Desperate Deadly Widows marks the triumphant return of our favorite quartet of unlikely allies in this sequel to the bestselling Young Rich Widows. Set in the vibrant landscape of 1987 Providence, Rhode Island, this collaboration between authors Kimberly Belle, Layne Fargo, Cate Holahan, and Vanessa Lillie delivers a champagne cocktail of intrigue, murder, and sisterhood that fizzes with ’80s excess while packing a serious emotional punch.
Two years after their husbands’ fiery demise in a plane explosion over the Atlantic, our widows have reinvented themselves through necessity and grit. No longer the pampered wives of successful (if morally questionable) attorneys, they’re now navigating a world where financial independence comes at a steep price. What makes this sequel so compelling is seeing how each woman has evolved while remaining faithful to her core character—their edges sharper, their bonds tested, and their loyalty to one another the only constant in their tumultuous lives.
Four Widows, Four Distinct Voices
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is how each widow feels like a fully-realized character with her own motivations, flaws, and growth arc. The authors—each writing from the perspective of a single widow—create a seamless tapestry where different writing styles complement rather than compete with one another.
- Camille (written by Kimberly Belle) has transformed her Southern charm and manipulative skills into a lucrative honey-pot business, catching philandering husbands for wealthy wives seeking leverage in divorce proceedings. Her character journey from self-serving schemer to fiercely loyal friend continues beautifully in this installment, culminating in her unexpected romance with Aiden, a man entirely different from her usual type.
- Meredith (Layne Fargo) has come full circle from stripper to club owner, fighting to maintain the Luna Lounge as a safe, professional workspace for her dancers while battling the entrenched sexism of 1980s Providence. Her no-nonsense pragmatism cuts through the chaos as she finds herself framed for murder after Mayor Tom dies in her club’s champagne room.
- Krystle (Vanessa Lillie) remains the heart of the operation, desperately trying to keep the remains of her late husband’s law firm afloat while managing her wayward son Rom. Her journey from hair-trigger anger to measured leadership showcases some of the novel’s most authentic character development.
- Justine (Cate Holahan) continues her transformation from sheltered housewife to ambitious law student, though her desire for security and status nearly leads her down a dangerous path with Harrison Davenforth. Her struggle to balance motherhood, career ambitions, and loyalty to her makeshift family resonates deeply.
’80s Atmosphere That Pops Off the Page
The authors nail the 1987 setting with details that transport readers without becoming distracting. From the “power suits with shoulder pads the size of dinner plates” to cassette players and references to “Material Girl,” the novel weaves in period details that enhance rather than overwhelm the narrative. The economic realities of the late ’80s feature prominently—the widening wealth gap, gentrification, and the commodification of urban spaces all factor into the plot.
What’s particularly effective is how the book captures the paradox of the decade: the glamorous excess popularized by shows like “Dynasty” contrasted with the hard economic realities faced by most Americans. Our widows straddle this divide, reaching for wealth and security while grounded in the practical challenges of making it in a man’s world.
A Twisty Plot That Keeps the Pages Turning
When Mayor Tom Bradley drops dead in the champagne room during one of Camille’s sting operations, the novel kicks into high gear. What follows is a perfectly executed thriller where alliances shift, motives multiply, and danger lurks at every turn. The plot moves between:
- Camille becoming a murder suspect and scrambling to clear her name
- Meredith facing arrest and imprisonment for a crime she didn’t commit
- Krystle attempting to salvage their law firm as clients flee
- Justine falling under the spell of Harrison Davenforth and his powerful mother Nancy
The result is a delicious slow-burn mystery where pieces click satisfyingly into place as the widows uncover a conspiracy reaching to the highest levels of Providence society.
Strengths That Shine
The greatest triumph of Desperate Deadly Widows is how it balances outrageous ’80s camp with genuine emotional depth. Moments of hilarity (like Krystle accidentally performing a surprise striptease to distract club patrons) sit alongside poignant character revelations. The novel never sacrifices its characters’ humanity on the altar of plot, maintaining a perfect balance between the two.
The book also excels at exploring the theme of chosen family. These women have little in common beyond their shared trauma, yet they’ve formed bonds stronger than blood. Their loyalty to one another—even when tested by suspicion and misunderstanding—forms the novel’s emotional core.
Another standout element is the book’s exploration of class and privilege in 1980s America. The stark contrast between the Davenforths’ Newport estate and the struggling neighborhoods of Providence illustrates the economic realities of Reagan’s America without becoming heavy-handed.
A Few Minor Stumbles
While Desperate Deadly Widows is a thrilling ride, it occasionally suffers from pacing issues. The middle section, where the widows investigate separately, sometimes drags before reuniting them for the explosive finale. Some readers might find the number of supporting characters overwhelming, particularly in the early chapters where it becomes challenging to keep track of everyone’s connections.
A few plot points strain credulity, even for a story embracing heightened ’80s tropes. The widows’ ability to escape dangerous situations sometimes relies more on convenient timing than plausible action. Additionally, while most antagonists receive nuanced treatment, a few drift into cartoonish territory, particularly Dr. Hendricks with his pill-pushing ways.
The Davenforth Dynasty: Compelling Antagonists
What elevates this thriller above genre conventions is its complex antagonists. The Davenforth family—particularly matriarch Nancy—represent old-money WASP power with all its attendant prejudice and entitlement. Nancy’s “Paris of the Northeast” redevelopment plan symbolizes the callous gentrification that would reshape American cities throughout the ’80s and ’90s, displacing communities for profit.
The authors deftly contrast this establishment influence with Aiden’s connection to his Narragansett heritage, introducing nuanced discussions of land rights and cultural preservation rarely seen in commercial thrillers. Tara Jordan, the mayor’s second wife and finance shark, represents new money challenging old institutions, creating a fascinating power triangle that drives much of the plot.
Final Verdict: An Addictive, Satisfying Sequel
Desperate Deadly Widows delivers everything fans of the first book could want while expanding the series’ scope and emotional depth. The cocktail of ’80s extravagance, genuine character development, and twisty thriller plotting creates a reading experience as addictive as it is satisfying. While it functions perfectly as a standalone novel, readers familiar with Young Rich Widows will appreciate the continued character arcs and references to the original story.
For fans of female-driven thrillers like Big Little Lies or period pieces like Daisy Jones & The Six, this novel offers a perfect blend of suspense, historical detail, and complex female relationships. The ending leaves just enough loose threads to hint at possible future adventures while providing satisfying closure to the current story.
The successful collaboration between four distinct authors creates a novel greater than the sum of its parts—much like the unlikely sisterhood at the center of the narrative. Just as our widows discover they’re stronger together than apart, these four writers have combined their considerable talents to create a thriller that’s both wildly entertaining and emotionally resonant.
In Comparison with Young Rich Widows
Where Young Rich Widows focused on the immediate aftermath of the husbands’ deaths and the widows’ discovery of the firm’s mob connections, Desperate Deadly Widows moves beyond survival mode to show these women actively reshaping their lives. The first book established their uneasy alliance; this sequel deepens their connections while testing their loyalty in increasingly high-stakes situations.
The narrative feels more confident this time around, with tighter plotting and more nuanced character work. The authors have clearly hit their collaborative stride, creating seamless transitions between perspectives while maintaining each widow’s distinct voice.
Desperate Deadly Widows earns a strong four stars for its compelling characters, twisty plot, and pitch-perfect period setting. While occasional pacing issues and some over-the-top elements prevent it from reaching perfection, the novel delivers exactly what it promises: a thrilling, emotionally satisfying adventure with four complex women at its center. If you’re looking for your next binge-worthy thriller with heart, humor, and hair-raising stakes, look no further than this deliciously desperate sequel.
