Secret Crime-Fighting Widows take on the San Francisco Bay Area

How do widows get through their grief? They become bad asses and form a secret band of crime fighters of course.

Former FBI agent Beth Winstead has recently lost her husband after a long isolating decline. Determined to build a new life, she joins a rowing club on San Francisco Bay. When Beth rescues widowed rape victim Elena from a derelict sailboat, her sense of purpose is rekindled. They are soon joined by widows Anneke and Zoe and, almost as a joke, they form a secret group of do-gooder crime fighters. They begin small but before long, they’re committing bold acts of secret justice and are hooked on the “rush” it provides. Meanwhile, someone is stalking Beth and Elena. And not every mission is successful. A betrayal from within puts all of their lives in danger. In the end, the widows must decide whether they have found their new calling or made a foolish and dangerous mistake.

About the Author

Valerie Saul earned a doctorate in audiology, a master’s degree in speech pathology and a bachelor’s degree in psychology followed by an unconventional career in hearing healthcare in the US, New Zealand, South Korea and Singapore. She attended the Stanford Continuing Studies Creative Writing program and participates in multiple critique groups. She is a voracious, omnivorous reader. When she’s not writing stories about badass older women, she can be found hiking the Marin headlands with her husband or rowing a shell on San Francisco Bay.

Praise for The Badass Widows: A Mystery

“The Badass Widows is both riveting and utterly charming—a perfect blend of Killers of a Certain Age and The Thursday Murder Club. The Bay Area setting shines, especially the scenes on the water, which are so vivid you can almost taste the salt air. Packed with intrigue, a twisty plot, and a cast of unforgettable characters, The Badass Widows celebrates friendship, resilience, and the fierce humor that comes from women who’ve lived a little—and aren’t done yet. I loved every page of their secret crusade to make the world a better place.” —Lynn Rankin-Esquer author of Murder, Mess and the Tangerine Dress

“Saul’s debut, The Badass Widows, is a propulsive romp delivered with warmth and humor.” —Suzy Vitello, author of Bitterroot and Griftopia

“Saul’s wry wit and keen eye for the absurdities of aging make for a fun read in this adventure-mystery. But don’t be deceived. With her cast of feisty, complex characters, Saul shows us that age is no barrier to courage and resilience. Perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club.” —Lisa Manterfield, author of All Our Lies Are True

"Cozy mystery lovers rejoice! Badass Widows introduces an original and exciting new series. In the tradition of Murder She Wrote and The Marlow Murder Club, Valerie Saul brings us Beth Winstead, a retired FBI agent, and a team of highly competent older women. Armed with professional skills, as well as the wisdom and compassion of age, the badass widows are a force to be reckoned with. Add the unique setting of Sausalito, California, and a heroine who crews a racing shell under the Golden Gate Bridge, and I’m hooked. Couldn’t put it down, can’t wait for the next installment!" —Diane Schaffer, Author of Mortal Zin

"The badass widows are tough, tender, and more than live up to their name. This immersive mystery, filled with character and heart, is a well-written and satisfying delight. Valerie Saul has crafted an un-putdownable mystery with a cast of badass women I wish I knew in real life. Fantastic writing, endearing characters--this was a great read page after page. " —Jeanne De Vita, Instructor Creative Writing Program UCLA Extension and Stanford University Continuing Studies

March 2026