Michele W. Miller

A 'new drug' is flooding New York City, to which even long recovered ex-addicts succumb in masses. Soon, brutal and seemingly unmotivated shootings and other acts of violence occur with rapidly increasing frequency, and a group of survivors must ask themselves whether there might be something even more evil and mighty at the core of all this than a new drug: The Lower Power.

A dark and gritty tale set in a nightmarish apocalyptic New York City, in parts reminiscent of Stephen King's 'The Stand'. The sense of utter despair, and the vortex of fear and violence Michelle W. Miller creates is almost palpable, that oily grubby film of cold hopelessness you can't get off, no matter how hard you try, blanketing everything. While some of the later turns were a bit too convenient for the story's solution (and the ending as such a bit too quick for me), Michele W. Miller does a great job at creating vivid images and a story that pulls you right into its grip. She writes what she knows and she shows that world stunningly. If I hadn't been in a particularly bad headspace during my reading of this, I'd surely have rated the story even higher.

Thank you, NetGalley and HOW Club Press, for the chance to read a copy in exchange for an honest review!… (more)

It is hard to find a good suspense that captures your imagination, but Widows in Law grabs hold the instant you start reading, to the point that I could not read this book fast enough. The story line is engaging and relatable, and the plot has so many twists and turns that there was never a good stopping point, so I had it read within hours of finishing, staying up way past my bedtime, just so I could see how the story played out.

The characters interaction with one another is unique, which is refreshing, and you truly connect with the characters and the unusual situation they find themselves in. There is strong language in this book that I personally could've done without, but given the setting and circumstances it did make it feel authentic.

A rollercoaster of suspense and emotion that has your heart pounding until the end, Widows in Law was a rush that I thoroughly enjoyed!… (more)