GVN Talking Books Review: 'The Self-Made Widow' by Fabian Nicieza - "...book one wasn't a fluke. Nicieza knows his suburban crime stuff"

Last Time on ‘Suburban Dicks’

When we last left Fabian Nicieza’s “Suburban Dicks,” West Windsor crime solving savant Andie Stern and self-centered and disgraced reporter Kenny Lee had uncovered a 50-year-old murder. And a town full of old, bigoted, longtime West Windsor residents trying to cover it up. Which might have worked, had they not made the mistake of having gas station attendant Satkunananthan Sasmal, a young Indian man killed to keep things hidden. It was this murder that setoff Andie’s radar and put her and Kenny on the case.

The Aftermath

The results were that Andie solved both cases and reminded herself how much she loved doing so. Not to mention how good she was at doing it. For Kenny, it gave him a major story that resuscitated his once brilliant journalism career. Plus, it opened up the door for even more avenues. Books, interviews, documentaries…Kenny Lee was back on top. He was still an asshole, but he was a SUCCESSSFUL asshole!

‘The Self-Made Widow’

Which leads us to Nicieza’s follow up to “Suburban Dicks,” “The Self-Made Widow.” Coming off the heels of his successful debut novel, this new book follows up after the events of the first. Andie had given birth to her fifth and ABSOLUTELY LAST baby (as far as SHE was concerned). Her work on the Satkunananthan case had opened doors to her for consultation with the police for other crimes. Much to the chagrin of her husband Jeff, who had hoped that whatever crime solving itch that Andie had needed scratched had been satisfied. Just thinking that just proved how little he really understood his wife.

Kenny Lee’s Redemption Tour

As for Kenny, he had written a book about their adventure which was about to be published. Soon to be followed by a Netflix documentary. He had everything he had hoped for. A book, documentary, a podcast, and numerous television appearances. But leave it to Kenny to not be satisfied. As good as this all was, all he could think about was what was next. Not even a new relationship with the young woman who was editing his Netflix documentary could keep him from wanting more. Classic Kenny.

Another Door Opens

That opportunity for both Andie and Kenny came courtesy of an unexpected source. From a member of Andie’s self-described Cellulitists group. Molly Goode’s husband Darick had passed away. For some, it was an unexpected tragedy. But for others of the group, who had been aware of Darick’s chronic heart condition, it was a landmine waiting to be stepped on. Andie was not one of those in the know. Because of that, as she went to see her friend to offer support and comfort, she also plied her considerable talents of observation. And what she observed made her suspicious.

Back on the Case

Even more so when Kenny received an anonymous tip, questioning the circumstances around Darick’s passing. For a man who was desperate for another mystery to chase, this fit the bill. Before long, “The Suburban Dicks” were back on the case. But was this just a wild goose chase with nothing there? Did Andie’s need to solve crimes make her see murder when there was none to be found? It wasn’t like Darick’s demise due to his heart condition was implausible. Still…perhaps Andie had finally met her match. A possible crime and culprit that even SHE couldn’t solve or catch. The case of The Self-Made Widow.

Thoughts

Author Fabian Niceiza proved in his first successful novel that writing for comic books was not his only forte. In his debut work, Suburban Dicks, he tied a classic whodunnit into such current relatable events as systemic racism, social unrest and a great understanding of suburban life in New Jersey. Plus, enveloping his iconic wit and satire into the narrative for good measure. He continues this proclivity in “The Self-Made Widow.”

The Simile Game

In both books, Niceiza displays a real talent for the kind of similes that makes the iconic murder mysteries tick. You know, phrases like “the lawyers buzzed around the crash like flies circling a reeking dead carcass.” Although Fabian uses more relatable terms. Like when describing Andie holding her baby girl out away from her as she expects her to pee. “Like Rafiki holding Simba in front of a fawning Kingdom.” Good stuff. But Niceiza ups the ante in his simile game in “The Self-Made Widow.” Where else can you get such a description of a baby’s poop explosion: It “Smelled like a Taco Bell had relieved its bowels inside ANOTHER Taco Bell!” Ewww. (Although I imagine Taco Bell isn’t flattered).

The Case

But a murder mystery isn’t anything without a murder. In this area, Niceiza creates a case that not only challenges Andie and Kenny but also the reader. Following down a path that seems to lead one way, and then diverts to another. Along the way intertwining a host of characters both old and new. All of which proves that book one wasn’t a fluke. Nicieza knows his suburban crime stuff, while keeping the sarcasm and satire that comic fans have known about all along.

Decision Making

As the case develops, Niceiza also takes a dive into Andrea’s past, revealing more of what made her the way she is. In Andie’s case, decision making has proved to be her downfall. In the distant and the recent pasts. Those early mistakes had a direct bearing on her relationship with her difficult parents. The more current mistakes helped set the framework for Andrea’s current misery. But she was not alone in this. Not with her husband Jeff’s tendency to ALSO repeat mistakes. In some ways, they were meant for each other, and in others…not so much.

All in all, Nicieza has created a solid set of entertaining crime novels with plenty of room for more. Here’s hoping it’s not the last we’ll hear from Andrea Stern and Kenny. If you have read “Suburban Dicks,” then “The Self-Made Widow” is a must read. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for? Read “Suburban Dicks” and THEN “The Self-Made Widow.” Understand, it is not NECCESARY to read the first book to understand the second. It’s just more fun. Either way, G.P. Putnam’s Sons “The Self-Made Widow” by Fabian Niceiza is highly recommended. You can find it where great books are sold.

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