence to tell husband Richard that she's not as keen on his travel plans as he is? Or is this her one last hurrah before succumbing to a life she doesn't want? Either way, you have to feel sorry for her - attending a book club doesn't scream risk or adventure or excitement or even fun.
The book club, while held at the actress's beautiful home, is anything but exciting, aside from the gossip about the increased number of deaths within the community. When she leaves, the hostess forces an envelope into Delia's hands, which puts her in a very awkward position. Not really wanting to attend another meeting of the book club, Delia tries to hand the envelope and its contents back - but Karen, the actress is having none of it. In fact, she wants Delia's help to solve the mystery of the recent deaths ... and to stop either of them from becoming the next victim.
Delia being Delia can't walk away, she either too nice or too intrigued by the story Karen tells her. So, predictably, she finds herself embroiled in the mystery, going so far as to look into the bank records of the victims and placing herself very firmly in the path of the killer.
There are some great suspenseful moments as Delia, the mother of dependability, sees her life thrown into a spiral of disasters. From complaints about her work at the bank, to plants on the porch, not to mention the drama over her car keys and her encounter with the police, Delia certainly gets a glimpse of a very different and much scarier life than she is used to.
I loved her relationship with her sister, and how they came together stronger. Sometimes, I probably overestimated Delia, and expected her to break the mould but her innate "niceness" held her back, so her sister's input really made the story for me. Though the killer is revealed early on, the motive behind the killings kept me engaged and the pace certainly picked up in the second half. From a cosy-esque mystery to hints of psychological suspense, this was an intriguing read with some great characters.
To say she is stuck in a rut - the dependable wife, mother & colleague - is an understatement. When Andrew, a colleague at the bank where she works, invites her to his monthly book club hosted by a local celebrity - a former famous actress - she jumps at the chance. Will this add some sparkle to her life, and give her the confidence to tell husband Richard that she's not as keen on his travel plans as he is? Or is this her one last hurrah before succumbing to a life she doesn't want? Either way, you have to feel sorry for her - attending a book club doesn't scream risk or adventure or excitement or even fun.
The book club, while held at the actress's beautiful home, is anything but exciting, aside from the gossip about the increased number of deaths within the community. When she leaves, the hostess forces an envelope into Delia's hands, which puts her in a very awkward position. Not really wanting to attend another meeting of the book club, Delia tries to hand the envelope and its contents back - but Karen, the actress is having none of it. In fact, she wants Delia's help to solve the mystery of the recent deaths ... and to stop either of them from becoming the next victim.
Delia being Delia can't walk away, she either too nice or too intrigued by the story Karen tells her. So, predictably, she finds herself embroiled in the mystery, going so far as to look into the bank records of the victims and placing herself very firmly in the path of the killer.
There are some great suspenseful moments as Delia, the mother of dependability, sees her life thrown into a spiral of disasters. From complaints about her work at the bank, to plants on the porch, not to mention the drama over her car keys and her encounter with the police, Delia certainly gets a glimpse of a very different and much scarier life than she is used to.
I loved her relationship with her sister, and how they came together stronger. Sometimes, I probably overestimated Delia, and expected her to break the mould but her innate "niceness" held her back, so her sister's input really made the story for me. Though the killer is revealed early on, the motive behind the killings kept me engaged and the pace certainly picked up in the second half. From a cosy-esque mystery to hints of psychological suspense, this was an intriguing read with some great characters.
September 15, 2020
This is an excellent tale and well told.
It’s the story of Delia, who works in a bank and her husband, Richard, who following a recent heart attack wishes to travel the country in a motor home he has been bequeathed. Unfortunately, Delia doesn’t share this dream and she’s also struggling with the fact that both her children have left home to go travelling, all of which has left her feeling a bit lost.
Then, a friend from work introduces her to a book club, old people start to die and Delia finds herself enmeshed in a serial killer drama.
It’s not really a whodunnit, although, there’s definitely suspense and it’s sufficiently well written that I got carried away with the storyline and characters and I pretty much read in one sitting.
Overall, it’s an easy to read, enjoyable suspenseful mystery with some great characters.
Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and the author for the opportunity to preview in exchange for this honest review.
It’s the story of Delia, who works in a bank and her husband, Richard, who following a recent heart attack wishes to travel the country in a motor home he has been bequeathed. Unfortunately, Delia doesn’t share this dream and she’s also struggling with the fact that both her children have left home to go travelling, all of which has left her feeling a bit lost.
Then, a friend from work introduces her to a book club, old people start to die and Delia finds herself enmeshed in a serial killer drama.
It’s not really a whodunnit, although, there’s definitely suspense and it’s sufficiently well written that I got carried away with the storyline and characters and I pretty much read in one sitting.
Overall, it’s an easy to read, enjoyable suspenseful mystery with some great characters.
Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and the author for the opportunity to preview in exchange for this honest review.
September 17, 2020
"Delia Frost never makes a fuss. It said so on my employment record." ...
Well, Delia Frost is making a fuss now and it makes for an enchanting story full of mystery and fun! Although we find out who the villian is a little too early for my liking, this book was a joy to read.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for providing me with an ARC of The Widow Catcher.
Well, Delia Frost is making a fuss now and it makes for an enchanting story full of mystery and fun! Although we find out who the villian is a little too early for my liking, this book was a joy to read.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for providing me with an ARC of The Widow Catcher.
September 14, 2020
Delia is a senior teller at the local bank. Her husband wants to spend 12 moths touring Australia in the motorhome that was left to him by his uncle. She doesn't want to go! So much to organise, so much to leave behind. Delia is invited to a book club & the world changes dramatically. Is there a serial killer or not??
I enjoyed the book but felt it was all a bit rushed. The story is good but I wanted more suspense. Worth a read though.
I enjoyed the book but felt it was all a bit rushed. The story is good but I wanted more suspense. Worth a read though.
October 15, 2020
Delia Frost has no desire to drive around in a motor home for a year with her still recovering from a heart attack husband Richard.
To him, it sounds like a trip full if freedom and fun. To her it sounds like the “gift” ffom an uncle to her husband is just one more way that Delia will get stuck cooking and cleaning all the time, but jammed in a really small space with her husband
Maybe it should finally be time for Delia to speak up.
But that is not the first thing to happen. And a whole lot of crazy comes in between. Someone she thought she could trust betrays their friendships in a lethal way.
Is it too late for Delia and husband Richard? Might there be more adventures ahead? Perhaps ones where Delia doesn’t get stuck cooking and doing dishes- if they can survive
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
To him, it sounds like a trip full if freedom and fun. To her it sounds like the “gift” ffom an uncle to her husband is just one more way that Delia will get stuck cooking and cleaning all the time, but jammed in a really small space with her husband
Maybe it should finally be time for Delia to speak up.
But that is not the first thing to happen. And a whole lot of crazy comes in between. Someone she thought she could trust betrays their friendships in a lethal way.
Is it too late for Delia and husband Richard? Might there be more adventures ahead? Perhaps ones where Delia doesn’t get stuck cooking and doing dishes- if they can survive
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2020
I really enjoyed reading The Widow Catcher. This is a murder mystery written in a unique story form. Delia Frost is a bank teller. Her husband had a heart attack a few months earlier and now wants to go traveling in a travel trailer that someone gave him. Even though this was Delia's idea, she really doesn't want to go. It means she would have to quit the job that she loves, and she really doesn't know how to tell Richard, her husband. When Andrew, another teller at the bank she works invites her to join the "book club" he goes to, things get out of hand real fast. It is held in a famous actress's house, and she is rather strange. She pulls Delia into the web of murder and blackmail before Delia even has a chance to say no. This is a really twisted story about family and betrayal and of course murder. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley and Booksprout.
October 19, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2020
I really liked Delia as a character. She was interesting, flawed, and not someone I would normally picture as the protagonist in a murder mystery. She is in her early 50s and is thinking about quitting her job so she and her husband can travel around the country. In most of the thriller/mysteries I read, if the protagonist is a woman she is normally in her mid-30s and is trying to work her way up the career ladder or make some sort of headway in her life. Delia, however, is on the back end of that slope. She's had a long career at the bank and has two grown children who just left the nest. It was a really interesting perspective to read from and we know exactly how Delia feels about these changes in her life. She loves her job at the bank, she wants her children back home, and she's growing a bit resentful of her husband. I think she's a very interesting and flawed character and she made for a fun reading experience. It was refreshing to have a mystery protagonist who wasn't a cop or journalist as is the case in many books. I thought the bank teller angle was interesting and gave her particular insight into the lives of these people who were being murdered.
My biggest problem with the book was Delia's lack of agency in the last 40%. In the first 60%, she was reluctantly getting pulled into this murder plot. She initially thought it was just some old lady going crazy but she slowly realizes it is real. But then she doesn't really do anything about it? The last half of the book really felt like Delia was a direct reader stand in who just stood around as a pawn and had the plot happen to her. I didn't feel like she was making any decisions herself, she didn't solve the case, and in the end it seemed like Delia was in pretty much the same place as when she started the book. I wanted this nice bank teller lady to be the one to crack the case on these murders that no one else believes are murders but I didn't get the satisfying ending I was looking for. I was also expecting Delia's parrot Monty to play a bigger role in the plot since he was so good at mimicry but that didn't happen. The first half of the book deals a lot with Delia always putting other people before herself. It takes her forever to tell her husband her true feelings about their current living situation because she doesn't want to upset him. There's a lot of her going back and forth with herself weighing the options of maybe she can just grin and bear it so she doesn't have to speak up. I was expecting her to come out of her shell a little bit though this murder investigation and stand up for herself more. And while there was a bit of character development, it was no where near as much as I wanted or think there needed to be in the book.
I liked the overall murder mystery plot. We get chapters from the POV of the various women who are being murdered so the reader knows right from the get-go that the murders are real but we don't know who is committing them. And then we see other characters reading about the death in the newspaper and call it an accident. I think the real tension in the story comes from the reader knowing the truth and waiting for Delia to figure it out. I thought the book club angle was interesting and I wished there were more scenes from that club. It was fun to see them all interact and Delia's somewhat judgemental attitude toward them. I thought centering the mysteries around older people dying was really interesting because one character even mentions that elderly deaths aren't looked at as closely as if someone younger had died so, in a way, it is easier to get away with murder that way. However, I was a bit disappointed that Delia basically gets the whole explanation laid out for pretty early on in the book and then the rest of the story was her struggling if she believed it or not and thinking about getting proof one way or the other. I think if Delia had more agency in the second half of the book and actually decided to get concrete proof against the person accused of these murders, then it could have been really interesting to see her grapple with the outcome of that investigation (especially if she wanted the accusations to turn out false but they were true). However, it felt like she just tip-toed around the whole situation and didn't want to be involved at all.
Thanks to BookSirens for the review copy. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My biggest problem with the book was Delia's lack of agency in the last 40%. In the first 60%, she was reluctantly getting pulled into this murder plot. She initially thought it was just some old lady going crazy but she slowly realizes it is real. But then she doesn't really do anything about it? The last half of the book really felt like Delia was a direct reader stand in who just stood around as a pawn and had the plot happen to her. I didn't feel like she was making any decisions herself, she didn't solve the case, and in the end it seemed like Delia was in pretty much the same place as when she started the book. I wanted this nice bank teller lady to be the one to crack the case on these murders that no one else believes are murders but I didn't get the satisfying ending I was looking for. I was also expecting Delia's parrot Monty to play a bigger role in the plot since he was so good at mimicry but that didn't happen. The first half of the book deals a lot with Delia always putting other people before herself. It takes her forever to tell her husband her true feelings about their current living situation because she doesn't want to upset him. There's a lot of her going back and forth with herself weighing the options of maybe she can just grin and bear it so she doesn't have to speak up. I was expecting her to come out of her shell a little bit though this murder investigation and stand up for herself more. And while there was a bit of character development, it was no where near as much as I wanted or think there needed to be in the book.
I liked the overall murder mystery plot. We get chapters from the POV of the various women who are being murdered so the reader knows right from the get-go that the murders are real but we don't know who is committing them. And then we see other characters reading about the death in the newspaper and call it an accident. I think the real tension in the story comes from the reader knowing the truth and waiting for Delia to figure it out. I thought the book club angle was interesting and I wished there were more scenes from that club. It was fun to see them all interact and Delia's somewhat judgemental attitude toward them. I thought centering the mysteries around older people dying was really interesting because one character even mentions that elderly deaths aren't looked at as closely as if someone younger had died so, in a way, it is easier to get away with murder that way. However, I was a bit disappointed that Delia basically gets the whole explanation laid out for pretty early on in the book and then the rest of the story was her struggling if she believed it or not and thinking about getting proof one way or the other. I think if Delia had more agency in the second half of the book and actually decided to get concrete proof against the person accused of these murders, then it could have been really interesting to see her grapple with the outcome of that investigation (especially if she wanted the accusations to turn out false but they were true). However, it felt like she just tip-toed around the whole situation and didn't want to be involved at all.
Thanks to BookSirens for the review copy. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 4, 2020
The Widow Catcher
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, the characters were very believable and the story was intriguing. Thought I knew who the killer was but got it completely wrong. Just couldn't wait to find out who it was.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, the characters were very believable and the story was intriguing. Thought I knew who the killer was but got it completely wrong. Just couldn't wait to find out who it was.
October 16, 2020
The Widow Catcher is an interesting read. I enjoyed reading this mystery story. Unfortunately, the killer is revealed too soon, but at least their motive was not. The characters are well depicted and the story did keep me engaged from start to finish. This is the first book I have read by this author and I would like to read more of her work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2020
This is a well written book with strong characters and an intriguing story line. The author does a great job keeping you glued to the pages with the mystery , suspense and murder. She adds a bit of humor and paints her scenes perfectly. The story flows fluidly and is an entertaining read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
November 30, 2020
This is book one of the Delia Frost series and has the main character facing a massive change to her life at the age of fifty three, just a few months after her workaholic husband Richard has a big heart attack. He is now recovering at home and wants to make use of his recent inheritance from an uncle, of a motorhome, to go on an extended tour around the country. He expected Delia to agree with him and give up her job at the bank, which she loves doing, all to travel around in the motorhome for a whole twelve months! She loves working with her customers and even her workmates, a few of which she mothers a bit, after her husband pretty much kicked out their two twenty plus age children, telling them it was time they gained some independence. Delia has never been one to argue or do anything to rock the boat, but it gets more difficult when Delia and her husband go to a work’s dinner, which Richard presumes is her retirement celebration dinner, until she has to admit she hasn’t yet handed in her notice and thinks she may be getting made redundant and should hold on until she is.
It seems the newish bank manager has received some praise from their head office and wanted to pass her thanks onto the rest of the staff. There is a promotion going and she wants all the staff to apply for it, whether they might be suitable or not, some new head office agenda apparently! Delia isn’t interested as she likes the role she has as head teller and her customers, and doesn’t want any more pressure, especially as she has to do everything at home as well, but the extra pay would be nice. Richard wants them to rent out their house when Delia would be happier having her sister living in it while they are away. One of her colleagues, Richard Nelson, the insurance department manager, knows her well and invites her to a book club he goes to at a famous old actress’ home. She agrees to go, fed up with what will await her at home and gives her husband the excuse that she has to work late. Andrew and Delia are the youngest people there, with the rest of the members being quite elderly women. The host and famous actress is in a wheelchair after a recent accident, and some of the first bit of gossip Delia hears, is of some of the other members having recently died in strange circumstances, supposedly accidental.
This invite isn’t random though, as a serial killer wants her to join in with a game they are playing. They are killing off members of the book club in a variety of different manners, to make all the deaths look accidental. The actress passes her an envelope in secret, as she leaves, and Delia finds this contains a large sum of money and a piece of paper with some numbers on it that she recognises as bank account numbers. She wants to return the envelope but ends up caught in other things instead. The actress wants her to look up who ended up with the money from these accounts, all of elderly people who died recently and were members of the book club. Everything needs to be done in secret, as the killer could be watching their every move. Both are made to feel like they are being made to seem confused and acting oddly, to others. Making a case for them to not be believed when they raise their concerns with the authorities.
When things start to get a bit dicey, Delia hands in her resignation, but wishes that she could have left town already. It can’t come fast enough for her, especially after a dangerous journey home. She is caught in a web of jealous lies, conspiracy and murder and it seems like she is either going to be a scapegoat for the killer’s actions, or one of the next victims! This starts off slow as you get to know Delia and her small town life. Her home worries with a husband home all day and her still being expected to do everything around the home, cook and shop, are somewhat her fault, as she doesn’t like to upset the status quo, which leaves her to be used by others! A lesson to be learnt there. Not a situation you would want to be caught up in and Delia finds this out to her cost. A fun and cozy read. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
It seems the newish bank manager has received some praise from their head office and wanted to pass her thanks onto the rest of the staff. There is a promotion going and she wants all the staff to apply for it, whether they might be suitable or not, some new head office agenda apparently! Delia isn’t interested as she likes the role she has as head teller and her customers, and doesn’t want any more pressure, especially as she has to do everything at home as well, but the extra pay would be nice. Richard wants them to rent out their house when Delia would be happier having her sister living in it while they are away. One of her colleagues, Richard Nelson, the insurance department manager, knows her well and invites her to a book club he goes to at a famous old actress’ home. She agrees to go, fed up with what will await her at home and gives her husband the excuse that she has to work late. Andrew and Delia are the youngest people there, with the rest of the members being quite elderly women. The host and famous actress is in a wheelchair after a recent accident, and some of the first bit of gossip Delia hears, is of some of the other members having recently died in strange circumstances, supposedly accidental.
This invite isn’t random though, as a serial killer wants her to join in with a game they are playing. They are killing off members of the book club in a variety of different manners, to make all the deaths look accidental. The actress passes her an envelope in secret, as she leaves, and Delia finds this contains a large sum of money and a piece of paper with some numbers on it that she recognises as bank account numbers. She wants to return the envelope but ends up caught in other things instead. The actress wants her to look up who ended up with the money from these accounts, all of elderly people who died recently and were members of the book club. Everything needs to be done in secret, as the killer could be watching their every move. Both are made to feel like they are being made to seem confused and acting oddly, to others. Making a case for them to not be believed when they raise their concerns with the authorities.
When things start to get a bit dicey, Delia hands in her resignation, but wishes that she could have left town already. It can’t come fast enough for her, especially after a dangerous journey home. She is caught in a web of jealous lies, conspiracy and murder and it seems like she is either going to be a scapegoat for the killer’s actions, or one of the next victims! This starts off slow as you get to know Delia and her small town life. Her home worries with a husband home all day and her still being expected to do everything around the home, cook and shop, are somewhat her fault, as she doesn’t like to upset the status quo, which leaves her to be used by others! A lesson to be learnt there. Not a situation you would want to be caught up in and Delia finds this out to her cost. A fun and cozy read. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
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