This is a really interesting concept! After stumbling upon a murder scene, an SAT tutor who's adrift in life becomes the primary suspect in the brutal murders and goes on the run with a mysterious woman who also happened to be at the scene. Our protagonist makes a lot of bad, bad decisions, but that's what keeps her on the lam, so I can't be too mad about it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book, releasing today!

Should probably give this one a 2.5 but I try to be nicer with debut novels, so I'll round up to a three. I think this book ended up on my radar thanks to an offer of the ARC from NetGalley that described it as "sapphic Thelma and Louise" and like...I guess, but this one didn't work that well for me and I'm not sure why. I found Evie pretty identifiable but just didn't end up being that invested in her and Jae-the ending was kind of predictable although I did like the way things wrapped up in the story. I don't know if it was the writing style? The way some of the plot points and character reactions felt a little unbelievable? The book was a slow starter but the pacing evened out and once it got going the book moved along quickly, which I appreciated (I can see how other authors might have gotten bogged down in the "on the run" portion which didn't happen here, although we did take quite a circuitous route around the country). The creativity is there and I think a lot of the complaints I have are pretty common in debuts, so I'm definitely interested to see what Deitch does next!

Sunday afternoon Evie Gordon, a SAT tutor, has an appointment for a tutoring session with Serena Victor, a seventeen year old from a very wealthy family in Beverly Hills. Once Evie arrives at the Victors she find Peter and Dinah brutally murdered along with a women tied up in a closet. Evie is now the prime suspect to the murders and fleets the scene along with the women she rescued from the closet!

I found myself giggling at the very beginning before I realized this was not supposed to be a giggling fun time kind of book and it went serious rather quickly when she found Peter and Dinah. Once I pick up the book I had a very hard time putting it down. I needed to know who had murdered them and if Evie got caught while on the run. However, if I did put it down I found myself having a hard time picking it back up. For a debut novel I think Hannah Deitch did a great job on this book!

I love the cover of this book, and it's what made me read it! I thought this was a really good debut. The story was fast paced and really fun, but you really have to suspend disbelief for this one. The story started out really strong, so I was hooked in right away. It was a page turner, for sure. I enjoyed Evie's character. I felt she was really well written, even though some of her decisions were pretty out there.

Overall, good book. I will look for more from this author in the future!

Thank you to William Morrow for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Whaaat did I just read was definitely the vibe when I finished. I did not see the twist coming because it plays on the assumption that we will think people are terrible, but there's a spin on that belief. Don't get me wrong, pretty much everyone, even our lead Evie, are not great. We're inside her head experiencing her darkest and sometimes most illogical thoughts after she's been accused of murder.

It's two women on the run, following their own media coverage to stay ahead of the hunt, slowly learning things about herself and the mysterious woman by her side, and having to resort to all kinds of criminal deeds in order to survive and evade law enforcement.

It's imperfect, messy, twisted, and yet you completely feel for Evie. The narrative is more important than the evidence or the truth, and that plays out in the end in ways you won't expect.

Somehow a thriller and a romance with an ending that's going to punch you in the chest and make you lose your breath.

This was an interesting thriller. Thrillers are often hit or miss for me and while I guessed the plot twists relatively early on, the characters and especially Evie really drive this story forward.

Killer Potential is everything I never knew I needed in a thriller. A sapphic, eat-the-rich Bonnie and Clyde? Say less. There may be readers who are turned off by the introspective prose and relative lack of action (there are plenty of great action sequences and an excellent plot twist, but it isn't wall-to-wall action. Think less Fast and Furious, more killer character building and insight into class consciousness and the myth of upward mobility). But to me, it was the perfect blend of action and insight. Deitch is clearly talented - the fact that she was able to flesh out Jae so fully before she even spoke a word is simply *chef's kiss.* And don't even get me started on the dynamic between Jae and Evie. So hot. So deep. So brooding.

Fans of Bound, Parasite, and Luigi Mangione, look no further! (These things may seem unrelated, but that is the magic of Killer Potential). A definite 5 stars from this formerly Talented and Gifted gay.

If you're truly able to suspend your disbelief, this might be something you'd enjoy. If not, this probably isn't for you. We're told Evie is intelligent, but I didn't find most of her actions very smart. She enters a home immediately after a couple has been murdered and ends up being a fugitive suspected of murder on a cross country journey with the stranger she finds at the scene of the crime. Even though I make a point to suspend my disbelief, I found myself questioning some situations no matter how hard I tried not to. I wasn't surprised when the killer was ultimately revealed; I'd guessed the culprit pretty early on. That being said, this is a well written book and will likely appeal to many readers.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

3.5 stars. I really didn't know what I got into with this one. At first I thought it was going to end up being a light, kind of over the top even funny read about a woman running from the police when she really didn't need to. Then it really took a dark turn.

The story is about two women who get caught up in a murder and hit the road on the run. It has some really dark stuff along the way. There's a little romance, some subterfuge, some family love and all the rest is them running from one end of the country to the other in order to evade the authorities. I still don't know just how to feel about this book.

Thanks to William Morrow Books and NetGalley for the ebook. All thoughts are my own.

This is one extremely warped version of Thelma & Louise. But all along the reader can feel how off kilter Evie is and of course the thought comes up: is she a reliable narrator? And throughout the book, the answer seems to change, keeping the reader off kilter! I really enjoyed the ride and how Evie developed through the story. As always, I wasn't a fan of the sex. I never am, but it wasn't too bad and I only had to skim a few pages. I am still not sure how I feel about the ending. I had a different one in mind, but it still worked for me! I look forward to more offerings from this author.

This book took a second to find its footing, but once it did, I couldn’t put it down. I could never predict where the plot was going and devoured every twist and turn. The two main characters were compelling, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time trying to figure out how they would make it out of the situation, because I was really rooting for them. I will definitely be recommending this one.

Beautifully written and laugh-out-loud quippy, this book wasn’t what I was expecting it to be. Evie Gordon is an SAT tutor, living a laid-back lifestyle and using her tutoring job as a means of supporting it. However, when she stumbles upon the brutal murder of her client's parents and discovers a woman tied up under the staircase, everything she thought she knew about her life is turned upside down. What starts as a Thelma & Louise-style plot evolves into a multifaceted narrative full of depth, humor, and unexpected layers.

The internal dialogue was one of the most compelling aspects of the book. Evie’s reflections on her background, growing up without money, and her fascination with wealth added a lot of texture to her character. It was refreshing to see these internal struggles portrayed with such realism. Her internal monologue brought an authenticity to her decisions and struggles that truly made her journey feel significant. These reflections weren’t just an aside—they were integral to the plot, giving the story a more introspective and heartfelt tone.

Overall, this book was a lovely, introspective read that resonated with me in unexpected ways. It’s not just a mystery or a romance, but a nuanced exploration of identity, class, and the quiet moments that define us.

This book hooked me from the beginning and did not let go! With a unique premise of a woman on the run, I really liked how the plot was set up and how details were revealed throughout. The MC was super cool and I liked her honesty and vibes throughout even though she was really going through it. There were a few twists that I didn’t see coming and I like how it ended. Overall, this was a super strong debut that I highly recommend!

This book started off really strong for me. However I found myself starting to drift out of focus in part 2. The book picked back up and ended pretty solidly despite the unexpected ending. This was a very unique plot line that I did really enjoy. I loved getting pieces of Jae’s perspective sprinkled in.

It is hard to believe that this is a debut novel. It had me hooked from the beginning. We are following Evie, a SAT tutor, who shows up to work and finds the parents of the teenager that she tutors dead. Before she is able to get out of the house and safe, Evie hears a cry coming from the closet and a woman is there.

This book was wild ride following Evie and mysterious woman running from the law because now the country believes that they are the ones responsible for the parent's death.

This was a fast paced thriller with a strong ‘Thelma and Louise’ theme. It was a fun read and great debut novel.
Thank you Netgalley., for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on March 18, 2025

The setup of the novel is masterfully crafted, with chapters strategically divided into two primary themes that enrich the storytelling. The first theme, titled “The Driving Evie,” delves deep into the tutor’s inner dialogue as she navigates the complexities of a cross-country journey. This section intricately examines the mental gymnastics necessary to evade capture, showcasing Evie’s strategic thinking and resourcefulness. Simultaneously, it captures her attempts to decipher the motives of her enigmatic and mostly silent traveling companion. Despite the lack of conversation, Evie finds solace in the skills of her partner, a formidable woman who excels in hotwiring cars—an invaluable talent on the road. In moments when words fail, her ability to jumpstart a vehicle proves far more critical than idle chatter, highlighting the practicality of their partnership in a high-stakes scenario.

The second theme, aptly named “Reality,” shifts the focus to the outside world, illustrating the tumultuous events unfolding when the alleged murderess is no longer behind the steering wheel. In this space, Evie’s keen intellect endeavors to articulate the extent of her precarious situation, fully aware that she is adrift in troubled waters without a paddle.

*Killer Potential* intricately explores themes of social mobility, the pervasive pressures of societal expectations, and the insidious nature of the American Dream. Deitch skillfully portrays Evie’s metamorphosis from a bright, promising student to a sensationalized media figure embroiled in a murder accusation, blending biting humor with sharp social commentary. The narrative raises profound questions about the narratives that society feeds us and how these stories shape our identities and destinies.

Deitch’s writing sparkles with wit, seamlessly interweaving humor with an undercurrent of suspense. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, while the relentless pacing keeps readers eagerly turning the pages, reluctant to pause. The novel’s darkly comedic tone injects a distinctive flavor, differentiating it from conventional thrillers and inviting readers into a complex emotional landscape.

*Killer Potential* stands out as an exceptionally original debut, merging the tension of a thriller with the introspective depth of literary fiction. It is sure to resonate with fans of works like *The Guest* and *My Sister, the Serial Killer*. Deitch has deftly constructed a narrative that entertains while provoking thought, making it an essential read for anyone in search of an innovative and engaging thriller.

Both of the main characters are portrayed with depth and nuance, allowing readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs on a personal level. The surprising twist of having a woman as the central perpetrator adds a compelling layer of complexity to the storyline, challenging conventional expectations. The book’s climax features a meticulously executed reveal, plunging readers into a state of suspense that lingers long after the last page.

The intricate twists and turns create a gripping narrative that keeps the reader engaged, heightening the sense of urgency against the backdrop of an expansive road trip. The writing is not only captivating but also expertly crafted, making it nearly impossible to set the book aside.

For those who appreciate thought-provoking novels that blend humor with sharp social critique, this book comes highly recommended. It offers a riveting experience that will keep you thoroughly engaged until the very last moment, leaving a lasting impression long after the final chapter.

This is one of the stupidest books I've ever read. I have known several highly intelligent people who have no common sense, but in this case my 12-year-old grandson would make smarter moves. The writing is short, choppy sentences; often more like lists than actual writing. I really don't recommend this book to anyone.

She's worked hard all her life to make her decisions good ones. But Evie Duncan now finds herself teaching rich kids how to get their SAT scores high enough to enter the kind of life she's always dreamed of. When tutor Evie arrives at her next student's home, she finds the parents dead and becomes Evie, the murder suspect. But first, she'll rescue a woman from the crime scene. A witness to clear her name.....no, a woman who either can't or won't communicate. So on the run they go. What follows is a mixture of Evie's desperation, her frustration and her absolute terror that she'll become famous for all the wrong reasons.

With her debut release this good, what happens next? Hannah Deitch has set a high bar for her next book. It will be interesting to see what comes next!

I read a review that said this was easy to guess and the twist was one you saw coming. I thought I figured it the twist but it wasn't the biggest reveal of all.

Evie and Jae having a sexual relationship wasn't necessary. I feel like they were trauma bonded and Jae took advantage of Evie's naivety. The ending was frustrating to see that Jae gets away with everything while Evie's life was ruined.