Whenever I delve into a John Grisham novel, I'm immersing myself in the world of a master storyteller. His characters, like Simon Latch, are not just figments of imagination but individuals whose struggles and triumphs resonate with our own. Grisham's unique blend of legal intricacies and human drama, as showcased in The Widow, sets him apart as a compelling storyteller in the legal thriller genre. The characters are so relatable that you can't help but feel connected to their struggles.
When Simon Latch, a struggling small-town lawyer in Virginia, meets Eleanor Barnett, an apparently wealthy widow who needs a will, he thinks his money problems are solved. But as Eleanor's reluctance to disclose details of her wealth and her insistence on keeping the will secret, especially from her two greedy stepsons, the plot thickens, leaving us on the edge of our seats. A car accident leaves Eleanor hospitalized and Simon in charge of her medical decisions. The next thing he knows, Simon is on trial with a focus on his choices, a journey that will keep you guessing until the very end. With the prospect of spending the rest of his life in prison, based on circumstantial evidence, it's up to Simon to find a killer.
The suspense is palpable, and the twists and turns will keep you hooked until the final page. The courtroom drama is spot-on, and the hunt for the killer is suspenseful. I loved the characters, and the serpentine trail to find the killer makes this a top-notch who-dun-it.
4.5/5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and Doubleday, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is October 21, 2025.
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