Book Tour: The Widow - Fiona Barton

The Widow - Fiona Barton
Published: February 16, 2016
Genre: Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Mystery

When the police started asking questions, Jean Taylor turned into a different woman. One who enabled her and her husband to carry on, when more bad things began to happen...

But that woman’s husband died last week. And Jean doesn’t have to be her anymore.

 There’s a lot Jean hasn’t said over the years about the crime her husband was suspected of committing. She was too busy being the perfect wife, standing by her man while living with the accusing glares and the anonymous harassment.

 Now there’s no reason to stay quiet. There are people who want to hear her story. They want to know what it was like living with that man. She can tell them that there were secrets. There always are in a marriage.

 The truth—that’s all anyone wants. But the one lesson Jean has learned in the last few years is that she can make people believe anything…

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About The Author

Fiona Barton trains and works with journalists all over the world. Previously, she was a senior writer at the Daily Mail, news editor at the Daily Telegraph, and chief reporter at the Mail on Sunday, where she won Reporter of the Year at the British Press Awards. Born in Cambridge, England, she currently lives in southwest France. The Widow is her first novel. 

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Review
Rating: 4 Stars
Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

How much do the wives of the men who commit terrible rimes actually know? 

I am a funny reader, at least according to my friends. You see, on one hand I loved Gone Girl and will pick up any book that is described "for fans of..." and on the other hand I hated The Girl on the Train and go out of my way to avoid books related to it, but The Widow grabbed my attention. Listed as for fans of both, the synopsis captured my attention right away, because I have also wondered about the significant others of criminals, especially of murderers. I watch all the shows, I read books about it, and I frequently look up stories that I feel my news hasn't covered enough. When I was given the chance to read The Widow I couldn't say no and I was not disappointed. In fact, the moment I finished I called my mom and demanded she buy it upon release.

With multiple POV's and suspense, The Widow is the immersive story of Jean Taylor, the widow of well-known Glen Taylor, the man charged and acquitted of the murder of a local three year old girl. Having never spoken to reporters before, the death of her husband has brought the reporters to her door and Jean finds herself talking, for the first time in years. Jean is the kind of character you will both like and dislike, she's been held back for so long, but as she finally comes to be her own person again it isn't who anyone thought she was. I loved the glimpses into the secrets of her marriage, some she kept to herself, others she shared with the world. I really enjoyed the flashbacks into her relationship with Glen, from marriage, to days after he was first questioned, to finally the fateful day when he lost his life. Mixed in with Jean's story is the perspective of detective Bob, reporter Jean, the young girls mother, and even at times, Glen's. It is unputdownable, these characters are less than perfect, but they want to know the same truth as us, what did happen, and who's been covering it all up? Told over four years, you will find yourself just as obsessed with finding out where Baby Bella is.

With incredible detail, Fiona Barton creates a believable storyline, fascinating characters, and a thought-provoking psychological thriller. The pace is fast, the twists aplenty, and the final outcome will shock you. I loved the changes in the characters are more information came to light and the progression of the criminal case. I enjoyed looking at a crime from the perspective of the person who is often ignored, the doting partner who preaches innocence. This book is haunting and the character's thoughts will chill your spine, but the look into this suburban couple's secret life should move it right to the top of your to-be-read list. I could absolutely see this as a book club book and hope to have discussions about it with others as soon as I can.