Narrated by Karen Peakes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beautiful soothing voice
Book by Gregg Olsen ⭐⭐⭐

You can tell from the beginning that a great deal of research went into putting this together. In that regards 5 stars for that.

I kept asking myself throughout this book, if Sharon's parents had not forced her into such a loveless marriage would she have ended up with a different outcome or would she still have ended on this path as a killer and manipulator?

Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the Audiobook ARC!

A story of couple of sociopaths and the people they hurt in their wake.

I was not a fan of the wrap-around framing device of current day news then flashing back to the beginning and then working back up to where we started. I could tell the book was well-researched, but not sure I believe the tales told by many of the people involved. Unreliable narrators abound.

Listened to this over a weekend, and felt a little dirty after listening to this tale of several deaths, and more than a couple horrible people. Still not sure if I would recommend it. Not one I would choose to listen to again.

American Black Widow
Gregg Olsen
Sharon Nelson was a man eater. Sher grew up in a strict religious home. Sharon was bored with the life of the minister’s wife and began looking elsewhere for excitment. She was a shameless flirt. Women didn’t trust her, but their husbands lusted after her. She knew how to attract men. Her first husband was Paster Mike Fuller, a rather cold and gruff man but totally crazy about his wife. Sharon began flirting with the local optometrist, a married man, Perry Nelson. Their affair ended both marriages and they quickly married. Soon she began having affairs and spending more money than the couple had. A short time later Perry’s car was found without a body. Later his body was found at the bottom of a canyon. The death to be ruled an accident. The grieving widow received a large sum from his life insurance police. She quickly moved on to husband three, a firefighter named Glenn Harrelson. His charred body was found with two bullet holes in his head only six months after they said I do. The police suspected Sharon had something to do with the deaths. The police investigation lead to Gary Adams one of Sharon’s lovers. She manipulated into killing her husbands. Both she and her lover, Gary Adams, were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Sharon manipulated men and then threw them away. She was greedy and never carried who she hurt.
When I started reading this book, I remembered seeing Sharon’s story as a movie years ago. It is obvious Gregg Olsen spent much time researching Sharon and the story surrounding her. My one criticism of this tale is the timeline. It seemed to jump around causing confusion.

I would have enjoyed this a lot more if it wasn't for the rampant misogyny that the author felt was needed in order to illustrate what kind of person Sharon Nelson is. And yes, I recognize that much of the book features language used from people who were interviewed back in the 90s, which while awful to listen to I can understand was more acceptable back then, but as an author he didn't remain objective and continued to drive that narrative home.

What a missed opportunity to explore the reason Sharon became the person she is. There was a small portion of the book dedicated to abuse she experienced growing up, but no further inspection of the lasting effects of that trauma or the narcissistic, manipulative tactics she displayed time and time again. No, instead we get page after page of slut-shaming diatribes both by those interviewed and story narrative from the author.

Deeply disappointed at the writing because it certainly had the potential to be a fascinating true crime novel about the impacts that a strict religious upbringing, physical abuse, and emotional abandonment, had on Sharon to create the manipulative personality that impacted every person she ever came in contact with.

***Thank you to Bookouture Audio for providing me with the Audiobook for free via NetGalley for an unbiased review.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house, the narrator and author for the opportunity to listen to a complimentary copy of this audiobook in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

I love a good true story murder mystery. This was an interesting case of a woman, Sharon Nelson, who charmed men into doing whatever she wanted. She was a temptress in tight clothes, she was a city woman in a country setting, charming the men and irritating the women. Sharon started out married to a preacher, Mike Fuller, who is completely captivated by his wife, but soon he doesn't fit her lifestyle anymore and after many men, she set her sites, on married optician, Perry Nelson. For some reason, if Sharon sets her sights on a man, he soon becomes head over heels, hers. When Perry goes missing, some people suspect the soon to be widow right from the start. Next Sharon sets her sights on Glenn Harrelson, a fire fighter, who is lonely and ripe for the picking. Meanwhile, Sharon has a secret lover, Gary Adams, who comes and goes in her life, but whose obsession with her is ultimate. When Glenn shows up dead, the police and townspeople can no longer hide their suspicions.

The book was told in a non-linear timeline which was confusing at times, but overall, the story came together well. I did find the telling of the story a little slow at times though. The narrator did a good job, the cadence and speed of her voice was good and she was easy to understand.

4⭐

So, this book wasn't as amazing as I view If You Tell, but I enjoyed it more than Starvation Heights. I loved the then-and-now perspective for this true crime novel. Learning about Sharon + Gary, and the SENSELESS murders of Perry Nelson and Glenn Harrelson was just crazy! This book it truly factual and I appreciate that there is really no opinions of the author coming out throughout this book which is a bonus. I'll always be interested in any true-crime book Gregg Olsen publishes and I'm glad to have listened to this while taking a break from listening to my true crime podcasts I enjoy.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio, for an eALC of American Black Widow, by Gregg Olsen, and narrated by Karen Peakes. This is my honest review.

AMERICAN BLACK WIDOW
Gregg Olsen

AMERICAN BLACK WIDOW was first published under the title CONFESSIONS OF AN AMERICAN BLACK WIDOW and BITCH ON WHEELS. It is the story of Sharon Fuller an AMERICAN BLACK WIDOW.

For the most part I enjoyed my time reading AMERICAN BLACK WIDOW. I came away with mixed feelings and emotions. I really liked the way the narrative was expressed. I liked learning about Sharon’s story and her crimes.

But that’s about where it ends.

AMERICAN BLACK WIDOW reads like a dramatized version of true crime. It includes a lot of conjecture about what Sharon thought and the reasoning behind her motives.

Some of this material and the ideas around women’s sex lives and what women are allowed to feel and express and desire feels outdated. At times I found myself wanting to defend Sharon and her behavior which is not where I wanted to be.

AMERICAN BLACK WIDOW was mixed bag for me with mediocre results for a reading experience. I rated this one three stars and I will be hesitant to read from Olsen again.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio, Thread for the advanced copy in exchange for a review!

AMERICAN BLACK WIDOW…⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m familiar with Gregg Olsen’s work and if there’s one thing he does well, it’s detail. His research is both extensive and meticulous and over the course of the narrative, a truly comprehensive picture emerges. He doesn’t take sides and leaves the reader to form their own judgement as to what went on and why. This is a true crime story; not one I’ve come across and it’s decidedly unpleasant. If you don’t like true crime and what it involves ( abuse, violence, control, sexism etc.) then maybe leave this title rather than say you don’t like the subject matter. Sadly, this is real life. Unless you’ve been directly involved with police work or the judicial system, you may not realise just how brutal human beings can be. Depravity knows no depths. This story is particularly difficult as the perpetrator is female. Sharon is a woman who gets what she wants…by any means.

There’s a large cast of characters listed at the start and in audio format, this may be offputting as it’s difficult to remember who’s who. But stick with it as bit by but, they all come into play in context. Olsen is very adept at creating texture and context to events. There’s a real feel for people and places and even though the narrative switches through time and people it all hangs together. Sharon starts off as seemingly decent with a difficult background. But bit by bit we learn that she’s a controlling and abusive monster. Manipulative and egocentric she’ll stop at nothing to get what she wants and smile along the way.

I really enjoyed the story. There’s nothing gratuitous in the horrors depicted and I think Olsen strikes exactly the right balance in looking into the background of all involved. A troubling story really well told.

I was really excited to read this author for the first time, and it didn’t disappoint! I was glued to my seat the whole time!

This one confused me.. I thought it was a true crime non fiction? But it’s actually a fiction-style novel telling a true story. I would have preferred just a true crime non fiction or a fictionalised book based on true events- I feel like the marketing of this is off because it’s listed as a non-fiction. Gripping story though. Narration was good too.

This is a sensational retelling of a true crime case.

I thought that the tale seems dates, which being as the case takes place in the 80's it makes sense. It had a tone of anti woman as opposed to anti-murderer.

There were several interviews which gives the reader a variety of "view points".

This "black widow" story did deliver mystery, murders and a sensible ending but, as I mentioned, the tone was not the right vibe for me.

3.5 stars

I had come across this story in a true crime podcast awhile back, so it was nice to get a fuller picture of Sharon with more background details. This book is well written & seems well researched, too.

[What I liked:]

•The narrative is crafted to showcase Sharon’s chameleon-like manipulation & escalation of violence over time. I think the writer did a good job of balancing the story with facts & not sensationalizing it too much. I especially appreciate the wealth of quotes from people who knew Sharon, taken from interviews with the writer.

•This is a very sad story, and truly chilling. It’s a good case study of how people with superficial charm & charisma can turn out to be very dangerous.


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•Not all of the information is told in chronological order, and that could be a bit confusing at times, but it’s probably mainly because I read this as an audiobook.

CW: murder, child abuse, sexism, racism, domestic violence, substance abuse, infidelity, toxic relationship dynamics

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]

At the beginning of the book, the author has made a list of the most important characters of the story, I have to say that I was a bit overwhelmed. But I decided not to let me get influenced by this and I was convinced I would pick up the names along the way and I did. It all became crystal clear little by little.

I cannot remember having heard about this case, but I was intrigued and swept away by it straight away.

At first I felt for Sharon. She did not have an easy life as a child and was often forced by her parents to do as they wished. I could understand she wanted to live her life the way she wanted and have more freedom, but she did not handle it very well at all.

The more the story progresses the more I felt disgust towards her. This being a true crime story, you know the author did not create characters, but purely described them the way they are. This is more unsettling than reading a fiction book where you are glad those people are the result of the authors imagination. 

It's scary to realise what people are willing to do in order to gain more money without the least bit of respect towards others.

I was really shocked by Sharon's behaviour, but as the saying goes it takes two to tango. Putting the blame solely on her is maybe a bit too harsh.

The story jumps timelines once in a while, which was a little bit confusing, but I could pick up the story soon enough again.

The narrator has a very pleasant voice.

Shocking, disgusting and shameless are a few of the emotions that come to mind. 5 stars

Thank you

From the perspective of a true crime fan, I found this book to be interesting and entertaining. Sharon Nelson left a wake of death and destruction in every relationship she had. She was the preacher's wife who wore sexy clothes and had affairs and moved on to being the divorcee, set on marrying again. She always wanted more of everything and would do whatever it took to get it. People, employment, friendships, her children, and her boyfriends, she used it all to get money and what she thought was status. In the end, after having two husbands killed and several other lives ruined, we realize how lucky the first husband was to get a divorce.

I can't get over how evil people can be to those they claim to love. This story was cold-blooded and full of drama! I'm a sucker for true crime, and I was hooked from the start. The narration was great, and I wish all audiobooks were this captivating. The narrator was amazing! A true voice actor. I loved every second of listening and couldn't get enough. Very well done. Thanks to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for the advanced copy and opportunity to enjoy.

An enjoyable narrative, performer by an excellent narrator. This is a good read by an author who is new to me. I look forward to more.

This audiobook was well written and so well narrated. I was so absolutely disgusted listening to all the terrible ways Sharon treated literally everyone in her life. Even those she claimed to love, did not matter to her in the grand scheme of things. I have to say, if I'd been one of the wives that had the misfortune of living near Sharon, I'd be willing to move my entire family somewhere far, far away from her.

I am a fan of true crime as a genre and I go in knowing that there will be some NSFW details. The fact that there were graphic sex scenes isn't necessary. That is just for shock and awe and aren't necessary for the story or imperative for this true crime story. It really turned me off of this author and will be cautious picking up a book of his again.

A true crime, it never ceases to amaze me how cold blooded and manipulative people can be.I thoroughly. I've enjoyed this gripping audiobook because it involves lies and murder. This factual account of Sharon, her use of sex to steal rich men from their wives and families and eventually plan their demise was fascinating, altought a little predictable. The psychology behind this black widow’s behaviour kept me fully invested. It was a bit confusing at times with the different timelines.
The narrator brought this story to life with her compelling performance. ATrully recommend this book to readers interested in this genre.

Thank you to #BookoutureAudio and #NetGalley for an advanced audiobook.

#americanblackwidow, #greggolsen, #netgalley, #crime, #audiobook

Sharon is married to a Seventh Day Adventist pastor. But that does not stop her from flaunting her goods. She struts around town in short-shorts and flirts with every man she sees. Before long, her husband has lost his job and they have to move to Colorado. This is where their marriage falls completely apart. Sharon has set her eyes on an optometrist and she is not to be stopped.

There is a lot that occurs in this lady’s life and IF she doesn’t like it, she gets rid of it and moves on to the next. It just amazes me the hold on the men this woman had. She was a master manipulator. And since she got away with it once, keep trying! She definitely lived in the moment. She did not expect any consequences to her actions. It was all about her and her WANTS! (Not needs…WANTS!)

The narrator, Karen Peakes, is excellent. She is very matter of fact. Which to me, is the best way to be reading a true crime.

Need a a good true crime thriller…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.