The Next Widow by C.J. Lyons – Books On Tour (Review)

I always love the excitement of a new series. I can’t wait to see how an author handles all of the details, from establishing backstories and relationships to addressing the plot at hand. If this book is any indication, the Jericho and Wright series promises to be quite thrilling, indeed.

The book kicks off strong with a gruesome trauma then careens into an even worse experience for Dr. Leah Wright and doesn’t let up for quite a bit. I liked how the author seemed to have no problem just jumping in and running with the story, as the first part was laced with tension and excitement.

There were just enough clues dropped that the reader was supposed to be kept off-balance. Are they legitimate or are they red herrings? I had my suspicions early on, but that’s only because of my background. Well, and the fact that I read A LOT of crime thriller and mysteries. I’m always looking for the alternative answers.

I’m not telling if I was right or not. Because that might give things away.

I also thought it was interesting that the story sort of switched gears through the middle of the book. It became very “cat and mouse” as backstory was revealed, and possible motives came to the forefront. This worked somewhat, but also dragged in places.

The introduction of new “actors” was interesting though and set the stage for the last third of the book, which is when the author really hit a stride. It become much more “page turning” and interesting.

I’m not sure that all of the reasoning completely worked out. There were some things that didn’t ring true and felt forced. But overall, I liked where the plot ultimately ended up and was intrigued by the set-up for future stories.

I would definitely suggest giving this series a look and getting in at the very beginning. I have a feeling that the history of the two main characters will play a bigger role in books to come.

Author Bio

As a pediatric ER doctor, New York Times and USA Today Bestseller CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge Thrillers with Heart.

CJ has been called a “master within the genre” (Pittsburgh Magazine) and her work has been praised as “breathtakingly fast-paced” and “riveting” (Publishers Weekly) with “characters with beating hearts and three dimensions” (Newsday).

Learn more about CJ’s Thrillers with Heart at www.CJLyons.net