This was a pretty good story after all. The flashbacks made it interesting as you figured out what was going on in the present day. I did find myself hooked. Parts of the writing weren't excellent, and it became unbelievable at times as well, but on the whole it was a good thriller.

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Samantha Vérant for an ARC via NetGalley.

An interesting concept of a storyline - an entitled wife fed up with her husband (we're not sure why at the start of the book), wishing he was dead, then coming home from a trip to ... find him dead. Soon after, she finds herself at the centre of the murder investigation. As the plot unfolds, so many more suspects come into play.

So yes, "Did Emma kill Nate and if she didn't, who did and why" is the overarching question we are seeking the answer to throughout the book, but there are many other storylines, including sex trafficking, so this is not a story for everyone. While it's not overtly described, there's enough to make it an uncomfortable read in parts.

Apart from that, I found it hard to love a lot of the characters - Nate's friends (this is part of the story - it wouldn't work if they were nice people!), though I did empathize with Emma's best friend Abby (and wished there was more about her) and Emma's parents. Emma is a lot smarter than she first comes across (revealed as the story goes on and in the final parts of the book), and as I was figuring this out, I gained a bit more respect for her than when we meet her initially. I'm still wondering why Emma wanted to marry Nate in the first place, though!

A lovely feature of the book was the info about butterflies that was included in each chapter (part of the plot). A fast-paced thriller (that would make a good film!) that's a solid summer read!

A real page-turner, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were compelling. I look forward to reading more from this author

The Lucky Widow by Samantha Verant

The Lucky Widow is a fast paced psychological thriller that keeps you engaged until the very end. The number one suspect is always the husband or wife when a suspicious death happens, and of course this follows that rule. When Emma’s sleezeball husband Nate is found dead, Emma is suspect number one, even though she has an alibi. Especially when her 911 call includes comments about how her husband was a dirty cheat. As the investigation unfolds, the author takes you to a trip through time, revealing dark dangerous and deadly secrets,

I definitely enjoyed the dark secrets and the lovely revenge of a woman scorned. I enjoyed the way the author revealed the past in a way that wasn’t a flashback. While the author created some amazing characters that you love, she also did a great job creating ones that you truly hate. The story will draw you in and make it hard to put down, causing you to continue to question did Nate die of natural causes or did someone kill Nate.

Looking in, it appears Emma has it all. Married to a successful doctor, wonderful children and a beautiful home. However, things are not as wonderful as they appear and Emma desperately wants out of her marriage. Before she can file for divorce, Emma finds her husband dead and becomes the number one suspect in his murder. Lots of lies, manipulation, and deception will keep you on the edge of your seat.

My first time read by this author and Wow! I'll certainly be looking out for more. With multi POVs and timelines it certainly took some concentration but worth while sticking with it. With short chapters the story moves at an incredible pace.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review

Wow. Just wow! I started this book and just could not stop reading until I turned the last page. Was up nearly all night but it was worth it - what a book! Brilliant!

A really enjoyable read. Would not describe as a psychologigal thriller but it kept my interest. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. It was fast paced and whilst I found the ending somewhat precitable the way it got there was not. Highly recommend.

A predictable plot buuuuuuut amazingly well done! It stands head and shoulders above a lot of similar themed books. The character are well written, the plot is jaw dropping, it's well written and keeps you invested. Really good read

Brilliant psychological thriller! Really enjoyed it. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Love how Emma refused to be a victim of her circumstances. Love how she out-wits the police, since she covered all her bases. How she made a huge difference by saving the victims of child-trafficking. Love how the author creates a happy ending for these victims. This book kept me glued to the pages and at the edge of my seat. Strong women standing together, supporting each other and no longer wanting to be victims is a powerful theme in the book, which I love.

3.5 ⭐'s rounded up!
I wouldn't necessarily classify this as a psychological thriller but still a thriller. From beginning to end, I was so in to the story and loved the ending!!

This suspense novel will keep you glued to the pages from start to finish. It kept me on the edge of my seat, constantly guessing but never quite able to predict the twists and turns until the very end, where everything ties together neatly.

A true page-turner. The suspense builds steadily, and just when you think you have it figured out, you’re surprised with yet another twist. The story's resolution is satisfying and well-executed, wrapping up all the loose ends in a way that feels both surprising and inevitable.

There’s clear distinction between the characters you’ll love and those you’ll love to hate. This clear enhances the emotional engagement and investment in the outcome.
The use of multiple timelines and points of view adds a rich depth to the story. The author manages to make these shifts easy to follow, ensuring that each perspective and timeline contributes meaningfully to the overall story.
The Lucky Widow is highly recommended for fans of suspense and thrillers. Its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and story line make it a standout! Recommended to new or seasoned suspense readers

Thanks Netgalley!.

Okay so not gonna lie this story was very predictable. I knew pretty much from the beginning that the wife did it. but I just didn't know how she did it or who all was involved it.

I will say this book was wild. the trafficking of people and just the wild behavior from these rich people was crazy. they were real pieces of work.

but I couldn't believe she worked with so many people ti make it seem like Becks did it which I mean Becks definitely deserved what she got. she was a disgusting human being and woman. I think what was crazy about this book was this stuff actually happens in real life.

I did like how in the end there were free of her terrible husband and they were able to live a good life in Paris but I feel like this book could of had a little suspense and more guessing. I wanted more of the shocking factor and I feel like it lacked that.

It was the title and blurb that drew me to wanting to read 'The Lucky Widow' by new to me author Samantha Verant.

The novel is told from two very different points of view, that of Emma who finds her deceased husband and Rossi the detective assigned to the case. With the dual time line of past and present events the complex storyline unravels to expose so many lies and secrets. There are certainly some despicable characters and events involved and one wonders why Emma allowed her life to sink to this level, why did she stay with her husband?

Cannot say more, you need to read this and find out for yourself. If you are a fan of mysteries it is probably one you will enjoy. For me at times the credibility felt over the top, though sadly these sort of events do take place. Especially the human trafficking, what a mixed up world we live in.

It is with thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley that this title was made available for me to read and review.

Against the backdrop of a picturesque but stiflingly opulent home, the protagonist grapples with the stark contrast between appearances and reality. The story unfolds as the central character is confronted with the shocking discovery of her husband's lifeless body, thrusting her into the spotlight as the prime suspect Her husband, Nathaniel, initially portrayed as the epitome of success and charm, is gradually revealed to be a master manipulator, concealing a web of lies, deceit, and unspeakable acts. As the story unfolds, layers of deception are peeled back to expose a tapestry of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and hidden vices lurking beneath the surface of privilege and prestige. Determined to break free from his control and shield her children from harm, she embarks on a perilous journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The narrative skillfully navigates complex themes of love, ambition, and the dark underbelly of seemingly idyllic lives.

With a diverse cast of characters, each harboring their own secrets and motivations, the narrative weaves a complex tapestry of intrigue and suspense. Through a series of unexpected revelations and heart-pounding twists, readers are taken on a transformative journey that challenges perceptions and examines the enduring strength of the human spirit. Verant's masterful prose and richly drawn characters immerse readers in a world where every seemingly flawless detail conceals a hidden truth. The narrative's unexpected twists and dark humor ensure a gripping read that holds readers spellbound until the final page. If you are a fan of Frieda McFadden and other authors of psychological thrillers, then this one is for you! It was impossible to put down.

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

A brilliant thriller! This book had me hooked with it's collection of really horrible people. Fast paced story and lots of twists.

The Lucky Widow is a great book I couldn't put it down yet I didn't want to finish it either . I loved the twists and I can't beleave who Madame Butterfly is.

I just love when I read an author for the first time and immediately vibe with the writing style. This is exactly what happened with The Lucky Widow. The symbolism was done so well when it easily could have turned kitschy.

Most of what I want to say has spoilers so I’ll leave it short and sweet, but read this book! This is one that will stick with me.

Wow this book is next level! The amount of planning and deceit is just perfect for the storyline. It highlights important issues such as betrayal, friendships, connections and human trafficking, Such an eye opening read. Highly recommend!

Thank you for letting me receiving an ARC of this book. It was good but struggled to hold my attention in places as the plot meandered into the unbelievable. But I enjoyed the characters. 3.5 rounded up.