The Self-Made Widow

By: Fabian Nicieza

Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

From the cocreator of Deadpool and author of Suburban Dicks comes a diabolically funny murder mystery that features two unlikely sleuths investigating a murder that reveals the dark underbelly of suburban marriage.

After mother of five and former FBI profiler Andie Stern solved a murder—and unraveled a decades-old conspiracy—in her New Jersey town, both her husband and the West Windsor police hoped that she would set aside crime-fighting and go back to carpools, changing diapers, and lunches with her group of mom-friends, who she secretly calls The Cellulitists. Even so, Andie can’t help but get involved when the husband of Queen Bee Molly Goode is found dead. Though all signs point to natural causes, Andie begins to dig into the case and soon risks more than just the clique’s wrath, because what she discovers might hit shockingly close to home.

Meanwhile, journalist Kenny Lee is enjoying a rehabilitated image after his success as Andie’s sidekick. But when an anonymous phone call tips him off that Molly Goode killed her husband, he’s soon drawn back into the thicket of suburban scandals, uncovering secrets, affairs, and a huge sum of money. Hellbent on justice and hoping not to kill each other in the process, Andie and Kenny dust off their suburban sleuthing caps once again.

Critic reviews

“Nicieza has made a successful leap to crime fiction (Suburban Dicks, 2021). His latest is a satirical suburban mystery that offers a brilliant blend of searing social commentary, acerbic wit, and heart wrenching tragedy…. This is an outstanding domestic thriller that effectively combines suburban comedy with a surprise-filled plot."
—Booklist (starred review)

Hysterical and tightly written

I so appreciate the timing of your humor. My sarcastic side salutes you! But a book written with so many pieces that ALL come back to be tied up is so satisfying!!! Thank you!

Better and better…

Enjoyed this novel immensely. Hoping one day Fabian writes a spin-off of Ruth’s Truths… because I want to see her grow up.

Strong addition to series

Andrea Stearn is becoming a more interesting person as are the cast of characters around her. Deeply flawed, yet likable, Andrea continues to solve mysteries & be a so/so mother/human. Hopefully she will continue to grow as a person as the series continues. Funny & well-paced; worth reading.

Fabulous Mystery and Satire in One

A great sequel to Suburban Dicks. Aside from the hilarious, laugh out loud satire on the suburban American Dream and it's current manifestations, the book is a great sleuth story of the unlikely hero finding her place in the world, through her family and her true vocation. For anyone that grew up in the New Jersey suburbs of New York and spent time in the Princeton area, this book is a treat.

Even better than the first!

I could totally relate to Martin’s tirade leading up to the conclusion. Maybe I’ve been living in the suburbs too long.