
Member Reviews

Looking for a book with a magical mist that shows up in your eyes when you’re bad, a woman with a taste for vengeance, and the annoying moment when your BFF’s new BF is a total drag and you want to kill him? Then This Girl's a Killer by Emma C. Wells will be perfect for you! #girlpower #girlboss #girlsgirl
If my sarcastic intro and rating didn’t give it away, I did not like this book. The plot was full of inconsistencies, the characters were under-developed, and the main character’s internal monologue had me pulling my hair out. The whole book, we’re told by other characters, and by Cordelia herself, that she’s extremely put together, pays attention to every detail, and is never late. And then none of those characteristics are ever displayed in the time we spend with Cordelia. She also has some deep and tragic backstory we get next to no information on, but is the sole reason why she’s turned into a killer?
I was still feeling hopeful up to that point. Sometimes life just gets messy, especially when you’re a serial killer. And I don’t need to know EVERYTHING about a character’s background to follow a story. Then we got to using “bestie” 24 times in a chapter. Then there was the Xbox Cordelia bought for her goddaughter Sugar (!!) that was for Zelda. Then the smoke was introduced. That’s right, Cordelia has to see a special gray smoke in a man’s eyes before she decides to kill him. This is literally never explained.
I finished this book hoping for any redemption. I love women committing crimes so much that I just pressed on through every over-explained scene and plot hole. But it got even more disappointing the further in I got. However, I’m not trying to yuck anyone’s yum! If any of this book's weirdly specific traits caught your eye, you should definitely give it a shot! I’d also recommend it if you’re really craving a female Dexter storyline!
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Audio for the free advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

I love female vigilante stories, and this one is done well. Cordelia isn't crazy, she's simply called to set things right. How can she let predators just run around continuing hurt people after she sees that the criminal justice won't protect women?
Cordelia is surprisingly likeable and protective of those she loves. The story is also funny, a little gruesome, and there was suspense. The narrator was excellent-- I felt as though I was listening to the real character tell her story.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to this audiobook

I sped through this audiobook so fast, great narration! For fans of Dexter and mystery/thriller. It is a little graphic/gory at some points in the story but I didn't let it turn me off of the book.

If you’re a fan of Dexter, you’ll probably get a kick out of this book. A female vigilante putting a twist on the same concept, taking out bad guys who manage to slip through the cracks. It’s a horror/thriller that’ll have you on the edge of your seat, wanting to tear your hair out as everything spirals out of control… Cordelia finds solace in her chosen family of her best friend Diane and her best friend’s daughter. I loved their spunky friendship throughout this book. This thriller comes out just in time for Halloween!

There's something about a revenge plot that is just so deeply satisfying, pair that with my love for serial killers and you'll understand just how much I absolutely adored Cordelia.
Big thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC! It was greatly appreciated.

💋Book Review💋
*
Summary- Ask Cordelia Black why she did it. The answer will always be: He had it coming.
Cordelia Black loves exactly three things: Her chosen family, her hairdresser (worth every penny plus tip), and killing bad men.
By day she's an ambitious pharma rep with a flawless reputation and designer wardrobe. By night, she culls South Louisiana of unscrupulous men―monsters who think they've evaded justice, until they meet her. Sure, the evening news may have started throwing around phrases like "serial killer," but Cordelia knows that's absurd. She's not a killer, she is simply karma. And being karma requires complete and utter control.
But when Cordelia discovers a flaw in her perfectly designed system for eliminating monsters, pressure heightens. And it only intensifies when her best friend starts dating a man Cordelia isn't sure is a good person. Someone who might just unravel everything she has worked for.
Soon enough Cordelia has to come face to face with the choices she's made. The good, the bad, and the murderous. Both her family, and her freedom, depend on it.
*
Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*
My thoughts- thank you @poisonedpenpress for the advanced audio arc I loved this one so much !! Cordelia was just the most lovable, hot mess, psychopathic main character and I am here for it. 😍 this one reminded me of early Finlay Donovan meets like promising young woman. So much fun, all for vigilante justice over shitty men. This beauty comes out 10/29 grab it where books are sold today 🥰
*
QOTD- what was the best part of your weekend ?! Mine was spending Sunday with my whole family, my heart is just so happy ❤️.
*

If you’re craving a fun, dark, and suspenseful thriller with strong Dexter vibes, The Girl’s a Killer is precisely what you need. This fast-paced novel delivers the same intrigue and intensity as Blackbird from Butcher and Blackbird but with a more safe-for-work vibe—a female serial killer named Cordelia, who you’ll surprisingly find yourself rooting for. Her witty, unapologetic attitude and complex personality make her more than a cold-blooded killer. She’s bright, calculated, and bold, but something about her pulls you in and makes you cheer for her despite her violent tendencies.
The story cleverly explores the fine line between right and wrong, making you question your morals as you root for the “bad girl” in a way that feels thrillingly dangerous. Cordelia is not just any killer; she’s charismatic and unapologetically herself, and her personality adds a sharp edge to the plot that keeps you hooked.
The audiobook narration is another highlight of the experience. The narrator captures Cordelia’s dark humor, wit, and fierce attitude so well that she practically jumps off the page. Her voice gives Cordelia an extra dimension, making her character more alive and magnetic. It’s an immersive experience where the narration deepens your connection to this unrepentant anti-heroine, making the story all the more gripping.
If you enjoy morally ambiguous characters and fast-paced thrillers, The Girl’s a Killer will not disappoint.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cordelia Black and her shenanigans made me laugh! The day after *IT* happens gave me such anxiety though. I loved the friendship between her and Diane but was skeptical of how quick Diane came around. Made me happy to hear the Taylor and Grey’s references.
For lovers of Finlay Donavan and Dexter. The narrator for the audio book is exactly the voice I would picture Cordelia to have. Perfect casting!
Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Emma C. Wells for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4 ⭐ 0 🌶️ 5 🎧
I really loved this, it was so much morbid fun. It didn't have as much suspense or as many twists as I was expecting, but I was captivated from beginning to end.
I adored Cordelia; she was so funny and such a baddie. I thought the way she overcame her abuse was really interesting and the Joanie twist had me shooketh.
The audio was great. I love Stephanie Kay and thought she did a fantastic job with this story. And I am really excited to read more from Emma.

I enjoyed the narration of this book. The story itself was interesting and entertaining. I was able to listen to it in a days time. If you have ever watched the series Dexter, I think you like this one.
Thanks for my gifted ALC.

Ignore the star rating. I dnfed.
Immediately I hated the writing. The main character kept talking about herself in the third person and repeats herself A LOT.
Thanks to netgalley and Dreamscape media

I loved reading this story from Cordelia Black's POV. She's messed up and dark but also loving and loyal. She's one of the most intriguing characters I've encountered in a while. The plot was also smart and entertaining, although there were times when I wanted to scream at Cordelia to do things differently. The secondary characters also played an interesting role, especially Diane and her daughter Samantha who Cordelia loves and would do anything for. The narration by Stefanie Kay was well done and engrossing. I highly recommend this book for fans of slightly dark and gruesome thrillers and villain POVS.

The main character, Cordelia, was soooooo annoying to me that I just couldn't stand it.. She was immature, she complained a lot, and the obsession with shoes (no matter the character) is something I cannot relate to. That's easily something that breaks a whole book for me. The writing wasn't my style and I wasn't going to connect with it at any point. This feels like something Freida McFadden fans will enjoy, though.

This one took me a few days to sit and digest before I could write my thoughts on it out.
Cordelia is a very likeable serial killers in a lot of ways. She gives me Dexter vibes in the sense that she goes after "bad men", but, also Joe Goldberg vibes because she is unhinged too. Let me tell you the second half of this book had me STRESSED! Cordelia is losing control and spiraling and Wells wrote that very well. I could feel the tension and stress as well as I was reading it. I seriously had no clue how this was going to end and was pleasantly surprise how it was wrapped up.
I would have liked a little more background on Cordelia, but still was an overall enjoyable reading experience.

Oh how I loved this story! It’s giving Promising Young Woman with Carey Mulligan! Cordelia’s extracurricular activities are justice for the women who fall victim to awful me. I know this is a story I will read over again!

This Girl's a Killer by Emma C. Wells is an amazing debut that delivers a thrilling and darkly satisfying revenge story. The star of the show is Cordelia Black, a pharma rep by day and vigilante by night, targeting the worst men in South Louisiana. You’ll love this main character—she’s sharp, unapologetic, and utterly dedicated to her mission of serving karma to men who think they’ve escaped justice. Think of her as a female Dexter, but with a stylish designer wardrobe and a razor-sharp wit.
Cordelia’s methodical approach to her "work" starts to unravel when things don’t go according to plan, leading to an intense and suspenseful ride. As the tension mounts and her best friend’s new boyfriend raises alarms, Cordelia is forced to confront her own actions and the web of lies she’s spun.
This novel is fun, exciting, and packed with moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you love a good anti-heroine with a dark side, This Girl's a Killer will be a perfect fit. Wells has crafted a smart, fast-paced story that feels like a fresh twist on the classic revenge thriller. You won’t be able to put it down!

I will confess it freely - I find these female revenge/vengeance stories extraordinarily satisfying. I have been reading stories about violence against women for decades. It seems to be an all but essential element of so many genres for so many years. It is nice to see that flipped on its head, where the violence continues to be a key part but the retribution and come up and equally present.
Wells does a very fine job at this. Her characters are endearing even in their psychopathy, and the overall story arc was extremely satisfying to listen to. The narrator did an excellent job capturing this emotion, from rage to fear to resignation. I thoroughly enjoyed it! It's dark, but well worth the listen.

A very entertaining and addictive read.
The characters are very unique and well fleshed out and I definitely rooted for the killer.
The narration of the audiobook was great and added to the well paced rhythm.
It has a lot of suspense and tension, a lot of twists and turns, great humour and interesting feminist motivations.

This Girl’s A Killer
3.75 ⭐️
Picture Dexter, but as a female with highlights and designer shoes; that’s basically the story here! Cordelia Black only kills monsters, and sometimes has trouble cleaning things up just the way she likes.
This was a fast and crazy ride, similar to a Findlay Donovan but maybe a little more intentionally gory. Sometimes the characters inner monologue was a little too repetitive which made it feel a little slower and like it could have been shortened, but overall still an easy thriller to pick up!
Thanks @netgalley for this audio advanced copy!

"Meet Cordelia Black. Cordelia loves exactly three things: her chosen family composed of her best friend Diane and her goddaughter; her hairdresser (worth every penny plus tip); and killing bad men." --"This Girl's a Killer by Emma C. Wells
As a thriller fanatic, I found myself irresistibly drawn to "This Girl's a Killer" during the spine-chilling month of October. The captivating cover and intriguing blurb promised a thrilling journey, and I'm delighted to report the book delivered! Cordelia Black is an unforgettable character who steals the spotlight!
I paired the ebook with the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Stefanie Kay, and what a perfect match! Her voice brought Cordelia's dark humor to life, perfectly capturing the essence of this captivating character. Cordelia is the ultimate best friend—a fierce protector who ensures no vile man dares cross your path. Sure, she takes it to the extreme, but honestly, who needs the Justice System when you have someone like her on your side? I was itching to dive back in whenever I had to put this book down.
It was cruising towards a glorious five-star rating, but the ending left me unfulfilled. I have my fingers crossed for a sequel because I've become utterly attached to Cordelia!
Thanks to the author and Dreamscape Media/Poisoned Pen Press for providing this ARC via NetGalley. As always, all opinions are entirely my own!
#ThisGirlsaKiller #EmmaCWells #NetGalley #StefanieKay #Audiobook #DreamscapeMedia #PoisonedPenPress #GiftedARC