Gia and Abby are forever friends, brought even closer by a terrifying tragedy, but now physically distant due to job and location. Abby jumps on the chance to meet up in Sweden with Gia and her brother, but upon arriving, finds Gia hasn’t made it there. This takes them to Greece, where they find Gia’s mysterious manuscript, but no Gia.

This is a really twisty book, with a lot of surprises. I found myself constantly questioning everything, which I really enjoy in a thriller. The characters were each a unique entity in their own right, and the settings were beautifully described. I would recommend this book.

This dual POV, dual timeline psychological thriller set in the escapist Greek island setting was a quick page-turner for me. I love rich people behaving badly and also enjoy thrillers that explore toxic friendships, so this was right up my alley. However, I found the final twist and ending to be overly out of left field and not as wrapped up as I was hoping leaving me disappointed. Still a fun summer thriller, but not my favorite amongst similar types of stories.

A story set on a Greek island, a toxic friendship, and a murderous heiress [maybe], how do you go wrong? The story unfolds with dual POVs - Abby provides a perspective in present day while you get Gia’s perspective through her manuscript detailing events leading up to her disappearance.

Abby receives an invitation to her estranged rich best friend’s, Gia, 30th birthday in Sweden. They haven’t been on the best terms since Gia decided to marry a man she had known for a couple months. After some persuasion from Gia and learning Benny, Gia’s younger brother, is also going, Abby decides to take time off from the law firm she works at in Atlanta to go. But Gia never arrives. After some investigation and a run in with a known scammer, Benny and Abby decide to go to Greece to figure out where Gia is and what happened. Secrets and lies come to light, and everyone is left wondering what really happened.

This was an immersive read with good pacing, I was hooked from the start but things fizzled out for me. While the characters were interesting, I didn’t find them likable - like at all. And the ending? What a disappointment. While I loved the twists, there were no answers offered and I’m not one who favors coming up with my own conclusions.

3.5 stars

This was a suspenseful tale of friendship, betrayal, secrets. The dual perspectives and unreliable narrators kept me guessing. I loved the setting and the plot. I couldn’t put it down! But then the ending…it left me disappointed. It was open ended and I need closure. It left me with so many unanswered questions. The ending ruined it for me, and I feel bad because I LOVED the rest of the book!

The realness of how one decision made when Gia and Abby are 18 catches up to them at 30 is palpable. As true best friends are, they stick together through the good and the bad. But one has to wonder if Abby really was a true best friend from the start. Did she go along with Gia's antics because of their friendship or because having her on her side was more beneficial than having her as an enemy? This is what we find out years later.
I thought I had this book pegged from the start. I thought I knew who was the bad guy and that this person was really a master of deceit. Especially because no bodies were ever found, just people going missing. I'm still not sure if we know what the real story is and if Abby is trusting the right person. This book wasn't left on a cliffhanger but it was intentionally left with questions unanswered... I think.

I really could not put this down. There was so much going on but in such a good way- mystery, love, tension, this book had it all. This was definitely my favorite by Wood so far and I’m excited to read more of her work!

Rich people problems set on an atmospheric Greek island? Sign me up! Also, did you see that beautiful cover??

Ladykiller by Katherine Wood was a fun story full of friendship, twists turns and murder. I’d recommend reading this on the beach particularly in Greece with an aperol spritz! I can’t wait to see what Katherine Wood writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Katherine Wood’s Ladykiller is a tantalizing blend of mystery, suspense, and psychological intrigue that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Greece and the chilly allure of a Swedish resort, this novel masterfully intertwines past and present, creating a narrative that is as captivating as it is unsettling.

The story revolves around two childhood friends, Gia and Abby, whose lives were forever altered by a tragic event in Greece when they were eighteen. Fast forward twelve years, and Gia, now an heiress with a new husband, invites Abby to celebrate her birthday in Sweden. 

Wood excels in character development, particularly with Abby and Gia. Abby, the bookish lawyer, is a relatable protagonist whose determination and loyalty drive the narrative forward. Gia, on the other hand, is a complex character whose glamorous exterior hides a multitude of secrets. The supporting characters, including Benny and the various guests at Gia’s estate, add depth and intrigue to the story.

Wood’s writing is both evocative and immersive. She skillfully uses alternating points of view and flashbacks to build suspense and keep readers guessing. 

Ladykiller explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the search for truth. The novel delves into the complexities of human relationships and the lengths people will go to protect their sec

While some readers might find the open-ended conclusion frustrating, it is this very ambiguity that makes Ladykiller a compelling read. The unanswered questions and lingering doubts mirror the uncertainties of real life, making the story all the more haunting.

Ladykiller is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries. Its well-crafted plot, rich character development, and atmospheric settings make it a standout debut from Katherine Wood. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or curled up on a rainy day, this novel is sure to captivate and entertain.

Gia and Abby are best friends and have been since they were very young, experiencing an accident that happened in Greece when they were teenagers. Back in Greece years later, Abby returns to Greece to celebrate Gia's birthday, but she is nowhere to be found. Instead she is left with a manuscript that details the lead up to Gia's disappearance - the only clue of how to find her. It's up to Abby to look for her and see what happened to Gia.

As many of my reviews will say, the ending to a book is make or break for me, and as much as I wanted to love this book, I found it to be okay, solely because of the ending. It left me with more questions than answers. I appreciated the dual perspectives, pivoting from Gia's manuscript POV to Abby's present day POV (it gives me Verity vibes!). The characterization of Abby and Gia is done well, but I find myself leaning towards wanting to know more about Abby. The setting was my favorite part - who doesn't want to read a book with Greece being the main location?!

Overall, this book was just okay! I wish I had more to say about it, but the ending really left me wanting more and didn't give me the "wrapped up" feeling I love.

I enjoyed Lady Killers, especially the gorgeous Greek Island setting. Katherine Wood's delivered a beautiful description that was easy to slide into. The plot centered on Gia, a wealthy heiress and her friend Abby, the daughter of Gia's family chef. When Gia disappears. Abby and Gia's brother search with only a manuscript Gia was working on for clues. The characters were unreliable and, except for Abby, unlikable. It was a fast read with plenty of suspense. The ending was left open which was somewhat frustrating, but maybe a sequel? Thank you, Netgalley, and publisher for the ARC of Lady Killers in exchange for my honest review.

Ladykiller started off strong and it was great until the ending! The ending was a total letdown. It didn’t leave me with any closure at all or bring the book together. It left me with so many questions. It was really a bummer. I really loved the setting, and the author did a wonderful job making you feel like you were there. The pacing and the storyline were great, and I was fully invested until the ending. This wouldn’t have been 4 stars if the ending would have been full circle.

Thank you, Net Galley and Random House- Ballantine, for a copy in return for my honest review.

I had written my review and it was lost, so here I go again. I don't like sexually permissive books, I don't like people who drink alcohol non stop, and I don't like profanity because you can't think of proper words to express yourself, therefore, this book has three strikes in my estimation. The protagonist is not likeable, nor is there any commonality with Gia, a spoiled morally corrupt woman, who makes mistakes that could cost her her life , I don't like her or the people around her, I feel like I need a shower. I am certain that it will make a good movie, this type usually do, if they leave out the smut. Abby and Benny seem to be the nicest people in the story, but how nice are two people who aren't sure if Gia is a murderer or not, yet remain friends with her? If you like trashy smutty behavior you will like the book, if like me and pornographic content makes you want to shower, then it isn't for you.
Thank you #RandomHouse #Netgalley
carolintallahassee

his book was a surprise for me. I knew very little about it going in and was pleasantly surprised. The scenery and setting were fantastic, the characters were the perfect amount of likable but also unlikable, and the story was twisty and turny. It was maybe slightly predictable but still a lot of fun!

Thank you so much to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam and Netgalley for this free review copy.! #ladykiller #netgalley

I was pleasantly surprised with this one! I was genuinely interested the entire time and the plot kept me really engaged and curious. I liked that it switched between the two perspectives. I also liked that it was a little bit sexy with some of the romance plots. Another thing I liked is that it was set in another country-it was really giving me summer vibes. I didn't find the ending/twist that exciting-I did see a few things coming but again, it still kept me entertained. I liked the ride of this book, but I just don't think it will be one that is super memorable.

I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.

This novel was a WILD ride!!! I absolutely loved how the chapters went back and forth between Abby and Gia, except for the numbering. I get that Abby's storyline was essentially the novels chapter numbers and Gia's was for her manuscript...but it made it so confusing!!! Most of the time I really do not like a reliable narrator, however, I did not mind it in this situation because the author does so well to not really reveal that maybe she is not reliable!!! The ending was a bit topsy turvy and insane and I had so many thoughts going through my mind, however, this was so enjoyable and made me gasp out loud many times!!! This was so worth the read and I will be looking for more novels by this author in the future.

Ladykiller, which I believe is a debut novel, by Katherine Wood, is a fast-paced thriller that gives the reader a peak into the lifestyle of the ultra rich. Abby, best friend of Gia, whose wealthy father just died, has always been grateful for Gia’s friendship which ultimately allowed her to go to law school. The novel is told in alternating perspectives, Abby and Gia (via her manuscript).

While it’s been sometime since they’ve seen each other, Abby, Gia and Gia’s brother Benny are to be reunited to celebrate Gia’s birthday. However, when Gia does not arrive, Abby and Benny end up flying to Greece to investigate. As the reader, Gia’s manuscript provides some insight as to what is happening in her life in the weeks leading up to her disappearance. I really enjoyed the descriptions of Greece, having recently visited. Overall, the novel was a strong debut and I look forward to reading more from the author.

Thanks to NerGalley, the author and Bantam Books for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

Wow! This was the perfect summer book I read so far this year. It had me at the edge of my seat wanting more. Can't wait to read more from this author. It's prefect summer beach read with some mystery /thriller.

I loved the setting for this story, and could imagine the characters vacationing in Greece. It was very atmospheric. This story is told in alternating POVs through Gia’s manuscript and Abby in the present day. The characters were well written, though many of them were unlikeable. I didn’t know who to trust, and the mystery and suspense was well done. I was curious to see what was actually going on, but never get a clear answer as to what really happened. This would make a great buddy read, or book club read so that you can discuss thought and theories with someone. I would recommend this one is you like ambiguous endings.

Favorite quote: “Time is like water; some of it is clear and some of it is murky, but the more that stands between you and the past you’ve buried, the less that you can see it.”

This was an interesting domestic thriller, and I wonder if I had read it at a different time if I would have enjoyed it more. The naive woman who marries a monster and finds out once he “changes” gets old to me, but I understand how it played into this book. I just didn’t enjoy it and it made me want to the book down on Gia’s chapters. I also didn’t love the ending. I would have liked it to be a little more solid. I also didn’t think that Benny’s plan of having it both ways was going to work out. The book is told in two perspectives Abby’s in current time and Gia’s new journal she calls her manuscript. Abby and Gia were as close as sisters when they were young, despite Abby’s mother working for Gia’s family. They drifted apart after a traumatic incident in their early adulthood but Gia has reached out inviting Abby and Gia’s brother Benny to Sweden for Gia’s birthday. Despite misgivings Abby goes, but what promised to be a fun weekend turned to worry when Gia appears to be missing. The hunt to find Gia leads down a path of secrets Abby wasn’t expecting to find.

The Ladykiller is an interesting read.

Kind of gives off soap opera vibes.

Who can you trust? The two best friends, the brother or the new husband? Any of them?

Definitely not one you can predict from the beginning. Lots of drama and red herrings in this one.

The cover is great and what drew me to this book.

A great beach read full of questions.

Thanks to netgalley and Ballantine for the arc.