The Black Widow: The true crime book of the year

The Black Widow: The true crime book of the year

by Calvey, Linda

4.4 (4,384)

4.4 stars from 4,384 reviews. Top 56% of Nonfiction books we track.

336 pages~5.6 hr readPublished by Mirror Books

$6.9923% off peak

Last checked: Apr 24, 2026

Price history: $5.89 $9.02

While not the biggest discount we've seen for this book, it's still a great deal and we recommend grabbing it before price returns to its normal range.

Price range: $5.89 $9.02

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Fans of these authors will like this...

  • Martina Cole
  • Kimberley Chambers
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Fans of these books will like this...

  • The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins
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Perfect for you if...

  • You're fascinated by true crime stories centred on women who operated outside the law, especially those involving organised crime and the Krays era.
  • You love memoirs that don't shy away from violence and moral complexity, written by someone who actually lived that world rather than observed it.
  • You want the insider perspective on 1990s British gangland that documentaries and sensationalised accounts can't give you.

Maybe not for you if...

  • You're looking for a redemption narrative or a story that condemns criminal activity. This is a firsthand account from someone who lived by the code.
  • You prefer sanitised true crime that distances you from the subject. Calvey's voice is direct and unfiltered about her choices.
  • You're uncomfortable with graphic descriptions of violence and life inside prisons with convicted murderers like Rose West and Myra Hindley.

About this book

Linda Calvey, known as the Black Widow, grew up after the war in London's East End, where she became involved with local gangsters including the Krays, Freddie Foreman, and Ronnie Cook. When her partner Mickey Calvey was killed during a job, she decided to continue his criminal work. In 1990, after years living under the control of her lover Ronnie Cook, Calvey was accused of his murder alongside Danny Reece. The trial attracted national attention, but Calvey refused to confess, adhering to her code of honour. She spent 18 years in prison, where she was held alongside Rose West and Myra Hindley. Following her release, Calvey reveals the full account of her life and the true circumstances surrounding Ronnie Cook's death.

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Price History

Kindle price over time. Green zones = periods when the book was free.

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Free$4.51$9.02May '20Feb '23Apr '23Jun '25
$5.89$9.02

Price has been stable at $6.99 for 6 years. This book rarely goes on sale.

Sales Rank

Amazon sales rank: lower number = better selling book. #1 is the bestseller.

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#183,630#1,135,852#2,088,074Aug '19May '23Feb '24Apr '26

Currently around #364K in the Kindle store — a niche title.

Rating & Reviews

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3.5★4.3★5.0★Jun '23Jul '26RatingReviews

Currently 4.4★ from 4,384 reviews

Review activity has been quiet recently. Rating has remained stable at 4.4 over the tracking period.

Sale Prediction

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Free$4.51$9.02May '20Feb '23Apr '23Jun '25PredictedApr '26

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Calvey, Linda

1 book on Vagrant Press

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