A fun novel. Great concept and characters, it's not difficult to see how it was optioned for television. (I'd also recommend the TV adaptation - superb performances from Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer.) For me, the TV series is better written and more compelling than the novel, but if you're looking for a fast-paced thriller, then this should suit your needs.

Codename Villanelle stars two women, a top-level assassin and the former MI6 operative whose job it is to find and eliminate her. Both women are strong and well-drawn. Villanelle is a psychopath, but one who knows she’s different and uses the knowledge as a strength. Eve is a tough, but has more connections. she has a husband and subordinates; her choices effect not only her life, but theirs too.

This is an action story, full of violence and sex, but happily it never quite tips over into graphic or gratuitous. It’s a quick read and I enjoyed it, right up until the end. I guess this a collection of 4 novellas. It felt seamless to me, but then it ended with more or less “to be continued,” which always just annoys me. If your series is good enough, I will continue to read it without a middle school book trick. Give me a semi-conclusion and leave it there. I’ll know the overarching plotline is still continuing, I don’t need it spelled out.

I do think I’m going to try watching Killing Eve this week. I think it’s one my husband might enjoy too.

Three years ago, Oxana Vorontsova ceased to exist. That's when the young Russian woman with that name was plucked from prison and turned into one of the world's most notorious assassins, code name Villanelle. She already had the requisite experience--she'd killed three men to avenge the murder of her father, a battle instructor who had trained her well. It helps that she's unable to feel human emotions, like guilt and repulsion and love, but can fake them well. She's not only drop-dead gorgeous but whip-smart, too.

On her tail is another brainy woman. Former MI-5 officer Eve Polastri is recruited by the Secret Intelligence Service to head up an effort to track down and capture Villanelle. As the hunt intensifies, Eve becomes obsessed with her prey, putting strain on her marriage and her husband's desire for them to have a baby. The closer Eve gets to Villanelle, the more she risks losing everything she cares about.

Because of Villanelle's lack of human feelings and author Luke Jennings's use of omniscient voice, readers may feel a sense of detachment from the action at first. But once Eve is introduced about 50 pages in, the story leans into its cat-and-mouse dynamic, pitting two formidable women against each other. Fans of international spy thrillers might want to join the chase before watching the BBC adaptation, titled Killing Eve and starring Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer. --Elyse Dinh-McCrillis, blogger at Pop Culture Nerd

This is the story of a Russian assassin and the British office who try's to stop her. it is a wild ride through the streets of Europe in fast cars. I did find it a fast paced read . The author for some reason has several references to designers throughout the book which I did not like as I don't believe in designer clothing . That took away from action and plot. I have no interest in hearing the designer clothing used in the book.
It was a good page turner and a strong afternoon read. I did not know of the TV show and may look it up now that I have read the book. If you like action and fast cars you will like this book.
Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review.

Felt like a Thriller at the beginning with an amoral James Bond, but towards the end turned more towards an erotica book which made me dislike it.

Oxana, a deathly killer with no remorse or feelings. She is known as Villanelle and is part of a mysterious group that rules the world in the dark and uses Villanelle as their perfect weapon.
Enter the heroine fatal, Eve Polastri, a MI5 agent.

Not my usual story as the female just like male thing is generally over done. Here though the story sidesteps that trap and gives good detail and draws you in and then stops abruptly so we will buy the next installment. Even with that the story shows great promise

Great characters and action! Looking forward to next book in the series.

This was fun and enjoyable. I will recommend to people who liked "Red Sparrow".