What do you think?
Rate this book
Her
She works for the local authorities and is on a killing spree in Plymouth. She only kills bad guys. That makes it okay... right?
She said she will help you get your life back on track.
She told you, you are worth more than this.
She said she wants to help
It's her job.
She said you should have done more.
She told you, you had your chance to change.
She said she can't stand by and watch you destroy others.
It's you next.
Her, is the debut novel by author, C.M. Serpell. The novel follows the journey of a woman who is beginning her journey as a serial killer. Her job means that she is supposed to be one of the good guys, but if she starts killing off the bad people, is she a hero or a villain?
This book follows the underworld of Plymouth, exploring the crimes and mistakes that are made and one woman's judgement on if their crimes warrant being murdered.
She said she will help you get your life back on track.
She told you, you are worth more than this.
She said she wants to help
It's her job.
She said you should have done more.
She told you, you had your chance to change.
She said she can't stand by and watch you destroy others.
It's you next.
Her, is the debut novel by author, C.M. Serpell. The novel follows the journey of a woman who is beginning her journey as a serial killer. Her job means that she is supposed to be one of the good guys, but if she starts killing off the bad people, is she a hero or a villain?
This book follows the underworld of Plymouth, exploring the crimes and mistakes that are made and one woman's judgement on if their crimes warrant being murdered.
294 pages, Paperback
Published April 11, 2023
7 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 22, 2024
This book follows a woman who works alongside police, social services, etc, and sees all sorts of bad people and bad situations. Seeing how unfair the system can be, she chooses to take justice into her own hands.
This was a fairly fast-paced book, each chapter following a different story, that are all connected in some way. This one really had me questioning my morals as I found I was rooting for the main character. I'm looking forward to starting the sequel.
This was a fairly fast-paced book, each chapter following a different story, that are all connected in some way. This one really had me questioning my morals as I found I was rooting for the main character. I'm looking forward to starting the sequel.
May 19, 2023
HER follows a woman, who works for the criminal justice system, in Plymouth on the start of a journey to becoming a serial killer. Her line of work was a big help when it came to choosing her victims.
There was a great mix of interesting characters, although I wouldn’t say they were very likeable but I think that was the point, it left you questioning whether you agreed with the killer and if her killing was justified. The characters also played a big part in trying to figure out who ‘HER’ was which left you guessing until the very end of the book.
I enjoyed the plot and the writing, it was a medium paced read and was character driven but I would say there wasn’t many twists or suspense.
But Serpells writing pulled me into each scene and gave a glimpse into the ‘dark side’ of Plymouth.
It all came together well at the end and definitely has potential for a second book to see what ‘HER’ gets up to next.
Overall it was a thought provoking, gritty crime thriller with a whodunnit guessing game.
There was a great mix of interesting characters, although I wouldn’t say they were very likeable but I think that was the point, it left you questioning whether you agreed with the killer and if her killing was justified. The characters also played a big part in trying to figure out who ‘HER’ was which left you guessing until the very end of the book.
I enjoyed the plot and the writing, it was a medium paced read and was character driven but I would say there wasn’t many twists or suspense.
But Serpells writing pulled me into each scene and gave a glimpse into the ‘dark side’ of Plymouth.
It all came together well at the end and definitely has potential for a second book to see what ‘HER’ gets up to next.
Overall it was a thought provoking, gritty crime thriller with a whodunnit guessing game.
May 15, 2023
Amazing debut novel - an incredibly realistic novel showing the ups and downs of working in the criminal justice system & support services; although I hope fewer staff are actually killing clients!
Great writing, great characters - a proper whodunit page turner - can’t wait for the next book from this author ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great writing, great characters - a proper whodunit page turner - can’t wait for the next book from this author ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 28, 2023
A cracking debut!
I read a lot of books and I find a lot of thrillers these days can be very similar. Not this one! ‘Her’ is very different to anything I’ve read before and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Abusers, paedophiles, murderers – they’re not nice people! Prison is where they belong, but often a spell inside doesn’t even make them change their ways. We follow ‘Her’ in this story as she goes all vigilante and decides to help rid the streets of Plymouth of some of these nasties!
This story follows multiple characters’ perspectives and is very character driven, initially, I was worried I’d get confused with all the different names, but I actually found it very easy to follow and remember who was who. It was a bit like when you have lots of different people and they’re separate stories in a drama series, but they all connect in some way or another. I found this style of writing very easy to read and I thought it was a refreshing change from just reading one or two characters perspectives.
I loved the short chapters in this book, I think that’s part of what made it so easy to follow all the different characters. Whilst I wouldn’t say this is a book full of suspense it is certainly one that is full of intrigue! I raced through the pages, picking up the book any chance I got, keen to know who ‘Her’ was and what would happen come the end!
This story is very cleverly written and incredibly detailed. The author’s past career in a prison has really come in handy with writing this book, her knowledge of certain things shines through.
I absolutely loved that this book was set in Plymouth, my home town, I could picture everything perfectly and it made the story and the characters seem so real!
This is a great debut, I can’t wait to read more from C M Serpell. The ending certainly left me wanting more from ‘Her’. Here’s my request for a sequel 😀
I read a lot of books and I find a lot of thrillers these days can be very similar. Not this one! ‘Her’ is very different to anything I’ve read before and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Abusers, paedophiles, murderers – they’re not nice people! Prison is where they belong, but often a spell inside doesn’t even make them change their ways. We follow ‘Her’ in this story as she goes all vigilante and decides to help rid the streets of Plymouth of some of these nasties!
This story follows multiple characters’ perspectives and is very character driven, initially, I was worried I’d get confused with all the different names, but I actually found it very easy to follow and remember who was who. It was a bit like when you have lots of different people and they’re separate stories in a drama series, but they all connect in some way or another. I found this style of writing very easy to read and I thought it was a refreshing change from just reading one or two characters perspectives.
I loved the short chapters in this book, I think that’s part of what made it so easy to follow all the different characters. Whilst I wouldn’t say this is a book full of suspense it is certainly one that is full of intrigue! I raced through the pages, picking up the book any chance I got, keen to know who ‘Her’ was and what would happen come the end!
This story is very cleverly written and incredibly detailed. The author’s past career in a prison has really come in handy with writing this book, her knowledge of certain things shines through.
I absolutely loved that this book was set in Plymouth, my home town, I could picture everything perfectly and it made the story and the characters seem so real!
This is a great debut, I can’t wait to read more from C M Serpell. The ending certainly left me wanting more from ‘Her’. Here’s my request for a sequel 😀
May 19, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟
“Her” is an unusual debut novel that follows a public servant who has become frustrated and discouraged by her job. The wheels of justice turn too slowly and she’s decided to help it along by thinking outside the law! Her process is extreme but effective.
The professionals…Law Enforcement, Social Workers, Probation Officers, etc…overworked public servants trying to make a difference. Some of their duties include counseling drug addicts, keeping families safe from neglectful parents or abusive husbands, and keeping criminals off the streets.
But your job begins to feel hopeless when you see the same thing every day. A junkie that continues draining community resources because she can’t stay clean, no matter how much help she receives. An alcoholic that committed vehicular homicide and returned to his old drinking habits as soon as he was released from prison. And so many more that continue to repeatedly hurt their children and other family members. Don’t the innocents deserve better?
What do you do when your job gets to be too much? You can be proactive and find better solutions. Sometimes you have to be creative!
Sincere thanks to C.M. Serpell for this gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
Is there a sequel on the horizon?
#Her #CMSerpell #DebutNovel #debutthriller #honestreview #giftedARC #Original #serialkiller #IsThereAHerTwo #LawEnforcement #SocialWorkers #ProbationOfficers #thrillerfriendsunite #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks #cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks
“Her” is an unusual debut novel that follows a public servant who has become frustrated and discouraged by her job. The wheels of justice turn too slowly and she’s decided to help it along by thinking outside the law! Her process is extreme but effective.
The professionals…Law Enforcement, Social Workers, Probation Officers, etc…overworked public servants trying to make a difference. Some of their duties include counseling drug addicts, keeping families safe from neglectful parents or abusive husbands, and keeping criminals off the streets.
But your job begins to feel hopeless when you see the same thing every day. A junkie that continues draining community resources because she can’t stay clean, no matter how much help she receives. An alcoholic that committed vehicular homicide and returned to his old drinking habits as soon as he was released from prison. And so many more that continue to repeatedly hurt their children and other family members. Don’t the innocents deserve better?
What do you do when your job gets to be too much? You can be proactive and find better solutions. Sometimes you have to be creative!
Sincere thanks to C.M. Serpell for this gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
Is there a sequel on the horizon?
#Her #CMSerpell #DebutNovel #debutthriller #honestreview #giftedARC #Original #serialkiller #IsThereAHerTwo #LawEnforcement #SocialWorkers #ProbationOfficers #thrillerfriendsunite #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks #cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks
August 6, 2023
HER is a mystery thriller by CM Serpell that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end of the book. This story is told in multiple POVs throughout. When I started it I thought it would be really hard to keep up with all of the storylines, but the multiple POVs actually added a lot of depth to the story. It was a quick, easy, and satisfying read. I definitely recommend it for an afternoon of suspenseful reading.
HER is a serial killer vigilante in the making. Her job is to serve and protect the community, but somewhere along the way she goes off the rails. Frustrated with the system and the unwillingness of people to do the right thing, she starts to take matters into her own hands. Domestic abuser, pedophiles, drug users and pushers, no one is safe from her vengeance.
HER wasn't completely predictable and was a pretty good whodunit for about two-thirds of the book. I was able to guess the culprit at that point, but the story was still engaging until the end. This is a great debut novel for this author, and I hope we get to read more from her soon.
HER is a serial killer vigilante in the making. Her job is to serve and protect the community, but somewhere along the way she goes off the rails. Frustrated with the system and the unwillingness of people to do the right thing, she starts to take matters into her own hands. Domestic abuser, pedophiles, drug users and pushers, no one is safe from her vengeance.
HER wasn't completely predictable and was a pretty good whodunit for about two-thirds of the book. I was able to guess the culprit at that point, but the story was still engaging until the end. This is a great debut novel for this author, and I hope we get to read more from her soon.
June 27, 2024
Such a great read! I wasn’t sure what to expect but once I started I couldn’t put it down.
I love that the killer was called ‘Her’ all the way through the book, although she didn’t see herself as a killer, and also loved the multiple POV’s so we got to know all the people involved in the story.
Crazy how connected all of those different lives were and how one simple action can cause such misery and heartbreak. Just goes to show we never know all about a person, not really.
The plot twists were great as was the evolving story and how it all came together. Can’t wait to read him now and see if it’s as good as this one!
I love that the killer was called ‘Her’ all the way through the book, although she didn’t see herself as a killer, and also loved the multiple POV’s so we got to know all the people involved in the story.
Crazy how connected all of those different lives were and how one simple action can cause such misery and heartbreak. Just goes to show we never know all about a person, not really.
The plot twists were great as was the evolving story and how it all came together. Can’t wait to read him now and see if it’s as good as this one!
June 26, 2023
This was a thoroughly deep and dark dive into the grittier side of police, addiction and family services in Plymouth. I loved the contemporary setting and the slightly twisted traits of pretty much all the characters - it really kept me guessing right until the end about who was murdering the ‘undesirables’. If this debut is anything to go by, I’d say this is an author to watch . . . Can’t wait to find out if there will be a sequel to ‘Her’ or if we’ll get more of this steely, hypnotic writing in an entirely different story. I’d be up for either!
June 22, 2023
This book really had me questioning my morals. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions, which is what I love when I delve into a story.
I also love that the setting was in Plymouth so I could properly visualise where some of the scenes took place. It made it immersive and when I revisit those places, I can picture what occurred, which makes it feel more like I’m walking a real life crime scene.
I cannot wait for more from this author! Do we get a sequel? 👀😍
I also love that the setting was in Plymouth so I could properly visualise where some of the scenes took place. It made it immersive and when I revisit those places, I can picture what occurred, which makes it feel more like I’m walking a real life crime scene.
I cannot wait for more from this author! Do we get a sequel? 👀😍
June 25, 2023
The plot was gripping, and I was kept guessing until the end of the book. The characters are plausible, and it is clear that the author has a good understanding of a way of life that is alien to many. I have learnt a lot about the different authorities and how they interact. C.M. Serpell is a talented new author, and I hope this book will be the first of many.
September 19, 2024
I wasn't sure where, or who, the murders would be by. It surprised me who it turned out to be, and I can sympathize with her reasoning, no matter how cold the deed was. I loved the multiple character list, and the way they all had a part to play in the murders in one way or another. I will read more by this lady.
June 28, 2023
Loved this from start to finish. I did pick up who the killer was before the end as the name appeared early on but it still left me wondering how it was going to all come together. Hopefully there will be a sequel…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2023
Great book
I really enjoyed this book and can see that a sequel could come from it. My daughter recommended that I read this and I am so glad she did as I hadn’t heard about the book or the author prior to that. Highly recommend this book, you won’t be disappointed.
I really enjoyed this book and can see that a sequel could come from it. My daughter recommended that I read this and I am so glad she did as I hadn’t heard about the book or the author prior to that. Highly recommend this book, you won’t be disappointed.
July 9, 2023
Although the stories were good, I felt at times it was hard to keep up with all the different characters, I would have enjoyed more background on Her.
July 14, 2023
Excellent read
Very good book and loved the references to Plymouth. Clever writing and an enjoyable read. Hard to put down at times
Very good book and loved the references to Plymouth. Clever writing and an enjoyable read. Hard to put down at times
August 4, 2023
Mmmmm not sure about this one. Not much suspense.
January 5, 2024
Such a different style of thriller than I’ve read before. Realistic views and insight into how the system works.
September 1, 2024
Her
by C.M. Serpell
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⇝ ★★★★☆
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ↴
This was an interesting book for me, each chapter was a different POV with different stories, the common denominator, a woman who works with professionals (cops, social workers, etc) and decides to take matters into her own hands to get rid of everything that’s wrong with the world, to her those are drug addicts, alcoholics and abusive partners. I always enjoy a good book that gets the brain going, I loved trying to guess who “Her” was. If you like a thought provoking book then this is the one for you. I can’t wait to get to the second book.
Side note: Marie sure knows how to pick them…. First an abusive husband and then his pedophile “bestie.” Though the way they judged her as if she were the one molesting her children didn’t sit right with me. Everyone in this book was incredibly judgy, they were throwing stones as if their homes weren’t made of glass as well. Overall it was a good and entertaining read.
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 ↴
Drug use, alcohol use, pedophilia, cheating
𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐲? ↴
Yes I would but it does have some heavy topics. With that being said, please proceed with caution.
🫧 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 📖
by C.M. Serpell
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⇝ ★★★★☆
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ↴
This was an interesting book for me, each chapter was a different POV with different stories, the common denominator, a woman who works with professionals (cops, social workers, etc) and decides to take matters into her own hands to get rid of everything that’s wrong with the world, to her those are drug addicts, alcoholics and abusive partners. I always enjoy a good book that gets the brain going, I loved trying to guess who “Her” was. If you like a thought provoking book then this is the one for you. I can’t wait to get to the second book.
Side note: Marie sure knows how to pick them…. First an abusive husband and then his pedophile “bestie.” Though the way they judged her as if she were the one molesting her children didn’t sit right with me. Everyone in this book was incredibly judgy, they were throwing stones as if their homes weren’t made of glass as well. Overall it was a good and entertaining read.
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 ↴
Drug use, alcohol use, pedophilia, cheating
𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐲? ↴
Yes I would but it does have some heavy topics. With that being said, please proceed with caution.
🫧 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 📖
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews