The Widow

Don't be fooled by any comparisons to 'Gone Girl' or 'The Girl on the Train' ... This is more of a slow-burn introspection into some profoundly disturbing psychosis, which is good at times, but nothing very innovative. I kept waiting for a twist that never came, unless you count a fairly obvious detail about a certain character's death that you can see coming from a mile away. As such, not what I'd call a "thriller."

Also, the detective narratives in the middle of the story are laughably outdated. The police are baffled by how chat rooms work. The fact that chat rooms and Internet porn needs to be explained to them/us goes to show how crummy they are at their job, and the author's lackluster results.

The story was original but the subject matter could be upsetting to some. Still, it was presented tastefully without unnecessary gory details. It was realistic and gave me a lot to think about. The performances were spot on. Overall I do recommend this book, but not to somehow who would be sensitive to hard topics (I don't want to give too much away). It was worth a credit.

Well written and very well read. Not the most thrilling thriller but builds atmosphere and does keep you guessing. Pretty good overall.

What a great story of psychological suspense, with subplots involving police investigation and journalists malpractice. MUCH better than "Girl on a Train" IMHO.

Great book! Very dark though.... I think it's a good thing to listen rather than read because you may not understand the British slag as well if reading.

I doubt it.

Yes, probably ... if the story was faster paced and less tedious.

Yes, slow and tedious.

I must say YES. With the right editor and producer ... the character driven novel could succeed as a film. Idris Elba as the detective. Kate Winslet as the widow.

Thinking of this novel as a psychologically thrilling movie ... is far better thank trodding through the narrative.

A really good story, different and captivating, surprising, and a little horrific. Makes you think twice who you talk to online.

Totally captivated by this story. The narration was excellent. The part of Jeannie was realistic. Difficult to stop listening.

Having recently finished "The Girl on the Train" and "The Double Bind", I wanted something in the same vein, and "The Widow" didn't disappoint. Told from various points of view read by different narrators to keep them distinct while listening, the book lends itself well to audio. It kept me guessing about the direction it would take, and I found that I was looking forward to times when I could listen so as to finish the narrative. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspenseful thrillers.

This audiobook seemed to grow on me as the story progressed. Initially could not understand how a wife would stay married to a man like Glenn, with his controlling behavior and sexual deviance, but gradually came to see that she was actually a victim of his as well, and shared in the psychopathology (the sickness) with her husband while he was alive. A common thread throughout the story was clearly that of both secrets and blame; obviously so in the couple's marriage and also with regard to Bella's biological dad hiding his paternity from his wife as well as Bella's mom Dawn keeping the truth from police about her use of the online chat rooms. Although narration was not terrific like that of Water For Elephants, I would still say that it was thoroughly enjoyable, especially due to the multiple performers bringing to life the various characters. However, would certainly disagree with those who call this book "a thriller or a suspense" like that of Gone Girl or The Girl On The Train because from very early on, we the listeners know exactly who the perpetrator is. Worth the listening time!👍🏼