Gia and Abby have been best friends since their teenage years, but recently they have grown apart as Abby has settled down into her life as a lawyer and Gia continues to travel the world with her new husband. Gia asks Abby to meet her in Sweden for her birthday, but when Abby arrives Gia is nowhere to be found. As the events of Gia's last few months at her home in Greece come to light, Abby is worried that something tragic may have happened to her. After all, Gia's home in Greece is the site of another tragic night from their teenage years.

This is a great twisty summer thriller. It's the right amount of suspense and drama with a whole lot of untrustworthy characters. Without giving too much away, this is usually the type of ending I wouldn't like in a book like this, but somehow Katherine Wood made it work. Definitely worth a read on the beach (maybe in Greece).

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC of Ladykiller.

This book had great potential and I liked a lot of the storylines in theory. The first half was slow, then it picked up midway and I was dying to figure out what was going on. Unfortunately, I found the ambiguous ending to be a letdown because I like neater endings. Those who like the open ended endings will likely enjoy this much more!

Ladykiller is told from two perspectives/timelines. Gia, the main character and wealthy friend of Abby, the daughter of the help who both grew up with Gia and is like a sister to her. The book wavers back and forth between present time and a few months earlier, gradually getting to the point where both Gia and Abby are together in the present.

After finishing this book, I think I’m more confused than anything. Nothing is clearly wrapped up as far as what happened with Gia’s husband Garrett or Emelia and the reader is just left hanging with no real resolution. Overall, the book was ok, but I’m definitely disappointed in the ending and lack of clarity on what transpired.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine -- Bantam for accepting my request to read and review Ladykiller by Katherine Wood.

Published: 07/09/24

Stars: 3

Trope overdone. This had the bare bones to carry on the trope. However, the author chose to follow the beaten down muddy path. The hired helps daughter is rewarded by her mother's employment an all expenses paid college education, nice vacations, and nice things. The son of the employer falls in love while his sister befriends the classless one. (Stand, stretch and yawn.)

There are sentences and even paragraphs that are impressive. What could go wrong? Actually, the tie-in went wrong. Point of views from two women in different classes, socioeconomics plays a role, as well as career choices; an attorney versus socialite with a high school grudge.

Overall,I liked how the author chose to layout the book. I didn't like any of the characters and found each of them cringeworthy in their own rights. I liked the scent of perfume in the bookstore (hehe), but I didn't like the ending.

There is an abundance of profanity; proof money can't buy the socialite class.

At a book store or library if shown Ladykiller I would comment I read that. Why -- sounded good on NetGalley (I didn't pay for it.) How was it? Let me see it, I don't remember. This is a you decide what's in it for you book.

I love the dual POV. There was so much happening in the book but in a good way
I was not able to out this down as it kept me sucked in the while time.

“Everyone has a story. But not everyone’s story is true.”

Gia and Abby have been best friends since they were young girls and a shared traumatic experience brought them even closer. Gia is an heiress and invites her brother, Benny, and Abby, now a lawyer, to a Swedish resort for her birthday. However, when they get there she doesn’t show. They go to her mansion in Greece and discover she’s not there and neither is her new husband. They do find a manuscript detailing what has happened recently in her life and they rush to find her.

This one alternates from Gias manuscript and Abby’s POV and you can’t quite be sure what’s real. I loved the setting of a house by the ocean in Greece and the bad antics of rich people. It was sexy and entertaining with a murder mystery. The ending however, was not it. It was ambiguous and I’m not a fan.

Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for an arc for an honest review.

This worked so well for me. From an absolutely killer opening line, followed by the most attention grabbing prologue I’ve read in a while, that turns into a dual pov with unreliable narrators and not completely linear storytelling. And using a manuscript as part of the story was a great touch!

Really everything worked for me. I loved the author’s writing style. The pacing was perfect. The characters were not like able, and that added to my enjoyment while reading.

I love books within books. I also really loved the ending, but I know it’s not something everything likes.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Gia and Abby are forever friends, brought even closer by a terrifying tragedy, but now physically distant due to job and location. Abby jumps on the chance to meet up in Sweden with Gia and her brother, but upon arriving, finds Gia hasn’t made it there. This takes them to Greece, where they find Gia’s mysterious manuscript, but no Gia.

This is a really twisty book, with a lot of surprises. I found myself constantly questioning everything, which I really enjoy in a thriller. The characters were each a unique entity in their own right, and the settings were beautifully described. I would recommend this book.

This dual POV, dual timeline psychological thriller set in the escapist Greek island setting was a quick page-turner for me. I love rich people behaving badly and also enjoy thrillers that explore toxic friendships, so this was right up my alley. However, I found the final twist and ending to be overly out of left field and not as wrapped up as I was hoping leaving me disappointed. Still a fun summer thriller, but not my favorite amongst similar types of stories.

A story set on a Greek island, a toxic friendship, and a murderous heiress [maybe], how do you go wrong? The story unfolds with dual POVs - Abby provides a perspective in present day while you get Gia’s perspective through her manuscript detailing events leading up to her disappearance.

Abby receives an invitation to her estranged rich best friend’s, Gia, 30th birthday in Sweden. They haven’t been on the best terms since Gia decided to marry a man she had known for a couple months. After some persuasion from Gia and learning Benny, Gia’s younger brother, is also going, Abby decides to take time off from the law firm she works at in Atlanta to go. But Gia never arrives. After some investigation and a run in with a known scammer, Benny and Abby decide to go to Greece to figure out where Gia is and what happened. Secrets and lies come to light, and everyone is left wondering what really happened.

This was an immersive read with good pacing, I was hooked from the start but things fizzled out for me. While the characters were interesting, I didn’t find them likable - like at all. And the ending? What a disappointment. While I loved the twists, there were no answers offered and I’m not one who favors coming up with my own conclusions.

3.5 stars

This was a suspenseful tale of friendship, betrayal, secrets. The dual perspectives and unreliable narrators kept me guessing. I loved the setting and the plot. I couldn’t put it down! But then the ending…it left me disappointed. It was open ended and I need closure. It left me with so many unanswered questions. The ending ruined it for me, and I feel bad because I LOVED the rest of the book!

The realness of how one decision made when Gia and Abby are 18 catches up to them at 30 is palpable. As true best friends are, they stick together through the good and the bad. But one has to wonder if Abby really was a true best friend from the start. Did she go along with Gia's antics because of their friendship or because having her on her side was more beneficial than having her as an enemy? This is what we find out years later.
I thought I had this book pegged from the start. I thought I knew who was the bad guy and that this person was really a master of deceit. Especially because no bodies were ever found, just people going missing. I'm still not sure if we know what the real story is and if Abby is trusting the right person. This book wasn't left on a cliffhanger but it was intentionally left with questions unanswered... I think.

I really could not put this down. There was so much going on but in such a good way- mystery, love, tension, this book had it all. This was definitely my favorite by Wood so far and I’m excited to read more of her work!

Rich people problems set on an atmospheric Greek island? Sign me up! Also, did you see that beautiful cover??

Ladykiller by Katherine Wood was a fun story full of friendship, twists turns and murder. I’d recommend reading this on the beach particularly in Greece with an aperol spritz! I can’t wait to see what Katherine Wood writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Katherine Wood’s Ladykiller is a tantalizing blend of mystery, suspense, and psychological intrigue that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Greece and the chilly allure of a Swedish resort, this novel masterfully intertwines past and present, creating a narrative that is as captivating as it is unsettling.

The story revolves around two childhood friends, Gia and Abby, whose lives were forever altered by a tragic event in Greece when they were eighteen. Fast forward twelve years, and Gia, now an heiress with a new husband, invites Abby to celebrate her birthday in Sweden. 

Wood excels in character development, particularly with Abby and Gia. Abby, the bookish lawyer, is a relatable protagonist whose determination and loyalty drive the narrative forward. Gia, on the other hand, is a complex character whose glamorous exterior hides a multitude of secrets. The supporting characters, including Benny and the various guests at Gia’s estate, add depth and intrigue to the story.

Wood’s writing is both evocative and immersive. She skillfully uses alternating points of view and flashbacks to build suspense and keep readers guessing. 

Ladykiller explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the search for truth. The novel delves into the complexities of human relationships and the lengths people will go to protect their sec

While some readers might find the open-ended conclusion frustrating, it is this very ambiguity that makes Ladykiller a compelling read. The unanswered questions and lingering doubts mirror the uncertainties of real life, making the story all the more haunting.

Ladykiller is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries. Its well-crafted plot, rich character development, and atmospheric settings make it a standout debut from Katherine Wood. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or curled up on a rainy day, this novel is sure to captivate and entertain.

Gia and Abby are best friends and have been since they were very young, experiencing an accident that happened in Greece when they were teenagers. Back in Greece years later, Abby returns to Greece to celebrate Gia's birthday, but she is nowhere to be found. Instead she is left with a manuscript that details the lead up to Gia's disappearance - the only clue of how to find her. It's up to Abby to look for her and see what happened to Gia.

As many of my reviews will say, the ending to a book is make or break for me, and as much as I wanted to love this book, I found it to be okay, solely because of the ending. It left me with more questions than answers. I appreciated the dual perspectives, pivoting from Gia's manuscript POV to Abby's present day POV (it gives me Verity vibes!). The characterization of Abby and Gia is done well, but I find myself leaning towards wanting to know more about Abby. The setting was my favorite part - who doesn't want to read a book with Greece being the main location?!

Overall, this book was just okay! I wish I had more to say about it, but the ending really left me wanting more and didn't give me the "wrapped up" feeling I love.

I enjoyed Lady Killers, especially the gorgeous Greek Island setting. Katherine Wood's delivered a beautiful description that was easy to slide into. The plot centered on Gia, a wealthy heiress and her friend Abby, the daughter of Gia's family chef. When Gia disappears. Abby and Gia's brother search with only a manuscript Gia was working on for clues. The characters were unreliable and, except for Abby, unlikable. It was a fast read with plenty of suspense. The ending was left open which was somewhat frustrating, but maybe a sequel? Thank you, Netgalley, and publisher for the ARC of Lady Killers in exchange for my honest review.

Ladykiller started off strong and it was great until the ending! The ending was a total letdown. It didn’t leave me with any closure at all or bring the book together. It left me with so many questions. It was really a bummer. I really loved the setting, and the author did a wonderful job making you feel like you were there. The pacing and the storyline were great, and I was fully invested until the ending. This wouldn’t have been 4 stars if the ending would have been full circle.

Thank you, Net Galley and Random House- Ballantine, for a copy in return for my honest review.

I had written my review and it was lost, so here I go again. I don't like sexually permissive books, I don't like people who drink alcohol non stop, and I don't like profanity because you can't think of proper words to express yourself, therefore, this book has three strikes in my estimation. The protagonist is not likeable, nor is there any commonality with Gia, a spoiled morally corrupt woman, who makes mistakes that could cost her her life , I don't like her or the people around her, I feel like I need a shower. I am certain that it will make a good movie, this type usually do, if they leave out the smut. Abby and Benny seem to be the nicest people in the story, but how nice are two people who aren't sure if Gia is a murderer or not, yet remain friends with her? If you like trashy smutty behavior you will like the book, if like me and pornographic content makes you want to shower, then it isn't for you.
Thank you #RandomHouse #Netgalley
carolintallahassee

his book was a surprise for me. I knew very little about it going in and was pleasantly surprised. The scenery and setting were fantastic, the characters were the perfect amount of likable but also unlikable, and the story was twisty and turny. It was maybe slightly predictable but still a lot of fun!

Thank you so much to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam and Netgalley for this free review copy.! #ladykiller #netgalley