Jacqueline “Jacks” Morales is horrified to hear that her husband, James, has been killed in a car crash on the idyllic island of Maui, Hawaii. Adding insult to injury, he died alongside a young woman, Dylan, who appears to be his mistress. Reeling from a double-blow of grief and betrayal, Jacks agrees to accompany Dylan’s fiance, Nick, to Maui in search of answers. While Jacks anticipates an emotionally painful trip, she has no idea of the trauma and obsession that will escort them on their journey.
The location of Hawaii works especially hard in this gripping psychological thriller. First, it’s easy to share Jacks’ hurt—and sympathise deeply—when she learns that James took a ‘holiday of a lifetime’ with his bit-on-the-side. As soon as she arrives on Maui, the juxtaposition between the romance of the setting and the reality of her anguish is stark; and also ripe for conflict and the kind of confusion that keeps the chapters fresh.
The Good Widow is perfect for anyone who likes secrets and lies; and to keep guessing and second-guessing to the last page.
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The Good Widow by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke is available on Amazon