Ok this was honestly so fun - very much in the same vein as They Never Learn or even My Husband. I will always love a woman serial killer MC <3

Bad Men is about Saffy, and unhinged but methodical socialite 20 something who is also a serial killer. She targets bad men and only kills if she has a reason she believes is legitimate - she's essentially a vigilante.

We also follow Jon, a true crime podcaster. Saffy becomes obsessed with Jon and decides she wants him to be her boyfriend, and she will go to any lengths to stage the perfect meet cute and jumpstart their relationship.

The story starts FAST and I read the first 50% in one sitting. I was so excited about the book at the beginning because of how quickly I was immersed. I do think the pacing slowed down quite a bit in the middle, but I also loved the last 20%.

I definitely think this will be one of the hot girl thrillers of 2024!! While it wasn't perfect and Saffy and Jon were both kinda insufferable at times, I couldn't put it down.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you Abrams and NetGalley for the ARC!

Bad Men was a different kind of “murder” novel, one that had me cracking up and also rooting for a serial killer! This book was definitely a little disturbing in some places, and I would recommend for any prospective reader to check the trigger warnings before diving into this book. I am not a fan of murder as a plot point, but this one was almost endearing with the way the characters were written.

Thank you again for the ARC

This was a fun and pretty light mystery about a female serial killer who targets bad men. I was expecting the story to be darker and more focused on the serial killer's aspect but it wasn't, which was okay. The female main character is a narcissistic socialite who has no remorse for getting rid of all these men. The male main character is a famous crime podcaster and after he finds a body on his doorstep, he meets and teams up with the fmc to find the killer. He doesn't know that the fmc is a serial killer and that she trying to be in a relationship with him, which was fun. In a lot of the book there's a lot of investigation, false accusations and romance. I felt like there wasn't much to the plot, and it wasn't as explosive as it could have been. I wish there had been more of the fmc pov because she was interesting and a bit strange lol. The mystery and the romance also wrapped up very nicely at the end. I did really like the writing and how fast paced the book was. Overall this was okay if you like mysteries and romance with morally grey female characters you should read this. Thank you Abrams book for this arc for an honest review.

Rating: 3.5/5

In Julie Mae Cohen's gripping novel, Bad Men, readers are taken on a thrilling journey into the twisted mind of Saffy Huntley-Oliver, an intelligent and glamorous socialite who also happens to be a proficient serial killer. For years, Saffy has indulged in her secret hobby of hunting down and dispatching the worst kind of men – rapists, murderers, and domestic abusers. However, her double life has left her feeling isolated and lonely, as she struggles to form meaningful connections with others, especially in the realm of romantic relationships where trust is scarce. The story takes an intriguing turn when Saffy believes she has finally found a genuinely good man in Jonathan Desrosiers, a true-crime podcaster renowned for cracking cold cases and bringing justice to victims. However, their budding romance is swiftly complicated when a decapitated body appears on Jon's doorstep, leading him to become the prime suspect in a murder he vehemently denies committing. Driven by her infatuation and a desire to protect Jon, Saffy takes it upon herself to orchestrate a meet-cute and offer her assistance in clearing his name. With her arsenal of tricks and determination, she embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the truth and unmask the real killer, regardless of the personal cost. Darkly comic and addictively readable, Bad Men delves into the complex psyche of its characters, weaving a feminist thriller that challenges societal norms and expectations. Cohen masterfully combines elements of suspense, romance, and wit, creating a truly unique reading experience. The author's ability to infuse humor into such a dark narrative allows readers to explore moral dilemmas and question the notion of justice in unexpected ways. What makes Bad Men stand out is its exploration of the protagonist's internal struggles as a serial killer who seeks her own form of justice. Cohen expertly portrays Saffy's conflicting emotions, making her character both relatable and compelling. Despite her murderous tendencies, readers find themselves empathizing with her as she grapples with the complexities of her actions, ultimately questioning if even a serial killer can find their own version of a happily ever after. Overall, Bad Men is a captivating and thought-provoking read that seamlessly blends elements of crime, romance, and dark humor. Julie Mae Cohen's storytelling prowess shines through, creating a narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. This feminist thriller not only entertains but also challenges societal norms, leaving readers pondering the blurred lines between good and evil.

“It’s OK, I type, even though it really isn’t. Because years have taught me that this is what straight men like. They like chilled-out, breezy women who are endlessly fun and forgiving. They like women who don’t have feelings other than adventurous sexual ones.”

Readers follow Saffy, an intelligent and glamorous socialite who harbors a hidden talent as a proficient serial killer. However, her world takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself falling/obsessing for the only “truly good man”, Jonathan Desrosiers, a renowned true crime podcaster.

I normally avoid thrillers but the cover and book description intrigued me and I cannot be happier I picked this up.

The dual point of view’s allowed me to fully immerse myself in both characters' “good” and “bad” narrative. Jonathan's pessimistic view of his own life and the unfortunate events that seem to constantly plague him, contrasted with Saffy's carefree and sociopathic tendencies, where she breaks the third wall, kept me on an emotional roller coaster.

I even started sympathizing a serial killer?? As narcissistic and sociopathic Saffy was you couldn’t help but love her charm.

I loved the carefreeness of this thriller and found myself wanting more. As the story puzzle pieces fell into place, I couldn't help but wish for fewer sluggish moments amidst the crime-solving and Saffy's manipulations to make Jonathan reciprocate her love.

I just wished that the catalyst that initiated everything to fall into place hadn’t been so obvious in the end. But hey, that’s just me.

Read on if you enjoy a darkly comedic, wild romp of a feminist thriller that asks if even a serial killer can have a happily ever after.

I have a new favorite author to look out for. This far fetched yet clever story of a serial-killer-socialite-to-root-for was completely engaging and really fun to read. Sure, I saw the ending coming early but that didn’t ruin my enjoyment of reading this in the slightest.

The writing was mostly thrilling, often hilarious, but did have such thoughtful moments that I appreciated. I know you’re not supposed to quote books that aren’t released yet but I would be shocked if this didn’t make the cut. It’s so lovely and sharp I want to keep it here for reference:

“Everyone of every gender wants other people to be kind and considerate to them. It’s only reply guys on the internet who reduce feminism to things like opening doors for women. And they should die in agony.”

Mark your calendars for the release in May. This is a good one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[3 Stars]

This was a lot of fun. Nothing mind-blowing, the characters and plot were quite 1-dimensional. But it was overall an intriguing, campy time. If you want a nice mind break this will do the job.

I read the description of this book and immediately wanted to read it. The vibe of the description was reminding me of Promising Young Woman, which was a movie I adored. While the actual book ended up being very different from that film, it was still an overall enjoyable read. The first chapter was shocking and definitely pulled me in, but once we jumped ahead in time it was a slower build, but it certainly ended with a bang.

Saffy’s POV was a bit challenging sometimes, as she is very obsessed with herself, but by the end I really loved her character. There were multiple times I genuinely laughed while reading her unhinged commentary. I couldn’t help but love her by the end, even though she is at times a horrible person. A completely delusional main character certainly makes for an entertaining read.

Jon’s POV was a little bland, but also where a lot of the action happened so it was kind of a strange mix because what I really wanted was more of Saffy taking out the bad men. I expected there to be more of that, but most of the murder talk actually came from Jon’s conversations. It wasn’t bad, but it took up a lot more of the book than I had expected.

Overall this book’s comedy didn’t always land for me and sometimes it felt a bit cringy in terms of humor, especially in the dialogue. That aside, I did have a lot of fun despite the often dark content, and would definitely recommend for a quick murdery read. 3.5⭐️

This was gifted to me by Netgalley & the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

We are following a serial killer. she only kills people in her free time. And someone has to do it..right? She's making the world a better place, by killing BAD MEN. She also has a secret that has absolutely nothing to do with her job. She has a gigantic crush and she wants to make him her boyfriend while also plotting murder.

This book was blurrbed by Clare Mackintosh, who I have enjoyed reading from. However, this book was not the vibes that I was expecting. I wanted a cozy/funny vibe and this did not deliver on that for me.

Bad Men was such a fun book to read, and very well written, but I feel pretty uncomfortable about Saffy, the main character, who's hobby is ridding the world of Bad Men. The book starts out with a little "horror", which made me want to abandon the whole thing. I continued, and I suppose I'm glad I did because Saffy and podcaster, Jon, team up to solve a murder. A little romance develops in their relationship. The reading is fun and compelling, but still "edgy". I feel like I should like the way the story ends up, but I have to say, this story was just a step outside my comfort zone.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Bad Men.

n the delightful realm between a lighthearted rom-com and a darkly humorous mystery, "Bad Men" unfolds as a sharp and sly narrative that ensnared my attention from its outset and held me captivated until the final pages. At the heart of this engaging tale is Saffy, an alluring anti-hero with motives for her crimes that resonate on a relatable level, coupled with an earnest desire to find companionship—making her character accessible even to those not accustomed to the habits of serial killer protagonists.

Jon, the protagonist with a knack for solving mysteries, adds a layer of cleverness to the narrative, yet his bewilderment in navigating the complexities of women, including his ex-wife and an almost-out-of-his-league new romantic interest, adds a touch of endearing vulnerability. The central mystery they grapple with involves a lifeless body left on Jon's doorstep—a victim potentially linked to a serial killer he previously uncovered. The question looms: is this the final victim or someone orchestrating an elaborate ploy to seize Jon's attention? While I discerned an inkling of the answer early on, the confirmation awaited me until the story's climax. Nevertheless, the crux of the narrative, for me, transcended the mystery itself, focusing on the peculiar courtship evolving between Saffy and Jon.

"Bad Men" proves to be a highly entertaining and wickedly funny read, brimming with creepy characters vying for inclusion on Saffy's list and unexpected twists along the way. The unusual dynamics between the characters, coupled with the suspenseful undertones, contribute to a narrative that defies expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel, especially to readers who revel in the works of Claire Mackintosh, L. M. Chilton, and enthusiasts of Jeff Lindsay's Dexter series.

My sincere appreciation extends to NetGalley and Abrams/The Overlook Press for granting me access to an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review. This intricately woven story navigates the intricate relationship between a serial killer, Saffy, and a true crime podcaster, Jon, as they join forces to unravel a murder case that falsely implicates Jon. "Bad Men" is a suspenseful journey that deviates from anticipated paths, showcasing the enigmatic nature of its characters and keeping readers hooked until the final revelation. Saffy's unpredictable actions and the morally gray personas of both protagonists add depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read that challenges expectations and explores the shades of right and wrong.

I actually really enjoyed this. It was a great read. I found this to be really funny and living up to the hype I have seen. Only thing taking it down to 4 stars for me is the plot twists were predictable.

Who knew serial killers could be so likable? From the characters to the dialogue to the murder mystery, this book is so much fun. Julie Mae Cohen knows how to make you sympathize with not just one but two serial killers. The scenes where we finally get to see Saffy “In action” had me biting my nails. Can’t wait to see what else the author has coming up.

<i>"Killing bad men is my private hobby, my passion project, the thing that makes me tick. It's my own humble attempt at smashing the patriarchy... As a hobby it's not as Instagrammable as baking, but at least it's better for your thighs."</i>

That prologue got me instantly. A serial killer that takes out bad men with a crush on a true crime podcaster dedicated to catching killers? Also got me. Bad Men is a quirky page turner that gives off romcom vibes, however, I would have liked to see more of Saffy's backstory and her POV instead of Jon being the main focus. The ending was very predictable and there were no surprises or twists for the plot. Overall, a fun and fast read!

Thank you NetGalley and Abrams Books for the arc.

It’s hard to have a love life when your hobby is killing men who do bad things.

Meet Saffy Huntley Oliver….a beautiful ex-model with plenty of inherited money who in many ways leads a glamorous life. Only two small glitches….first, she is unattached and somewhat lonely, and second….well, she’s a serial killer. Think a cross of Dexter and one of the Hadid girls or Paris Hilton. She’s hardly indiscriminate in her killing; she selects men who chronically behave badly. It started accidentally when she was a young girl and had a stepfather who preyed on her and was about to turn his attentions to the little sister she adored. She didn’t set out to kill him, but when it happened (and she got away with it), her unusual “hobby” began. She’s gotten more skilled over the years, but seeking out men who do the worst things to women make it hard to believe any good men even exist. When she starts listening to the podcasts of Jonathan Desrosiers, who looks into cold cases looking to find justice for victims and their families, she thinks she just might have find one. The more she learns about him (listening to the podcasts, reading his books, even showing up at some of his appearances), the more of a crush on him she develops. He’s married, unfortunately….until his wife dumps him. On the heels of that, he finds a dead body on his doorstep which serves as the clue he needed to identify a serial killer. Said killer happens to be someone Jon knows, and he (unwisely) goes to snoop about at the fellow’s flat…and gets caught by the killer in the act of snooping. It’s a pretty traumatic day, all in all; he survives but is injured, and his wife doesn’t change her mind about leaving him. He takes off to a subpar cottage in Scotland, to heal from his wounds and distance himself from his old life. It is the opening for which Saffy has been waiting…..she engineers a meeting, and then another, and they just might be on their way to a romance. Except for Jon’s lingering feelings for his wife, the person trying to drag Jon back into investigating murders, and Saffy’s inconvenient hobby. Can Saffy fool someone who looks into murders for a living and find true love? Can Jon move on from the wife who no longer wants him, make peace with the career that ruined his marriage, and convince the police that he has nothing to do with the dead body found on his doorstep?
A cross between a lighthearted rom-com and a dark humored mystery, Bad Men is a sharp and sly story that hooked me at the very beginning and kept me intrigued till the end. Saffy is an appealing anti-hero, with a relatable motive for her crimes and a yearning to meet a nice guy that even non-serial killer single women can understand. Jon is clever at what he does, but more than a bit bewildered by women in general and by his ex-wife and new out-of-his-league almost-girlfriend in particular. The mystery they try to solve together involves the aforementioned dead body left on Jon’s doorstep….is is in fact the last victim of the serial killer Jon uncovered, or is someone else going to great lengths to get Jon’s attention? I guessed the answer to that pretty early on, though it wasn’t confirmed to the end….but for me at least this book was more about the highly unusual courtship between Saffy and Jon than it was about the mystery itself. With some creepy characters just begging to be added to Saffy’s list and some unexpected curves along the way, Bad Men is a highly entertaining and wickedly funny read that I highly recommend. Readers of Claire Mackintosh, L. M. Chilton, and of course Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter series. Many thanks to NetGalley and Abrams/The Overlook Press for allowing me access to an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was a bit out of my comfort zone, but I've been trying to read more genres. I loved how this almost combined the rom com genre and revenge thriller genre. I'm a big fan of strong female leads and Saffy definitely delivered. However, I felt like her POV wasn't heard as much as it could've been. Maybe this was intentional, but I wasn't able to get into her head as well as I typically can with this type of character. I would be interested in reading more from this author though. Great read!

oh this was quick and darkly hilarious and GOOD. i haven't gotten through a book this fast in a long while. but i do wish the romance aspect had been totally axed.

WHAT. A. BLAST.

A hilariously biting dark comedy, featuring a vigilante feminist serial killer? Count me in. Also, I realized a chapter in that the author was British, and that made the humor element just that much better.

I read this book in 24hrs and two sittings, and oh my gosh, it was everything I wanted it to be!

Think Promising Young Woman, but with way more comedy.

Julie Mae Cohen is an absolute ICON, and I will not recover from this book any time soon.

It doesn't come out for another six months, but it's available for pre-order now!

3.75 ⭐️

This was quick and witty with an enjoyably unique plot that blends thriller and romance together fairly seamlessly. I enjoyed the main character - an uppity high class woman with a taste for fashion who rods the world of terrible men by murdering them. Her love interest is a little dull, but what girl hasn’t fallen in love with men undeserving of their shine? The dialogue was funny, the plot was well thought out and the ending was satisfying. While slightly predictable, I enjoyed the outcome all the same. My main gripe with this story was the the MC was sometimes depicted as a feminist bad bitch and in the next scene would be a sappy lovesick puppy playing pushover for a mediocre man. I suppose it may be slightly realistic, but I like my MC women unforgivingly strong.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This was a solid 2.75 stars for me. The writing did turn me off a little bit, the middle felt a little fluffy, and the ending felt rushed that still had me asking questions. This plot was still unique to me, and it did kept me enaged! Also the cover with the martini glass had me obssesed! I would read another book by this author.

I posted a review on good reads, and on my instagram story (@irelandmalone and it is saved in my 'books 3' highlight.