Real Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars

You can really tell this book was originally published as an Audible Original. It’s a small blessing, but a larger curse.

Young Rich Widows is a multi-POV thriller set in 1985 just after a plane crash that kills all four partners of a law firm. The story itself is about the widows of the four partners and what they have to deal with in the wake of the unexpected disaster that takes a wrecking ball to all of their lives.

I’ve never read a book that was published as an audiobook first, and maybe that has a lot to do with how the book was transitioned to paperback and therefore how I received it as a reader. The reason I think the transition from Audible Original to paperback may be a larger curse than a blessing is because while the book is entertaining it feels rather flat. I didn’t get anything other than surface vibes and emotions from the pages. While the dialogue was well written it didn’t pack any emotion behind it. I just all read like cheap champagne when I imagine it could’ve read like Dom.

So while it’s a fun read, it just felt kind of empty at the end.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Murder Thriller/Suspense Mystery/Suspense Thriller/Women’s Fiction

Young Rich Widows follows the lives of four widows in 1980s Rhode Island whose spouses, all partners at a prominent law firm, are killed in a suspicious plane crash. As the women grapple with grief and their partners’ secrets, they discover connections to the mob and must join forces to uncover the truth behind the crash.

I requested this ARC because Layne Fargo is one of the authors and They Never Learn was one of my favorite books last year. I was also intrigued by the collaboration between four authors and that they each wrote the POV of particular characters. Overall I was definitely entertained! It is a fun, campy read with a thrilling plot and distinct characters. The interactions between the women feel very genuine and real. However, the story gets a bit unbelievable at times, and the focus on 80s nostalgia may not appeal to everyone. If you're looking for a lighthearted escape with some laughs, this book is worth checking out. But if you prefer more complex mysteries, you might want to pass. This was originally recorded as an Audiobook and I do think that a full cast of narrators would be fun.

"Young Rich Widows" is a gripping collaborative effort by authors Vanessa Lillie, Layne Fargo, Cate Holahan, and Kimberly Belle, delivering a captivating and intricately woven narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

Set against the backdrop of high society and intrigue, the novel introduces readers to a diverse cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motivations. From the enigmatic widows grappling with their newfound freedom to the complex web of relationships and alliances, the authors excel at crafting multi-dimensional characters that leap off the page.

What truly sets "Young Rich Widows" apart is its masterful plotting. The story unfolds with meticulous precision, as layers of deception and betrayal are peeled back to reveal shocking truths lurking beneath the surface. Twists and turns abound, keeping readers on the edge of their seats and eager to uncover the next revelation.

Furthermore, the authors' prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery and immersing readers in the opulent world of the wealthy elite. Whether it's the glittering soirées of high society or the shadowy secrets hidden behind closed doors, the novel is infused with a palpable sense of atmosphere and tension.

Overall, "Young Rich Widows" is a triumph of collaborative storytelling, seamlessly blending the talents of four accomplished authors into a cohesive and compelling whole. Fans of suspenseful fiction will find much to love in this thrilling and addictive read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review.

In the beginning, I was a bit startled. This was either the worst written stupidest ridiculous book I'd ever read or the funniest most outlandish ridiculous book I'd ever read. Quickly figured out that, yes, it is a total farce and comic combination of suspense, Real Housewives of Whatever, mob boss bravado, stereotypical male egos, etc, all the way down to the rolling around in the grass cat fight. I can imagine the discussion before this was written: "wait wait......and then THIS happens" ::takes another drink of her cocktail:: "oh my gosh yes! and then SHE does THIS!!!" etc. You get the point. I am not a "reality tv" fan, but I imagine the laugh out loud audacity of this book is why so many people are addicted to them!

This wild, wild ride of a story is told from four different POVs, it adds an extra layer of dynamic and action as the story unfolds.
I loved that it was set in the past, in the 80ies. Me, being a 70ies kid, still remembering 80ies fairly well – it was a super enjoyable read.

Young Rich Widows was an audiobook first until this edition, co-written by Vanessa Lillie, Layne Forgo, Cate Holahan and Kimberly Belle.

"Four lawyers are killed in a private plane crash. Now their widows are being hounded by the mob to look for missing money. The only way to protect themselves and their families is to band together and find it."

The story is told from the POV of the four widows - Justine, Camille, Meredith and Krystle - one chapter at a time. It takes place in the 80's but the period feels incidental. I think it's more a way to leave out the technology/social media so prevalent in current books. There's corruption, the mob, wise guys and strong women. And an assassin known as the Tiger. It's an interesting mix of relationships. The story is fast-paced with several surprises...and one big reveal at the end.

Great story from this group.

Thank you Sourcebooks for the review copy of Young Rich Widows! I love Layne Fargo so that was my driving reason to read this book. I have to say that I did love the audiobook version a lot so I recommend that format (and wish was it was not an exclusive to a site I don't love to support).
This is a fun fast paced mystery, effectively told with a range of voices while still feeling fun and cohesive. I loved the 80s setting, I love when a context/time becomes a part of the story, and I loved the sassy strong women who came together to handle secrets and intrigue and danger and do it with big hair and all things aquanette and mink fur.

Great book
The
Four lawyers die in a private plane crash leaving behind their widows.
It is presumed to be a tragic accident however questions arise. The lawyers weren't supposed to be travelling by plane, they were supposed to be in a meeting.
Also on board the plane was $4,000. in cash.

Their widows: Justine, Camille, Meredith and Krystle are immediately at odds with each other.
Soon the mafia is asking questions, demanding they pay the $4,000. which none of them have,
The money was tied to a local mall development and the developer soon comes asking about an important report which he needs to start up the development, this document can't be found either,

They are presumed to all be wealthy but it soon appears they aren't..
The law firm is left to them and they therefore will have to find a way to work together..

The mafia ties to the development are uncovered as is the report which contains damaging information about the project.and the widows work together to find the money and get justice.

Great book.


.

I thought the book started off with a bang and pulled me in immediately! I also think the writing style was great, a good balance between descriptions and conversations. However, I felt like the second half was a bit of a let down, and that might be a personal thing since I wasn't a big fan of the mob sideline.

Young Rich Widows is a fun, campy thriller about four women who are forced to work together to protect themselves and their families after their husbands die in a fiery plane crash.

Told through the perspectives of Camille, Justine, Meredith and Krystle, these newly widowed women are left with a large debt owed to the mafia. Their deceased significant others, head partners at their law firm, took some chances with a risky deal and found financing with criminals. Now, these women who would normally be at odds with each other must work together to figure out how to make up for the sins of their partners before it's too late.

This is a super witty, fun thriller set in the 80s that you don't want to miss!

I read the first 30% of this book and then had to not finish. I couldn't get into the writing or the characters. Some of the dialogue was so cringy and felt like it was written by a teenager. I will say, for having four different authors, the writing did feel concise and that it was written by one person so they did that well. It was too over the top but maybe since it was an Audible Original the audiobook was more convincing.

Young Rich Widows is an enormously fun and addicting book of suspense. It was funny at times and interesting all the time. Four lawyers die in a plane crash and leave behind widows and a heap of trouble. As the women navigate through the mess they have been left, they forge unlikely friendships that come in handy as they must work together to outsmart the mafia. There is never a dull moment in this book and I adored the characters. What a fun read! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review

This was an interesting take on a mafia whodunnit hybrid. This isn't usually my genre, but I wanted to give it a try and I'm glad I did. This is an interesting and fun story, set in the 1980's - so think big hair, fur coats and subtle digs said with a smile. Fair warning to the reader though - it is told in the third person, but every chapter is a different character's perception, so it can be quite jarring and frustrating to try to keep up. Who knows, maybe I'm just too used to reading first person narrative.

This was a blast to read!! I am an 80's girl, graduated in '85 when this story takes place, and this brought back so much wonderful memories. I wanted to read this because I am a huge Kimberly belle fan. I had heard of the Cate Holahan and Layne Fargo but hadn't read anything from them before. That will soon change. This story reminded me of the 80's and 90's nighttime soap. SO much juicy drama and lies and secrets! The story starts as described like the opening of a joke...... four lawyers die in a plane crash. Well, they actually do, and their widows have to clean up their mess. The women are all very different and don't necessarily like each other but have to pull together to stay alive. The story is told from all 4 POV's. Missing cash, mobsters, four million in debt thanks to the dear Hubbys........ As I said, I had a lot of fun reading this. Sort of Real Housewives- Mafia Wives edition. If you want a quick, fun read I highly recommend this one.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I will post my review to Amazon, Instagram and other retail and social media sites upon publication.

Young Rich Widows- this one took me back to the 80s & all that I loved about that decade. This story follows four very different recently widowed women & they are left to clean up after their late husbands. Secrets, lies, betrayal- this one has it all! Hold on because this one is one crazy, fun ride! This was very entertaining & felt somewhat reminiscent of The Real Housewives. Would definitely be a fun book club read!

Thank you to NetGalley & SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for this ARC!

After their husbands die in a plane crash, four women are left to clean up their mess. Four women who are very different, four women who don’t particularly like one another. But, when things get hairy, they pull together and do what needs to be done to ensure their families are safe. I enjoyed this story that’s set in the 80s, includes monsters, drama, and more!

As their plane goes down at the beginning of the story, you're left wondering about the secrets law partners Romero, Tavani, Kelly, & Calder are taking to their graves. The twisting tale of their four widows unfolds to reveal a plot that involves mobsters and gangsters, strippers and surprises, all set in the mid-80s with the fashion and flair you'd expect. A story of betrayal and loss, fear and loneliness, redemption and friendship, Young Rich Widows is sure to delight fans of such 90s movie icons as First Wives Club and Married to the Mob. A fabulous read!

Vanessa Lillie, Layne Fargo, Cate Holahan, AND Kimberly Belle?!?!

I mean…

Yes, please!!!

Requesting Young Rich Widows, was a no brainer. With an all star line up of authors, I’d have to be a fool not to .

Yikes! Bikes!

This book is HOT!

First off, this book takes place in 1985, the year I was born, I was instantly intrigued. Cue the overly sprayed hair and neon lights.

There is so much personality in this book, it’s impossible to be bored.

Secrets? Yes
Deceit ? Yes
Giggles? Sure!
And let’s throw in a bit of a mobster twist.

Young Rich Widows, hits on all key components to be a best seller.

Buckle your seatbelts folks, you’re in for a wild ride!

Check out this teaser:

1985, Rhode Island.

A private jet carrying four partners of a Providence law firm crashes outside New York City, killing all aboard but leaving behind more questions than answers and setting the stage for four widows to find the truth.

Justine: a former fashion model adjusting to suburban life

Camille: a beautiful, young second wife whom some suspect is a gold digger

Meredith: a stripper who was in a relationship with the firm's only female partner

Krystle: a founding partner's wife committed to the firm being a legacy for her sons

While the crash is initially ruled a tragic accident, something's not adding up: the team wasn't supposed to be in New York that day, and it's soon revealed there was a very large sum of cash that burned up with the plane.

The scene is as wild as '80s neon, and the manic chase to uncover the Mafia-laced secrets gives this rip-roaring read a rad vibe that will linger long after the '80s soundtrack fades and the hairspray falls.

Four lawyers about to close a huge deal go down in a plane crash. Coincidence, or murder? 🤔

The first chapter of this book is excellent! In four pages, I was hooked! Unfortunately, that was the high point for me. 😭 I thought the 80’s references felt forced and characters that should have been campy and fun felt like over-the-top caricatures. I had trouble keeping track of whose POV we were in and rolled my eyes at plenty of convenient plot points. This felt like a real housewives + mob collab, which to be fair, had I known that going in, I wouldn’t have read it. I can see this working for a lot of people, but I definitely wasn’t the right audience.

My thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a complimentary advance copy of this eBook, out 4/2/2024.

3.5 stars for Young Rich Widows.

I will start by saying that this book was quite entertaining! Featuring a mob plot, it definitely kept me turning the pages. I ended up liking the four female widows who were the main characters of the story. I liked the way the story came together.

My only real reason for a bit of a lower rating was based on my mood I think. I was in the mood for a fast paced, twisty thriller. While this did have a decent pace, it wasn't as twisty as I wanted it to be and I actually had some things figured out early on. A lot of my theories turned out to be right, so it didn't have the major thrills I was hoping for. Totally a me thing and no fault of the authors. I did think it was well written and it's got a lot of good reviews, so I would recommend giving this one a try!