Book Title: Killing Me
Author: Michele Gagnon
Publisher: Penguin Group Putnam - GP Putman’s Sons
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: May 16, 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars

I am a big psychological thriller fan but also like any mystery including stories for Middle Schoolers, YA S/Teen and actually love a good Cozy Mystery. So when I read the following blub for “Killing Me”. I thought it would be a fun read.
Utterly original and wildly entertaining, with a protagonist whose life is a total
mess, Killing Me is the laugh-out-loud funny thriller we never knew we needed.

Amber Jamison, our protagonist described as having a ‘life that is a total mess’ is a twenty-four year old street smart, con-artist running from her past. She is abducted by a man and wakes up in a basement naked, shaved, and painted blue ~ she realizes that she is the sixth and latest victim of the Pikachu serial killer.
Amber is saved by a mysterious person whom she named, "Ski Mask".
However she turns on her rescuer as the rescuer is someone who hunts down serial killers. When the FBI shows up trying to question Amber, she goes on the run again this time Vegas. But somehow is caught by another serial killer who has killed hundreds of his victims.
(Remember this is supposed to be a humorous story)
This story is entertaining However, I did not laugh out loud but did roll my eyes several time – - - does that count?
Later when I read ‘About the Author’ it described her latest adult novel as. . . .’ a neo-noir thriller about unlikely heroines who hunt serial killers’
Yikes! I don’t even know what that means!
I had to look it up. This is what I found - dark and usually contains more graphic depictions of violence and sexuality.
Anyone who knows me knows this probably wasn’t going to work for me.
I do know that there are plenty of readers who will love this story!!!

I always like to read the authors notes and/or acknowledgements. In this case, [ author: Michele Gagnon] tells us that the idea for the book came as she was mulling over the striking similarities between authors, therapists and con artists, in that they all earn a living off an ability to read people.
So she then decided to write a story about psych major/former grafter who was trapped in the back of a serials killer’s van.

I did like the titles of the chapters and know it took a lot more thought than Chapter One etc.
Okay I am laughing at that!

Want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam –GP Putnam’s Sons for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 16, 2023

A former grifter finds herself the latest victim of a serial killer - until a mysterious woman shows up and saves her, which also has the unintended consequence of sending her on the lam and straight into the crosshairs of another serial killer she must outwit with only her smarts, a citizen detective motelier, an overly invested vigilante and a network of Vegas connections.

Doesn’t that sound like delicious fun? It is.

Like a sleeve of Thin Mints, this is the kind of story best consumed in one sitting, pausing for breath only when completely necessary.

Read if you like: Poker Face, laughing at serial killers, Vigilante Shit

we need a new genre: dark thriller comedy? Comedic Thriller? Dark ass comedy?

this was great. felt so incredibly fresh and new and not overdone like EVERY other thriller on the market!

Killing Me - a witty, fast-paced thriller that kept me on my toes!

Amber Jamison is the luckiest con artist there is - she escapes a serial killer with the help of a good samaritan in a ski mask. With her sense of safety and security compromised, and to avoid law enforcement, Amber follows the signs to start her life over again in Las Vegas. She befriends Dot, a noir-loving motel owner, and Marcella, a prostitute, who try to help her start her life over. The only issue - Amber's escape from the first serial killer landed her in the middle of a carefully planned deadly game by another one.

Although this book has dark elements, i.e., kidnapping, serial killers, murder, etc., this is the funniest thriller I've read so far. Gagnon made it very easy to get into Amber's mind. She's witty, quick on her feet, and although she's done some questionable things, she has a good heart. Amber was unapologetically herself from start to finish. I enjoyed getting into every character introduced. I felt like I was part of the Fatal Femmes and life in Vegas. I wanted to know more about who Dot knew and how, so I'm hoping there's a novella about Dot and her life.

I really enjoyed the interludes. They made me feel as if I was watching a TV show and seeing what everyone else was doing during the last part of the book. I haven't read a thriller that looped me into what else was happening, and it paid off well.

While I really enjoyed this book, I didn't love it. I loved the fast-paced nature, dialogue, and relationships, but I felt like I was waiting for a lot of things to happen. I loved the dialogue, but some parts weren't fleshed out or confused me about why it was included. I think Marcella should have had a bigger part, and towards the end of the book, I was really just annoyed she was there. I also don't feel like there was big character development for any of them, but what can you really do when you're in a situation like Amber's? I think I was expecting more from this book and was slightly let down, but I'd absolutely pick this book up again when I need a good laugh.

This was a fun read with truly likeable characters. It's been awhile since I've read something that had a whole cast of characters like this, and while the main character got on my nerves a bit, I didn't *not* like her. The supporting cast was my favorite, though, and I hope we see Dot in the future.

The story was great and pretty fast-paced. I enjoyed the little mind bend near the end where the author taunts you with some confusion.

Amber finds herself strapped to a table, about to become the latest victim of a ridiculous serial killer dressed in a leather apron and Pikachu mask. She's just resigned herself to this fate when a black-clad woman bursts in, wielding a cattle prod and murdering the murderer. What is going on?! Suddenly freed, Amber decides to avoid the police based on her history with them, taking off for Vegas when an FBI agent starts sniffing at her door. Somehow, Amber finds herself in the crosshairs of yet ANOTHER serial killer. Forming an unlilkey alliance with a sex worker, a seedy motel manager, a slightly-less-seedy motel manager, and a techie ice queen, Amber comes up with a wacky plot to take him down.

This book was SO FUN and I binged it in the car on a roadtrip, despite some pretty advanced nausea near the end. I just couldn't put it down! It's wacky and comical most of the time, despite dealing with some pretty heavy issues, and the pace is lightning fast. The characters are vivid as only Vegas characters can be, and I loved them all, Dot being a particular favorite.

Is the plot super realistic? No, and it works perfectly with the writing style. This isn't meant to be a gritty thriller, it's a sort of dark cozy mystery with a hefty dose of comedy. It's an excellent slump buster and was a breath of fresh air for me, having read several heavy reads before this. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it!

Thank you to Michelle Gagnon, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for my advance digital copy.

This was a fun little serial killer book if there is such a thing! The MC reminds me of Stephanie Plum or Finlay Donovan except younger and likes pretty women! It's a quick read and made for a nice break from some longer deeper books.

Thank you, Net Galley, for this ARC!

This one wasn’t for me. But as a millennial I can really appreciate the humor involved but some of the themes were uncomfortable for me to continue with it.

Another ARC finished courtesy of Netgalley.

This was a great book and an easy read. There were quite a few storylines at play throughout and a few red herrings. I was convinced for about 70% of the book that the serial killer was someone else, so that's definitely a plus. It wasn't blatantly obvious who the culprit was.

The book will take you on a bit of a rollercoaster, starting off immediately with an abduction. You'll follow witty Amber, who has a rough past that still haunts her even when facing a serial killer (or 2). The book wraps up rather nicely with a happyish ending which isn't always the case with a murder mystery. The other alludes to a sequal in the acknowledgements which leaves me wondering if maybe just maybe one of the characters isn't what they seem.. 🤔

My only complaint: there was a lot of build up throughout the story that made me ready for the big twist and then it never came. I did get some verity vibes (iykyk) for a bit where I was thoroughly confused and had no idea which story was reality which is a compliment. 👏

Overall, 8.5/10.
Release date: May 16, 2023

Quirky and fun don’t usually go together with a serial killer, but in this book it does! A fast-paced book perfect to break you out of a book slump.

Killing Me by Michelle Gagnon

Amber Jamison can’t believe she’s about to become the latest victim of a serial killer. She’s savvy and street smart, so when she gets pushed into, of all things, a white windowless van, she is more angry than afraid. Things get even weirder when she’s miraculously saved by a mysterious woman . . . who promptly disappears. Who was she? And why is she hunting serial killers?

You’d think escaping one psychopath would be enough, but Amber’s problems are just beginning. Her close call has law enforcement circling a past she’s tried to outrun. She’s forced to flee across the country, ending up at a seedy motel in Las Vegas with a noir-obsessed manager and a sex worker as her unlikely companions . . . and danger right behind. She’s landed in the crosshairs of the world’s most prolific killer, caught up in a deadly game that’s been going on for years. To survive, she is forced to dust off her old playbook and partner with someone she can’t trust. The odds are against her, but sometimes you just have to roll the dice.

Out on May 16.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Penguin Group-Putnam Publishers and Michelle Gagnon for the opportunity to read an advance copy of KILLING ME, to be published 16 May 2023. A cross between a psychological thriller and a cozy mystery with some laughs. Who expected a serial killer to be in Johnson City, TN? Not Amber, or whatever name she used for the moment. Since Amber had dealings with the law before, she decided to not report her abduction and this starts a cross-country escapade where more untrustworthy people become involved. 3/5 Stars. #NetGalley #PenguinGroup-Putnam #MichelleGagnon. #KillingMe

Amber Jamison is saved from being a serial killer’s latest victim by a mysterious woman who quickly disappears. Amber doesn’t want attention on her especially from the police, so she quickly leaves town. Amber ends up in Vegas and is quickly befriend by Marcela, a friendly sex worker, and Dot, a noir obsessed vigilante hotel manager. Somehow Amber ends up in the crosshairs of another serial killer. Amber’s erstwhile mysterious rescuer also turns up in Vegas on a new personal mission. Can Amber and her new pals catch the serial killer before becoming victims themselves?

Killing Me is fun read. I know it’s kind of weird to use the word fun to describe a book about a brutal serial killer, but it that’s the best way I can describe it. At times it’s absurdly funny, irreverent, tragic, and touching. I enjoyed the main characters especially Amber. She’s a smart, funny, sexy lgbt main character. The plot had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing and chucking. There’s something for everyone here- quirky characters, a lot of snark, a dash of romance, and an intriguing mystery. This book will appeal to fans Finlay Donovan and Stephanie Plum. It’s a great mix of murder, friendship, romance, and humor. Looking forward to more!

Thank you to putnambooks and NetGalley for the digital review copy. Killing Me publishes on May 16th.

Do you want to read an offbeat story between a cozy mystery and your typical mystery/thriller, with a dash of humor and craziness? This may be your book.

Amber Jamison knows there’s a serial killer terrorizing Johnson City, Tennessee, but she never expects to end up in his clutches. So when she wakes up in his basement naked, shaved head, and painted blue, there is no doubt she is being held hostage by the serial killer who paints his victims to look like Pokémon characters.

But who would have guessed that a woman wearing a ski mask and carrying a cattle prod would come to her rescue?

And off we go into a wild story of escaping the serial killer and dealing with the masked, cattle-prod-carrying lady. But going to the police isn’t possible since Amber has a past she’s hiding from.

Thus begins a chase of cat and mouse across the country.

If you’re ready for quirky humor and an original, off-beat story, this is likely something you’ll enjoy. For me, it was enjoyable, but I had some concerns.

My Concerns

I wasn’t sure where this writing style was going since it didn’t feel consistent. It was somewhat funny, then not. A cozy mystery, yet gruesome in places. The MC was very limited in expressing her emotions.

And for a person who can’t usually guess endings, this one was fairly predictable, yet a twist did occur

Final Thoughts

If you like the Finlay Donovan series, this will be a book you’ll want to take a look at. If Finlay’s not your cuppa tea, it’s unlikely this will work for you. However, Killing Me is an unusual mix, so you still might want to give it a try.

On the positive side, I love the book cover and the fact that the first chapter quickly wrapped me up in the story. Though the writing lacked a little, if you’re looking for a fast, somewhat light read, you might want to pick this book up.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ability to read an ARC of this book.

If you remember reading the first Stephanie Plum book, you'll remember how her character was just so crazy, down to earth and totally relatable, that you laughed yourself through the whole book, then this is your new read!

Amber may have some issues, but like Stephanie, she's a character that quickly warms her way into your heart, and you're reading just to see what the adventure lies ahead for her. The savvy reader will have an idea what may be going on, but not really. The author has enough red herrings, that you could think a battleship in! And that's a good thing! Because it keeps the reader on their toes and rapidly turning pages. I started reading this book intending to read three chapters, but at 3:00 a.m. I finished reading the whole book, cause I just couldn't stop!! And then I wondered when the next book in the series would come out! Although technically the book winds up its tale, you can see many adventures ahead for Amber, and you just want to keep reading them. Do not miss this one!

“Killing Me” by Michelle Gagnon was an action packed story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Amber is rescued from a situation that she finds herself in. Grace is the one that has rescued her. This one act binds these two together although they don’t know why. As Amber tries to find new footing trouble ensues which brings Grace back into her life. These two will need to work together to save them both.
Highly recommend to anyone that likes a good thriller.

This book is a bit weird and a bit funny! Escaping a serial killer, only to be chased by a serial killer / across the country, but mostly in Las Vegas. Along with a ragtag group of Vegas characters our protagonist fights and runs for her life - and the life of her newly made friends. A story of the underdogs, friendship, and unbelievable luck - I flew through this book!
Spoiler
I fell for the twist at the end, as did our protagonist - maybe I’m just gullible!
I really enjoyed this read - it was easy, fast, and entertaining.

This is one of the twistiest, most unexpected books I've read in quite a while. Out FMC, Amber, is not what she seems...and neither is anyone else she encounters. With the vivid backdrop of Las Vegas and an entire cast of unpredictable characters, Killing Me was a fun ride from start to finish.

Thank you to Penguin Group, Michelle Gagnon, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a super fast read. Even tough the storyline is gruesome, it was funny. The narrator was believable as were the other characters. I would highly recommend this book if you like thrillers.

I really wanted to like this one! The premise is so good and the marketing description made me want to pick it up right away. For a book described as a “laugh-out-loud thriller” I did not laugh as much as I expected. There were absolutely funny moments and a few times I laughed out loud, but it wasn’t enough for me to agree with how much that was highlighted in the book promotion.

The main character, Amber, is fun and messy. Being in her head as she gets nabbed by a serial killer was entertaining instead of scary. The story is kind of like a caper with some hijinks thrown in so it’s a bit far-fetched and unbelievable. On the flip side it’s also unputdownable. I had to know how this book would end.

Amber finds unlikely family while she’s on the run from her past and more danger after her narrow escape from a serial killer. The many female characters she encounters along the way were strong and flawed which are the best kind. The found family element was a strong plot point that I really enjoyed.

There are a few twists I didn’t see coming, and the author managed to make me rethink what I thought I knew about a few characters only to spin me right back to where I was before in a way that was very clever. The dark humor that is threaded throughout was a highlight, but overall, this book didn’t live up to the hype for me. I do recommend it to those who like a thriller with an unusual side of fun and humor to balance the danger and violence. The cover is great and I'm glad I gave this one a try.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam/ G.P. Putnam’s Sons for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Who knew that reading a book about a serial killer could be so FUN? Killing Me is a refreshing twist on the serious thrillers out there. Amber is a flawed and funny con artist who suddenly gets swept up in terrifying life-threatening scenarios. Her journey became especially interesting when she made it to Vegas. Plus, her newfound friend Dot was so fabulous that I want her to have a book of her own (and I wanted her wardrobe.) I happily didn’t pick up on any of the twists and just enjoyed the ride. Quirky and campy but not preciously so. All of the characters hold true to themselves and really step up in the face of danger. Highly recommend! It will absolutely be a super fun summer read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, and the author for the opportunity to provide an honest review for this ARC.