The Widow by Kaira Rouda #bookreview

Thank you Booksparks, #partner for the advanced copy of The Widow in exchange for my honest review. 

Publisher: Thomas and Mercer

Published: December 1, 2022

Summary:

A husband with secrets. A wife with no limits. A riveting novel of marriage, privilege, and lies by Kaira Rouda, the USA Today bestselling author of The Next Wife.

Jody Asher had a plan. Her charismatic husband, Martin, would be a political icon. She, the charming wife, would fuel his success. For fifteen congressional terms, they were the golden couple on the Hill. Life was good. Until he wasn’t.

Martin’s secret affair with a young staffer doesn’t bother Jody personally. But professionally? It’s a legacy killer. Soon a reporter gets word of this scandal in the making, and Martin’s indiscretions threaten to ruin everything Jody has accomplished.

When Martin suddenly dies, it’s a chance to change the narrative—but the reporter won’t let go of his lead. As the balance of power shifts in the Asher house and on the Hill, it’s time for Jody to take control. And there’s nothing the ruthless widow won’t do to secure the future she’s entitled to. Even if she has a secret of her own.

My thoughts:

I have long been a fan of Kaira Rouda’s books. She writes some of the best crazy characters and she has given us that again in her latest domestic suspense novel.

This time, we head into the world of politics, which I have to say isn’t always my favorite, but this one was just so entertaining. It takes a deep dive into just how cutthroat and manipulative politics can be and I never knew who I could trust. I love books like this. Told from multiple points of view, with tips about life in politics thrown in, I found myself completely engaged, wondering just where this one was headed. And every time I thought I knew where it might be going, a new twist would pop up to shake things up.

I’ve heard of the widow’s mandate before, but it was quite fascinating seeing just how far Jody was willing to take it. I couldn’t quite put my finger on her…there were times I felt she was a complete sociopath and then there were times I actually felt sorry for her and liked her just the slightest bit. That’s how dynamic a character she is. The other characters were for the most part unlikeable and that is fine…it works in this story and drives the point that politics is not for everyone. You have to be ruthless and willing to play hardball…something I am definitely not cut our for – but it sure makes for a fun read!

I love that Kaira Rouda was able to take her time when her husband was a state senator and use it to inform this book. It made for such a fun, juicy read that I found deliciously scandalous. Kaira is a must-read author for me and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!