RELEASE DATE: September 10, 2024
GENRE: thriller
TOPIC & THEMES: murder, revenge, dark humor, twisted, anti hero, vigilante, horror elements

While I can appreciate the fact that this was a debut novel I can also see how this is a debut novel. I can see the grace given to the debut but also the criticism of the story.
A story perfect for Lana Myers fans.


- Thanks to the NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of the book...

The killer was Cordelia Black. She took predators off the streets. All men. Whenever she heard that a man was taking advantage of innocent women, she took care of them.

Her best friend, Diane, had a daughter named Samantha. Diane was seeing a man by the name of Simon. Cordelia didn't like Simon; she's out. There was something off about him. One day, Cordelia was out having a meal and she saw Simon with another woman. She was in disguise but Simon recognized her. So that night, he went to her house and threatened her. He had followed her to her storage unit where she had a dead body there. He told her that if she told Diane about him being with another woman that he'd tell the police about the dead body. He had hinted to Cordelia that he was going to sexually molest Samantha. That was all it took. She killed him. Afterwards, she got a hold of his phone and found sexually explicit pictures there. He was a pervert and a pedophile.

Diane was depressed because she hadn't heard anything from Simon. In the meantime, Cordelia had cut up Simon and put him in her freezer. In the midst of Diane's depression, she phoned Cordelia and told her that she was going to meet her at her house. Cordelia wasn't there and didn't want Diane going there and discovering Simon's body, since had a key to Cordelia's house. Cordelia tried to warn Diane not to go to the house but the call was disconnected. When she got home, Diane was there, crying on the floor holding a butcher knife. She'd found Simon's body. At first she threatened to call the police but Cordelia was able to get her calm and explain to her why she had killed him. Diane fully understood and was glad he was dead.

Diane worked at a hospital where they had a brand new incinerator. It was decided that Cordelia would dispose of Simon's body there. And that she did.

When Cordelia killed, she sold the bodies to a man named Clarence. She didn't like him but he was a means to an end.

The author had thrown in several plot twists and turns which made for an entertaining murder mystery. The characters were all very believable and the storyline had me from the very beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and gave it five stars.

Such a fun read! I’m thinking a Cordelia Black series? Fingers crossed! 🤞🏼

If you love a strong female MC with a vigilante attitude to bad men, then you will love this debut novel! It is full of funny hijinks and crazy twists.

The only criticism I really have is Cordelia’s inner monologue is somewhat repetitive. I guess that’s how ours brains probably really work but I found I’d rather skim over those parts. Other than that, this is a strong debut and I’d love to meet Cor in Florida for her next adventure!

This Girls a Killer is an absolutely nerve wracking story. Cordelia Black has it all put together, great job, a best friend and beautiful goddaughter, but behind closed doors she has a secret. Things start to unravel as things at work become tense. And someone knows her secret.

This was a thrilling read. It really had me nervous for Cordelia. Could almost feel her anxiety off the page! I was hooked from the beginning and did not expect things to end the way they did! I cannot wait to read more by Emma C. Wells because this book has helped me find a new favourite author!

Thanks to netgalley and Poisend Pen Press for the arc for this phenomenal story!

This Girl's a Killer was a fun thriller that left me wanting just a liiittle bit more from Emma C. Wells.

I had been highly anticipating this book as I thought it would be action-packed with ridding the streets of violent predators. Which our FMC did, don't get me wrong. But I did feel the book moved very slowly in the beginning, and I didn't start getting "into it" until at least 50% of the way through. I applaud Emma C. Wells for her debut novel, I really enjoyed the writing itself, but it wasn't quite the twisty thriller I had expected. I do believe this book will find the right audience, and I will definitely read another book by Wells in the future. Cheers on your debut!

This review will be published on Goodreads and Instagram one week prior to pub date, unless the publisher would like me to wait until after release. Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this e-arc!

In this riveting novel, Emma C. Wells takes readers on a thrilling journey through the life of a mysterious and dangerous woman. The story follows the protagonist as she navigates the complexities of her dark past and uncertain future. Wells' writing is both captivating and suspenseful, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

"This Girl's a Killer" is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and suspense. Wells' intricate plot twists and well-developed characters make for a truly engaging read. From the first page to the last, readers will be hooked on this gripping tale of love, betrayal, and redemption.

Overall, "This Girl's a Killer" is a compelling and well-crafted novel that will leave readers wanting more. Emma C. Wells has proven herself to be a talented storyteller, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

Thanks for the ARC NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press! Fun and easy read. I think had I never watched Dexter I would have liked this book a lot more, but I did, and it all felt a little derivative of it. Certainly a very different character, with a very different point of view. But, the actual mechanics of the plotting, and obstacles she faces to remain free didn't feel particularly inventive in light of Dexter existing. In theory the bulk of what happens in the book is done in the name of protecting her god daughter, but there's really not much actual connection with the kid demonstrated in the book. The last interaction with her she mostly just scares her, and that never really gets resolved. The whole thing with pretending to date the cop to get info never really amounts to much. Fun book. Just wish the plotting had been a little more inventive, and original.

This book was SO GOOD. Cordelia was so strong, multi-dimensional, but also relatable. She's loyal to a fault and protective of those she loves. I loved the humor and the drama. It was giving female empowerment, Dexter, and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles type hijinks.

This book had me hooked from page 1. It was hard to put down. It's so well written and even though many of the chapters were longer, I actually really enjoyed every single one of them. This book creeped me out, made me laugh, gave me anxiety, made me hopeful, and left me wanting more!

If you love horror/thrillers with humor this is your book! I would read this again and I need more Cordelia Black! It was left on a note that seemed like Cordelia would be back... and I really hope she will be.

If you like the Finlay Donovan series you need to read this book. It was hilarious and gory and impossible for me to put down. I laughed more times than I can count, I gasped, my eyes were for sure bugging out of my head at times. I love the character Cordelia and how bad*ss she was, even when nothing is going her way she figures out a solution for everything. I can't believe this was a debut book, Emma C. Wells is a master at writing a fantastic thriller with so many hilarious twists. This book gave me Finlay Donovan vibes as well as Butcher and Blackbird but without the steam and romance. I loved the relationship between Cordelia and her best friend and her little mini bestie. Somehow I was not expecting such feel good wholesome feelings after reading this book but I loved everything about it and the ending left me deeply intrigued.

A special thanks to Poisonned Press and NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to like this one.
I DNF'd at 30% because of many fact checking errors and so many repetition. The FMC was interesting and the plot is fast paced, but I just couldn't get past the errors I found it too irritating.

This was a wild ride from start to finish, Cordelia Black was a badass throughout and I loved her and Diane. the writing was fast-paced and I enjoyed reading about her getting away with everything that she does. However its a three star as I found it predictable, I knew from the get go that she was going to kill Simon, Diane find out about it, is ok with it and Cordelia gets away with it. I did like that she got away with it but I would have preferred it to be less predictable than it was.

For a debut thriller this is a really good book! I was not expecting it to end the way it did. Every time I thought something would finally catch up I was surprised. It definitely kept me on my toes. It’s crazy when Cordelia is described you really would never think she is a killer. But just goes to show looks can be deceiving. Speaking of the way it ended, I would love another book. I need to know more about McSmiley!
Thank you Emma C. Wells, NetGalley, and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC for my review.

4 stars!

What an interesting concept, I really enjoyed this one!

I loved the portrayal of Cordelia's "chosen family" and also thoroughly enjoyed Mango's storyline!

I'd definitely recommend this one to all thriller lovers. I am a big fan of Dexter and it gave off some of the same vibes.

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC of this book! I was also able to be part of the cover reveal recently as well.

Some people might say Cordelia Black is a serial killer, but really all the men had it coming. She is an ambitious pharma rep who has her life under control and organized until the day everything starts to go sideways. The main drug she reps (and uses on the bad men she takes) ends up being pulled when it's discovered there are terrible side effects. Then her personal life gets a rock thrown in it in the form of her best friend's new boyfriend, who Cordelia thinks may be one of these bad men she usually hunts. She rounds off her day with going on a blind date with a cop, who seems to be the one who is hunting for all the missing men. Now she has to regain control of her life before her best friend and god daughter get hurt. Is the karma she delivers coming back around to her. A fun read, I highly recommend for people who love thrillers, morally grey characters, and Dexter.

I really really enjoyed this it was brilliant, I actually couldn’t put it down.
Love the whole thing the characters were amazing!
The whole story was unique and different.
It was a easy fast paced read, intense at times compete madness love it

Cordelia Black is a pharma rep, a badass, and definitely the kind of friend you want to have watching out for you. Because Cordelia isn't just a career woman, she is also a vigilante in her spare time...

She takes out the predators she Encounters in Louisiana, and they are plentiful. Unfortunately, Cordelia's system is not fool-proof, nor is her friends' taste in men. So, something's gotta give.

This is an exciting, suspenseful story about an unusual protagonist with some highly original ideas. Who knows, you may even find yourself rooting for Cordelia! It gets 3.5 stars.

Cordelia Black is a Boss Babe. I love her. Cordelia is a pharmaceutical rep by day and serial killer by night and she does it with ease....usually. When her best friend's new man gives her the creeps she has no choice but to investigate further and find out if he will be her next target. This book was great and I was on the edge of my seat with all the hot water Cordelia was getting herself into all while trying to remain normal and keep up her appearance. This book definitely gives off Finlay Donovan vibes if Finlay were single and intentional with her killings so it's similar but unique in it's own way and I loved every minute of it. Mango is an added bonus to this book that I didn't see coming and I thought it was great even if he added to the drama.

Looking forward to reading more by this author. Also hoping the author chooses to continue this storyline and I do think that is intended with the way the book ended. It does not end on a cliffhanger, so that is great, but plenty of room to write more.

Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Emma C. Wells for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cordelia Black (amazing name btw) is a pharmaceutical rep by day and a serial killer of (BAD) men at night. I eat this theme up for lunch and dinner so I was so excited to read this one. I really liked the main character and her best friend, but the story was kind of meh to me. I didn’t feel like we got enough backstory for Cordelia and her motivation for why she does what she does. Overall, it was a solid read. 4/5 stars ⭐️. Thank you Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Emma C. Wells for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The character of Cordelia is one I didn't expect to love as much as I did! I love the elements of darkness, love and life.

This book caused me to make poor life choices. I'd stay up late trying to finish just one more chapter, even though I knew the next day was going to be rough. Totally worth it.

It had everything I want in a thriller. A female main character that's spiraling into an unhinged version of themselves, morally grey motivations and drama until the very last page.

Emma C. Wells expertly blurs the lines between villain and anti-hero. This Girl's a Killer will have you on the edge of your seat. You haven't read anything quite like this.