The Widow: A Novel
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#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER John Grisham is the acclaimed master of the legal thriller. Now, he’s back with his first-ever whodunit, even more suspenseful than his courtroom dramas, as a small-time lawyer accused of murder races to find the real killer to clear his name.
“A classic, compulsive, taut and thrilling novel from one of the great storytellers of our time. The Widow is John Grisham at his irresistible, unforgettable best.”—Chris Whitaker, author of All the Colors of the Dark
Simon Latch is a lawyer in rural Virginia, making just enough to pay his bills while his marriage slowly falls apart. Then into his office walks Eleanor Barnett, an elderly widow in need of a new will. Apparently, her husband left her a small fortune, and no one knows about it.
Once he hooks the richest client of his career, Simon works quietly to keep her wealth under the radar. But soon her story begins to crack. When she is hospitalized after a car accident, Simon realizes that nothing is as it seems, and he finds himself on trial for a crime he swears he didn’t commit: murder.
Simon knows he’s innocent. But he also knows the circumstantial evidence is against him, and he could spend the rest of his life behind bars. To save himself, he must find the real killer….
vegasbill –
A departure in some ways from previous Grisham novels but a very entertaining read overall.
Simon Latch personifies the phrase, “Down on your luck”. He is a struggling sole practitioner lawyer in a small town in Virginia with virtually no chance of making it big. His marriage is in shambles, his three children sense the problem, he is chronically short of money, he has a budding drinking problem and he gambles on sports beyond his means. The apparent solution to his money problems walks into his office one day in the form of a wealthy widow who needs a new will and an estate plan. As the book progresses we learn all is not as it seems with regard to the widow and it appears Simon is in for another major disappointment. Then the widow suddenly dies. It is determined she was poisoned and Simon is the logical murder suspect.It is at this point the book differs from most Grisham novels in that the trial is not the focal point of the story. Rather Simon’s search for the real killer is. This search involves Simon seeking help from old friends in the FBI, hiring “consultants” familiar with the underworld and computer hackers who delve into the deepest parts of the dark web.Like most Grisham novels the book moves along at a good pace, the story is interesting and the supporting cast of characters is well drawn. The story is intriguing and believable. My only negative is Simon is a depressing character to the max as we see him dig himself deeper and deeper into one problem after another until he finally hits rock bottom. It was hard for me to read about someone who makes so many obvious bad decisions.
ncreader –
Nothing happens…. until the last 100 pages
I don’t know what the big acclaim is all about for this novel. NOTHING happens for the first half. Simon goes to lunch with Eleanor. One of her step-sons shows up. Simon & his wife are getting a divorce. The kids are typical teenagers and adolescents. Yawn. I almost quit at the 50% mark. Started skimming for the next 25%. (I hate giving up on a book!) Finally, at the 75% mark, the trial started and the pace picked up and it gained some traction. Yes – a story at last! The verdict was unexpected, after all the red herrings regarding how the prosecution was not proving its case from Simon’s lawyers point of view.Then the real plot began, IMO. Hunting down the real killer was actually the best part of the book. New characters were introduced and they were actually interesting (unlike Paula and his kids).Finally, the denouement, and my opinion of The Widow rose from 2 stars to 3.5 (not rounding up, however, as it was too much effort to get to the last 25%). But the overall pace and storyline was dull and uninteresting.
Bbnut –
Slow burn who done it Mr. Grisham style
The Widow is a slow burn, easy to read mystery proving Mr. Grisham’s unparalleled talent. It took me a few chapters to become invested while being introduced to the characters and their story, but once it started to unfold I was engrossed. It’s one of those books I didn’t want to end. The main character finds himself in some tight spots. Buckle up for some good reveals in this who done it. If you like books with a behind the scenes look into the American legal system with fallible characters, some living through adversity, this may be the book for you.Spice: brief mentions of s*x, but no explicit details on pageFoul language: very mild to lowGruesome scenes/violence: none on page
Don D. –
What a wonderful writer from book one to all that’s been written.
John Grisham is one of the best writers of all times. I have every one of his books. I started reading his books a very long time ago starting with A Time To Kill. My husband went to school and got a Masters. I told him he should read some of his books he told me I’ve read enough while I was in school I’m done reading. I begged him to read The Reckoning I was sure he’d love it but it was a no go for him. He has watched all of his movies and absolutely loved them. I’ve tried to get The Reckoning on tape but not have been able to it’s alway gone. One day I know I’ll find it. I can’t wait for him to hear it. I started reading it and was done on the second day. John don’t ever quit writing. I’ve had so many people ask if I will leave my books to them when I pass away. I just tell them get in line. Thank you for such wonderful memories from each and everyone of your books. Thank you. Barbara
tiggy –
One of his best!
Great book…a little slow to start but after it got going I couldn’t put it down! Loved it. One of his better ones!
BGN –
Engaging, as always, but frustratingly empty at the end (as often)
Very typical Grisham lately. The book engages you immediately and the plot develops impressively, but he rarely finishes strong and often leaves so many unanswered questions (which don’t lead to sequels). I’ve read all of his books, and will continue to read whatever he produces, but he rarely pulls together a finish that is well-done, fair, or satisfying (someone who’s not even mentioned in the first 85% of the book becomes the culprit–really??!). He leaves too many unanswered questions about characters and plot twists that he develops so well throughout the book that you’re almost angry with the tepid climax.Everyone agrees with and supports Mr. Grisham’s passion to bring attention to how often juries and law enforcement screw things up and how often they would rather convict someone who’s innocent than admit they got it wrong. But that campaign is better addressed with a non-fiction anthology of how often, and how horrific, that issue is. It’s not ideal or entertaining to meld that passion into a riveting book of fiction, in my opinion. Or at least if you’re going to do it, do it in a way that makes it clear that this usually happens when the real perpetrator was in plain sight.Just my opinion, but I’d rather wait two years for each new release and have a book that leaves me stunned or breathless at the finish than a book that had to be finished because some publishing company is putting pressure on the author (at least that’s how it feels to me). It’s become the standard for a Grisham book and it’s disappointing, to me. But, I’d still recommended the book (as a beach read, not a classic).
Kjell Ivarsson –
Precis börjat läsa men då här långt ännu en fullträff av min favorit författare, John Grisham.
Habsfan17 –
Another excellent legal novel from Grisham. Great story, interesting characters and enough mystery and suspense to keep you up late reading this book!
Peter –
Another wonderful novel from John Grisham, which evolves into a murder mystery………most enjoyable.If you haven’t tried this author yet, I recommend him highly, and if, like me, you are tired of novels full of bad language, Grisham never uses any swear words. Very refreshing.
Lecteur bienveillant –
Not one of the best turm-page thriller but a relatively good one. A long introduction leading to the heart of the plot and a few lengthy passages related to legal procedures but the novel picks up interest and attention after one is nearly half-way through it.
bea –
Parece mentira que esta novela la haya escrito Grisham.En realidad, creo que se aprovecha de su nombre y publica lo que sea.Aunque la he logrado terminar, me ha resultado demasiado repetitiva y densa.No la recomiendo.