Blake’s dead. His wife killed him.
The question is: which one?
‘Utterly compelling’ MARIAN KEYES
‘Intense, gripping, superb’ WILL DEAN
‘Brilliantly twisty’ ELLY GRIFFITHS
‘Absolutely thrilling’ ALEX MICHAELIDES
The only thing the three women had in common was their husband.
And, as of this morning, that they’re each accused of his murder.
Blake Nelson moved into a hidden stretch of land – a raw paradise in the wilds of Utah – where he lived with his three wives:
Rachel, the chief wife, obedient and doting to a fault.
Tina, the other wife, who is everything Rachel isn’t.
And Emily, the youngest wife, who knows little else.
When their husband is found dead under the desert sun, the questions pile up.
But none of the widows know who would want to kill a good man like Blake.
Or, at least, that’s what they’ll tell the police…
A Beguiling, Enigmatic Read!
I feel as if this book was written with me in mind – I loved it THAT much!
Blake Nelson lived on an isolated farm out in the desert, but now he’s dead. His wife killed him – but which one? Rachel, the first wife is obedient and dutiful. Trisha, sister wife, is anything but, while Emily, the youngest has never known any other kind of life. They don’t know why anyone would kill a good man like their husband – at least, that’s what they tell the police.
As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t re-read the blurb before I begin reading so I never know what to expect. I’ve been fascinated by plural marriage ever since watching the tv series Big Love; not so much the intimate part but more the idea of several women sharing one kitchen! This is my first novel by Cate Quinn and I have to say it’s beautifully written. The characters are individually crafted and each one – not just the wives – sparks a curiosity for the reader. The dynamics between all three wives is quite beguiling and kept me hooked all the way through. I had no idea who the killer was until it was in print in front of me. Very carefully plotted and such an enigmatic read. I’m happy to both recommend this novel and give it 4.5*.
My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is – as always – my honest, original and unbiased review.
Tags: murder mystery
- Format: ebook, paperback, hardcover, audiobook
- Size: 419 pages
- Publisher: Orion
- Publication Date: 04 February 2021
- Book Links:
- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53808728
- https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cate_Quinn_Black_Widows?id=BpqpDwAAQBAJ
- https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/black-widows-cate-quinn/1136694946
- https://uk.bookshop.org/books/black-widows-blake-s-dead-his-wife-killed-him-the-question-is-which-one/9781409196952
- https://www.foyles.co.uk/witem/fiction-poetry/black-widows-blakes-dead-his-wife-kil,cate-quinn-9781409196952
- https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/black-widows-2
- https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/black-widows-digital-original/cate-quinn/hardback/9781409196952.html
- https://www.waterstones.com/book/black-widows/cate-quinn/9781409196952
- https://wordery.com/black-widows-cate-quinn-9781409196952
- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Widows-Cate-Quinn-ebook/dp/B084RCKPM9
Author Details
Cate Quinn is a travel and lifestyle journalist for The Times, the Guardian and the Mirror, alongside many magazines. Prior to this, Quinn’s background in historic research won prestigious postgraduate funding from the British Art Council. Quinn pooled these resources, combining historical research with first-hand experiences in far-flung places to create critically acclaimed and bestselling historical fiction.
- Website: https://www.catherinequinn.com/
- Blog: http://www.thefoodexplorer.co.uk/
- Twitter: @CathWritesStuff