The Widow and the Warrior
Adult; Mystery/Thriller; (Market)
The Widow and the Warrior tells the story of one wealthy family's tragic 130-year history. Anna Shane, national political editor for The Washington Post, is poised on the brink of turning that history from tragedy to triumph until a secret society and a greedy relative conspire to see her murdered. Shawn O'Toole, an ex-Special Forces operator, retired from the Army rather than face war crimes charges. For the past year he has lived in a self-imposed exile, until a call from his father brings him home to Frankfort, Michigan, and a chance to save Anna's life. To do that, however, he must use some of the very same vigilante tactics that cost him his military career.
Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10
Originality: 9 out of 10
Prose: 9 out of 10
Character/Execution: 9 out of 10
Overall: 9.00 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot: The Widow and the Warrior is a fast paced, gracefully plotted mystery. Wemlinger deftly weaves together family secrets, murders for hire, and national conspiracy plots for an engaging and thrilling story.
Prose: Wemlinger’s prose is clear and direct, and deftly places the reader amidst the action. Each character has a distinct, authentic voice.
Originality: Readers will enjoy this original, multi-layered mystery. The novel is elevated by a winning protagonist and an excellent blend of past and present mysteries.
Character/Execution: The characters in The Widow and the Warrior are diverse and well conceived. Readers will root for protagonist Anna Shane, who proves that an excellent journalist can unravel any conspiracy. Believable secondary characters all contribute to advancing the plot.
Date Submitted: August 24, 2020
