Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC

Who doesn't love a cozy mystery? This is the perfect book to curl up with. Great pacing and fun read!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review

I truly enjoyed this book and I am happy to receive the next book. I can't wait to read to it. I enjoyed this book and like going along with the Widows .
It was and a great mystery. I highly recommend.

An intriguing start to a new series. I’m always aware that the first in a series can be a little ‘slow’ as the author takes time to introduce the characters and the back stories. Inevitable comparisons to the more famous OAP murder club series, but this comes up favourably and is certainly more believable. A nice, cosy mystery and I look forward to seeing how the series develops. I’m grateful to the author, publisher and to NetGalley for allowing me to read this copy in return for my honest review.

Ginny Cole moved to the lovely village of Little Shaw, hoping for a calm restart of her life after her husband's death. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite go as planned. When she stumbled upon the body of her dislikeable and demanding boss, Louisa Farnsworth, the town’s library manager, she feared that her move to the town would not bring her the peace of mind she desperately needed.
When suspicion of the murder fell on the daughter of her friend Hen, Ginny joined her widow friends in town, and together, they formed The Widows Detective Club. Their investigation became increasingly complicated as they were confronted with the town gossip and the dark past of some of the village occupants who could have been involved in the murder, all of which led to their digging up a grave to find that all-important clue as to who the murderer was.
The killer was still out there, and Ginny soon began to fear that the discoveries she had made public in her investigation would put her in harm's way and she could be the killer’s next victim.

This book, "The Widow's Guide to Murder" by Amanda Ashby, is a captivating read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The plot is engaging, filled with twists and turns that make it hard to put down. Ashby's characters are well-developed, drawing you into their lives and struggles. The pacing is just right, ensuring that every chapter leaves you wanting more. Overall, it's a thrilling mystery that will satisfy any fan of the genre.

A quick read…intriguing…likable characters…this talented author has written a page turner. I like this mystery genre.

Really enjoyed this cosy crime story. Surprising twist at the end when actual villain is revealed. A good reflection of life in a rural village. Thoroughly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley for this book. Ginny has lost the love of her life and has decided to continue their plans of moving into the house they had chosen in a small town to start anew. Things are different but Ginny is determined to get back on her feet. She got a job at the library, it’s part time but it will get her out of the house and meet new people. Her first day at the library is a little trying, Louisa Farnsworth, the library manager, doesn’t seem to be much of a people person. Ginny feels out of sorts but is determined to do her best. After work she goes home and tells Eric about her days. The next day she heads back to the library and finds that it’s still closed and people are waiting to go inside. Ginny finds that her second day of work drags her into a mystery when she finds a body in the library, introduces her to new friends who understands her grief and a new home.

3.75/5. Thanks to Ms. Ashby, the publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC!

This was <i>fun</i>. And that's all I really want in a cozy mystery, really. I want to read it, knowing the conventions are met and I am enjoying it. And Ginny, JM, Tuppence, and Hen (the Widows) provided me that.

Ginny has moved to Little Shaw after the death of her husband, Eric, to a new home and a new job in the library. One unfortunate thing happens after the other, starting with finding her boss dead during her first week at her new job. Then being adopted by the pesky cat from the library who has a penchant for attacking books. Oh, and her new neighbor is the rude detective who is handling the case.

But at least she has a new set of friends: a troublesome trio of widows well known around town for being made of mischief. The widows were fun, all with their own personalities that reflected in both character design and voice. They help make this tiny town start to feel alive. Side characters (Esme, Heather, Harold, etc.) all give that aspect of a community with a history that will unfold as the series stretches on. And the detective, DI Wallace, is the perfect compliment to Ginny and the widows' special brand of sleuthing.

The only reason that I knocked a star off is because I felt the resolution of the mystery came too quickly. There were threads there that could have been followed a little earlier than the latter part of the book, but it wasn't completely out of left field.

I will be reading the next in the series and keeping an eye out for future installments.

Oh my goodness. What a book! The Widows Guide To Murder took me on a hilarious journey. It was such a Cozy Mystery so much so I want to read more of Amanda Ashby. Cannot wait

This was a light and entertaining read, nice to have some older characters for a change, and thankfully not too twee. I loved the library setting and look forward to another outing with Ginny and the gang.

I was on the hunt for my next cozy mystery—something light, fun, and just the right amount of murder (because who doesn’t love a little crime with their bubble tea?).

Enters <b>The Widow’s Guide to Murder </b> by Amanda Ashby, an ARC that practically fell into my hands at the perfect time. And let me tell you, Amanda Ashby delivered.

Ginny Cole is having a time.

Widowhood? Check.

Unwanted adoption by a judgmental black cat? Check.

Finding the dead body of her incredibly rude boss? *Big* check.

Honestly, at this point, I’d be demanding a refund on life.

But instead of curling up with a bottle of wine (which, no judgment if she had), Ginny gets pulled into a murder investigation alongside three fellow widows, some graveyard snooping, and a surprising knack for bending the law.

Ashby’s writing is effortlessly charming, blending humor, heart, and just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. Ginny is the kind of protagonist you instantly connect with—relatable, a little overwhelmed, but sharper than she gives herself credit for.

The pacing is spot-on, the twists sneak up on you in the best way, and the overall vibe is like a warm hug… with a side of crime-solving.

And let’s not forget the real star of the show—the cat, definitely the opinionated feline who steals scenes like it is it's job.

Final verdict? A delightful, clever, and highly entertaining read. 4/5 stars, and I *need* more Ginny in my life ASAP.

This is a great new cozy mystery series! I really enjoyed the widows, and found the descriptions of the experience of grief very poignant. The small village provides a great cast of characters that will enliven the next books in the series, I'm sure. The mystery itself was intriguing with many good red herrings. I did not see the culprit coming. I will definitely recommend this to readers of cozy mysteries.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I love a good cozy mystery. I love them even more when it's a group effort involving the mystery and it takes place in England. Which are all true The Widows' Guide to Murder.
This was a fun easy to read cozy mystery. The main cast of characters were loveable older women who of course meddle. The fact that one works in a library was a bonus. Oh and don't forget the cat with the big personality.
The pacing was medium to quick, which keeps the reader interested. The plot had me guessing until the end. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC.

A light-hearted cozy mystery about a woman who moves to a small town and immediately stumbles on a murder. A good cast of characters with funny dialogue and a solid mystery!

Ginny Cole is relatively new to being a widow when she moves to town and finds herself in the company of three other widows. These women cause all sorts of havoc, and get up to all sorts of shenanigans, all in the name of ‘helping’ to solve a murder. As the bodies pile up, they make some questionable choices, but always stick together.
This was such a fun book. Definitely in the cosy mystery genre, it’s an easy read and most enjoyable. I’m looking forward to reading the second in the series soon.

Amanda Ashby's upcoming novel, The Widows' Guide to Murder, set to release on March 3, 2025, introduces readers to the charming village of Little Shaw and its unexpected band of amateur sleuths. This delightful cozy mystery marks the beginning of the "Widows' Detective Club" series.

The story centers on Ginny Cole, a recent widow who stumbles upon the body of her disagreeable new boss. Despite her initial reluctance, Ginny teams up with three fellow widows—each bringing their own quirks and strengths—to unravel the mystery. Their investigative methods are as unconventional as they are entertaining, involving everything from sharing tea and tequila shots to a bit of lighthearted breaking and entering. As they welcome a new friend into their fold, chaos ensues at every turn. Yet, through their camaraderie and determination, they manage to piece together the clues and help solve the case.

Thank you to the Author, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read these two books prior to their release date.

Ashby's narrative is infused with humor and heart, offering a fresh take on the cozy mystery genre. Fans of authors like Sarah Yarwood-Lovett and Robert Thorogood will find much to enjoy in this series. With its endearing characters and engaging plot, The Widows' Guide to Murder is a promising start to a series that cozy mystery enthusiasts will eagerly anticipate.

For those interested in following Ginny and her friends' adventures, the sequel, The Widows' Guide to Backstabbing, is slated for release on March 10, 2025.

Thank you to the Author, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read these two books prior to their release date.

This book was an engaging and fun read. I enjoyed how the plot moved and the characters. I liked how the mystery was set in a library and how the ending was not what I expected.

The Widow's Guide to Murder is a delightful read that keeps those pages turning.

Ginny Cole recently widowed is new to the village and has taken the job of library assistant where she meets all sorts of characters charming and not so charming.

Who killed the librarian.

Ginny joins the group of widowed ladies who truly believe that they will solve the case before the police.

The police just want the ladies to mind their own business.

The ladies feel this is their business and the bodies begin to pile up.

I laughed out loud at their antics, I cringed at some but this group definitely out smarted me.

Twists and turns with a few red herrings keep those pages turning quickly.

I am off to read Book 2 in the series , I cant miss what misadventure this group of widows will get up to next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for introducing me to this great new series that I wll be sure to follow.

The Widows’ Guide to Murder by Amanda Ashby is a delightful start to The Widows’ Detective Club series, blending humor, mystery, and heartfelt moments into an engaging cozy read.

Ginny Cole is newly widowed and adjusting to life in the quiet village of Little Shaw, where she’s taken on a job as a library assistant. But her fresh start takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon the dead body of her boss, pulling her into a murder investigation. Luckily, she’s not alone—three mischievous widows quickly take her under their wing, dragging her into their antics as they set out to uncover the truth.

This book offers a charming mix of lovable characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and an intriguing mystery filled with twists and red herrings. At the same time, it doesn’t shy away from the emotional weight of Ginny’s grief, showing her struggle to navigate life after losing her husband of 35 years. Her growth is both inspiring and realistic as she slowly finds her place in the village, makes new friends, and even adopts a stray cat (or, more accurately, is claimed by one).

With an engaging cast, a well-paced mystery, and plenty of heart, The Widows’ Guide to Murder is a fantastic read for cozy mystery lovers who enjoy a mix of humor, sleuthing, and emotional depth. I’m excited to see what trouble Ginny and her widowed sidekicks get up to next in the series!