Killer Potential

This book was such a ride! I was hooked from the beginning. There was mystery, anxiety, spice, humor and so much more. The story flowed well and was so much fun to read!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC. I will definitely be recommending this book to other readers!

A killer debut! (Pun intended). This is the type of book that once it sinks its fangs into you, it doesn’t let go until every last bit of curiosity has been satisfied. I was hooked from the first sentence and on the edge of my seat until the last. Evie is a knock out character that takes you on a ride of many emotions and sleepless nights hoping she’ll make it out on the other side. I know this book will stay with me for a long time. Don’t walk, but run when this is released!!

This book had me on my toes and definitely a page turner. Greatly written and would recommend to everyone.

What did I just read?? I am dumbfounded by how great Killer Potential was! A must read! Five stars!

Evie Gordon works as a SAT tutor for the super rich and elite kids of LA to help pay off her mounting college debt and rent. Her life quickly changes when she walks into the home of one of her students to find a bloody horror scene unfold and woman hidden under the steps crying out for help.
This twisty cat and mouse thriller had me up literally for days and I couldn't put the book down! Easy 5/5 stars, add this to your must read lists!!

A Deviously Twisted Take on Murder and the Fine Art of Escape

Evie Gordon is skating through life using the massive reservoir of brainpower she was born with. “Ingenious”, “problem-solving”, and even “mongoose-like cunning” describe the smarts now being used to teach students how to crush the SAT. While in college she had higher expectations than being a tutor, earning a paycheck isn’t half-bad—not even when a fair amount of her students possess the intellectual prowess of a cicada. But it’s nothing Evie can’t handle, or so she believes, and it’s that erroneous faith in the goodness of life that allows disaster to sneak up on cloven hooves and steal her innocence away. Thus she has no idea what awaits when she arrives at the home of her last student of the day, and the sight of the slaughtered family leaves its indelible mark. But there’s another surprise, and it’s the discovery of a tortured, half-starved woman held prisoner in a closet. What to do? What to do? Panic ensues when Evie realizes that she’s traipsed blood all over the crime scene in the manner of a drunken baby deer. That evidence alone will get her arrested but maybe … just maybe … the chained prisoner can fill in the gaps as to who really committed the murders. It’s her only hope … as is crossing the Canadian border without anyone noticing.

This is the premise of KILLER POTENTIAL, a wickedly entertaining, chiller-diller of a murder mystery. The story artfully arranged between freshly-cut slices of commentary on the mores of individuals as they relate to society, it’s here that the beautifully cynical eye of author Hannah Deitch shines. Skewering hypocrite and non-hypocrite alike, she even includes a how-to manual on how the media creates celebrity villains for villagers with lighted torches to hunt down.

The pacing of the novel is variable depending on whether Evie is thinking again … and getting herself and her fellow fugitive into a deeper mess than they’re already in. And it’s no joke that, each and every time the pair do encounter trouble, the repercussions worsen. I should add here that these episodes of barroom brawl type heroics really make for good reading. No doubt Ms. Deitch goes the extra mile in describing each blow, its impact, and the price of living through the aftermath of what I would call a “fistfest”. This author doesn’t so much write about what occurs as perform an MRI to ensure every nuance is captured. It’s a clever touch that adds immensely to the atmosphere and understanding the predicament. Personally, I loved sinking into the feral nature of two women fighting for their lives.

The set-up of the novel works beautifully. The chapters are interspersed and divided into two basic themes. The first falls under the heading of “the Driving Evie”. It includes everything that takes place in the tutor’s inner world while driving cross-country. For example, concentrating on the mental gymnastics needed to elude capture is one such topic. Trying like hell to figure out the enigmatic traveling companion who doesn’t speak much is another. But Evie’s not complaining about her better half. Seems the woman is a world champion at hotwiring a car, and jumpstarting a car is way more priceless in this situation than someone flapping their gums—which brings us to the second heading. It’s the one that documents and records what’s going on in the outside world. Aptly called “Reality,” this is when the alleged murderess’ hands are off the steering wheel and Evie’s fertile brain is attempting to explain just how far her butt is up the river—and without a paddle.

All-in-all it’s a seamless work that deals with the world we know—and the one we don’t. The enviably-written character studies amp up the tension and give the novel its own unique personality, while the underlying mystery that never fails to trigger unforeseen events is solid and works exceptionally well. Both are used to the highest advantage in solidifying and fleshing out the two lead characters that are both full of secrets and enigmas due to their anathema of confessing all. Note to self: Never accept “piecemeal”.

So if you’re into well-written mysteries that leave plenty of room for surprises and suspense, but also leave a unique fingerprint, then KILLER POTENTIAL is for you. Hannah Deitch has done an outstanding job in offering a one-of-a-kind, knuckle-clenching tale with intrigue used as its supersauce. I highly recommend and am interested in where this author is going in the years ahead. I would also like to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins for giving me the opportunity to receive an ARC copy.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Hannah Deitch’s debut novel, Killer Potential, is a masterful blend of dark humor, gripping suspense, and sharp social commentary; I LOVED it.This novel is a rollercoaster ride of a read.

The story follows Evie Gordon, a scholarship kid with big dreams who finds herself working as an SAT tutor for the wealthy elite of Los Angeles. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she arrives at the Victors’ mansion for a tutoring session, only to discover the gruesome murder of her employers and a bound woman in desperate need of help. As Evie frees the woman, they are spotted, and their lives spiral into chaos as they become fugitives.

Evie is a compelling protagonist, torn between her aspirations and the harsh realities of her situation. Her journey from a hopeful graduate to a fugitive is both heart-wrenching and exhilarating. The mysterious woman she rescues adds an intriguing layer to the story, her silence and enigmatic presence creating a palpable tension throughout their journey.

Killer Potential delves into themes of social mobility, the pressures of societal expectations, and the dark side of the American Dream. Deitch’s portrayal of Evie’s transformation from a promising student to a media sensation accused of murder is both cuttingly hilarious and deeply insightful. The novel raises important questions about the narratives we are sold and how they shape our lives.

Deitch’s writing is sharp and witty, with a knack for blending humor and suspense. The dialogue is crisp, and the pacing is relentless, making it difficult to put the book down. The novel’s darkly comic tone adds a unique flavor, setting it apart from typical thrillers.

Killer Potential is a strikingly original debut that combines the intensity of a thriller with the depth of a literary novel. It’s perfect for fans of The Guest and My Sister, the Serial Killer. Deitch has crafted a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh and engaging thriller.

Hannah Deitch has announced herself as a formidable new voice in fiction. Killer Potential is a testament to her storytelling prowess, and I eagerly await her next work. This novel is a thrilling exploration of ambition, identity, and the lengths we go to achieve our dreams.

This book was so good. It had me from the first chapter. This book gave me the babysitter vibes, its a movie where the babysitter is marked and she kills people. This is a great who did it mystery where you never wanted to stop turning the page until we found out what happened. Then when you did know, there is a twist! Great first novel.

This might be one of the top 10 books I’ve read this year! The character development, the pacing, the plot were everything I wanted and more! Thank you Hannah Deitch and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC of Killer Potential.

Evie Gordon, a scholarship student with big dreams, finds herself drowning in debt after graduating from an elite university. One day, she stumbles upon a murder at a wealthy family's estate and becomes a fugitive, trying to clear her name and find the real killer. Along the way, she forms a deep connection with a mysterious woman who helps her navigate the chaos. As she is hunted by the authorities and labeled a killer in the media, Evie questions society's beliefs about social mobility and the stories we are told about our potential.

This book takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with dark humor and provocative twists. The story follows two unlikely fugitives - an SAT tutor who stumbles upon her wealthy employers brutally murdered, and the bound woman she rescues from their mansion.

Both main characters are incredibly likable, making it easy for readers to empathize with their situations. The unexpected twist of having a woman as the perpetrator of harm adds an intriguing layer to the story. The reveal towards the end of the book is expertly executed, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.

The constant twists and turns keep the reader engaged, creating a sense of suspense that is heightened by the road trip setting. The writing is captivating and well-crafted, making it impossible to put the book down.

For those who enjoy thought-provoking novels that blend humor with insightful social commentary, this book comes highly recommended. It is a gripping read that will keep you hooked until the very end.

Thank you, William Morrow for digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Wow, this book blew me away! It’s been a while since I’ve read a thriller book that genuinely had me on the edge of my seat reading so fast to find out what would happen next. This book gave me Thelma and Louise vibes, which was amazing.