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beate251's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"Things are not going to plan, but I’m only a quitter when it comes to work, hobbies, relationships, diets, and most friendships. Not murder."
This is a debut novel? Seriously? I can hardly believe that. It was so unputdownable I spent an entire Saturday in a reading daze, and while I must have had food and gone to the bathroom etc, I have no recollection, I was that engrossed. I love a good revenge novel, and this one had me enthralled. When was the last time you rooted for a sociopathic vigilante serial killer? Dexter maybe? And the ending, wow.
Loved, loved, loved. Such dark, clever, tense fun.
Also, has someone already commented on the nice riff on "How to lose a guy in ten days"?
"No point crying over spilt blood."
This is a debut novel? Seriously? I can hardly believe that. It was so unputdownable I spent an entire Saturday in a reading daze, and while I must have had food and gone to the bathroom etc, I have no recollection, I was that engrossed. I love a good revenge novel, and this one had me enthralled. When was the last time you rooted for a sociopathic vigilante serial killer? Dexter maybe? And the ending, wow.
Loved, loved, loved. Such dark, clever, tense fun.
Also, has someone already commented on the nice riff on "How to lose a guy in ten days"?
"No point crying over spilt blood."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Sexual violence, Blood, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Drug use, Suicide attempt, Vomit, Grief, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Murder, Pedophilia, and Sexism
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Insatiably funny and gloriously unrepentant in its vigilante-style (serial killer) shenanigans. Eve Kellman’s dark, satirical and fabulously witty take on revenge and feminine rage, was an engaging and utterly unputdownable read —that fans of Katy Brent and Julie Mae Cohen don’t want to miss!
Feminist revenge thrillers have quickly become one of my favourite sub genres as of late. I’ve pretty much devoured (and loved) every single one I’ve picked up—and Kellman’s debut is no exception.
How To Kill A Guy In Ten Ways masterfully explores the very real issue of violence towards women and girls, through the eyes of a morally grey protagonist who seeks to avenge them.
When her baby sister is sexually assaulted on a night out, Millie Masters sets up a hotline (called Message M) to help women who feel unsafe going home alone. But, even after all the late nights and countless women she’s saved from creepy men, Millie has realised something very crucial. Those men may have been thwarted once, but it won’t stop them doing bad things again. Eventually they’ll hurt someone else, someone she can’t save. Like her sister.
So, after one heroic plan leads her into accidentally killing a man, she decides to shift her focus. To really make a difference Millie must get to the root of the problem— creepy entitled men— and remove them from the world, permanently…
I absolutely loved this! The writing style was witty and sarcastically clever in its depiction of the simmering rage fuelling Millie’s vengeance. I also liked that, unlike many books in this genre (with characters who are already pros when we meet them), Millie is a virtual rookie learning the ropes and making mistakes that could very easily unmask her.
Which added to the suspenseful, edge of your seat tone that helped make for quite an intense reading experience. I had no idea whether Millie’s actions would see her get caught, but I was thoroughly invested in seeing how far she could go (and rooting for her to succeed) before things spiralled too far.
As a character, Millie was a well written and endearing character (despite her serial killing tendencies), whose self-deprecating personality, deep sense of justice and caring, protective nature (particularly when it came to her sister and best friend) quickly won me over. I also really liked Nina (Millie’s bestie) who, despite not being as in depth or detailed a character, was still a wonderful character to get to know.
Given the Dexter-esque premise, things do get pretty dark and gory at times (there’s one particularly graphic vomit scene you definitely don’t want to read if you’ve just eaten/ planning to eat) so do be sure to check the TWs beforehand.
Overall, a pacy, plot twisty and unputdownable read that has me eager of a sequel.
Also, a huge thank you to Maddie at Avon for the incredible proof and PR goodies (the Macaron was really delicious.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, and Rape
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Violence, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Infidelity, Vomit, Medical trauma, Drug use, Suicide attempt, and Stalking
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