"A fast and absorbing read"

Someone murders renowned philandering portrait artist Aristide Pompasse in his Florence apartment. The body is discovered by tabloid reporter Connor Maguire who planned to write a tell-all book about the infamous artist. Upon learning about his death, Aristide's wife Charlie returns from New York City, where she had started a fresh life without her domineering spouse five years ago, to her husband's Tuscan, France villa. Now she just wants to bury her memories of him by shutting down the estate quickly and re-crossing the Atlantic.

However, before she can attain some peace, Charlie must contend with her husband's slew of mistresses all claiming a piece of the estate. Worse is Maguire who obviously wants something from the widow. As they yell at one another while together looking for Aristide's missing paintings, the danger and the passion mount.

The story line of THE WIDOW emphasizes the romance much more so than the suspense until very late in the tale. The war of words between the lead protagonists is fun to watch as they are an engaging duo who seem both right and wrong for one another. However, anyone expecting a terse suspense-laden tale will be disappointed in Anne Stuart's latest novel. Those readers who relish a powerful love story with torrid passion and a dab of action will fully enjoy THE WIDOW.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 6, 2001