I love a strong, morally grey female lead, and *This Girl's a Killer* nails it. From the first chapter, I was swept into the storm of Cordelia's world, unable to stop until I reached the end. The relationship she shares is deep and heartwarming, showing how they’re there for each other no matter what. Cordelia might make questionable choices, but she’s driven by good intentions—even as her life unravels because of them. One plotline around the pharmaceutical company she works for remains open, so fingers crossed we’ll get another book to see what unfolds there!

Amazon review pending approval.

Instagram, Facebook & blog scheduled for 11/2/24.

What a fun read! When I say I could not put this book down, there is no exaggeration whatsoever. This book gave me Dexter Mogan vibes and I was totally down for it!

The author did an amazing job keeping me engaged and needing to know what Cordelia will get into next. I throughly enjoyed Cordelias love and devotion to her forever BFF Diane and her daughter Samantha. Their bond is truly unbreakable and their friendship will be pushed to thr limit.

Another aspect I found intriguing was Cordelias need to make bad men pay for their sins. I couldn't help but root her on in her quest to serve some type of justice, even if it's unconventional.

This was a sold 4.5 star read for me!

I read a description of this that said it was for readers of the Finlay Donovan books and Bandit Queens, both of which I loved, and I would have to agree. It is different from those books but shares some sensibilities with them. Here we follow Cordelia Black, pharmaceutical sales rep and serial killer of very bad men. She has things figured out until her bestie starts dating a guy who sure seems bad to Cordelia. Now she has to figure out her best move. I really loved this and am thrilled to see the door open at the end for a second book. I have no idea if a series is planned, but I’m in if it is!

I liked all the tension of this book. A lot of things going sideways so you spend a lot of time on edge wondering if she’s going to get caught. And a small part of me wanted her to.

I was expecting more of a begrudging, “just doing what I have to” narrator. But she’s a little like Dexter in that she likes it. So it’s a little hard to root for a psychopath, even if they’re directing their urges to bad people.

I think I’d have liked more of her backstory to flesh out why she is the way she is. To see the before.

But I think it was an interesting choice, one I respect, to not do that. It’s very unapologetic about what’s happening. It made me uncomfortable but I appreciated it anyway.

Cordelia Black is a successful pharmaceutical rep with a little hobby of killing deplorable men on the side.

The story was so incredibly captivating, with just the perfect ratio of humor and drama to constantly keep me coming back. I absolutely loved Cordelia as a character, and she was so fun to follow along and get to know. It was a slow start, but once we fully got into the story I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The tension was so incredibly built all throughout the story as Cordelia slowly loses the grip on her oh so carefully planned steps.

Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book! I was hooked from the beginning! If you're in the mood for a female "Dexter," this book is for you! The characters and plot are great. All around satisfying thriller. Thank you, NetGalley!

Cordelia and Diane are lifelong friends and Cordelia will do anything to protect her best friend. Cordelia presents herself as a successful woman, donning designer clothes and the finest in self care routine. Behind her perfectly curated facade is a dark secret! Cordelia kills bad men and has gotten away with it but when she makes an unplanned kill, her well-orchestrated double live risks exposure! I enjoyed this crime-thriller with a cozy mystery feel. I loved the witty banter and the bond between these friends.

Book Review: "This Girl's a Killer" by Emma C. Wells

Emma C. Wells’ This Girl’s a Killer is a darkly thrilling, sardonic romp that delivers on every promise of its genre: it’s witty, edgy, and beautifully ruthless. This debut novel introduces readers to Cordelia Black, a meticulously polished antiheroine who embodies the fierce autonomy and moral ambiguity at the heart of the “Good for Her” genre. Wells dives deep into the psyche of a woman who, by day, blends seamlessly into high-society southern life, and by night, ruthlessly pursues her personal brand of justice. This novel isn’t just a thriller; it’s a cleverly crafted exploration of moral ambiguity, feminism, and vengeance, wrapped in an unapologetically entertaining package. For readers who delight in female antiheroes who operate in the shadows of society’s morals, Cordelia Black is a refreshing and complex new icon.

Plot Summary
At first glance, Cordelia Black leads the life of a well-dressed, successful woman in the South Louisiana pharmaceutical scene, projecting the polished image of a rising professional. Her life is structured and spotless; her looks immaculate. But behind her sleek exterior is a carefully hidden double life. Cordelia is also a vigilante serial killer, targeting men who have evaded justice and wreaked havoc on others’ lives. She operates with an intense sense of purpose and a nearly religious commitment to “cleansing” her community of morally corrupt men. Cordelia’s world begins to unravel, however, when her best friend starts dating a man who, despite a charming veneer, raises red flags for Cordelia. Suddenly, her tightly controlled system of retribution is threatened, pushing her to confront the fine line between vengeance and self-destruction.

The Antiheroine We’ve Been Waiting For
Cordelia Black is not your average protagonist; she’s an intricately developed antiheroine whose perspective on justice challenges readers’ assumptions. Wells gives her a razor-sharp wit and a morally gray, but utterly compelling, outlook that resonates with the fierce feminist vibe reminiscent of Layne Fargo’s They Never Learn and Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan Is Killing It. Cordelia isn’t motivated by pure hatred, nor is she simply psychopathic; she believes in being “karma” for men who have escaped the consequences of their actions. In Cordelia, Wells has created a character whose appeal lies in her audacity to live by her own code. She embodies a “girls’ girl” mentality in the most literal, albeit twisted, sense, standing up for women in ways society often can’t—or won’t.

Themes: Justice, Control, and Sisterhood
This Girl’s a Killer is not only a story about revenge but also a rich exploration of justice, control, and sisterhood. Cordelia’s choice to exact her own form of punishment on those who “have it coming” begs the question: What is justice? Wells doesn’t provide easy answers but instead allows readers to sit with the discomfort of her heroine’s choices. Additionally, Cordelia’s obsession with control—over her life, her appearance, her victims, and even her friendships—adds another dimension to her character. This fixation is tested when her friend’s new relationship threatens to disrupt the orderly boundaries she’s constructed, compelling her to examine the personal cost of her double life.

The feminist themes run deep, as Cordelia’s actions are rooted in a twisted but heartfelt loyalty to the women in her life. She is fiercely protective of her “chosen family” and willing to risk everything to preserve it. Wells juxtaposes Cordelia’s empowerment with vulnerability, depicting how her actions, while liberating, also bind her. There’s a poignancy in Cordelia’s journey that acknowledges the complexity of moral judgment, especially when layered with trauma, loyalty, and love.

A Taut Thriller with Sharp Humor
One of the most remarkable aspects of Wells’ writing is her ability to balance tension and humor. Cordelia’s dry wit and sardonic perspective on life, love, and death provide a refreshing contrast to the dark nature of her actions. Wells infuses the novel with sharp, satirical humor that is as biting as it is entertaining. The book’s pacing is relentless, filled with just enough humor to lighten the darker themes without undermining them. The dialogue is whip-smart and snappy, adding another layer of enjoyment for readers who appreciate a bit of sass in their thrillers.

The “Good for Her” Genre Revisited
This novel is the latest addition to the “Good for Her” genre—a subgenre dedicated to morally ambiguous female protagonists whose actions challenge traditional views of femininity, justice, and morality. Cordelia fits comfortably alongside characters like Fargo’s Dr. Scarlett Clark and Sutanto’s Vera Wong. Yet, Wells brings something uniquely raw and unapologetic to her antiheroine, making Cordelia not just “good” but something much more complex and, ultimately, more satisfying. Cordelia Black is a woman who takes the reins in a society that often leaves women powerless, and while her methods are extreme, they’re also cathartic. Her quest for justice and her unwillingness to apologize for her choices make her a captivating character who will leave readers both horrified and rooting for her.

Final Thoughts
Emma C. Wells’ This Girl’s a Killer is more than a thriller; it’s a fearless exploration of the lengths one woman is willing to go to protect those she loves. Wells skillfully avoids the pitfalls of glamorizing violence or falling into stereotypes, instead creating a layered narrative that both entertains and provokes thought. Cordelia Black is a heroine who will undoubtedly divide readers but leave an indelible impression on all of them. She is flawed, fierce, and entirely unforgettable.

For those looking for a thriller that is smart, provocative, and wickedly satisfying, This Girl’s a Killer is an absolute must-read.

While the stories are different, I feel that if you like the movie American Mary you will also enjoy this book. While the main plot revolves around Cordelia trying to cover up her murders it felt more about a story of trying to maintain control when everything starts to go wrong both at work and in her personal life.
The speed of the book was paced really well for me and I kept wanting to read the next chapter and I finished it surprisingly quickly given the length of the book.
Given that this is the authors debut, I can't wait to read more of her writing.

Holy crap, this was fun! A story about friendships, and the lengths we will go to keep loved ones safe. A story of protecting others from going through trauma that one has suffered themselves. All told through the quirky voice of Cordelia Black, a character as witty and charming as she is vengeful and tough. There is some repetitiveness in some small details but aside from that, this was so great!

I received an arc via NetGalley. The opinions and rating are my own.

Cordelia is a serial killer. In her mind it’s just a hobby and since she only goes for bad men it’s fine. This Girl’s a Killer actually reminded me a little of Butcher and Blackbird but only one serial killer and no spice. Definitely have a little bit of “what did I just read?!”

If you can get past the fact that Cordelia has got quite a bit of a crazy streak the story overall holds interest.

This book starts just as Cordelia Black's life begins to tailspin. We learn who she is as a professional when her job and professional relationships are on the brink of collapse. We meet her adopted family just as her best friend's new boyfriend threatens to distance them by emotional and physical miles. We learn of her creative and artistic side as she laments the loss of time to create her artwork. It is her hobby, however, that actually defines who she is as a person at her core. We only learn of her past and her metamorphosis into the avenger that she has become as she scrambles to hold onto the life she has made. Wells has blurred right and wrong and has revealed the acceptable levels of grey. Cordelia is no killer; she tells you this multiple times throughout the book. What Cordelia is, instead, is a phoenix, a protector, an investigator, judge and avenger. And Cordelia is a survivor. Cordelia takes back her life as she kills and buries her past, transforms into the person she wants to be and doesn't look back. Despite everything falling apart, piece by piece, she refuses to give up on the life she has made. Cordelia is the superhero we all want to be, being our best self and protecting our family no matter the cost! This story intrigues you right from the start; once hooked, you just can't put the book down until the final body disposal! Wonderfully written to be edge-of-your-seat exciting and therapeutic and funny even though it touches on some heavy social issues.

If you are a fan of S.T. Abby or S. T. Ashman this is the perfect book for you! I love a good revenge trope. Cordelia Black kills bad men, and we are rooting for her the whole time. This book isn’t too triggering, it tells you what they did but does not go into any detail which I liked. This was the perfect October read with some gore, but they deserve it. I was a little disappointed with the love interested but I do think that was a part of the story that she didn’t need a man, and she has her best friend with her forever they are “vintage”. Another thing I enjoyed was that Cordelia was an unreliable narrator. She would have mental breakdowns, and you didn’t know if she was going to snap. This book was right up my alley, and I can’t wait to read more from this author. Hopefully we will see more of Cordelia Black.

Thank you, Net Galley, the author, and the publisher, for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advance e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. Look for it in your local and online bookstores and libraries on October 29, 2024.

I sped through this book so fast, great storyline! For fans of Dexter and mystery/thriller. It is a little graphic/gory at some points in the story but I didn't let it turn me off of the book.

Cordelia Black is a beautiful, successful pharmaceutical rep in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She’s also a serial killer. But not just any serial killer. Cordelia sees herself as an instrument of karma, protecting women and children from bad men.

Cordelia’s highly organized hunt and kill operation is upended when her best friend Diane begins dating a man who is annoying — and even creepy— but does he pose a threat to Diane and her daughter Samantha? There is also a law enforcement investigation into the missing men Cordelia has killed carried out by a police officer who is romantically interested in her.

Despite her bloody hobby, Cordelia is a very likable badass heroine, and I found myself rooting for her to avoid getting caught. The plot is propulsive as Cordelia dances as fast as she can to avoid detection.

Despite the darkness of the plot, the novel is actually very funny in parts, and even touching as we learn more about Cordelia’s background and motives. The novel also shines a light on the important issue of sexual abuse of women and children which proliferates in silence as victims are too afraid of retribution by coming forward.

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary advanced copy of this book.

This girls a Killer by Emma c Wells

I have to admit I wasn’t sure I would love this book as a cover doesn’t do a story justice. But after reading the first chapter it immediately sucked me in. I couldn’t stop reading the story about Cordelia black who is a pharmaceutical rep who has recently fell under the scrutiny of her office as a couple of test samples for prescriptions have become missing. The side effects are grave, and The story gets even more in-depth as we look deeper into Cordelia in her extracurricular activities, as she is almost a heroine of justice for taking care of men that do women wrong. The story was an absolute blast. I loved every page and flipped through everything trying to reel in my mind. Are there actually women like this. I enjoyed the story thoroughly and will recommend it to everybody that I know.

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Press for this amazing book! I wish there were more stars to give! Wow

Ok this one was great. A female version of Dexter? Yes please! This story was well paced and great characters. They were smart, funny, well rounded. Highly recommend

Originally, I wasn't sure about this one but I'm so happy I continued listening. This one is dark, twisted, but very good!
Cordelia isn't your typical pharmaceutical rep, she also hunts bad men. I loved the dark humor in this book. It just all worked. Some moments can be a bit gruesome and Cordelia is a very meticulous person. Everything has to be just so but not everything can be perfect...especially with a dog walks all over a murder scene.
The ending seemed like there would be another book coming, and I hope that's the case because I cannot wait to see what happens next in Florida. I really enjoyed Stefanie Kay's voice. I felt like she was perfect for Cordelia and was able to portray the character’s quirks very well.

'Cordelia and Diane. We were vintage'

I hate to say this but I think female or revenge serial killer books are one of my new favorite kinds of books to read! Bad men who always get what's coming to them and female characters who blend into the crowd and outsmart everyone they encounter sounds like my cuppa coffee. This one hit the mark for me.

Cordelia Black is a serial killer- literally. She is smart, sophisticated, calculated and executes things to perfection. A pharmaceutical sales rep by day and a vigilante by night. But when her job starts to go up in flames and the police are catching on to the fact that there are “missing” men in the area, her perfectly poised life starts to unravel. Will she be able to wiggle out of the big mess she has created or will her controlled world crumble down around her?

If you are a fan of Butler and Blackbird, this one was a tamer version but just as fun! I liked Cordelia's inner ramblings and neurotic dialogue. As someone who was a perfectionist, she sure did start making a lot of mistakes and that's when most of the fun happened. She was so on edge and assumed the worst so it was exciting to see her squirm her way out and around situations that would have been dire for anyone else. She became chaotic and uncontrolled and it made me feel like I was on a rollercoaster of emotions with her.

I would have liked to see a couple of the minor loose ends tied up, but overall this was an entertaining and enjoyable read!