Amazon.com: Customer reviews: The Widow

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 28, 2022

Congressman Asher's social climbing, scheming wife is busy preparing for her only child’s wedding, expected to be the social event of the year. Her daughter isn’t what makes it significant, nor that she and her husband detest the parents of the man she is marrying. It’s about the who’s who of D.C. who will be in attendance. Her chance to shine amongst the political powerhouses she worships and wants her husband to continue to surpass on the ladder to political success.

Jody’s husband is embroiled in a scandal that will soon come to a head and she’s counting on their law school power broker bestie to rectify matters before things erupt. The tips at the beginning of each chapter, intended to help new congressional spouses nagivate their way on the Hill, are a hoot. Laws are one thing, but the unwritten rules that are adhered to behind closed doors are all kinds of unethical. Getting stabbed in the back would seem like a reprieve compared to what these folks are up to. Power hungry, corrupt, ruthless characters from staffers on up shine in this riveting, highly entertaining political thriller of deceit and lies that Rouda dishes up so well.

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A political procedural

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 13, 2022

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Kaira Rouda has created an enjoyable political novel that centers around three unlikeable protagonists: a congressman who is serving in his sixteenth two-year term, his wife, and a consultant who runs a Washington, DC think tank. The author is not claiming that all elected officials are corrupt, but her plot – which features manipulative politicians who commingle campaign and personal funds – seems realistic.

The author does not delve deeply into political policy, but she does describe a lot of political maneuvering – such as how members of congress spend their time, how congressional votes are determined, how funds are raised, and how elections are won. Since Ms. Rouda is the wife of a former Democrat congressman, it is somewhat surprising that she does not portray Democrats in a more favorable light, but she also attributes many flaws to Republicans. It seems that there is much truth in her characterization of the Washington, DC swamp.

With her many descriptions of and insights into Washington, DC events, the author makes this novel into a “political procedural.” It is definitely not a “police procedural.” After a Congressman suffers a heart attack and dies under somewhat questionable circumstances, the author - probably appropriately – simply writes “There was no need for an autopsy” so as not to have a police investigation infiltrate her plot.

In Ms. Rouda’s Acknowledgments, she thanks a particular book-to-film team, so apparently there are plans to make this novel into a film. I would welcome that development.

6 people found this helpful

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Sharon M

Great behind-the-scenes political thriller!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 15, 2022

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Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest suspense novel by a favorite, Kaira Rouda - 4 stars!

Jody Asher is the perfect political wife to her husband Martin, who has been a congressman for 15 terms. While he didn't have the ambitions that Jody did, life was good. Until Martin's behaviors caught up with him right before their daughter's society wedding. When Martin dies, Jody takes matters into her own hands.

This is a different book from Rouda - not quite edge-of-your-seat suspense, but more of an interesting look into politics and people who will do anything for power and prestige in a city where that's all that matters. Told from different perspectives of the major players, we were privy to all the behind the scenes deceit. I loved the messages between chapters from Jody and others, giving hints to newcomers to the DC political arena. And Rouda knows whereof she speaks - her husband was a congressman. This book has short chapters, dark humor, and lots of backstabbing!

2 people found this helpful

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R Scheese

A Political Drama

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 8, 2023

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Finished "The Widow" by Kaira Rouda.

A political drama centering on the wife of a corrupt US Congressman as she navigates the DC power social scene, pivots to a political animal in her own right upon the death of her husband, and leverages her relationships and calculating, manipulative personality to get what she wants.

Filled with lots of political conflict and multiple purposely unlikable narrator characters, "The Widow" is a quick and easy read. Given the author's personal experience in DC, I am sure there is some modicum of Capitol truth drama and embellishments of our political establishment as well.

Discovered as a Kindle First Read selection didn't disappoint. Check it out.

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Buzy_reading

A political agenda

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 23, 2023

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Life as a politician spouse. It’s not personal it’s politics. Being married to a public figure is racing on your personal life. Just remember the spouse is an extension of her husband.
Jody Asher is the congressional wife of a Democrat. She has stood by her husband’s side for fifteen congressional terms. She’s made him a powerful political figure and she plans to keep her power.
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Her husband Martin is a man of importance and it’s because of Jody’s dedication that he’s a successful politician.
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There daughter Charlotte is marrying into a Republican family. It’s ruffling a few feathers in the Asher household.
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I had no idea there are so many key players in politics. I learned a great deal about the inner workings of these key players. Let it be know I by no means go looking to read about politics in my leisurely time. Had I known this was a political storyline I would’ve gave it a pass.
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I must admit having the audiobook helped ease my discomfort regarding this topic. Thank you Donna Postel, George Newbern, and Nancy Wu for your voice acting skills. It’s always benefiting to listen and follow. It enhances the experience. Plus I’ve grown lazy trying to read certain books and this is the perfect example of the type of book I rather listen to someone else read.
I listened using the audible app at 2X speed.
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There’s a scandal, a money situation, and competition for the House seat.
It’s a triple threat against Martin and Jody’s lives. Jody has worked too hard to allow any of this fall on her. Jody has a few strings up her sleeve. She’s not afraid to cash in on a few favors.
…
Kaira Rouda created a hilarious political scandal about a respected married couple and family whose demise is about to surprise them publicly on their daughters wedding weekend. This was a good story with a few good twists along the way.

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Evil and Corruption in DC

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 26, 2022

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The Widow, by Kaira Rouda, tells the story of corruption and money in Washington. Every major character is flawed beyond redemption. There is absolutely no one to like or cheer. Yet, it was a fun, quick read as I tried to figure out who was playing who and for what purpose. As usual, I was surprised. I confess that I was left with a bit of distaste and a squeamish wonder as to how much of the government underbelly, regardless of which party is in power, was revealed.

I awarded 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.0, mostly because the story captured my interest, despite my dislike of the characters and the implied message. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a digital ARC.

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Vickie Watts

Twisted and Realistic Story of Power and Manipulation

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 21, 2022

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This is a really twisted story of manipulation and life in the power halls of D.C. Martin Asher makes a good puppet for his power-hungry wife Jody and is a seriously flawed character. He makes a good representative of what politicians are like, with his numerous affairs and his quest for riches as he gets further and further into debt. Jody is the perfect wife for him, ambitious enough for both of them. She finds herself in the enviable position of saving her husband’s reputation after his death and is determined to establish his legacy, no matter what she has to do to make sure that his past does not tarnish the future for her and her daughter. The machinations in this book are riveting and the characters are just evil enough that I wanted to read more and more, especially about how Jody planned to bury Martin’s past from the inquisitive reporter. Fast paced and riveting entertainment that is realistic and thoroughly engaging as well as informative.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

2 people found this helpful

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Kindle Customer

Deceit

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 23, 2023

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Jody and Martin Asher are a power couple in DC. Martin has been a representative for Ohio in the congress for several terms. As their daughters wedding approaches, however, Martin begins to be subject to rumors. As the woman behind the man, Jody begins planning into the future.

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Regina Buttner

Packed full of political intrigue

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 13, 2023

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In her previous books, Kaira Rouda has done a stellar job of creating dangerously narcissistic characters, and THE WIDOW is the most toxic by far! Jody Asher craves power, admiration, and a cushy Washington D.C. life, and she’s not going to let her husband’s philandering and untimely death get in her way. This book is packed full of highly entertaining scandal, back-biting, and political intrigue.

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Citygirl

Typical demonicRAT CRAP

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 15, 2023

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Glad a stupid but spiteful democRAT was basis of story. We all KNOW how rotten to the Core they are. I would say this is a very accurate depiction of all despicable demonic

RATS in in The Swamp.

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5 star		41%
4 star		34%
3 star		19%
2 star		4%
1 star		2%

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