This book is full of twists an turns making a worthwhile read. Yet, the highlight for me was the author’s descriptions of the locals. She made me feel as if I was there, whether in NYC, Greece, or Sweden. By naming the chapters after the two primary female characters, she successfully changes the POV and gives us a view of the ongoing story from two sets of eyes. This technique also allows for intense character development. The effective use of these three techniques merits giving this book five stars.

3.25 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Bantam books for this ARC.

The book started very slow and I found myself getting bored. If it wasn't an ARC, I might have DNF'd because I struggle with slow pacing. However, around the 35% mark, the book had my attention and kept it. I stayed up late to read more because I was intrigued where the story was going, and enough little hints were dropped for me to think something juicy was coming.

In the end, I didn't quite get what I was hoping for.

It's an open ended book, for the reader to decide themselves what the truth is. While I can love that, this one was too vague and the intrigue wasn't strong enough for me to be left with a definitive answer. I also found I didn't care much about what the truth was. The intrigue throughout the story held my attention but with what was going on, I wanted a bigger twist and I expected more.

Not bad but sadly, might be forgettable by the end of the year.

Sometimes it feels like we forget the amount of work it takes to make something look easy. The arts in general--and writing, it seems, in particular, are often not taken seriously as viable career paths because of the somehow widespread false idea that it does not take much serious work and study to do it well. In truth, it looks easy <i>because</i> of all the work that goes on behind the scenes, and because of an intimate knowledge of the tropes and tools at work in a particular genre's playground. Every genre has its unique toolbox, but perhaps none is more impressive when done right than the thriller.

It can sneak up on us even as it pulls us along for the ride thinking we know exactly where it's headed, before veering headlong off a cliff into unexpected territory that keeps readers coming back again and again for the thrill of the chase. By the same token, however, there is the risk that we actually <i>do</i> know where it's going. Consume enough of anything and you'll be ready and able to spot its patterns from a mile off. Sometimes this can add to the experience. Sometimes, we want the comfort of predictability. But sometimes, the cookie cutter character templates and usual twists and turns could feel like they lack innovative development, which means while the author might feel like they're cleverly pulling one over on unsuspecting readers, we're already pinning the culprit, or else getting lost in convoluted attempts at surprise.

Katherine Wood's <i>Ladykiller</i> is not a bad book. It is filled to bursting with bad people, but that does not make it bad in and of itself. It is, in fact, just fine. Most of the plot, in which Abby, a young woman who has spent most of her life indebted to and in the shadow of her wealthy best friend Gia, agrees to travel to Greece in celebration of Gia's birthday, only to arrive and realize that her friend is nowhere to be found, is engaging enough as to be readily accessible for thriller fans of all kinds. Told from alternating perspectives of Abby, in the present, and Gia's memoir, we are shown the dark underbelly of impulse and deceit both women are capable of. Gia has married a man she barely knows, and is quickly realizing she has gotten far more trouble than she bargained for out of the deal. Abby, meanwhile, is hiding one hell of a reprehensible, life ruining secret about the women's shared past.

While it starts out engaging enough, the middle of the story--in which we are introduced to a handful of new characters whose motivations and connections become far more twisted than is trackable--feels as though it both slows down and loses the thread of its own plot. Or, rather, in an effort to pull off a twist later in the book, the middle becomes so wrapped around itself that it starts to feel like we're losing our footing in keeping up with who and how these people are related. What we think is their connection for chapters on end turns out not to be the case at all, for no other reason I am able to determine than to be a gotcha on the audience. That would be fine on its own, if the pace of the story had kept up without circling back so much to repeat to us how every story has multiple sides and Abby wants us to believe that Gia is a monumental liar and twister of tales, all while she herself is hiding objectively one of the worst secrets anyone could hold.

But Gia is, in fact, a twister of tales as well. And while her methods are intense, her motive is not nearly as awful as Abby's.

The thing is, even if all else about <i>Ladykiller</i> was strong enough to stand on its own and keep you hooked in, the main character hiding the fact that she lied about a rape--a lie which ultimately led to the supposed perpetrator's death--is just reprehensible enough to turn me off of recommending it too far and wide. That she is forgiven for doing so and faces little to no consequences is equally as squicky. And even though it's not the <i>whole</i> plot, it is a <i>major</i> part of it, and one that, yes even though this is fiction and we should be able to read and consume whatever we can handle, feels just this side of too uncomfortable to make it recommendable outside of a particular audience.

I am a firm believer that every book is for someone. Sometimes that someone is a large number. Sometimes it's small. Sometimes that someone is just the author themselves. I am not sure if I have simply not read enough thrillers (perhaps this kind of plot crux is more common than I realize, and I have simply never come across it! Entirely possible! And fine!), or if Wood's attempt at bringing a new twist is to bring out one of the worst kinds of secrets it is possible to keep. Either way, while it wasn't entirely for me, and I found myself lost in some of its folds just as often as I was taken aback by its characters, I hope <i>Ladykiller</i> finds its audience. Perhaps one with a stronger stomach than me.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. <i>Ladykiller</i> comes to bookstores near you from Random House Publishing and Bantam on July 9, 2o24.

Best friends Gia and Abby are bonded for life. After witnessing tragedy at 18, the two's bond grew even stronger. As the girls grew older and separated by distance, Gia ends up back in Greece married and feeling somewhat alone, and missing Abby.

She invites Abby and her brother on an all-expenses paid trip to see the Northern Lights and anxiously Abby accepts. When the threatening emails begin and threaten to unravel all the success Abby has created, the girls story from so many years ago starts to unravel. Told in part reality, and book written by Gia, you wonder what parts are real, and which are fiction. A thrilling game of cat and mouse, Katherine Wood is an author to watch!

When I saw that I was accepted for a digital ARC, I was so excited! This thriller was a rollercoaster of a story. The setting of this story takes the reader to the beautiful Greek Islands and all the secrets these girls are hiding. It was nice to read this while in reality the weather hasn’t been great. This was fast paced and I couldn’t put this one down. The ending was little meh for me, wish there was more, but I’m happy with the overall story. Thank you Katherine Wood, NetGalley and Random House for this digital copy.

I absolutely loved this book. I felt the story was original and believable, so much so it made my heart race at times. I really thought the ending would be different but it was a great surprise! I will be looking for more of her work.

I received this copy as an E- ARC, while contained multiple twists, leaving me wondering about the truth about each character right through the end something about the ending was missing for me. It will make a super easy beach/vacation read though. #netgalley

Ladykiller is a twisty thriller. Told through Abby's point of view and Gia's manuscript, the story unfolds. Alternating between past and present, the reader gets to put the pieces together, but is everyone telling the truth?
This fast paced story kept me turning the pages till the very end.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy for review.

4.5 Stars

I received an advanced copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via NetGalley.

Best friends Gia and Abby, forever linked by a tragic event in Greece during their youth, find their lives diverging. Years later, Gia, now an heiress, invites Abby to celebrate her birthday beneath the Northern Lights in Sweden. However, upon arrival, they discover Gia missing and a cryptic manuscript revealing disturbing truths about her recent marriage and the guests at her Greek estate. Determined to find Gia, Abby and Benny, Gia’s brother, embark on a journey to uncover her whereabouts before it's too late.

The allure of a Greek island setting drew me into this narrative, painting a vivid picture that resonated with my own experiences. Amid this atmospheric backdrop, Gia's character felt a tad exaggerated, yet strangely enjoyable. Abby, on the other hand, emerged as a more relatable figure, although both protagonists made decisions that seemed inconsistent with their established traits. The author's strength lies in characterization, bringing the players to life with convincing depth that really resonated with me.

The initial pace was slow, but as the story unfolded, the mystery got more gripping. While some twists proved foreseeable, they retained an element of entertainment, with a surprise turn that genuinely caught me off guard. The concluding chapters introduced an intriguing direction, although I thought some of the issues were unresolved.

Overall, this was an engaging read that sustained my interest, featuring a cast of compelling characters. I'd recommend it to enthusiasts of psychological thrillers. I am really excited about what else this author has to offer in the future.

On a side note: how does a person who lives in a lap of luxury afford to live the same style of life without working and only expecting to see a house for $15 million minus taxes?

Woah I’m thrilled to have gotten to read this early through NetGalley! And I’m so glad I did. What a story. No spoilers from me
- just know you have to read it! Preorder it! Seriously now.

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
Overall this was a good book! Kept a fast pace and kept my interest. At times it did jump between a past situation and current day and took me a minute to catch up, but otherwise was easy to follow. The story did have a few twists that weren’t completely shocking, but still entertaining. The ending was left open in a way, and I’m not a huge fan of that, but it fit with the storyline.

I couldn’t stop reading this! Our narrator is Abby, who is invited to meet up with her friend, Gia. We also get to know Gia through the memoir she writes. The story goes between the memoir and Abby’s present day. Lots of intrigue!!

I received an advance copy though Netgalley, but all opinions are my own.

I got recommended LadyKiller and this would be a GREAT beach read! I really loved the multiple point of view. I was really intrigued the entire time and it was a steady pace read for me. I love authors that don’t always give you exactly what you want at the end so I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.

I was told I would love this book, so I got a copy. At first I thought it was nothing special. Oh, I liked it but it seemed to be another typical mystery: two friends from opposite social hierarchies, throw in a beautiful Greek island, and one of the women goes missing. You know what I mean. But halfway through something happened. It went from meh to YEAH! From that point on, I loved it.

The two friends, Abby and Gia have drifted apart, particularly when Abby told Gia she wouldn't attend her wedding to Garret, the man she met 3 months earlier. Estranged, Gia invites her brother Benny and Abby to a Swedish resort hotel to reconnect. Except she doesn't show. She has disappeared. And secrets emerge that were buried 12 years ago.

The story alternates between Abby's journey in current time and Gia's life on her beachfront estate a month or two ago. As Gia writes her new book, this narrative becomes a key to unlocking her disappearance.

Not everything or everyone is who they seem or claim. With two different references to The Talented Mr. Ripley, it becomes clear that this tale, too, is one of deception and duplicity. But who is the real hero and who is the real villain? The second half of the book is a real page-turner. Enjoy!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Beautiful heiress Gia Torres travels through life carefree. Until the sudden death of her father, she fails to appreciate her lavish life. Gia trusts only two people, her brother Benny, and her best friend Abby. They both try to slow Gia down; she is headstrong. Gia rashly marries a short-time acquaintance, Garrett, very quickly. They move to Gia's house in Greece. After repairs are completed Gia is selling the house to her stepmother. Marriage seems to be perfect for Gia and Garrett. Garrett manages the construction at the house while trying to salvage his failing business. His shipping company is struggling and Gia loans him money. Why didn't he tell Gia about this before they married? On a trip into town, they meet a couple who are waiting to have their yacht repaired. Gia and Garrett invite them to stay at their house. Are these people trustworthy? Benny and Abby travel to see the Northern Lights with Gia. Gia never arrives. Where could she be?

This psychological thriller explores the life of the wealthy. Gia's disappearance brings Benny and Gia back together to find her. Through twists and turns, Abby and Benny remain steadfast and loyal. Does loyalty prevent us from seeing clearly? This story details graphic sexual scenes and domestic violence, if these are triggers, please proceed carefully. This thriller will surprise and confuse. Who can be believed? The ending is unanticipated and surprising. Enjoy this lovely vacation but don't let your guard down!

Ladykiller” by Katherine Wood is an enthralling tale of mystery and friendship. The story unfolds with the disappearance of a young woman from a remote Greek islands estate, setting the stage for a suspenseful journey. Wood masterfully weaves a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending the allure of the Mediterranean backdrop with the intrigue of a suspenseful manuscript.

The characters, Gia and Abby, are finely crafted, their lifelong connection adding depth to the narrative. The contrast between Gia’s glamorous life and Abby’s dedication to her career creates a captivating dynamic. As the plot twists and turns, the reader is drawn into the mystery, fueled by the ominous email Abby receives and the deserted estate they encounter in Greece.

Wood’s storytelling prowess shines as Gia’s manuscript reveals the dark secrets of her marriage and the scandalous lives of the guests. The unanswered questions propel the plot forward, leaving readers eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth. The pacing is well-executed, maintaining tension and suspense throughout the narrative.

With a skillful blend of mystery, friendship, and scandal, “Ladykiller” captivates from start to finish. Katherine Wood delivers a gripping tale that keeps readers guessing until the final pages. If you’re a fan of thrilling mysteries set against the backdrop of exotic locales, this book is a must-read, earning it a solid 4/5 stars.

Rating: 4/5

So this book was a really good twisty thriller with a little romance thrown in. I loved the two main characters, Abby and Gia. Even though neither was perfect, I was routing for both of them. But...the ending was pretty terrible. It didn't really wrap anything up and I ended the book saying to myself "wait, that's it???". Besides the ending, I enjoyed the storyline and would read another book by Katherine Wood.

What a fun book. Abby and Gia are friends and they come from different backgrounds and are completely different. Gia the jetsetter is recently married to Garrett and lives on a Greek Island with her husband. While getting the house on the island ready for sale Gia and Garrett befriend a couple who stay with them while their boat is being repaired. Is the couple everything that they come across as. Abby is the level headed person in this friendship. A rollercoaster ride takes place with a conclusion that I didn't see coming.

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this one, but I ended up flying through it. I loved the alternating POV between Abby and Gia. The author beautifully set up the meeting with Timeo and Emilia. I disliked Garett from the beginning, just to find out that maybe he wasn’t as bad as I thought (or was he? The final implications were a bit vague).

Overall, the writing was fantastic. Fast paced and intriguing. I loved reading it. The ending left me feeling a bit… unsettled? Confused? There was a lot left unknown, but I think that was intentional.

Gia and Abby have been best friends since their early teens, and their friendship even survived an intensely dark experience when they were 18. A decade later, after a falling out over Gia’s whirlwind marriage, they are set to reconnect in Sweden - but Gia doesn’t show up.

This book is filled with twists and turns as we go from Abby’s perspective to Gia’s perspective, as documented in her manuscript. The ending felt a bit too ambiguous and I wish there was a more clear conclusion. Overall, I’d rate this 3.5 stars since it’s still an engaging book with an interesting mix of characters!

Thank you to Random House via NetGalley for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review!