In “Young Rich Widows,” co-authors Kimberly Belle, Layne Fargo, Cate Holahan, and Vanessa Lillie deliver a wickedly entertaining thriller that combines the glitzy excesses of the 1980s with a gritty tale of survival, revenge, and unexpected sisterhood. Set against the backdrop of Providence, Rhode Island’s mob scene, this novel introduces us to four very different women whose lives are forever changed when their husbands—partners in a prestigious law firm—die in a mysterious plane crash. What begins as a story of grief quickly transforms into a high-stakes adventure as these reluctant allies navigate a dangerous landscape of mob debts, corrupt businessmen, and deadly secrets.
What makes this collaboration particularly impressive is how seamlessly the four distinct voices blend together while maintaining individual character perspectives. Each widow is written by a different author, creating authentic, multi-dimensional women who leap off the page with their unique strengths, flaws, and motivations.
Meet the Widows: Four Unlikely Heroines
The heart of this story lies in its quartet of compelling protagonists:
Justine Kelly: A former fashion model who sacrificed her career to become a devoted mother to her young son, JJ. Beneath her quiet demeanor lies both vulnerability and unexpected strength. When pushed to her limits, Justine proves she’s capable of shocking acts of bravery.
Camille Tavani: The beautiful, flashy second wife who appears superficial at first glance but harbors surprising depths. Her sharp wit and natural talent for manipulation become valuable assets as the widows face mounting threats.
Krystle Romero: The matriarch of the group, whose decades of marriage to the firm’s co-founder have taught her to navigate the murky waters between Providence’s criminal underworld and its legitimate business scene.
Meredith Everett: A professional stripper involved in a secret relationship with the firm’s only female partner, Robin Calder. Meredith’s street smarts and fierce independence make her a formidable force.
These women begin as strangers united only by tragedy, but as events unfold, they forge an unlikely bond that transforms them from victims to formidable adversaries against those who would threaten them.
80s Nostalgia With Modern Sensibilities
The novel’s 1985 setting provides a rich backdrop that enhances rather than overwhelms the narrative. The authors skillfully incorporate cultural touchstones—George Michael songs, aerobics classes, and enormous shoulder pads—while avoiding the trap of becoming a mere nostalgia piece. Instead, they use the setting to explore themes that remain painfully relevant: environmental corruption, the struggles of professional women, and the challenges of finding justice in a system designed to protect the powerful.
The authors don’t romanticize the era, unflinchingly portraying the casual sexism and homophobia of the time while giving their protagonists modern sensibilities that allow readers to connect with them. This tension creates characters who feel simultaneously authentic to their time period and relatable to contemporary readers.
Strengths That Make This Thriller Shine
The greatest achievement of “Young Rich Widows” is how it balances multiple elements without losing its narrative momentum:
Character Development: Each widow undergoes significant growth, transforming from shocked survivors to empowered women who refuse to be victims. Their evolution feels earned rather than forced.
Atmospheric Setting: Providence comes alive as a character in its own right—a city where mob connections, political corruption, and old money create a volatile environment.
Pacing: The story moves at a brisk clip, with revelations and dangers emerging at perfectly timed intervals to maintain tension.
Dialogue: The banter between characters crackles with authenticity, revealing both conflict and developing bonds between the widows.
Thematic Depth: Beneath the thriller elements lies thoughtful exploration of female friendship, resilience, and redemption.
The novel also succeeds in its portrayal of villains, creating antagonists who are menacing without becoming cartoonish. Particularly effective is “The Tiger,” a contract killer whose methodical violence makes him genuinely terrifying.
A Few Minor Shortcomings
Despite its many strengths, “Young Rich Widows” isn’t without flaws:
Some plot developments rely heavily on coincidence, occasionally stretching credibility.
A few secondary characters remain underdeveloped, serving mainly as plot devices.
The environmental scandal that drives much of the plot sometimes feels oversimplified in its resolution.
Certain romantic elements are introduced but not fully explored, leaving readers wanting more emotional closure.
These issues, however, don’t significantly detract from the novel’s considerable entertainment value and emotional impact.
Setting the Stage for “Desperate Deadly Widows”
The conclusion of “Young Rich Widows” satisfyingly resolves its primary conflicts while planting seeds for the sequel, “Desperate Deadly Widows.” The epilogue offers tantalizing glimpses of the women’s evolving partnership and hints at new challenges on the horizon, making readers eager to follow them into their next adventure.
The sequel promises to delve deeper into the widows’ newly established detective agency and the complexities of running the law firm they’ve inherited, while introducing fresh dangers tied to their husbands’ former clients and enemies. The brief excerpt included at the end of the novel suggests the authors will maintain the blend of thrills, humor, and character development that made the first book so engaging.
Final Verdict: A Refreshing Take on the Thriller Genre
“Young Rich Widows” succeeds brilliantly in breathing fresh life into familiar thriller tropes. By centering women who refuse to be defined by their relationships to men, the authors have created a story that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. The novel excels at balancing action-packed sequences with quieter moments of character development, resulting in a reading experience that satisfies on multiple levels.
What ultimately makes this book stand out is its commitment to portraying female friendship in all its complexity—the jealousies and misunderstandings that initially divide the widows, as well as the growing trust and loyalty that ultimately unite them against common enemies. Their evolution from reluctant allies to chosen family provides an emotional core that elevates this thriller above many of its contemporaries.
Pros:
Compelling, multi-dimensional female protagonists
Excellent pacing and escalating tension
Vivid 1980s setting that enhances rather than dominates the story
Satisfying blend of action, emotion, and humor
Strong thematic exploration of female friendship and resilience
Cons:
Occasional reliance on coincidence to advance the plot
Some underdeveloped secondary characters
Environmental storyline sometimes oversimplified
For Fans Of…
If you enjoyed “Young Rich Widows,” consider these similar titles:
“Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty
“The First Wives Club” by Olivia Goldsmith
“The Hunting Wives” by May Cobb
“The Wife Between Us” by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Readers should also explore the authors’ individual works:
Kimberly Belle’s “The Personal Assistant” and “The Marriage Lie”
Layne Fargo’s “They Never Learn” and “Temper”
Cate Holahan’s “The Widower’s Wife” and “Lies She Told”
Vanessa Lillie’s “Little Voices” and “For the Best”
In Conclusion: A Deliciously Entertaining Thriller
“Young Rich Widows” is a perfectly crafted escapist thriller that offers more than just suspense. It delivers a satisfying story of women finding their power and redefining their lives on their own terms. The novel’s blend of 80s nostalgia, mob intrigue, and female empowerment creates an irresistible reading experience that will leave you eagerly anticipating the sequel.
Whether you’re drawn to character-driven narratives or action-packed thrills, this collaborative novel offers plenty to enjoy. The widows may have lost their husbands, but in finding each other, they’ve gained something far more valuable—and readers are lucky enough to witness their transformation from victims to victors. This is a story about women who refuse to be defined by their losses, instead using adversity as a catalyst to discover their own strength and forge new paths forward together.