3.5 stars
This definitely has Promising Young Woman vibes and the blurb had me going into it expecting something akin to How To Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie. But I'm not sure that it really lived up to either.
It did have some nice pacing and kept my attention but some parts just felt so out of place.
I also found Millie to be really unlikeable. I have a feeling I would have been much more engaged and rooting for her had she even just been that little bit more likeable.
However, the ending is what really saved this for me and probably the last quarter of it more generally. This is when it really picks up.
It was definitely an interesting take on the subject of female rage and I would be interested in reading more from Eve Kellman in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is one of my top 10 of the year! Revenge serial killer! Yes it was absolutely superb. I couldn't get enough of this. It was absolutely one of the best books of the year. The dark humor, the rage and the amazing banter. It is perfect murder mystery book! 6 stars if I could. I will be buying a hard copy to place on my to keep shelf.

Thanks, Netgalley, for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for a review. So firstly, I love a feminist killer who is out to show men the consequences of their behaviour. In fact, I've read quite a few books with this trope. And while this one did keep me reading, it had me laughing in places and rolling my eyes in others it just didn't fully live up to the premise. The last part of the book let it down for me it was a bit too neat for me

I really liked the premise of this book - women standing up for women and protecting each other - but this book has some heavy undertones and themes. Overall, I enjoyed the book, except for the subplot with Millie's boyfriend. I felt like their relationship and opposing careers had so much potential with how the story played out and resolved, but it fell flat for me. It was a fun read!

Such a funny and unique take on a rom com. If you are even the little bit interesting in true crime, youll love this.

A funny and feminist thriller that keeps you on your toes throughout!
I love our FMC’s relationship with Nina, ride or die friends make stories like these!

Let me start by saying, this is the first book I've read from a female serial killer's POV, and I am not mad about it. In fact, I found myself shamelessly rooting for our anti-heroine time and time again, especially when it came to Hugh (total trash, by the way)! Nina, for the most part, had an impeccable read on the opposite sex and, in her own twisted way, saved countless women without them ever knowing.

Now, let's talk about our girl Nina. She is a whirlwind of righteous fury and deadly precision, a vigilante with a vendetta against the worst of men. She’s like a dark avenger, dishing out her own brand of justice in a world that desperately needs it. Her assessments of men were so on point that I often found myself nodding along, thinking, "You tell 'em, girl!" However, I won’t lie, there were moments when her recklessness made me want to shake her. If you're going to be a Dexter-style killer, I expect Dexter-level detail. Come on, Nina, tighten up!

Kellman's writing was gripping, and this being my first foray into her work, color me intrigued. I’ll definitely be diving into her back catalog to see what other deliciously dark tales she has up her sleeve. However, I have to throw a little shade at the ending. It felt too rushed and wrapped up too perfectly with a neat little bow. Real life is messy, and I wanted a bit more chaos in the conclusion. Some blowback, some consequences to really drive home the high stakes she was playing with. But hey, Nina did say our justice system is a hot mess, and she’s not wrong.

Overall, this book was a wild ride through the psyche of a woman who took matters into her own hands in the most extreme way possible. It’s sassy, it’s dark, and it’s unapologetically bold. Here’s to more tales of fierce women who refuse to play by the rules!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC and I gave it 3 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK | Avon for this ARC! "How to Kill a Guy in Ten Ways" by Eve Kellman is a darkly humorous and cleverly plotted thriller that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The story follows protagonist Ellie, a woman with a unique job: she helps clients get rid of their problems—permanently. With a sharp wit and an eye for detail, Kellman crafts a narrative filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and a touch of sardonic humor. The characters are well-developed, especially Ellie, whose blend of cunning and charm makes her a fascinating lead. The book’s pacing is brisk, ensuring there's never a dull moment. Kellman’s writing is crisp and engaging, making "How to Kill a Guy in Ten Ways" a thrilling, enjoyable read for fans of dark comedies and suspenseful mysteries.

a lot a bit psycho but a little bit fun? the british and dark humor in this book helped, but overall it was a pretty harsh read. it toed the fine line between quirky, vigilante-justice motives and some REALLY DIFFICULT and HEAVY topics. Please please please read trigger warnings prior to opening this book. If you like true crime told first person, this one is for you. If you don't like that, don't read it!

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

"the first man i ever killed was my father. but we're not there yet. that's not really even a part of this story. all you need to know about that, is that a) it was sort of an accident and b) he deserved it."

I picked this up through Netgalley, with thanks to Eve Kellman and Avon Books from Harper Collins for gifting me this e-ARC

on a night out and a guy giving you the creeps? a first date with someone who isn't all they appeared to be? feel unsafe and need to find a way out? contact Message M.

rating: ⭐⭐⭐

my thoughts: honestly? i'm not sure if i can even rate this book 3 stars. unhinged. absolutely and utterly unhinged. as someone who has been SA'd before in the past, seeing Millie's complete and utter delusion. the blurb talks about murder, and yes the title of the book is how to kill a guy in 10 ways, and was recommended to be similar to how to kill your family, but the killing spree?

the ending chapters? its just total recklessness with no regard for anything at all or anywhere near believeable. i absolutely loved the message m stuff, as someone who hates that this has become our society and provides such a reflection on everything that we go through as women.

but as someone who is meant to be providing that service, as message m, how is it that she is a complete victim blamer half of the time? she hates everyone, comments on how what people wear and they look like - as a book meant to be about saving women from situations that aren't their fault, how is it possible to be both?

definitely, definitely check the trigger warnings for this, it is extremely extremely dark and something i wouldn't be even surprised to see on an episode of criminal minds because of the themes!

Ich weiß ehrlich gesagt nicht, wie ich dieses Buch bewerten soll, da ich es aufgrund relativ kurzer Ausleihdauer (ohne Verlängerung) nicht lesen konnte.

This book unfortunately wasnt for me, it felt very slow paced and I. Feel I went into it expecting too high of an expectation which led to my lack of enjoyment.

I LOVE MILLIE MASTERS!!! She is brilliant, fiesty , fearless and ingenious!!! Her desire for justice for the female sex is just brilliant but her protectiveness for her sister is another level. I wanted Millie to get closure for her little sister and as the story went on and I learnt more about these sisters, that desire grew.

Millie’s relationships are the parts that lighten this thriller, they’re such a contrast to her family set up. Her Sunday lunches with the girls, her days in the framing shop with gossip Gina and her dates with gorgeous James. Getting in Millie’s head when she’s with her acquaintances and friends made me for get at times that she’s an angel of vengeance! But not for long mind!

How To Kill A Guy In Ten Ways does just that, not that this is a “how to” guide. Millie gets inventive in her MOs , using what’s to hand or in some cases pre planning the male’s demise. She is an ingenious creature and I loved getting to know her and join her on her journey of retribution.

There is comic moments, there is the suggestion of bloodthirsty acts but Kellmen got the balance BANG ON. This is a sensational debut. I loved Kellman’s writing. It’s dark with elements of comedy, akin to Bella Mackie, Katy Brent and Amy Tintera. She’s an author going on my watch list!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I absolutely loved this story! The story follows two sisters after one isa violently attacked. The other decides vigilante justice is the way. This story was propulsive and very witty even though it's a tough subject matter. Girl power all the way! Loved this and highly recommend

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book made me feel a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, I thought the book was propulsive, and I kind of flew through it cause I wanted to see what was going to happen and the pacing was nice and even for the most part. But on the other hand, some parts of the book just felt weirdly out of place and thrown in. Millie's decisions didn't really make much sense, and I found the humour kind of went over my head for the most part.

It did keep me engaged for the most part, and I still had a fun time, about as much as you can have reading about serial killers!

please check trigger warnings before reading!

Women supporting women 😌😂 what a ride this book was. Millie has a vigilante alter ego, saving young women from difficult situations with men which leads to her getting a bit of a taste for murder. This is honestly filled with so many twists and turns, I could not out it down. If you love a bit of drama and murder, this is definitely the book for you.

In Eve Kellman's latest thriller, Millie Masters transforms her grief and outrage into a daring form of vigilante justice after her sister suffers a devastating assault. She launches "Message M," a hotline dedicated to assisting women in precarious situations, ranging from unwelcome advances in bars to unsafe late-night walks. Millie is always ready to intervene, becoming a guardian angel to those in distress.

As the trauma increasingly consumes her sister, Millie's own resolve hardens. Frustrated by law enforcement's inability to capture the perpetrator, she decides to take matters into her own hands. What follows is a gripping journey of retribution, marking Millie as a relentless avenger in the face of injustice.

This narrative, while centered on a somber and serious subject, is punctuated with sharp wit and a darkly humorous undertone that captivates and entertains. The novel is a provocative exploration of the lengths one might go to seek justice, wrapped in the trappings of a pulse-pounding revenge thriller. The story's dynamic female relationships add a powerful layer of depth, celebrating resilience and sisterhood in the face of adversity.

Though the plot ventures into extravagant territory, it’s a thrilling page-turner that revels in its audacity. This book is a wild ride through the psyche of a woman who channels her pain into a chilling crusade against wrongdoing, making for an unapologetically bold and gripping read.

CW: Rape, Sexual Assault, Incest

Thank you to Avon Books!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Selling Pitch:
We have Promising Young Woman at home.

On my do not read list.

Pre-reading:
Fun cover. Looks garbage. I am in the mood for brain rot.

Thick of it:
It’s just reading like girlypop is gay and in love with her bestie. (It reads like this all book, but supposedly they’re both straight?)

They're always allergic to nuts in these good for her novels.

Girls can have a little oxygen. As a treat.

A Sam!

Gormlessly

She texted the wrong apartment maybe and this is the love interest? (Basically.)

Pink hair girl is evil and photo boy is innocent (Nope.) ((I don’t know what it says about me that I was waiting all book for a man to be proven innocent, and they never were. I think it’s more my innocent until proven guilty and correlation is not causation stance, than internalized misogyny, but who knows.))

I love Fleabag. (This book is nothing like Fleabag.)

Frame shop guy is that sexy neighbor, no? (Yup.)

So many clothing descriptions.

It just feels like the plot of Promising Young Woman.

This is literally just Promising Young Woman.

Mindfuck x Promising Young Woman

This book has a gaping plot hole that nobody has security devices to record them entering and exiting. Like the policeman’s house should have cameras outside of it.

She’s really bad at murder. I think the police can recover deleted photos. Also, her whole ass wig. Also also, it’s gonna be suspicious that he took his bag off and that he landed backwards. Like her DNA is gonna be all over him.

Shouldn’t he have multiple EpiPens at his own house? (He does.)

All these little written asides feel like a beta reader pointed out plot holes, so the author threw in a single sentence to try and circumvent it instead of reworking the scene to get rid of the hole.

If she kills him, her bestie still won’t get her money back though?

I don’t know, men suck, but that doesn’t automatically mean they deserve to die.

Girl is SLOPPY

I’m a little over this book. It’s pretty hateful towards everyone. Like it’s body shaming a bunch of women. Anyone with tattoos or piercings is apparently horrible. It’s writing off all dudes as bad people. And I know it’s because our main character girlypop is so flawed, but it’s disheartening to read because it’s framed like you’re supposed to root for her. (You’re definitely supposed to root for her and her warped thinking.)

I’m kind of bored, but also this book is exactly what I expected it to be, so whose fault is this?

How delusional is she that she thinks Nina doesn’t have trauma existing as a fat woman in the world who keeps getting scammed by men?

The solution better not be that the neighbor raped the sister in her bedroom. (It’s not this, but it’s almost this, and I feel like the audience knowing at least half the whole time further proves how bad of a detective girlypop is.)

He is just a guy. Hit him with your car! And she took that literally.

What is there to tie you to the case? Only copious amounts of DNA evidence and the multiple living witnesses. And your GPS run data.

You know, it leaves a really bad taste in my mouth that the solution to getting one over on bad men is framing innocent ones for attacking women.

Post-reading:
This book is exactly what I expected it to be. And if you’re like Samantha, you hate revenge thrillers. Why would you pick this up? It’s because I want to like them. I keep trying. I want a feminist romp. I want the he is just a guy, hit him with your car vibes. And instead, my traitorous little brain is always like cool motive, still murder.

If you’ve watched Promising Young Woman, you’ve already seen a better version of this. If you’ve read Mindfuck, you’ve read an equally bad, yet more more entertaining version of this.

Here’s what this book gets very, very wrong. Its main character slut shames other women, constantly disparages other people’s bodies, and definitely subscribes to the all men are shit belief. And that’s not what feminism is. It makes the book a hateful bummer, and yet it’s written like you’re supposed to root for her and her warped thinking.

It has nothing nuanced to say about rape culture or the justice system. There’s something deeply fucked about advocating for believing women, but then having the solution be to frame an innocent man.

It’s messy. It’s plotholy. It requires you to constantly suspend your disbelief. The characters are unlikable. There’s no snappy dialogue. The romance is unnecessary and never something you’re invested in. There’s really nothing redeemable about this book other than the fact that it is technically readable. The easy-readerness of this is the only thing hauling it out of one-star territory.

That being said, I think it’s a waste of your time. Don’t pick it up.

Who should read this:
No one?
Good for her revenge fantasy fans
I blindly support women’s wrongs readers

Do I want to reread this:
Nope.

Similar books:
* The Mindfuck series by S. T. Abby-revenge thriller, serial killer and FBI agent, written as a romance, but is not
* No Home for Killers by E. A. Aymar-revenge thriller, family drama, vigilante shit
* The Maid’s Diary by Loreth Anne White-bucket revenge thriller
* The Housemaid by Freida McFadden- Verity and Gone Girl’s mediocre love child
* The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson- YA revenge thriller, Gone Girl wannabe
* None of This is True by Lisa Jewell-domestic suspense, tries to redeem a pedo
* The Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh-generic revenge thriller, family drama
* Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn-OG revenge thriller
* A Tidy Ending by Joanna Cannon-bucket revenge thriller
* How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie-revenge thriller
* The Ingenue by Rachel Kapelke-Dale-revenge thriller

I initially had a hard time getting into this book, but as the story went on, it got better and better. The main character was kind of awful, but she grew on me, and I ended ended up enjoying the second half of the book. The ending was excellent, and because of it,
I actually increased my rating by one star.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Fans of 'How to kill your family' rejoice - your new obsession is here (& honestly it's probably even better).

Millie is the protagonist (? kind of ?) we have been looking for. Her inner monologue is equal parts cool, calm and collected as well as entirely unhinged - and honestly hilarious (in a dark and murderous kind of way). After her sister Katie, goes through a horrible experience (no spoilers here), Millie sets up a helpline to support women who are in dangerous situations with dangerous men. However one night when a rescue turns into a murder, it appears Millie has found her calling.

What follows can only be described as the only serial killer I have ever routed for (with a dash of police officer romance thrown in for good measure), trying to solve the mystery of who attacked her sister, with a healthy dose of murderous side quests.

P.S. The audiobook of this is great, the narrator really helped bring the characters to life.