Member Reviews
Whilst there wasn’t anything particularly unique about this female serial killer storyline I still had a good time reading it and was very easy to get through. I’m sure it will have comparisons to You and the Finlay Donovan series as they share a lot of similar themes but for me it wasn’t quite up to the same standard. I would read from this author again but if I’m being honest I’m not sure this book will stand out as memorable if I were to think back on it in a few weeks time.
***advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***
If you like the Sweetpea series, Bad Men or How to Kill Men and Get Away With It, this smart thriller is probably for you.
It’s almost a murder mystery, except we know from the start who the murderer is … this book kept me turning pages with its witty and quick paced narrative. Fleabag meets Dexter, a damn good read.
This is a well written book with a strong premise and a great title! (Although 'Text M for Murder 'might have been even better....!)
I'm afraid I found protagonist Millie too judgemental to spend a whole book with. She hates everybody! Not just men, but joggers, divorcees, her mum, her boss, most of her friends....
Her rage is justified and she's an interesting, three dimensional character, but at no point did I warm to her and I think that made HTKAGITW a tough read. I don't always have to like a main character, but I do have to enjoy their company at some level, or else it's hard to get through 80,000 words.
Acerbic humour is always tricky to pull off on the page, and Mille's humour came off as snide rather than sarcastic for me.
The plot was a bit slow for me too - it's similar to How To Kill Your Family, but where that flies along at a great pace, HTKAGITW felt sluggish to me, and I did skip forward a bit.
Kellman is clearly a talented writer though and has a great turn of phrase. I think fans of the genre will enjoy this one, but maybe it won't be their favourite.
How to kill a Guy in Ten Ways by Eve Kellman was a different kind of murder mystery. I've read tons of mysteries and thrillers where our heroine is trying to unravel a serial killer's web. In this book you get put in the driver's seat of the serial killer, but she's relatable and killing for vigilante justice reasons and you cheer her on! It did have me on the edge of my seat and stressed for her at times, but I loved the depiction of female friendship in this book!
*hey siri, play vigilante shit by Taylor swift*
It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a book that I couldn’t put down! How to Kill a Guy in Ten Ways is one of those books that grabs you by the throat in the first chapter and doesn’t let you go until the last page. I think this book fulfills some sort of feeling inside women who experience the anger and rage of coming up against the law after sexual assault and being left wanting. I work in a rape crisis center myself, and it’s so frustrating when I tell a survivor that the odds of justice in the eyes of the law are almost impossible. We teach them to try to create their own justice, and it looks like Millie really took that to heart. So draw the cat eye sharp enough to kill a man and enjoy this book today!! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
I wanted to love this. The premise was strong and intriguing. It failed miserably in execution. The first page or two were the most entertaining and well written parts. The rest? Slow, repetitive, clumsy, awkward, disjointed.
In recent years, there has been a surge in narratives featuring female serial killers, and this particular story, while not entirely groundbreaking, proves to be a strong contender in the dark yet humorous sub-genre.
The prevalence of gender-based violence worldwide adds weight to the deliberate choice in these stories to emphasize the absurdity of events rather than dwelling on the realistic likelihood of such murders occurring. This reflects the disturbing global reality of violence against women.
Following peculiar dating experiences, Millie takes the initiative to create a service aiding women in safely navigating uncomfortable post-date situations. Whether it's dealing with persistent individuals in a bar, a stalker, or a threatening ex, the concept resonates universally, offering a valuable service appreciated by virtually every woman.
This book, a blend of darkness and thrills, surprisingly injects relatable humor into its exploration of serious themes. With its entertaining and gripping narrative, it proves to be an engaging choice, especially for those seeking a mix of cathartic vengeance, a sense of being wronged, or just a good laugh.
Thank you kindly to NetGalley and Avon Books UK, Avon for the gifted eARC to read and review.
The best thing about this book was the opening line. I was super excited to get into it, but it got off to a slow start and never recovered.
Between the tattoo/piercing body shaming and the self-righteousness of the main MC, I had enough and DNF’d at 40%. Don’t even get me started on the various iterations of the word flicker (14 as my DNF point). What’s with the repetition of this word in every book lately? FIND ANOTHER WORD PEOPLE.
I went in thinking this one would be great for fans of Finley Donovan, but it turned out to be much more cynical than it is comedic. It didn’t work for me…
I loved this book. It was dark, it was funny. A female serial killer? Sign me up. I could not put it down. You will not be bored for a single moment reading this book
Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Eve Kellman's "How to Kill a Guy in Ten Ways" is a wickedly entertaining blend of humor, mystery, and thriller, delivering a narrative that's as darkly funny as it is thought-provoking. At the heart of this novel is Millie Masters, a character whose complexity and moral ambiguity will captivate readers from the first page. Kellman skillfully crafts a storyline that's not just about revenge, but also a commentary on the perils women face and the lengths they might go to protect themselves and others.
The concept of a hotline for women feeling unsafe, which evolves into a much darker endeavor, sets the stage for a story that is both fantastical and eerily reflective of real-world issues. Kellman's writing shines in its ability to balance the grim subject matter with sharp wit and satirical undertones, reminiscent of works by Bella Mackie and Oyinkan Braithwaite. Readers will find themselves in a moral quandary, simultaneously rooting for Millie while grappling with the implications of her actions.
The novel's pacing is brisk, with twists and turns that keep the pages turning. Kellman doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of her narrative, yet manages to infuse a sense of empowerment and catharsis throughout. The supporting characters add depth and perspective to the story, creating a rich tapestry that explores themes of justice, vengeance, and the complexities of female agency in a world that often feels threatening.
"How to Kill a Guy in Ten Ways" is a must-read for those who enjoy their thrillers with a side of social commentary and dark humor. It's a bold, unapologetic book that's not afraid to push boundaries and make readers question their own sense of right and wrong. Kellman has delivered a novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a perfect recommendation for fans of unconventional thrillers and contemporary social narratives.
A woman killing to avenge her sister's rape.
I wasn't really sure how that was going to be anything but heartbreaking but the author made it work incredibly.
The real star of the book was the author's incredibly incisive writing on support available when one is in crisis, and the beauty of a bond between loved ones.
This book is both light hearted and heartwarming and dark and sad, much like reality
I would recommend this to anyone who would like something a little heartwarming with a real take on the failure to help women in this world.
I was sent this ARC by netgalley in return for an honest review.
‘How To Kill A Guy In Ten Ways’ by Eve Kellman is a gripping, shocking, darkly hilarious read for fans of Katie Brent and Bella Mackie. Righteous protector / serial-killer extraordinaire Millie Masters is the main character and Kellman has created a woman who is likeable and relatable despite her less-than-ideal hobby… Millie’s motivations - to avenge her sister and protect the women who contact her hotline - are always clear and her greyish moral code allows for some feelings of guilt when problems go awry.
I loved Millie’s best friend Nina, who really comes into her own later in the story. The pacing of the tale was perfect - I wished my commute was longer as I did NOT want to put down my kindle as I reached my destination! I could not stop thinking about all of the examples throughout the novel of how women have to stay alert and protect themselves - texting a friend a hook up’s address, being careful on running apps, using Millie’s “Dial M” hotline - desperately sad but depressingly true!
I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending, and there were a few frustrating times where I felt that the magnitude of evidence Millie hadn’t even considered was overwhelming (example: if stalkers can track your Strava, the police should be able to also), but that didn’t really detract from the overall brilliance of this novel… a little suspension of disbelief never hurt anyone.
Giving this 4.5 stars (and rounding up!) I’d definitely recommend this book, which releases on 28 March 2024.
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest feedback. Thanks NetGalley and Avon Books!
Oh Boy!
Buckle up for a twisty ride into this woman's murderous thoughts and actions. I am new to this author, but the synopsis and description peaked my interest, and was pleased when I received a free ARC from Netgalley. Fortunately/unfortunately, I was unprepared for the journey Millie was on, to right some wrongs.
This is an interesting tale of the depths one sister will drop into, to avenge the other's misfortune and abuse. Initially, I was on board with Millie's retribution and the ways she went about her "mission". Deeper into the book, it became a very dark read, with this woman, clearly battling her own demons, as well as others. By that point, I was to wrapped up in the storyline to stop reading. Nina (Millie's best friend) ended up surprising me, and I am a bit conflicted about that. There were many part of this read that were uncomfortable, and I do think a sensitive reader may have some issues with this one, but I enjoyed it.
The suspenseful nature of the events, and the creative measures Millie took to evade detection, was very entertaining and easy to read and enjoy. And - James! I really like him, but I get why things worked out the way they did! IYKYK. :)
Overall, I recommend this read, and am satisfied with the ending. I voluntarily leave my review.
How to Kill a Guy in Ten Ways is a remarkable read. I genuinely couldn't believe that it's Eve Kellman's debut novel. It's captivating right from the first sentence. Only one chapter in I'd given up on going to sleep. The female serial killer genre is one I never knew I needed until now.
After her sister suffers a traumatic experience, Millie starts a hotline to help women who feel unsafe on a night out. But it turns into a vigilante gig and then spirals wildly out of control.
Kellman is a hilarious writer. I love the main character's voice. I love how real Millie is. I could see us sitting in a kitchen with a glass of wine moaning about men. She's my inner hater, but out loud. She got a bit frustrating and stupid but her (questionable) moral compass makes it so easy to root for her through it all.
Just one thing; quite a few typos. I know, those stubborn ones that manage to evade multiple rounds of editing.
All round, though, a beautiful read. I truly enjoyed this.
Thanks NetGalley for my ARC.
I don’t think my jaw has ever dropped while reading as much as it did in this book. This book was like watching a train wreck that just got worse and worse (but in the best way). I have to appreciate the author’s writing style and humour because honestly I think British and Australian humour are one and the same.
I genuinely could not put this book down, the concept is so intriguing and it draws you in so easily. In my opinion, Millie the main girl is a **little** insufferable at times and on occasion had me thinking that she could potentially be the stupidest serial killer alive. Some of her choices and moments really made me want to reach into the book and smack her.
Overall very very enjoyable but make sure to check trigger warnings as it doesn’t shy away from heavy stuff.
The title just draws you in and cover is bright and fun. But you stay for the brilliant dark humour. I absolutely loved it! I couldn’t put it down. Millie writing it as her daily was so different it felt so easy to read, i adored Millie and find it hard to see the wrong she does a female serial killer I would still want as a friend. This really is a breath of fresh air in uniqueness. I would definitely recommend! It’s fun light brilliant humour a little murder with a strong female character what more could you want.
4 stars
Loved it. The dark humor was rich in this one. It was also pretty fresh and not just a rewrite of the same old lady serial killer story I’ve been reading.
Voicey and violent, this is a delight. A recommended purchase for collections where crime and thrillers are popular.
Having read a number of women serial killer books of late i wondered if this would be another one jumping on the band wagon. Oh how wrong i was, an engaging story with well constructed characters and just a fabulous read. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy. Read this five star read far to quickly.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC.
Once I got into this book, I absolutely ate it up! I often found myself reading too fast and had to keep going back to get the details. Thankfully this was an eBook otherwise the temptation of looking ahead would have been too great. A very interesting title initially drew me in, and it did not disappoint. The book just kept getting better as it went on. All I could think towards the end was that I hope Millie isn’t girl bossing too close to the sun!