Political Intrigue and Ambition

The Widow by Kaira Rouda is a gripping novel set against the backdrop of U.S. politics. The story revolves around Jody Asher, a woman who has meticulously planned her husband's rise to political power. Her husband, Martin, is a charismatic congressman with a spotless public image but many secrets, including a scandalous affair.

The Widow is a compelling novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its blend of political intrigue and personal drama. Rouda's ability to create complex, flawed characters adds depth to the narrative, making it a fascinating exploration of power and ambition. While it may not appeal to everyone, particularly those looking for a more straightforward plot, it is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy multifaceted stories set in the world of politics.

Overall, The Widow is a well-crafted novel that offers a thrilling glimpse into the dark side of political life, making it a noteworthy addition to the genre.

A story of corruption and money in Washington DC. Where each character is flawed and unlikable. Something that could really happen in the country today. A quick paced read that draws you in. Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the advance ecopy.

While I don't love political-drama thriller-esqe books, this one wasn't bad. I do enjoy the authors writing style but the political plot just wasn't for me. Overall, it was just okay.

A dramatic political thriller filled with tempestuous characters. This one pulled me in quickly at the very beginning and kept me turning the pages throughout to find out what was going to happen next. The political angle was blended into the storyline to drive it but not to take a over completely. The scandals were intriguing and added the right amount of attention to the characters' dilemmas.

Overall, this book is well written with good dialogue, an intriguing storyline with believable characters and just the right amount of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing about what will happen next. It is a fast paced, character driven book that kept me entertained from beginning to end.

I am extremely grateful to Thomas & Mercer Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a digital copy of this riveting book in exchange for my honest review.

Whoa. Kaira Rouda knows how to pack a punch! She really shows her skills at writing a gripping thriller here. I couldn’t put it down and was left feeling rocked by this incredible book with a twisted main character.

Jody harbours ambitious political aspirations that rival, if not surpass, those of her long-standing congressional husband, Martin Asher. However, her life is a delicate balancing act, encompassing the responsibilities of maintaining their home while juggling the demands of the Washington social scene—starting with her daughter’s impending wedding, which promises to be the capital’s grandest affair. Added to this, rumours emerge of Martin’s involvement with a younger staff member, creating a storm of scandal.

Everything is on the verge of reaching a breaking point when tragedy strikes, and Martin’s sudden demise transforms Jody into a formidable and influential widow. If she can navigate this pivotal moment with shrewdness, it just might play out perfectly in her favour.

I enjoy political thrillers and I found this book’s format to be exceptionally well-executed. It provided an intriguing peek behind the curtains of the enthralling yet treacherous realm of politics, offering readers a gripping and insightful perspective.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“Trusting makes you weak. I prefer to pretend to trust while verifying everything. Verifying everything requires perfecting certain incognito sleuthing abilities, of course.”

I love this cover and I love Jody, our FMC. She is sharp and witty and slightly psychotic (what powerful woman isn’t?) politics isn’t my normal cup of tea but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Will definitely be checking out more from this author.

I liked this one but didn't love it. I've read similar plots before and I didn't think this one brought anything substantially new to the sub genre. It was a fun read with twists

I'm not big into politics, but it was fun to get a glimpse behind the curtain of political life. I've never read a political drama before, so I loved how unique it was. I really enjoyed all the political tips woven into the story. It added a fun aspect. None of the characters were particularly likeable, but that added to the suspense and intrigue. Another solid book from this author, and I can't wait for her next book.

While this was a deviation from Rouda’s normal thrillers, I really enjoyed this domestic thriller so, so much. I love a good political thriller, and the format was done so well. The inserts between chapters of advice on what to do when you make it on ‘The Hill’ were so great, and how they changed as the story progressed was fantastic. There was a bit of a lull as the story built but it did not bother me and made the second half very enjoyable. I enjoy stories like these from time to time and Rouda did not disappoint.

Thank you to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for the copies to review.

The Widow is a story of power, relationships, and lies in Washington DC. There are three parts to this book, and it is told from the point of view of multiple narrators.

I really enjoyed Part 1 of the book, but unfortunately the story felt a little bit boring during the middle and end of the book. I did enjoy the reveal at the very end, but I thought the book was going to be more of a thriller or mystery, when actually it was more of a political drama.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to renew this book.

Politics, scandals, secrets, and privilege dominate this intense thriller. Everything seems perfect until it isn’t. Power can be a deadly drug when appearances can make or break the carefully crafted facade. This thriller gripped me immediately. Kaira Rouda never disappointments and this book is no exception. I definitely recommend this addictive, twisty thriller. Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for my copy.

I thought this book was just OK. It wasn't a bad book, however I also didn't find it interesting. I think my lack of interest in politics played a huge role in my not loving this story so much. There were bits in the story that I loved from both Jody & Mimi, however I just was not invested in this story. The other issue was I found because it wasn't a thriller it also wasn't suspenseful. More political drama. I did not finish this book as it just did not keep my interest peaked. Therefore I am giving this book a 1.5 Star rating

initial thoughts: a book full of lying, backstabbing politicians, and a wife/widow who loves power.

overall, I really enjoyed the setting of DC and all the inner-workings. the characters were all unlikable, except Charlotte, but I like a good, unlikable character.

the story overall though was just a bit flat. nothing memorable, but a couple good twists and the end.

I have loved all of this author’s books! Even though this one is set in the political arena, it is done perfectly, so that everyone will love it! Rouda has a knack for creating sociopaths that you root for and I love it! This is the story of a wife that takes over her husband’s political office after he dies.
Tons of ruthless and unlikeable characters. It is a wild ride!!

Although I have several Kaira Rouda books on my bookshelves, this is the first one I’ve read.

It was OK.

It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t all that interesting to me. I think my lack of interest in politics made me not love the story so much.

I loved the little tips, both from Jody and Mimi, in between chapters. I thought that was a fun addition to the overall story. I just wasn’t invested in the story so much.

This wasn’t a thriller, and it wasn’t suspenseful. It was more of a political drama. The dynamics of the characters was what kept me going. A sociopath, a daughter who is marrying a republican enemy, a bunch of crooked politicians, and a spy. Yeah, that’s a fun bunch!

The tiny twist at the end just kind of infuriated me. I hate when there is a HUGE secret kept from the reader until the end.

Despite all of that, I still wanted to know what happened, so it was good enough to keep me interested.

I was lucky to receive an advance copy of The Widow by Kaira Rouda from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review and opinion. Anything by Kaira Rouda is always a must read for me as soon as a new book is released. I loved the cover on this and couldn't wait to get my hands on it. This book was fantastic and had everything you want in a good thriller - the lies, deceit, manipulation, twists and turns and the shock factor. I promise you will not see the ending to this one coming - it will leave you stunned. Read this ASAP!

I’ve read several novels by Karla Rouda but this definitely the best so far!

A bit of a political thriller, this book follows Martin Asher and his wife, Jody. Martin has had a long and successful career in Washington DC as a congressman. Jody has been a critical factor in Martin’s success, but he has risked derailing “their” career by having an affair with a young staffer. Jody is determined that they will not lose his congressional spot.

Nobody in this book is likable at all but they are all very enjoyable -from a safe distance, of course, from Jody especially!

I love books by Kaira Rouda and this one was no exception. I loved the twits and turns and waiting to see what would happen next. A must read.

This is a different book from Rouda - not quite edge-of-your-seat suspense, but more of an interesting look into politics and people who will do anything for power and prestige in a city where that's all that matters. Told from different perspectives of the major players, we were privy to all the behind the scenes deceit. I loved the messages between chapters from Jody and others, giving hints to newcomers to the DC political arena.