I really enjoyed this book. It had me on the edge on my seat for some of it especially those ending chapters and that ending. Thank you for the opportunity to read this.

It’s equal parts murder mystery, romantic suspense, and biting social commentary—all wrapped up in a sharp, unforgettable narrative.

The story kicks off with Evie Gordon, a scholarship kid who’s done everything right but still finds herself treading water post-college, drowning in student debt and tutoring the super-rich SAT crowd in Beverly Hills. Evie’s mundane routine is upended when she stumbles into a crime scene at the Victors’ estate: the parents are brutally murdered, and their blood-spattered mansion hides a bound woman Jae crying out for help. Without a second thought, Evie rescues the stranger, only for the two of them to be spotted and mistaken for the perpetrators. In a flash, Evie and her new companion—a mysterious, near-silent woman—are thrust into the spotlight as the prime suspects in a case gripping the nation.

Evie’s transformation from anonymous tutor to notorious fugitive is a wild ride. One moment she’s a nobody, the next she’s being labeled the next Charles Manson.

There’s dark humor sprinkled in the tensest moments, romantic tension that crackles between Evie and her mysterious accomplice, and layers of suspense that keep you glued to the pages. The LGBTQA+ representation is seamlessly woven into the narrative, and the slow-burning bond between the two women adds emotional depth to the pulse-pounding plot.

Killer Potential is a thrilling exploration of ambition, privilege, and the lengths we’ll go to in the name of survival. Hilarious, heart-pounding, and unflinchingly bold, this one deserves a spot on your shelf. A new adult thriller with a razor-sharp edge!

Killer Potential by Hannah Deitch
☀️☀️☀️⛅

Big thanks to NetGalley and Hachette for this ARC copy!

A seductive and fast-paced thriller that manages to keep the reader hooked until the reveal, but lacks believability to completely enthrall.

The plot revolves around surviving the aftermath of a brutal crime scene which Evie, the protagonist, was not responsible for. Her escape with enigmatic Jae and subsequent evasion of authorities becomes less and less believable as the plot goes on. The tension in the plot is replaced with the romantic entanglement, but it isn't enough to distract from the glaring convenience of most escapes.

Deitch's writing didn't blow me away but it found a nice balance between the stark action scenes and some more poetic moments between. The relationship between Evie and Jae felt a bit rushed within context but I liked the conflicted portrayal and aftermath.

The pacing is solid in parts 1 and 2, but the reveal itself was a little underwhelming as was the thin epilogue. Without the last 50 pages I think the book would have been much stronger.

This debut was interesting and I enjoyed the ride, but ultimately wanted a little more reality to ground the narrative. If you're seeking a fast, fun adventure this is worth checking out.



"I wasn't much of a crier; I never have been. A in math. A in history. F in crying in front of others. I prefer a stiff upper lip, which probably isn't healthy. I don't like my emotions acknowledged. Crying is something you do in the shower once every three years, or in the anonymity of a dark cinema during a particularly sad gay movie."

With twists and turns and life on the run this is jam packed with action. This book has so much I usually love and yet it didn’t quite work for me in this case. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read an advanced copy in exchange for my review.