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Jon Stanton Thrillers #7
Black Widow
Murders With No Motive…
Two men are found killed one month apart in luxurious Honolulu hotels. The Honolulu Police Department finds the cases unsolvable. With no discernible motive, and a brutality no one on the force has ever seen, the killings appear to be the work of an intensely deranged mind. A mind the police feel is one step ahead of their investigation.
Jon Stanton is Pulled back into the Darkness...
Having thought he left police work behind, famed homicide detective Jon Stanton is nonetheless thrown back into the Black Widow Murders. The killings are vicious, efficient, and designed to impose maximum pain before death. Stanton knows whoever committed these crimes has nothing inside them that is human any longer, putting everyone in Honolulu at risk.
Time is Running Out...
The Black Widow is ruthless and clever in a way Stanton has never dealt with before. He understands that the Black Widow is smarter than he is, and willing to go to extremes he is not. And they've chosen the next victim. With the victim's life in the balance, Stanton must race to stop a killer that has shown themself unstoppable. And he must risk his sanity and his life to do it.
Two men are found killed one month apart in luxurious Honolulu hotels. The Honolulu Police Department finds the cases unsolvable. With no discernible motive, and a brutality no one on the force has ever seen, the killings appear to be the work of an intensely deranged mind. A mind the police feel is one step ahead of their investigation.
Jon Stanton is Pulled back into the Darkness...
Having thought he left police work behind, famed homicide detective Jon Stanton is nonetheless thrown back into the Black Widow Murders. The killings are vicious, efficient, and designed to impose maximum pain before death. Stanton knows whoever committed these crimes has nothing inside them that is human any longer, putting everyone in Honolulu at risk.
Time is Running Out...
The Black Widow is ruthless and clever in a way Stanton has never dealt with before. He understands that the Black Widow is smarter than he is, and willing to go to extremes he is not. And they've chosen the next victim. With the victim's life in the balance, Stanton must race to stop a killer that has shown themself unstoppable. And he must risk his sanity and his life to do it.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2013
527 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Victor Methos
75 books2,093 followersVictor Methos is the Edgar Award nominated bestselling author of over forty novels. He has been a criminal and civil rights lawyer in the Mountain West, conducting over 100 trials, and produces two books a year with his dog Fraiser by his side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 24, 2021
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wow! Wow! Wow! Menthos has the gift of capturing and holding your attention. Incredible plot and storyline!
I do have to say that early on, I guessed who the real killer was, but it still proved to be a real page turner in that the mystery truly revolved not only her identity but HOW was he ever going to catch her? She had an IQ over 200, and was technically smarter than Stanton and everyone he knew. A delicious game of cat and mouse; this story has so many layers, so many twists and turns, I was one time verbally talking out loud to the book! I just couldn’t put it down until I devoured it all.
This one is definitely a winner on my shelf!
I do have to say that early on, I guessed who the real killer was, but it still proved to be a real page turner in that the mystery truly revolved not only her identity but HOW was he ever going to catch her? She had an IQ over 200, and was technically smarter than Stanton and everyone he knew. A delicious game of cat and mouse; this story has so many layers, so many twists and turns, I was one time verbally talking out loud to the book! I just couldn’t put it down until I devoured it all.
This one is definitely a winner on my shelf!
August 12, 2019
Best in series?
I found this the best in the series so far. All of them are good with enjoyable plots but this one benefits in that it doesn't get too bogged down with Stanton's tedious personal life. This "gift" of his which he denies makes him psychic to me makes him just that. Ok, maybe not quite. Either way, it cost five people their lives this time so he's not supercop. I love the series but he irritates me so much. His interactions with colleagues are sometimes so unreasonable it's unrealistic to imagine they would perceive him as part of the team. Despite these gripes it doesn't detract the compelling nature of this book. Just don't try and analyse Stanton's often questionable actions.
I found this the best in the series so far. All of them are good with enjoyable plots but this one benefits in that it doesn't get too bogged down with Stanton's tedious personal life. This "gift" of his which he denies makes him psychic to me makes him just that. Ok, maybe not quite. Either way, it cost five people their lives this time so he's not supercop. I love the series but he irritates me so much. His interactions with colleagues are sometimes so unreasonable it's unrealistic to imagine they would perceive him as part of the team. Despite these gripes it doesn't detract the compelling nature of this book. Just don't try and analyse Stanton's often questionable actions.
November 26, 2013
I'm obsessed with the Jon Stanton series. I patiently wait for each book to come out. I'm so glad I came across the first book & decided to give it a try! reader beware they are sick a twisted!
May 19, 2023
Edge of Your Seat Kind of Read!
'Marilyn Monroe's beauty was recognized at nine years old, the same age she was sexually abused for the first time. The world of men had a way of smelling out innocent beauty like blood, and destroying it.'
So far, this one is my favorite in the series. I don't exactly know why, but maybe due to the fact the suspect is a women, and there's none of that 'nasty men, being nasty to women' vibe in this one. I also loved the courtship between Stanton and Heidi.
'"You talk like a hippie. You and my pot smoking grandma would love each other."'
'Marilyn Monroe's beauty was recognized at nine years old, the same age she was sexually abused for the first time. The world of men had a way of smelling out innocent beauty like blood, and destroying it.'
So far, this one is my favorite in the series. I don't exactly know why, but maybe due to the fact the suspect is a women, and there's none of that 'nasty men, being nasty to women' vibe in this one. I also loved the courtship between Stanton and Heidi.
'"You talk like a hippie. You and my pot smoking grandma would love each other."'
November 15, 2025
Quick interesting read
I had guessed so many possible outcomes and potential twists and I won't say if I was right but it kept me interested and I had to get to the end to see if I was right.
I had guessed so many possible outcomes and potential twists and I won't say if I was right but it kept me interested and I had to get to the end to see if I was right.
March 5, 2025
A really good read.
Victor Methos has written yet another really good read with a twist you don't expect. I couldn't put it down.
Victor Methos has written yet another really good read with a twist you don't expect. I couldn't put it down.
November 2, 2016
"A Terrific Crime Thriller"
After finishing a dangerous assignment as a detective temporarily assigned to a case in Utah, Jon Stanton has returned and retired from the San Diego PD. He returns back to his home in Hawaii, where his two sons are visiting. Jon's a part-time instructor at the local university teaching criminal behavior and psychology, but money is running low. He's decided to go back to crime solving with the Honolulu PD. The police are faced with the brutal killing of two men. The evidence convinces them that the deranged serial killer is a woman. The case has been tagged "The Black Widow" murders. This thriller is excellently written, fast paced, with exciting twists and turns. Highly recommend.
After finishing a dangerous assignment as a detective temporarily assigned to a case in Utah, Jon Stanton has returned and retired from the San Diego PD. He returns back to his home in Hawaii, where his two sons are visiting. Jon's a part-time instructor at the local university teaching criminal behavior and psychology, but money is running low. He's decided to go back to crime solving with the Honolulu PD. The police are faced with the brutal killing of two men. The evidence convinces them that the deranged serial killer is a woman. The case has been tagged "The Black Widow" murders. This thriller is excellently written, fast paced, with exciting twists and turns. Highly recommend.
February 3, 2016
Good read
One of Victor's better thrillers. Fast paced and with a twist. Even though I enjoyed this novel, I was slightly upset how it ended. Wished there was more detail on how it did end, but all in all I enjoyed it.
One of Victor's better thrillers. Fast paced and with a twist. Even though I enjoyed this novel, I was slightly upset how it ended. Wished there was more detail on how it did end, but all in all I enjoyed it.
September 28, 2020
Cannot recommend this book. So wrong
I usually just stop reading books supposedly written in Hawai`i that have so many errors, are wrong, or the writer just doesn't get Hawai'i. This is one of the worst, well, not as bad as the guy who actually lives here, Dustin something, but pretty bad.
I have read all of Victor's books so far, and I thought I would give him a chance.
I was wrong on so many levels.
I made probably 30 or so notes on blaring false statements, things that are so wrong, and things that are just not said here. I stopped reading this many times.
He should have given this book to a local editor here to go through it before releasing it.
Yes, I would have edited it for free.
I will try and post my GoodReads notes here also.
https://www.goodreads.com/notes/18951...
I usually just stop reading books supposedly written in Hawai`i that have so many errors, are wrong, or the writer just doesn't get Hawai'i. This is one of the worst, well, not as bad as the guy who actually lives here, Dustin something, but pretty bad.
I have read all of Victor's books so far, and I thought I would give him a chance.
I was wrong on so many levels.
I made probably 30 or so notes on blaring false statements, things that are so wrong, and things that are just not said here. I stopped reading this many times.
He should have given this book to a local editor here to go through it before releasing it.
Yes, I would have edited it for free.
I will try and post my GoodReads notes here also.
https://www.goodreads.com/notes/18951...
November 9, 2020
Not best in Stanton series
I have read books 1-7 in the Stanton series. The last 2 have not been as good as the first 5. This one was the worst. Stanton has always been someone who fights darkness in himself as well as his cases, but is always meticulous in his investigations & does the right thing despite fellow cops or friends who don’t. I understand the why of his emotional connection. But investigation was basically non-existent & consisted of bullying one witness. No way would Jon Stanton not follow up & verify something a suspect told him, especially when it was rare to happen. He always has a self awareness that was totally missing in this book. Ok to be human, not ok to completely change character. Not to mention having a “babysitter” for his 17 year old son! A bodyguard maybe, not a babysitter.
I have read books 1-7 in the Stanton series. The last 2 have not been as good as the first 5. This one was the worst. Stanton has always been someone who fights darkness in himself as well as his cases, but is always meticulous in his investigations & does the right thing despite fellow cops or friends who don’t. I understand the why of his emotional connection. But investigation was basically non-existent & consisted of bullying one witness. No way would Jon Stanton not follow up & verify something a suspect told him, especially when it was rare to happen. He always has a self awareness that was totally missing in this book. Ok to be human, not ok to completely change character. Not to mention having a “babysitter” for his 17 year old son! A bodyguard maybe, not a babysitter.
February 18, 2023
It appears that I keep giving these Jon Stanton books a try, because I've forgotten how disappointed how was by the last one, and since this one was a long time ago purchase, I thought why not try? Yet here again, despite the first few promising chapters, the story turns out to be very thin and discouraging. Indeed, In Black Widow, for the longest time, Jon is being manipulated by the main suspect (not to give away spoilers!), and instead of using his good instincts, he's lead by the physical attraction, and nothing more. Big minus here.
Since this book takes place on Oahu, HI, I had hoped on more narrative regarding the backdrop of this unique fauna and flora. There's a unique feel to the island, which lends itself to good storytelling, but apart from the beach, I kept forgetting where this story was happening. So that was another minus.
Overall, big let-down - again.
Since this book takes place on Oahu, HI, I had hoped on more narrative regarding the backdrop of this unique fauna and flora. There's a unique feel to the island, which lends itself to good storytelling, but apart from the beach, I kept forgetting where this story was happening. So that was another minus.
Overall, big let-down - again.
June 23, 2020
My thoughts
I have read the first 6 books in this series about Jon Stanton and really enjoyed them they held me till the very end. Well written and the twists and turns that makes a great mystery. This one “Black Widow” showed promise but slowly went down hill for me. The premise of the story while having great possibilities , turned me off when Jon Stanton starting behaving, in my opinion, out of character as established in the previous books. He just seems to becoming aimless and showers no sense at all especially in light of having his sons with him. While I admit this book had thrills I just was disappointed in the back story. I look forward to finishing the series and I will also follow Mr. Victor Methos in his other series.
Thank you
I have read the first 6 books in this series about Jon Stanton and really enjoyed them they held me till the very end. Well written and the twists and turns that makes a great mystery. This one “Black Widow” showed promise but slowly went down hill for me. The premise of the story while having great possibilities , turned me off when Jon Stanton starting behaving, in my opinion, out of character as established in the previous books. He just seems to becoming aimless and showers no sense at all especially in light of having his sons with him. While I admit this book had thrills I just was disappointed in the back story. I look forward to finishing the series and I will also follow Mr. Victor Methos in his other series.
Thank you
November 26, 2020
I’ve read all 7 of the Stanton books. All are well written and keep the reader’s interest. This one seemed not to fit together. He is seeing a psychiatrist because he is trying to be a better man. He has his boys in Hawaii, teaching them to surf, his favorite thing. Yet he is lured back to police work AND hired back as a detective and then given the hottest case, the black widow. Talk about making yourself a target. But, Kai, the chief is his friend from years ago and Kai knows that Jon Stanton can solve the case if anyone can. But as usual, Jon solves the case. There was some jumping around after he thinks he knows who the killer is but if you stay with it, it all comes together. Ready for Book #8.
February 28, 2021
Black Widow’s place in the “Stanton” series is well deserved.
I first read Methos on other of his books. When I learned about the Stanton 11 book series I decided to sample. By mistake my Kindle order bought me all eleven - oops! So off I went and just finished “Black Widow”. All the books are gristly but intriguing and interesting threads maintain and develop to add to each new story and plot. This becomes the best of the series so far as the complexity has grown. More details might spoil the book for some future readers. My advice, make the mistake that I did. Buy the whole series and read them in order.
I first read Methos on other of his books. When I learned about the Stanton 11 book series I decided to sample. By mistake my Kindle order bought me all eleven - oops! So off I went and just finished “Black Widow”. All the books are gristly but intriguing and interesting threads maintain and develop to add to each new story and plot. This becomes the best of the series so far as the complexity has grown. More details might spoil the book for some future readers. My advice, make the mistake that I did. Buy the whole series and read them in order.
March 28, 2020
Is evil beautiful?
That question played in Jon's mind and it was mentioned several times, so I spent some time thinking about it . Primarily to take my mind off the story. It gets that intense. So, I don't think evil can be beautiful. It can disguise itself to appear desirable and desire can imagine whatever it wants. We love to fool ourselves.
If you like thrillers you won't be disappointed.
That question played in Jon's mind and it was mentioned several times, so I spent some time thinking about it . Primarily to take my mind off the story. It gets that intense. So, I don't think evil can be beautiful. It can disguise itself to appear desirable and desire can imagine whatever it wants. We love to fool ourselves.
If you like thrillers you won't be disappointed.
December 8, 2017
Great Story
A great addition to the Stanton series. As a resident of Hawaii it was interesting to see a thriller set on O'ahu. I found it funny to think of a local surfer wearing a wet suit. Also, Rick's house would never have been threatened by a volcano as there are no more actives on the island of O'ahu. The story itself was great as always & I truly enjoy Methos writing.
A great addition to the Stanton series. As a resident of Hawaii it was interesting to see a thriller set on O'ahu. I found it funny to think of a local surfer wearing a wet suit. Also, Rick's house would never have been threatened by a volcano as there are no more actives on the island of O'ahu. The story itself was great as always & I truly enjoy Methos writing.
May 27, 2019
Not bad but not as good as it could have been.
This was not a bad story but it could have and should have been so much more. I felt that the main character was ok (kind of weak) and that the twist with the villain was a bit predictable. That said, the story was ok and worth reading for fans of this author and this genre. I wanted to like it more but...
This was not a bad story but it could have and should have been so much more. I felt that the main character was ok (kind of weak) and that the twist with the villain was a bit predictable. That said, the story was ok and worth reading for fans of this author and this genre. I wanted to like it more but...
May 5, 2020
DOUBLE THE TROUBLE FOR JON STANTON
This time around our intrepid Homicide Detective has his two sons living with him, becomes a cop once again and gets more than he bargains for. Somewhat predictable and containing some tired cop tropes, this is one of Mr.Methos lesser efforts. Perhaps you will feel differently. One can only hope his next effort is better.
This time around our intrepid Homicide Detective has his two sons living with him, becomes a cop once again and gets more than he bargains for. Somewhat predictable and containing some tired cop tropes, this is one of Mr.Methos lesser efforts. Perhaps you will feel differently. One can only hope his next effort is better.
June 8, 2022
A good one.
I’ve read most of Victor Methos’s books and enjoyed them all. A few are a bit hard to take seriously and this is one of those. The reality of two beautiful twins, one being a terrible serial killer and the other being a prostitute are a bit challenging. But overall, a good read and fun.
I’ve read most of Victor Methos’s books and enjoyed them all. A few are a bit hard to take seriously and this is one of those. The reality of two beautiful twins, one being a terrible serial killer and the other being a prostitute are a bit challenging. But overall, a good read and fun.
October 8, 2018
Good stuff
A good detective story. I gave it a five, although I felt it really deserved a plus four rating. Story kept the reader involved until the very end of the novel. Even with all of the killings, I thought the book could be a little more upbeat. Recommend
A good detective story. I gave it a five, although I felt it really deserved a plus four rating. Story kept the reader involved until the very end of the novel. Even with all of the killings, I thought the book could be a little more upbeat. Recommend
September 16, 2019
Black Widow
Nice read ,I like the series looking forward for the next book.I rated this book with a 4 stars. I will continue to follow this author as will let my friends and family members know what a good time I have reading this author 's books.
Nice read ,I like the series looking forward for the next book.I rated this book with a 4 stars. I will continue to follow this author as will let my friends and family members know what a good time I have reading this author 's books.
March 14, 2020
Riveting!
I didn't want to put this one down.
Sometimes I think a page or two more in detail or thought would absolutely convince me of this character's choices. For me, this one so far is the best yet!!
I didn't want to put this one down.
Sometimes I think a page or two more in detail or thought would absolutely convince me of this character's choices. For me, this one so far is the best yet!!
April 1, 2020
Black Widoe - Thriller (Jon Stanton Mysteries Book 7)
This was another great boom by Victor Methos . His Zion Stanton series have been really goo Be sure and add the whole series to your books to read.
This was another great boom by Victor Methos . His Zion Stanton series have been really goo Be sure and add the whole series to your books to read.
April 4, 2020
Another great read!
The 7th book doesn't disappoint! It was an interesting read with new actions and scenarios. The author's mind is intriguing. So many twists and turns makes you keep turning the pages. Can't wait to read #8.
The 7th book doesn't disappoint! It was an interesting read with new actions and scenarios. The author's mind is intriguing. So many twists and turns makes you keep turning the pages. Can't wait to read #8.
April 20, 2020
Intense.
Black Widow was another excellent book in the series. I couldn’t wait to get to the end of the story to find out who was the guilty one. Was it one or both. You’ll see Jon in his weakest moment. Parts were gruesome and made my skin crawl. I could of gone without them.
Black Widow was another excellent book in the series. I couldn’t wait to get to the end of the story to find out who was the guilty one. Was it one or both. You’ll see Jon in his weakest moment. Parts were gruesome and made my skin crawl. I could of gone without them.
May 10, 2020
A lot of twists
Book was one of authors better ones. I could hardly put down. If you like gore this is your book to read. I almost put it down not into gore. Somewhat predictable.
Book was one of authors better ones. I could hardly put down. If you like gore this is your book to read. I almost put it down not into gore. Somewhat predictable.
June 25, 2020
A first attempt
I canNot believe this is the same author I have hunted down and read. It was so infantile and sappy. Maybe the religious aspects just intensified the poor writing. I think I should get four stars for finishing this dribble. Yuck
I canNot believe this is the same author I have hunted down and read. It was so infantile and sappy. Maybe the religious aspects just intensified the poor writing. I think I should get four stars for finishing this dribble. Yuck
June 27, 2021
One of my all time favorites
From the first I recognised an intense experience of suspense and surprise. Completely different from most books I have read. An amazing author that everyone would enjoy! A great author without unnecessary descriptions!
From the first I recognised an intense experience of suspense and surprise. Completely different from most books I have read. An amazing author that everyone would enjoy! A great author without unnecessary descriptions!
August 1, 2022
A terrific series
This was an intense, complex, and suspenseful story with many unexpected twists and turns. It's certainly not a story that you'll want to miss.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was an intense, complex, and suspenseful story with many unexpected twists and turns. It's certainly not a story that you'll want to miss.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
April 1, 2025
Not too thrilling
I thought from the opening lines this would be as grim,gory,non stop as the first three I read. However it was a bit of a disappointment. I expected more thrilling twists,it was a bit too obvious.
I thought from the opening lines this would be as grim,gory,non stop as the first three I read. However it was a bit of a disappointment. I expected more thrilling twists,it was a bit too obvious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews