by
Michele Wallace Campanelli
The black widow spider is one of the most venomous spiders known to man. Their name derives from the female’s habit of eating the male after they mate. When bitten, it is said that their venom is far more poisonous than a rattlesnake’s bite.
Romeo “Rome” Maroni lives an unexciting life as a security guard in the museum. After a prized Egyptian diamond-and-river-stones belt was stolen under his watch, he aims to find the criminal and bring them to justice, whatever it takes.
Enter the Elizabeth Blackie, also known as the “Black Widow.” Considered one of the most prolific thieves in the area, she has been known to steal priceless diamonds by any means necessary. Any person who tries to stop her will most likely meet her venom, which emits painful yet intoxicating effects. Some even resulted in their death, thanks to her.
Romeo, like many of her foes, has been bitten. However, unlike the rest, Blackie didn’t seem to let her bite break his skin just yet. With a second chance to catch the elusive widow, Romeo is quickly recruited by Martin, a private investigator who has his own reason for taking the Widow to justice.
Exciting, intriguing, and seductive—Campanelli’s “Black Widow” is a homage to the femme fatale. The author writes an exciting yet alluring hardboiled mystery book that humanizes the supposedly “dangerous woman.”
Through the eyes of Romeo, we are brought into a sudden adventure that comes with chasing a person who is hurt, misunderstood, and, most of all, vengeful. However, unlike his charismatic partner Martin, Romeo doesn’t necessarily wish to bring the Widow to justice. Still, he aims to understand her as a person and why she became like this.
“One thing is for sure when you’re dealing with a dangerous woman, you can’t forget her no matter how hard you try.”
As we watch Romeo slowly start showing compassion for Blackie, we can’t help but feel charmed by her all the same. As her past slowly comes to light, we can’t help but root for her. While her crimes are undoubtedly harmful, she has a reason, and once you understand her, you can’t help but get tangled in her web.
In summary, “The Black Widow” is a compelling and exciting read that makes you feel like you’re in a classic detective movie. While the Widow doesn’t always take center stage, the mystery and eventual truth surrounding her will hook you up until the end. Suppose you like classic stories depicting humanized femme fatales, witty dialogue, and a dash of adventure. In that case, you can’t go wrong with this read!
– The Moving Words Review
Official Entry: The Most Moving Book Award, Jan. 3, 2024
