THE WIDOW

Author: Carla Neggers ISBN: 077832303X 10/2006 SUSPENSE Publisher: MIRA

Four days after Abigail Brown's wedding, her life changed in a way she never expected: her husband was shot, meeting his death along the rocky Mount Desert Island coast. Was it a random act of violence, or could someone have wanted Christopher dead? That's the question that has haunted Abigail, now a homicide detective, for the past seven years. As determined as ever to find her husband's killer, she returns to the foggy Maine island—and the home she has inherited there—after receiving an anonymous tip. Is it just another false lead by someone looking for attention? Or can she finally prove that his death was tied to something that happened that night ...and that he was murdered? As the search-and-rescue worker who located Chris too late to save him, Owen Garrison still carries guilt from the fateful night. Constantly on the go as an expert in his field, he's back in Maine for the summer. Right from the start, Abigail's presence ruffles feathers among the islanders. Owen sees she's not the same woman she was seven years ago. As he helps her unravel the mystery, they learn that the layers of deceit and lies are even thicker than they could have imagined. They're convinced that Chris was killed because he got too close to the truth and that the danger he faced isn't in the past—it's here and now. And it's up to Abigail and Owen to keep pushing for the truth... to stop a killer from striking again....

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE WIDOW, by Carla Neggers, is an emotionally charged, romantic thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is the first book that I have read by Neggers, but it definitely won't be my last. From the beginning to the end, THE WIDOW was a fantastic read! The plot, the characters and their relationships were completely developed.

Neggers introduces the readers to Detective Abigail Browning. Now a homicide detective, Abigail has returned to Maine, and to the place where her husband was murdered on their honeymoon seven years ago. She is determined to find the person who murdered her husband and attacked her. Helping her is going to be Owen Garrison.

Owen Garrison is a highly trained search and rescue specialist. On a break, he returns to Maine at the same time as Abigail. Together, they are going to track down Abigail's husband's killer. During their investigation, they are going to find that there is a growing attraction between them that is hard to deny.

I really liked Abigail. She's strong, determined, smart, and caring. Owen is just as likable and turns out to be a real hero! They work perfectly together in both the field and in bed!

THE WIDOW is an impeccably written romantic suspense. The story is riveting and the climatic ending will leave you breathless! I highly recommend reading Carla Neggers, THE WIDOW. It's a fantastic read and one that already has a space on my bookshelf.

Julie Kornhausl