A true crime story of how a woman partnered with her lover to kill her two husbands. This was an engaging read and one I had not heard before. I enjoyed the many voices and interviews with family/friends. I would have enjoyed some pictures of the players in the story.

I just couldnt get into the book I enjoyed the first few chapters but but looked the concept and story line.

I received this ARC from NetGalley.

Sharon is a woman that lets nothing stand in her way from getting what she wants. She is deemed to be a black widow in the title of this book, and the title fits. She marries Reverend Mike Fuller but life is not what she would thought it would be and ends up having affairs. A lot of affairs. As Mike gets moved from church to church because of his wife, things come to a head. She wants out - she found someone to take her on. She divorces the Reverend and gets together and eventually marries the local optometrist. However, the cycle continues. However, when her husband turns up dead, she moves onto the next victim, I mean husband.

The book would have been better if not so choppy. The back and forth is ok, but it did not feel smooth and the ending felt rushed.

American Black Widow by Gregg Olsen is a riveting true-crime thriller that delves into the chilling case of Sharon Nelson, a woman whose charm and cunning masked a lethal propensity for murder. Olsen, known for his meticulous research and compelling storytelling, does not disappoint with this detailed account of Nelson's crimes.

The book meticulously chronicles Nelson’s life, her manipulative relationships, and the cold-blooded murders she orchestrated. Olsen's narrative is engaging and thorough, painting a vivid picture of Nelson’s deceptive charm and the devastation she left in her wake. The author delves deep into the psychological aspects of Nelson’s personality, providing insights into what might drive someone to commit such heinous acts.

What I found particularly gripping was Olsen's ability to humanize the victims and highlight the profound impact of Nelson's actions on their families and communities. The book is not just a recounting of crimes but a poignant exploration of the far-reaching consequences of violence and deceit.

Olsen’s writing style is both accessible and informative, making complex legal and forensic details understandable without sacrificing depth. The pacing is well-executed, with the tension building as Olsen reveals the extent of Nelson’s manipulation and the eventual unraveling of her web of lies.

Overall, American Black Widow is a compelling and chilling read that will appeal to true-crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in the darker aspects of human psychology. Gregg Olsen has once again proven his prowess in the true-crime genre, delivering a story that is as informative as it is unsettling.

Whilst I wasn’t expecting a work of literary excellence, this writing was far too sensationalist for me. Misogynistic and riddled with the author’s own dubious judgements. I tried to plough through the book, but I’ve promised myself to dump books where the writing and content is as badly executed as this.

I usually really enjoy Gregg's books as they are very informative, but I had a difficult time with this one due to how Sharon was portrayed. I struggled with the negative view on her sexual behaviors. I mean, I get she isn't a good person, but those characteristics aren't negative in and of themselves. I will say that it was still informative and full of accurate information as Gregg's books always are.

I do enjoy gregg olsen's books based on true stories. This book was no exception, it was very intriguing & I can wait for his next book!

Great read. I love the amount of details with in depth coverage of the story. All done in true Greg Olsen fashion!!

American Black Widow" by Gregg Olsen is a chilling true crime book that delves into the case of Stacey Castor, a woman who was convicted of murdering her husband and attempting to kill her daughter by poisoning them with antifreeze. Olsen provides a detailed account of the investigation, trial, and the twisted motivations behind Castor's crimes. Through meticulous research and gripping storytelling, Olsen unravels the dark secrets of Castor's past and the shocking extent of her manipulation and deception. "American Black Widow" is a riveting and disturbing read that offers insight into the mind of a cold-blooded killer

Sharon had three marriages - one ended, one husband disappeared, and one passed away. Gregg Olsen writes about what led to each marriage's end and the suspicions surrounding Sharon's actions.

Sharon wanted a better life than her upbringing, but her choices hurt others, especially when she was married to a minister. Although the story sometimes jumps around, it's still interesting. The narrator does a good job keeping the story moving, even during slower parts.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thread Books for the opportunity to read American Black Widow.

DNF @ 22%.

As much as I love true crime and mystery/thrillers in general, I just couldn’t get into this book. I felt like the plot was kind of all over the place and that I just couldn’t get into the characters or storyline at all.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I had both the book and audiobook versions of this book. This made for an immersive reading experience. While reading and listening, I thought this would make a good true crime docuseries (if it hasn't been made into one already).

Fascinating true crime about a woman responsible for the death of two of her husbands.

As with many true crime stories, this one was pretty crazy. Sharon Nelson was an awful human! I felt so sorry for her victims and their families. This was an older case that took place in the 70s and 80s. I am a fan of Gregg Olsen's true crime books, but this one jumped timelines without notice quite a bit, and I thought the details of Sharon's sex life were unnecessary. I got that she lured men in with sex but I didn't need to hear details.

Overall, the story was good, and I'm glad justice was served!

* This book was originally published in 1988 as The Confessions of an American Black Widow. That book was shorter at 288 pages, so I'm guessing this newer version has more details.

Thank you @netgalley and @threadbooks for the e-arc of this book. Sorry it took me so long to read it, but I'm a mood reader. Thank you @grandcentralpub for the gifted physical copy.

3.5 stars rounded up

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I always feel weird rating these kinds of stories filled with so much sadness and betrayal, but I think this whole story was told very well, and it was very interesting.

It’s always bananas to me that these kinds of people even exist, and it’s wild to me that more people don’t see through it.

I really enjoyed all the people we got to hear from, and I think they really helped to shape the overall story.

I’ve heard some people say they didn’t like the writing or style of this book, and I disagree. I think it was done really well, and it presents the facts without forcing you to think a certain way..

I did not enjoy the writing of this book and don't think it's fair to give a review of this book. Perhaps at a later date I will revisit it with a different opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thread Books for providing a digital copy in return for an honest, unbiased review.

This book was incredibly interesting. I feel like I learned a lot even though I feel like this space in the book world can be pretty saturated. I loved it.

I’m late giving feedback I know but this little gem somehow slipped off my radar till recently. I obviously requested it ages ago so had forgotten it was based in a true crime case so I read it thinking it read like a podcast would if in a book form. Clearly the true element of it dictated the style somewhat. Anyway I loved it and would wholeheartedly recommend to any true crime fans or simply crime readers. It was chilling in its subject matter with death dealt with so callously. Entertaining more than it should have if I’m honest but I us3 the excuse I didn’t know it was true.

I didn't love this one but I also didn't hate this one. However I'm not sure how I feel about this one.

I love all of Gregg Olsen's work. I love how he can tell these terrible stories, in a way that is respectful but gets the point across effortlessly.

"American Black Widow: The Shocking True Story of a Preacher's Wife Turned Killer" by Gregg Olsen is a chilling true crime narrative that delves into the dark and captivating story of a preacher's wife turned murderer. Olsen's storytelling prowess shines as he unfolds the events, making it an engrossing read for true crime enthusiasts.

One of the notable strengths of the book is Olsen's ability to meticulously detail the shocking events while maintaining a gripping narrative. The exploration of the psychological aspects adds depth to the portrayal of the central character, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the unfolding tragedy. Olsen's skill in crafting a suspenseful atmosphere keeps the audience captivated.

However, some readers might find certain elements of the true crime story following familiar patterns within the genre. Additionally, while Olsen provides a compelling overview, those seeking more extensive analysis or exploration of the cultural and social context may find aspects of the narrative somewhat limited.

In summary, "American Black Widow" is a compelling true crime account that delivers on the shocking and dramatic elements of the genre. Olsen's storytelling ability and attention to detail make it an engaging choice for fans of true crime narratives. However, readers expecting a more comprehensive examination of the broader context surrounding the events may find the book focused primarily on the sensational aspects of the story.