Note: we earn a tiny commission on bookshop.org sales if you click through and make a purchase and a percentage of the sale also goes to support local, independent bookshops - more info »
WWII may be over, but journalist Billie Walker's search for a missing young man will plunge her right back into the danger and drama she thought she'd left behind in Europe.
It's 1946, and though war correspondent Billie Walker is happy to finally be back home in glamorous Sydney, for her the heady postwar days are tarnished by the loss of her father and the disappearance of her husband, Jack. To make matters worse, newspapers are now sidelining her reporting talents to prioritise jobs for returning soldiers.
Determined to take control of her future, she reopens her late father's private investigation agency, and, slowly, the women of Sydney come knocking.
At first, Billie's work consists of tailing cheating husbands. But when a young man goes missing, Billie finds herself on a dangerous new trail that will lead her to the highest levels of Sydney society, and down into its underworld.
As the risk mounts, Billie realises that there is much more than one man's life at stake. Though the war was won, it is far from over.
The first in a thrilling historical mystery series following straight-talking, champagne-drinking, fast-driving private investigator and former war reporter Billie Walker. Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Lisa Scottoline and Rosalie Knecht.
Tara Moss on the inspiration behind The War Widow, recorded on the release of the US edition
READER REVIEWS FOR THE WAR WIDOW
'Tara weaves a very entertaining tale of mystery and intrigue in the Sydney area. This entire book kept me spellbound and very entertained. It is an immersive and entertaining look back in time.'
CE W, Barnes & Noble
'Unputdownable! To say that I enjoyed The War Widow is, indeed, an understatement. I devoured the book! The War Widow will make a terrific book club choice.'
Dorothy M, Amazon
'What a wonderful series! I read a lot of similar books but the characters are so vivid and the story draws you in perfectly.'
Robin R, Amazon
'Great read! Really enjoyable mystery. Action packed, with a strong female lead. I hope Billie gets another book or two, I'd happily buy them all!'
Vivian, Amazon
'Heartstopping. Loved the characters, the plot, the period.'
Couldn’t put it down! Fast-paced mystery with an appealing female protagonist.
Amazon
I truly loved this book. The writing was incredible. It id difficult to put into words how engrossing it is. You have an excellent plot that slowly enfolds but not without plenty of action. Great read!
Charyl, Amazon
A fascinating, complex and authentic protagonist. A masterful intertwining of plot and subplots. And lots of action! Definitely waiting impatiently for the next book!!
DBG, Amazon
The War Widow is an exciting and entertaining book.
Amazon
The novel is a good read. Diverting and fun.
JSP, Amazon
You will LOVE Billie Walker... Brava, now cannot wait to read #2, The Ghosts of Paris.
Helaine M, Amazon
It’s a very well written atmospheric thriller.
Silva J, Amazon
One of the most exciting books I've read in a long time. Wonderful.
Tom M, Amazon
Moss has written a well-researched, complex mystery. If you like your mysteries with a strong main character in an interesting setting with believable twists and turns, then this is the book for you.
Barnes & Noble
Overall, The War Widow was impressive, intriguing, fast paced, well written and well researched historical fiction that I recommend to fans of mystery and historical fiction set in the Post-WW II era.
Books Teacup and Review, Barnes & Noble
Tara weaves a very entertaining tale of mystery and intrigue in the Sydney area. This entire book kept me spellbound and very entertained. It is an immersive and entertaining look back in time.
CE W, Barnes & Noble
If you enjoy mysteries with a feisty female protagonist, you’ll enjoy this look at post-WWII Australia.
Nfam, Barnes & Noble
This is my first Tara Moss book and I am officially a fan! The setting, characters, details, suspense, and twists were artfully written. I can't recommend this book enough. I loved every minute with it!
HRAA, Barnes & Noble
The writing style was pleasant and flawless. I would love to see more from Billie Walker!
Christina B, NetGalley
A very refreshing story!
R, NetGalley
Moss gives the reader a fast-paced plot filled with intrigue, some nasty villains and a heart-thumping climax. Certainly, more of this excellent post-war Aussie noir series will be most welcome.
Marianne V, NetGalley
This is my first Tara Moss book and I am officially a fan! The setting, characters, details, suspense, and twists were artfully written I can't recommend this book enough... I loved every minute with it!
Haley A, NetGalley
This novel was so fun and filled with adventure, and I already can’t wait to read more about Billie Walker’s adventures
Joleen T,
With excellent character development, a host of outstanding supporting characters and attention to detail, this is a book you can't miss
Ethel F, NetGalley
OMG, I loved this book... intelligent and courageous and spunky
Debbi B, NetGalley
This entire book kept me spell bound... it is an immersive and entertaining look back in time
Virginia W, NetGalley
Perfect for fans of Lady Sherlock and Veronica Speedwell
Denise T, NetGalley
A gripping thriller that had me gasping
Theodene A, NetGalley
Impressive, intriguing, fast paced, well written and well researched... I recommend to fans of mystery and historical fiction set in Post WW II era
Yesha S, NetGalley
This book really moved me... exceptionally written
Michelle W, NetGalley
PRESS REVIEWS FOR The War Widow
'Just what I needed today-a blast of the escapist past. Sydney in 1946, damaged veterans, bad guys, car chases, mysteries, and a female PI up for the fight' - Ian Rankin
'A cracking thriller, with a marvelous, strong, flamboyant heroine' - Joanne Harris
'Enough page-turning suspense to keep you up reading far later than you intended!' - Peter James
'Her novels are completely gripping and entertaining from beginning to end' - Hugh Jackman
'Billie Walker is an intriguing, engaging protagonist... always dressed to kill, literally, with up to the minute fashions and a pistol concealed in her stocking garter. The War Widow cleverly weaves meticulous period detail into the gripping fictional plot' - Carolyn Kirby
'Fun, action, glamour; what else can you ask for?' - Maxim Jakubowski, Crime Time
A Billie Walker Mystery