I tried to get into this story and while the concept was unique, the execution was a miss. I figured out what was going on before the 20% mark. The ending also left me unsatisified.

This was a perfect summer read and enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend and honestly perfect for a vacation if you’re reading on a beach

Stunning cover and the description of the Greek island really put me in the place, which I loved. But the story fell a bit flat for me. I couldn't get any real sense of the two main characters truly being friends, and Gia was quite irritating and clueless. The pacing felt off, so it didn't always hold my interest. Wish I could've liked this more because the premise was strong, but it just didn't deliver for me.

My thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Bantam, the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve really enjoyed previous books by Katherine St. John (now writing as Katherine Wood), as they’ve been fun, escapist thrillers set in posh beach locations. Her newest is no exception—it’s soapy and breezy, set on a private estate on a Greek island owned by an heiress named Gia. Told from dual perspectives—Gia’s manuscript and her childhood best friend Abby—the story unfolds as Gia goes missing and secrets from their past begin to surface. It’s twisty, steamy, and super fast-paced.

That said, it has an open ending, which I wasn’t a huge fan of, as I prefer a bit more closure. But this would make a great book club read, as there’s plenty of room for speculation about how it all wraps up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was excited about this read when I first picked it up, but unfortunately the execution fell a little flat for me. Although the pacing was good, I was left very disappointed by the ambiguous nature of the ending. All that being said, I do think I would've enjoyed the experience more if I'd gone in blind, and therefore would still recommend this to thriller lovers looking for stories centered around toxic friendships.

I don’t know what I was expecting from this book, but I was hoping for…more.

This story takes place in beautiful Greece and I was all about the location and scenery. But I found the cast of characters to be quite unsavory, all of them were unreliable (both characteristics are fine if they make a good story!), and frankly I didn’t feel a connection to any of them. And the ending was ambiguous and at the very least I was hoping for some type of resolve but I was only left with more questions.

The book was fine. I liked the writing style and there were parts of the story where I felt really invested, like when I thought we were going to spill some tea… but then the spill turned out to be more of a dribble and the tea was more like lukewarm water. I thought there was a lot of potential for a really twisty, sinister plot, and it felt more like the author couldn’t fully commit to any of her characters committing a felony.

I didn’t mind this book, but I don’t think it was enough for me to be thinking about it for days or give that “omg you have to read this now!” recommendation.

3 stars.

I unfortunately had to DNF this book as it didn't hold my interest. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

Owwww, I loved the intrigue in this book. Loved the setting, Greece, loved the many twists and turns. It truly was a page turner!

I was initally drawn to the cover of this book and the description! I was happily surpised when I started reading it, this story was very strong and kept me hooked for most of the book. It was very well written and created a good amount of suspense. The only feedback I have is that there were some loose ends that weren't tied up at the end of the book and it left you having to guess.

Overall I would reccomend to anyone who likes thriller novels.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy of this book. Book was fine, really good if you like the genre! I would read more from this author.

This was a bit of a let down. The twist was fairly obvious and I felt like the ending just petered out without a really suspenseful climax.

Loved this book so so much! This book had twists at every single corner that kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put this one down, needing to know what happened!

This slowburn mystery was filled with drama that lead to a ton of tension that kept the story moving.

This book had a group of characters that I loved to hate. It was engaging and kept me hooked the entire way through.

I liked that you weren't entirely sure if the narrator was reliable or not and had to figure out who to trust. This was one that I almost wished I hadn't read the synopsis. A lot of people have said you should go in blind, and I completely agree.

The ending was pretty wild. I tend to like more definitive endings, but this one worked for me.

Overall, this is a great one I recommend to thriller lovers.

I picked up this book mostly because of Greece, but it seemed like a good mystery too.
Is she or isn’t she?
On the surface this book is about a “poor rich girl” who befriended a “real poor” girl and crap hit the fan because of it. Or is it? When it’s all said and done this book is more about if we can really distinguish what’s real and fiction which is a great theme, so I liked that. Also it had strong echoes of “Gone Girl”and “Bye, Baby,” because friendships can be toxic, even more toxic when money is involved.
So, the book starts slow, too slow. Abby and Gia are stereotypes of what they represent: The smart, not pretty, poor girl and the smart, pretty, rich party girl, respectively.
The pace eventually picks up once we confirm that whatshisname might’ve married Gia for her money (Girl, saw that one coming miles away). Here’s where the twist happens: instead of falling for the con, Gia fights back, going all Amy Dunne on her husband and associates. At least, that’s what the reader is led to think and what BFF Abby also thinks, because apparently our girl Gia has been homicidal for a long time. This is when we learn about their mysterious past and the secrets they were keeping, but… all because of a boy. A boy! Ugh!
Anyway, my final thoughts:
What was the obsession with the well all about? Why? It seemed extremely important but went nowhere and at the end it felt like filler.
Sometimes I had a feeling that Benny was the villain after all. Something in Gia’s comments about him, but I guess she was always an unreliable narrator, right?
My guess, is that those bodies were at the palaces on the other island. Just a thought.
I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, but… nope.
If you like the type of story where you won’t get any answers and everyone is hiding something at the end, then this book is for you. And I mean, everyone, because I dunno, something is off about Benny. 😉

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Wonderful story. I couldn’t stop reading! Highly recommend! The best storyline I have read in a while. It kept my attention and I could not put it down.

I received a widget for this book and could not pass it up after reading that synopsis! It started strong, kept me sucked in and then the ending wasn't exactly what I was hoping it would be, but it was still great! Definitely a recommended read.

I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Ladykiller is a captivating and darkly witty thriller. The story follows an ambitious female detective, uncovering dangerous secrets as she hunts down a charming yet sinister killer. Wood masterfully blends suspense with sharp social commentary, creating an engaging narrative filled with unexpected twists. The strong character development and unpredictable plot make it a compelling read for fans of crime fiction with a psychological edge. It’s an intriguing exploration of power, manipulation, and the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface.

Thank you for the ARC!
Definitely enjoyed this book, loved the characters and story! It did keep my attention from the beginning until the end.

Abby, Gia and Benny spend the summers of their youth on an idyllic island where the well to do summer. Abby is not wealthy like Benny and Gia but she is their closest friend.
During one summer a tragic thing occurs that changes the lives they live to some degree. Gia goes on to become an author and Abby goes on to become a lawyer. Benny becomes a film producer.
After Gia marries a fellow that she barely knows, things begin to change. She starts writing her long anticipated second novel, but also invites Abby and Benny home to see her.
When they arrive Gia is nowhere to be found.
When they do finally find her, they hear a story of deceit and possible murder, and kidnapping.
Over the next chapters, we begin to discover that all is not as it seems.
This novel will leave you wondering whom the guilty party is ( if there is one ) , I am still wondering in my mind who did what and where they are now….
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me this ARC.