This Girl’s a Killer is a mystery/thriller story about a vigilante female serial killer, Cordelia Black, who works in pharma sales by day and takes out bad men by night. Something happens that doesn’t go to Cordelia’s usual plan and things start to unravel from there.

There were some elements to the story I liked. The book starts off very strong as you’re first introduced to Cordelia, who comes off as this morally gray force to be reckoned with. I liked the friendship she has with Diane (even though it leans a little toxic), as well as the relationship she has with Diane’s daughter. However, despite the book starting off strong, the pacing did slow down quite a bit for the rest of the book and I felt like there wasn’t enough suspense or tension. I would also say that this book leans a little bit more on the “horror” genre side of things given some of the graphic and disturbing descriptions of some of the men that Cordelia does away with.

I think I’m in the minority on this, but while I liked some elements of the book, I don’t think this one was for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

A fun gender-bent verion of Dexter with an aire or supernatural influence.
Cordelia Black is successful, likable, and funny. The relationship with her bestie Diane (and god-daughter) is believable and relatable. You'll be rooting for this serial killer and lol-ing along the way as everything that can go wrong... goes wrong.
#girlpower
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC!

Giving female Dexter vibes except she works for big pharma instead of the police. Started out great, got a little bit slow, picked up, and ended pretty quickly but setting up for a potential sequel. Enjoyed it all around.

I really enjoyed this book! Apparently this is a new genre I love - serial killer ladies with a heart of gold! I loved Cordelia so much and thought this was a fantastic read.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The premise of this book was intriguing, and I was excited to dive into a story that promised a mix of real crime, revenge, and morally gray characters. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me. I struggled to connect with the main character, which made it hard to stay engaged with her journey and decisions. The plot had potential, but I found myself feeling detached and not particularly invested in what happened to her.

The pacing also felt uneven at times, which made it harder to stay immersed in the story. That said, it could easily be a case of this not being the right book for me at the moment.

Despite my experience, I think fans of darker, more morally complex stories or those who enjoy exploring themes of rage and revenge might still find it compelling. It’s definitely worth giving it a try if those elements appeal to you!

Because this book is already out, I cannot properly give an advanced review for people to determine if they want to buy this.

I actually really enjoyed this once I got into it. I will say the back and forth was a little strange at times and I feel like I never really got to know the characters but I did enjoyed the story line and i liked the plot as well.

This was so fun and amazingly creepy. I loved how Cordelia slowly loses her grip on reality and the situation as everything progressively gets worse.

This Girl's a Killer is a fantastic female
serial killer thriller that's filled with snark and plenty of female rage. I loved the found family aspects of the story and couldn't help but root for Cordelia regardless of how guilty she was. This was a true page turner!

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

This title is spot on! Cordelia is a pharmaceutical representative with shades of Dexter and Finlay Donovan (if you haven't read that series get on it STAT) and she performs a service by getting rid of the bad guys but disposes of them with a guy who retrieves the body and delivers them. When he gets caught she is sure she is next but somehow she is not. Hot cop/boyfriend who is on the case but he doesn't know he is actually looking for her. She is part fairy godmother, best friend, killer, and when her best friend starts seeing someone she realizes he is not who is appears to be. What is she going to do. Part thriller, part comedy, and all good.

3.5/5

A female Dexter? Yes, please!

I didn't love Cordelia as much as I loved Dexter, but to be fair, I had longer to get to know him.

The ending was a little weird and the middle a bit clunky, but overall, I enjoyed this debut and look forward to what Wells writes next.

This Girl’s a Killer had an intriguing premise, but it didn’t work for me. Cordelia Black, a pharmaceutical rep by day and a serial killer by night, comes across as overly bossy and possessive with her best friend, and her “vigilante justice” tendencies were far too gruesome for my taste. While the idea of a Lady Dexter-style protagonist might appeal to some, the graphic descriptions of her kills—portrayed more as a hobby than a morally complex act—felt unsettling and unnecessary.

Cordelia’s habit of turning her victims’ blood into “art” hung in her home was particularly off-putting, and while the book tries to balance gore with philosophy, it doesn’t land for me. The narrative includes lighter moments like female friendships, a charming boyfriend, and cute pets, but these felt at odds with the darker elements of the story. The overall tone tries to stay quirky and fast-paced, but the lack of psychological depth behind Cordelia’s actions made it hard for me to connect with her.

If you’re looking for something edgy and absurd with a strong female lead, this might be for you—but it wasn’t for me.

A Killer Introduction: Emma C. Wells' 'This Girl's a Killer”

This Girl’s a Killer by Emma C. Wells is my introduction to this author’s work, and I’m officially hooked. I’m eager to explore more of her uniquely captivating style.

The story follows Cordelia Black, a polished pharmaceutical rep by day and a woman who takes matters into her own hands to seek justice for victims of corrupt politicians and abusive partners. Her carefully orchestrated world begins to unravel when her best friend, Diane, starts dating a man who sets off all of Cordelia’s alarms.

Wells masterfully crafts Cordelia as a complex and captivating heroine. The stark contrast between her seemingly ordinary day-time job and her pursuit of justice makes you root for her even when you know you shouldn't. The streak of dark humor running through the narrative adds a sharp wit, keeping me smiling even amidst the chilling suspense.

The pacing is taut, building suspense as Cordelia's two worlds inevitably collide. Wells' evocative depiction of South Louisiana provides a moody, atmospheric setting that immerses readers in the story. The novel also delves into powerful themes—justice, morality, and the complexities of female friendship—making it as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.

If you enjoy Leather and Lark or dark thrillers by Gillian Flynn, you'll be captivated by 'This Girl's a Killer'."

“And no matter how badly I wished otherwise, I had a code. I only killed monsters.”

This Girl’s a Killer by Emma C Wells
🔪 🔪 🔪

QUICK SUMMARY 🖊️
Cordelia Black lives a simple life with a big secret. She kills monstrous men.

FINAL THOUGHTS 💭
Personally for me the synopsis had me more invested than the story itself. The inner monologue of the FMC had me wanting to bang my head against the wall because she was soooooo annoying. I gave it the whole chance because I wanted to see where it went because the idea was there but the execution was not it for me.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are mine.

The book follows Cordelia who is an ambitious girl boss by day but at night she is a killer and reigning havoc on unscrupulous men. That changes when her girl starts dating a man Cordelia wants to get rid of. Is Karma human inflicted or should it occur naturally? Great plot ,likeable characters and a good mystery element.

This gave all the Dexter vibes which is fitting as Dexter as back on tv again! Cordelia is a morally grey character. She may be a serial killer but she only kills those that have it coming. This would be a great tv series!
Thank you #NetGalley and #poisionedpress for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This Girl’s a Killer by Emma C. Wells  is a thriller about a woman who kills only bad men (she hopes).

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Poisoned Pen Press and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 
My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions):
Cordelia Black is a serial killer.  She kills predators, those who commit crimes against vulnerable people.  She's fairly violent in her killing, but they deserve it.  Cordelia enjoys killing the villains.  Other things she enjoys are her chosen family, and her designer clothes, and her hairdresser.

She came from a poor home.  Her mom was a junkie who had even trashier boyfriends.  Their trailer was not a safe place.  Cordelia fought to become who she is today.

Cordelia Black is a businesswoman.  A pharma rep with a great reputation.  But at night she kills the unscrupulous monsters.  She doesn't consider herself a serial killer, she considers herself karma.

So far, everything has gone well.  Until now.  Her best friend is dating a man who may not be good.  Cordelia has a decision to make, and that decision may break the only family she has ever known.


My Opinions:
The book is about friendship and family, trauma, and a serial killer.  It is about revenge and vigilante justice, with a twist.

 I love cheering for a serial killer!  She's a female Dexter.  A strong protagonist, whose family plays center stage.  She does whatever it takes to protect them. 

The pace moved along nicely, no lags.

Yes, the story is predictable, but that didn't make it any less enjoyable.  Although I don't particularly like humour in the books I read, Cordelia's dark humour and wit provided much needed relief for her dreadful escapades.   I had more of an issue with the repetitiveness in this book.  That, and the fact that her relationship with her bestie was rather juvenile for someone in her mid 30s, so sometimes I found myself drawn away from the story to dwell on their child-like relationship.

But overall, it was a fun and entertaining read, and if it became a series, I'd be in!

I really enjoyed and recommend this book. The story is full of mystery and suspense. It is a fast paced book and it has
So many unexpected twists that keep me reading until late night. One of the best thrillers out there.

FMC Cordelia is a female Dexter! Close with her found family and taking out the bad guys! Hoping for a second book!

Thank you to Netgalley for an honest review in exchange for an ARC.

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the eARC of This Girl's a Killer! All opinions in this review are my own.

This book took me some time to get into, but once I did, I didn't want to put it down! The second half is so good and will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Meet Cordelia Black. She is a top pharma rep, dresses in designer clothes, has a sassy attitude and she kills people. The local news station reported a number of missing men and questioned whether there is a serial killer in their midst. What an insult! She is no serial killer. She just seeks out those men who really deserve killing, like those who prey on women or children. She has a workshop and a plan that has been successful in disposing of the evidence. Her best friend is Diane, a single mother with a daughter who adores Cordelia. Diane has a habit of dating men that Cordelia considers less than desirable. Her latest boyfriend is Simon. From the moment Cordelia meets Simon she sees him as a potential threat in Diane’s life. This is someone she may have to take care of.

As a pharma rep, Cordelia has access to drug samples for her clients. She has been fudging the required reports on their distribution, using some of them to subdue her victims. When one of the drugs that she uses is recalled due to its’ side effects it threatens her position and income, as well as a part of her plan’s routine. Diane also signed her up on a dating site. Her first date turns out to be a police investigator working on the case of the missing men. Cordelia is hoping that he might keep her informed on their progress, but what if it leads to her discovery? Emma Wells’ story grabbed me from the first page and never let go. This is a book that will often have you siding with a murderer. Just don’t call her a serial killer! I would like to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing this book.