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The Widow's Walk

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Cape May, N.J. 1976

When NYC editor Audrey Taylor finalizes her divorce, it seems as if her entire world has collapsed around her. And when she inherits a run-down Victorian mansion in a decaying N.J. beach town, it only seems to get worse. At least, until she finds the treasure map.

The Widow’s Walk is a tale of growth, self-discovery, and learning to appreciate all the good that life has to offer. A romance wrapped in a historical subplot, a mystery hidden in a centuries-old crime, it ties two unsuspecting people together to find a love that neither expected—which is far more precious than buried treasure could ever be.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2021

300 people are currently reading
1962 people want to read

About the author

John Anthony Miller

19 books345 followers
John Anthony Miller writes all things historical—thrillers, mysteries, and romance. He sets his novels in exotic locations spanning all eras of space and time, with complex characters forced to face inner conflicts—fighting demons both real and imagined. Each of his novels is unique: a Medieval epic, five historical mysteries, two Cold-War thrillers, two 1970’s cozy mysteries, a Revolutionary War spy novel, seven WWII thrillers, and The Castle on the Cliff. He lives in southern New Jersey.


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5 stars
579 (57%)
4 stars
269 (26%)
3 stars
110 (11%)
2 stars
31 (3%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Judy.
1,481 reviews150 followers
December 21, 2021
This was a charming and delightful read for me. I enjoyed the characters and the small beach community. Audrey is finalizing her divorce when she inherits a Victorian mansion in a New Jersey beach town from her Aunt Ruth. Audrey is an editor in a New York publishing house, but they are allowing her to work from home, so she packs up and moves into the mansion. During some renovations, Audrey finds a treasure map hidden in a wall which sends her searching for answers from the past. During her search she makes some new friends and has a few relationships emerge.

I loved the interaction between the characters and the friendships that developed. Audrey made some great strides in growth after her move as well. This book had a nice historical mystery and an amazing love story as well.

Thanks to Solstice Publishing through Netgalley for a copy.
Profile Image for Lauren coffeebooksandescape.
260 reviews32 followers
March 19, 2022
“Someone once said, it doesn’t matter how many times you fall. It matters how many times you get up.”

✮✮✮✮

Audrey, NY editor and recent divorcee, inherited a three-storey house and inheritance money from a distant relative, Aunt Ruth, who m she wasn’t even sure was a relative. In a journey to find herself again, Audrey decides to move hours away from New York to Cape May, and in the process of fixing the house up, finds a treasure map. But the map leads to so much more than treasure.

This was such a quaint little tale of self-discovery. I laughed a lot, especially when Audrey was juggling so much attention, she seemed so unaware. Anyhow, the characters were great, and Lee was my absolute favourite character of all. The journey Audrey went on was incredible, and I truly believe this is something a lot of people struggle with after divorce and it was nice to have some older characters portrayed rather than the usual younger 20-somethings. I also need this house in my life!

I rated this four star, because I found that the ending was rushed. Until the last couple of chapters, this took a really nice leisurely pace, but it was almost missing something in-between the last few chapters. I felt as if a lot of questions were answered, such as about Danny, and his obsession about the map. Although it was a really great story, those last few just moved too quickly.

Recommend for a nice cosy read.
Profile Image for Susan in Perthshire.
2,244 reviews119 followers
December 17, 2021
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.

Sorry, but I found this really disappointing. The characters were flat and one dimensional. I found it difficult to engage with Audrey or Lee or indeed any of the characters - who seemed to be mere cyphers rather than fully fleshed out individuals. The signposting about which characters we could trust, and about events which were obviously going to happen seemed to be broadcast from the earliest opportunity. I found there was so much padding - descriptions of meals, decor, people that the pace was slowed down interminably.

Sorry, this was not my cup of tea. I’ve read books set in old houses in this part of the USA which were far more atmospheric and evocative: Barbara Michaels and Phyllis Whitney were absolute masters of the genre back in the day. Btw - Why the setting was the 1970s puzzled me.

Sorry - I’m sure this will interest some readers, but I guess this just isn’t. my cup of tea. I really like the idea of older characters being at the forefront of a story but sadly the author did not do justice to these characters, and the story was hardly original. I’m sure the author put in a lot of effort into this but sadly I didn’t like it.
Profile Image for Lauren coffeebooksandescape.
260 reviews32 followers
March 19, 2022
“Someone once said, it doesn’t matter how many times you fall. It matters how many times you get up.”

✮✮✮✮

Audrey, NY editor and recent divorcee, inherited a three-storey house and inheritance money from a distant relative, Aunt Ruth, who m she wasn’t even sure was a relative. In a journey to find herself again, Audrey decides to move hours away from New York to Cape May, and in the process of fixing the house up, finds a treasure map. But the map leads to so much more than treasure.

This was such a quaint little tale of self-discovery. I laughed a lot, especially when Audrey was juggling so much attention, she seemed so unaware. Anyhow, the characters were great, and Lee was my absolute favourite character of all. The journey Audrey went on was incredible, and I truly believe this is something a lot of people struggle with after divorce and it was nice to have some older characters portrayed rather than the usual younger 20-somethings. I also need this house in my life!

I rated this four star, because I found that the ending was rushed. Until the last couple of chapters, this took a really nice leisurely pace, but it was almost missing something in-between the last few chapters. I felt as if a lot of questions were answered, such as about Danny, and his obsession about the map. Although it was a really great story, those last few just moved too quickly.

Recommend for a nice cosy read.
Profile Image for H.M. Holten.
Author 4 books54 followers
March 20, 2022
Tentative Love Story with a Mystery Attached

Newly divorced, Audrey Taylor feels that her life is out of sync. Her job as an editor is the only thing that keeps her going. Then she inherits a run-down Victorian mansion in a small coastal town. That is her chance to get away and make a new start. She takes it, even if she is reluctant. Her employer allows her to establish a home office, which allows her to move.

The Mansion needs a lot of work, and thus a treasure map falls into her hands. Apart from that, the unusual setting makes her feel that the house could be haunted.

The mystery that unfolds goes far back in time, and it whets Audrey’s interest. Through her research, she meets new people and forms unexpected friendships and acquaintances. Will she find the treasure? Is it worth looking for?

It is easy to like Audrey and feel with her through disappointments and hopes, tentative feelings, and her attraction – sometimes to the wrong persons. Miller takes his readers captive from the first words to the end of this romantic mystery.
349 reviews16 followers
January 23, 2023
The inheritance of a Victorian mansion comes at the perfect time for the recently divorced Audrey Taylor. But the state of the house fills her with despair until she finds a treasure map. This description of the house and location for me gently drew me in and kept me in it’s thrall until I’d read the last page. The characters wonderfully written and I could picture easily each one in my head, especially Lee Peters for some reason. The story has everything I want in a cozy mystery, drama, romance, a hidden agenda ( I had my suspicions about one of the characters) and of course the mystery of the map. But it’s also a little bit more. It’s a story of a new beginning, new friendships and the discovery of who Audrey truly is.
The Widow’s Walk is a fabulous story and John really has a way with words. The kind which make you want to get on a plane and visit Cape May for real.
Profile Image for SK.
3 reviews
February 6, 2023
zero surprises

Well maybe the ONLY surprise is that nothing really happened.

The main character is 50yo divorcée in the 70’s who moves out of NYC to a Victorian beach house in Cape May, NJ, which she inherited from a distant aunt. I know it’s the 1970’s but she is the most self-deprecating weakling ever. It’s painful to listen to her inner monologue. I mean, she’s a senior editor at Random House!! That’s a BIG DEAL. She has to have SOME backbone and confidence to go head to head with male authors, right? And she must have gone to college, too, but it’s never mentioned.

The men in the story are all stereotypes, and she gives the most QUESTIONABLE behavior the benefit of the doubt over and over. Omg. They are telegraphing their intentions in giant letters and she’s like, “maybe that’s just the way he is and he’s so cute.”🙄

Another one, who’s nicer but still kisses her, is completely unavailable, and yet, he’s considered a friend because he’s helpful.

The whole chain of events is somewhat ludicrous and MANY loose ends are not tied up—why the hesitation from her daughters about visiting for Xmas? In a tiny town, how does one guy get away with his reprehensible behavior without anyone ever calling him on it?

This book had a decent start and the premise had potential but it really felt like a straight line to an end point that was easily visible from the starting line. Annoyed I read it now.
206 reviews
October 3, 2022
The widows walk

This book was not quite what I expected. It was too drawn out in detail and wordy. It could have been an incredible book, if the author had dealt more with the story line as opposed to what wad eaten for lunch.
89 reviews
January 28, 2022
This story is a cute, fun little coffeeshop read as the main character described one of the books that she was reading during the story (little meta fun ;) )
There is a simple, but heartwarming storyline in this book - which is that of a woman who is trying to rediscover herself after her divorce and figuring out how to start over in a new life. An inheritance from a forgotten relative jumpstarts that process and the overall plot of the book and from there the protagonist starts to rebuild not just her life, but also this house that she inherited.
During this process, she discovers a family mystery and discovers some romance - some which works out and some of which really does not.
This works has excellent writing that really draws the reader in and lets them feel and react for the characters.
This is an excellent slice-of-life comfy mystery story to bring on a trip or read on a chilly afternoon.
784 reviews15 followers
October 11, 2021
Audrey is an editor of books in NYC with 2 daughters in college and recently divorced. She is surprised when she inherits a mansion in Cape May, a small beach town in New Jersey. She realizes this is the time to begin her new life since she can work from home. The mansion needs many repairs and Audrey builds friendships while seeking a repairman. A 100 year old treasure map is found behind a wall where the plaster is in need of replacement. This novel is about starting over, building relationships including romance and the mystery of past history. This is a fast easy novel to read and you feel as though you know the characters.
1 review
September 20, 2022
I truly enjoyed this book! I loved the familiarity of the location and references to places that I know well. I absolutely love Victorian homes, and happy endings, so this book was a hit with me! On to my next book, I hope its just as good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Michelle L. Ledesma.
42 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2022
This was a good book.

I really liked this book. It kept my attention the whole way through. I really didn't want it to end!
72 reviews3 followers
August 8, 2022
The Widows Walk

I wasn't sure at first it I would enjoy this book. Started off kinda boring( sorry) but once I kept reading I absolutely loved it. Got angry every time Audrey fell for that JERK Danny's fake smile. So glad she finally ended up with the good guy.
Profile Image for Lisa.
675 reviews
September 28, 2021
I found The Widow’s Walk, by John Anthony Miller, to be a highly entertaining story. The mood is set by lovely descriptive prose and I quickly became absorbed in this character driven story.

Audrey Taylor is recently divorced and is seeking to reinvent herself. When she inherits a historic home, in an up-and-coming beach town on the New Jersey coast, and a small amount of money from a distant relative, she decides to leave the city. Her daughters are in college and she can work from home. It seems now is the perfect time to make a change.

When she arrives and discovers all the things that need fixing in this old house she starts to second guess herself. Then an unexpected discovery in the wall of her library has her trying to unravel a one hundred year mystery. Along the way she makes friends and if she allows herself, she even may find a little romance.

Great plot in this book and I loved that the romance was not overpowering. It added just the right amount of additional substance to make the story more interesting. The clues to the mystery were placed well in order to keep me intrigued and it was fun to work through the clues with the Audrey. Yet the best part of the book was the descriptive prose. I loved reading about the various places in Cape May and I ended up Googling some of the places mentioned to see the image for myself.

The character development was also outstanding. I felt like I had a connection to Audrey. The result was I became truly invested in the outcome and rushed to get to the end. It’s such a wonderful feeling when I get this involved with the character and story. Totally looking forward to reading more great books from this author.

In summary, this book is a charming feel good story and the perfect beach read that will have you devouring it. There is a lot to love in the story and is the perfect choice for fans of Nora Roberts. I highly recommend to lovers of historical fiction, cozy mysteries and romance.

I used my Kindle Unlimited to download a copy of this book. However, the author did request a review. Regardless of how I obtain a book, my opinion is entirely my own. For more of my reviews, and author interviews, see my book blog at www.thespineview.com.
Profile Image for READER VIEWS.
4,982 reviews372 followers
November 30, 2021
Sometimes the path of life becomes rough and dreary, and other times, the path is just the opposite. So it was with Audrey Taylor, an editor at Random House, who had just gone through a painful divorce that left her shattered and alone. Her loneliness was heightened by her two daughters being away at college and her only sister living far away.

When she inherits a hundred-year-old house from a distant aunt in Cape May, a beach town with beautiful architecture and rich history, Audrey believes that is what she needs as her quiet escape. Things don’t look up for her in the beginning as the house needs renovation and restructuring but when she stumbles upon a treasure map, little does she know the adventure that awaits her which includes some revelations, unfolding mysteries, and a new chance at love.

With “The Widow’s Walk,” John Anthony Miller has succeeded on several levels. Perhaps my most favorite aspect about the book was how he keeps readers on their toes with the gripping suspense that is in every chapter. The characters, too, are diverse and richly drawn, and his prose crisp and sensitive as well. The dialogues in the plot add to the enjoyment of the story as they serve as the pathway for readers to understand the narrative more. The writer uses skillful syntax to perfectly execute his work. The setting of the story is well presented providing a rich background to the plot and its characters. This easily gives readers a sense of place.

I liked how the author juxtaposes Audrey’s journey to solve the mystery surrounding the house she had inherited from her Aunt Ruth, to her process of healing, self-discovery, and new beginnings. The result is an engrossing and mellow read. However, I found “The Widow’s Walk” to be quite slow-paced and detailed in some chapters, and for this reason, I rate the book 4 stars.

Overall, Anthony Miller has written a heartwarming read. The book avoids the sometimes unnecessary tension and hyped drama making it a great family read. “ The Widow’s Walk” would make for a perfect candidate to cozy up to on a summer afternoon!
Profile Image for Paula.
69 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2021
Outstanding

This book was so enjoyable and a great mystery solved by very interesting people. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys reading.
Profile Image for Mary-Ellen Shea Breen.
1 review
April 8, 2023
Not what I expected

The story and its mysteries was interesting. I have been to Cape May a number of years ago and enjoyed his descriptions. But the ending was a disappointment. It felt like he just got tired of the story and decided to hang a "The End" on it.
Profile Image for Cheryl M-M.
1,880 reviews55 followers
January 22, 2023
As many people after the collapse of a long-term relationship, perhaps especially women, it’s often a struggle to find a new place for themselves in the world and their own lives. Audrey has been delegated to the space of used and no longer needed – replaced for a younger model and no longer as needed by her grown children.

This story is about stepping into a new period in her life. One she can shape and define for herself. New friendships, new house, new area to live in and is there also the chance for something more than friendship.

When the second-romance story comes with the realistic process of a reboot, the eye of the reader is firmly fixed on potential candidates who are nice on the eye. The author then takes that concept, adds a wee bit of mystery and a treasure hunt to mix. What a better way to get to know someone than when you are looking for the answers to a really old mystery – hunting for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow or in a ramshackle old house. Perhaps Audrey will find more than just the key to mystery – this is the right time to embrace all the new changes and see the positive in them.

It’s a interesting combination of discovery of self, moving on from the old version of her family unit and creating a new existence, which then wanders into the world of myths, legends and a hunt for hidden treasure.
Profile Image for BooksCoffee.
1,069 reviews
October 24, 2021
Mystery and intrigue abound in Miller’s deeply engrossing latest, taking readers into a middle-age, newly divorced woman’s journey to finding love and fulfillment.

NYC editor Audrey Taylor is hurting too much after her decades-long marriage ends in divorce. When she hears the news that she has inherited a run-down Victorian mansion in Cape May, a decaying N.J. beach town, she realizes the move will give her the perfect opportunity to begin afresh. But a chance discovery of some old documents dating back to the 1800s and a treasure map in her new house sets Audrey on a winding quest of mystery and intrigue.

Miller nicely evokes the suspense and romance elements while capturing the spirit of the quaint beach town with its magnificent Victorian buildings.

He provides a colorful and intriguing depiction of individual struggles and human drama, enlivened by an intriguing cast of well-drawn characters, particularly Audrey, whose relentless struggle with her past demons pulls the reader headlong into the novel’s engrossing mix of mystery and romance. Lee is a wonderfully crafted, realistic character. Billy leaves a definite impression.

In lively, energetic prose, Miller tackles themes of relationships, family, individual struggles, love, passion, rage, secrets, self-discovery, and second chances.

The intricate mini subplot keeps the reader invested while adding intrigue to the main storyline. As the house’s tragic history begins to unravel, Miller expertly retches up the tension and pulls off a surprising yet heartening ending.

Part mystery and part human drama, this poignant story about finding love and the power of breaking free makes for a compulsively readable tale.
Profile Image for Charline Romine.
879 reviews
January 24, 2022
Life’s Treasures

This has it all! One or more love stories, a mystery, some bad guys, some really good guys, a good path for the future and a treasure to find!
Audrey Taylor is at the completion of her divorce after a long marriage. She has inherited a colonial home from an Aunt she barely remembers and determines to restart her life there.
I think you will find this story refreshing and exciting.
Profile Image for Denise -Marie.
213 reviews29 followers
September 17, 2021
A cozy historical mystery wrapped in unexpected love. Filled with timeless moments to be aware of while following thru. You'll be lulled into moments of quiet introspection drifting thru time to a place that is timeless in it's telling.
421 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2022
The Widow’s Walk

This book was wonderful. It had mystery romance and learning how to re-invent yourself. I never read a book by this author before but I am looking to find more books that he has written. I loved all the characters the scenery and it was great that it was sit in New Jersey.
Profile Image for Elaine C..
408 reviews9 followers
September 13, 2023
Our heroine, Audrey, 50 years old and reeling from a surprise divorce, inherits a Victorian on Cape May in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She decides the time is right for a "new" Audrey and she sets about doing just that. I liked this story, but it was a little slow. The character development was good and I loved the mystery about who originally owned the house, and why did Audrey inherit it. I may check out more of his books ... I mean, I read this one in only 2 days!!
59 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2022
Wonderful!

I totally loved this book! I didn't want it to end. It was a short but wonderful story!! I wish we all do this.
264 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2022
Happy endings

make for happy beginning with the discovery of a fun new author! Delightful story, evolving characters and an unexpected conclusion!
2 reviews
September 18, 2022
loved this story

Accurate representation of Cape May and the wonderful location in town, on the mall and Beach Avenue. So glad I read the book
1 review
October 25, 2022
Mystery and intrique

Treasure added to the mystery
Restoration of houses renewal of life
Risk taking as writer and author
New start and painting to look forward to!
Profile Image for kirsty.
1,286 reviews86 followers
January 16, 2023
This took me a while to get into but once I had I was gripped.
The writing was engaging and the storyline was clever and kept me guessing all the way through, I wouldn't have guessed it in a million years. The characters were well developed and all brought something to the book.
Im so glad I persevered because I ended up really enjoying it
Profile Image for Kathyrn M Handley.
35 reviews
January 17, 2023
Refreshingly different romance novel

I enjoyed every page of this book. The mystery kept the reader guessing right up to the end. I thought I had the mystery solved but no such luck. I will try to find more from this author.
2 reviews
July 28, 2022
Good read.

So interesting read in a couple of hours. Never read you before but will be looking for more of you ☺
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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