The Widow

The synopsis summed it up nicely – marriage, privilege, and lies. Who is telling the biggest lie? Who can be trusted? Who will remain on top? Set in Washington D.C., Martin and Jody are a golden political couple. Martin has been in politics for a long time! They are the Ashers after all and nothing can bring them down! They have money, a beautiful daughter, a long marriage, and appear to be on top of the world. Then a journalist starts asking questions, and it appears that all that glitters is not gold. There is talk of an affair with a younger member of staff and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Both are feeling the heat and the pressure. Martin does not look well, and Jody just hopes that their daughter’s wedding goes off without a hitch. But it goes off more like a bomb when Martin dies. Jody is now in the catbird seat (she always has been, just ask her) and ready to start over! But will the future be bright or is her legacy tarnished?

This one began strongly for me, and I enjoyed learning Jody’s thoughts – they are devious, conniving and show how power hungry she is. Martin (think Bill Clinton) is a charming man who has gotten his way and does what he wants to a degree and well, he is in the middle of a mess in the beginning of this book. Mimi, a powerful member of their staff, also shares her thoughts which provides more insight toward the end of the book.

The characters are a mess, but they are supposed to be. They are not likeable, except the daughter who came off as very naïve to me. This is lifestyles of the rich and famous Kaira Rouda style. We get to see into a political family’s lives, see their inner workings, their faults, messes, arrogance, deviousness, and thirst for power. Consequences be damned, they are going to do what they want when they want with a fake smile plastered on their faces.

Sounds good right? I thought I would love, love, love this book! The description sounded so enticing. I also enjoyed the words of advice that Jody had for spouses throughout the book. But this went from a 4-star read to a 3-star read. Why? I can’t pinpoint one single thing; it just became more like a tv movie of the week. It went off the rails a little and although, I still enjoyed it, it failed to wow me. There are a few twists at the end which I did not see coming. Will I remember it in months to come? I’m not sure.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.