An enjoyable read with a variety of well-drawn characters. Surprise ending. That reminds you there are many reasons people murder each other !

Another fun and entertaining cozy mystery from Amanda Ashby. This is book 2 of The Widow’s Detective Club and was just as enjoyable as the first. Ginny is now in charge of the library and spring has arrived with the town is gearing up for its fete. Ginny, her three widowed friends and her cat find themselves trying to solve a new murder, when Ginny stumbles the body of the celebrity judge for the fete. Thank you both NetGalley and publisher for letting me read this book I look forward to more from this author.

This could just be me, but i felt like there was too much going on in this one and it wasn't funny and laid back like Book 1, it was more on the serious side. The plot was hard to follow; I couldn't mentally keep track of who all was who and how it tied together.
Like Book 1 it was also distracting to me that they sound more Aussie than Brit and wish this series would have been set in either Australia or New Zealand.
What i did like was how the story starts off in a fabric store, so we're expanding out from the library and learning more about the other locals. However, too many random characters were then brought in which just felt all over the place and i couldn't keep up.
Thank you to Storm Publishing at NetGalley for this ARC. xox

Another great cosy mystery from this writer. I’m loving the characters and the village setting, but most of all I enjoy the way the friendship between the protagonists is written. Also spot on description of how grief can eat away at people. Looking forward to the next one.

Ginny and the Widows club are back and are as funny and quirky as ever. Featuring another super twisty murder; a thieving cat; light breaking and entering; and really accurate (and hilarious) descriptions of what it's like to work in a public sector job with volunteers, this mystery brings the laughs and entertainment. I dove into it and stayed up far too late reading it. My only regret is that a new one won't come out for a while and I will have to wait. Highly recommended.

Another fun cozy in this series. I love the wonderful cast of characters and the great sense of community in this book. It was really pleasurable to read!

This book was an engaging read but I felt that it did not have the same wow factor as the first book. I struggled to read this book at times, but I feel that it would be a good read for someone who likes cozy mysteries that fall into a pattern.

Second in the series, but could be read as a standalone. A cosy murder story, although not much of a mystery. Obvious who the murderer was from the first introduction of the character - which is always a little disappointing. Gentle and absorbing, I have no real complaints and look forward to the third. I’m grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

The second in the series and it is just as entertaining as the first. I'm a big fan of Ginny Cole and her relatable set of side characters and rascally cat.

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First once again to the publisher for letting me read the second book to this Hilarious cozy mystery series , just like the first one I laughed and smiled at the choas that Ginny got pulled into not only by her friends but also by her adorable black cat who she adopted, between her friends and him ,I was smiling all the way though the book and didn't want to stop reading . That how much I enjoyed it . And been back in their small town was just as fun as it was in the first book, I loved how much closer Ginny and her friends was and how much more of their personality shined through. Can't wait to see what happens in the 3rd book when it comes out

I really really enjoyed this book. I read it in less than a day along with the first in the series. The backstory alongside the murder mystery makes for such a cozy novel. It gives MC Beaton vibes. Ashby has successfully written a gripping and entertaining book full of loveable characters.
A strong plot, brilliant dialogue, just a thoroughly enjoyable book.
The Widows Guide to Backstabbing is Book 2 in the Widows Detective Club follows the debut novel The Widows Guide to Murder. These books follow four protagonists solving mysteries in a quaint Lancashire village. The second in what I hope is a long series ❤️

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing but all reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

The Widow's Guide to Backstabbing is another delightful read in The Widow's Detective Club Series.

I would love to join this club after I all I qualify though I could not match wits with Ginny and the girls.

Ginny thought she had returned to her quiet life in her new home with her new cat Edgar ( I love that cat) who is a bit of a thief.

Until she discovered another body in the haberdashery shop.

No one was fond of the victim so there are many suspects at hand.

The characters are well developed and you feel like you are either in the library with them, having a cup of tea with them or off on a misadventure that wont end well.

My only complaint is I did not want this book to end and I will be first in line for Book 3 of this delightful series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for introducing me to this series.

Well, this series is just a treat ! Yes, we have a murder, but it’s so well choreographed
and interesting from start to finish, The ladies are emboldened to pitch in and crack
another case after their previous success. You must enjoy an investigation in which
the cat participates, and is instrumental in evidence collection, right ?
This is book two in this series and the Author made sure that the backdrop, the
Widows and Wallace are re-introduced, making this a brilliant standalone.
I highly recommend this delightful murder mystery!
My thanks to Storm Publishing via NetGalley for the
download copy of this book for review purposes.

The Widow's Guide to Backstabbing by Amanda Ashby is the second book in The Widows' Detective Club series, and it delivers a delightful mix of cozy mystery, small-town charm, and quirky characters that will keep readers hooked.

Ginny Cole, a recently widowed librarian, and her group of widow friends – Hen, JM, and Tuppence – find themselves once again entangled in a murder investigation, this time when the body of Timothy Harlow, the local haberdashery owner, is discovered. Timothy, a once-famous and now bitter figure, has been murdered just days before the Little Shaw Spring Fête, throwing the village into chaos. As the police close in on a suspect, Ginny and her friends can't resist getting involved, determined to uncover the truth behind the murder and save the fête.

Ashby’s characters continue to shine, particularly Ginny, whose growing friendship with her fellow widows is heartwarming and full of charm. The addition of Connor, a younger character who brings a fresh dynamic to the group, is a welcome one, adding a bit of youth and energy to the otherwise more mature ensemble. Edgar the cat is, of course, a scene-stealer, adding plenty of humor to the mix. Readers will also appreciate the easy, banter-filled interactions between Ginny and the grumpy DI Wallace, which add layers of humor and warmth to the story.

The plot is engaging, with plenty of twists and turns, and the small-town setting is as cozy and inviting as ever. The mystery itself is well-paced, with a variety of suspects and enough intrigue to keep readers guessing. While some elements may feel predictable, the joy of this series lies in the characters and their interactions, making it a fun and satisfying read. The mystery also offers plenty of misdirection, keeping readers on their toes.

Overall, The Widow's Guide to Backstabbing is a thoroughly enjoyable read that fans of cozy mysteries will devour. With its lovable characters, clever mystery, and humorous touches, this book is a fantastic follow-up to the first in the series. It's perfect for readers who enjoy a good whodunit wrapped in small-town charm, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in Little Shaw.

small-town, small-business, library, local-law-enforcement, local-gossip, friends, friendship, widowed, senior-sleuths, women-sleuths, librarian, amateur-sleuth, secrets, lies, investigations, murder, attempted-murder, witty, sly-humor, grief, grieving*****
In the Detectives book 1, recently widowed Ginny Cole moved to the village of Little Shaw, started working as assistant in the local library, and has been included in a group of other widowed friends.
Her next neighbor is also the grumpy local DI. Good that he puts up with her (and her thieving cat) because this time the body she find is unpleasant haberdashery owner. There is no shortage if suspects, including Ginny. DI Wallace has enough trouble sorting things out but watch out for the secrets and new motives these local snoops uncover as you giggle the read away.
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected ebook file from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. Pub Date Mar 10, 2025
@stormbooks_co #netgalleyreview @amandaashby #thewidowsguidetobackstabbing #cozymystery #cozymysteryseries #murdermystery #NetGalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo #Waterstones #England #MurderInvestigations #seniorsleuths #villagelibrary #newseries #grieving #womensleuths #twisty #TheWidowsGuidetoBackstabbing by @authoramandaashby #TheWidowsDetectiveClubBk2 @stormbooks_co

Oh-em-gee, this was such a fun little mystery! Like, picture the coziest, quirkiest village ever—where everyone’s all about baking, crafting, and, ya know, occasionally stumbling over dead bodies. Totally normal, right? Our main girl really didn’t sign up for murder-solving when she took her librarian gig, but here she is again, chasing clues, dodging danger, and dealing with the absolute chaos of small-town drama.

The mystery itself? Super engaging! So many suspects, so much tea, and honestly, the crime scene? Chef’s kiss—classic murder mystery vibes. And the squad? Love them. The friendships here are just so charming, especially with all their bickering and meddling. Also, shoutout to the cat, who is truly the MVP of chaos.

Why not a full 5? Okay, so sometimes it felt a teensy bit predictable, and I wouldn’t have minded a little more tension. But overall? A total delight! If you love your mysteries cozy, sassy, and just the right amount of ridiculous, you’ll have a blast.

Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion! 💕

Ginny Cole discovered that Little Shaw’s was not your typical small town when she found one of the town’s most respected business owners stabbed to death inside his upholstery shop. Timothy Harlow had been a town leader in many ways, and his current stint as the town’s Spring Fete judge had suddenly ended quickly.
Ginny quickly pulled her friends together: the dynamic JM, Hen, the town's craft queen, and the straightforward, down-to-earth Tuppence. She planned to investigate the secrets surrounding Timothy Harlow's business activities and what could have led them to his murder.
Ginny’s investigation soon causes her to become entangled in the town’s rivalries and the dangerous ambitions of some of its members, some of whom may have been responsible for Harlow’s murder. When her own life is endangered after her car brakes are tampered with, she fears the killer is now after her.
Ginny has several clues about who the murderer is, and she desperately seeks help from her friends and Detective Inspector Wallace to help her pull it all together before she becomes the killer’s next victim.

It was a very welcome return to this small village where murder seems to reside. It has been several months since Ginny moved and took up her role in the library, and with a group of widows who seem to have a knack for trouble and mysteries. They each have their own style, personality and talents, and compliment each other perfectly.
Ginny still lives next to the detective who still balks at their involvement with the crimes he is investigating but he is showing a softer side and though he is abrupt and scary, he knows these women are smart and discover things he can’t.

When a local, disliked haberdashery owner is found killed, the entire village is up in arms- not because they are scandalised but because they are worried their precious county fete will be cancelled! He was to be the celebrity judge! Ginny and her friends begin to piece suspects, motives and suspicions together and interview and trail people. They really are very resourceful and determined.

Their homemade crime board is a delightful addition and they make a formidable team. As with the first book, I found myself truly enjoying combing through suspects and judging community members! With the ending, there are brilliant twists and surprises with me having to read quickly to figure it all out.

Both books have been incredibly well-written and entertaining. I love Ginny and her new crew, as well as thieving cat, Edgar! I would happily read these again and look forward to adding them to library shelves soon!

This book in the second in a series, and whilst it does work as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first book as background to characters and relationships.

The Widows Guide to Backstabbing see us return to Little Shaw, and this time round Ginny discovers the body of local haberdashery owner Timothy Harlow. Harlow was due to be the judge at the local fete, but his murder leaves them without a celebrity guest. Can the widows help solve the case again, and help the fete go ahead?

It was lovely to revisit the characters, and Edgar the cat was such fun in this book! I also liked that Connor had more of a story. A fun series that I will definitely follow for more.

It's fair to say Ginny Cole's life has had its ups and downs recently! She lost her beloved husband, Eric, moved house, and changed career! She also found a dead body, solved a murder, and made some close friends in the process! Now, however, she is hoping for a quiet life, enjoying her new position at Little Shaw Library and joining in with as many village activities as possible. At least that was the plan until another dead body got in her way! Now she’s hoping her three friends will help her solve a second murder before the highly anticipated Little Shaw Spring Fête, the highlight of the village year has to be cancelled.

Book two in Amanda Ashby's Widows Detective Club follows on from the successful series debut with a cast of characters who compliment each other brilliantly as well as highlighting the eccentricities of living in a small village. The four main protagonists and the slightly grumpy detective provide smiles as well as great storyline and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this second Widows title.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This was a great read in what hopefully will become a cosy series to look out for long into the future.