Victoria Helen Stone’s “The Hook” introduces us to three women bound by betrayal and fueled by a shared desire for revenge. In a women’s boxing class, they find an outlet for their suppressed anger and frustration.

Katherine, a betrayed wife, seeks solace in the physical intensity of boxing. Her marriage has left her wounded, and she longs for justice.
Geneva, a disgraced teacher, grapples with the aftermath of a vengeful ex. Her career and reputation hang in the balance.
Luz, a software engineer, battles an unjust system that threatens her livelihood. Their instructor and mentor, Maggie, promises them a way to right the wrongs they’ve endured. But this isn’t just about justice—it’s about revenge. Each woman receives a secret task, a chance to reclaim what they’re owed. As they take the leap, their lives twist and turn, leading to an unexpected outcome: murder.

Now, united by their shared purpose, Katherine, Geneva, and Luz fear that the game they’ve been playing is playing them. The stakes are higher than they ever imagined, and the consequences are deadly. Revenge, it seems, exacts a price—one they hadn’t anticipated.

In this twisting tale of fury and consequence, Stone explores the power of rage and the unforeseen impact of seeking retribution. This was a suspenseful read that packed a punch.

This book had me hooked until the very last book. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

"The Hook" by Victoria Helen Stone, an Amazon Charts bestselling author, delves into the twisted world of psychological suspense as three betrayed women channel their fury into a vengeful pursuit. While the novel offers a gripping premise and explores themes of justice and revenge, it falls short of reaching its full potential, earning it a three-star rating.

The story revolves around Katherine, Geneva, and Luz, three women brought together by a women's boxing class and united by their shared experiences of betrayal. Under the guidance of their instructor and mentor, Maggie, they embark on a journey of retribution, each with a secret task aimed at righting the wrongs they've endured. The promise of justice and revenge propels the narrative forward, creating a tense atmosphere filled with suspense.

Stone's writing is engaging, and the pacing keeps the reader invested in the unfolding drama. The characters are distinct, each with their own motivations and struggles, adding depth to the narrative. The women's empowerment theme is evident as they seek to reclaim control over their lives in the face of injustice.

However, where "The Hook" falters is in the execution of its central premise. The twists and turns, while initially intriguing, become predictable as the story progresses. The psychological suspense, though present, lacks the depth and complexity needed to elevate the narrative to a higher level. The exploration of the characters' internal struggles could have been more nuanced, providing a deeper understanding of their motivations.

The novel's culmination in murder is a dramatic turn that adds intensity to the plot but feels somewhat forced. The transition from a tale of revenge to a murder mystery may leave some readers feeling that the story deviates from its original promise.

In conclusion, "The Hook" is a three-star psychological suspense novel that falls short of its potential. While the premise is intriguing and the characters are well-developed, the execution lacks the depth and unpredictability required for a truly gripping psychological thriller. Despite its flaws, the book remains a decent read for those interested in stories of revenge and the complexities of justice.

I am always a fan of revenge novels, so I was predisposed to enjoy The Hook by Victoria Helen Stone. Getting to know Katherine, Geneva, and Luz was a thrilling ride. It also makes me want to take a boxing class.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. All thoughts are my own.

In this thrilling novel, we follow the story of three women who are determined to seek revenge and justice. As they set out on their mission, they soon realize that their plan is not without risks. The plot is intense and gripping, with unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for granting me access to a pre-release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Their generosity has allowed me to enjoy this captivating story and share my thoughts with others.

A riveting and fast-paced read from one of our most creative and interesting contemporary suspense authors. A story of revenge and the power of women who are stronger together ... or are they? It all takes place in a boxing class where three very different women come together under a charismatic teacher to see if they can solve their various problems with men for eachother, Strangers on a Train style.

This is a witty, ballsy, and action-packed book and as usual, Victoria Helen Sfone does a great job tapping into the female psyche. Can't wait to read more books by her.

3.5 stars rounded down to 3

The Hook is a workout center, offering classes for sparring, boxing, and general fitness. But one of the instructors has more ideas up her sleeves, and has recruited three women to help her solve some problems. Katherine, Geneva, and Luz all have reasons to want to improve their lives, or maybe even get revenge on someone who’s wronged them. But when Maggie stops contact and some strange things have happened, they need to figure out what their purpose actually is in this scheme, and how much trouble they could be in if it all goes wrong.

I liked the premise of the story, that a group leader was helping other women solve their problems. But too much of it felt unbelievable, particularly as the end came together. It felt like the ending was rushed, and there were a lot of pieces missing to the plot.

This was my first book by the author. I think I’d give her another try, but this was just ok

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for advanced copy of this book.

Three women who needed revenge and justice. What could go wrong? Filled with suspense throughout the plot.
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this book very much! Some great female characters and the plot was quite interesting. A good read from start to finish!

This book creates a world where you wish its premise could become a reality, even though, in the real world, it would likely lead to consequences. So, let’s venture into this make-believe realm where those wronged find their own justice.

The women in this story have all suffered at the hands of the men in their lives. Guided by Maggie, the gym’s owner, they embark on a journey to reclaim their lives and seek a measure of revenge. There are strict rules to abide by, with a crucial one being the prohibition of death.

However, when murder enters the equation, panic ensues, and this is where the story takes an intense turn. “The Hook” moves at a brisk pace, keeping you on edge with escalating suspicion. It hits you like a sudden uppercut, catching you off guard and leaving you reeling.

What truly resonated with me was the overarching theme of women supporting one another and finding their inner strength. Each woman’s story is unique and harrowing, but witnessing their empowerment and newfound confidence is truly heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book for those seeking a fast-paced, suspenseful thriller that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was definitely a fast paced read, that will keep you hooked. I couldn't stop reading. It won't be my last by this author.

I loved the concept of this book, but unfortunately it just fell a bit flat. There were some loose ends... though not really lose ends but more like 'loose threads', just little bits of information that I wondered about but didn't really impact the overall plot. "The Hook" is the name of a boxing gym that all the women go to, but besides the minor play on words, I think the title should have been something more plot-related. Maybe "Hooked on Revenge", if the gym name has to be in the title.

there was a lot of emotion on the parts of all the women, but I really wanted that revenge moment.

It's an okay read, but I've liked some of Ms. Stone's other works better. Jane Doe still remains my favorite! The dark humor is fantastic.

This is my third book written by Victoria Helen Stone. I loved her Jane Doe series. That's why I reached for The Hook. Especially since this book promised me the story of three women, Katherine, Geneva, and Luz, who were seeking revenge. And yes, the element of revenge is evident on almost every page of this book. However, this book did not live up to my expectations. I liked the style in which it is written and the multiPOV showing the personal stories of individual characters. However, I was unable to rekindle any feelings of sympathy for even one of them. In addition, their stories, although interesting, were too overwhelming for me and overloaded with constant analysis of the circumstances that had destroyed their lives. And the mysterious Maggie and her 'system'... All at once it made me rather bored, irritable and convinced that something was sorely missing in this psychological thriller that would add some sharpness and intensity to it.

I don't have too much to say. I really didn't like this book. I had high hopes but it let me down. It was just plain boring and even the twist at the end didn't hype me up. It was almost a dnf but I made myself finish it.

Again, I'll edit this when I write my full review.

A tale of women who have been wronged. They don't know each other except for attending the same boxing gym. Virtual strangers help to get justice for each other, what could go wrong, right? These ladies definitely had some problems and a few secrets that played a role in things going sideways. I liked the concept and the women in the story, even with some of their quirks.

"so let's start a club for a$$holes"

3.5 I'm rounding up for being such an entertaining read. This one had me spinning in circles the whole time. You meet Katherine on a very bad day - she's discovered her husband is cheating at the huge birthday party she planned for him.

From there you meet all your POV - Katherine, Geneva & Luz. You find that that day was maybe not entirely how it was presented to you, as the reader, and slowly you learn some secrets these girls have been keeping. But quickly things escalate out of control and all the girls are wondering - who planned what? Who did what? And what is going on? As their secrets surface and their confessions are revealed, it was a race to the end to find what out what was really going on and who did what. What a fun ride this one was, as an ebook AND the audio. And the conclusion was great!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Such a fun thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. A one night read, Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.

I love all of this author’s books. This one is a bit more of a slow burn mystery than a thriller. It’s about a group of women that meet an instructor at a kickboxing gym, that helps them right the wrongs in their lives….. in unconventional ways 👀

This author never disappoints.
This is a page turner that keeps you on edge and guessing what will happen next.
A well written story of karma and revenge from women against the men who did them so wrong.

These women all meet and from there it's a wild ride for sure.
Buckle up and hold on.

Thank you publisher and NetGalley for this arc.

Wow! Talk about a doozy, Victoria Helen Stone, spares no expense when it comes to delivering a suspenseful thriller!

Having read both Jane Doe and Problem Child, I knew The Hook was bound to be a book I would love.

The Hook was a pulse pounding, breath catching, heart racing thriller that will have you guessing until the very last page. Every time I thought I had it all figured out, I was thrown for another twist. This book is jam packed with lies, secrets, deceit and revenge. There will be times you will question who to trust and almost fear what will happen next.

Before I spill the beans, here's a little teaser :

hree betrayed women with revenge in common channel their fury in a twisting novel of psychological suspense by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Jane Doe and False Step.

A women’s boxing class is the perfect place for betrayed wife Katherine to work out her aggressions. Ideal too for Geneva, a teacher disgraced and ruined by a vengeful ex, and Luz, a software engineer battling an unjust system. Maggie, their instructor and mentor, guarantees she can right the wrongs they’ve endured. And if Katherine, Geneva, and Luz really want to unleash their rage, they must do what Maggie says.

Each woman’s secret task has its risks. Call it justice. Call it revenge. It’s bound to be worth it―if no missteps are made. As they take the leap to reclaim what they’re owed, their lives are turned upside down. Because no one could have guessed that it would all end in murder.

Now, coming together to harness their power, Katherine, Geneva, and Luz fear that the game they’ve been playing is playing them.