The Wolfe Widow

Book Collector Mystery, Book 3

By: Victoria Abbott

Narrated by: Carla Mercer-Meyer

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Vera Van Alst, the infamous curmudgeon of Harrison Falls, New York, doesn't normally receive visitors without appointment, but she agrees to see the imperious Muriel Delgado upon arrival. Shortly thereafter, Jordan is told that her position is being terminated. Evicted from the Van Alst House, Jordan is determined to find out what hold Muriel has over her erstwhile employer.It seems Muriel has designs on Vera's money and property-not to mention a particular interest in her collection of Nero Wolfe first editions. When Jordan discovers a deadly connection between Muriel and the Van Alst family, it's up to her to put the house in order and stop a killer from going back to press.

©2014 Penguin Group (USA) LLC (P)2014 Tantor

NIce little series

What did you love best about The Wolfe Widow?

I really like this series. It's cozy fiction aimed at the "booksy" female audience, but I think these authors handle it well. It's fresh enough not to be stuffy and safe enough that it will appeal to many. If you are a fan of the Royal Spyness series, try these authors. I would prefer they drop the constant name-dropping of vintage clothing and furniture and stuff because I find it distracting, but it probably appeals to some people.
Overall, these are entertaining stories which will not bore you and they wrap up their endings well.

What other book might you compare The Wolfe Widow to and why?

The Royal Spyness series.

Have you listened to any of Carla Mercer-Meyer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

This would probably adapt better for the stage, like an Agatha Christie play.

Slow start, gets going leaves you wanting.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Started the book with more of a real start. Found the book a real sleeper, from page one. The author finally wakes up, but should have had a coffee because this book, wasn't worth the money from the point that it was dead slow. A funeral march would have had more pizzazz and life.

Really fun series

A young woman, raised by a group of non-law-abiding uncles, trying to go straight, lands a job as the library assistant in the home of Vera Von Alst--the most hated woman in town. Vera is as prickly as a porcupine, wheelchair bound, and perennially brusque with everyone. Despite that, the few people who work for her do care about her. So when Muriel Delgado mysteriously arrives and upsets the entire arrangement of the household, great suspicion arises. As usual, Jordan Bingham has to take matters into her own hands (with some help from the adoring uncles) to unravel the crimes that have taken place and threaten her (now ex) employer.

This is a really fun series so far. Each book has used a well known author as background, and this time it is Rex Stout, as Jordan channels Archie Goodwin in her mind, for guidance in moving forward to solve the mystery. I suppose this would work as a stand alone, but I think it would be better read in order. Recommend!

The Ending Was a Let Down

This entire book has 1 plot that begins from the very first sentence, and it's about a mystery guest who shows up at Vera's house and kicks Jordan out. After that this mystery guest takes apart Vera's life, selling off her books, her cats, and everything she loves. It's a pretty jaw dropping story that unfolds over the course of the next 10 hours, getting more dramatic with each chapter. So you can imagine my dismay when the end comes and you find out WHY all of this happened and the reason is PATHETIC. It honestly seems like the author got to the end of this great tale and ran out of ideas, so she just picked one out of thin air. It makes absolutely no logical sense. I won't spoil it, but just know that for me it ruined the whole book. It's a bit of an insult to the reader to make it end with something that is completely unrealistic. Vera's reason for why the mystery guest was there and why she had so much power was one that held no weight. Don't waste a credit on this installment!
The only positive take away was the narration, which was spot on as always!

Lighthearted

Light and entertaining on my long distance trip. Totally enjoyed it. I wonder if she has other audio books?

shut yourself in a closet and lock the door!

This book was intriguing, and the characters were both memorable, and likeable. The twist to the actual killer was unexpected. Plan on reading or listening to this book, when you can lock yourself away, as you will not want to put it down. I give it a 12 on a scale from 1 to 10! Also I loved the way this book was read to the listener. It gave you just enough time to think about what was being said, and the inclination in the voice, to help you understand each character's dilemma.

Hated this book

Where to start, 15 words can't describe how terrible this book is. BAD all over