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Ellie Haskell Mystery #2
The Widows Club
Ellie Haskell, nee Simons, newly wed and thin in charming Chitterton Fells, helps Misses Hyacinth and Primrose Tramwell of Flowers Detection Agency investigate the high number of dead unfaithful husbands. To uncover the mastermind in the social Widows Club, Ellie poses as an unhappy and betrayed wife.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
843 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Cannell
50 books252 followers(from Fantastic Fiction online)
Dorothy Cannell was born in London, England, and now lives in Belfast, Maine. Dorothy Cannell writes mysteries featuring Ellie Haskell, interior decorator and Ben Haskell, writer and chef, and Hyacinth and Primrose Tramwell, a pair of dotty sisters and owners of the Flowers Detection Agency.
(from Internet Book List)
Dorothy Cannell, a mother of four, grandmother of ten, and owner of a King Charles Spaniel, was born in England and moved to the United States when she was twenty. After living in Peoria, Illinois, for years, she and her husband recently moved to Belfast, Maine. Her first Ellie Haskell novel, The Thin Woman, was selected as one of the 100 Favorite Mysteries of the Twentieth Century by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.
Dorothy Cannell was born in London, England, and now lives in Belfast, Maine. Dorothy Cannell writes mysteries featuring Ellie Haskell, interior decorator and Ben Haskell, writer and chef, and Hyacinth and Primrose Tramwell, a pair of dotty sisters and owners of the Flowers Detection Agency.
(from Internet Book List)
Dorothy Cannell, a mother of four, grandmother of ten, and owner of a King Charles Spaniel, was born in England and moved to the United States when she was twenty. After living in Peoria, Illinois, for years, she and her husband recently moved to Belfast, Maine. Her first Ellie Haskell novel, The Thin Woman, was selected as one of the 100 Favorite Mysteries of the Twentieth Century by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
November 9, 2018
I fear I have to agree wit so many other reviewers: the first book in the series was fun - with lively, wise cracking humor. But with this entry in the series, it seems as if the author has developed a case of attention deficit. The constantly rambling, too many details style of writing is simply exhausting to read. I began skipping through pages, not reading, hoping to eventually happen upon some sections of clear plot line. It also was a cheap literary trick, to make the reader believe for several pages, that Ben had died. I did not complete this book - to do so would be a waste of my time.
April 30, 2017
The second book in the Ellie Haskell series. I read this book for the backstory. I was disappointed as I found the format difficult to understand. The mishaps at the wedding and reception were not funny for me. The conflict between the wedding and funeral was used to
being new characters into stories was intriguing.
Ellie is attending a funeral and the implication was it was Ben's. At this point, the Tramwell Sisters of the Flowers Detective Agency enter the story. They inform Ellie about the Widow's Club and asked her to help to find the Leader. Ben's Mother has left his Father and is missing. After several twists and turns the later part of the story flows smoothly and is easy to read. Will Ellie find the Founder of the Widow's Club before Ben is killed?
being new characters into stories was intriguing.
Ellie is attending a funeral and the implication was it was Ben's. At this point, the Tramwell Sisters of the Flowers Detective Agency enter the story. They inform Ellie about the Widow's Club and asked her to help to find the Leader. Ben's Mother has left his Father and is missing. After several twists and turns the later part of the story flows smoothly and is easy to read. Will Ellie find the Founder of the Widow's Club before Ben is killed?
August 30, 2021
The first book in the Ellie Haskell series was rife with body shaming and troubling views on weight loss. Despite that, I still enjoyed the other aspects of the book. So I picked up this installment in the series assuming that it wouldn't have the same issues since Ellie's weight would no longer be a major plot point. Boy was I wrong. If anything, the issues with the first book got cranked up to 11 in this one. I think half of the book is Ellie obsessing about food and characters commenting on her body.
Additionally, Ellie seems to have completely lost her personality. She had a backbone in the first book and would give people as good as she got. In this one she let's people walk all over her and just smiles when being poorly treated. When another character comments on how different her personality is, it's directly said that it's due to the weight loss. The implication is that when she was overweight she was "mean" and bitter and now that she's thin she's "nice". I know this book was written over 30 years ago, but come on.
All of this combined with a lack luster mystery and zero likeable characters made for a painful read. If you're considering reading this series, I'd suggest you skip it. It has not aged well at all.
Additionally, Ellie seems to have completely lost her personality. She had a backbone in the first book and would give people as good as she got. In this one she let's people walk all over her and just smiles when being poorly treated. When another character comments on how different her personality is, it's directly said that it's due to the weight loss. The implication is that when she was overweight she was "mean" and bitter and now that she's thin she's "nice". I know this book was written over 30 years ago, but come on.
All of this combined with a lack luster mystery and zero likeable characters made for a painful read. If you're considering reading this series, I'd suggest you skip it. It has not aged well at all.
October 15, 2015
A bit thin in every sense
The premise of this book is unique and the mystery aspect is well done. So are the minor characters. What disappointed me was the treatment of two themes: the reality of married life and Ellie's descent into anorexia. Like anorexics in general, Ellie believes you can never be too thin and interprets every comment about her eating as saying she is still too fat. But beyond these comments, Ellie's perceptions are never challenged by reality. She has boundless energy, she hasn't developed the terrible open sores that betray malnutrition, and there is no resolution of this theme by book's end. Ellie is less naive about happy ever after by the end of the book, but we don't get much insight into Ben's character. He's still a bit stereotypical divinely handsome, stunning green eyes, rigid hero of the Regency novel.
The premise of this book is unique and the mystery aspect is well done. So are the minor characters. What disappointed me was the treatment of two themes: the reality of married life and Ellie's descent into anorexia. Like anorexics in general, Ellie believes you can never be too thin and interprets every comment about her eating as saying she is still too fat. But beyond these comments, Ellie's perceptions are never challenged by reality. She has boundless energy, she hasn't developed the terrible open sores that betray malnutrition, and there is no resolution of this theme by book's end. Ellie is less naive about happy ever after by the end of the book, but we don't get much insight into Ben's character. He's still a bit stereotypical divinely handsome, stunning green eyes, rigid hero of the Regency novel.
September 28, 2022
If I had to use one word to describe this book, it would be "distressing". The funeral at the beginning of the book was distressing. The premise of The Widow's Club was distressing. The events that took place at Ben and Ellie's wedding were distressing as were the first six months of their marriage. I was so disturbed that I almost decided not to finish the book. The feisty, fat Ellie of the first book becomes an over-imaginative, unrealistic skinny woman who is obsessed with weight in this one. I persevered until the end, and I'm very glad I did, because it was worth it, but I doubt I will ever read this one again. I will, on the other hand, try to find the next in the series. By the way, I think Ms. Cannell won a mystery award for this one, so perhaps a lot of people enjoy being "distressed". Plus, you will notice that I gave it four stars. It lost a star for disturbing me too much.
September 9, 2025
The first book was so good, but the second book is such a disappointment. Reading a book should be pleasurable, not painful.
October 14, 2017
I don't recall the first book all that well, but having given it 4 stars and a complimentary review I expected this to be a pleasant read.
Unfortunately, that wasn't entirely the case.
The bulk of the book is told in flashback, detailing the events that prompt Ellie to help draw out a murderous mastermind. The storytelling technique proves clunky. It puts a hindrance on the flow right from the start.
The basic premise of the mystery is engaging but somewhere along the way it fell flat. I was curious about The Widow's Club, but never longed to discover who was behind it all. Likewise, the reveal inspired neither shock nor satisfaction. I wasn't invested.
The secondary trouble didn't do much for me either. It seemed out of place - a complication that added little to the story apart from an introduction to Ben's eccentric parents.
The real problem though was Ellie herself. I know the first book involved her dramatic weightloss, and I didn't expect that to go entirely unmentioned. I did not, however, anticipate Cannell allowing Ellie's issues with food to become such a main focus it frequently derailed the greater story. Ellie is obsessive -- to the point of lamenting the robust circumference of her boiled egg. It's overwhelming and distracting. Is this supposed to be a deeply misguided comedic element? Or will Cannell make sure her lead sees a therapist in a future installment?
Overall, I did appreciate many of the characters, the premise was solid, and I could see traces of the humor I recall from the first book. Taking into consideration that many list this as their least favorite installment, I'm inclined to give Ellie another try.
Unfortunately, that wasn't entirely the case.
The bulk of the book is told in flashback, detailing the events that prompt Ellie to help draw out a murderous mastermind. The storytelling technique proves clunky. It puts a hindrance on the flow right from the start.
The basic premise of the mystery is engaging but somewhere along the way it fell flat. I was curious about The Widow's Club, but never longed to discover who was behind it all. Likewise, the reveal inspired neither shock nor satisfaction. I wasn't invested.
The secondary trouble didn't do much for me either. It seemed out of place - a complication that added little to the story apart from an introduction to Ben's eccentric parents.
The real problem though was Ellie herself. I know the first book involved her dramatic weightloss, and I didn't expect that to go entirely unmentioned. I did not, however, anticipate Cannell allowing Ellie's issues with food to become such a main focus it frequently derailed the greater story. Ellie is obsessive -- to the point of lamenting the robust circumference of her boiled egg. It's overwhelming and distracting. Is this supposed to be a deeply misguided comedic element? Or will Cannell make sure her lead sees a therapist in a future installment?
Overall, I did appreciate many of the characters, the premise was solid, and I could see traces of the humor I recall from the first book. Taking into consideration that many list this as their least favorite installment, I'm inclined to give Ellie another try.
April 19, 2020
Ellie Haskell is happy but somehow married life doesn't seem quite as wonderful as her books told her it must be. That's even before her mother-in-law disappears, and more and more men in Chitterton Fells die mysteriously. Husband Ben is busy working on the opening of his new restaurant, with Ellie's cousin Freddie as his right-hand man, sparking gossip that the two are more involved than is seemly. Ellie finds herself telling the story of the unfortunate opening of the restaurant (another corpse!) to sisters Primrose and Hyacinth, who have started a detective agency with the help of their butler Butler, a reformed burglar. But when it seems likely that Ben will be the next victim, Ellie is forced to take drastic action.
October 28, 2020
I had hoped we had left the food/fat obsession and the “poor communication between husband and wife leading to misunderstandings” trope behind in the last book, but obviously it’s a basic tenet of these books. I keep wanting to shake Ellie, but this nonsense seems to be taking the place of actual plot. It was hard enough to keep track of all the players and the various storylines. I’m likely being too harsh, having read the first two in quick succession, but these are two of my pet peeves...women who denigrate themselves over their weight and the spousal misunderstandings that could be cleared up in a sentence or two. I get that both happen in real life, but it makes for a tense read for what should be a cozy mystery.
August 1, 2024
The first few chapters of this book make you believe that Ellie's husband Ben has died and she was the cause. I was so offended that Cannell would have killed him off before we really got into their relationship (I didn't think that Ellie had "done him in") that I stopped reading for a day or two and then looked it up on Google to see if he really died. Thankfully, he did not. But way to go Cannell for getting straight to the mystery aspect of this book.
I feel like Cannell grew into her writing in the book. And while I'm sure as the series continues she'll improve; I felt like this book was a more understandable, compared to the 1st.
It makes sense that in the first book, Ellie has an unhealthy obsession with eating. And while she does lose the weight she needs to inherit Merlin's Court, I don't think that the actual root of the problem gets addressed as this book evidences. Ellie seems to trade 1 obsession, overeating; for another in starving herself. And while Ben, and others mention that she needs to eat more, she hears their comments as she needs to eat less. I'm hoping that as the series goes on, she'll be able to work through her emotions revolving food and have a more healthy relationship with it.
The premise of the book: that there is a murdering group of widows running rampant through their community, is totally freaky! I thought the mystery of the book was well done and I loved Hyacinth, Primrose, and Butler, I hope they show up in future books.
I think Ellie and Ben are hilarious, and while they do need time to work together and get better at communication I'm excited to start the 3rd book.
I feel like Cannell grew into her writing in the book. And while I'm sure as the series continues she'll improve; I felt like this book was a more understandable, compared to the 1st.
It makes sense that in the first book, Ellie has an unhealthy obsession with eating. And while she does lose the weight she needs to inherit Merlin's Court, I don't think that the actual root of the problem gets addressed as this book evidences. Ellie seems to trade 1 obsession, overeating; for another in starving herself. And while Ben, and others mention that she needs to eat more, she hears their comments as she needs to eat less. I'm hoping that as the series goes on, she'll be able to work through her emotions revolving food and have a more healthy relationship with it.
The premise of the book: that there is a murdering group of widows running rampant through their community, is totally freaky! I thought the mystery of the book was well done and I loved Hyacinth, Primrose, and Butler, I hope they show up in future books.
I think Ellie and Ben are hilarious, and while they do need time to work together and get better at communication I'm excited to start the 3rd book.
May 13, 2023
Gack! I loved the first book but this one is a disaster! It felt like it was written by a committee it was so disjointed. I gave up at 30% and skipped to the last few chapters and it was still chaotic! I don't think I'll bother to read the next one in the series.
Amazon synopsis:
Newlywed Ellie Haskell (née Simons, thank you very much) is settling nicely into married bliss in the charming village of Chitterton Fells.
Until she receives an alarming visit from Misses Hyacinth and Primrose Tramwell, of Flowers Detective Agency. The spinster sleuths suspect the local ‘Widows Club’ is cooking up more than innocent get-togethers for bereaved ladies. All the members’ husbands were unfaithful. And all have met very sticky ends.
To uncover the murdering masterminds, Ellie must pose as an unhappy betrayed wife. But can she catch the killers and keep new hubby Ben safe from the clutches of the Widows Club?
Amazon synopsis:
Newlywed Ellie Haskell (née Simons, thank you very much) is settling nicely into married bliss in the charming village of Chitterton Fells.
Until she receives an alarming visit from Misses Hyacinth and Primrose Tramwell, of Flowers Detective Agency. The spinster sleuths suspect the local ‘Widows Club’ is cooking up more than innocent get-togethers for bereaved ladies. All the members’ husbands were unfaithful. And all have met very sticky ends.
To uncover the murdering masterminds, Ellie must pose as an unhappy betrayed wife. But can she catch the killers and keep new hubby Ben safe from the clutches of the Widows Club?
June 15, 2017
I'm enjoying re-reading the Ellie Haskell mysteries, and The Widow's Club (second in the series) is just as wonderful as the first! Ellie is enjoying marital bliss with Ben and they have the house to themselves (Dorcas and Jonah are vacationing in America) until first her mother-in-law and then her father-in-law come for extended visits due to the fast that the are not currently as blissfully happy as Ellie and Ben. At the start of the story, Ellie is approached by the Tramwell sisters, Hyacinth and Primrose, to help them discover who is the founder of The Widow's Club, a group of women in Chitterton Fells who aid each other by ensuring their status as widows instead of divorcees. Ellie must once again, race to the rescue before she becomes a widow herself. Fast-paced, witty and suspenseful! A+
September 4, 2022
I cannot help it, but I seriously have mixed feeling about this book. I mean on one hand, the story is really interesting and the idea is really good, with some surprising twists as well. On the other hand, I really do not enjoy too many names, because I am not the best with names and thats Ellie, her husband, his parents, their help, Ellie's cousins, two doctors, numerous members of the widow club, their partners, layer... I could keep going. I just lost the track of who is who sometimes, which seriously reduced the book enjoyment.
I also have bit of doubts that it is easy to guess who the behind the scenes person is, I did not feel like there were enough clues in the book, but maybe I was just sooo lost trying to remember who is who, that I missed them....
I also have bit of doubts that it is easy to guess who the behind the scenes person is, I did not feel like there were enough clues in the book, but maybe I was just sooo lost trying to remember who is who, that I missed them....
November 19, 2024
Dorothy Cannell's writing is wonderful. Snarky, clever comments, interesting characters. However, this book got tiresome. The main character, Ellie, who in the first book, had a strong personality, but with low self-esteem and overweight, has lost the weight, but not the low self-esteem and now has an eating disorder. I usually like it when books have the main character oblivious to the world and the other characters can clearly see there's a problem, and they make little comments that go over the head of the MC. But it was just too much. Too oblivious, too many times she should have said something, too many times she was clumsy. I find conflicts caused by lack of communication frustrating.
October 22, 2022
2nd read. The Ellie Haskell mysteries are so funny and charming. Poor Ellie is afraid to eat, lest the weight marches back on. Primrose and Hyacinth Tramwell are introduced. They have been hired by an insurance company because an unordinary number of husband's in the area have died. Even though there is never a hint of foul play. The sisters want Ellie's help, both her mother and father in law have come to stay. Jonas and Dorcas are on a trip to the states and Ben's time is filled with getting Abigail's up and running. What's a newlywed to do with so much chaos?
August 20, 2023
Dizzy with relief to read the Epilog
I was so looking forward to reading this 2nd in a series book after enjoying the first. However, to my dismay, reading this book was like walking into a church jumble sale with enough money to buy whatever I liked, but upon leaving felt dizzy with a budding headache and not having spent a dime!
I am brave enough to attempt the third book in the series after I read something from Jason Kasper or James Patterson or even reread a favorite Agatha Christie.
I was so looking forward to reading this 2nd in a series book after enjoying the first. However, to my dismay, reading this book was like walking into a church jumble sale with enough money to buy whatever I liked, but upon leaving felt dizzy with a budding headache and not having spent a dime!
I am brave enough to attempt the third book in the series after I read something from Jason Kasper or James Patterson or even reread a favorite Agatha Christie.
June 13, 2018
Took a little longer to enjoy this book than The first of the series but then I did. It didn’t have as much sarcasm as the other and the husband wife relationship seemed very different from what I expected. Some of the characters were developed oddly too- like cousin Freddy. Her new detective friends were interesting. I think the murderers should have gotten worse punishments. But all in all a good read and i will continue with the series.
September 26, 2023
Ah, too bad the author didn't do a full twist on this one. The way the story was set up, there could have been a shocking and humorous ending that worked with all the clues but certainly wasn't expected in any way shape or form. However, the author took the mundane route to finish the story, with everything happy and back to normal. That was tough to believe after all the other great plot devices.
Kinda like my imagined ending so much better!
Kinda like my imagined ending so much better!
July 25, 2024
Once again I love the cast of characters that surround the main character , but I don’t like Ellie the main character. Her lack of self confidence, her continued obsessing over her weight and appearance. It’s just a huge turnoff.
Sadly I don't think I will read another book in this series. i like strong self confident women as characters. not this constant sniveling over her weight and appearance. the way ellie is written she sounds anorexic.
just stop!
Sadly I don't think I will read another book in this series. i like strong self confident women as characters. not this constant sniveling over her weight and appearance. the way ellie is written she sounds anorexic.
just stop!
January 11, 2025
I found this to be at once an excellent book and also one I wanted to stop reading.
The mystery is very well constructed. I had wondered at the identity of The Founder but disregarded my pick. The reveal wasn't a surprise then but I did admire the author.
What I didn't care for-and found I didn't buy into-was the relationship with Ellie and Ben. That did surprise me, especially after reading The Thin Woman.
The mystery is very well constructed. I had wondered at the identity of The Founder but disregarded my pick. The reveal wasn't a surprise then but I did admire the author.
What I didn't care for-and found I didn't buy into-was the relationship with Ellie and Ben. That did surprise me, especially after reading The Thin Woman.
April 22, 2021
I thought it was a good book once I got to the end, but the first two thirds were a bit slow.
My favorite parts were the descriptions of the place, clothing and foods. The main character is also very relatable and one can easily grow to love her.
I really enjoyed reading it, however, I would not recommend it to anyone, nor would I read it again.
My favorite parts were the descriptions of the place, clothing and foods. The main character is also very relatable and one can easily grow to love her.
I really enjoyed reading it, however, I would not recommend it to anyone, nor would I read it again.
August 24, 2021
Like so many other reviews I found this book hard to follow and I had to keep going back to follow what she was talking about. The fact that Ellie would put her husbands life in jeopardy, without even telling him to be careful, really bothered me. I enjoyed reading "The Thin Woman" but this one felt like work. Not sure I would be interested in reading any more in this series.
April 18, 2023
Inventive but a bit.. Much
Can't say I enjoyed reading more than 40 pages without even getting my bearing. The story and writing is good but there are altogether too many knotted storylines that it all feels a bit crowded in your head at any one time. I put my hope in the next one.
Can't say I enjoyed reading more than 40 pages without even getting my bearing. The story and writing is good but there are altogether too many knotted storylines that it all feels a bit crowded in your head at any one time. I put my hope in the next one.
May 2, 2023
Could Not Finish
I loved her first book so much that I couldn’t wait to read her second in the series. Sadly, as hard as I tried i just couldn’t get into. After about 6 or 7 chapters I gave up. I had also downloaded her 3rd book in this series but think I will delete it and move on to another author. However I would truly recommend reading her first book in this series.
I loved her first book so much that I couldn’t wait to read her second in the series. Sadly, as hard as I tried i just couldn’t get into. After about 6 or 7 chapters I gave up. I had also downloaded her 3rd book in this series but think I will delete it and move on to another author. However I would truly recommend reading her first book in this series.
July 15, 2023
Too much extraneous information
I would not recommend this book. Too many extra words and situations. Ellie is her own worst enemy and not endearing to the reader. It was like reading a second novel where the publisher required so many words which the author filled with side stories...
I would not recommend this book. Too many extra words and situations. Ellie is her own worst enemy and not endearing to the reader. It was like reading a second novel where the publisher required so many words which the author filled with side stories...
Read
July 25, 2024I only made it to 33% read when I had to dnf this awful audiobook.
Was there a plot to this meandering mess of a story? There was nothing to like about the book. The characters were peculiar and unpleasant. The story jumped from one subject to another, leaving the reader confused. It wasn't even humorous.
Was there a plot to this meandering mess of a story? There was nothing to like about the book. The characters were peculiar and unpleasant. The story jumped from one subject to another, leaving the reader confused. It wasn't even humorous.
January 4, 2020
I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I just never got into the flow of this one. So confusing and then my eye issue meant I couldn't read for awhile. I decided to finish it. Liked the last few chapters when I finally figured out what was happening. Not a winner for me.
May 14, 2021
Rereading this series and as with the first, I am failing to see what I loved about this series so much so many decades ago. Really all I feel while reading these so far is exhausted...
Exhausted at what Cannell feels is witty repartee between Ellie and Ben.
Exhausted reading Ellie's "humorous" weight issues.
Exhausted with the obnoxious daffiness of village side characters.
Exhausted with ridiculous contrived perils.
Exhausted... ExhauSTED...EXHAUSTED!!!!
I have the entire series in hardback and my plan was to work thru them before deciding if they are to be a keeper...or a donation to my libraries book nook.
It's becoming very doubtful I will need to revisit the rest of the series before deciding which pile they will end up in.
Exhausted at what Cannell feels is witty repartee between Ellie and Ben.
Exhausted reading Ellie's "humorous" weight issues.
Exhausted with the obnoxious daffiness of village side characters.
Exhausted with ridiculous contrived perils.
Exhausted... ExhauSTED...EXHAUSTED!!!!
I have the entire series in hardback and my plan was to work thru them before deciding if they are to be a keeper...or a donation to my libraries book nook.
It's becoming very doubtful I will need to revisit the rest of the series before deciding which pile they will end up in.
June 30, 2022
An average mystery tale. The plot was new to me. The writing was average. Ms. Cannell is good at describing action but less so when describing the emotions of her characters.
Borrowed from the Berkley Public Library System in Michigan.
Borrowed from the Berkley Public Library System in Michigan.
April 30, 2023
This was a rather confusing read and it took me much longer than usual to struggle through it. It was okay, but I didn't like it near as much as the first book, and will probably not continue the series (unless I get desperate for reading material.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews