Author, Susan Moore

WHAT IT’S ABOUT

When tech mogul Brad Jones is found drowned off the Marin coast, his death is quickly ruled a suicide. But his wife, Dr. Anna Jones, a renowned cyber-psychologist, isn’t convinced. Driven by grief and suspicion, Anna begins to dig into Brad’s past, uncovering secrets that lead her deep into the world of Silicon Valley’s elite.

As Anna delves deeper, she crosses paths with Scott and Kristy Lyle, influential figures with connections reaching the highest echelons of tech power. The deeper Anna goes, the more she realizes Brad’s death is tied to a dark, long-buried secret—one that powerful people would kill to protect. Caught between the dangerous truth and powerful enemies, will Anna risk everything to expose the sinister forces at play?

The Widow’s Web is a gripping psychological thriller that explores ambition, betrayal, and the terrifying reality that our worst enemies may be those we trust the most. A must-read for fans of Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins, this novel will keep you guessing until the very last page.

  • Publisher: Bloodhound Books
  • Published: January 3, 2025
  • Paperback: 290 pages

The Widow’s Web is an enthralling thriller set in the heart of Silicon Valley, where the world of technology meets a gripping mystery. The story follows Dr. Anna Jones, who is reeling from the shocking death of her husband, Brad, a prominent figure in the tech industry. Officially labeled a suicide, Anna can’t shake the feeling that something sinister is at play.

A Gripping Mystery

As she sets out to find the truth, Anna encounters a tangled web of secrets and deception. The plot unfolds gradually, drawing readers into the competitive and often ruthless world of tech start-ups. Driven by her love for Brad and a fierce desire for justice, Anna navigates a landscape filled with betrayal and ambition.

Characters and Relationships

The characters are well-defined, particularly Anna, whose journey through grief is both relatable and compelling. Her evolving relationship with Scott Lyle, a key player in Brad’s life and investments, adds emotional depth and tension. Their connection blurs the lines between friend and foe, which causes me to continually guess where the plot is heading.

Themes and Highlights

The novel takes on the darker aspects of wealth and the tech industry, exploring how the quest for power and success can reveal the ugly sides of human nature. Themes of ambition, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to protect their interests are woven throughout the narrative.

Pacing and Setting

While the Silicon Valley setting and tech industry jargon add authenticity to the story, they may not appeal to all readers. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the suspense to build gradually. However, for me, the slow burn may feel too stagnant, with moments where the plot seems to stall.

My Final Thoughts

The Widow’s Web is a thought-provoking mystery that challenges our understanding of truth and loyalty in a world obsessed with success. Its exploration of human nature and the complexities of the tech industry makes it a captivating read for those who enjoy intricate plots and emotional depth.

However, the downfall for me was the pacing. The beginning and end of the book caught my interest and moved quickly. And though it was necessary for character development, the middle of the book was definitely a slow-burn.

Thank you to #susanmoorewriter, #bloodhound.books, and #booksparks (#wrc2025) for my gifted copy.

3 Stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan Moore is an author and screenwriter whose creative journey has been fueled by the world of technology. Her work captures the essence of what it means to be human in a complex and ever-changing world. She has over three decades of experience working in the film, tech and media, most notably at Skywalker for Lucasfilm Ltd.

She has been successfully published worldwide for the ‘Nat Walker Trilogy’ and ‘Power Families’ series, and has an MA with distinction in Creative Writing from Kingston University, London. Her thriller, ‘The Widow’s Web’, was published by Bloodhound Books on January 16th 2025.

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