I really enjoyed this book, it’s is a great thriller debut. I like the two different POV and the complex characters. Pacing was pretty good. I did have some unanswered questions. However, when i thought i had it all figured out, I was wrong. And that ending, I think it was set up perfectly for a sequel.


Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.

"I Kill Killers" by S.T. Ashman is a pulse-pounding tour de force that immerses readers into a world where the line between predator and prey blurs with heart-stopping intensity. In this electrifying thriller, we follow a brilliant pianist who has transformed into an unyielding pursuer of serial killers, only to be ensnared in a web of dark intrigue that threatens to consume her.

Ashman masterfully crafts a narrative that propels us into the heart of the protagonist's tumultuous journey. From the opening pages, the atmosphere crackles with tension as our pianist-turned-hunter unexpectedly becomes entwined with her latest victim. A striking coincidence serves as the catalyst for a chilling chain of events that thrusts her into a high-stakes game of wits against an equally determined FBI agent.

The author's deft characterization brings the protagonist to life, infusing her with a complex blend of brilliance, vulnerability, and an unwavering drive for justice. As the narrative unfolds, we witness her clash with the relentless FBI agent, each move and countermove escalating the suspense to breathtaking heights. The interplay between these formidable adversaries becomes a mesmerizing psychological dance, a battle of minds that holds readers captive until the final page.

At the heart of "I Kill Killers" lies a deadly duel between the pianist and a serial killer whose sinister ingenuity matches her own. Ashman's meticulous attention to detail and skillful pacing elevate the tension to an almost unbearable level. As the two adversaries engage in a high-stakes face-off, the narrative becomes an intricate puzzle of motivations, secrets, and shocking revelations that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The novel's title takes on a multifaceted significance, encapsulating the protagonist's transformation, the harrowing pursuit of justice, and the unnerving mirror image she faces in her relentless quest. Ashman's prose is both evocative and razor-sharp, immersing readers in a world where darkness and brilliance collide in a battle for survival.

"I Kill Killers" is a heart-stopping masterpiece of suspense, a literary thrill ride that will haunt readers long after they turn the final page. With its riveting plot, finely drawn characters, and spine-tingling atmosphere, S.T. Ashman's gripping novel is an absolute must-read for aficionados of psychological thrillers and those who crave a narrative that challenges the boundaries of morality and sanity.

This book had an interesting premise but lacked an oomph factor for me. I enjoyed aspects of the storyline, though it became quite predictable as the book went on (not to mention that a couple scenes were a little far-fetched). There were some parts of the writing that didn't work for me - including the hired escort who was given a script to serve as a faux husband. He didn't seem to have any other purpose, nor did it add anything to Leah's character.

Liam seemed to lack depth as a character - he was the morally good, always just FBI agent determined to find the answer. Past that, he had no additional character traits to him that made him relatable to the audience.

Ultimately, this book had promise but left me wanting something more. Ashman is clearly a talented writer with prose that could easily tell a good story; I believe I just felt too disconnected from the characters to fully enjoy it. I would still be interested in reading the second book to see if I prefer it over the first.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ashman Books, and S. T. Ashman for providing me with an eARC in exchange for providing an honest review.

I can always tell how good a book is based on how fast I read it. I started I Kill Killers during my lunch break at work and picked it up again when I got home at 5:30. It’s just after 9:00 PM now. I could not put it down as I was completely enthralled by the story.

The dual POV created an interesting dynamic between the reader (me) and the heroes of the novel. We have our dark hero Leah who serves as judge, jury, and executioner when it comes to criminals, and there is our traditional “lives by the law” hero FBI agent Liam. In one moment, I am rooting for Leah. I want to her escape the FBI unscathed, and then the next minute, I am wanting Liam to figure out the clues and confront Leah! The cat and mouse relationship between the two was very fun to read about, and I am excited for it to evolve in book two!

Speaking of looking forward to book two, the ending left me wanting the sequel in my hands immediately, and I’m not exaggerating when I say my jaw dropped and stayed dropped through the last 90%! That was a stressful and wild ride.

I definitely want to read this again! It will be a perfect spooky season read when it releases in October.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

One of the best books I’ve read lately. Just when I thought I had things figured out, bam, I was surprised with a twist. This book is about a woman who hunts down serial killers due to her past. Great book!!

I want to thank the publisher for sending me an ARC of this book.

I loved it. It was everything I wanted in a revenge story. I enjoyed the characters. The story was intense and satisfying. I liked that the violence was tolerable and not just brutal for the sake of being so.

I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. Five star read for me.

This book was interesting, a fast read, didn't engage me emotionally very much but did find it intriguing and enjoyed the twist. It was well written but wish we had more of her motivation, what made her take that direction vs the direction most other people take.

Leah Nachtnebel is a world class pianist and a serial killer. But she's not just any serial killer, she's a serial killer killer.

When she rushes through a murder and takes an Uber to the Boston Symphony Hall for her sold out piano performance, FBI Agent Liam Richter starts to question her involvement in the case..

This book was really captivating and kept me wanting to read past my bedtime each night 😂 I enjoyed the characters and how their lives intertwine. I am from the Boston area and love reading books that take place in my neck of the woods so the setting of this book is an added bonus for me! Looking forward to reading more from this author!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access!
This was an incredible thriller debut. I found myself not being able to put it down! The hunting of serial killers plot was done in a fresh manor, with complex characters. And the sprinkle of spice was unexpected but fun.

OMG 😱 if serial killer thrillers are your thing then this book very well could be yours, and mine, book of the year!
Set within the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI, SAC Larsen and his best detective, Special Agent Liam Richter and his partner Tony find themselves dealing with several cases at once. The more prevalent case being that of a butchered body, but it this the work of a depraved killer or a drugs cartel gang killing?
To most of the unit this one looks like it belongs to the Violent Gang Task Force and drug related, but to Special Agent Liam Richter his gut instincts are telling him otherwise.
As the case gets delved into deeper, Special Agent in Charge Larsen is determined to hand the case over, but Liam just can’t let it go and carries on the investigation on his own without anyone knowing.
What he begins to uncover and begins to believe, he knows without hard evidence know one else will take him seriously. And how do you conduct and amass hard evidence when working against orders, on your own?
What he has yet to discover is that he does have some help. Illegal help that goes against the FBI’s code, his moral code as well as against the law.
A killer of killers, but who and why are far away from everything he knows. How do you find someone who is always a step ahead of them in not only identifying the serial killers but disposing of them as well?
This is such a good book. It is one of my favourite serial killer thrillers for years. It has everything a good serial killer thriller needs. Sick, twisted killers who kill in the most despicable, gruesome ways, a smart, dedicated detective prepared to lay down his life in the protection of others and in the apprehension of the villains and an extremely clever, misleading, twisty plot.
This book has them all plus some. And what’s even better, this book isn’t the end, it is just the beginning of something very special! I just really hope the wait for the next book doesn’t take to long, because I need more!! ASAP!
I can guarantee you will be left feeling the very same.
This is 100% definitely a book you really don’t want to miss. Fans of this genre are in for a very special treat, that I can promise.

Loved it! Every time I turned the page I wanted to know what was going to happen next I don’t but the book down

Summary
Pianist Leah Nachtnebel is a musical genius revered around the globe. Between symphonies, she tracks and butchers serial killers - posing herself as a potential victim and lures the monsters into her trap without remorse or fear. Her primary drivers are a perfect performance, either on the piano or at the killing game.

FBI agent Liam Richter is a sharp operator with a keen sense of justice. Though his latest case involves a dead serial killer, he still won't slack in the hunt for the murderer. His gut says to pursue the case even when all signs point to a simple drug crime. And at every turn, he runs into Leah Nachtnebel - unyielding, mysterious, and definitely hiding something.

All the while, another monster lurks in the background - a serial killer with the cunning to pull off dozens of unlinked murders. Liam's closing in on Leah, and Leah's on the hunt...

The Tea

I Kill Killers promises "a thrilling ride... reshaping the boundaries between hero and villain" that will "twist your perception." Unfortunately, the payoff just isn't there. The idea of vigilante justice and anti-heroism is well-trodden territory. I'm not just talking Deadpool, who'll separate your head from your body with a joke - there's Dexter, another killer of killers; Promising Young Woman, a female vigilante for sexual assaulters (who, like Leah, masquerades as a victim to lure in their prey); or real-life reformed killer of criminals Pedro Rodrigues Filho. I Kill Killers doesn't add anything new to the theme.

Additionally, I struggled with Leah's diagnosis of Autistic with alexithymia - difficulty relating to the rest of the world, unable to understand and process her own emotions. While this dual diagnosis went a long way towards explaining her musical genius and her lack of remorse towards her own murders, it created its own set of problems in the story. First, it puts up a barrier between the main character and the reader. We can't understand Leah, and we can't take any thrills from her victory. I was indifferent to whether or not she was caught and subsequently didn't feel any tension from Liam chasing down the clues. Second, unless Ashman is herself Autistic with alexithymia, it feels... problematic (at best) to cast an Autistic person into this role. Leah's motivations and thoughts were often confusing and frankly inauthentic. Did the author build in these diagnoses so we can understand how Leah can be a serial killer but not a monster? At least Dexter leaned into the idea that he was a monster who chose to channel his evil into good acts. If Leah is meant to be the perfect morally grey hero/villain, then the author missed the mark.

Liam was the ultimate golden boy. A white knight on the hunt for justice, even justice for a serial killer with a long, bloody road of pretty collegiates behind him. Liam is also the perfect father, faultlessly patient with his abusive mother, and an amazing colleague who gives up PTO and works late shifts for his adoring coworkers. In other words, he's a flat protagonist with the occasional brooding fit. Nothing further, Your Honor.

Don't get me wrong - Ashman is clearly a talented writer. Her prose is tight and descriptive, and clearly well-versed in how to build a good suspense story. Though I didn't feel the narrative tension because of my disconnect with the characters and premise, I could tell that she had the technique to pull it off. Plus the occasional semi-steamy scene with Leah's boytoy Emanuel didn't hurt. The book was propulsive and twisty (and twisted!). There were plot curveballs I didn't see coming. I would be willing to read the next book to see if the author can correct some of the aforementioned issues - humanifying Leah, rounding out Liam, adding extra depth or uniqueness to the story.

Appeal factors: intensifying, intricately-plotted, disturbing, suspenseful, brooding character, twisted character(s), compelling, gritty.

The premise of the book sounded interesting, sort of new take on "Dexter"; a concert pianist who secretly tracks down killers and brutally dispatches them. And there's a big twist on that whole thing that, while unexpected, was also like something out of a straight-to-video cheap movie.. But the more the book got into the main character and her personality, the more over-the-top ridiculous it became. I finally had to give up about 1/3 of the way through when it turned out she designed scripts for her male escorts to follow. Her character and the plot lost any sense of credibility for me at that point. Others may enjoy this, but it just wasn't for me.

I can honestly say this is a truly original book that makes for an engaging read that I did not want to put down. I found that the main characters differing opinions on murder and the people that commit them two sides on the same coin and I could agree with both at different times in the book depending on the crime that had been completed. I do hope that this may become a new series as I can see a way forward for the characters involved.
This is a very good read especially for those who love a good crime book.

I Kill Killers by S.T. Ashman drew me in from the very first line. This book is a gripping, intense psychological thriller that left me thinking about the lines between right & wrong and heroes vs villains long after I finished it.

Leah is such an intriguing character. She’s a world famous concert pianist. She’s on the autism spectrum, has a photographic memory and is basically a brilliant expert at anything she attempts. She is also a sociopathic killer who hunts and brutalizes serial killers. This vigilantism originated after an incident when she was just a child.

The story begins with Leah on a date with a man who plans to take her to an isolated area to kill her. But unknown to him, this is all part of her plan to turn the tables on him & have him experience exactly what he’s done to the women that were his previous victims.

On the other side we have FBI agent Liam, who relentlessly pursues her, regardless of the fact that his boss keeps trying to close the case. He is entranced by Leah & refuses to let go of his gut feeling that she is an important part of this case.

I really enjoyed this book. Loved that twist!The reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5:

1. The ending requires a bit of suspension of belief given the character of the FBI agent. BUT I suppose it had to be this way to continue the series.
2. It was a little bit Criminal Minds & a lot Dexter. I would’ve preferred the opposite. I’m hoping that in the continuation we’ll be able to delve more into the psyche of the serial killers.

That being said, I really can’t wait to see this story lead into the next book. Leah is a fascinating character. And I like Liam a lot. It will be interesting to see his moral compass go back and forth in trying to decide if the killing of other killers is justified if it’s for the greater good of society.

Thanks to #NetGalley and Ashman Books for providing me with an ARC of #IKillKillers to review.

holy heck this was a wild ride. i’ve alway been a lover of mystery/crime and this book absolutely pulled both the killer and the detective sides so well (and makes it hard not to appreciate both sides!) this very well might be one of my favorites now and i’m already desperate for a sequel

Wow. What a great, fresh take on the serial killer genre. At this point there are so many pedestrial thrillers out there in the serial killer category that anything with a different spin can feel like a relief. "I Kill Killers" goes above just being a new take...it's a really great one. I suggest putting on some great classical piano arrangements while reading, when I did it took me even deeper into the story and helped me connect with the characters. A must-read!

A little twist on a classic trope: A killer who kills killers. Our killer is on the autism spectrum and our detective eventually falls in love with her. This was well-written and a fun and thrilling read. I enjoyed the darkness of the killings.

In fiction, we often are presented with cold-blooded, driven avengers. In I Kill Killers, Ashman gives us a killer that actually is on the autism scale. Leah Nachtnebel's brilliance at the piano is matched only by her unrelenting stalking and killing of serial killers. Her grotesque vengeance taken on the murderer of several college girls throughout New England nags FBI detective Liam Richter. The details of how the man was killed remind him of the college girls' murders.
Although there is great pressure to treat the case as a cartel reprisal, Richter won't let go, finally finding a link to a mysterious lady in red. We are privy to the fact that Ms. Nachtnebel is, in fact, the lady in red that Detective Richter is hunting. We can only watch as he gets a little closer, before being thrown off track again and again. He falls under the spell of the beautiful pianist, even working with her to try to track the lady in red.
The final reveal leaves dead FBI agents dead and Leah Nachtnebel actually feeling pain for the first time in her life.

I thought this book was very different from many others. A killer that kills bad guys, already an entertaining concept. There were a lot of good twists that I did not see coming. It’s definitely an intense read. I felt like many of the characters were very unlikeable. I would have like Leah’s story more flushed out. Maybe a second book. I found her to be fascinating. I very much enjoyed the cat and mouse aspect.