Reviews

The Self-Made Widow by Fabian Nicieza

blairlovesbooks's review

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

kellyroberson's review

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4.0

Not as good as the first - kind of a super sloppy opening with edits. Gets better, a little.

jshannon75's review

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dark funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.0

searlait_carolinehoey's review

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adventurous challenging dark funny lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense fast-paced

4.0

stricker's review

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mysterious fast-paced

3.75

lorimichelekelley's review

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3.0

Audible version: In spite of them changing narrators, I got this 2nd in the series and I'm glad I did. This one has the same problems the first one did of having Andie know EVERYTHING for no reason, so the book is basically just going along showing how she was right. But it's funny! It moves quickly and has just the right balance of personal stories and detective work. There were a few over-the-top moments of a character blowing up at some last straw, and there was a bit much about baby poop, but every book has one thing. Gamache books, it's Ruth's F.I.N.E. and this one is baby poop. I'll be getting the next one because doing dishes just isn't as bearable with more serious novels.

mferrante83's review

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5.0

My review comes with the caveat that this book is set in and around the town I grew up in. The characters go to the same school I did, they play soccer at the same parks I played rec. soccer in, they eat food from the same restaurants I did, they shop at the same stores I shopped in, and I had my first cello recital in the very church that Derek Goode's memorial service is held.

All of that wouldn't matter of course if this wasn't an entertaining read. It is. If you enjoyed the first novel you will be ready to jump right in here. Andie and Kenny are wonderfully complex characters conjuring up pathos, frustration, and glee in equal parts. We get more snippets of each character's past. Given that I want to know more about the Browning case, Andie's brother, Kenny's past, and more on what the future holds for Andie and her brood I hope Mr. Nicieza gets to continue this series.

apark1186's review

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4.0

Alright, I really enjoyed this story, I love how real the situations feel, and how the characters interact. I love the concept of the suburban based mystery, it feels unique, and relatable. I know these people. I have them in my life! I also appreciated the twist that you pretty much know who is responsible, the title alone gives you the heads up, but you have no idea how. So, it is less of a whodunit, and more of a howdunit.

I have to say I also appreciated being in the main character's head more. There was less focus on the physical, the insecurity was more controlled, and she owned her body more. The relationships felt more authentic, and developed, overall as well.

My FAVORITE part was the amazing candle/soap/Wegmans rant, I would have read the whole book for that moment alone. I also appreciated the cheeky Aviation Vodka name drop as well :) Deadpool approved!

I can't wait for the next one.

lrector's review

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dark mysterious medium-paced

3.75

This read was more of a how did it happen rather than a who did it. The title is what grabbed me and forced me to purchase this one ( my wife was not thrilled by that!). Suburban mom sleuth, Andrea begins to think her friend Molly killed her husband. She enlists all the help she can to take her friend down. 
There were parts that moved too slow for me & there were parts that were intriguing.  Most of the read moved at a steady pace but there were not any sitting on the edge of the seat moments. It wasn't about the who but the how & Fabian Nicieza weaves a vertical intricate murder. 

maryleong's review

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4.0

A delightful, zany romp through the lives of discontented housewives ("the Cellulitists") and their lacklustre husbands. When philandering lawyer Derek Goode is found dead, seemingly of natural causes, widow Molly Goode seems above reproach. Unfortunately for Molly, Andie Stern is on the case – while also beleaguered with five children and white-collar criminal husband. What's a little bit of murder between friends?

A lighthearted take on the suburban thriller, this novel pulls no punches when satirizing the materialistic, racist and morally bankrupt. This was a fun read with enough twists, turns, and a hefty plot to keep me entertained the entire time.