The Badass Widows
A Mystery
by Valerie Saul
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Pub Date Mar 06 2026 | Archive Date Mar 20 2026
Sibylline Press | Sibylline Digital First
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Description
SECRET CRIME-FIGHTING WIDOWS TAKE ON THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
How do widows get through their grief ? They become bad asses and form a secret band of crime fighters of course. Former FBI agent Beth Winstead has recently lost her husband after a long isolating decline. Determined to build a new life, she joins a rowing club on San Francisco Bay. When Beth rescues widowed rape victim Elena from a derelict sailboat, her sense of purpose is rekindled. They are soon joined by widows Anneke and Zoe and, almost as a joke, they form a secret group of do-gooder crime fighters. They begin small but before long, they’re committing bold acts of secret justice and are hooked on the “rush” it provides. Meanwhile, someone is stalking Beth and Elena. And not every mission is successful. A betrayal from within puts all of their lives in danger. In the end, the widows must decide whether they have found their new calling or made a foolish and dangerous mistake.
Advance Praise
“The Badass Widows is both riveting and utterly charming—a perfect blend of Killers of a Certain Age and The Thursday Murder Club. The Bay Area setting shines, especially the scenes on the water, which are so vivid you can almost taste the salt air. Packed with intrigue, a twisty plot, and a cast of unforgettable characters, The Badass Widows celebrates friendship, resilience, and the fierce humor that comes from women who’ve lived a little—and aren’t done yet. I loved every page of their secret crusade to make the world a better place.”
—Lynn Rankin-Esquer author of Murder, Mess and the Tangerine Dress
“Saul’s debut, The Badass Widows, is a propulsive romp delivered with warmth and humor.”
—Suzy Vitello, author of Bitterroot and Griftopia
“Saul’s wry wit and keen eye for the absurdities of aging make for a fun read in this adventure-mystery. But don’t be deceived. With her cast of feisty, complex characters, Saul shows us that age is no barrier to courage and resilience. Perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club.”
—Lisa Manterfield, author of All Our Lies Are True”
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9798897409617 |
| PRICE | $5.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 268 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 5 members
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1977132
A klatch of older women, each of whom turns out to be frustrated and angry in her own way, pursues vigilante justice in their community with reckless naiveté. Everything does NOT go to plan, mistakes are made, but we can't help rooting for them. The Badass Widows is fun and light-hearted, but it touched a place in my heart that feels powerless in the face of the world's injustice. It reminded me gently that, however seemingly small or old or unimportant I may feel, I have the power to make the world better.
This was so fun!
I really enjoyed reading this and I didn't expect that at all, it seemed like a really fun idea in theory but I wasn't sure how it was gonna turn out...However it was fantastic!
The characters are well-rounded and their stories are their own and it's not just old grandma's missing things up. Each character had their own hang ups, thought processes and ideas; it wasn't just everyone following the "main character" and I loved that.
I wouldn't call it cozy because of the themes that it discusses and some of the storylines but it kind of was like a warm hug from your grandma.. your badass grandma! You can tell alot of thought, love and heart went into writing this book and I genuinely hope a lot more people read it.
I'd never heard of Sibylline Press before but I was thrilled to find out that there is a woman run publishing company that represent women authors over 50. It only made me love this book more.
If you are looking for a gripping read with heartfelt characters and a bunch action then this is the book for you! I hope we here more from The Widows 🫶
Thank you too NetGalley for the pleasure of reading this ARC.
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