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The Widows’ Detective Club #2
The Widows’ Guide to Backstabbing
When librarian Ginny Cole discovers a body in Little Shaw’s beloved haberdashery shop, she finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation. The victim? Arrogant shop owner and spring fete judge, Timothy Harlow, found with a pair of sewing scissors plunged into his back. While the police are quick to arrest Milos, a charming young upholsterer, Ginny thinks the case has been sewn up too neatly.
Together with her friends – no-nonsense JM, craft-obsessed Hen, and irrepressible Tuppence – Ginny delves into the village’s secrets. Between apologising for her kleptomaniac cat and making marmalade for the spring fete, she discovers that behind Little Shaw’s quaint façade lies a tapestry of rivalries, affairs, and deadly ambitions. And when her own car brakes are sabotaged, Ginny realizes the killer is still at large – and getting closer.
With help from the widows and an increasingly exasperated Detective Inspector Wallace, can Ginny unpick the clues before the murderer strikes again?
A fun, fast-paced mystery full of small-town charm, perfect for fans of Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, Robert Thorogood and The Thursday Murder Club series.
Together with her friends – no-nonsense JM, craft-obsessed Hen, and irrepressible Tuppence – Ginny delves into the village’s secrets. Between apologising for her kleptomaniac cat and making marmalade for the spring fete, she discovers that behind Little Shaw’s quaint façade lies a tapestry of rivalries, affairs, and deadly ambitions. And when her own car brakes are sabotaged, Ginny realizes the killer is still at large – and getting closer.
With help from the widows and an increasingly exasperated Detective Inspector Wallace, can Ginny unpick the clues before the murderer strikes again?
A fun, fast-paced mystery full of small-town charm, perfect for fans of Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, Robert Thorogood and The Thursday Murder Club series.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2025
68 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Ashby
27 books417 followersAmanda Ashby was born in Australia but now lives in New Zealand where she writes romance, young adult and middle grade books. She also works in a library, owns far too many vintage tablecloths and likes to delight her family by constantly rearranging the furniture.
She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award, and her first young adult book was listed by the New York Public Libraryʼs Stuff for the Teen Age. Because she’s mysterious she also writes middle grade books under the name, Catherine Holt and hopes that all this writing won’t interfere with her Netflix schedule.
She also runs writing workshops and loves to speak to people about Buffy (er, she means writing). See her Website for more information.
She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award, and her first young adult book was listed by the New York Public Libraryʼs Stuff for the Teen Age. Because she’s mysterious she also writes middle grade books under the name, Catherine Holt and hopes that all this writing won’t interfere with her Netflix schedule.
She also runs writing workshops and loves to speak to people about Buffy (er, she means writing). See her Website for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
March 24, 2025
EXCERPT: She pushed open the front door and stepped inside. Her arrival was announced by a tinkling bell. The interior was crammed with large glass jars of buttons, cubed wooden shelves of homespun wool, and an old oak cutting bench next to the counter.
No wonder Hen had declared a self-imposed ban. It would be easy to spend a fortune in the stylish shop. Despite having lived in Little Shaw for seven months, Ginny had never been inside before, mainly because she'd stubbornly brought as much as she could of her old furniture - and her old life - with her when she'd moved here.
But since the first anniversary of Eric's death had passed, she had been considering some changes. Until this morning, she'd been thinking of a fresh coat of paint, but now the idea of curtains, cushions and new upholstery swam in her vision.
There was no sign of anyone behind the counter, so Ginny continued to walk around, running her fingers along a soft red version of William Morris's 'Strawberry Thief', before inspecting a duck-egg blue Laura Ashley with delicate flowers. There were more large wicker barrels of fabric, as well as a French Louis XV armchair with stripped-back walnut legs and reupholstered squabs in a straw-coloured linen. It was stunning and she studied the small, gilded frame perched on the seat. Vanya Petrovic Upholstery Services. She didn't recognise the name, but the address was local, and his work was exquisite.
Was this what had inspired Tuppence to attempt her own reupholstering?
Ginny turned to ask, only to discover her friend wasn't there. That was odd. She scanned the shop, but on finding it empty, she went outside to where Tuppence was pressed against the wall of the post office next door, her hat pulled low over her face.
ABOUT 'THE WIDOWS' GUIDE TO BACKSTABBING': When librarian Ginny Cole discovers a body in Little Shaw’s beloved haberdashery shop, she finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation. The victim? Arrogant shop owner and spring fete judge, Timothy Harlow, found with a pair of sewing scissors plunged into his back. While the police are quick to arrest Milos, a charming young upholsterer, Ginny thinks the case has been sewn up too neatly.
Together with her friends – no-nonsense JM, craft-obsessed Hen, and irrepressible Tuppence – Ginny delves into the village’s secrets. Between apologising for her kleptomaniac cat and making marmalade for the spring fete, she discovers that behind Little Shaw’s quaint façade lies a tapestry of rivalries, affairs, and deadly ambitions. And when her own car brakes are sabotaged, Ginny realizes the killer is still at large – and getting closer.
With help from the widows and an increasingly exasperated Detective Inspector Wallace, can Ginny unpick the clues before the murderer strikes again?
MY THOUGHTS: A fun small town mystery featuring amateur sleuths 'of a certain age' in which Ginny discovers her second murder victim within months of moving to Little Shaw.
Yes, suspend your belief but go along for the ride because it is certainly another enjoyable one.
After moving to Little Shaw Ginny has been befriended by a group of women who are also all widows. JM has half a law degree and a rather fearsome personality. Tuppence can be a bit gung-ho, and Hen is more the shy, retiring kind. Ginny just wants to fit in with her new friends and, unfortunately, usually goes along with their schemes. DI Wallace tends to be quite dismissive of the women, but secretly I think he enjoys their antics. We also meet his father for the first time in this story.
Ginny has a rescue cat, Edgar, who causes more than a bit of mayhem with his light-pawed tendencies - he has taken to bringing home odd shoes and other items, causing accusations of theft and cheating amongst the villagers.
A lot of village secrets are uncovered during the investigation into the murder of haberdashery owner and spring fete judge, Timothy Harlow, including love affairs, family secrets and competition rivalries that get out of hand.
I was completely taken by surprise by the revelation of the identity of the murderer and yet, once it was explained, it was all perfectly logical.
BTW, I am NEVER moving to a small English village. I don't have a death wish.
⭐⭐.7
#TheWidowsGuidetoBackstabbing #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Amanda Ashby was born in Australia but now lives in New Zealand where she writes romance, young adult and middle grade books. She also works in a library, owns far too many vintage tablecloths and likes to delight her family by constantly rearranging the furniture.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Storm Publishing via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Widows' Guide to Backstabbing by Amanda Ashby for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I was able to concurrently read and listen to The Widows' Guide to Backstabbing written by Amanda Ashby and narrated by Diana Croft. I enjoyed Diana's narration although occasionally I wondered if she wasn't making the widows sound older than they were. . . . 🤷♀️
No wonder Hen had declared a self-imposed ban. It would be easy to spend a fortune in the stylish shop. Despite having lived in Little Shaw for seven months, Ginny had never been inside before, mainly because she'd stubbornly brought as much as she could of her old furniture - and her old life - with her when she'd moved here.
But since the first anniversary of Eric's death had passed, she had been considering some changes. Until this morning, she'd been thinking of a fresh coat of paint, but now the idea of curtains, cushions and new upholstery swam in her vision.
There was no sign of anyone behind the counter, so Ginny continued to walk around, running her fingers along a soft red version of William Morris's 'Strawberry Thief', before inspecting a duck-egg blue Laura Ashley with delicate flowers. There were more large wicker barrels of fabric, as well as a French Louis XV armchair with stripped-back walnut legs and reupholstered squabs in a straw-coloured linen. It was stunning and she studied the small, gilded frame perched on the seat. Vanya Petrovic Upholstery Services. She didn't recognise the name, but the address was local, and his work was exquisite.
Was this what had inspired Tuppence to attempt her own reupholstering?
Ginny turned to ask, only to discover her friend wasn't there. That was odd. She scanned the shop, but on finding it empty, she went outside to where Tuppence was pressed against the wall of the post office next door, her hat pulled low over her face.
ABOUT 'THE WIDOWS' GUIDE TO BACKSTABBING': When librarian Ginny Cole discovers a body in Little Shaw’s beloved haberdashery shop, she finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation. The victim? Arrogant shop owner and spring fete judge, Timothy Harlow, found with a pair of sewing scissors plunged into his back. While the police are quick to arrest Milos, a charming young upholsterer, Ginny thinks the case has been sewn up too neatly.
Together with her friends – no-nonsense JM, craft-obsessed Hen, and irrepressible Tuppence – Ginny delves into the village’s secrets. Between apologising for her kleptomaniac cat and making marmalade for the spring fete, she discovers that behind Little Shaw’s quaint façade lies a tapestry of rivalries, affairs, and deadly ambitions. And when her own car brakes are sabotaged, Ginny realizes the killer is still at large – and getting closer.
With help from the widows and an increasingly exasperated Detective Inspector Wallace, can Ginny unpick the clues before the murderer strikes again?
MY THOUGHTS: A fun small town mystery featuring amateur sleuths 'of a certain age' in which Ginny discovers her second murder victim within months of moving to Little Shaw.
Yes, suspend your belief but go along for the ride because it is certainly another enjoyable one.
After moving to Little Shaw Ginny has been befriended by a group of women who are also all widows. JM has half a law degree and a rather fearsome personality. Tuppence can be a bit gung-ho, and Hen is more the shy, retiring kind. Ginny just wants to fit in with her new friends and, unfortunately, usually goes along with their schemes. DI Wallace tends to be quite dismissive of the women, but secretly I think he enjoys their antics. We also meet his father for the first time in this story.
Ginny has a rescue cat, Edgar, who causes more than a bit of mayhem with his light-pawed tendencies - he has taken to bringing home odd shoes and other items, causing accusations of theft and cheating amongst the villagers.
A lot of village secrets are uncovered during the investigation into the murder of haberdashery owner and spring fete judge, Timothy Harlow, including love affairs, family secrets and competition rivalries that get out of hand.
I was completely taken by surprise by the revelation of the identity of the murderer and yet, once it was explained, it was all perfectly logical.
BTW, I am NEVER moving to a small English village. I don't have a death wish.
⭐⭐.7
#TheWidowsGuidetoBackstabbing #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Amanda Ashby was born in Australia but now lives in New Zealand where she writes romance, young adult and middle grade books. She also works in a library, owns far too many vintage tablecloths and likes to delight her family by constantly rearranging the furniture.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Storm Publishing via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of The Widows' Guide to Backstabbing by Amanda Ashby for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I was able to concurrently read and listen to The Widows' Guide to Backstabbing written by Amanda Ashby and narrated by Diana Croft. I enjoyed Diana's narration although occasionally I wondered if she wasn't making the widows sound older than they were. . . . 🤷♀️
March 12, 2025
I loved being back in Little Shaw with Ginny and her widow cohorts, JM, Tuppence and Hen, these four ladies are great friends and rather enjoy investigating murders together even when asked not to by DI Wallace and now Ginny has discovered her second body in a matter of months since moving to Little Shaw, this time Timothy Harlow owner of the haberdashery shop and celebrity judge in the Little Shaw Spring Fete, he has been stabbed in the back by a pair of scissors, lots of question to find the answers to and will the fete go on?
The police have a suspect in custody fairly quickly but when the widows meet up with Megan Harlow daughter of the murder victim she convinces them that their suspect is not the murderer so the ladies start their investigation and soon are adding suspects and crossing them of on their murder board (a new on this time) there are many people to question, add to that Ginny’s cat Edgar has taken to arriving home with items that he appears to have taken and this leads Ginny be acting as negotiator between two locals, could this lead to more information?
This really is another great story in this series, what the ladies discover is secrets, love affairs, riverly and so much more, but will they discover the truth before DI Wallace and will they be safe? This is a fabulous page turner of a story, fabulous characters, setting and mystery to uncover and one that I would highly recommend to any lover of a good cosy mystery, bring on book three, I say.
My thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
The police have a suspect in custody fairly quickly but when the widows meet up with Megan Harlow daughter of the murder victim she convinces them that their suspect is not the murderer so the ladies start their investigation and soon are adding suspects and crossing them of on their murder board (a new on this time) there are many people to question, add to that Ginny’s cat Edgar has taken to arriving home with items that he appears to have taken and this leads Ginny be acting as negotiator between two locals, could this lead to more information?
This really is another great story in this series, what the ladies discover is secrets, love affairs, riverly and so much more, but will they discover the truth before DI Wallace and will they be safe? This is a fabulous page turner of a story, fabulous characters, setting and mystery to uncover and one that I would highly recommend to any lover of a good cosy mystery, bring on book three, I say.
My thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
May 6, 2025
I absolutely loved the first book in this series - The Widow’s guide to murder - and couldn’t wait to get my hands on the sequel. Back to the small village of Little Shaw, we go! This story is set a few months on…Spring has sprung and so has another killer….
Once again, widow, Ginny Cole, is the one that discovers the dead body first: ‘He was lying face down on the wooden floorboards, a large pair of sewing scissors protruding from his back.’ - it doesn’t get any more back-stabbing than that…
The victim, Timothy Harlow, is found in the village’s beloved haberdashery shop. And, while the police are quick to make an arrest, the 4 widows (Ginny, JM, Hen and Tuppence) are also quick to make their own investigations 🧐 Together, they delve into the village's secrets to try and find the killer. And most importantly, they attempt to keep the Annual Spring Fete going 🍰🌷✨
Like the first book, this is a fast-paced mystery, full of small-town charm and brilliant characters. It is both intriguing and uplifting in equal measures, and has a somewhat delicious twist 🤭 You can’t help but love Ginny, her hilarious bunch of friends and, of course, her sneaky black cat, Edgar 🐈⬛
If you are a fellow ‘Thursday murder club’ lovers, then you will adore this addictive cozy mystery 🍰 ✂️ 😵
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Once again, widow, Ginny Cole, is the one that discovers the dead body first: ‘He was lying face down on the wooden floorboards, a large pair of sewing scissors protruding from his back.’ - it doesn’t get any more back-stabbing than that…
The victim, Timothy Harlow, is found in the village’s beloved haberdashery shop. And, while the police are quick to make an arrest, the 4 widows (Ginny, JM, Hen and Tuppence) are also quick to make their own investigations 🧐 Together, they delve into the village's secrets to try and find the killer. And most importantly, they attempt to keep the Annual Spring Fete going 🍰🌷✨
Like the first book, this is a fast-paced mystery, full of small-town charm and brilliant characters. It is both intriguing and uplifting in equal measures, and has a somewhat delicious twist 🤭 You can’t help but love Ginny, her hilarious bunch of friends and, of course, her sneaky black cat, Edgar 🐈⬛
If you are a fellow ‘Thursday murder club’ lovers, then you will adore this addictive cozy mystery 🍰 ✂️ 😵
🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 5, 2025
The second story in The Widows’ Detective Club series. A charming, small-town murder mystery. Again, widow Ginny Cole is the first person to discover the body of the arrogant spring fete judge, with sewing scissors in his back.
What a fun read, filled with memorable characters, small-town charms, plenty of gossip, and characters seeking revenge.
I am keen for the next story featuring the widows' who become amateur sleuths.
If you enjoyed this story, check out the Tea Ladies cosy mystery series by Amanda Hampson.
What a fun read, filled with memorable characters, small-town charms, plenty of gossip, and characters seeking revenge.
I am keen for the next story featuring the widows' who become amateur sleuths.
If you enjoyed this story, check out the Tea Ladies cosy mystery series by Amanda Hampson.
March 9, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced e-book copy.
We are back with book 2 of The Widows' Detective Club series. Ginny is finally getting settled in Little Shaw, only to find herself right back to square one. Ginny discovers a body in the local haberdashery shop, and she finds herself right in the middle of another murder investigation. Can the widows solve another mystery before it’s too late?
I found this book to be a bit slower than the first, but it’s still enjoyable. It was nice to hang out with the gang and all their troublesome ways. I’d recommend it if you enjoy reading cozy mysteries.
We are back with book 2 of The Widows' Detective Club series. Ginny is finally getting settled in Little Shaw, only to find herself right back to square one. Ginny discovers a body in the local haberdashery shop, and she finds herself right in the middle of another murder investigation. Can the widows solve another mystery before it’s too late?
I found this book to be a bit slower than the first, but it’s still enjoyable. It was nice to hang out with the gang and all their troublesome ways. I’d recommend it if you enjoy reading cozy mysteries.
June 17, 2025
**3.5-stars rounded up**
The Widows' Guide to Backstabbing is the 2nd-book in the Widows' Detective Club Cozy Mystery series by Amanda Ashby.
This series follows Ginny Cole, a recent widow, who after the death of her beloved husband, moves to a new village, Little Shaw, for a fresh start.
It's there that she secures a job at the local library, makes a great group of new friends, and ends up solving a brutal murder. That's what I call a successful fresh start!
In this installment, which takes places, I believe a few months after the conclusion of the 1st-book, Ginny is even more settled into her life in Little Shaw.
She's still working at the library, has become even more fond of her adopted cat companion, Edgar, and is talking to her dead husband less. One thing she is still doing though, is stumbling across dead bodies.
This time at the local haberdashery shop.
Timothy Harlow, the shop owner, has been stabbed in the back with a set of shears. The police quickly arrest a young upholsterer, Milos, for the crime, but Ginny and her friends don't believe he's the actual culprit.
With the police looking in the wrong direction, it's time for the Widows to do what they do best; solve a murder.
This was another cute installment to what has quickly become one of my go-to Cozy Mystery series. I love Ginny as a protagonist, as well as the small town vibes, the incorporation of the library, and of course, the cat, Edgar.
While I wasn't quite as swept up in this one as I was the 1st-book, I still think it was engaging and I'm glad I read it.
For me, there is a little less focus on Ginny's character arc in this one, and that is something I really connected with in the first installment. There was also less time spent in and around the library, and I did miss that as well.
I already have a copy of the 3rd-book, ((thank you, Storm Publishing)), which is releasing at the end of the month, and I'm so excited to get to it. I'm sure I'll be starting it very soon.
If you are looking for a new Cozy Mystery series to start, just in time for Summer, I definitely recommend checking this one out. Particularly if you are a Cozy Reader who enjoys more mature characters, and small town settings.
There's also a lot of fun hi-jinks and banter amongst this group of widows, but also a lot of love, heart and support. They are, in short, friendship goals.
The Widows' Guide to Backstabbing is the 2nd-book in the Widows' Detective Club Cozy Mystery series by Amanda Ashby.
This series follows Ginny Cole, a recent widow, who after the death of her beloved husband, moves to a new village, Little Shaw, for a fresh start.
It's there that she secures a job at the local library, makes a great group of new friends, and ends up solving a brutal murder. That's what I call a successful fresh start!
In this installment, which takes places, I believe a few months after the conclusion of the 1st-book, Ginny is even more settled into her life in Little Shaw.
She's still working at the library, has become even more fond of her adopted cat companion, Edgar, and is talking to her dead husband less. One thing she is still doing though, is stumbling across dead bodies.
This time at the local haberdashery shop.
Timothy Harlow, the shop owner, has been stabbed in the back with a set of shears. The police quickly arrest a young upholsterer, Milos, for the crime, but Ginny and her friends don't believe he's the actual culprit.
With the police looking in the wrong direction, it's time for the Widows to do what they do best; solve a murder.
This was another cute installment to what has quickly become one of my go-to Cozy Mystery series. I love Ginny as a protagonist, as well as the small town vibes, the incorporation of the library, and of course, the cat, Edgar.
While I wasn't quite as swept up in this one as I was the 1st-book, I still think it was engaging and I'm glad I read it.
For me, there is a little less focus on Ginny's character arc in this one, and that is something I really connected with in the first installment. There was also less time spent in and around the library, and I did miss that as well.
I already have a copy of the 3rd-book, ((thank you, Storm Publishing)), which is releasing at the end of the month, and I'm so excited to get to it. I'm sure I'll be starting it very soon.
If you are looking for a new Cozy Mystery series to start, just in time for Summer, I definitely recommend checking this one out. Particularly if you are a Cozy Reader who enjoys more mature characters, and small town settings.
There's also a lot of fun hi-jinks and banter amongst this group of widows, but also a lot of love, heart and support. They are, in short, friendship goals.
March 5, 2025
Ginny and her friends are back on the case after a local haberdashery shop owner is found murdered. She's promised DI Wallace that she won't be interfering this time around, however before long she's found herself muddled in the drama to try to solve a mystery that her and her friends aren't sure the police are taking seriously. Little does she know she's put herself straight in the path of danger this time around.
This is the second book in the Widow's Detective Club series and it's just as fun and twisty as the first. The townspeople are as quirky and strange as ever, and Wallace is still a cranky, annoyed and overworked detective that tries to keep the ladies from their own poor choices. This one is still funny, but also a bit more down to earth than the last novel.
Ginny has adapted to the small town and it's characters, and is slowly coming out of her shell as a peacekeeper, while still trying to be a voice of reason. She has ideas of how she's going to proceed in a hands-off manner, yet as usual, gets dragged into the mischief by her new friends. Those characters seem to have balanced out a little bit more in this novel as well. They're still odd and overbearing but with more heart, and more logical intentions, vs just being completely off the wall with their antics.
The twist in this one was a little bit easier to spot to an extent, as I got the vibe for the authors writing style after the last book, but it was still thrown by who the murderer was, even if I knew which mundane clues were leading to them.
All in all this was a fun and quirky novel, and I can't wait to see what else the author comes up with next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm publishing for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the second book in the Widow's Detective Club series and it's just as fun and twisty as the first. The townspeople are as quirky and strange as ever, and Wallace is still a cranky, annoyed and overworked detective that tries to keep the ladies from their own poor choices. This one is still funny, but also a bit more down to earth than the last novel.
Ginny has adapted to the small town and it's characters, and is slowly coming out of her shell as a peacekeeper, while still trying to be a voice of reason. She has ideas of how she's going to proceed in a hands-off manner, yet as usual, gets dragged into the mischief by her new friends. Those characters seem to have balanced out a little bit more in this novel as well. They're still odd and overbearing but with more heart, and more logical intentions, vs just being completely off the wall with their antics.
The twist in this one was a little bit easier to spot to an extent, as I got the vibe for the authors writing style after the last book, but it was still thrown by who the murderer was, even if I knew which mundane clues were leading to them.
All in all this was a fun and quirky novel, and I can't wait to see what else the author comes up with next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm publishing for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 9, 2025
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
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
February 10, 2025
The amateur sleuths of Little Shaw, affectionately known as The Widows' Detective Club, are back and once again find themselves caught up in a murder mystery. ✂️
It all begins when newly appointed librarian, Ginny Cole, accompanies her friend Tuppence to Harlow's Haberdashery, where she inadvertently discovers the body of Timothy Harlow. ✂️
The story unfolds at a steady pace from there, but the plot is quite intricate, and the cast of characters is long. ✂️
The tone of The Widows' Guide to Backstabbing is a little more serious than its predecessor, though there is a little gentle humour there. ✂️
Once again the star of the show is Edgar the cat, who has embarked on a crime spree of his own. 🐱
I loved this book, I love this series, and I really hope there will be more mysteries for the widows to solve.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This title will be available on 10/03/2025.
It all begins when newly appointed librarian, Ginny Cole, accompanies her friend Tuppence to Harlow's Haberdashery, where she inadvertently discovers the body of Timothy Harlow. ✂️
The story unfolds at a steady pace from there, but the plot is quite intricate, and the cast of characters is long. ✂️
The tone of The Widows' Guide to Backstabbing is a little more serious than its predecessor, though there is a little gentle humour there. ✂️
Once again the star of the show is Edgar the cat, who has embarked on a crime spree of his own. 🐱
I loved this book, I love this series, and I really hope there will be more mysteries for the widows to solve.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This title will be available on 10/03/2025.
March 3, 2025
3⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of The Widow’s Guide To Backstabbing.
Ginny has now become the manager of the little library in the small town she moved to after becoming a widow. She thinks things are going well until she finds another body. She gets her gang of widows back together to help solve this crime.
This was a pretty fast read. There was a lot going on in this book but it was still an okay read.
Ginny has now become the manager of the little library in the small town she moved to after becoming a widow. She thinks things are going well until she finds another body. She gets her gang of widows back together to help solve this crime.
This was a pretty fast read. There was a lot going on in this book but it was still an okay read.
June 3, 2025
Ginny is settling in well to her new home and town, mainly thanks to the widows (Tuppence, JM, Helen) of the town who took her under their somewhat chaotic but warm arms. Ginny is also now the manager of the library, and is keeping the peace between volunteers, finding people what they want, and looking out for her teen employee Connor.
When Ginny accompanies Tuppence to the local haberdashery, they find the owner stabbed in the back and very much dead. Ginny is upset, but calls in the police, and listens to Detective Wallace's stern warning NOT to get involved.
That works out till Megan, the deeply distraught daughter of the owner shows up, and the widows decide they must investigate, since Megan's boyfriend is taken in for questioning, and Megan is convinced he's innocent.
Despite Ginny's reluctance, she joins in, and though they turn up numerous clues and red herrings, they do get closer to finding out who the killer is. At the same time, Ginny's cat Edgar keeps bringing home odd things, though in this case it's two sets recipe cards that two local bakers, who are at loggerheads, have reported missing.
The widows' sleuthing is haphazard and well intentioned, though it's usually Ginny who makes the big breakthroughs, as she does here, to her horror.
This is light, silly fun, and a nice diversion. Ginny is a good person, and however frustrating I sometimes find the widows chaotic behaviour, their hearts are in the right place, and they have proven to be good friends to Ginny, the likeable, quiet, and somewhat anxious main character.
On to the next book!
Thank you to Netgalley and to Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.
When Ginny accompanies Tuppence to the local haberdashery, they find the owner stabbed in the back and very much dead. Ginny is upset, but calls in the police, and listens to Detective Wallace's stern warning NOT to get involved.
That works out till Megan, the deeply distraught daughter of the owner shows up, and the widows decide they must investigate, since Megan's boyfriend is taken in for questioning, and Megan is convinced he's innocent.
Despite Ginny's reluctance, she joins in, and though they turn up numerous clues and red herrings, they do get closer to finding out who the killer is. At the same time, Ginny's cat Edgar keeps bringing home odd things, though in this case it's two sets recipe cards that two local bakers, who are at loggerheads, have reported missing.
The widows' sleuthing is haphazard and well intentioned, though it's usually Ginny who makes the big breakthroughs, as she does here, to her horror.
This is light, silly fun, and a nice diversion. Ginny is a good person, and however frustrating I sometimes find the widows chaotic behaviour, their hearts are in the right place, and they have proven to be good friends to Ginny, the likeable, quiet, and somewhat anxious main character.
On to the next book!
Thank you to Netgalley and to Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.
March 30, 2025
3.75 rounded up. My new favorite cozy mystery series. I hope there are more planned.
March 20, 2025
Well, Ginny and her small group of friends, JM, Hen and Tuppence, have become a neat little group of amateur detectives. In one of the town’s shops, a gruesome discovery was made—a body. Remarkably, Ginny was the one who stumbled upon the scene. When the police arrested a young man named Milo, who seems their most likely prime suspect, Ginny decided to step in on his behalf.
Just like before, these older widows power on, much to the consternation of DI Wallace. He doesn’t want any of them involving themselves in this case, finding them to be an annoyance. The victim’s daughter appeals to the little group that the police have the wrong suspect, just as Ginny herself believes. Interestingly, not only had Ginny become the owner of a black cat she named Edgar (after much deliberation), but he keeps bringing home little gifts for her. One of these gifts is undoubtedly connected to the murder, much to Ginny’s surprise, so she stays firm in her resolve to solve the crime.
The Widows’ Detective Club series made a strong debut with the first book, The Widows’ Guide to Murder, and this second book in the series was just as delightful as the first book. I very much look forward to continuing the series with The Widows’ Guide to Skullduggery, set to be released this June.
Many thanks to Storm Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Just like before, these older widows power on, much to the consternation of DI Wallace. He doesn’t want any of them involving themselves in this case, finding them to be an annoyance. The victim’s daughter appeals to the little group that the police have the wrong suspect, just as Ginny herself believes. Interestingly, not only had Ginny become the owner of a black cat she named Edgar (after much deliberation), but he keeps bringing home little gifts for her. One of these gifts is undoubtedly connected to the murder, much to Ginny’s surprise, so she stays firm in her resolve to solve the crime.
The Widows’ Detective Club series made a strong debut with the first book, The Widows’ Guide to Murder, and this second book in the series was just as delightful as the first book. I very much look forward to continuing the series with The Widows’ Guide to Skullduggery, set to be released this June.
Many thanks to Storm Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
January 31, 2025
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.
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.
January 26, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book about Ginny and her friends. Once again, there is a murder to solve and despite their best intentions not to get involved, things just keep happening. With a wide range of suspects, there are plenty of leads to follow. The backstory about the competition between bakers at the local fete was fun. It was great that Connor is now working at the library, as he is a character that adds to the story. Above all, the friendship and gentle humour make this a delightful series to read. Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for a chance to read this book, and I hope there are more to come.
January 29, 2025
The Widow's Guide to Backstabbing by Amanda Ashby is an excellent follow up to the first book in the series, building on the characters and situations to firmly establish the series.
The mystery is complex, with plenty of suspects, and the situations in which the Detective Club members find themselves are alternately amusing and suspenseful.
Ashby has written an entertaining book with relatable characters, and I look forward to reading more.
Thank you for the ARC of #TheWidowsGuidetoBackstabbing to #NetGalley.
The mystery is complex, with plenty of suspects, and the situations in which the Detective Club members find themselves are alternately amusing and suspenseful.
Ashby has written an entertaining book with relatable characters, and I look forward to reading more.
Thank you for the ARC of #TheWidowsGuidetoBackstabbing to #NetGalley.
April 22, 2025
The second novel in the series, The Widow’s Guide to Backstabbing brings us back to the town of Little Shaw. Ginny Cole, a local librarian, once again discovers a body. Along with her cohorts, she will lead the way to solving yet another murder in this little hamlet. I absolutely love this well-written series. A fast-paced mystery with a few red herrings, a great storyline, and the wonderful interaction between the widows make this a fun read. I am looking forward to the next one in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 6, 2025
If you like cats, cake, and solving murders, then this is the book for you.
The second book in the Widow's Detective Club series sees Ginny and her friends yet again involved in solving another murder. This time Ginny unfortunately stumbles upon the dead body of local celebrity and haberdashery shop owner Timothy Harlow. He was not well-liked in the village, which means there are numerous suspects. As per usual, I had NO idea who the killer was, but I did have a lot of fun trying to work it out. I am looking forward to the third book in the series when it is released.
The second book in the Widow's Detective Club series sees Ginny and her friends yet again involved in solving another murder. This time Ginny unfortunately stumbles upon the dead body of local celebrity and haberdashery shop owner Timothy Harlow. He was not well-liked in the village, which means there are numerous suspects. As per usual, I had NO idea who the killer was, but I did have a lot of fun trying to work it out. I am looking forward to the third book in the series when it is released.
March 3, 2025
Really enjoyed this cozy mystery but my one complaint is that this book starts off almost exactly the same as the first. Ginny manages to be the first person to find a dead body (someone who isn’t very well liked in their community) and she and her friends take it upon themselves to investigate. Don’t get me wrong, there are funny moments and the twist at the end was good. But, I would’ve liked to see a completely different story.
March 10, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up
The residents of Little Shaw are preparing for their annual spring fete. When Ginny makes her first visit to the local haberdashery shop, discovers the body of the self-important shop owner, and a friend of a friend is accused of the murder, she and her friends set out to learn who the actual killer is.
As in the first book, there are a lot of characters in this book, and some of them are still quite unlikeable, especially a couple of the library volunteers. I like Ginny and her friends, although their antics and questions made me roll my eyes more than once. We didn’t see much of PC Singh in this book and I missed her, but surprisingly, DI Wallace is extraordinarily patient with them.
My mental list of suspects kept changing as the investigations progressed, but I wasn’t surprised to learn who the culprit actually was. The motive was disgusting, but not surprising given the character.
According to the author’s note at the end of this book, there will be at least one more book in this series. I’ll watch for it and look forward to reading it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The residents of Little Shaw are preparing for their annual spring fete. When Ginny makes her first visit to the local haberdashery shop, discovers the body of the self-important shop owner, and a friend of a friend is accused of the murder, she and her friends set out to learn who the actual killer is.
As in the first book, there are a lot of characters in this book, and some of them are still quite unlikeable, especially a couple of the library volunteers. I like Ginny and her friends, although their antics and questions made me roll my eyes more than once. We didn’t see much of PC Singh in this book and I missed her, but surprisingly, DI Wallace is extraordinarily patient with them.
My mental list of suspects kept changing as the investigations progressed, but I wasn’t surprised to learn who the culprit actually was. The motive was disgusting, but not surprising given the character.
According to the author’s note at the end of this book, there will be at least one more book in this series. I’ll watch for it and look forward to reading it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 4, 2025
I adore Ginny and her band of widow friends! They get into mischief and drive the detective mad in the process! I love a good cozy mystery and this one hits the spot! I am so glad I started with the first book, and can’t wait to read more!! You won’t regret picking both of them up to read!
March 20, 2025
A solid addition to the series. While I enjoyed this one, it didn’t have the same fun feel as the first one and, at times, seemed a bit more serious. It also was well-plotted but moved slower than the first, making it more difficult for me to follow along at times. The cat did provide some levity but I missed scenes like the gravedigging in the first one. Still, I found it entertaining and look forward to the next in the series.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
February 25, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book in this series. This one I didn’t like quite as well. It seemed a little more serious and a bit too wordy at times. I might be interested to see what happens in the next one
March 10, 2025
Hot on the heels of the first in series, comes the second - which is even better!
Ginny Cole has now settled both into widowhood and into her new home in the village of Little Shaw. She is enjoying her new job as librarian and has made friends. What she doesn't need in her life is another dead body - but that's exactly what she finds when she visits the haberdashery shop. Once again, Ginny's new friends draw her into an investigation all of their own ...
Having really enjoyed the first in this series, I was delighted when the second one came along so quickly. This is developing into a wonderful cosy series, well written and with a wide array of characters. A terrific read and one I'm happy to recommend and give 4.5*
Ginny Cole has now settled both into widowhood and into her new home in the village of Little Shaw. She is enjoying her new job as librarian and has made friends. What she doesn't need in her life is another dead body - but that's exactly what she finds when she visits the haberdashery shop. Once again, Ginny's new friends draw her into an investigation all of their own ...
Having really enjoyed the first in this series, I was delighted when the second one came along so quickly. This is developing into a wonderful cosy series, well written and with a wide array of characters. A terrific read and one I'm happy to recommend and give 4.5*
March 11, 2025
I read Amanda Ashby’s previous book, The widows’ guide to murder which I thoroughly enjoyed so was delighted to read this second book in what I suspect will become a series. We meet again Ginny the librarian and her three friends, Hen, Tuppence and JM and not surprisingly they get involved in a murder which despite them promising not to interfere, they seem to stumble upon clues. Once again the story is gentle and the characters are well rounded and believable. Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the arc.
March 17, 2025
✨ ARC Review ✨
4.25⭐
Looking for a cozy mystery that’s sure to put a smile on your face? I can’t recommend The Widow's Guide to Backstabbing by Amanda Ashby enough! This is the second installment in The Widows’ Detective Club Series, and it picks up where the first book left off, set in the charming little town we’ve come to love as the group of friends dive into yet another murder investigation. It’s an entertaining blend of The Golden Girls and Murder, She Wrote that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.
Just like in the first book, the characters are an absolute riot, getting into all sorts of amusing antics with their break-ins, knitting, lawyering attempts, and the return of “stolen” items—all while trying to navigate their way around Wallace without getting on his bad side (spoiler alert: they don’t quite succeed).
I found myself chuckling at the witty dialogue and the fearless antics of these widows who refuse to hold back. Some of my favorite moments included:
“… They wouldn’t take no for an answer. It was like a zombie movie. You know the kind where they won’t stop once they’ve smelled brains. In fact –”
“Not everyone who breaks into workshops has a criminal record,” (this coming from Tuppence who enjoys B&E and picking locks (which she’d proudly tell you she learned from YOUTUBE).
“Threatened him? I barely touched the man.” JM snorted before seeming to remember why she’d been there. She gave him a dazzling smile. ‘Please expunge that statement from the record. What I meant to say was, “How fascinating.”
“No idea, and remind me to get Human Resources to talk to you about personal space.”
“Oh, Ginny well done. And just what we need. JM almost got into a fight with two estate agents and Tuppence keeps wanting to break into the offices after hours. They will be relieved to have something to do.”
I loved seeing more of Connor in this book and how he’s matured since the first one. He’s becoming a wonderful addition to the group of widows, helping to keep them out of too much trouble. I especially enjoyed the moments when he plays the voice of reason. I’m excited to see how his character evolves as the series continues!
Like in A Widow’s Guide to Murder, there are some darker moments, but the overall tone remains light and delightful. It’s a cozy read that’s easy to follow, packed with twists that I felt were even better executed in this book compared to the first. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down and genuinely enjoyed every page!
Book three comes out later in 2025 and I couldn’t be more excited to see what my favorite widows get into this time!
A huge thank you to Netgalley & Amanda Ashby for the gifted ARC!
4.25⭐
Looking for a cozy mystery that’s sure to put a smile on your face? I can’t recommend The Widow's Guide to Backstabbing by Amanda Ashby enough! This is the second installment in The Widows’ Detective Club Series, and it picks up where the first book left off, set in the charming little town we’ve come to love as the group of friends dive into yet another murder investigation. It’s an entertaining blend of The Golden Girls and Murder, She Wrote that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.
Just like in the first book, the characters are an absolute riot, getting into all sorts of amusing antics with their break-ins, knitting, lawyering attempts, and the return of “stolen” items—all while trying to navigate their way around Wallace without getting on his bad side (spoiler alert: they don’t quite succeed).
I found myself chuckling at the witty dialogue and the fearless antics of these widows who refuse to hold back. Some of my favorite moments included:
“… They wouldn’t take no for an answer. It was like a zombie movie. You know the kind where they won’t stop once they’ve smelled brains. In fact –”
“Not everyone who breaks into workshops has a criminal record,” (this coming from Tuppence who enjoys B&E and picking locks (which she’d proudly tell you she learned from YOUTUBE).
“Threatened him? I barely touched the man.” JM snorted before seeming to remember why she’d been there. She gave him a dazzling smile. ‘Please expunge that statement from the record. What I meant to say was, “How fascinating.”
“No idea, and remind me to get Human Resources to talk to you about personal space.”
“Oh, Ginny well done. And just what we need. JM almost got into a fight with two estate agents and Tuppence keeps wanting to break into the offices after hours. They will be relieved to have something to do.”
I loved seeing more of Connor in this book and how he’s matured since the first one. He’s becoming a wonderful addition to the group of widows, helping to keep them out of too much trouble. I especially enjoyed the moments when he plays the voice of reason. I’m excited to see how his character evolves as the series continues!
Like in A Widow’s Guide to Murder, there are some darker moments, but the overall tone remains light and delightful. It’s a cozy read that’s easy to follow, packed with twists that I felt were even better executed in this book compared to the first. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down and genuinely enjoyed every page!
Book three comes out later in 2025 and I couldn’t be more excited to see what my favorite widows get into this time!
A huge thank you to Netgalley & Amanda Ashby for the gifted ARC!
February 27, 2025
There is a lot of benefit in being the second book in a series. For one, if the legwork had been done earlier in terms of character creation and world-building, the sequel can focus on the fun stuff, such as funny hijinks and witty banters. This book excels at that; compliments to Ashby for capitalizing on that advantage. Genuinely I think this book is funnier and more engaging, and I was kind of sad that there is no Book 3 at the moment.
Despite the grim nature, the story starts off cheekily with Harlow literally stabbed in the back with a pair of scissors. It was also somewhat funny when Ginny, due to circumstances, ended up finding the body again. As DI Wallace pointed out, that made her sort of a suspect?
Following the formula of the first book, the list of suspects was long indeed. Despite his celebrity status, Harlow was deeply unpopular. Not being someone who minced his words and having judged the spring fete for years, it meant that he had pissed off a lot of people. It didn't help that those participating in the fete could be dramatically competitive, a fact that Ginny learnt the hard way.
The overall plot of this book is fine. There were plenty of red herrings and some plot twists, allowing the gang to get into all kinds of funny trouble. However, I'd say that the resolution was a little weak. Really, the murderer killed Harlow for *that* reason? I'm not really buying it, but well... FINE.
By any means, I was glad that Connor and DI Wallace were given more screentime this time around. Connor, who was forced to serve in the library in the first book and was largely monosyllabic there, now has some pretty funny lines and more to do. At one point he even joined the ladies on their mission! Meanwhile, in a sobering scene, DI Wallace demonstrated to the widows that contrary to their impressions, he and his team were not slacking or incompetent, but were instead doing all they could to solve the murder despite limited resources. I mean, I knew he is a good detective even from the first book, so I liked that Ashby wrote a scene specifically to demonstrate that. Anyway, there was one scene that had me laughing out loud: DI Wallace spread his arms to block off Tuppence, Hen, and JM, only for them to misunderstand his gesture and hugged him instead!
This was a fun whodunnit that's not particularly heavy or long. I'm hoping for more books to come!
Thank you Netgalley for this copy!
Despite the grim nature, the story starts off cheekily with Harlow literally stabbed in the back with a pair of scissors. It was also somewhat funny when Ginny, due to circumstances, ended up finding the body again. As DI Wallace pointed out, that made her sort of a suspect?
Following the formula of the first book, the list of suspects was long indeed. Despite his celebrity status, Harlow was deeply unpopular. Not being someone who minced his words and having judged the spring fete for years, it meant that he had pissed off a lot of people. It didn't help that those participating in the fete could be dramatically competitive, a fact that Ginny learnt the hard way.
The overall plot of this book is fine. There were plenty of red herrings and some plot twists, allowing the gang to get into all kinds of funny trouble. However, I'd say that the resolution was a little weak. Really, the murderer killed Harlow for *that* reason? I'm not really buying it, but well... FINE.
By any means, I was glad that Connor and DI Wallace were given more screentime this time around. Connor, who was forced to serve in the library in the first book and was largely monosyllabic there, now has some pretty funny lines and more to do. At one point he even joined the ladies on their mission! Meanwhile, in a sobering scene, DI Wallace demonstrated to the widows that contrary to their impressions, he and his team were not slacking or incompetent, but were instead doing all they could to solve the murder despite limited resources. I mean, I knew he is a good detective even from the first book, so I liked that Ashby wrote a scene specifically to demonstrate that. Anyway, there was one scene that had me laughing out loud: DI Wallace spread his arms to block off Tuppence, Hen, and JM, only for them to misunderstand his gesture and hugged him instead!
This was a fun whodunnit that's not particularly heavy or long. I'm hoping for more books to come!
Thank you Netgalley for this copy!
June 15, 2025
Originally posted on my blog .
The Widows' Guide to Murder is the second Widows' Detective Club village cozy mystery by . Released 10th March 2025, it's 270 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.
Small village cozies are perennially popular and it's lovely to find a solid series. The book is populated by small town eccentrics, undercurrents of rage, jealousy, and scandal, into which the new local village library assistant has been unceremoniously thrust without warning. It checks all the boxes: intelligent late middle aged sensible widow/librarian, small town gossip, an outlandish ensemble cast of apparently harmless oddball characters, and a satisfying resolution and epilogue.
Compared to the first book in the series, this one is a bit more scattered, with a host of secondary characters who are a bit of a handful to keep track of, but overall, still readable and enjoyable.
It's not derivative, but fans of Robert Thorogood (Marlow Murder Club), Janice Hallett, and Richard Osman will find a lot to like here. The author has a genuinely good grasp of character and setting, good pacing, and a satisfying denouement and conclusion.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 54 minutes and is capably read by series narrator . She has a well modulated alto voice and an impressive command of regional accents (East London, Midlands, etc), and switches seamlessly between a range of ages and male and female (even Scottish) without a hiccup. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.
Four stars. It's a diverting read. It would be a great choice for home library, or a binge/buddy read. There are two books extant in the series, with a third due out at the end of June 2025.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Widows' Guide to Murder is the second Widows' Detective Club village cozy mystery by . Released 10th March 2025, it's 270 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.
Small village cozies are perennially popular and it's lovely to find a solid series. The book is populated by small town eccentrics, undercurrents of rage, jealousy, and scandal, into which the new local village library assistant has been unceremoniously thrust without warning. It checks all the boxes: intelligent late middle aged sensible widow/librarian, small town gossip, an outlandish ensemble cast of apparently harmless oddball characters, and a satisfying resolution and epilogue.
Compared to the first book in the series, this one is a bit more scattered, with a host of secondary characters who are a bit of a handful to keep track of, but overall, still readable and enjoyable.
It's not derivative, but fans of Robert Thorogood (Marlow Murder Club), Janice Hallett, and Richard Osman will find a lot to like here. The author has a genuinely good grasp of character and setting, good pacing, and a satisfying denouement and conclusion.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 54 minutes and is capably read by series narrator . She has a well modulated alto voice and an impressive command of regional accents (East London, Midlands, etc), and switches seamlessly between a range of ages and male and female (even Scottish) without a hiccup. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.
Four stars. It's a diverting read. It would be a great choice for home library, or a binge/buddy read. There are two books extant in the series, with a third due out at the end of June 2025.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
April 13, 2025
I received a free copy of the novel via NetGalley thanks to Storm Publishing, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"The Widows' Guide to Backstabbing" delivered exactly what I hoped the second part would – familiar characters, new secrets and more fun mayhem in the charming little town of Little Shaw. Ginny Cole is slowly settling into her new life, and although grief still lingers in the background, she has now not only accepted the company of the widows, but practically lives and breathes with them.
This time the story begins with another murder – the owner of the small town's beloved haberdashery shop is stabbed in the back with a pair of scissors, and Ginny is the one to discover him in the back of the shop. Timothy Harlow, judge of the Spring Festival, was not a popular figure among the locals, so there are plenty of suspects. Ginny – driven by curiosity, logic and a sense of justice – is once again drawn into an investigation, once again with the inevitable trio. JM, Hen and Tuppence continue to form an unbreakable unit, however different they may be. The team dynamics are now even livelier, even more cohesive and full of humour, making every moment with them a pleasure.
The spring fete, the homemade jam, the kleptomaniac cat (who is also impossible not to love), and the secret relationships, old grievances and petty revenges that lurk beneath the surface of the small town all serve as a backdrop that is both charming and unsettling. Behind the idyllic view of the small town, there is always something stirring – and Amanda Ashby builds it masterfully in this part too.
It was especially enjoyable to watch Ginny evolve – simultaneously trying to keep her common sense while being forced to confront again and again that the world is far more complicated than the familiar and well-ordered life she lived before her husband's death. And Amanda Ashby is at her best this time again, just when we think everything is clear, she adds another twist to the story. This part brings all the strengths of the previous book – likeable characters, well-dosed suspense, and a community you want to belong to, even if it means solving a murder with them.
I highly recommend this novel to all fans of cozy mysteries. I'm already looking forward to what the third part has in store – because one thing is for sure: life is never dull with these widows.
"The Widows' Guide to Backstabbing" delivered exactly what I hoped the second part would – familiar characters, new secrets and more fun mayhem in the charming little town of Little Shaw. Ginny Cole is slowly settling into her new life, and although grief still lingers in the background, she has now not only accepted the company of the widows, but practically lives and breathes with them.
This time the story begins with another murder – the owner of the small town's beloved haberdashery shop is stabbed in the back with a pair of scissors, and Ginny is the one to discover him in the back of the shop. Timothy Harlow, judge of the Spring Festival, was not a popular figure among the locals, so there are plenty of suspects. Ginny – driven by curiosity, logic and a sense of justice – is once again drawn into an investigation, once again with the inevitable trio. JM, Hen and Tuppence continue to form an unbreakable unit, however different they may be. The team dynamics are now even livelier, even more cohesive and full of humour, making every moment with them a pleasure.
The spring fete, the homemade jam, the kleptomaniac cat (who is also impossible not to love), and the secret relationships, old grievances and petty revenges that lurk beneath the surface of the small town all serve as a backdrop that is both charming and unsettling. Behind the idyllic view of the small town, there is always something stirring – and Amanda Ashby builds it masterfully in this part too.
It was especially enjoyable to watch Ginny evolve – simultaneously trying to keep her common sense while being forced to confront again and again that the world is far more complicated than the familiar and well-ordered life she lived before her husband's death. And Amanda Ashby is at her best this time again, just when we think everything is clear, she adds another twist to the story. This part brings all the strengths of the previous book – likeable characters, well-dosed suspense, and a community you want to belong to, even if it means solving a murder with them.
I highly recommend this novel to all fans of cozy mysteries. I'm already looking forward to what the third part has in store – because one thing is for sure: life is never dull with these widows.
March 3, 2025
☆5☆
Thank you Netgalley, Amanda Ashby, and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⇝ Chicklit
⇝ Women's Fiction
⇝ Thriller
⇝ Mystery
⇝ Crime
⇝ Series (2 of ...)
Main Attention~ Ginny
Ginny did not expect to be found at yet another crime scene, let alone be involved in the investigation through sale thing despite her promise to Detective Wallace. The widows are back with a new case which threatens the peace of their little town with a murder and a lot of backstabbing.
Ginny is becoming a dear character to me as the series moves own. Reading her perspective is kinda satisfying. Maybe Because she has the qualities I admire and insecurities I identify within myself. The way she is presented throughout the story is inspiring - her calm attitude, her analytical mind, her vast knowledge, her empathy, and her people skills.
Other Voices~
Hen, JM, and Tuppence are back with a bang! I love their eccentric contributions to the investigations. I feel that each of their skills truly shined in this book. Wallace was as usual a grump but seemed to have accepted the fact that he can't really stop the widow's club. He truly adds charm to the story with his surly attitude. I loved that Conner had more part in this one. I love to see more of him. And, of course, Edgar was the silent de
Musings~
The writing and the plot were such a page turner! This time though, I correctly guessed the killer, but it didn't dampen my mood to continue the story. I enjoyed the discoveries and the revelations one after the other.
Parting Thoughts~
I am in love with the series and the with Amanda's captivating writing style. I'm excited to read more of her works and highly recommend this series.
Thank you Netgalley, Amanda Ashby, and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⇝ Chicklit
⇝ Women's Fiction
⇝ Thriller
⇝ Mystery
⇝ Crime
⇝ Series (2 of ...)
Main Attention~ Ginny
Ginny did not expect to be found at yet another crime scene, let alone be involved in the investigation through sale thing despite her promise to Detective Wallace. The widows are back with a new case which threatens the peace of their little town with a murder and a lot of backstabbing.
Ginny is becoming a dear character to me as the series moves own. Reading her perspective is kinda satisfying. Maybe Because she has the qualities I admire and insecurities I identify within myself. The way she is presented throughout the story is inspiring - her calm attitude, her analytical mind, her vast knowledge, her empathy, and her people skills.
Other Voices~
Hen, JM, and Tuppence are back with a bang! I love their eccentric contributions to the investigations. I feel that each of their skills truly shined in this book. Wallace was as usual a grump but seemed to have accepted the fact that he can't really stop the widow's club. He truly adds charm to the story with his surly attitude. I loved that Conner had more part in this one. I love to see more of him. And, of course, Edgar was the silent de
Musings~
The writing and the plot were such a page turner! This time though, I correctly guessed the killer, but it didn't dampen my mood to continue the story. I enjoyed the discoveries and the revelations one after the other.
Parting Thoughts~
I am in love with the series and the with Amanda's captivating writing style. I'm excited to read more of her works and highly recommend this series.
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