Fast paced thriller that just spiralled a bit too much in the final quarter, still fun though if you can use that word to describe a book like this. I am sure many true crime lovers will find the main characters obsession with it pretty relatable and I sniggered out loud at a few inappropriate things in here.

With a convicted murderer as a father and a true crime consumption addiction (all forms are good forms) it was only natural Kelli became a crime writer and caught a killer all on her own.

Kelli makes the mistake of conversing with the killer whilst writing about him and confiding in him… ooops!

Then when a new murderer arrives on the scene whilst trying to frame one of Kellis loved ones it’s a race against time to figure who it is and why they’re doing it.

The story kicks off well and leaves you unable to put it down. As a true crime obsessed gal myself I found it so easy to relate to the main character as the need to learn who did it, why, how, how many gunshot wounds , how did they sneak in, etc.

There’s a lot of these books around at the moment so I can see how some would find it a little samey or overly similar however if you want a fast paced page turner I’d definitely give this a go! Very enjoyable and entertaining 🩷

This was an easy read but I found the entire thing way too far fetched. For me, suspension of disbelieve is one of the most important things a novel needs to do, and this didn't. Kelli's actions are not credible at any point, and I found myself quite impatient. Also, I didn't find any humour in it, dark or otherwise. It was a bit of a struggle to finish it.

My thanks to Netgalley for providing an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

2.75/5⭐️
Tam Barnett’s How to Get Away with Murder is an intriguing thriller with a compelling premise, but it didn’t fully hit the mark for me. The story delivers suspense and unexpected twists, yet something about the execution left me feeling a bit underwhelmed.

The book follows a gripping plot centered around deception, crime, and the dark psychology of those who believe they can outsmart the law. Barnett does a solid job building tension, and there are moments where the pacing keeps you engaged. However, the character development felt somewhat lacking, making it difficult to connect with or fully invest in the protagonist’s journey. Additionally, while the twists were surprising, some felt a bit contrived or predictable, which took away from the overall suspense.

That said, it was still an enjoyable read with enough intrigue to keep me turning the pages. If you’re a fan of crime fiction and thrillers, it might be worth picking up, but for me, it wasn’t a standout in the genre.

Many thanks to Netgalley for the e-arc!

This book initially drew me in with the title. I thought the beginning was slow but I managed to down this book very quickly. I ended up really liking the twist of the villain at the end. Can't wait to read more from this author!

Kelli has an obsession with serial killers dating back from when her father was convicted of killing a man for SAing his child. She consumes true crime in every form and is a crime writer covering murders. She caught the infamous White Widower serial killer which brought her recognition and a steady job as crime reporter. Kelli has been writing a book on the killer and has maintained an odd relationship with the murderer and mistakenly confides in him.

A new serial killer is in town, The Nailer. Kelli is determined to get the scoop, but it seems the killer is framing someone she cares about so now she is trying to solve the mystery of who really did this to free her loved one.

This was very fast paced and addictive with some twists thrown in. Some plot holes, but not enough to detract from the overall story.

How to Get Away With Murder started off really well. I was drawn in immediately and found it hard to put down. It was well written, with intriguing characters and a really clever concept.
However, I found it hard to get invested in the characters, as they were all very unlikable.

The twists and turns worked well with the story, but none of them surprised me.
Overall, it was a mostly entertaining read, which I enjoyed. Unfortunately, it was really let down by the ending.

3 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️


Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Tam Barnett for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tam Barnett’s "How to Get Away with Murder" is a darkly humorous and thrilling dive into the macabre world of Kelli, a woman whose fascination with serial killers is rooted in her own traumatic past.

Having grown up with a father convicted of murder, Kelli’s lifelong obsession with true crime has led her to notoriety for aiding in the capture of the infamous "White Widower." Her relationship with this notorious killer, which includes frequent prison visits as she writes a book about his crimes, is as unsettling as it is compelling.

The tension ramps up when bodies begin to appear near Kelli's home, and her obsessive hunt for a killer nicknamed “The Nailer” plunges her into a dangerous and unforgettable mystery. Kelli makes for an enthralling protagonist with an abrasive personality and a sharp wit, which helps infuse the story with moments of levity in an otherwise tense narrative. However, her more unsettling actions may leave some readers cringing while others revel in her morally ambiguous nature.

The blend of intrigue and humor is what truly sets "How to Get Away with Murder" apart. While the plot keeps the suspense high, Barnett's knack for delivering witty moments and clever one-liners provides a much-needed balance, ensuring that the book never takes itself too seriously. It’s a rare feat to mix murder mystery and comedy so seamlessly, but Barnett pulls it off effortlessly, making the novel both entertaining and thought-provoking. Overall, this is an enjoyable, fast-paced read that will leave readers eagerly turning pages to see how it all unfolds. It’s a perfect pick for anyone looking for a story that’s as funny as it is thrilling.

2.5⭐

I don't know how to feel about this book I really don't like it. I can't excuse cheating for one. No, actually, I hate this book. There are a lot of things that I don't understand, why would she write that note? Why confess your actions to a literal murderer and a psychopath? He's unreliable, you can't trust him or predict his actions I have a feeling that I can't describe but it absolutely isn't good

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

I got this book a while ago but forgot to read it anyway huge thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC 💕

True crime addict and crime journalist Kelli is crime obsessed; every waking hour is spent watching documentaries about killers and murders. She can't sleep, she's paranoid that something is coming to get her but yet she can't stop, she's absolutely addicted.
She helped catch a notorious serial killer and bizarrely, is now friends with him, visiting him in prison to talk through his crimes. When more brutal killings start happening in her neighbourhood, Kelli is sure she can help track down the killer but is she missing something right in front of her?
A nonstop adrenalin rush from start to finish, and highly entertaining. Im looking forward to seeing what's in store next. 3.5 stars rounded up.

good mystery and kept me on my toes of solving the crime. really enjoyed the characters . I thought that this was a good mystery to get away with murder

How to Get Away With Murder is a fast, fun read with dark humor and plenty of twists—some of which I totally saw coming. Kelli, the true crime-obsessed journalist, is entertaining, and the writing is sharp, but I kept waiting for a big gasp moment that never really happened.

Some characters could’ve used more depth, but honestly, I was too busy enjoying the drama to care much. If you love true crime, unreliable narrators, and a little murder with your humor, you’ll have fun with this one. Just don’t expect to be completely mind-blown.

I liked this story, I just didn't love it. I thought the idea was great, I didn't love the characters though so that brought my interest down as I read.

I've got to say, I am disappointed in this one. The synopsis seemed to promise a fun time with dark humor and a twisty mystery, the prologue was solid, but while it sort of delivered on both, it never went all the way with either. The inner-monologue of the protagonist is really tedious to read through, and there's not enough dialogue to break up the monotony, plus the plot itself is so dull.

That being said, though, the ending is actually pretty cool, and the book does get more interesting the closer to the end you get, but I had to wait too long for my engagement levels to increase, so for me it's a 5.5/10.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

DNF at 65%. Deep down I knew this turn of events would happen, and I didn't like it at all. I never really connected with the main character, but I decided to give her a chance. But as I kept reading, it became more of a chore than reading for pleasure. It just wasn't the right book for me.

Thank You, NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read How to Get Away with Murder by Tam Barnett.

It started well. A washed-up journalist whose only claim to fame was catching a serial killer but who hasn't been able to do anything significant after that. That's when a new serial killer seems to be doing the rounds and she is hell-bent on proving herself again. But gradually you realise she has skeletons in her closet.

It was intense and fast-paced and I enjoyed the twists that came along in the book but I just have one complaint. I felt like the author tried to do too many things at the same time and that took away from what the book could have been.

This gets two stars because it was a quick-ish read but I hated everything about it. The characters, the mystery, the plot, the ending, every single thing. If this wasn't an ARC, I would have dnf-ed long ago. Also, I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

How to Get Away with Murder by Tam Barnett was one of my favorite reads this month.
The main character is a journalist falling from her high of catching a serial killer a few years earlier. Now right in her back yard is a new killer and if she can convince everyone she isn't the killer while simultaneously catching them first her career will be back where she wants it to be.
I had a love/hate relationship with the mc. Most of the time she was great but she did give me the ick a few times too. Barnett did an amazing job of keeping me on my toes during this one.

How to get away with murder
Tam Barnett

Originally an ARC received from Netgalley but I'm a bit late in reading and reviewing. This book was released 27 Jan 2025.

Kelli is obsessed with murder and serial killers, as a journalist she is always chasing the scoop and was responsible for catching a high profile killer; who she now visits in prison regularly. She is an interesting character and whilst I didn't get hooked straight away into the story, her character kept me engaged enough to keep reading.

About halfway through it really kicked up a notch and I powered through the rest of the book. I found it to be an enjoyable read with an interesting concept and good pace.

Was definitely unpredictable as well, was not expecting that ending!

Overall not bad and I would read more from this author if the chance arises.

Woah, what an absolutely amazing debut novel.

I'm reeling from what I've just read, and it really will make you think too.

At no point was I completely sure what I could believe, I suspected there was information being concealed, but had no clue as just to what extent, or why or what!

We have Kelli who is fascinated by true crime, has a "friendship" as such with a serial killer she helped catch, and regularly reads and watches things on the most depraved people on the planet. There is nothing she doesn't know about murder.

Her friends and family are concerned about her interest in the macabre, but it takes for a new series of murders in the woods near her house, for her to starting being concerned herself. For she is even wondering did she do it.

There is a lot going on in this story, loads of interesting character dynamics and lots of secrets to be revealed. There are twists and turns, and it really was the most compulsively brilliant of reads that I just couldn't get enough of.

I am already excited to see what this author's second book will be like, as I loved this one so much. This feels quite different to other books that I have read and its feels like a fresh take on a thriller.

It's just superb and I was totally hooked from the first to the last page. Brilliant!

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.