3.5 stars rounded down to 3

The Hook is a workout center, offering classes for sparring, boxing, and general fitness. But one of the instructors has more ideas up her sleeves, and has recruited three women to help her solve some problems. Katherine, Geneva, and Luz all have reasons to want to improve their lives, or maybe even get revenge on someone who’s wronged them. But when Maggie stops contact and some strange things have happened, they need to figure out what their purpose actually is in this scheme, and how much trouble they could be in if it all goes wrong.

I liked the premise of the story, that a group leader was helping other women solve their problems. But too much of it felt unbelievable, particularly as the end came together. It felt like the ending was rushed, and there were a lot of pieces missing to the plot. 

This was my first book by the author. I think I’d give her another try, but this was just ok

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for advanced copy of this book.

Three women who needed revenge and justice. What could go wrong? Filled with suspense throughout the plot.  
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this book very much! Some great female characters and the plot was quite interesting. A good read from start to finish!

This book creates a world where you wish its premise could become a reality, even though, in the real world, it would likely lead to consequences. So, let’s venture into this make-believe realm where those wronged find their own justice.

The women in this story have all suffered at the hands of the men in their lives. Guided by Maggie, the gym’s owner, they embark on a journey to reclaim their lives and seek a measure of revenge. There are strict rules to abide by, with a crucial one being the prohibition of death.

However, when murder enters the equation, panic ensues, and this is where the story takes an intense turn. “The Hook” moves at a brisk pace, keeping you on edge with escalating suspicion. It hits you like a sudden uppercut, catching you off guard and leaving you reeling.

What truly resonated with me was the overarching theme of women supporting one another and finding their inner strength. Each woman’s story is unique and harrowing, but witnessing their empowerment and newfound confidence is truly heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book for those seeking a fast-paced, suspenseful thriller that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was definitely a fast paced read, that will keep you hooked. I couldn't stop reading. It won't be my last by this author.

I loved the concept of this book, but unfortunately it just fell a bit flat. There were some loose ends... though not really lose ends but more like 'loose threads', just little bits of information that I wondered about but didn't really impact the overall plot. "The Hook" is the name of a boxing gym that all the women go to, but besides the minor play on words, I think the title should have been something more plot-related. Maybe "Hooked on Revenge", if the gym name has to be in the title.

there was a lot of emotion on the parts of all the women, but I really wanted that revenge moment.

It's an okay read, but I've liked some of Ms. Stone's other works better. Jane Doe still remains my favorite! The dark humor is fantastic.

This is my third book written by Victoria Helen Stone. I loved her Jane Doe series. That's why I reached for The Hook. Especially since this book promised me the story of three women, Katherine, Geneva, and Luz, who were seeking revenge. And yes, the element of revenge is evident on almost every page of this book. However, this book did not live up to my expectations. I liked the style in which it is written and the multiPOV showing the personal stories of individual characters. However, I was unable to rekindle any feelings of sympathy for even one of them. In addition, their stories, although interesting, were too overwhelming for me and overloaded with constant analysis of the circumstances that had destroyed their lives. And the mysterious Maggie and her 'system'... All at once it made me rather bored, irritable and convinced that something was sorely missing in this psychological thriller that would add some sharpness and intensity to it.

I don't have too much to say. I really didn't like this book. I had high hopes but it let me down. It was just plain boring and even the twist at the end didn't hype me up. It was almost a dnf but I made myself finish it.

Again, I'll edit this when I write my full review.

A tale of women who have been wronged.  They don't know each other except for attending the same boxing gym.  Virtual strangers help to get justice for each other, what could go wrong, right?  These ladies definitely had some problems and a few secrets that played a role in things going sideways.  I liked the concept and the women in the story, even with some of their quirks.

"so let's start a club for a$$holes"

3.5 I'm rounding up for being such an entertaining read. This one had me spinning in circles the whole time. You meet Katherine on a very bad day - she's discovered her husband is cheating at the huge birthday party she planned for him.

From there you meet all your POV - Katherine, Geneva & Luz. You find that that day was maybe not entirely how it was presented to you, as the reader, and slowly you learn some secrets these girls have been keeping. But quickly things escalate out of control and all the girls are wondering - who planned what? Who did what? And what is going on? As their secrets surface and their confessions are revealed, it was a race to the end to find what out what was really going on and who did what. What a fun ride this one was, as an ebook AND the audio. And the conclusion was great!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Such a fun thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. A one night read, Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.

I love all of this author’s books. This one is a bit more of a slow burn mystery than a thriller. It’s about a group of women that meet an instructor at a kickboxing gym, that helps them right the wrongs in their lives….. in unconventional ways 👀

This author never disappoints.
This is a page turner that keeps you on edge and guessing what will happen next. 
A well written story of karma and revenge from women against the men who did them so wrong.

These women all meet and from there it's a wild ride for sure.
Buckle up and hold on.

Thank you publisher and NetGalley for this arc.

Wow! Talk about a doozy, Victoria Helen Stone, spares no expense when it comes to delivering a suspenseful thriller!

Having read both Jane Doe and Problem Child, I knew The Hook was bound to be a book I would love. 

The Hook was a pulse pounding, breath catching, heart racing thriller that will have you guessing until the very last page. Every time I thought I had it all figured out, I was thrown for another twist. This book is jam packed with lies, secrets, deceit and revenge. There will be times you will question who to trust and almost fear what will happen next.

Before I spill the beans, here's a little teaser : 

hree betrayed women with revenge in common channel their fury in a twisting novel of psychological suspense by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Jane Doe and False Step.

A women’s boxing class is the perfect place for betrayed wife Katherine to work out her aggressions. Ideal too for Geneva, a teacher disgraced and ruined by a vengeful ex, and Luz, a software engineer battling an unjust system. Maggie, their instructor and mentor, guarantees she can right the wrongs they’ve endured. And if Katherine, Geneva, and Luz really want to unleash their rage, they must do what Maggie says.

Each woman’s secret task has its risks. Call it justice. Call it revenge. It’s bound to be worth it―if no missteps are made. As they take the leap to reclaim what they’re owed, their lives are turned upside down. Because no one could have guessed that it would all end in murder.

Now, coming together to harness their power, Katherine, Geneva, and Luz fear that the game they’ve been playing is playing them.

Really enjoyed the concept of this book, though there was no big revenge moment I still enjoyed the story and would recommend to anyone who is a fan of the author. A great read from Stone.

I loved the concept of this book, but unfortunately it just fell a bit flat. There were some loose ends... though not really lose ends but more like 'loose threads', just little bits of information that I wondered about but didn't really impact the overall plot.

"The Hook" is the name of a boxing gym that all the women go to, but besides the minor play on words, I think the title should have been something more plot-related. Maybe "Hooked on Revenge", if the gym name has to be in the title.

There was no big "FEEL MY WRATH" moment for any of the women, but there was a lot of emotion on the parts of all the women. I really wanted that "A-HA!" revenge moment.

It's an okay read, but I've liked some of Ms. Stone's other works better. (Jane Doe still remains my favourite! The dark humour is fantastic.)

3.5⭐️ Rounded up.

<i> A women’s boxing class is the perfect place for betrayed wife Katherine to work out her aggressions. Ideal, too, for Geneva, a teacher disgraced and ruined by a vengeful ex, and Luz, a software engineer battling an unjust system. Maggie, their instructor and mentor, guarantees she can right the wrongs they’ve endured. And if Katherine, Geneva, and Luz really want to unleash their rage, they must do what Maggie says.

Each woman’s secret task has its risks. Call it justice. Call it revenge. It’s bound to be worth it—if no missteps are made. As they take the leap to reclaim what they’re owed, their lives are turned upside down. Because no one could have guessed that it would all end in murder.

Now, coming together to harness their power, Katherine, Geneva, and Luz fear that the game they’ve been playing is playing them. </i> 

I never really felt the stakes in this story. It was mildly engaging, but dragged quite a bit and never felt terribly suspenseful- nor was there any truly likable character to root for. All in all, it was an okay way to pass the time but I was a bit underwhelmed.

* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Revenge in a unique way for sure!  Maggie teaches a boxing class at a gym.  Three women, each struggling with a failing relationship, have the boxing class in common.  Katherine, Geneva, and Luz all attend the class but are not friends.  Each women tells her story and at first they seem totally unrelated but they gradually merge together and the concept begins to make sense.  I did struggle at times and felt confusion when the point of views did not seem to align.  
Katherine’s dilemma was the most convincing of the three in my opinion.  
Once the storylines connected I found myself avidly reading to answer my questions but one of them was never answered.  I found Maggie’s involvement still a mystery.
Many thanks to Victoria Helen Stone, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to read an arc of this recently released domestic drama.  I have read and greatly enjoyed False Step and look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Victoria Helen Stone and Lake Union publishing for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.  

I love the characters in Stone’s books so much. It’s like give me all the despicable, downright psycho characters and I’m IN! She just writes them so very well! I love the twists in this one and even though it’s no Jane Doe, it might be one of my favourites from her.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing,  Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book.  I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.

This was the first book I have read by this author.  I really liked the idea of a boxing club exacting revenge on the people that had harmed then.  

The characters were interesting, and their stories and backgrounds were varied.  Sometimes it was hard for me to keep track of who was doing what and the story seemed to wrap up pretty quickly towards the end.  I didn't really feel drawn towards to character of Maggie, but I think that was deliberate by the author.

Katherine's story was the one that interested me the most and I liked the way her character was nuanced and complicated.

While the pace was a little slow in the beginning, there were some twists that I wasn't expecting which made the read an overall enjoyable experience.