I recently dove into They’d Kill to Be Widows by Sue Hicenbergs, and I must say, it was an entertaining escapade through the darkly humorous world of suburban life. As a fan of witty mysteries, this book caught my eye with its blend of comedy and intrigue. The premise—what happens when three best friends decide to commit murder to collect on their husbands’ life insurance policies—was too intriguing to resist.
Hicenbergs delivers a story that truly feels like "the perfect cocktail of well-plotted, good-hearted, murderous fun." The character development of Pam, Nancy, and Shalisa is commendable. I found myself rooting for these women as they navigated the complexities of their lives. Their camaraderie and humor provided a refreshing lens through which to view the often mundane aspects of marriage and friendship, especially when they discover the life insurance loophole that explores a new dream of financial freedom.
One of the first positives that struck me was the cleverness of the plot. The twists and turns kept me engaged; I often found myself laughing out loud as the women orchestrated increasingly absurd plans. For instance, the hilarious yet desperate lengths they went to secure their futures made for some laugh-out-loud moments. One reader mentioned that it made her "laugh so hard I was crying," and I can certainly relate to that sentiment.
However, I did notice some drawbacks that others have highlighted as well. The pacing in the beginning felt a bit slow, which was echoed in some reviews. While the humor was delightful, the first few chapters did take their time establishing characters and setting up the scenario. Patrick R. Bushey mentioned trouble keeping track of the myriad characters introduced early on, and I can empathize. A character list might have been helpful to keep things organized as we follow their convoluted schemes.
Another thing to consider is that the humor at times dips into cartoonish territory. While this didn’t detract from my enjoyment, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. R. Goodman aptly pointed out that the tone sometimes felt "semi-cartoonish/sitcomish," and while I appreciated the lightheartedness, it lacked a certain depth that could have made the story even more engaging.
Where the narrative shines is in its ability to evoke genuine emotion amidst the chaos. The theme of disillusionment after decades of marriage is presented with a touch of warmth and sincerity. For instance, the character development doesn’t just focus on betrayal and murder; it reflects on the hardships many long-term relationships face. I appreciated how Hicenbergs allows her characters to grow, despite—or perhaps because of—their morally questionable decisions.
Overall, the book met my expectations of an entertaining read. I found it to be well-written and filled with humor that lightens what could have been a very dark subject. As Sandy B. pointed out, there’s a delightful lack of profanity and raunchiness. Instead, it leans into character-driven storytelling which, for me, added layers to the comedic plots.
In conclusion, They’d Kill to Be Widows stands out as a fun and engaging read. It delivers on humor, camaraderie, and unexpected twists while benefiting from great character development. If you’re looking for a light, amusing escape with a pinch of suspense, I would certainly recommend this book. Just be prepared for a slower start and a tone that can skewer more into whimsical territory. I look forward to seeing what Sue Hicenbergs cooks up next; she’s a voice to watch in the realm of humorous fiction!