Thank you to the publisher for sending this my way in exchange for review.

So i purely only digged this out of my backlog due to working at barnes and noble and it happens to be a pick this month. I sadly didn't enjoy it. there are way better written books with this same trope out there and i would recommend them over this one.

If this is a debut novel, then I cannot wait to see what Ms. Wells comes up with next!

This book was a wild, fun, darkly humorous ride. Cordelia Black is a successful Pharma rep by day, and serial killer by night, taking out the bad guys one at a time. She is far from your stereotypical image of a killer; Cordelia is outgoing, well-put together, and beloved. She is God-Mother to her best friends' daughter; a role which she takes very serious. Things are going swimmingly until Cordelia's BFF begins dating a creepy guy, one who gives off a terrible vibe and Cordelia isn't convinced that this guy has good intentions.

If you are a fan of Dexter, FMC, and unexpected endings, then this is the book for you!

Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press, NetGalley, and the author for this ARC.

4.5

This was such a fun read! This mystery thriller definitely kept you on your toes.
Cordelia Black was not someone you wanted to mess with. She was very protective of those close around her. She did whatever needed to be done in order to live. Med sales rep by day and killer at night. This female power book definitely was something I needed right now. Spooky season may be over but this was really good. The writing style was very well written, I never got bored with the reading. It may have seemed rushed at the end but this is a book I would recommend to those who are just waiting to know what was next!

I was really excited for this book, hoping to get a badass female Dexter and while the similarities were there, each having their “code,” it fell a little flat for me. The book started slow and it took some time to get to the part that shows “she’s a Killer.” I found myself putting it down and reading other books since I was in the mood for a edge of my seat thriller. The problem was it took so long to get to the thrilling part.

I also felt there were parts that were so repetitive. How many times did I need to hear that the one character grabbed her violently? And then adding the details that explained to me how this is bad, like I couldn’t put two and two together. It was beyond frustrating. I found myself rolling my eyes many times throughout the book at Cordelia's explanations to the reader.

Another frustration was the decaying body in the house. Serial killers must be meticulous to stay free and this just didn’t match with that. It almost seemed like it was added for the shock factor. I would have rather read more about the killings then what happened to the body afterwards. There were also some loose ends that were never tied up. Overall, I stuck with it to the end, but it was not my favorite.

What I did like in the book was the found family storyline. I love her relationship with her best friend.

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Cordelia Black is a wonderful friend and godmother, an absolute badass sales representative for a pharmaceutical company, and a vigilante serial killer for men who have taken advantage of and harmed women.

Cordelia is definitely the female version of Dexter, only more careful and methodical with her victims. I love how she is also an artist, and incorporates the blood of her victims into her artwork. It is so depraved and clever, I thought it was a nice touch. This entire story felt so fast-paced and high stakes, which I really appreciated as a reader. As Cordelia's life starts falling apart, I found it harder to put the book down because I was so unbelievably stressed! I also really enjoyed the flashbacks into her past, they weren't long or drawn out, but they added a lot to her character and helped us understand how she got to where she was now. The characters were lovable and realistic, with their own flaws, particularly Diane. I even loved Cordelia's relationship with the neighbor's dog, Mango. In the end, I wasn't sure how things were going to be wrapped up, but it was so absolutely satisfying and I loved it. However, the cherry on top of the cake was the last chapter - it was clearly a reference to an actual case with real people - and the names chosen were also a fantastic decision - and it just solidified the 5-star rating for me, because I feel like that was a BOLD statement to make and I. FREAKING. LOVED. IT.

If you love revenge and feminine rage, and loved the books (or TV show) about Dexter, the vigilante serial killer - check out this book! You won't be disappointed in the slightest.

This Girl´s a Killer by Emma C. Wells tells the story of Cordelia Black who would not describe herself as a "serial killer" even if by definition she is one. Cordelia lives by her own rules and code, which is what protects her from getting caught. Her code is that she will only kill bad men, and she can see the smoke in a mans eyes if he is bad, if no smoke then she will not kill them. Cordelia does not know love in her life besides her best friend Diane and her goddaughter ´Sugar´. When Diane starts to date a new man, Simon, Cordelia is sure he is up to no good, so she wants to get rid of him sooner rather than later.

Overall, I liked this book, I love psycho women tales and Cordelia Black was an amazing character. I think I was sold on this book as soon as Cordelia said "The world may do nothing for women - but within these four walls - Cordelia Black did". That goes without saying my favourite character of the book was Cordelia, I liked her duality how she was sweet and protective of her chosen family ,Diane and Sugar, and then was laser focused on hunting bad men.

If you like strong and complex characters and you are not opposed to rooting for a killer then this book is for you.

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh I enjoyed this one!
I really appreciated the ending - some loose ends stayed loose and I loved it!
Angry woman who uses her trauma to exact vengeance by killing men with "smoke" in their eyes. YES!
Cordelia Black ditched her childhood and started anew in college. With her bestie and her little girl, Cordelia loves her life. The use of her storage unit helps her work out anger issues as she stalks, nabs and kills abusive men. Her day job as a pharmacy rep provides some nice perks. Until a massive recall. Her job on the line, her bestie's new boyfriend, and dating a cop - Cordelia cannot juggle nor hold up the walls keeping her issues out of her life.

This Girl’s a Killer by Emma C. Wells
#onehundredandthirdbookof2024 #arc #thisgirlsakiller

CW: death, murder, extreme violence, blood, gaslighting, photos of pedophilia

Cordelia is a killer, but only of men who deserve it. She loves her day job as a pharmaceutical rep, her best friend Diane, and her goddaughter, and especially her hobby of offing deserving creeps. When Diane starts dating Simon, Cordelia knows he’s up to no good, and when she is proven right, things take a turn. Cordelia’s life hits the skids, she is thisclose to being caught, and the cop she is sort of dating is becoming a problem.

I have read a few books now with female main characters who have a habit of killing terrible men. I liked this one a lot based on Cordelia’s tragic past and her struggle to overcome her own trauma. I thought her friend Diane was very naive and trusting and frankly a little annoying, but I questioned Diane’s motivation at the end and wondered whether there would be a “happy” ending. (Spoiler: I would have loved another turn in which Diane turns in Cordelia, but it was not meant to be.) I enjoyed this book a lot, really enjoy the cover, and I look forward to more from this author.

Thank you to @poisonedpenpress and @netgalley for the advance copy. (Available now, pub date was 10/29/24)

The story revolves around a killer who becomes suspicious of her best friend’s new boyfriend, setting off a thrilling narrative. The book was a page-turner, offering a fast-paced and enjoyable read.

Emma Wells excels in character development, making the main character particularly engaging and relatable. Her skill in crafting dynamic and believable characters really stood out and added depth to the intriguing plot. I’m already looking forward to exploring more of Wells’ work, as she has a knack for creating compelling narratives that captivate from start to finish.

I will say that the best part about This Girl’s A Killer is the quirky main character who seems to be living in a 90’s half-hour comedy. The events were outrageous, but it made the journey fun.

This Girl’s A Killer
Emma C. Wells
reviewed by Lou Jacobs


readersremains.com | Goodreads


Rejoice, Dexter junkies! The TV series featuring Dexter Morgan ran for eight thrilling seasons, concluding in 2013, followed by a ten-episode sequel in 2022. Fans reveled in Dexter’s exploits as he solved crimes by day and committed them by night. The show was based on Jeff Lindsay’s dark and gritty series of eight novels.

Now, a worthy successor has arrived with Emma C. Wells’s debut novel, introducing the anti-heroine Cordelia Black with wit, suspense, and style.

At 33, Cordelia is at the top of her game as a successful pharmaceutical sales rep, glamorous in her designer outfits and refined demeanor. But her journey was far from easy. Born Joanie Brown to a junkie mother in a trailer park, she was once meek and mousy, always somewhat hungry and sick. Determined to escape her past, she transformed herself before college at LSU in Baton Rouge, lightening her hair, straightening her teeth, and honing her speech. With this transformation, Joanie was buried forever, replaced by the confident and dynamic Cordelia.

Cordelia loves three things: her chosen family—her college best friend Diane and Diane’s daughter Samantha (“Sugar”)—and killing “monsters.” By day, she enjoys brunch and shopping, but by night, she prowls the streets of Baton Rouge (or “Red Stick”) to rid it of predators who have escaped justice—child abusers, spouse abusers, rapists, and murderers. She hunts with meticulous care and an enthusiasm bordering on joy. Once a target catches her attention, she embarks on a relentless process: lengthy surveillance, disguising herself to get close, and casually slipping them Bosephan, her highest-selling drug at Meyer Pharmaceutical.

Bosephan, originally used in the 90s for erectile dysfunction before being withdrawn for its side effects, has become Cordelia’s weapon of choice. A few tablets render her victims confused and easily manipulated into compromising positions before they fall into a prolonged sleep. They awaken zip-tied and gagged on Cordelia’s worktable in her personal kill room. Watching their terror, Cordelia savors the moment before slicing their jugular with a single swipe. Later, she mixes their blood with paint, creating unique, cathartic artwork as a final act of closure. And, as a macabre bonus, she’s secured an arrangement to sell the remains to an unscrupulous body broker.

But Cordelia’s methods are disrupted when Bosephan is pulled from the market due to newly reported side effects. Desperate, she scrambles to cover up her use of samples, even forging doctors’ signatures on forms. Complicating matters further, her best friend Diane has a new boyfriend, Simon White, who Cordelia deeply mistrusts. This mistrust soon spirals into chaos when she impulsively kills Simon—an unplanned act that shatters her meticulous control. Now, she’s left with the problem of disposing of an unplanned kill, as a cascade of events threatens to expose her. Yet, as the stakes rise, readers find themselves rooting for Cordelia to evade capture.

Meanwhile, news reports blare about missing men in Baton Rouge, hinting at a potential serial killer and attracting police interest. Cordelia can’t afford an investigation.

Emma C. Wells proves herself a masterful storyteller, weaving multiple plotlines, red herrings, and surprising twists. At its core, this tale is about the power of family and friendship. Wells blends dark humor with strong character development, creating a story as gripping as it is entertaining. Like many, I’m eager to follow the ongoing exploits of this compelling vigilante killer.

Thanks to NetGalley and Poison Pen Press/Sourcebooks for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.

Cordelia Black has it all. Found family with her best friend and daughter. A high paying pharma rep job that keeps her in high end clothes, shoes, and bags. And, oh yes, she unalives men who are sexual predators. And then it all starts to fall apart.

Cordelia is a highly complex character. She’s a self-made woman who knows what she wants and goes for it. She is also very meticulous in her unaliving. There is no way police are ever going to link anything back to her (in fact, the media and police just know these men are missing, not dead). She also has a soft spot for her best friend, her college roommate and single mom to her goddaughter. And Cordelia will do anything to protect them.

The book is mostly what happens when Cordelia’s meticulous life starts coming apart at the seams. The urgency when everything starts going off the rails. It’s a a delicate balancing act that she’s working through and that is the crux of this story.

A definite must read!

This Girl's a Killer is like if Dexter was a female... Cordelia is on her Vigilante Sh*t!!! She doesn’t ghost bad men... she vanishes them. I was absolutely hooked from the start, unable to put the book down until I knew how everything would play out.

Meet Cordelia Black!! She's not a regular gal... By day she's a pharma rep, but when night falls, she transforms into this badass avenger, taking down the bad guys with style and finesse. Who doesn't love a double life?

What to expect:
Found Family
Female Rage
Sassy Serial Killer
Morally Grey FMC
Dark Humor

If you enjoy audiobooks - this one is expertly done! The narrator, Stefanie Kay really brought Cordelia and the story to life!

I really liked this book's plot, female serial killer that has somewhat of a moral compass. Kind of reminded me of Dexter, because the MC would only kill "bad men". Until the one wrong sloppy kill sent her spiraling and well...you will have to read to find out what happens!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Recommended for: readers who love thrillers with an unreliable narrator

Summary: Cordelia takes care and protects women and children from “monsters.” Her method is controversial, to say the least! She lures them on a date, drugs them, tortures them and ultimately kills them. Then uses their blood to make art she hangs in her house. Some might say she is a psychopath, but she believes she is a hero.
She is able to balance her good work with her daily life, until her best friend Diane starts to date a man, Simon, with some hidden hobbies that makes him a monster in Cordelia’s eyes. How can Cordelia deal with her best friend’s misguided attraction to Simon, while knowing that something about him is off?

Review: This thriller is written really well! I really enjoyed it and was entertained throughout. The torture can be alittle too detailed at times. And, obviously, Cordelia is not a typical, lovable, MC. But in the end, I was sucked in and anxiously wondering how and why she would get caught. So far, my favorite book of the year!

This was an electrifying blend of suspense, humor, and dark charm. The FMt is a fierce, flawed, and utterly compelling anti-heroine who will have you rooting for her despite her morally gray choices. The author has balanced action and character development, making it easy to get immersed in the protagonist’s world and her complex, high-stakes challenges.
The plot twists kept me guessing, and the witty dialogue adds a refreshing edge. While a few subplots felt slightly underdeveloped, the gripping storyline and unforgettable main character make this a thrilling read that I couldn’t put down. Fans of suspense with a twist of dark humor will love this book!

ADORED THIS! So fun, reminded me very much of Sweetpea but if the main character was a girl’s girl. Very very “good for her” - makes me want to re watch Promising Young Woman. Also felt like a very timely read given recent political events

Pulled me in right away! The main character is fearless, and I loved following her through all the action and suspense. The story had a great mix of humor and danger, making it a fun and thrilling read. A few parts were a bit over-the-top, but it kept me hooked the whole way. A solid pick for anyone wanting a fast-paced, exciting story with a strong lead!

This Girl's A Killer is a book in which our protaganist, Cordelia, is a murderer. This is not a spoiler; the book opens with her telling us this herself. Despite this, you can't help but root for her. Cordelia is an incredibly compelling character, and without even meaning to, I found myself hoping that she would manage to pull it all together. Despite the subject matter, I found myself having a good time in this book. It felt to me a bit light-hearted for the subject matter it covered, but despite that, I really enjoyed this book; it was a fun read that I could absolutely imagine being perfect for a beach read. I do wish it had gone a bit deeper into some subjects, such as the main character's backstory or how she and her best friend's history together, but overall an enjoyable read and one I would recommend.

BOOK: THE GIRL'S A KILLER
AUTHOR: EMMA C. WELLS
PUB DATE: NOVEMBER 2024
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REVIEWT
hanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I've always seen and stayed away from books with a killer as a protagonist. I gave it another try this time, and I can say I'm biased in the sense that I don't like genres like this. That being said, my review.
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I liked reading the book, especially when the FMC got shaky, nervous, and scared. I really gobbled up the pages to see if she would be caught, and I was somehow pleased with the ending. I liked the author's writing and the pace of the book, the characters? Not so much.
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I understand what Cordelia was doing, but I don't think she has the correct intentions especially when it comes to Diane and Samantha. Another thing, there's no way you do this kind of thing and it wouldn't affect you negatively. And I felt like she got sloppy in the end. The author described the murders, but I would have also liked the description of the monsters' evil acts.
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One thing this book was sorely lacking was history. Cordelia's history, her childhood and what made into what she was. I would have really liked that and it would have explained somethings for me.
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I didn't really like the ending because I felt like it was 'convenient' for the main problem of the book was a 'monster' too. I felt like the author tried to make excuses for Cordelia's unhingedness.
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My favorite thing about the book is Cordelia's found family of her best friend, Diane and her daughter, Samantha. I loved their relationship.
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This book was not my favorite, but you can read it if you like books with genres like this.