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Erica Robyn Reads

a horror book review blog

Recent Posts

Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond - book sitting on wooden flooring. Book cover of Black Out the Stars by Christopher Bond, cover illustrated by Todd Kiesling. The design showcases a dark, atmospheric pond and sky filled with swirling fog and scattered stars. The title is prominently displayed in bold, white, pink and purple lettering, contrasting against the deep purple and black hues of the background.

Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond | Book Review

Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event

A tablet lies on dry grass and surrounded by dandelions in a natural outdoor setting. The screen displays the cover of the book Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon. The cover features a colorful, fantastical illustration of a female figure with glowing eyes and curved horns, holding something mysterious in her hands. Stars and swirling cosmic elements fill the background, giving the cover a magical and otherworldly feel. The title text is in bold, colorful letters across the top and middle, with the author's name at the bottom.

Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

[Book Review] Red Widow by Alma Katsu

September 20, 2022      Erica Robyn      5 Comments

Red Widow by Alma Katsu is a thrilling tale of secrets, lies, and murder all surrounding a heartbreaking case of loyalty and being forced to go to extreme lengths for love and family.

Let’s dive in!

My Thoughts on Red Widow by Alma Katsu

What’s more terrifying than ghosts, demons, and sirens that call from the sea? People. People are absolutely terrifying!

In this book, human lie detector, Lyndsey Duncan, is put to the test time and time again as she works to uncover the mole that she was told is responsible for the deaths of multiple of the CIA’s Russian spies. But as she digs, she starts to feel uneasy about a few things. This unease only spurs her on.

Determined to find solid answers, Lyndsey hardly rests until she uncovers the very last stone.

My goodness, the author certainly takes readers on a journey here!

I was so nervous to see how deep the lies went. As we slowly learn more about the case right along with the main character, we also get lovely little bursts from another character’s perspective. Then we watch as the two storylines merge in an all out sprint to the end.

You can tell what care the author put into this one! I loved getting a little insight into how investigations actually work, not just the flashy, drama-filled exaggerations that we’ve come to know on TV.

This is yet another book by this author that sucked me right in! I loved that there were not only thrilling moments that will have readers feeling anxious, that you’re the one that is about to be caught, but there are also many heartfelt moments that will give you a little faith in humanity again. Which, trust me, will be much needed after you read some of these scenes!

Per usual, Katsu doesn’t shy away from the darkness and brutality!

My Favorite Passages from Red Widow

Lyndsey is always surprised when she sees someone from work out in the wild, as though the two worlds make a combustible combination and should never, ever touch.

She turned to face him. There was not a shred of humanity there. A soulless monster walking around in a human suit. Something inside her – fear – spiked. 

After a mile, she feels better physically – her heart pumping, sweat trickling down her face – but her thoughts still skitter all over like spilled marbles, no better than the night before. To make it all worse, time is ticking.

My Final Thoughts on Red Widow

I had a blast getting to know these characters. They really jumped right off the page like they were people in your own life.

I’m SO excited to see what happens next in the follow up novel out in 2023, Red London! I have some very high hopes for one specific story element that I want to see play out for Lyndsey. We’ll see!

Fans of thrillers, especially those that feature spies and corruption, this is a must-read!


Snag a copy through Bookshop to help support local indie bookshops:

Selfie with Red Widow novel by Alma Katsu

Related Reading:

  • [Book Review] The Deep by Alma Katsu
  • [Book Review] The Fervor by Alma Katsu
  • The Familiar’s Assistant by Alma Katsu, short story in Dark Stars: New Tales of Darkest Horror

Here are a few more recent posts you might like:

  • Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond | Book Review
  • Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event
  • Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Esther @BiteIntoBooks says

    September 21, 2022 at 3:51 am

    On to the never ending TBR it goes! I’m rly curious now. Human lie detector…?! Awesome! I remember really liking that TV Show about Lies..? Wasn’t it called Lie To Me?!

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      September 21, 2022 at 9:17 pm

      haha right?! If you read this one, I’d love to see what you think!

      Reply
  2. Angie says

    September 21, 2022 at 8:21 pm

    I bought this, but haven’t had a chance to read it yet. I love Alma Katsu though. I might just have to bump it up.

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      September 21, 2022 at 9:17 pm

      I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! I think The Deep by her is my favorite so far! 🙂

      Reply

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Welcome to Erica Robyn Reads!

Erica Robyn of Erica Robyn Reads
Hello! I’m Erica, a Mainer living in New Hampshire who runs on hot tea, good books, and loud music. Join me as I seek out amazing horror tales and help support the indie horror community!
 

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