I thought this book was very different from many others. A killer that kills bad guys, already an entertaining concept. There were a lot of good twists that I did not see coming. It’s definitely an intense read. I felt like many of the characters were very unlikeable. I would have like Leah’s story more flushed out. Maybe a second book. I found her to be fascinating. I very much enjoyed the cat and mouse aspect.

What a fantastic first line! And it didn’t stop there. This book grabbed me by the throat and held on tight. Absolutely incredible. It’s like a female Dexter, but messy. The surprises just kept rolling in on this one, I couldn’t keep up. No mushy middle on this one. The only thing I noticed that needed fixing was the change in POV sometimes. Some chapters were written in first person when in Leah’s perspective, but the chapters written in Richter’s perspective often switched between first and third. It wasn’t horrible, but it did get a little confusing in a couple of chapters. Nothing a little editing couldn’t fix considering it’s an ARC. I loved this book an I can’t wait to read the next one!

Huge thanks to Ashman Books and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

OMG 😱 if serial killer thrillers are your thing then this book very well could be yours, and mine, book of the year!
Set within the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI, SAC Larsen and his best detective, Special Agent Liam Richter and his partner Tony find themselves dealing with several cases at once. The more prevalent case being that of a butchered body, but it this the work of a depraved killer or a drugs cartel gang killing?
To most of the unit this one looks like it belongs to the Violent Gang Task Force and drug related, but to Special Agent Liam Richter his gut instincts are telling him otherwise.
As the case gets delved into deeper, Special Agent in Charge Larsen is determined to hand the case over, but Liam just can’t let it go and carries on the investigation on his own without anyone knowing.
What he begins to uncover and begins to believe, he knows without hard evidence know one else will take him seriously. And how do you conduct and amass hard evidence when working against orders, on your own?
What he has yet to discover is that he does have some help. Illegal help that goes against the FBI’s code, his moral code as well as against the law.
A killer of killers, but who and why are far away from everything he knows. How do you find someone who is always a step ahead of them in not only identifying the serial killers but disposing of them as well?
This is such a good book. It is one of my favourite serial killer thrillers for years. It has everything a good serial killer thriller needs. Sick, twisted killers who kill in the most despicable, gruesome ways, a smart, dedicated detective prepared to lay down his life in the protection of others and in the apprehension of the villains and an extremely clever, misleading, twisty plot.
This book has them all plus some. And what’s even better, this book isn’t the end, it is just the beginning of something very special! I just really hope the wait for the next book doesn’t take to long, because I need more!! ASAP!
I can guarantee you will be left feeling the very same.
This is 100% definitely a book you really don’t want to miss. Fans of this genre are in for a very special treat, that I can promise.
I Kill Killers by S. T. Ashman will be published soon on the 10 Oct. 2023 and is available to pre order now from your local bookshop or from the links below. And is really is worth ordering now so you can start reading straight away come publication day!

What a debut!

While I read everything, I have 3 preferred genres: Thriller, Mystery with quirky or armature sleuths, and contemporary romance with representation (sweet & spicy alike). Some how, S. T, Ashman was able to give me a little bit of all of this is one wild ride of a thriller!

While the 'romance' is not your typical romance--it is part sweet, part spicy, and part hilarity. The plot itself was amazing and engaging--albeit at times a bit gory and could be triggering to readers with certain sensitivities. The pacing was just right, I never felt like the story was dragging on or that it was moving too fast. There were twists and shocks that I never saw coming--and all my guesses were wrong!

This is a multi-POV story and we get to know the characters without feeling like any lack development.

The star of this novel is Leah, one of the most interesting characters that I have spent time with in a long time, the knowledge she has and how she processes information is fascinating.

Leah--seen by many as the second coming of Mozart himself, is a genius pianist. Leah is a fraud. While her piano playing can evoke powerful emotions in others, Leah herself feels nothing. The life of glitz and glamour that being a world famous pianist that plays for presidents and sells out her shows years in advance means nothing to her. As she sees it, her entire appearance is a façade, a charade to meet the world's expectations of who she was. She is intelligent, cunning, devious, and always 10 steps ahead--skills that come in handy while she participates in her other 'hobby'--by hunting the sick and vile dregs of humanity that hunt others.

Leah can easily be seen as one of the monsters that she hunts, but as she would tell them "You and I are not the same. You kill people. I...I kill killers."

Including I Kill Killers I have read/listened to 186 books this year--38 of these were thrillers and this not only is one of my Top 5 reads of the year--it has been the best thriller of the year by a long margin.

While many times when I am reading I want to plow through the book to get to the end and see what happens, I found myself taking my time with this one, savoring it for as long as possible to tie me over until next installment! I cannot wait until Book 2 comes out and to see where S. T Ashman takes Leah's journey from here.

I feel like I’ve just been electrocuted and dumped in a bath full of ice water. Holy fucking shit this book knocked my socks off!! This has to be one of the BEST murder, mystery, thrillers I’ve ever had the pleasure of readings. And I get bragging rights to say I read it before it released! So shout out to Netgalley and S.T Ashman for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This is actually my first time doing something like this since middle school and it exceeded my expectations by miles. I don’t even know where to start I have so much to say about this book, but I also don’t want to ruin it because in my opinion this is a MUST READ. Not a think about it, not a put it on your tbr list for months and forget about it, no this is I have to have this asap and you won’t want to put it down I promise.
I loved everything about this story. The book is told mainly from two pov Leah’s and Liam’s. Both being our main characters- Leah the killer of killers and Liam the astute FBI agent. I liked how while reading the book you feel spilt between the characters but rooting for both sides. With Leah you don’t connect as much but I feel that is deliberate from Ashman because Leah’s character is of a woman who doesn’t feel much emotion and while she’s making beautiful music and hunting the bad guys, she’s also chasing different sensations and feelings she’s never felt before. Following her side of the journey you see her come alive a little bit more, you see her start to form budding attachments and you can’t help but like this serial killer who kills serial killers. She’s controlled, genius and every-time you think you have her figured out… you do but you’re wrong because she’s also thought of the next five steps and remains ever ahead of you.
While reading I would say I felt more connected to Liam emotionally and his character is such an upstanding guy you really want him to win. Plus he just wants to save people, why wouldn’t you want him to win? He goes through a lot in this book with his divorce, the cases, the deaths, the discoveries and practically losing his mind to Leah’s game. But he never gives up and follows his gut, i admire that in a man (plus he’s a good father). That being said, I can’t say much more I want without spoiling it but just know; you know what you know… but what you don’t know will shock even the most unflappable of people. My only qualm is the spice. I love Emmanuel and wouldn’t mind Liam getting in on the action! But, give us a bit more and I would have liked for it to feel more passionate. Then again it’s Leah we’re talking about so maybe it will get better as she feels more. The cliffhanger will have you crying for a book 2 like I am, Ashman we NEED it! This isn’t up for debate!! I would highly recommend this to anybody of age (18+) as I think people from all genres would enjoy this. And I will be purchasing myself a copy as soon as it releases in store. P.S if you're reading this Ashman… I would LOVE to get my hands on a signed copy 🙏🏽.
-Love Sallie Belle

Holy Moly, what a wild ride! Be prepared as the killings are very descriptive, but I promise this one is worth it. Check trigger warnings!

my rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

“When a genius pianist turned hunter of serial killers finds herself linked to her latest victim by a startling coincidence, her life enters a chilling vortex. Entangled in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with a tenacious FBI agent, she is also thrust into a dangerous face-off with a serial killer whose lethal cunning could rival her own.”

Lead is the female badass equivalent to Dexter. She’s a talent pianist, and a serial killer that kills serial killers. It’s so rare to see this character arch filled by a female, it’s awesome! There were so many twists and turns that I never saw coming. With it being a short read, there was so much action to take in that I was never bored. I actually finished it in one sitting which is rare for me since I have three small children. I enjoyed the dual POVs a lot more than I usually do in novels. It added a new complex layer to an already complex story.

The entire story had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning. It was as soon as I finished, I immediately ranted to my husband about what all happened and now he cannot wait for this one to come out!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this novel. I really hope there will be a sequel!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

A thrilling cat and mouse (cop and killer) police procedurals, with the rarest of the rare for the mouse, a highly intelligent murderer.. She is definitely not your "garden variety killer,but rather one who plans her crimes in advance, and seeks only "other" serial killers (those who kill Innocents gruesomely and for no reason. Sort of a likeable killer, if you will, she is also a professional classic pianist.

For fans of police procedurals/mysteries, personally, I found this novel to be an interesting and enjoyable read, and I would be interested in reading a series featuring this engaging killer.

Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
*********************************************************
When a genius pianist turned hunter of serial killers finds herself linked to her latest victim by a startling coincidence, her life enters a chilling vortex. Entangled in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with a tenacious FBI agent, she is also thrust into a dangerous face-off with a serial killer whose lethal cunning could rival her own.

"I Kill Killers" is a pulse-pounding journey into moral ambiguity. As you navigate the slippery line between heroes and villains, this electrifying tale will leave a haunting echo in your mind long after the final page is turned.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH what a delicious book. I was recommended this one by an Instagram pal and she was a great friend in saying to me READ THIS. Expertly crafted, it will keep you enthralled for hours as you question your morals and those of our serial killers. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. #shortbutsweetreviews

FYI - I like the Kindle edition cover --- more "biblical"!

Book review 📚
I Kill Killers by S.T Ashman - 4.5/5 ⭐

What an absolutely phenomenal take on a serial killer who kills serial killers! Yes you read that correctly. My mind is blown by the entire book. I was left speechless on way to many occasions. Phenomenal. Fantastic. Superb. Exceptional. Outstanding. A truly remarkable piece of work from Ashman. Hold on to your hats and get ready for a wild ride.

The plot is filled with suspense and a fast paced blowing your mind, edge of your seat, dangerous and deceptive story. I finished the book 5 days ago and yet I can't stop thinking about it. The story was way beyond thrilling, it was absolutely extraordinary. I was blown away 100 times over and could not put it down. You can finish this book in a day, easily.

Our two MCs both have an amazing character with traits that are polar opposite to each other. It's beyond imaginable how this book managed to keep me enthralled, thrilled and excited all at the same time. The adored the two MCs equally, both have different personalities but loved for different reasons. They definitely made the book even better. The fact Ashman could describe the characters in such a way that makes you adore them, is outstanding. I won't stop thinking about this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ashman Books for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.

Absolutely superb and a very easy (though rare) 5 stars from me.
Extremely engaging and thrilling novel that I really didn't want to put down. One of those books that you find yourself telling the family all about while you are still only half way through.
I'm already adding this author to my future reading list.
Loved it.
Many thanks for the escapism.

A wild ride! A serial killer who kills serial killers? Morally gray characters? Sign me up. It was fun exploring the mind of both Leah and Liam, and the twists kept me on the edge of my seat. Some of the final twists in the novel were my favorite. I’d be happy to see where the story goes in the next installment!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ashman Books for my advance copy.

🩸 🔪 I. Am. Speechless. I’m so sad it’s over and I hope it’s not the end!!! What an amazing debut novel. The plot was so freaking good. It had all the elements of my favorite crime tv shows; think CSI, Criminal Minds, Dexter. But BETTER! The cat and mouse chase between pianist (serial killer hunter by night) Leah and FBI agent Liam was too good. I hope this becomes a series and if not, I had a marvelous time reading this. Definitely going to have to reread this one many times. 5/5 ⭐️. 🔪 also, this doesn’t have anything to do with a review but the author personally reached out to me on Instagram and warned me of the triggers. I thought that was super sweet. She has a new fan.

Thank you, S.T. Ashman, Ashman books, and Netgalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this take on serial killing! Amazing cast of characters, fully developed world to immerse the reader, and great pacing! Can’t wait to see more from this author!

"I Kill Killers" by S. T. Ashman is a gripping and intense thriller that delves into the mind of a genius pianist turned serial killer hunter. The protagonist's life takes a dark turn when she becomes inexplicably linked to her latest victim. This sets off a chilling chain of events, as she finds herself entangled in a deadly game with a determined FBI agent and a cunning serial killer.

Ashman masterfully weaves a complex web of intrigue and suspense, blurring the lines between good and evil. The protagonist's moral ambiguity adds depth to the narrative, keeping readers on edge as they navigate the unpredictable twists and turns of the story.

The heart-pounding pace and well-crafted characters draw readers into this haunting vortex of danger and deception. The author skilfully explores the psyche of a killer and the thin line that separates those seeking justice from those who perpetrate violence.

"I Kill Killers" challenges conventional notions of heroism and explores the darkness that can reside within the human soul. With every page, the tension escalates, and the unexpected revelations leave a lasting impact.

Ashman's writing is both captivating and haunting, lingering in the reader's mind long after the book is finished. This electrifying tale of cat-and-mouse is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers, offering a chilling exploration of the human psyche and the enigmatic dance between hunters and prey.

What a fun read this was! The two main characters were both really interesting and compelling (especially Leah!). This book had me hooked from the beginning and didn’t let me go—I read it in just over 24 hours. The ending thoroughly surprised me, and does a good job setting up the next book in the series, if there will be one. (PLEASE tell me there will be one! I’m not ready to let these characters go!)

The name of this book just draws you in it’s one hell of a ride. I really enjoyed this book it was stunning well written and right up my street I couldn’t put it down such an amazing thriller totally different to anything else I’ve ever read too

Brilliant. It has been a long time since I’ve read a great book about serial killers. People seem to have stopped writing them and are concentrating more on psychological thrillers or one off murders. I, however, love a great book about serial killers and this was just awesome. Even better, this book was like “The Cleaner” by Paul Cleave and the Dexter series, a serial killer killing serial killers, so good. I really hope S.T. Ashman gets to write a second book, or even better, a series about these Liam and Leah characters. Good luck S.T., great book, probably the best one I have read all year.

Whoa! This book was awesome. It was super fast paced and left me holding my breath at times. I absolutely loved the main character, Leah. She is a total bad*ss. Even the twist surprised me. I can’t wait for more from this author!

I am totally stunned after finishing this outstanding debut book by author S.T. Ashman. I have only given one five star review this year so far and have until the end of this review to decide what I'm going to rate it.

This one stars Leah. She is a genius pianist. Literally this generation's Beethoven who has played before presidents and her concerts are sold out two years in advance. She is also very famous and wealthy. And a serial killer.....

If there is one trope I love it's the female assassin / serial killer / all around badass and Leah is it. She learns at a young age when she stabs a boy trying to rape her that she has no feelings or empathy. Comparisons with Dexter are justified but this one outshines that series. In the beginning she goes on a date with a guy and we learn that guy is also a serial killer who Leah disposes of in the most extreme manner possible. It's here we learn that while being a serial killer she takes her anger out on those who deserve it. Very much like Dexter. And of course a FBI agent is soon hot on her trail.

There is never a dull moment in this book. It's plotted perfectly. The chapters are short and concise. It ends in 300 pages and we are never bored and we soon find out that not only is Leah one step ahead of this FBI agent but to me reading as well. The reveals and twists kicked my ass. I loved it!

Are there any negatives? Yes. I knew there were several ways this thing was going to end and it ended up exactly where I wished it didn't. But in the end that is not a bad thing. It is setting up for one absolute monster of a book #2. And the actual ending..... LOL. It reads like one of the superhero movies where the credits roll and at the end of the credits we have a 30 second clip to jumpstart book#2. It works.

At the end of the day we read books to be entertained, shocked, and be taken away to somewhere else. This book did it for me. And that's why it's my second five star book of the year.

I really appreciate Ashman books for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free for a honest review and it has a publication date of September 17, 2023.

Fast paced storyline with descriptive killings. Felt so fresh and thrilling reading this book! I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone who is a fan of thriller books