Book review: The Widow

HOTLY tipped as 2016’s The Girl On The Train, The Widow certainly comes with great expectations as this year’s unputdownable psychological thriller.

Fiona Barton’s crime debut is an emotional rollercoaster from the get-go. The titular character is Jean Taylor and the novel maps her journey as the loving and devoted wife of accused murderer, Glen.

Each chapter is told from a different perspective of those involved in the case, including the sceptical detective, the savvy reporter, and the worn-down widow. Barton expertly jumps back and forth between time frames from the original date that ‘Baby Bella’ vanished from her front garden, to the present day where Jean Taylor is dealing with the repercussions of her husband’s sudden death.

As an ex-journalist, Barton writes with conviction, clarity, and a shrewd understanding of the ruthlessness of the UK media. A fast-paced, relevant and gripping read, The Widow isn’t one to be missed.

The Widow

Fiona Barton

Bantam Press, £12.99; ebook, £5.99