Why do some women hate the men they marry? Not everything is quite as it seems.
What makes a woman kill the man she has loved? Three women from different backgrounds, brought together by their determination to make a fortune from their unsuspecting husbands. Carefully selected, the men are lured into the widow’s trap, completely beguiled, until their ultimate disposal. The women meet regularly to discuss their progress and compare notes on new methods of termination. It seems they are invincible. A journey back in time gives the reader an insight into the women’s past and the reasons for their determination to seek revenge on the men they marry. But even in death, all is not as it seems.
Excerpt
The hospital building loomed into view and Jessica took a long breath of fresh air before entering the large oak double doors. The smell of cleaning fluid and disinfectant hit immediately and she quickened her pace.
Bob’s room was on the first floor and by now, she could have walked there blindfolded. Inside he lay sleeping on the bed, various monitors bleeping and pulsating as regularly as the pendulum beat of a grandfather clock. Jessica sat on the chair beside his bed and waited for him to wake up.
He was looking gaunter today. His skin was paper-thin and looked the colour of magnolia paint. She noticed the clumps of his grey hair on the pillow. There wouldn’t be much more left to fall out soon. The brown patches that had started to appear on his cheeks seemed larger and darker. His lips were tinged with blue.
Jessica reached into her bag and took out the notebook and pen he had instructed her to bring.
Time to write the Will, she thought, reaching out and touching the sleeve of his striped pyjama top, giving it a little tug. She tried to avoid touching him at all these days.
Slowly he began to stir, lifting his eyelids with effort and moving his hand to the control box that would sit him upright at the touch of a button.
“It’s good to see you,” he whispered.
She smiled and patted his jacket and put the cake box on the bed.
“Carrot cake, your favourite.”
Professional Reviews
Grab Your Tea and Get Comfy
The Black Widows is a fascinating book about murders. Lots of murders. It's actually several different stories with a coinciding center. It opens at a little coffee shop and follows three women as they murder their ways through their lives to amass their individual fortunes. The stories offer a diorama view into the lives of Suzannah, Jessica and Caprice. Three women who plot and kill husband after husband. The ending is a bit of a surprise and I won't spoil it. But I will say Ms Finch's inclusion of real life murders at the back of the book is fascinating. This is a novella well worth a read and a re-read. Kudos Ms Finch!
What a Surprise!
With the title, I had a certain expectation of what the story would be about. What I didn't expect however was for the author to do such a great job with the characters she created and the path she took to tell such a great story. Before I even realized it, I found myself sympathizing with the three main characters. She's done a great job and drawing the reader in to the dark side to see what their thought processes and reasoning is like. Loved this book and found myself thinking about it even after I had finished it!
A Well Crafted Murder Mystery
This story had every element a good story should have. There are strong intertwining plots, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well illustrated scenes that really make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that's something I really look for in a good book. From the opening chapter, setting the tone for the entire work, to the end at which you find yourself wanting more and more. It is a great read, and is filled with dramatic and well-described moments that will stay with you for a long time.
This captivating and commendable work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flows from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. The writing style is such that I was drawn into the story from the very beginning and this doesn't happen for me very often.
It’s one of those stories that come along once in a while that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader! A highly recommended read. Five stars from me.
I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Jane Finch in the future
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