A Hilarious and Clever Satirical Masterpiece!
Freida McFadden has truly outdone herself with "The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie." This brilliantly written satirical novella had me laughing out loud more times than I can count! It’s not just a gripping read—it’s a witty and clever commentary that showcases McFadden’s unique ability to blend humor with suspense.
The storyline is captivating, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. But what sets this book apart is the sharp, satirical edge that McFadden brings to the narrative. Her playful self-references, especially the nod to her book “The Boyfriend,” are pure genius and add an extra layer of fun for fans of her work. It’s rare to find a thriller that can make you laugh so much while keeping you on the edge of your seat, but McFadden manages to do just that with ease.
The characters are quirky and memorable, each one contributing to the novella's charm and humor. McFadden’s ability to poke fun at herself and the genre, all while delivering a tightly plotted story, is nothing short of brilliant. It’s clear she had a blast writing this, and that joy is infectious as you read.
If you’re looking for a book that’s not only suspenseful but also hilariously entertaining, "The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie" is an absolute must-read. Freida McFadden has crafted a satirical gem that’s as smart as it is funny, and I couldn’t stop reading—or laughing. Five stars for this delightful, laugh-out-loud thriller!
The Widow's Husband's Secret Lie: A Satirical Novella
3.6 3.6 out of 5 stars | 27,505 ratings
Price: 2.99
Last update: 11-14-2024
About this item
My husband is dead.
I attended his funeral. I watched his casket be lowered six feet into the ground. (Actually, it may have been only five feet, but that still seems like more than enough.) And then we ate an array of finger sandwiches and deviled eggs and miniature beef wellingtons that cost more than my first car.
My point is, Grant is gone. And so are all his many, many deep, dark secrets which I never really ever bothered to ask him about. He is never coming back.
So why do I still see his face everywhere I go?
The Widow's Husband's Secret Lie is an utterly addictive, unputdownable, nail-biting, absolutely gripping psychological thriller novella with a shocking, breathtaking, heartstopping, spine-chilling twist that you won't see coming, will leave you stunned, and will literally have you picking your jaw up off the floor and bringing it to the nearest hospital for major facial reconstructive surgery.
I attended his funeral. I watched his casket be lowered six feet into the ground. (Actually, it may have been only five feet, but that still seems like more than enough.) And then we ate an array of finger sandwiches and deviled eggs and miniature beef wellingtons that cost more than my first car.
My point is, Grant is gone. And so are all his many, many deep, dark secrets which I never really ever bothered to ask him about. He is never coming back.
So why do I still see his face everywhere I go?
The Widow's Husband's Secret Lie is an utterly addictive, unputdownable, nail-biting, absolutely gripping psychological thriller novella with a shocking, breathtaking, heartstopping, spine-chilling twist that you won't see coming, will leave you stunned, and will literally have you picking your jaw up off the floor and bringing it to the nearest hospital for major facial reconstructive surgery.
Top reviews from the United States
Sugarcane Market Boutique
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Hilarious and Clever Satirical Masterpiece!
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2024Katie
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Spoiler Free Review! A SATIRE thriller novel!
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024
If you go into this book thinking it’s a serious thriller it’s going to ruin it for you! This is satire! It’s meant to be cliché, funny, and just out there compared to most serious thrillers!! I was a little worried going into this that I wasn’t going to enjoy it since I wasn’t a fan of her other novella The Gift but this was an enjoyable read!
I liked all of the references and there are plenty of funny scenes, even though this is cliché I still enjoyed the thriller element that it had. I didn’t mind our main character or her best friend. I would recommend this to those who want a short but funny thriller read that isn’t serious about the mystery in general.
(I adore this dedication!)
I liked all of the references and there are plenty of funny scenes, even though this is cliché I still enjoyed the thriller element that it had. I didn’t mind our main character or her best friend. I would recommend this to those who want a short but funny thriller read that isn’t serious about the mystery in general.
(I adore this dedication!)
Katie
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Spoiler Free Review! A SATIRE thriller novel!
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024
I liked all of the references and there are plenty of funny scenes, even though this is cliché I still enjoyed the thriller element that it had. I didn’t mind our main character or her best friend. I would recommend this to those who want a short but funny thriller read that isn’t serious about the mystery in general.
(I adore this dedication!)
Images in this review
Jessica Page
4.0 out of 5 stars
4 Stars: This one is SATIRE!
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2024
This was a fun and refreshing read. I had been in a bit of a ‘book funk’ with the physical book I was reading, and after at least two weeks of not picking that one up at all I decided to DNF it and pick up The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie hoping that Ms. McFadden could pull me out of my funk… And she did: For that I say ‘Thank You’!
It seems that people who have been critical have not noticed what is on the cover: A Satirical Novella. If you Google ‘satire’, this is what comes up: The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
And this novella does that! I really enjoyed it from the beginning! I laughed and also had my mouth drop at a couple of the twists. I did actually call the major final twist relatively early on, and when it got there I said, “I knew it!” I was proud I figured out a McFadden Final Twist!
McFadden pokes fun at herself and the thriller genre in general, so if you are a fan of hers or thrillers then you should enjoy this. There are ‘easter eggs’ throughout the novella in regards to her other novels, and you may pick up on them or not depending on how many or how often you read her books.
After it’s over there is a seven page ‘short’ titled BAD DATE SOS!!! That gears you up for her newest novel The Boyfriend which I am currently listening to. (I will probably have it finished by the time this review posts.
The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie is a quick and fun read that I definitely recommend for the McFadden fans and Thriller readers.
It seems that people who have been critical have not noticed what is on the cover: A Satirical Novella. If you Google ‘satire’, this is what comes up: The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
And this novella does that! I really enjoyed it from the beginning! I laughed and also had my mouth drop at a couple of the twists. I did actually call the major final twist relatively early on, and when it got there I said, “I knew it!” I was proud I figured out a McFadden Final Twist!
McFadden pokes fun at herself and the thriller genre in general, so if you are a fan of hers or thrillers then you should enjoy this. There are ‘easter eggs’ throughout the novella in regards to her other novels, and you may pick up on them or not depending on how many or how often you read her books.
After it’s over there is a seven page ‘short’ titled BAD DATE SOS!!! That gears you up for her newest novel The Boyfriend which I am currently listening to. (I will probably have it finished by the time this review posts.
The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie is a quick and fun read that I definitely recommend for the McFadden fans and Thriller readers.
Valerie Gonzalez
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Palate Cleanser
Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2024
As the end of the year is nearing, I’m trying to meet my book goal. I didn’t expect much going into this. It was a quick read that made me giggle several times throughout. I love an author that knows how to make fun of their own writing and just have some fun.
Brenda Roach
3.0 out of 5 stars
A short story
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2024
This book started out with a bit of comedy, which made me smile. Now, first of all, who has a room in their house that they have never been in ????, and you hearing noises up there ????. Could never be me. I always told my husband that I have to see in all rooms, I watch and read way too many thrillers ????.It quickly got into the twists and turns of a typical Freida Mcfadden book. Overall, I did enjoy it, even if I did think the twists were predictable.
Ardrenna
5.0 out of 5 stars
No Family or Friends? Suspicious lifestyle
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2024
Never trust a person with no family or friends. Who doesn’t talk to at least one person in their family unless they are the problem?
Alice, the main character certainly wasn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer. I think she wanted to escape her life and live with Grant no matter how much she down played that he was a “player” and didn’t want to fall for him. If you don’t want to fall for someone don’t put yourself in the situation to do so! She had me going in the beginning thinking that they had this perfect marriage.. and she killed him!
Also, really nice Frieda, telling me that Steve was the killer. Had me looking around and waiting for this character to surface! LOL
Grant had so many secrets that came to light once he “died” but throughout the entire book I felt she should have asked more questions. Like his first wife died at sea.. and you didn’t think that was ‘fishy’? Even the attic circumstances made me feel he was a little odd.
And Marnie having 8 kids… girl either learn your cycle and avoid doing the Hokey Pokey during ovulation period or use some contraception. Clearly she couldn’t afford them kids.
Overall, the book was phenomenally written. There are constant twists and turns that I didn’t see coming… I certainly anticipated something but she gave me more than i expected, yet everything I needed.
5 out of 5???? ???? ???? ???? ????
-Noir
Alice, the main character certainly wasn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer. I think she wanted to escape her life and live with Grant no matter how much she down played that he was a “player” and didn’t want to fall for him. If you don’t want to fall for someone don’t put yourself in the situation to do so! She had me going in the beginning thinking that they had this perfect marriage.. and she killed him!
Also, really nice Frieda, telling me that Steve was the killer. Had me looking around and waiting for this character to surface! LOL
Grant had so many secrets that came to light once he “died” but throughout the entire book I felt she should have asked more questions. Like his first wife died at sea.. and you didn’t think that was ‘fishy’? Even the attic circumstances made me feel he was a little odd.
And Marnie having 8 kids… girl either learn your cycle and avoid doing the Hokey Pokey during ovulation period or use some contraception. Clearly she couldn’t afford them kids.
Overall, the book was phenomenally written. There are constant twists and turns that I didn’t see coming… I certainly anticipated something but she gave me more than i expected, yet everything I needed.
5 out of 5???? ???? ???? ???? ????
-Noir