A Gripping Whodunit: John Grisham’s The Widow
As someone who has adored John Grisham’s works for years, his latest offering, The Widow, pulled me in from the very first page. Grisham has the extraordinary talent of enveloping readers in his legal worlds, reminiscent of some of his classic early novels that first captured my imagination. With courtroom drama intertwined with a captivating whodunit mystery, this book felt like a delightful reunion with an old friend.
At the heart of The Widow is Eleanor (Netty) Barnett, an 85-year-old widow whose layers of character and complexity are as rich as the $20 million she claims her late husband left her. Enter Simon Latch, the struggling lawyer drawn to Eleanor not just for the potential fees, but for the intriguing mystery that unfolds around her. There’s a certain charm in Simon’s initial greed; he’s battling financial troubles, a gambling addiction, and a looming divorce, yet Grisham skillfully weaves depth into his character that makes him relatable. As readers, we get to witness how desperation can cloud judgment, and the moral dilemmas Simon faces are both thrilling and poignant.
From the very start, the pacing is taut and engaging. Grisham excels at creating a sense of urgency, especially as Eleanor’s health begins to decline after a mysterious car accident. The narrative takes a dark turn when she dies under what appear to be suspicious circumstances, leading Simon from being her advocate to the prime suspect in her murder. This shift is masterfully crafted, keeping me on the edge of my seat, wondering how an innocent man could become ensnared in such a web of intrigue.
I found the character of Eleanor deeply fascinating. Her quiet strength, shrouded in wealth yet devoid of ostentation, made her a memorable figure. I couldn’t help but admire her resilience even as I felt a pang of sadness at her fate. Notably, Grisham injects moments of tension and humor throughout the book—a delicate balance that showcases his storytelling prowess. One of my favorite lines—where Simon reflects on greed versus morality—echoed the internal battles many of us face in our own lives, provoking deep thought long after I set the book down.
Grisham’s writing style remains sharp and accessible, with dialogue that flows naturally and scenes that feel vividly drawn. The way he portrays the legal intricacies keeps those of us who might be intimidated by the courtroom format thoroughly engaged. It’s this blend of clever narrative techniques and relatable characters that truly set The Widow apart in Grisham’s celebrated oeuvre.
In the end, I can’t recommend The Widow highly enough. This is a book for anyone who enjoys a smartly plotted mystery interlaced with human emotion, particularly the exploration of greed and innocence. Whether you’re a longtime Grisham fan or a newcomer to his work, there’s something here for everyone. For me, it was not just the thrill of the plot but the deeper reflections on morality and consequence that made this read so impactful. A sixth star truly is needed to rate this one!
Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. It’s one I’m glad to have experienced, as it undeniably ranks among my top reads for 2025.