This is a fun crime novel about revenge that has a serious underlying message about misogyny and violence against women.
Sally is a morally complex character with a difficult past. It seems natural and right that she ends up as an avenging hero when she's conned out of money by a new boyfriend who she's met on an app.
It's a light read but has thought provoking moments. I like this sub genre of vengeful women novels and this sits well in the field. I especially liked Sally's voice. Her snarkiness and sardonic nature was a joy to read. It was easy to root for her.

Sally is a complex character.
Along with a small group of women they aim to seek out the awful men in there live's.
Great storyline, a really good read.
The ending answer's a big question.
Hope there is a follow up.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing this book, with my honest review below.

When Harry met Sally is such a classic, but it was time for a twist with When Sally Killed Harry. Not at all reminiscent of that film (so it’s still safe if you’re a fan) this story dives into a woman who is out of revenge against a conman who slid into her dating app. What makes Sally’s revenge even better is that she’s not content to sit and take out her anger on Harry when she sees other woman being conned and treated badly, forming a vigilante support group to take justice into their own hands.

I need to disclaimer that Sally is disturbed pre dating Harry (literally) and so while this is a ‘you go girl’ feeling book it’s also not all fun and games as Sally is a complex character who has been hurt in the past and she’s incredibly morally grey, which may be to expected. Still, I had to support her as she helped bring other women out of their shell and empowered them. There were some opportunities to make the story smoother as there were times we jumped around in terms of supporting character’s personalities and development rather wildly to the point of disbelief, not to mention Sally’s own reckoning(s). But I did love the core story and Sally as a character was developed quite well.

As they say, don't get mad, get even - get revenge, and don't get caught. A quite different Harry and Sally, and no lunch at Katz's deli! Found family, found salvation, and found mission - plus a few surprises along the way. And yep, you will root for all of them.

Such a great and humorous mystery. The cover is cute and simple but also relates to the subject. The story is well written and isn't fluffy.

I wish I'd loved this as much as I thought I was going to when I read the blurb. In the end, things fell together rather conveniently, the way the women met and bonded for example and some of the revenge scenarios. I felt in the end it was a little trite and maybe convenient. There were some great moments too, it started off really well...

Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy. It is my pleasure to writ an honest review.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC.

Sally is from London but now resides in Manhattan. It is clear that she has run from something and that there is major trauma in her past. She lives with New Yorker Priya who is a psychotherapist, and works in a job she doesn't enjoy.

One day she gets drugged and conned out of her money by suave Harry, and her sense of revenge gets awakened. Interestingly, within what feels like minutes she has assembled a support group of half a dozen women who have been hurt by men - abusers, rapists, financial con artists, catfishers, thieves, the lot. They call their group " Some Women" and meet weekly in a church hall of all places to pool their resources. First they just want to get their money back or humiliate these men out of their jobs but it very soon tips into murder, with Sally being at the forefront of the action.

It is clear that Sally is deeply damaged. She talks of a psychiatric ward in her past and compensation money and once we learn what happened we can understand how she is behaving now. Of course, with that many bad men around, even less damaged women might be out for revenge, and so one abuser and rapist after the other finds their timely end, with the women dividing up the work and helping each other out, making sure that nothing connects them to their respective victims.

There remains a complicated relationship between Sally and Harry - after all he did to her, she still gravitates towards him. She attributes that to her childhood but I still found it strange. Things do go wrong, one man survives an attempt, Harry taunts Sally, and there is an interesting but logical twist about Priya's boyfriend Steve.

I have a penchant for revenge novels and female serial killers, and this one delivers in spades, even though they all get away with it a bit too easily and the story ends a bit too neatly. The revenge theme is strong but we don't really get more than a superficial sense of the other women. I'm questioning whether the first person narrative is the correct choice and whether we need a mystery around Sally's childhood trauma instead of just being told straightaway. It is also lacking any kind of humour. The story is however very entertaining and I read it in one sitting.

If you're in the mood for a rom-com that takes a sharp turn into revenge territory, When Sally Killed Harry by Lucy Roth is the perfect ride. This book flips the script on traditional romantic comedies and serves up a deliciously twisted tale of betrayal, revenge, and self-discovery.

Sally wakes up in New York City, nursing the worst hangover of her life, with a drained bank account and the crushing realization that she's been swindled by the charming, yet deceitful, Harry. This is no typical meet-cute gone wrong; Harry isn’t just a charming man—he’s a conman who has completely upended Sally’s life. And she’s not going to let it slide.

But this isn't a story about a heartbroken woman chasing after her wrongdoer. Instead, Sally channels her anger and disappointment into a mission of revenge. When she discovers that she’s not the only one Harry has swindled, she teams up with other women he's deceived, and together, they plot to turn Harry’s world upside down. And no, murder isn't on the agenda (yet)—but making his life a living nightmare is definitely on the cards.

Roth delivers a gripping, fast-paced narrative with equal parts humour and suspense. Sally is a wonderfully relatable protagonist, and her journey of self-empowerment is both funny and inspiring. The dynamic between Sally and the other women—each of them with their own reasons for seeking justice—adds an extra layer of depth to the plot. It’s not just about revenge; it's about reclaiming control and finding strength in unexpected alliances.

The twisty nature of the story keeps readers on their toes, and Roth’s clever writing ensures that the balance between humour and suspense is pitch-perfect. The dialogue is snappy, the characters are quirky and engaging, and the plot is far from predictable. The pacing is brisk, and the chapters fly by as the women set their plans into motion.

If you’re looking for a rom-com that’s anything but conventional When Sally Killed Harry will have you laughing, gasping, and rooting for Sally and her crew every step of the way. It’s a perfect pick for readers who love strong female leads, witty banter, and stories that break the mould.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

This book is a rom-com gone bad. So much fun and I loved the characters and the story. Highly recommend!

Oh wow! I was a bit nervous reading this as the reviews from others weren't positive. But I loved this totally bonkers female revenge fantasy against all the men who traumatise us and get away with it.

Sally is a compelling anti-heroine who reminds me of Jason Dean (Christian Slater’s character) from Heathers. She’s unhinged (thanks to men who've traumatised her) and watching her unravel is part of the glee, as well as her strange crush on Harry. I loved the friendships formed amongst the women, all united by their experiences of male-perpetrated abuse, be it in the workplace or by their family or spouses. There's some surprise twists and turns with a perfect ending. I could easily see this as a short-run TV series. Pace-wise it was a bit slow to start after a strong prologue, but I appreciate it was needed to set up Sally's growing instability. I do wish we could stop legitimising Tik Tok censorship by using ‘unaliving’ instead of dead/kill/murder.

This was a darkly funny and unhinged wish fulfilment tale about women pushed to the edge to get justice in a patriachal society.

Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

Rounding up to 4 from 3.5. When Sally Killed Harry had so much potential at so many times. I loved certain parts, but I felt like flow was off and the big scenes just weren’t as satisfying as I would have hoped. It felt like things just happened because it needed too for the story. And then towards the end I would get confused thinking I’d already heard this part, but only because things became similar. I wish we could have learned more about the characters too without the men involved. More specifically Marie. It did have its moments though and the premise was very fun! Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Avon Books UK for the ARC.

A bold and clever coming-of-rage story that gives a razor-sharp twist on the classic rom-com. This is a revenge thriller that packs a punch.

When Sally Killed Harry - the twist on a classic rom com just as the title suggests. Sally has her guard up while dating in NYC, where she recently moved to from her home in London.

When the man she starts dating, and who she gives a chance to, proves her right (never trust men). She forms an unlikely alliance that snowballs into an Oceans 8 style support group.

There is depth in every character in this book however the biggest annoyance for me, is Sally’s constant fixation on Harry. She is angry at men for so many reasons but there multiple times she fixates on her fantasies of him and I just thought this didn’t make sense with her character’s motivations.

Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for this ARC ✨

“There's being ghosted. Then there's being fucking poltergeisted.”

When Sally Killed Harry is a bold, unapologetic, and raw exploration of frustration, fury, and the simmering rage women feel when the world constantly asks them to tiptoe around their own pain.

Our main girl Sally is not here to make friends or to win anyone's approval. She’s angry, cynical, and actually, really unlikable. She’s also hilariously witty, sharp, and unfiltered. Sure, Sally might describe her own appearance in the most narcissistic way possible “brown shoulder-length hair cascading like silk, red lips stained perfectly, eyeliner sharp" but I actually have to appreciate the audacity.

Sally isn’t just killing Harry; she’s waging war on a system that has, for too long, glorified men’s actions and swept women's voices under the rug. The book might seem, at first glance, like an anti-man manifesto. A “feminist rage" novel you’re either all in for or completely against. But I think it’s more nuanced than that. It’s less about "man-hating" and more about exposing the cracks in a deeply flawed system. It’s the frustration of seeing too many horror stories in the news, too many friends whispering about their experiences, too many women standing alone in a world that keeps telling them to be quiet.

Now, let’s talk about the controversy. This is a book that tackles toxic masculinity head-on, not with kid gloves, but with a sledgehammer. It’s uncomfortable, and it’s meant to be. If you’re coming into this thinking it’s a breezy romance or a lighthearted "feminist" novel, you might be disappointed. But if you’re willing to take the plunge, you’ll find a gritty, dark, and totally necessary examination of the real-world struggles women face every day. This isn’t a book that wants to paint men as the enemy…rather, it’s a book that highlights the toxic systems that make too many men think they can get away with anything, and a call for women to finally stand up and say, “enough is enough.”

“Can a girl not have a violent fantasy without getting interrupted these days?"

Does it go too far? Maybe. But the fact that people are uncomfortable with it is exactly why it needs to be said. I’ve read reviews that critique this book for "bashing men" and actually I think they might be missing the point. When Sally Killed Harry isn’t about hating men; it’s about shining a light on the stories that have been swept under the rug for far too long. It's about amplifying the voices that have been silenced and empowering women to claim their space, their stories, and their anger.

“And you know what really makes me sick? Every nickname, every headline, every fucking three seasons worth of documentaries or dramas. Every fucking thing is all about them. Their actions. Like we're nobody in our own stories."

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The story was very sardonic and sharply written, blending the contemporary love and con narrative, I loved the main character, the support group, the engaging plot. My only gripe is the unrealistic ending, but it doesn't detract from the fact that this a fun, fast- paced read.

I really enjoyed this! It was so interesting to see different womens lives impacted by the same themes and how they handled it. the pace did get a bit confusing towards the end but overall, loved

A revenge story you are not going to want to miss out on. The book follows Sally, a woman with a dark past and a complex background who finds herself waking up one morning with the worlds worse hangover, her bank account empty and the realisation that the man behind this nightmare may just have been the man of her dreams, the guy with all the charm, the man she has been dating, Harry. Realising she has been swindled Sally must take her next steps and when she finds out she is not the only victim a plan is put into action. Setting up a group of wronged women the revenge story begins and Harry wont see what is coming his way, he may have started the game but Sally is hell bent on finishing it.

I loved this story. From the catchy smart title of the book down to the pacing of this book. The side characters all had depth and we found ourself as the reader just as interest in them as our FMC. We see these women grow on their journey of revenge and the rage felt by all these women is something that feels so real and compelling. The modern feeling of this book draws you in even more and is sure to allow readers of multiple ages to feel connected and able to relate to the story. We learn parts of Sally's story in sections throughout the book making her the friend we all want and the enemy we should all fear. Right down to the last page we have secrets revealed and I was left craving more from Sally!
The downfalls I felt were small here but I have to mention that I would have liked certain scenes to have more detailing and gore but overall this was a fun read, perfect for women who want to lean into a revenge story and perfect for fans of Katy Brent for I felt this had similar feel to some of her books too. I would recommend this book to everyone but especially the women in my life. This was a brilliant modern revenge story that tapped into serious topics but also added elements of humour at the right time.

Following Sally after waking up from a night out, penniless and badly hungover, who seeks justice in her own way. A slow burner, not my favourite read in this particular genre but overall an okay read.

I enjoyed this book!! It was a good story with themes of misogyny and violence against women, and the story was more of a play on a romantic comedy,. I liked the twist and the angle this book took!!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

Say hello to Sally. ​ I’ve woken up in the Big Apple with the world's worst hangover, an empty bank account, and the sinking feeling that my life just nosedived. Last night's escapade is a blur, but one thing is clear: I’ve been swindled and I’m not happy about it.! Good book! This book was definitely a bit different! It was a dark funny, sort of rom com that goes haywire! I definitely enjoyed the characters! And I enjoyed reading this book more than I thought I would! I liked the different! lol I would definitely recommend reading this book if your in the mood for something a bit different! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this story with me!

I've enjoyed the author's work previously, but this seemed like it was going to be a bit of a departure from that, so I was interested to see what it would be like. Pleased to say it was a lot of fun - a dark tale of revenge, following Sally and her friends turning the tables on the bad men in their lives.

I would recommend caution for people of a more nervous disposition - some of the events and themes in the book could be upsetting to some people.

Thanks to the author and Netgalley for the ARC.

"There's being ghosted. Then there's being fucking poltergeisted."

Rom com with a twist, our main character Sally is a complex character with a traumatic background, a lot of bad dates and a therapist as a roommate. What ensues is a commentary of modern dating, how crap men can be and the revenge fantasy that plays out probably more than often in women’s minds.

Fans of the movie can read safety knowing there isn’t parallels drawn from the movie, it’s just a clever title.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Avon Books UK for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

"Self-defence is a necessity in this world. Attack, well, that's recreational."

A dark and delightfully vengeful addition to the women's revenge genre that has taken my heart by storm! This book is an all too realistic tale of misogyny and the fear all women must endure in a world controlled by men. But Some Women won't be controlled. Sally is one of those women and she has work to do.

The blurb;
This is the story of how I killed Harry Collins. Destined to be the great love of my life – until one day I wake up in the Big Apple with the world's worst hangover, an empty bank account, and the sinking feeling that my life just nosedived. How it happened is a blur, but one thing is clear: I’ve been swindled and I’m not happy about it. ​ When I discover I’m not the only victim, I decide it’s only right I take my revenge. And with a group of wronged women behind me, murder isn’t on the agenda yet because Harry’s in for a nightmare and I’m only just getting started…​

My thoughts;
This book is perfect for fans of Katy Brent’s HTKMAGAWI and IBYLGIAC- Sally reminded me a little of Kitty Collins and I enjoyed the similarities in the books themes and the support group.

The book is medium paced, and told from Sally’s pov. As the story evolves, we get little glimmers of Sally’s mysterious past and the trauma that she faced.

I liked Sally, she is strong and determined and a great support to the new found friends around her. She was quite fixated on Harry throughout the book, but this book was about Sally and Harry so it made sense.

I really enjoyed this one, and hope to read more from this author in the future. Thank you to Netgalley and Avon books for the advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are my own. 4.5⭐️

Sally is no stranger to being on the receiving end of or witnessing abuse at the hand of men, but it gets to a point where she needs to take action, for her own ‘sanity’. Her flat mate is trying to encourage her taking a chance on not branding all men as the same and embracing life, and sets a challenge where she needs to embark on dating less sceptically and self sabotaging any potential relationship. Not afraid of a challenge, she does so and meets Harry, who is too good to be true, literally. But Sally is done with being a victim and enacts a campaign to get retribution and then some. Helping ‘some women’ in similar situations to do the same.

It is quite dangerous to read revenge fiction as good as this, ‘fiction’ that focuses on women taking back their power. What if we all started standing up for ourselves and making ‘some men’ face the consequences…

Bella Mackie meets Katy Brent in this humorous debut thriller. Shrewd Sally awakens one morning to realise she has been swindled by smooth talking Harry. Fed up of men taking advantage of women, Sally decides to take action. Discovering a group of worked women, Sally sets about to fight some wrongs, fuelled by the injustice of her childhood when she witnessed her mom’s abuse from several “step dads”.

Witty, quick paced and climactic. First person perspective which draws us into Sally’s world, as she sets up for revenge.

This was my first book by this author, and it was a real page-turner.

This is a story of found family/you go girl vibes, as Sally (who is morally grey to begin with) finds an opportunity to get revenge on a slick conman who slid into her DMs.

Realizing she’s not alone, she unites with other women wronged by the same man and pursues revenge.
The whole “you messed with the wrong woman” theme was fun to read, and I recommend it.

I was happy to have received an ARC of this from Netgalley, and I voluntarily leave my review.

I can honestly say, hand on heart, I have NEVER read a book quite like this.

When I read the description it sounded interesting and had me wanting to read more and so here we are..I never actually expected it to be what it was though, it was so much more than I thought it was going to be.

Sally has had a heartbreaking childhood which in turn made her angry and cynical. When Sally is wronged once again by a man, she teams up with other wronged women to form a group to rally behind each other.

Sally doesn’t just want what he took back she wants revenge and won’t stop until she’s gotten it but revenge for Sally is so much more than you’d expect.

Can’t say I was a big fan of the obsession she seemed to have with Harry, her every thought seemed to go to him and her revenge towards him was completely over the top in my opinion.

Other than that I quite enjoyed reading this. It was thrilling to see what these women were going to do next.

It was funny and heartbreaking all at the same time. Hearing those women’s stories and their hurt was so sad.

When Sally Killed Harry is a revenge thriller focused on women getting revenge on men who have taken advantage and hurt them. It’s about women empowering women and standing by each other no matter what. It’s a touch dark but all around an interesting, fast paced read.

Londoner Sally is a survivor. Now living in New York, she's seen her share of the damage caused by some men and is wise to their moves. When she meets Harry on a dating app, it's all going so well. Until after the third date, when she wakes up realising she's been spiked and all her savings are gone.

Not one to take this lying down, she is determined to get payback. To not only get her money back but to make sure Harry doesn't pull this on anyone again.

While the main story is about title characters Sally and Harry, they're a catalyst for other women taking back control of their narratives. Along the way, Sally ends up forming a group with other wronged women waiting to reclaim their own lives and deal out justice that has long evaded the men causing the damage. Seeing the strength that the women gain from opening up to each other and sharing their stories makes the novel an enjoyable read. Each of the women are from different backgrounds, but find a commonality in how they've been treated, and as a reader, it's easy to root for all of them.

I don't know if Sally would normally be a character I could relate to. She's bold and brash and uncompromising and outwardly confident; sassy and snarky, occasionally reckless. As Roth peels back the layers, we see begin to see why she is the way she is, making her more likeable than she maybe ought to be. Roth is excellent at writing flawed characters with heart; no one is perfect and we're all fighting unknown battles, and shouldn't be judged for them.

What I did like was Sally's empathy. She's focussed on taking her own revenge, but in forming the support group, she doesn't take over as "Leader" prioritising her own problems. Sally's confidence and determination to get even is contagious, emboldening the others in the group to take their own futures in their hands and to no longer be defined by the things done to them.

If you read this, and I hope you do, try to be around soft, unbreakable things because some of the women's experiences will make you want to scream and throw things. It's even worse because nothing the women in the novel have gone through is far-fetched. It's all too believable and relatable. And even when the media focusses on these types of stories, the focus is often on the male perpetrators. As Roth notes, "Like, we're nobody in our own stories". Sally knows this has to change and she's determined to be the one to spark this change.

This is a sharp, brilliantly written, addictive revenge thriller that is so easy to get hooked on.

Thank you to the author, the publisher Avon and NetGalley for an advance copy of this novel for review.

I do love a book about female rage and women taking back their power, so I knew this one was going to be a hit.

It wasn’t super pacy, but that worked for the plot. The mystery surrounding Sally’s past was a great way to keep the intrigue going through the book and I thought that was going to be the only big reveal…

**** spoiler alert! ****
Did I suspect there was something up with Priya? Not until nearer the end, but I did think hmm there’s more to this Steve story than meets the eye.

I liked how the women each represented different kinds of abuse, it really shows that it’s not just about the physical harm people can cause.

Overall, thoroughly enjoyed and will defo recommend! Especially to fans of Katy Brent’s How to Kill Men and Get Away With It and Eve Kellman’s How to Kill a Guy in 10 Ways.

Loved it (rounded up)

Okay, I'm not quite sure how to write this review. There was a lot I liked and some I didn't, so I think I'll just break it down that way.

What I liked:
-Never underestimate a group of women with a central cause. All of the women in this story have been wronged by men in some way and band together to get revenge on their man together. They work together and while not all of their revenge tactics work out the way they hope, they don't back down or stop trying. Women looking out for women and supporting other women is always great.
-The internal monologue and banter/dry wit of Sally the FMC. She keeps chalking it up to being British, but, honestly, I'm the same way and I'm not British. So, that kind of dry humor is right in the sweet spot for me. I found the book to be quite hilarious.
-How each of the women didn't just "lie down and take it." They did something about it. Granted, I don't condone some of the things they did, but knowing your worth and realizing you don't have to stand by and be a doormat for anyone while also realizing it's not weakness to ask for help from those around you is great.

What I didn't like:
-If you're going to use a title like this, then there *𝓱𝓪𝓼* to be some sort of WHMS-ness to the book. There's literally 1 line when Harry and Sally are on their first date where they have a laugh about it and that's it!
-How obsessive Sally was with Harry. I mean, he conned her and and got her revenge but even after she got back what he took from her, she was like a dog with a bone and kept at him. She also kept coming back to this 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓃𝑒𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 that they had, when she was just a mark and he was just a con. One night of good sex a connection does not make.

Thank you, Lucy Roth and Netgalley for the ARC.

Hilariously funny and far too true for anyone who has experienced online dating. Revenge at its funniest.

“When Sally Killed Harry” by Lucy Roth is a wild ride that catches you off guard right from the get-go! Imagine waking up in a city as vibrant as New York with a splitting headache, an empty wallet, and a sense of despair that makes you question every decision you've ever made. That’s exactly where Sally, our protagonist, finds herself after a night she’s all too eager to forget. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, she finds herself at the centre of a revenge plot that veers ever so gloriously off the rails.
Sally is relatable, flawed, and deeply human—the kind of character you root for even when you’re cringing in disbelief at her choices. After being charmed and swindled by the deliciously phoney Harry, I couldn’t help but get invested in her quest for revenge. Harry is the epitome of the term "dreamboat" turned nightmare. His charisma is irresistible, but it becomes clear that he’s a master manipulator with a long history of deceiving women. Through Sally's eyes, you feel that painful mixture of anger, betrayal, and a completely understandable desire for some serious payback.
As Sally rallies a group of women who have also fallen prey to the likes of men like Harry, the narrative shifts into high gear—these women are fighting back, and their determination is both empowering and thrilling. The formation of their group, “Some Women,” is a brilliant touch. It’s a weird but captivating support group that meets weekly in a church hall to pool resources and share their experiences of being wronged. As their vengeance becomes increasingly severe, it’s fascinating to watch how the dynamic between them evolves while they navigate their traumas together.
Admittedly, the pacing can be a bit jarring at times. It all escalates quickly, and while the revenge theme is compelling, I found myself wishing for more depth regarding the other women. Each has a rich backstory that pretty much gets left in the shadows as the plot barrels forward. I think the narrative's decision to focus on Sally's experience makes the story feel somewhat one-dimensional at points, especially since we only scratch the surface of their collective pain.
What truly captivated me, though, was Sally’s complex relationship with Harry. Even after everything he inflicted upon her, there’s an undeniable pull between them. It’s a perplexing and intriguing component of the story, as it calls into question how we can unwittingly cling to those who’ve hurt us. I personally found the exploration of Sally's past trauma to be straightforward, almost too simplistic, and I wondered if sprinkling in more mystery about her history might have added a richer layer to the narrative.
One of my biggest critiques is the lack of humour. I was expecting a rom-com gone rogue to possess a sarcastic bite or dark wit. Instead, the tone skews more seriously and lacks that levity that could have made the revenge even sweeter. Yet, even without the laughs, I couldn’t put the book down. There’s an addictive quality to the plot; it’s a revenge thriller that kept my heart racing, even if the ending felt a bit too neatly tied up.
“When Sally Killed Harry” is a thrilling read that dares to tread where few romances do. It’s not just a story of revenge but also a testament to the strength of female bonds in the face of trauma. If you’re looking for a narrative that fuses empowerment with suspense in a refreshing way, this one’s for you. Just prepare yourself—you might end up accidentally rooting for a bunch of wannabe serial killers!

This book is an absolute gem its funny, emotional, and so gripping. At its heart, it’s a revenge story that really taps into the anger and frustration many women feel when dealing with men who think they can do whatever they want without facing any consequences. It’s the perfect mix of thriller and dark humour, showing how revenge can bring women together and help them form real connections as they heal from shared experiences.
From the very first page, I was hooked by Sally’s voice. She’s witty, relatable, and instantly likable. But as the story unfolds, it’s a shock to see just how far she’s willing to go to get her revenge. Her backstory, which is heartbreaking and a little haunting, is revealed bit by bit, and by the end, you really feel for everything she’s been through. Her journey from being cynical and angry to finding strength is both tough and empowering.
What I loved most about this book is how it blends humour with real, raw emotion. It’s funny, but it’s also deeply sad at times, especially when we hear the stories of the other women. Each of them is carrying their own hurt, but together, they find strength in each other. The side characters are just as interesting as Sally, and I found myself just as invested in their journeys of revenge and healing.
The way the story is told makes you feel like you’re right inside Sally’s head, experiencing everything with her. It’s a fun, fierce, and totally unforgettable ride. If you’re looking for something that’s both light-hearted and deeply moving, this is must-read.

This is one of the best revenge stories you will ever read. Conman Harry has conned his last victim as Sally realizes there is power in numbers.....as in numbers of victims joining together to form a fan club.....fan of revenge that is. There are chapters that will leave you laughing out loud as Harry scrambles to get away. Now I need to see what else is in Lucy Roth's library of titles.

This book will forever be remembered by me as the one that nearly made me miss my stop on the bus.
I absolutely loved this book, it's totally off the radar, with thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the eARC (When Sally Killed Harry is out on 27th March). It is absolutely hilarious and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. Also had a lovely little chat with the author about the bus incident, I was so absorbed I lost track of where I was on my trip home from work.
Take it from me, this is a book you'll want to read, just don't read it on a bus journey!

LOVED this book. Dark, twisty and unique. Sally is a complex character whom I wanted to know more about. Loved the supportive group of women in this book and how it tackled important subjects.

This was a fun and entertaining read. Well written with well developed interesting characters.

Very enjoyable.

I really enjoyed this book! The writing pulled me in right away, and I stayed invested all the way through. The characters and story were engaging, and I appreciated the pacing and tone. Definitely one I’d recommend to other readers. It felt well balanced from start to finish, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much it stuck with me afterward. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this author.

Thank you to Netgalley, Lucy Roth, and Avon Books for this story in exchange for an honest review.

Thoughts 🧠
Oh wow, When Sally Killed Harry completely sucked me in. I could not put it down and stayed up way too late reading, and my coffee consumption the next day was off the charts, but so worth it. This is Lucy Roth’s debut novel, and what a debut it is. It is sharp, darkly funny, and absolutely empowering. Sally is a protagonist you can root for, clever, fierce, and unapologetically taking back her power.

Summary 📝
After a traumatic childhood in London, Sally struggles to trust men, especially in New York’s dating scene. When her roommate Priya dares her to make it to a third date, Sally meets Harry, a man she actually likes. But the third date delivers a betrayal so sharp it cracks something open inside her, and Sally is not the same woman anymore.

With the help of Marie, her local produce vendor, Sally starts Some Women, a vigilante-style support group for women who have been wronged. What begins in a small church hall grows into a fierce, unstoppable force fueled by shared stories, righteous anger, and a bond born from survival. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and these women are not holding back.

What I Loved
The characters feel so real. They make mistakes, have fun, and have each other’s backs. Sally’s journey from keeping to herself to leading this group of women is inspiring and satisfying. Roth’s writing flows effortlessly. It hits the perfect balance of humour, suspense, and emotional depth. I laughed out loud, gasped at twists, and found myself completely invested in what these women were up to.

Bonus Points
The New York City setting adds vibrancy and life to the story. The found family dynamic among the women is wonderfully portrayed. While the title hints at the plot, there are plenty of surprises sprinkled throughout to keep the pacing tight and exciting.

Overall Thoughts
This is a smart, sassy, darkly funny thriller about revenge, sisterhood, and taking back power. I absolutely loved it and only wish it were a bit longer. I could have happily stayed in this world and with these women for many more pages. It is a must-read for fans of female-led thrillers with wit, bite, and heart.

Read this one in one sitting. I loved it so much. The title was what initially caught my eye, and I am so glad it did.

When Sally Killed Harry....well there is a bit of a spoiler in the title. Sally, who has suffered terrible abuse as a child, is hell bent on making life for women a bit easier. Revenge is a dish served bat crazy cold!

I don't know if it was my digital copy, but sometimes the story seemed to skip and jump. But apart from that it was an enjoyable read. Especially if your a woman.

I thoroughly enjoyed When Sally Killed Harry and rated it five stars. This sharp and hilarious romp turns the rom com formula on its head with a bold and unpredictable heroine at its center. Sally’s voice is fresh fierce and completely entertaining as she takes charge of her own chaos. Lucy Roth delivers a clever fast paced story full of revenge camaraderie and surprises. A wildly fun and satisfying read.

Darkly funny, twisty, and totally addictive! Sally is such an unforgettable character... chaotic, clever, and oddly relatable. This was a wild ride full of secrets, sharp humour, and plenty of "wait, what?!" moments. One for fans of domestic noir with a wicked streak.

#WhenSallyKilledHarry #LucyRoth #FourStarRead #DarkHumourThriller #DomesticNoir #BookRecommendation #BookstagramUK #ThrillerWithATwist

I really loved this book and the whole concept of the two characters! This is a revenge thriller with a twist. I loved the rom-com aspect and thought it really worked with the thriller element.

Thoughts 🧠
This is my first Lucy Roth novel, and once I started, I knew I wasn’t going anywhere for the rest of the day! This is a solid four-star read and one I highly recommend if you’re into thrillers where women take back their power, lift each other up, and remind each other just how much they deserve. This one’s got sharp wit, bite, and a whole lot of female rage.

Summary 📝
After a traumatic childhood event in London, Sally’s never been one to easily trust men-especially when it comes to NYC’s dating scene. But her roommate Priya dares her to actually make it to a third date with someone. Challenge accepted. Enter: Harry.

To Sally’s surprise, she likes Harry. Like, really likes him. Date one? Great. Date two? Even better. But then…date three delivers a betrayal so sharp it cracks something open inside her—and the woman Harry thought he could easily fool and disappear from - yeah, she’s not coming back.

What follows is Sally’s character transition - from keeping to herself to leading a movement. With the help of Marie, her no-nonsense local produce vendor, Sally forms Some Women, a vigilante-style support group for women who’ve been wronged. What starts in a church hall grows into something fierce, fueled by shared stories, righteous anger, and a bond born from survival. As the saying goes: hell hath no fury like a woman scorned—and these women aren’t playing.

This one’s out now, and trust me—you’ll want to bump it up your TBR. It’s smart, empowering, and deliciously dark.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Lucy Roth, and Avon Books for the gifted ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts—it was an absolute delight!

This was an interesting read!

I'm struggling to review this without spoiling it. But Sally is a lil crazy!

This book was very female focused and f the patriarchy and toxic men! We have women taking back their power however they can.

This was quite funny too. "I swear if he hadn't made me scream like a banshee on MDMA multiple times I would never have fallen for his nasty little trick." LOL!

My only criticism is it felt a little all over the place in parts. It skipped scenes abruptly with no page break or clear definition. That could have been the copy I received though.

Thank you Netgalley for the copy.

When Sally Killed Harry by Lucy Roth
This one surprised me with its blend of dark humor and emotional depth. The narrative voice is quirky and a little offbeat, which made the story’s heavy themes easier to digest. I found myself laughing and cringing in equal measure. The characters are messy but lovable, and the story’s mix of crime and comedy kept things fresh. Definitely recommend if you want something off the beaten path.
Rating: ★★★★☆

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK | Avon for this book for review. This was a fast and fun read. What does a girl do when she wakes up hungover and finds out her date from last night not only left her with an empty bed, but also with an empty bank account?? The only thing she can do….. find him and get revenge.

A very intriguing premise with so much female revenge that made me flip through the pages so fast! I enjoyed the book, it was an entertaining read for sure.

This book totally sucked me in from page one! I couldn't put it down - seriously stayed up way too late reading it (my coffee consumption the next day was off the charts, but worth it). The characters felt like actual people I'd want to hang out with, not those perfect-but-boring types you see in a lot of books. They made dumb decisions sometimes, just like real humans do, which made me way more invested in their story.

The writing just flowed so naturally that I kept thinking "just one more chapter" until suddenly it was 1am. It hit that perfect sweet spot between making me laugh out loud at random moments and then hitting me in the feels when I least expected it.

If you're looking for your next read, grab this one - you won't regret it! I've already messaged my friends telling them they need to read it!

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley, Lucy Roth and Avon Books UK | Avon for the eArc of When Sally Killed Harry.

When Sally Killed Harry is Lucy Roth's debut novel and what a debut it is! I loved the play on the title of this book which was a nod to the comedy romantic film when Harry met Sally. Lucy Roth carries this on within the narrative of this book, combining a cat and mouse thriller, dark humour with cosy elements. The mix works really well. Lucy's writing style follows for this medium paced book and kept me engaged throughout.

I loved Sally, she is my type of vigilante who won't be beaten down. All the characters felt they could have easily been in my life at one point or another . yes, they felt that realistic.

If you like coming of rage books that have some great satire and not to gory, this is a must read!

This book was also narrated by Grace Blyth and I adored listening to her voice.. She suited both the pacing and style of narrative so I'll be looking forward to hearing more from both Lucy Roth and Grace Blyth in the future.

4.25 stars for story graph, 4 stars for other review sites .

I loved this book. The title When Sally Killed Harry gives away the endgame, sure-but somehow, that didn't take away from the suspense at all. The storyline had so many layers, and the pacing kept me turning pages.

What really surprised me was Priya's story. I did not see that coming, and it completely shifted how I viewed the rest of the plot. The way everything connected in the end was super satisfying.

If you're into character-driven thrillers with unexpected twists (even when you think you know what's coming), definitely pick this one up.

A revenge story you are not going to want to miss out on.

loved this os much.
the entire idea of the book and being inside sally head and understanding why

It’s a tale of female revenge on all the males who have wronged them, the revenge takes multiple forms and honestly parts of this left me cringing as I imagined some of the things going on in this book

Loved the narrative
the writing and just this book in general

“I’ve woken up in the Big Apple with the world’s worst hangover, an empty bank account …. last night’s escapade is a blur …. I’ve been swindled and I’m not happy about it”
A dark comedy thriller exploring revenge and female solidarity
Sally, the witty protagonist takes shocking acts for justice
She’s such a strong character and loved how she set up the support group to help others reclaim their power and exact their revenge
Fast paced, full of humour and raw emotion with a shocking ending
Had strong Kitty Collins, Katy Brent & Bella Mackie vibes
Pour yourself a cocktail and enjoy the journey
Thanks @lucyenichol @avonbooks & @netgalley for the fab debut thriller

When Sally Killed Harry is such a fun title and it goes hand to hand with this book, which sells itself as a rom com gone rogue and it delivers. At first this book, seems like a cute rom com where girl meets the perfect guy and falls head over heels for him but then it takes a turn when Sally realises Harry is nothing more than a con man. After being conned and helping a friend, Marie, in need with a bad man in her life, Sally and Marie decide to create their own women support group, Some Women, to help women who were wronged by men in their lives.

Overall, I enjoyed this book it was a fun light read however I liked the first half of the book better than the ending.

I gave this book 3.5 stars, rounded as there are no half stars here.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A fabulously unhinged tale of friendship, female rage, and sweet, stylish revenge, this book serves big "good for her" energy with a side of cocktails and chaos. It’s darkly funny, wildly entertaining, and gives you a fierce girl gang you’ll wish you could join IRL.

Everything you could ever want from a rom-com book. Romantic, funny, mysterious, dark, thought-provoking, light-hearted but also deep.

My Bookish Thoughts 💬
Oh my goodness I had read some glowing reviews on this book and was very excited to get to it especially as it's written by a very talented neighbour, who I have chatted loads on here (still can’t believe we live ten doors apart and haven’t met yet!) Saying that after reading this revenge thriller I am not entirely sure it's a good idea! 🤣🤣

What a brilliant read—funny, dark, emotional, wickedly delicious, and often shocking. Think rom com with a razor-sharp twist.

I absolutely loved vicariously in New York, a dream of mine. Sally is a stand out protagonist. She gathers a group of wronged and together they reclaim their power in the most fabulously unhinged way. It’s got found family, sisterhood, revenge, and righteous rage. Lucy cleverly peels back the layers of each woman’s story, and I felt like I was part of their gang—rooting for them and gasping out loud at the twists!

Lucy blends humour and grit so deftly, never shying away from tough topics but handling them with wit and warmth.

If you're in the mood for a smart, sassy rom com with a serious side order of revenge murder, When Sally Killed Harry needs to be on your shelves. I suggest pouring yourself a Cosmo or Margarita and enjoy the ride.

A huge thank you to Lucy, Avon Books UK and Net Galley for sending me a digital copy in return for my honest review.

A great read by a great author. Funny, great characters, a good plot and an easy read. .a great way to get revenge!

Besides the fabulous title, When Sally Killed Harry is also fast-paced and entertaining. With humorous and memorable characters and all too relatable bad dating experiences that get way out of hand, it's an easy book to get swept up in as a group of women take their revenge against the terrible men that have screwed them over.

This was a perfectly executed revenge story. The beginning was very interesting with Sally waking up with a terrible hangover, her bank account empty and a victimized by a charming man she was dating. She finds out there are other women who were victimized by him and Sally is ready for revenge. I really felt the rage these women were feeling and I really liked this book.

This book was great, it had dark and funny moments that piqued my interests in romance and crime books, fantastic.

Revenge thrillers have been my thing lately and this one was a bit different as it was more silly than the others I’ve been reading. Parts were definitely far fetched but as this doesn’t take itself too seriously it worked. Sally was pretty one dimensional but I wasn’t looking for much from her as you knew what she was after. Overall, a quick read that was captivating and a good escape.

Revenge is best served with friends.

I absolutely devoured this 👏🏻
This is one of my favourite types of book to read. I love when a female gets revenge and the lengths to which she’ll go to achieve it.

This one felt slightly different as it was more ‘I hate the men who’ve done bad things’ and a little less ‘I hate every man’ which can sometimes come across in others.

The story is pretty obvious, the title gives away the plot. However, the amount of things that happened in this book that I wasn’t expecting, was brilliant! They were dotted throughout and it meant the book had great pacing and made me want to keep reading.

I loved Priya’s storyline the most, I wish there was a little more said but it was so unexpected.

The way Sally befriended the other girls was lovely and they came together to better themselves and their situations. Some Women 💪🏻

Sallys relationship with Harry made you feel that pull. Being torn in different direction as to what was morally right and wrong.

I just wish the book was a bit longer. I could have carried on reading 📖

When Sally Killed Harry is a fast-paced, witty, and darkly humorous thriller that perfectly fits the current trend of female-led revenge stories. If you’re a fan of Katy Brent, you’ll love this book.

Sally is a bold, brash, and flawed protagonist, but as the layers of her character are peeled back, she becomes more relatable than she ought to be. While she’s focused on her own revenge, she also empowers other women who have been wronged, forming a support group that helps them take back control of their own narratives. The bond between these women—each from different backgrounds but united by shared experiences—adds depth and heart to the story.

The book is an engaging mix of thrilling, funny, and heartbreaking moments. Some of the women’s stories are infuriatingly realistic, making you want to scream, but the sharp writing and snappy dialogue balance the darkness with humor. Roth does an excellent job of highlighting how often women’s stories are overshadowed, and Sally is determined to change that.

This is a brilliantly written, compulsively readable revenge thriller that will hook you from the first page.

A great read especially if you like the revenge killer feminist thriller!!! I liked the way the female wronged came together to avenge their torturer, and no, not always through a fatal end!! Their support group, disguised as a feminist book club, allowed them to unite, draw strength and begin to heal from the damage left behind from their experiences. The book brought together various themes of abuse, power, and control. I liked the way the book had pace, no long lingering over-explained build up. No time to get bored, just time to enjoy the ride!

I was hooked from the beginning!!
It was amazing and engaging.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

As soon as I read the blurb for this book, I thought it sounded right up my street and I thought I was in for a good time. And thankfully that is exactly what I got!
Right from the start I was hooked. I was fully interested and invested in the characters and I couldn't put it down.
I liked the writing style, the characters and the setting. It really was such an easy, fast paced, entertaining read that had me smiling throughout.
I did like the fact that we follow the story solely through the main character Sally's POV. I found her to be likeable and I was fully on her side throughout.
This was packed full of good for her energy and was a great depiction of female friendships.
I'm not sure why I have seen so many bad reviews for this book as I had such a great time reading it, so if the blurb sounds good to you, I urge you to give it a go.
This is a debut novel from this author and I will definitely be reading more from her in the future!
I loved it!

Female rage is fast becoming one of my favourite genres - it's so refreshing to see women depicted as being driven by their base instincts rather than hemmed in by society's expectations. Obviously, I don't advocate running off and murdering men (even if they are truly terrible men) in the name of feminism...but it makes for fun reading! Also, I find that these books often show deep female relationships and that was definitely the case here.

The general premise is one that I think most women have at least second-hand, if not first-hand, experience of: being cat-fished/abused/conned/insert heinous behaviour by a man they thought was decent. The fallout from these encounters can last a lifetime and fundamentally change who we are. After being spiked and robbed of her savings, Sally decides to get her own back. Along the way, she meets Marie, whose husband beats and berates her incessantly. Together they create the 'Some Women' club to help each other and their friends/colleagues/women they randomly meet wreak their revenge.

The whole thing is ridiculously far-fetched and over the top, but that's what makes it so enjoyable. It's women in glorious technicolour roaming the sleek bars and rooftop terraces of New York and claiming scalps. There is a tender element to the book as well, both from Sally's earlier life, which we see in flashbacks, and in the joy she takes from the blossoming of Marie, who was probably my favourite character. Are the men in the book one-dimensional tropes? Yes, but we've had to put up with female characters being this way for eternity, so why not?

This theme of book seems to be very popular at the moment and I am living for it. All of these female characters taking back power (a bit too much) but the stories of these female serial killers are told with a hint of humour. When Sally Killed Harry fit this description perfectly.

I found this a really easy book to read. The plot was engaging and the characters were all likeable (apart from the men, of course). This was very paced and a lot happens once this group of scorned women get together, but it was equal parts thrilling, funny and heartbreaking. If I thought too much about it, what these women went through and the hands of men made me incredibly sad, but then a smart one liner or an outlandish scheme would pop up and make me laugh.

Sally was a great main character. She was riddled with baggage and all of it was catching up to her mentally. However she put that aside to help the women that had crossed her path as well as plotting her own devious revenge.

If you're a Katy Brent fan, you'll love this book as much as I did. Super snappy, witty and entertaining. A great read.

When Sally Killed Harry is not a sweet laugh out romcom. It is a twisted psychological cat and mouse thriller about a woman, Sally, who was conned by a guy she met on a dating app, Harry and sought out to seek revenge. Not just for Harry but for a slew of women in her circle who have also been wronged by men. This book is an ode to female empowerment, to women standing up for themselves (albeit a bit too far!) and to women being strong, independent and loyal to each other. I loved how twisted and clever it was until the very last page. Just a fun wild ride. Out this week.

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘒𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 is the first revenge thriller from Lucy Roth, the pen name of author Lucy Nichols.

The title plays on the classic rom-com, but the cover makes it clear that this is one gone rogue.

The first 20% or so focuses on Sally's dating history, whilst not my usual style, the humour and Sally's brilliant character kept me engaged. After that, strap in, because we’re firmly in feminist thriller territory. Oh yes!

Sally, is a single Brit living in NYC with her housemate, Priya. It is gradually revealed why she left London and also what has bonded the two so closely. Venturing back into the dating scene, Sally meets Harry. He seems perfect and she’s doing her best not to catch or give into feelings. He’s perfect – until he’s not. One morning, Sally wakes with a raging headache, realising she has been spiked and her bank account emptied. It isn't a rom-com Sally is in after all, it's a rom-con.

This leads Sally to befriending a wide range of women. This is a group that wouldn't necessarily usually hang out together – we have women of all ages, backgrounds, faith etc. However their unlikely friendship is forged by the fact they have all been wronged by bad men. Together, they form a clandestine group, meeting under the alias of the Thursday Feminist Book Club.

"𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯."

You’ll be rooting for them and as the book progresses, we get a real insight into what drives Sally. Funny, thrilling and full of great song choices!

Many thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for providing this free copy in return for an honest review]

Dark but extremely funny! Sally has been badly treated by men since childhood and it has made her streetwise and definitely not easily fooled. She goes out with men for one night only because she is so wary of getting involved – until she meets Harry! Sally sees Harry as being different from the rest. He is charming and empathetic and Sally goes out with him several times until he spikes her drink and steals all her money. However, he chose the wrong woman to mess with and Sally is determined to get her revenge. She gets together with a group of women who have all been abused and one by one they get their own back on all the men who have treated them badly. The last one to be revenged is Harry and Sally has had to work hard to track him down and deal with him. Great characters, great story and great humour! Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this funny book.