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Sloane & Maddie, Peril Awaits #4
The Widow Maker
Liza O’Connell was a horror buff in every sense of the word. But there was one deadly nightmare she would never be able to talk about � her own.
A friend murdered.
A business in trouble.
A marriage struggling to survive.
And that’s just the beginning.
When salon owner Carrie King discovers Liza dead in the back room of her shop, everyone becomes a suspect, even her. As tensions in the community rise, so does the death toll, and now the local cops believe there’s a serial killer on the loose.
The question is � are the two investigations connected?
The Widow Maker is the fourth book in the Sloane and Maddie: Peril Awaits series, written by New York Times bestselling author Cheryl Bradshaw and longtime editor Janet Fix.
Packed with tension, secrets, and a surprising twist, this book will hook you from the first page and hold you until the last.
A friend murdered.
A business in trouble.
A marriage struggling to survive.
And that’s just the beginning.
When salon owner Carrie King discovers Liza dead in the back room of her shop, everyone becomes a suspect, even her. As tensions in the community rise, so does the death toll, and now the local cops believe there’s a serial killer on the loose.
The question is � are the two investigations connected?
The Widow Maker is the fourth book in the Sloane and Maddie: Peril Awaits series, written by New York Times bestselling author Cheryl Bradshaw and longtime editor Janet Fix.
Packed with tension, secrets, and a surprising twist, this book will hook you from the first page and hold you until the last.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2022
524 people are currently reading
1393 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Bradshaw
115books1,602followersCheryl Bradshaw is a New York Times and 11-time USA Today bestselling author writing in multiple genres, including mystery, thriller, romantic suspense, supernatural suspense, and poetry. She is a Shamus Award finalist for best private eye novel of the year, an eFestival of Words winner for best thriller, and has published over fifty books since 2011.
Raised in Southern California, she now lives in North Texas. When she's not writing, she loves jet-setting to new countries, exploring the outdoors, and playing with her grandbabies.
For a free eBook, click here:
Book series in order by Cheryl Bradshaw:
Georgiana Germaine (Mystery Series)
1. Little Girl Lost - USA Today Bestseller
2. Little Lost Secrets
3. Little Broken Things
4. Little White Lies
5. Little Tangled Webs
6. Little Shattered Dreams
7. Little Last Words
8. Little Buried Secrets
9. Little Stolen Memories
10. Little Empty Promises
11. Little Hidden Fears
Sloane Monroe Mystery/Thriller Series
0. Silent As the Grave (prequel to series)
1. Black Diamond Death
2. Murder in Mind
3. I Have a Secret
4. Stranger in Town - Shamus Award Finalist
5. Bed of Bones - USA Today Bestseller
6. Hush Now Baby - USA Today Bestseller
7. Gone Daddy Gone - USA Today Bestseller
8. Smoke and Mirrors - USA Today Bestseller
Sloane Monroe Stories - Mystery Novella Series
(with characters from the main series)
1. Deadly Sins: Sloth
2. Deadly Sins: Wrath
3. Deadly Sins: Lust
4. Deadly Sins: Greed
5. Deadly Sins: Envy
6. Deadly Sins: Pride
Sloane & Maddie Peril Awaits - Mystery Series
(Spinoff Series with Sloane Monroe & her sidekick Maddie)
1. The Silent Boy
2. The Shadow Children
3. The Broken Soul
4. The Widow Maker
5. The Familiar Stranger
Addison Lockhart Ghost Mystery Series
1. Grayson Manor Haunting
2. Rosecliff Manor Haunting
3. Blackthorn Manor Haunting
4. Belle Manor Haunting
5. Crawley Manor Haunting
Stand Alone Mystery/Thriller Novels
1. Eye for Revenge - USA Today Bestseller
2. The Perfect Lie
3. Hickory Dickory Dead - USA Today Bestseller
4. Roadkill - USA Today Bestseller
Raised in Southern California, she now lives in North Texas. When she's not writing, she loves jet-setting to new countries, exploring the outdoors, and playing with her grandbabies.
For a free eBook, click here:
Book series in order by Cheryl Bradshaw:
Georgiana Germaine (Mystery Series)
1. Little Girl Lost - USA Today Bestseller
2. Little Lost Secrets
3. Little Broken Things
4. Little White Lies
5. Little Tangled Webs
6. Little Shattered Dreams
7. Little Last Words
8. Little Buried Secrets
9. Little Stolen Memories
10. Little Empty Promises
11. Little Hidden Fears
Sloane Monroe Mystery/Thriller Series
0. Silent As the Grave (prequel to series)
1. Black Diamond Death
2. Murder in Mind
3. I Have a Secret
4. Stranger in Town - Shamus Award Finalist
5. Bed of Bones - USA Today Bestseller
6. Hush Now Baby - USA Today Bestseller
7. Gone Daddy Gone - USA Today Bestseller
8. Smoke and Mirrors - USA Today Bestseller
Sloane Monroe Stories - Mystery Novella Series
(with characters from the main series)
1. Deadly Sins: Sloth
2. Deadly Sins: Wrath
3. Deadly Sins: Lust
4. Deadly Sins: Greed
5. Deadly Sins: Envy
6. Deadly Sins: Pride
Sloane & Maddie Peril Awaits - Mystery Series
(Spinoff Series with Sloane Monroe & her sidekick Maddie)
1. The Silent Boy
2. The Shadow Children
3. The Broken Soul
4. The Widow Maker
5. The Familiar Stranger
Addison Lockhart Ghost Mystery Series
1. Grayson Manor Haunting
2. Rosecliff Manor Haunting
3. Blackthorn Manor Haunting
4. Belle Manor Haunting
5. Crawley Manor Haunting
Stand Alone Mystery/Thriller Novels
1. Eye for Revenge - USA Today Bestseller
2. The Perfect Lie
3. Hickory Dickory Dead - USA Today Bestseller
4. Roadkill - USA Today Bestseller
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 27, 2023
"Liza turned toward the back door. If she was fast enough, maybe she could get to it first, get herself to safety. Liza's attacker lunged at her, and she spun back around, staring down the business end of a rattail comb. Held high. Plunging down. Through her blue eye and straight into her brain - a horror story she would never live to tell."
Book four in the Sloane and Maddie series.
It was so nice to catch up with the girls and seeing what they had gotten up to since their last adventure. This time, they don't just fall into a case, they are being paid to get to the bottom of it.
Another quick and easy read. I'm gutted we've come to the end of the series but I really hope there will be more because I'm not ready to say goodbye to Sloane and Maddie.
Book four in the Sloane and Maddie series.
It was so nice to catch up with the girls and seeing what they had gotten up to since their last adventure. This time, they don't just fall into a case, they are being paid to get to the bottom of it.
Another quick and easy read. I'm gutted we've come to the end of the series but I really hope there will be more because I'm not ready to say goodbye to Sloane and Maddie.
May 13, 2023
This was my first Sloane Monroe mystery. I might have enjoyed it more if I had read the series from the beginning but unfortunately I’ve started with book number 4. There were a number of references to past events which left me feeling that I didn’t know two main characters at all.
Sloane is requested to investigate a murder in a small town in Tennessee by one of her New Orleans neighbors who claims he knows one of the suspects, Carrie King, and is positive she can’t be guilty of the crime. His daughter is good friends with her and she must be innocent so he is willing to pay Sloane to investigate. Sloane agrees and recruits her friend Maddy to help her.
After arriving in Soddy-Daisy Sloane discovers there has been a series of murders in which the murderer has left a note and signed it The Widow Maker.
This was an okay read which did have a lot of strange well-written characters, most of whom seemed to be suspects. I felt the ending of the story and the way it was solved just didn’t work for me since it was based more on Sloane’s gut feelings and not on any real clues.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway.
Sloane is requested to investigate a murder in a small town in Tennessee by one of her New Orleans neighbors who claims he knows one of the suspects, Carrie King, and is positive she can’t be guilty of the crime. His daughter is good friends with her and she must be innocent so he is willing to pay Sloane to investigate. Sloane agrees and recruits her friend Maddy to help her.
After arriving in Soddy-Daisy Sloane discovers there has been a series of murders in which the murderer has left a note and signed it The Widow Maker.
This was an okay read which did have a lot of strange well-written characters, most of whom seemed to be suspects. I felt the ending of the story and the way it was solved just didn’t work for me since it was based more on Sloane’s gut feelings and not on any real clues.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway.
April 10, 2023
Once again I will say that this series gets better and better as it goes on! I love that the connects and lessons that the main characters learn are truly moving forward with them as the series progresses!
April 3, 2023
I think this book is the best of the saga� at least this far. Can’t wait for the next one to come out!
This time the story is a little different. The not so retired detective Sloane is hired to investigate this case. A woman was murdered and someone incident is getting blamed. She can’t have that. Just as the other times she calls her fried Maddie for help. And the two of them must find the impossible once again.
I just love how the characters have evolved form book one. The little details that keep the stories united yet self explanatory are perfect. To see how the cases get more professional and bigger is super exciting. The stories that surround them are also getting deeper. Bringing perhaps the end of the duo or maybe changes or expansion. We get to know more about who they are outside of the mystery. And all of that while being invested in another one.
I loved how the obstacles on this story differ from others faced before. The complication of the case is well done and leaves you longing for answers. The case itself and the possibility of q serial killer on the loose are the perfect twist for more excitement. A book that once you start you can’t let go until it’s over.
This time the story is a little different. The not so retired detective Sloane is hired to investigate this case. A woman was murdered and someone incident is getting blamed. She can’t have that. Just as the other times she calls her fried Maddie for help. And the two of them must find the impossible once again.
I just love how the characters have evolved form book one. The little details that keep the stories united yet self explanatory are perfect. To see how the cases get more professional and bigger is super exciting. The stories that surround them are also getting deeper. Bringing perhaps the end of the duo or maybe changes or expansion. We get to know more about who they are outside of the mystery. And all of that while being invested in another one.
I loved how the obstacles on this story differ from others faced before. The complication of the case is well done and leaves you longing for answers. The case itself and the possibility of q serial killer on the loose are the perfect twist for more excitement. A book that once you start you can’t let go until it’s over.
April 20, 2023
I have been making my way through the Sloane Monroe Mysteries spinoff series, Sloane & Maddie: Peril Awaits. I recently finished the last one 😔.
I loved all of the books in this series. While the books can be read as stand alones, I definitely recommend reading all of them. The books are around 200 pages and are very fast-paced, so if you just need a short, really energizing read, these are perfect.
Sloane is a semi-retired private investigator, and her friend Maddie is a retired medical examiner. They have been on a girl's trip to relax and have some fun, except they keep getting pulled into mysteries. In the Widowmaker, Sloane is hired by a friend to go help out investigate a murder at a hair salon. Since Sloane's friend Maddie is close by at a conference, she enlists her help. But, what the two of them find is not originally what they thought. There is also a serial killer on the loose. They wonder, could it be possible that the two cases are related?
Again, these books depict two strong, independent women who have such a positive friendship. There is no unnecessary drama between the two. It's very refreshing to read about healthy relationships, especially among women.
The mysteries in the books are very compelling and certainly leave me guessing. Although, in this one, I had a feeling it might end a certain way, but there were still a couple of shockers.
These books are definitely for you if you like fast-paced mysteries with strong female leads.
Thanks to @katieandbreypa @janet.fix and @cherylbradshawbooks for the opportunity to read the books in this series. I so enjoyed them!!
I loved all of the books in this series. While the books can be read as stand alones, I definitely recommend reading all of them. The books are around 200 pages and are very fast-paced, so if you just need a short, really energizing read, these are perfect.
Sloane is a semi-retired private investigator, and her friend Maddie is a retired medical examiner. They have been on a girl's trip to relax and have some fun, except they keep getting pulled into mysteries. In the Widowmaker, Sloane is hired by a friend to go help out investigate a murder at a hair salon. Since Sloane's friend Maddie is close by at a conference, she enlists her help. But, what the two of them find is not originally what they thought. There is also a serial killer on the loose. They wonder, could it be possible that the two cases are related?
Again, these books depict two strong, independent women who have such a positive friendship. There is no unnecessary drama between the two. It's very refreshing to read about healthy relationships, especially among women.
The mysteries in the books are very compelling and certainly leave me guessing. Although, in this one, I had a feeling it might end a certain way, but there were still a couple of shockers.
These books are definitely for you if you like fast-paced mysteries with strong female leads.
Thanks to @katieandbreypa @janet.fix and @cherylbradshawbooks for the opportunity to read the books in this series. I so enjoyed them!!
April 18, 2023
Instalment 4 in the Sloane & Maddie - Peril Awaits series
Investigations are back under way for this duo in another great mystery.
Boyyy is this a story with a difference. Whilst it brings everything you could want from our modern day Miss Marple/Agatha Christie duo it gives so much more.
The growth the two main characters have shown since book 1 is amazing. Whether that was a conscious choice or just the evolving stories that dictated it i am here for it all!!
A Slam dunk of a book from the lovely Bradshaw and Fix yet again!
Another book i could not stop reading obviously ending in a late night devouring the book cover to cover.
Small towns why is it everyone wants to live there and yet some next level shit always seems to be going off?
The twists and turns that are unearthed in this fast paced story keep you gripped.
What happens when the innocent citizens suddenly do not look so innocent?
I love how i can never straight out guess what's next or who is to be held accountable which definitely keeps me coming back for more.
Cheating, revenge, murder, mystery a total must read with re-visits from characters past also integrated within the story.
Who's lies are innocent ?
Who's lies are to cover a deadly secret?
Is this case one step too far for the detective?
Read to find out.
Thanks so so much to Cheryl & Janet and the amazing Katie&breypa for letting me ride along on this crazy adventure of Sloane & Maddie
Investigations are back under way for this duo in another great mystery.
Boyyy is this a story with a difference. Whilst it brings everything you could want from our modern day Miss Marple/Agatha Christie duo it gives so much more.
The growth the two main characters have shown since book 1 is amazing. Whether that was a conscious choice or just the evolving stories that dictated it i am here for it all!!
A Slam dunk of a book from the lovely Bradshaw and Fix yet again!
Another book i could not stop reading obviously ending in a late night devouring the book cover to cover.
Small towns why is it everyone wants to live there and yet some next level shit always seems to be going off?
The twists and turns that are unearthed in this fast paced story keep you gripped.
What happens when the innocent citizens suddenly do not look so innocent?
I love how i can never straight out guess what's next or who is to be held accountable which definitely keeps me coming back for more.
Cheating, revenge, murder, mystery a total must read with re-visits from characters past also integrated within the story.
Who's lies are innocent ?
Who's lies are to cover a deadly secret?
Is this case one step too far for the detective?
Read to find out.
Thanks so so much to Cheryl & Janet and the amazing Katie&breypa for letting me ride along on this crazy adventure of Sloane & Maddie
April 19, 2023
Thanks to @katieandbreypa @janet.fix and @cherylbradshawbooks for a digital copy of the fourth book in the Sloane and Maddie Peril Awaits spinoff series.
Sloane and Maddie are at it again! Henry calls Sloane to ask for her help in proving that a friend of his daughter's did not commit the murder she's being investigated for. Of course, Sloane can't turn down a friend asking for help, nor can she turn down a good mystery, so she enlists Maddie to help her against the small town police force determined to railroad an innocent person.
When Sloane and Maddie start investigating, they find out that not only is there a murdered beautician in this quaint, small town, but there's also a serial killer dubbed The Widow Maker. He (or she) murders cheating spouses using salon equipment and leaves a note behind. There was no note left with Liza, and as far as they know, she's never been married, so is this a case of mistaken identity? Is it not connected to The Widow Maker at all? And who is stalking the people of this safe small town?
All in all, a good addition to the series. I was a little disappointed with the solution to this one. There wasn't really a build up, it just kind of showed up and then bam the book ended. I still recommend this if you enjoyed the rest of the series, there's mystery, suspense, and red herrings galore!
Sloane and Maddie are at it again! Henry calls Sloane to ask for her help in proving that a friend of his daughter's did not commit the murder she's being investigated for. Of course, Sloane can't turn down a friend asking for help, nor can she turn down a good mystery, so she enlists Maddie to help her against the small town police force determined to railroad an innocent person.
When Sloane and Maddie start investigating, they find out that not only is there a murdered beautician in this quaint, small town, but there's also a serial killer dubbed The Widow Maker. He (or she) murders cheating spouses using salon equipment and leaves a note behind. There was no note left with Liza, and as far as they know, she's never been married, so is this a case of mistaken identity? Is it not connected to The Widow Maker at all? And who is stalking the people of this safe small town?
All in all, a good addition to the series. I was a little disappointed with the solution to this one. There wasn't really a build up, it just kind of showed up and then bam the book ended. I still recommend this if you enjoyed the rest of the series, there's mystery, suspense, and red herrings galore!
March 30, 2023
The Widow Maker by Cheryl Bradshaw and Janet Fix is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐� Book Review
"If I am killed, I can die but once; but to live in constant dread of it, is to die over and over again." -Abraham Lincoln
Sloane and Maddie have won me over once again! Coming from a family of hairstylists, this one sucked me right in! Sloan is enjoying some quiet time with her husband when the neighbor calls to tell her of a murder in a hair salon in Tennessee. Carrie King, the owner of a hair salon finds her employee, Liza dead in a back room along with a rat tail comb, the murder weapon. Sloane and Maddie also learn of a possible serial killer. Is there a possibility the events are related? Leave it to Sloane and Maddie to send you on a roller coaster ride while solving the case.
The Widow Maker is the fourth installment of the Sloane & Maddie, Peril awaits series. This installment can also be read as a standalone. However, you will not regret reading the previous three. The authors know how to keep these books sweet and simple. The writing style draws you in immediately, fills you with suspense and tension, keeping you guessing up until the very end. If you enjoy a quick, easy mystery this series is definitely for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐� Book Review
"If I am killed, I can die but once; but to live in constant dread of it, is to die over and over again." -Abraham Lincoln
Sloane and Maddie have won me over once again! Coming from a family of hairstylists, this one sucked me right in! Sloan is enjoying some quiet time with her husband when the neighbor calls to tell her of a murder in a hair salon in Tennessee. Carrie King, the owner of a hair salon finds her employee, Liza dead in a back room along with a rat tail comb, the murder weapon. Sloane and Maddie also learn of a possible serial killer. Is there a possibility the events are related? Leave it to Sloane and Maddie to send you on a roller coaster ride while solving the case.
The Widow Maker is the fourth installment of the Sloane & Maddie, Peril awaits series. This installment can also be read as a standalone. However, you will not regret reading the previous three. The authors know how to keep these books sweet and simple. The writing style draws you in immediately, fills you with suspense and tension, keeping you guessing up until the very end. If you enjoy a quick, easy mystery this series is definitely for you.
April 12, 2023
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars (8.78/10)
In the fourth installment of Sloane and Maddie: Peril Awaits, we are introduced to some new characters along with seeing some familiar ones! The little town of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee seems to have a lot of trouble floating around� Murder. Marriage issues. A serial killer! Our story starts when Carrie King finds her employee, Liza, dead in the back room of her salon. Sloane is called up by some old friends to ask if she could go out and prove Carrie is innocent. Sloane and Maddie think they are there to help Carrie but what happens when they find out this town is also dealing with a serial killer! Are the cases connected? Or is there anyone innocent in this little town?
A super fast read with a lot of mystery! I read this one in just one sitting. I really love the journey I took with these two friends in this four book series. I love that each book has its own setting and mystery, but that we get to see where some of the side characters have ended up. I think these books are great for anyone who wants a little cozy mystery that feel real. The books just kept getting better and better.
I sure hope this isn’t the last adventure I get to go on with Sloane and Maddie.
In the fourth installment of Sloane and Maddie: Peril Awaits, we are introduced to some new characters along with seeing some familiar ones! The little town of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee seems to have a lot of trouble floating around� Murder. Marriage issues. A serial killer! Our story starts when Carrie King finds her employee, Liza, dead in the back room of her salon. Sloane is called up by some old friends to ask if she could go out and prove Carrie is innocent. Sloane and Maddie think they are there to help Carrie but what happens when they find out this town is also dealing with a serial killer! Are the cases connected? Or is there anyone innocent in this little town?
A super fast read with a lot of mystery! I read this one in just one sitting. I really love the journey I took with these two friends in this four book series. I love that each book has its own setting and mystery, but that we get to see where some of the side characters have ended up. I think these books are great for anyone who wants a little cozy mystery that feel real. The books just kept getting better and better.
I sure hope this isn’t the last adventure I get to go on with Sloane and Maddie.
March 26, 2023
"The Widow Maker" by Cheryl Bradshaw and Janet Fix appears to be a thrilling murder mystery with multiple suspects and a sense of looming danger.
The story revolves around Liza O'Connell, a horror fan with a dark past that she never revealed to anyone. When she is found murdered in a salon, the entire community becomes a suspect, including salon owner Carrie King. As tensions rise and the death toll increases, it becomes apparent that there may be a serial killer on the loose.
One of the strengths of the novel appears to be its well-crafted plot, which is full of suspense and unexpected twists. The multiple suspects and the possibility of a serial killer create a sense of unease and danger that should keep readers engaged.
The novel also appears to have well-developed characters, with Liza being an intriguing figure due to her past and her love of horror. Carrie's involvement in the investigation adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, as she must balance her own potential guilt with the need to find the real killer.
Overall, "The Widow Maker" seems to be a gripping murder mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
The story revolves around Liza O'Connell, a horror fan with a dark past that she never revealed to anyone. When she is found murdered in a salon, the entire community becomes a suspect, including salon owner Carrie King. As tensions rise and the death toll increases, it becomes apparent that there may be a serial killer on the loose.
One of the strengths of the novel appears to be its well-crafted plot, which is full of suspense and unexpected twists. The multiple suspects and the possibility of a serial killer create a sense of unease and danger that should keep readers engaged.
The novel also appears to have well-developed characters, with Liza being an intriguing figure due to her past and her love of horror. Carrie's involvement in the investigation adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, as she must balance her own potential guilt with the need to find the real killer.
Overall, "The Widow Maker" seems to be a gripping murder mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
April 7, 2023
"...thereby removing the stark reminder that evil had once thrived in this small mountain town."
Blurb: Liza O’Connell was a horror buff in every sense of the word. But there was one deadly nightmare she would never be able to talk about� her own. A friend murdered. A business in trouble. A marriage struggling to survive. And that’s just the beginning. When salon owner Carrie King discovers Liza dead in the back room of her shop, everyone becomes a suspect, even her. As tensions in the community rise, so does the death toll, and now the local cops believe there’s a serial killer on the loose.
The question is � are the two investigations connected?
My thoughts: Ooooo A serial killer named the widow maker who kills cheaters? I mean.... I'm not even mad! lol jk! Anyway! This is the 4th book in the series, but i can tell we have more to look forward to! And I'm hooked so, I'll probably have to continue! I love how these books are so short and sweet and leave nothing lacking, this one did feel a little rushed at the ending, like BAM here's the killer! But i enjoyed this one, with the salon setting and still love these characters!
Blurb: Liza O’Connell was a horror buff in every sense of the word. But there was one deadly nightmare she would never be able to talk about� her own. A friend murdered. A business in trouble. A marriage struggling to survive. And that’s just the beginning. When salon owner Carrie King discovers Liza dead in the back room of her shop, everyone becomes a suspect, even her. As tensions in the community rise, so does the death toll, and now the local cops believe there’s a serial killer on the loose.
The question is � are the two investigations connected?
My thoughts: Ooooo A serial killer named the widow maker who kills cheaters? I mean.... I'm not even mad! lol jk! Anyway! This is the 4th book in the series, but i can tell we have more to look forward to! And I'm hooked so, I'll probably have to continue! I love how these books are so short and sweet and leave nothing lacking, this one did feel a little rushed at the ending, like BAM here's the killer! But i enjoyed this one, with the salon setting and still love these characters!
March 18, 2023
Sloane and Maddie are doing their own things. Sloane is spending time with her husband in their RV and Maddie is at a conference in Tennessee when they get a call from their friend Henry about a murder he needs help looking into. It just so happens that the murder occurred in a small town in Tennessee so the duo meets up to start getting down to business.
"𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸: 𝘯𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘦."
⚠️TW: Infidelity
I enjoyed that this book was different from the first three in the series. With Sloane and Maddie not galavanting around the US and instead being hired by Henry made it a little more exciting! It also made this book different since a serial killer was involved instead of a one off incident. I really enjoyed that there was no obvious hints as to who the killer was until the very end. The last sentence also hints to a 5th book which I will definitely be picking up.
"𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸: 𝘯𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘦."
⚠️TW: Infidelity
I enjoyed that this book was different from the first three in the series. With Sloane and Maddie not galavanting around the US and instead being hired by Henry made it a little more exciting! It also made this book different since a serial killer was involved instead of a one off incident. I really enjoyed that there was no obvious hints as to who the killer was until the very end. The last sentence also hints to a 5th book which I will definitely be picking up.
December 30, 2022
While Sloane is taking time to relax and recuperate, she is contacted by her neighbor, Henry. His daughter has a good friend in Tennessee who is being looked at as a suspect in a murder that took place in her salon. Sloane contacts Maddie and they agree to meet up. Maddie arrives with Joshua, a new friend that seems too good to be true. They start to work on the case and as common in small towns, the local police are not very forthcoming about the case. They later find out that there appears to be a serial killer in the area but are not sure if the murders and connected to this one. There is no shortage of suspects along with some people that are just odd. I enjoyed the many twists and turns in this book and couldn’t put it down. I have enjoyed all the books in this series, but I think this one is my favorite so far.
June 12, 2023
In book 4 of the Sloane and Maddie series, it is good to see some familiar faces and great new characters.
Soddy Daisy, Tennessee is a small town with some dark troubles with murder, and a serial killer on the loose.
Carrie King goes to work at the Salon and finds her boss, Liza dead in the backroom. Sloane is asked to visit and prove that Carrie is innocent. Sloane and Maddie are under the impression that they are trying to help Carrie but they get inveigled into the serial killer case and investigate to see if the cases are related. The serial killer is invested in dealing a lethal blow to any cheaters in the town.
Love a good mystery that is fast-paced and I enjoyed the friendship that has developed between these two characters throughout the series. This is a cosy mystery and the side characters really round out the story.
Soddy Daisy, Tennessee is a small town with some dark troubles with murder, and a serial killer on the loose.
Carrie King goes to work at the Salon and finds her boss, Liza dead in the backroom. Sloane is asked to visit and prove that Carrie is innocent. Sloane and Maddie are under the impression that they are trying to help Carrie but they get inveigled into the serial killer case and investigate to see if the cases are related. The serial killer is invested in dealing a lethal blow to any cheaters in the town.
Love a good mystery that is fast-paced and I enjoyed the friendship that has developed between these two characters throughout the series. This is a cosy mystery and the side characters really round out the story.
May 6, 2025
A good mystery / thriller by Cheryl Bradshaw. I have read quite a few of her series featuring Sloane Monroe and they are always good. This one has a nice litle twist at the end. To be honest, I think I should have seen it coming but I didn't which is a sign of a good book.
*
Liza O’Connell was a horror buff in every sense of the word. But there was one deadly nightmare she would never be able to talk about � her own.
A friend murdered. A business in trouble. A marriage struggling to survive. And that’s just the beginning.
When salon owner Carrie King discovers Liza dead in the back room of her shop, everyone becomes a suspect, even her. As tensions in the community rise, so does the death toll, and now the local cops believe there’s a serial killer on the loose. The question is � are the two investigations connected?
*
Liza O’Connell was a horror buff in every sense of the word. But there was one deadly nightmare she would never be able to talk about � her own.
A friend murdered. A business in trouble. A marriage struggling to survive. And that’s just the beginning.
When salon owner Carrie King discovers Liza dead in the back room of her shop, everyone becomes a suspect, even her. As tensions in the community rise, so does the death toll, and now the local cops believe there’s a serial killer on the loose. The question is � are the two investigations connected?
December 25, 2022
Not everything is as it appears. That's kinda the motto for this book. A friend hires Sloane to clear a suspects name, so she brings along her trusty sidekick, Maddie, and together the two dig around. That is when Maddie isn't too busy galivanting around with a new love interest. The local authorities aren't making Sloane's job any easier either. There is a lot for the ladies to sort through. Lies by omission a plenty. Can Sloane get to the bottom of things before she outgrows her welcome? Or will this case be the one to truly stump the investigator? There are a couple cameos from characters of the past. the books reads quickly and easily. Taken from Sloane's POV exclusively. Its a well told tale of cheating and revenge.
December 26, 2022
The Widow Maker is a fast paced mystery. Sloane and Maddie are hired by Henry, Sloane’s New Orleans neighbor. He wants them to investigate a murder in Tennessee.
The murder scene is in a hair salon. Henry wants them to clear the salon owners name. She is a friend of his daughter Mya. She is the main suspect because the murder weapon was hers, and she was the last person to see the victim alive.
Sloane and Maddie find out there have been several other murders in that town. Are they all related? Can they clear the salon owners name and solve the other murders?
This story keeps you guessing!
The murder scene is in a hair salon. Henry wants them to clear the salon owners name. She is a friend of his daughter Mya. She is the main suspect because the murder weapon was hers, and she was the last person to see the victim alive.
Sloane and Maddie find out there have been several other murders in that town. Are they all related? Can they clear the salon owners name and solve the other murders?
This story keeps you guessing!
Read
January 10, 2023Sloane is asked to look into the murder of Liza O'Connell. She was killed in a salon in the town of Soddy-Daisy Tenn. But somethings are not adding up. Why are the police, especially Officer Truly so sure that Carrie killed Liza? Both Carrie and Liza looked alike--could it have been mistaken identity and Carrie was supposed to be killed? Then there is the Widow Maker - he or she - has killed three people already, always leaving a note. Was there a note by Liza? This small town holds some very big secrets. Secrets Sloane and Maddie are determined to uncover. Kudos Ms. Bradshaw -- You had me fooled all the way to the end! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 10, 2023
Pela primeira vez, esta dupla não encontrou um problema enquanto estava de férias. Henry, que entrou no livro anterior, liga a Sloane a pedir ajuda para uma amiga da filha.
Enquanto investigadora, ela terá de descobrir quem matou Liza no seu local de trabalho. Terá sido Carrie, a dona do salão, como pensa a polícia? Será mais uma vítima do Widow Maker, um novo serial killer? Ou nenhuma das hipóteses anteriores? 🤔
Esta coleção é muito interessante. Vai em quatro pequenos livros, cheios de suspense e amizade. Gostei tanto de os ler!
Se gostam de crime, esta é uma boa opção. Vão ler, gostar e ficar à espera do 5o livro como eu! 😉
4.5*
Enquanto investigadora, ela terá de descobrir quem matou Liza no seu local de trabalho. Terá sido Carrie, a dona do salão, como pensa a polícia? Será mais uma vítima do Widow Maker, um novo serial killer? Ou nenhuma das hipóteses anteriores? 🤔
Esta coleção é muito interessante. Vai em quatro pequenos livros, cheios de suspense e amizade. Gostei tanto de os ler!
Se gostam de crime, esta é uma boa opção. Vão ler, gostar e ficar à espera do 5o livro como eu! 😉
4.5*
Read
January 8, 2023Sloane finally gets home to her RV to Cade and Boo, her dog when she receives a call from Henry, her neighbor in New Orleans. his daughter’s good friend Carrie, a salon owner, had a co-worker brutally murdered and Carrie seems to be the number 1 suspect. of course Sloane knew she was going to try to help, recruiting Maddie. I always say Cheryl Bradshaw is the best at twists and turns and surprise endings and she didn’t disappoint. Usually some clue points to who might have committed the murder, in this case I had no idea to the big reveal.
April 5, 2023
Sloane and Maddie are at it again.
When a spouse cheats, what's an appropriate punishment? The widow maker believes it's death.
But the murder Sloane and Maddie are working on isn't the work of the widow maker, or is it? That's the question they are trying to answer. And who is framing the salon owner?
----
This book is probably my favorite out of the whole series. The ending was a twist I didn't see coming.
I am kind of sad that this is the end of this series. I may have to check out the other Sloane and Maddie series to get more of this dynamic duo.
When a spouse cheats, what's an appropriate punishment? The widow maker believes it's death.
But the murder Sloane and Maddie are working on isn't the work of the widow maker, or is it? That's the question they are trying to answer. And who is framing the salon owner?
----
This book is probably my favorite out of the whole series. The ending was a twist I didn't see coming.
I am kind of sad that this is the end of this series. I may have to check out the other Sloane and Maddie series to get more of this dynamic duo.
April 18, 2023
I think these books just keep getting better and better as we move along. When Sloane and Maddie are hired by Sloane's neighbor Henry, they accept. The suspect is a friend of Henry's daughter, and the murder weapon belonged to her, plus she was the last person to see the victim alive. Now, while trying to clear the salon owners name, Maddie and Sloane learn there have been many other murders in town. Are they all connected somehow, or is it just a coincidence? The Widow Maker is action packed and will definitely keep you guessing. I can't wait to see what happens next.
April 8, 2025
Disappointed
I have loved Sloane Monroe since the first book came out years ago and then the new series with Maddie has been pretty good too. This one was really disappointing. It lacked the character development and interesting complex plot that made the series so good. This one was very predictable to begin with. It was also missing the whole Sloane and Maddie depth of friendship development which is why they are together investigating murders and mysteries. But I still read it and I will always be a fan.
I have loved Sloane Monroe since the first book came out years ago and then the new series with Maddie has been pretty good too. This one was really disappointing. It lacked the character development and interesting complex plot that made the series so good. This one was very predictable to begin with. It was also missing the whole Sloane and Maddie depth of friendship development which is why they are together investigating murders and mysteries. But I still read it and I will always be a fan.
March 26, 2023
Captivating from the start to end. The murder was the highlight and it kept the mystery of who'd done it a guessing game. The characters were all enlightening, well developed and totally had you feeling their emotions or feeling some sort of empathy at first. It was a good read and definitely recommend. The author did a wonderful job.
Received as an ARC for a voluntary review, and this is my honest perspective.
Received as an ARC for a voluntary review, and this is my honest perspective.
April 10, 2023
In The Widow Maker salon owner Carrie finds co worker Liza dead in the back of the shop. As tensions in the community rise the police believe there is a serial killer on the loose. Will Maddie and Sloane be able to tackle this one before it gets out of hand? The tension in this had my jaw aching but I continued to flip through the pages. The twists and turns are unbelievable and all lead up to a jaw dropping ending. I loved it!
May 3, 2023
i found it for FREE on Bookbub ... and got it from Amazon. book 4 from "Sloane & Maddie, Peril Awaits" series. i see that Janet Fix is a part of this read as well. wow, her name is so tiny in print. came out December 26, 2022. hard-boiled mystery. (An author told me what this meant way back when but i am thinking i don't recall. i guess i will have to look it up for more info. curious.) crime thriller (kindle store & books).
May 8, 2023
Investigator series
Sloan is a private investigator, and hired to solve the a group of murder done by the calling card of Widow Marker. She sets to work, and finds more than bargained for.
Although potentially a a page turner, towards the end there is a lot of need to explain in a good portion of the book, instead of letting the characters make the entire discovery as the pages turn. Could have been a masterful tale.
Sloan is a private investigator, and hired to solve the a group of murder done by the calling card of Widow Marker. She sets to work, and finds more than bargained for.
Although potentially a a page turner, towards the end there is a lot of need to explain in a good portion of the book, instead of letting the characters make the entire discovery as the pages turn. Could have been a masterful tale.
March 24, 2025
formulaic
I enjoyed the books more when her ex cop husband was involved. Now he just seems like a dog sitter and gets left behind.
The stories all seem the same old same old as well. Maddie gets involved, cases solved.
I’m not going to read more of this series.
It is clean though and if you are new to this writer you may enjoy it, but after a few books I’m done, the tediousness of the same is boring.
I enjoyed the books more when her ex cop husband was involved. Now he just seems like a dog sitter and gets left behind.
The stories all seem the same old same old as well. Maddie gets involved, cases solved.
I’m not going to read more of this series.
It is clean though and if you are new to this writer you may enjoy it, but after a few books I’m done, the tediousness of the same is boring.
April 13, 2025
I've read other books by Bradshaw although I don't think I've read any from this series. I read this book in several hours and was disappointed. The idea was good; the plot didn't live up to the idea. I found the characters to be thin, more idea than substance. Despite the red herrings, I had figured out who the murderer earlier on. The book didn't challenge me as a reader or armchair sleuth at all.
December 26, 2022
Sloane and Maddie thought there was only a murder to be solved and a person to prove innocence. When more murders take place, they wonder if there is a connection to the first. Will the pieces to the puzzle begin to fall into place? This book had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was the murderer! I love the Sloane and Maddie series!!
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