Member Reviews

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

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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"!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

🩸 🔪 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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

"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.

Was this review helpful?

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!)

Was this review helpful?

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

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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

Was this review helpful?

Wow! This book is really something. The entering scene featuring a drill and the teeth of a serial killer certainly had shock value. It made me grit my own teeth in horror. I have honestly never pictured that before and set the book up to be pretty gruesome. The book read like a Criminal Mind episode. However, the main difference was the POV from an outsider, a pianist who is not an FBI agent. I think it added a lot of complexity to the book by having these two wildly different POVs. The differing views on the subject at hand really made the reader question what their views are.The best part of the book for me was the twist I wasn’t expecting at the end. It made the book a 5 star read in my opinion.
Based on the ending, I’m curious to see if there will be a second book or if it will just leave on this cliff hanger. I would love to read more about Agent Liam and Leah.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves watching Law and Order SVU, Criminal Minds, and other shows like these two. Please be sure to check trigger warnings before reading this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free and give my honest feedback and review.

Was this review helpful?

Fast paced and intense story of vigilante justice versus the law enforcement system, and ultimately good versus evil, and how the lines can blur to get justice in a flawed system. Who is right or wrong?

Was this review helpful?

Descriptive killings, fresh and nice female characters. The whole time I read the book I was in the end of my seat and definitely this book is not for people who impress easily. Who is this author and why I never read her before? Seriously? I liked the pace in the book, there is only downfall for me in the book and that’s the only reason I don’t give it the full stars score. The chapters like make me feel like what? What next? Answer please. But is a nice thriller full of suspense and twists I wasn’t expecting. Brilliant first encounter with the autor. Now the real question is ¿Is there more books? When I can red them? Thank to NetGalley for the access to this arc.

Was this review helpful?

Please read all trigger warnings before reading this book, it is not for the faint of heart!

This story was a wild ride from start to finish, I loved the multiple POV's and the twist at the end was not something I had predicted!! S.T. Ashman's style of writing is descriptive without being muddy and keeps you on your toes the entire way through the book.

This is a quick, exhilarating, interesting read for anyone who enjoys crime/serial killer plots!

Was this review helpful?