The widow

Set in a world in which Donald Trump hasn't rewritten the rules of American politics, this overwrought thriller from Rouda (The Next Wife) features over-the-top characters and situations. Fifteen-term Ohio Democratic congressman Martin Asher is planning to run again, but his personal and professional life are both imperiled. His decades-long marriage to Jody Prescott is threatened because he's been caught in compromising positions with an attractive intern, Sarah, who's about the same age as his daughter, Charlotte. Charlotte's upcoming wedding to JJ Dobbs, a low-level State Department staffer who's the son of a former high school antagonist of Martin's, has put her father on the verge of bankruptcy, forcing Martin to compromise his ethics even more to pay for the lavish affair. Meanwhile, Jody, who's aware of Martin's straying, has been getting her revenge by doctoring his drinks in an effort to undermine his health. The pressure on Martin ratchets up even more when JJ's father uses the rehearsal dinner to endorse a Republican candidate running against Martin. This wild mix of intrigue, secrets, and corruption will keep some readers turning the pages, but it's unlikely to win Rouda new fans. Agent: Meg Ruley, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Dec.)

Rouda follows The Next Wife with a diary-like domestic thriller and political potboiler that gets all the votes. Jody Asher, wife of Congressional representative Martin Asher, is proud of her and her husband's accomplishments over their 15-year partnership. Considered "the golden couple" on Capitol Hill, their climb to the highest rungs of political life seems assured until a reporter shows up asking uncomfortable questions about Martin's ties to China, as well as rumors about an illicit liaison with a young staffer. Suddenly, on the eve of their daughter's wedding, Jody and Martin must confront multiple secrets, lies, and betrayals that threaten to topple their delicate house of cards. When Martin dies suddenly, Jody jumps to defend the Asher legacy while angling for a more prominent political role for herself. She soon finds that Martin's "friends" are more like enemies. Jody will need to play politics hard and fast--with a few surprises of her own--to level the field. VERDICT Told with Rouda's signature first-person technique, this is a guilty-pleasure read, laden with silver-tongued politicians who revel in their duplicitous dance with the truth. It's a deliciously diabolical take on marriage, politics, and the lies that bind.--Peggy Kurkowski