This is the second book in a series. Although this entry was not as good in my opinion as the first, it still made you want to keep reading to see how things were going to turn out. I found the story line of Jessie to be a bit far-fetched. She did not come across as the woman in the first book. Could this be because she was friends with Hubert's wife, Maggie? Or, was she silently wanting Hubert then also? Jessie came across as very conniving in this book. Also, the book alluded to a killer of black women, but bits and pieces were thrown in almost as an afterthought. Will I read book 3? Yes, as there is enough curioisity there to want to know who the killer is. Ok entry in the series. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving this book in this manner had no bearing on my thoughts and/or review.

EMPTY VOWS, the sequel to MRS. WIGGINS pales in comparison with the first book in the series. The pace was slow and there were few surprising, dramatic scenes which is the norm for author Mary Monroe. The novel picks up where the previous book ended with the characters in Lexington, Alabama attending Maggie and Claude's funeral. Claude becomes the most sought after bachelor in their small town with numerous women vying for his attention. He has no interest in any of them but wanted to find a nice lady to settle down with so as to not cast suspicion on his lifestyle. Maggie's best friend Jessie and Blondeen, who has a checkered past are the top contenders for his affection. Claude's choice will bring drama directly to his bedroom. During this time, there was a serial killer who was killing black women on the loose. There is very little development with that story line and it was left hanging at the end.

I was disappointed that EMPTY VOWS did not deliver the same page flipping action as MRS. WIGGINS. It seems as though the story wasn't sure which direction to go and it was rushed.

This book was really good. It made me wonder what life was like in the 1900's. This definitely kept me on my feet wondering what is going to happen next. I can't wait for the third one. I am grateful that netgalley let me read this in exchange for an honest review.