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Ladykiller
A previous cover edition for this ASIN can be found here
When an heiress goes missing, her best friend races to unravel the secrets behind her disappearance using clues left behind in an explosive manuscript…
Gia and Abby have been best friends since they were girls, forever bonded by the tragedy that unfolded in Greece when they were eighteen. In the aftermath, bookish Abby threw herself into her studies while heiress Gia chronicled the events of that fateful summer in a salacious memoir.
Twelve years later, Gia is back in Greece for the summer with her shiny new husband and a motley crew of glamorous guests, preparing to sell the family estate in the wake of her father’s death. When Abby receives an invitation from Gia to celebrate her birthday in September beneath the Northern Lights, she’s thrilled to be granted the time off from her high-pressure job. But the day of her flight, she receives a mysterious, threatening email in her inbox, and when she and Gia’s brother Benny arrive at the Swedish resort, Gia isn’t there. After days of cryptic messages and unanswered calls, Abby and Benny are worried enough to fly to Greece to check on her.
Only, when they arrive, they find Gia’s beachfront estate eerily deserted, the sole clue to her whereabouts a manuscript she wrote detailing the events leading up to her disappearance. The pages reveal the dark truth about Gia’s provocative new marriage and the dirty secrets of the guests they entertained with fizzy champagne under the hot Mediterranean sun. As tensions rise, Gia feels less and less safe in her own home. But the pages end abruptly, leaving Abby and Benny with more questions than answers.
Where is Gia now? And, more importantly, will they find her before it’s too late?
When an heiress goes missing, her best friend races to unravel the secrets behind her disappearance using clues left behind in an explosive manuscript…
Gia and Abby have been best friends since they were girls, forever bonded by the tragedy that unfolded in Greece when they were eighteen. In the aftermath, bookish Abby threw herself into her studies while heiress Gia chronicled the events of that fateful summer in a salacious memoir.
Twelve years later, Gia is back in Greece for the summer with her shiny new husband and a motley crew of glamorous guests, preparing to sell the family estate in the wake of her father’s death. When Abby receives an invitation from Gia to celebrate her birthday in September beneath the Northern Lights, she’s thrilled to be granted the time off from her high-pressure job. But the day of her flight, she receives a mysterious, threatening email in her inbox, and when she and Gia’s brother Benny arrive at the Swedish resort, Gia isn’t there. After days of cryptic messages and unanswered calls, Abby and Benny are worried enough to fly to Greece to check on her.
Only, when they arrive, they find Gia’s beachfront estate eerily deserted, the sole clue to her whereabouts a manuscript she wrote detailing the events leading up to her disappearance. The pages reveal the dark truth about Gia’s provocative new marriage and the dirty secrets of the guests they entertained with fizzy champagne under the hot Mediterranean sun. As tensions rise, Gia feels less and less safe in her own home. But the pages end abruptly, leaving Abby and Benny with more questions than answers.
Where is Gia now? And, more importantly, will they find her before it’s too late?
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,163 reviews
January 5, 2024
✎𓂃
“‘His stories were good because he imagined them intensely, so intensely that he came to believe them.’ -Patricia Highsmith, The Talented Mr. Ripley”
☆Summary:
Childhood best friends Abby and Gia were born of polar opposite circumstances–Gia, a rich heiress, and Abby, the daughter of the family’s chef. As Gia’s father had grown fond of Abby, he generously paid for her schooling, bringing the two girls closer together.
Twelve years after a tragedy at Gia’s family’s summer estate in Greece (detailed in Gia’s memoir), the girls and Gia’s brother Benny are reuniting in Sweden for Gia’s birthday. When Gia doesn’t show, suspicions grow, causing Abby and Benny to race back to Greece for answers. What they find at the house is chilling: an unfinished manuscript in which Gia unveils the ominous summer events leading up to her disappearance, involving her husband and two additional guests. But where is Gia now? Is what she wrote in her manuscript true? And the threatening emails Abby has been receiving–could someone out there know her secret? The truth will out, whether these characters like it or not 🔪
☆The Pace and Writing:
The first 70% or so of this book toggles between the present day in Abby’s POV and chapters of Gia’s unfinished manuscript. After reading the blurb, I didn’t expect to be immediately hit with Gia’s manuscript. It ended up taking up a larger portion of this book than I expected and tbh, I felt it took too long for Gia’s story to get to the point. Conversely, I wanted Abby’s storyline to catch up. All of these aspects made this a slower pace than I would have liked 😴 At the 50% mark however, the mystery and suspense *finally* picked up and I flew through a handful of chapters! And then proceeded to lose its momentum.
Personally, I preferred Abby’s POV over Gia’s, as Abby felt much more personable. Gia’s POV didn’t read as naturally for me, as she lacked dimensionality, but this did aid in further reinforcing her character’s demeanor.
☆My Thoughts:
I was SO EXCITED for Ladykiller!! The title, the cover, the synopsis, like come on!! I saw “Greece” and immediately needed to read this, like plz take me away on a Greek vacation asap (preferably where there might be some attractive Greek men, never hurts lmao 😎)!! It sounded so interesting and unique, exactly the kind of thriller I’ve been craving.
Overall, this did and didn’t deliver. The setting? 10/10, take me there now! Gia’s POV had me wishing I was a rich heiress having the time of my life, soaking up all the sun in Greece without a care in the world.
The mystery? While suspenseful, I was hoping for more. I think the plot had so many opportunities to take readers down the twistiest of roads, however most of them I was able to guess. When looking at the title, I was expecting something gruesome, but this gave off a weird what-if vibe instead. For that reason, though very catchy, I’m not sure the title is fitting.
Gia is the definition of a clueless rich person. Stuck in her ways, in her ego–she has all the blinders on and can’t tell when she’s making a stupid decision (which was all the time!! 🤬). She falls too hard and is extremely apathetic towards others. I despised this character more as the book progressed.
Abby is the realist of the bunch–understandably as she was not brought up the same and has a better grasp on the world. She was much more relatable, being the practical one, the voice of reason. I also liked how most of her chapters were quick and to the point!
Would I recommend this?
ONLY if you like ambiguous endings. I felt like I was left with so many questions at the end, so if that’s your jam, have at it!
A very special thanks to Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and Netgalley for sharing this advanced copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts!! Quotes used in this review have been taken from an advanced reader copy, and as such are subject to change in its final version.
Ladykiller is expected to be published on July 9, 2024.
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just approved for this arc and so excited to dive in! 🩵
the title!! i am so intrigued 👀
☆Summary:
Childhood best friends Abby and Gia were born of polar opposite circumstances–Gia, a rich heiress, and Abby, the daughter of the family’s chef. As Gia’s father had grown fond of Abby, he generously paid for her schooling, bringing the two girls closer together.
Twelve years after a tragedy at Gia’s family’s summer estate in Greece (detailed in Gia’s memoir), the girls and Gia’s brother Benny are reuniting in Sweden for Gia’s birthday. When Gia doesn’t show, suspicions grow, causing Abby and Benny to race back to Greece for answers. What they find at the house is chilling: an unfinished manuscript in which Gia unveils the ominous summer events leading up to her disappearance, involving her husband and two additional guests. But where is Gia now? Is what she wrote in her manuscript true? And the threatening emails Abby has been receiving–could someone out there know her secret? The truth will out, whether these characters like it or not 🔪
☆The Pace and Writing:
The first 70% or so of this book toggles between the present day in Abby’s POV and chapters of Gia’s unfinished manuscript. After reading the blurb, I didn’t expect to be immediately hit with Gia’s manuscript. It ended up taking up a larger portion of this book than I expected and tbh, I felt it took too long for Gia’s story to get to the point. Conversely, I wanted Abby’s storyline to catch up. All of these aspects made this a slower pace than I would have liked 😴 At the 50% mark however, the mystery and suspense *finally* picked up and I flew through a handful of chapters! And then proceeded to lose its momentum.
Personally, I preferred Abby’s POV over Gia’s, as Abby felt much more personable. Gia’s POV didn’t read as naturally for me, as she lacked dimensionality, but this did aid in further reinforcing her character’s demeanor.
☆My Thoughts:
I was SO EXCITED for Ladykiller!! The title, the cover, the synopsis, like come on!! I saw “Greece” and immediately needed to read this, like plz take me away on a Greek vacation asap (preferably where there might be some attractive Greek men, never hurts lmao 😎)!! It sounded so interesting and unique, exactly the kind of thriller I’ve been craving.
Overall, this did and didn’t deliver. The setting? 10/10, take me there now! Gia’s POV had me wishing I was a rich heiress having the time of my life, soaking up all the sun in Greece without a care in the world.
The mystery? While suspenseful, I was hoping for more. I think the plot had so many opportunities to take readers down the twistiest of roads, however most of them I was able to guess. When looking at the title, I was expecting something gruesome, but this gave off a weird what-if vibe instead. For that reason, though very catchy, I’m not sure the title is fitting.
Gia is the definition of a clueless rich person. Stuck in her ways, in her ego–she has all the blinders on and can’t tell when she’s making a stupid decision (which was all the time!! 🤬). She falls too hard and is extremely apathetic towards others. I despised this character more as the book progressed.
Abby is the realist of the bunch–understandably as she was not brought up the same and has a better grasp on the world. She was much more relatable, being the practical one, the voice of reason. I also liked how most of her chapters were quick and to the point!
Would I recommend this?
ONLY if you like ambiguous endings. I felt like I was left with so many questions at the end, so if that’s your jam, have at it!
A very special thanks to Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and Netgalley for sharing this advanced copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts!! Quotes used in this review have been taken from an advanced reader copy, and as such are subject to change in its final version.
Ladykiller is expected to be published on July 9, 2024.
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just approved for this arc and so excited to dive in! 🩵
the title!! i am so intrigued 👀
July 9, 2024
Ladykiller started off strong and it was great until the ending! The ending was a total letdown. It didn’t leave me with any closure at all or bring the book together. It left me with so many questions. It was really a bummer. I really loved the setting, and the author did a wonderful job making you feel like you were there. The pacing and the storyline were great, and I was fully invested until the ending. This wouldn’t have been 4 stars if the ending would have been full circle.
Thank you, Net Galley and Random House- Ballantine, for a copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you, Net Galley and Random House- Ballantine, for a copy in return for my honest review.
July 3, 2024
While I normally include the publisher provided synopsis, I felt as though this one gave too much away. Plus, after going into Ladykiller blind, I strongly recommend you do so as well. There were just so many delicious twists and turns. So give it a go. If, however, you’re one of THOSE people, scroll to the end of my review for the blurb…
A twisty, twisty plot scattered with deftly obscured clues, Ladykiller was immersive storytelling at its best. With vivid descriptions and evocative prose, I felt transported to the sandy beaches and whitewashed buildings of the Greek Isles. But it was the finely layered plot that kept me reading. Peppered with suspense that only ratcheted higher and higher, the buildup had my fingers flying as my brain worked doubletime trying to see behind the skillfully woven curtain. No matter what I came up with, however, I just couldn’t do it.
The characters easily matched the storyline step for step. From the complex group dynamics to the addictive narrative cocktail, a dark history was masterfully interwoven by dual alternating timelines and POVs. Told via Abby in the present and Gia’s manuscript of the past, this tale of metafiction was compelling to be sure. Especially given their realistic personas and true-to-life verve. Altogether, they painted a gripping portrait right up until the end. At least, very nearly.
See, my biggest hang up with this breathtaking psychological thriller was the finale. Without a true conclusion or even a hint at a clue, it was left almost entirely open ended. There could have been so many ways to give the same feel while also providing some answers. So despite the possibility that it could work for others, it left me relatively frustrated even if it was what the author was going for all said and done.
Just the same, the compelling intrigue, thought-provoking drama, and complicated friendships means that this book is sure to stay alive for me long after closing the gorgeous cover. From the dark secrets to multiple suspicious individuals, Wood’s debut novel will surely make quite a mark in the genre. After all, it had it all with rich people behaving badly, a judicious dose of spice, an enigmatic mystery, and underhanded motives. So here’s hoping there’s a book two in the works because I would happily follow Ms. Wood back into this stunning world in a heartbeat. Rating of 4 stars.
As promised, here’s the synopsis…
Gia and Abby have been friends since childhood, forever bonded by the tragedy that unfolded in Greece when they were eighteen. Now thirty, heiress Gia is back in Greece with her shiny new husband, entertaining glamorous guests with champagne under the hot Mediterranean sun, while bookish Abby is working fourteen-hour days as an attorney. When Gia invites Abby on an all-expenses-paid trip to Sweden to celebrate her birthday, Abby’s thrilled to reconnect.
But on the day of her flight, Abby receives an ominous email that threatens to unearth the skeletons of her past, and when she and Gia’s brother, Benny, arrive in Sweden, Gia isn’t there. Worried, Abby and Benny fly to Greece, where they find Gia’s beachfront estate eerily deserted, the sole clue to her whereabouts the manuscript she penned, detailing the events leading up to her disappearance. Gia’s narrative reveals the dark truth about her provocative new marriage and the dirty secrets of their seductive guests, a story almost too scandalous to be believed. But the pages end abruptly, leaving more questions than answers.
How much of Gia’s story is true? Where is she now? And will Abby find her before it’s too late?
Thank you to Katherine Wood and Random House Publishing Group - Bantam for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 9, 2024
Trigger warning: gaslighting, infidelity, mention of: kidnapping
A twisty, twisty plot scattered with deftly obscured clues, Ladykiller was immersive storytelling at its best. With vivid descriptions and evocative prose, I felt transported to the sandy beaches and whitewashed buildings of the Greek Isles. But it was the finely layered plot that kept me reading. Peppered with suspense that only ratcheted higher and higher, the buildup had my fingers flying as my brain worked doubletime trying to see behind the skillfully woven curtain. No matter what I came up with, however, I just couldn’t do it.
The characters easily matched the storyline step for step. From the complex group dynamics to the addictive narrative cocktail, a dark history was masterfully interwoven by dual alternating timelines and POVs. Told via Abby in the present and Gia’s manuscript of the past, this tale of metafiction was compelling to be sure. Especially given their realistic personas and true-to-life verve. Altogether, they painted a gripping portrait right up until the end. At least, very nearly.
See, my biggest hang up with this breathtaking psychological thriller was the finale. Without a true conclusion or even a hint at a clue, it was left almost entirely open ended. There could have been so many ways to give the same feel while also providing some answers. So despite the possibility that it could work for others, it left me relatively frustrated even if it was what the author was going for all said and done.
Just the same, the compelling intrigue, thought-provoking drama, and complicated friendships means that this book is sure to stay alive for me long after closing the gorgeous cover. From the dark secrets to multiple suspicious individuals, Wood’s debut novel will surely make quite a mark in the genre. After all, it had it all with rich people behaving badly, a judicious dose of spice, an enigmatic mystery, and underhanded motives. So here’s hoping there’s a book two in the works because I would happily follow Ms. Wood back into this stunning world in a heartbeat. Rating of 4 stars.
As promised, here’s the synopsis…
Gia and Abby have been friends since childhood, forever bonded by the tragedy that unfolded in Greece when they were eighteen. Now thirty, heiress Gia is back in Greece with her shiny new husband, entertaining glamorous guests with champagne under the hot Mediterranean sun, while bookish Abby is working fourteen-hour days as an attorney. When Gia invites Abby on an all-expenses-paid trip to Sweden to celebrate her birthday, Abby’s thrilled to reconnect.
But on the day of her flight, Abby receives an ominous email that threatens to unearth the skeletons of her past, and when she and Gia’s brother, Benny, arrive in Sweden, Gia isn’t there. Worried, Abby and Benny fly to Greece, where they find Gia’s beachfront estate eerily deserted, the sole clue to her whereabouts the manuscript she penned, detailing the events leading up to her disappearance. Gia’s narrative reveals the dark truth about her provocative new marriage and the dirty secrets of their seductive guests, a story almost too scandalous to be believed. But the pages end abruptly, leaving more questions than answers.
How much of Gia’s story is true? Where is she now? And will Abby find her before it’s too late?
Thank you to Katherine Wood and Random House Publishing Group - Bantam for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 9, 2024
Trigger warning: gaslighting, infidelity, mention of: kidnapping
December 27, 2023
How could I turn down reading this book with a cover (and title) like that?! When I was offered a widget for this book I immediately accepted! The synopsis took my breath away. A rich heiress on a Greek island. Yes, please take me there! A longtime best friend coming to the rescue- what could possibly go wrong?
This story started off super intriguing with two very interesting characters. We have Gia, who is newly married into a hasty marriage to Garrett. Her best friend, Abby, tried to stop Gia from this marriage but to no avail. This story goes back and forth between Gia’s manuscript (what she started writing while in her marriage to Garrett), and Abby’s present and past day recollections.
Gia and Garrett lived in her family mansion in Greece to renovate it for its near future sale due to Gia losing some of her family fortune when her father passed away. They meet some new friends while out having dinner, and invite these new friends, Emelia and Timeo to come stay with them. That’s when things start to go downhill for Gia. Gia starts to question everyone around her, even her own husband. Is there anyone out there that she can trust?
Abby, on the other hand is worried about Gia when she doesn’t show up for their planned vacation together. Can Abby make it to Greece in time to find out what’s wrong? And are things what they appear to be?
While this story started off super strong, it unfortunately lost its way somewhere past the halfway mark. We are left to assume to know what happened towards the end, but for me I would have liked this story to be wrapped up in a nice pretty red bow. I am left with way more questions than answers, and rather unsatisfied with the ending. I also started off liking Gia and Abby pretty strongly, but by the end I didn’t care much for either one of them (although I definitely liked one more than the other).
This book might be a better read for those who don’t mind stories that take sudden twists and turns of action, and have an open ending.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine, and the author for an ARC of this book, which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date: July 9, 2024.
Genre~ General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
This story started off super intriguing with two very interesting characters. We have Gia, who is newly married into a hasty marriage to Garrett. Her best friend, Abby, tried to stop Gia from this marriage but to no avail. This story goes back and forth between Gia’s manuscript (what she started writing while in her marriage to Garrett), and Abby’s present and past day recollections.
Gia and Garrett lived in her family mansion in Greece to renovate it for its near future sale due to Gia losing some of her family fortune when her father passed away. They meet some new friends while out having dinner, and invite these new friends, Emelia and Timeo to come stay with them. That’s when things start to go downhill for Gia. Gia starts to question everyone around her, even her own husband. Is there anyone out there that she can trust?
Abby, on the other hand is worried about Gia when she doesn’t show up for their planned vacation together. Can Abby make it to Greece in time to find out what’s wrong? And are things what they appear to be?
While this story started off super strong, it unfortunately lost its way somewhere past the halfway mark. We are left to assume to know what happened towards the end, but for me I would have liked this story to be wrapped up in a nice pretty red bow. I am left with way more questions than answers, and rather unsatisfied with the ending. I also started off liking Gia and Abby pretty strongly, but by the end I didn’t care much for either one of them (although I definitely liked one more than the other).
This book might be a better read for those who don’t mind stories that take sudden twists and turns of action, and have an open ending.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine, and the author for an ARC of this book, which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date: July 9, 2024.
Genre~ General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
August 15, 2024
I just loved this book. Also, its in Greece.. My favorite place that I've never been.
It is a story that seems to be popular among other authors who follow trends...but as trendy as this was? I still enjoyed it..
October 16, 2024
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” – William Shakespeare, All’s Well that Ends Well
I wasn’t sure I was going to read this book because of others reviews, so I didn’t put it in my “currently reading” pile. But the moment came, and I decided to go ahead anyway. Was that a good decision – or not?
Gia and Abby have been lifelong friends. That share a terrible secret. But when something happens to Gia, and she goes missing, what is to be believed? Along with Gia’s brother, Benny, they both race to find her. Is she in danger – or is something more sinister going on? And, what if they do find Gia? Will answers come easily? Will trust come? And, if it doesn’t how are readers to feel? What are readers to believe?
“His stories were good because he imagined them intensely, so intensely that he came to believe them.” – Patricia Highsmith, The Talented Mr. Ripley
Secrets and lies. Who does one trust? Who does one believe? Does Abby’s secret keep her safe or guilt ridden? And then when something else happens, who is she to believe? Will she be safe in the end? What price does Abby pay to be friends with Gia? And, can Gia be believed after all that has happened? And, what of the title of the book, does it tell readers something more?
This story is told with 2 points of view. Abby’s and Gia’s through her manuscript. The question will be, since there are so many that come, is Gia’s story true?
Intrigue. Mystery. Danger. Misdirection. Twisted. Murder. Kidnapping. An unreliable narrator. Romance. Flawed personalities. Scenic locale.
What really happened – in the past and present? Nothing is as it seems.
The story has everything, but will it be enough to keep readers engaged?
3.5 stars reluctantly rounded up.
I wasn’t sure I was going to read this book because of others reviews, so I didn’t put it in my “currently reading” pile. But the moment came, and I decided to go ahead anyway. Was that a good decision – or not?
Gia and Abby have been lifelong friends. That share a terrible secret. But when something happens to Gia, and she goes missing, what is to be believed? Along with Gia’s brother, Benny, they both race to find her. Is she in danger – or is something more sinister going on? And, what if they do find Gia? Will answers come easily? Will trust come? And, if it doesn’t how are readers to feel? What are readers to believe?
“His stories were good because he imagined them intensely, so intensely that he came to believe them.” – Patricia Highsmith, The Talented Mr. Ripley
Secrets and lies. Who does one trust? Who does one believe? Does Abby’s secret keep her safe or guilt ridden? And then when something else happens, who is she to believe? Will she be safe in the end? What price does Abby pay to be friends with Gia? And, can Gia be believed after all that has happened? And, what of the title of the book, does it tell readers something more?
This story is told with 2 points of view. Abby’s and Gia’s through her manuscript. The question will be, since there are so many that come, is Gia’s story true?
Intrigue. Mystery. Danger. Misdirection. Twisted. Murder. Kidnapping. An unreliable narrator. Romance. Flawed personalities. Scenic locale.
What really happened – in the past and present? Nothing is as it seems.
The story has everything, but will it be enough to keep readers engaged?
3.5 stars reluctantly rounded up.
December 14, 2023
Gia and Abby, childhood best friends, have grown estranged slowly over the past 12-years, since the tragedy that occurred in Greece when they were both 18-years old.
After the tragic events of that summer, Abby threw herself into her studies, while Gia, a wealthy heiress without Abby's common-woman concerns, writes a salacious memoir chronicling what had happened.
All these years later, Gia is back in Greece with her new husband. She's at their family property prepping it for sale after her father's death. She and her brother, Benny, have been forced to downsize their lifestyles a bit and the Greek property needs to go.
In spite of how heartbreaking losing the property will be, life must go on. With Gia's birthday approaching in September, she reaches out to Abby and Benny and asks them to join her at a luxury Swedish resort to see the Northern Lights.
It's something they had discussed when they were younger and always wanted to do. Now is the time. Even though she's a little hesitant at first, Abby accepts Gia's invitation.
The day of her flight though, Abby receives a cryptic email that gets her hackles up. It's not exactly the vibe she was looking for heading into her first vacation in a while. Nevertheless, she proceeds and she's looking forward to being reunited with her friends.
Once she meets Benny, and gets to the resort though, Gia isn't there. After days of odd messages from her and placed calls that go unanswered, Benny and Abby get worried enough to travel to Greece and check on her.
Arriving at the family estate, they find it deserted. Gia has disappeared. The only clue, a manuscript she's left behind detailing the events leading up to her disappearance.
Through shifting perspectives between Abby's present and Gia's manuscript, Katherine Wood creates a fast-paced and engaging story of domestic suspense.
I love messy rich people drama, so this definitely scratched that itch, and it did successfully keep me guessing throughout. I found all the details and character interactions just so intriguing.
Additionally, I loved the setting on the beautiful coast of Greece and how the author used Gia's manuscript as a way of piecing together the story. I thought that was very fun, because what is truth and what is fiction? The lines are often blurry, aren't they?
.
Overall, I was impressed with how Wood pulled this all together. I thought it was very clever and well-plotted. I would recommend this to anyone who loves rich people drama, a luxury setting, or popcorn thrillers.
Thank you to the publisher, Bantam, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I am really looking forward to picking up more from this author!
After the tragic events of that summer, Abby threw herself into her studies, while Gia, a wealthy heiress without Abby's common-woman concerns, writes a salacious memoir chronicling what had happened.
All these years later, Gia is back in Greece with her new husband. She's at their family property prepping it for sale after her father's death. She and her brother, Benny, have been forced to downsize their lifestyles a bit and the Greek property needs to go.
In spite of how heartbreaking losing the property will be, life must go on. With Gia's birthday approaching in September, she reaches out to Abby and Benny and asks them to join her at a luxury Swedish resort to see the Northern Lights.
It's something they had discussed when they were younger and always wanted to do. Now is the time. Even though she's a little hesitant at first, Abby accepts Gia's invitation.
The day of her flight though, Abby receives a cryptic email that gets her hackles up. It's not exactly the vibe she was looking for heading into her first vacation in a while. Nevertheless, she proceeds and she's looking forward to being reunited with her friends.
Once she meets Benny, and gets to the resort though, Gia isn't there. After days of odd messages from her and placed calls that go unanswered, Benny and Abby get worried enough to travel to Greece and check on her.
Arriving at the family estate, they find it deserted. Gia has disappeared. The only clue, a manuscript she's left behind detailing the events leading up to her disappearance.
Through shifting perspectives between Abby's present and Gia's manuscript, Katherine Wood creates a fast-paced and engaging story of domestic suspense.
I love messy rich people drama, so this definitely scratched that itch, and it did successfully keep me guessing throughout. I found all the details and character interactions just so intriguing.
Additionally, I loved the setting on the beautiful coast of Greece and how the author used Gia's manuscript as a way of piecing together the story. I thought that was very fun, because what is truth and what is fiction? The lines are often blurry, aren't they?
.
Overall, I was impressed with how Wood pulled this all together. I thought it was very clever and well-plotted. I would recommend this to anyone who loves rich people drama, a luxury setting, or popcorn thrillers.
Thank you to the publisher, Bantam, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I am really looking forward to picking up more from this author!
May 25, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Gia, an heiress, and Abby, the daughter of Gia's family chef, are the protagonists of this novel. They have known each other since childhood, and the plot centers on their friendship and the ways in which it will impact their lives.
The celebration of Gia's birthday was supposed to take place on a remote Greek island, but unexpected events occurred! There is no sign of Gia. In an effort to unravel this mystery, Abby and Gia's brother will read Gia's manuscript, which contains a comprehensive account of the occurrences that occurred prior to Gia's disappearance.
The narrative is told in the first person, from the point of view of both of the women, with Gia's narration taking place through the words that she has written in her manuscript. Despite the fact that the story appears to be interesting and the writing is also of high quality, I did not feel completely invested in this tale or the characters.
Recently, I finished reading an advanced reader copy of a book with a broad concept comparable to this one. One of the characters went missing, and the narration style was comparable to this one! The difference lies in the fact that the two women in this story are childhood friends, whereas, in the previous book, they were mother and daughter. Of course, the stories and circumstances are totally different, but the concepts are very similar.
The twists in the story were undoubtedly intriguing and had the potential to elevate the narrative. I think there will be many readers who will enjoy them. However, the execution left much to be desired. The buildup to these twists was insufficient, resulting in a lack of context and emotional investment, at least from me. The twists seemed to come out of nowhere, which I felt disturbed the flow of the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Gia, an heiress, and Abby, the daughter of Gia's family chef, are the protagonists of this novel. They have known each other since childhood, and the plot centers on their friendship and the ways in which it will impact their lives.
The celebration of Gia's birthday was supposed to take place on a remote Greek island, but unexpected events occurred! There is no sign of Gia. In an effort to unravel this mystery, Abby and Gia's brother will read Gia's manuscript, which contains a comprehensive account of the occurrences that occurred prior to Gia's disappearance.
The narrative is told in the first person, from the point of view of both of the women, with Gia's narration taking place through the words that she has written in her manuscript. Despite the fact that the story appears to be interesting and the writing is also of high quality, I did not feel completely invested in this tale or the characters.
Recently, I finished reading an advanced reader copy of a book with a broad concept comparable to this one. One of the characters went missing, and the narration style was comparable to this one! The difference lies in the fact that the two women in this story are childhood friends, whereas, in the previous book, they were mother and daughter. Of course, the stories and circumstances are totally different, but the concepts are very similar.
The twists in the story were undoubtedly intriguing and had the potential to elevate the narrative. I think there will be many readers who will enjoy them. However, the execution left much to be desired. The buildup to these twists was insufficient, resulting in a lack of context and emotional investment, at least from me. The twists seemed to come out of nowhere, which I felt disturbed the flow of the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
June 20, 2024
"Ladykiller" delves into the mysterious disappearance of a wealthy heiress who vanishes from her family's Greek Island mansion. Using a typewriter, she leaves behind a salacious tale chronicling the events preceding her absence. As her childhood best friend and brother embark on a quest to locate her, the narrative unfolds amidst the backdrop of scams, lies, and deception. While the novel's title suggests various interpretations within the story's context, I found myself occasionally disengaged. I particularly did not enjoy the focus on the sexual exploits of all of the characters. I wouldn't call it a full open-door, more of a cracked-open door.
March 3, 2024
Thank you to Bantam Books and Netgalley @Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Unofficial Synopsis:
Gia and Abby have been best friend since they were young girls. Abby is from a humble background, Gia is an Heiress.
Years later, they had a falling out over Gia’s sudden marriage and then Gia goes missing. Abby and Gia’s brother, Benny set off to find her. When they arrive in Greece, they find a manuscript detailing the dark truth behind Gia’s new marriage. Now Abby and Benny race to find Gia as tensions rise. Will they find her before it’s too late?
Review:
This was a fun book told through Abby’s perspective and the perspective of Gia’s Manuscript. This story started really strong and continued to be strong up until about the 75% mark for me. The writing was vivid and descriptive and you truly felt transported to the beautiful places with the characters. I really enjoyed the build up and the anticipation that the author created. There was so much intrigue and suspense, so much wonderment. But then things started to unravel. Rather than provide the reader with a conclusion she left so many things ambiguous that I was just frustrated. I’m all for a few loose ends but in this case, I felt like I got zero answers, and I was just upset that I spent my time reading this book for it to end this way. I’m still annoyed thinking about it!
I recommend this book to readers who are okay with wide open endings but enjoy a twisty journey.
Unofficial Synopsis:
Gia and Abby have been best friend since they were young girls. Abby is from a humble background, Gia is an Heiress.
Years later, they had a falling out over Gia’s sudden marriage and then Gia goes missing. Abby and Gia’s brother, Benny set off to find her. When they arrive in Greece, they find a manuscript detailing the dark truth behind Gia’s new marriage. Now Abby and Benny race to find Gia as tensions rise. Will they find her before it’s too late?
Review:
This was a fun book told through Abby’s perspective and the perspective of Gia’s Manuscript. This story started really strong and continued to be strong up until about the 75% mark for me. The writing was vivid and descriptive and you truly felt transported to the beautiful places with the characters. I really enjoyed the build up and the anticipation that the author created. There was so much intrigue and suspense, so much wonderment. But then things started to unravel. Rather than provide the reader with a conclusion she left so many things ambiguous that I was just frustrated. I’m all for a few loose ends but in this case, I felt like I got zero answers, and I was just upset that I spent my time reading this book for it to end this way. I’m still annoyed thinking about it!
I recommend this book to readers who are okay with wide open endings but enjoy a twisty journey.
December 28, 2023
Abby and Gia have been friends ever since they were kids. Gia is newly married much to Abby’s dismay. Gia invites Abby and her brother to a mountain retreat and doesn’t show. Abby and Gias brother leave to look for Gia and find her house abandoned and they suspect foul play. This was a twisty thrilling read and I hope to read more by this author. Thanks NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for this ARC that will be released July 9, 2024!
May 10, 2024
As featured on www.mysteryandsuspense.com
Ladykiller by Katherine Wood is a sensual, evocative and exotic suspense novel where everyone has a story to tell- but not everyone’s story is true.
Gia and Abby have been best friends since childhood, and their bond only grew after tragedy struck Abby when the girls were eighteen. But since Gia married someone Abby did not approve of, and Abby boycotted Gia’s wedding, Gia and Abby have grown apart. So, Abby has some hesitation when she receives an invitation to Gia’s thirtieth birthday- just Abby, Gia and Gia’s brother, Benny, celebrating in a high-class Swedish chalet, but she decides to attend anyway, hoping to repair the relationship. However, when she and Benny arrive, Gia is nowhere to be found, and no one can reach her. With Gia missing, Abby begins to really fear for her former best friend; Abby knew Gia’s husband was bad news, but is he dangerous?
Ladykiller is narrated by both Gia and Abby, before and after Gia goes missing. Before, Gia’s story is told through snippets of her memoir and after, Abby takes over as narrator, for reasons that are deliciously twisted and unexpected. As a spoiled rich girl, Gia is not an easy character to like, and her motivations toward Abby have always been slightly cloudy. That being said, I was drawn into their tense dynamic, desperate to find out what happened to Gia and what role (if any) she played in her fate.
The majority of this novel takes place on a small island in Greece, so expect beautiful scenery alongside the hot drama. Wood delivers a sensational escapist journey, taking readers on a highly suspenseful thrill ride, packed with unexpected twists. What surprised me the most was that Ladykiller is Wood’s debut! I was blown away by the expert level plot and character development, storyline connections and descriptive setting.
The ending is multi-faceted, with many plot questions needing to be answered, but Wood pulls it off, managing to tie up all (but one, intentionally) loose end. Wood allows readers to form their own assumptions with the biggest question of all, which means Ladykiller will sit with you long after the final page.
Ladykiller is a unique, carefully crafted novel about female friendships, jealousy and the dangerous ends some people will go to in order to maintain their power and status. A tantalizing page-turner with surprises at every turn, Wood has written the must-read for summer 2024.
Ladykiller by Katherine Wood is a sensual, evocative and exotic suspense novel where everyone has a story to tell- but not everyone’s story is true.
Gia and Abby have been best friends since childhood, and their bond only grew after tragedy struck Abby when the girls were eighteen. But since Gia married someone Abby did not approve of, and Abby boycotted Gia’s wedding, Gia and Abby have grown apart. So, Abby has some hesitation when she receives an invitation to Gia’s thirtieth birthday- just Abby, Gia and Gia’s brother, Benny, celebrating in a high-class Swedish chalet, but she decides to attend anyway, hoping to repair the relationship. However, when she and Benny arrive, Gia is nowhere to be found, and no one can reach her. With Gia missing, Abby begins to really fear for her former best friend; Abby knew Gia’s husband was bad news, but is he dangerous?
Ladykiller is narrated by both Gia and Abby, before and after Gia goes missing. Before, Gia’s story is told through snippets of her memoir and after, Abby takes over as narrator, for reasons that are deliciously twisted and unexpected. As a spoiled rich girl, Gia is not an easy character to like, and her motivations toward Abby have always been slightly cloudy. That being said, I was drawn into their tense dynamic, desperate to find out what happened to Gia and what role (if any) she played in her fate.
The majority of this novel takes place on a small island in Greece, so expect beautiful scenery alongside the hot drama. Wood delivers a sensational escapist journey, taking readers on a highly suspenseful thrill ride, packed with unexpected twists. What surprised me the most was that Ladykiller is Wood’s debut! I was blown away by the expert level plot and character development, storyline connections and descriptive setting.
The ending is multi-faceted, with many plot questions needing to be answered, but Wood pulls it off, managing to tie up all (but one, intentionally) loose end. Wood allows readers to form their own assumptions with the biggest question of all, which means Ladykiller will sit with you long after the final page.
Ladykiller is a unique, carefully crafted novel about female friendships, jealousy and the dangerous ends some people will go to in order to maintain their power and status. A tantalizing page-turner with surprises at every turn, Wood has written the must-read for summer 2024.
April 14, 2024
I wanted to love this book so much. That cover, that title, that description, Katherine St. John under a new name... what's not exciting about that? But I wasn't wowed. Slow but decent first half, and then it did pick up around page 200 (enough so that I flew through the last 150 pages) but then the ambiguous ending fell flat.
3.5 stars rounded up
3.5 stars rounded up
July 21, 2024
This was an interesting domestic thriller, and I wonder if I had read it at a different time if I would have enjoyed it more. The naive woman who marries a monster and finds out once he “changes” gets old to me, but I understand how it played into this book. I just didn’t enjoy it and it made me want to the book down on Gia’s chapters. I also didn’t love the ending. I would have liked it to be a little more solid. I also didn’t think that Benny’s plan of having it both ways was going to work out. The book is told in two perspectives Abby’s in current time and Gia’s new journal she calls her manuscript. Abby and Gia were as close as sisters when they were young, despite Abby’s mother working for Gia’s family. They drifted apart after a traumatic incident in their early adulthood but Gia has reached out inviting Abby and Gia’s brother Benny to Sweden for Gia’s birthday. Despite misgivings Abby goes, but what promised to be a fun weekend turned to worry when Gia appears to be missing. The hunt to find Gia leads down a path of secrets Abby wasn’t expecting to find.
March 20, 2024
4.75. Thank you to Bantam Books, Katherine Wood and NetGalley for the ARC. Absolutely loved the cover of this book and it immediately caught my attention and I wanted to see what the book was all about.
The book opens with a funeral of a very rich man and you learn he had 3 wives, several children and a huge fortune he left to a Foundation that he and his second wife started, a wife currently in a sanatorium in Switzerland. Yep, this book sucked me right in.
I absolutely devoured this deviant and deliriously insane book which quotes The Talented Mr Ripley and totally does it justice. I didn’t know who to believe and I kept second guessing myself. This book had it all, a Greek island, salacious sex scenes, way too much money, murder, mystery and so much fun.
I loved the somewhat ambiguous ending as it stayed with me for some time as I kept turning things over in my head.
If you love a good head game book then this is for you! I loved it.
The book opens with a funeral of a very rich man and you learn he had 3 wives, several children and a huge fortune he left to a Foundation that he and his second wife started, a wife currently in a sanatorium in Switzerland. Yep, this book sucked me right in.
I absolutely devoured this deviant and deliriously insane book which quotes The Talented Mr Ripley and totally does it justice. I didn’t know who to believe and I kept second guessing myself. This book had it all, a Greek island, salacious sex scenes, way too much money, murder, mystery and so much fun.
I loved the somewhat ambiguous ending as it stayed with me for some time as I kept turning things over in my head.
If you love a good head game book then this is for you! I loved it.
July 7, 2024
A young Atlanta lawyer named Abby receives an invitation and a ticket to fly to Kiruna, Sweden in September to celebrate her wealthy friend Gia's 30th birthday and see the Northern Lights. Also invited is Gia's brother Benny, Abby's teenage heartthrob. The lifelong friends haven't spoken for a few months, actually since Gia's hasty marriage to Garrett Torres that Abby cautioned her against, so maybe this is also an olive branch of sorts. But when Abby and Benny arrive at the incredible hotel in Sweden, Gia is a no show....
Gia's side of the story is told through a manuscript she's currently writing. She's already had one successful memoir about a death she and Abby were involved in as teenagers and this steamy writing could be a blockbuster as it's about the newlywed life she is leading with her sexy husband Garrett on an idyllic Greek island. But all is not going well in paradise.
And poor Abby has begun getting notes that she worries are preludes to blackmail--notes that hint at knowing the truth about what really happened when a young man died.
I was thoroughly enjoying this thriller up to a certain point but then twists took the plot in a direction I didn't care for. Sort of a head-scratching 'whoa--wait a minute--what's really going on here?' feeling which never really goes away from that point on. I wasn't comfortable with the 'anything goes' sexual exploits of the rich and famous depicted, turning what should be a loving, intimate act into something repulsive and degrading. Yuck.
I was invited to read an arc of this new thriller by the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Gia's side of the story is told through a manuscript she's currently writing. She's already had one successful memoir about a death she and Abby were involved in as teenagers and this steamy writing could be a blockbuster as it's about the newlywed life she is leading with her sexy husband Garrett on an idyllic Greek island. But all is not going well in paradise.
And poor Abby has begun getting notes that she worries are preludes to blackmail--notes that hint at knowing the truth about what really happened when a young man died.
I was thoroughly enjoying this thriller up to a certain point but then twists took the plot in a direction I didn't care for. Sort of a head-scratching 'whoa--wait a minute--what's really going on here?' feeling which never really goes away from that point on. I wasn't comfortable with the 'anything goes' sexual exploits of the rich and famous depicted, turning what should be a loving, intimate act into something repulsive and degrading. Yuck.
I was invited to read an arc of this new thriller by the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
July 5, 2024
This book was chosen because it was set in Greece (a place I've always been intrigued by) and because stories about missing people draw me in most of the time. Katherine Wood is a new author for me, and I'm always on the hunt for new authors.
Description:
When an heiress goes missing, her best friend races to unravel the secrets behind her disappearance using clues left behind in an explosive manuscript…
Gia and Abby have been best friends since they were girls, forever bonded by the tragedy that unfolded in Greece when they were eighteen. In the aftermath, bookish Abby threw herself into her studies while heiress Gia chronicled the events of that fateful summer in a salacious memoir.
Twelve years later, Gia is back in Greece for the summer with her shiny new husband and a motley crew of glamorous guests, preparing to sell the family estate in the wake of her father’s death. When Abby receives an invitation from Gia to celebrate her birthday in September beneath the Northern Lights, she’s thrilled to be granted the time off from her high-pressure job. But the day of her flight, she receives a mysterious, threatening email in her inbox, and when she and Gia’s brother Benny arrive at the Swedish resort, Gia isn’t there. After days of cryptic messages and unanswered calls, Abby and Benny are worried enough to fly to Greece to check on her.
Only, when they arrive, they find Gia’s beachfront estate eerily deserted, the sole clue to her whereabouts a manuscript she wrote detailing the events leading up to her disappearance. The pages reveal the dark truth about Gia’s provocative new marriage and the dirty secrets of the guests they entertained with fizzy champagne under the hot Mediterranean sun. As tensions rise, Gia feels less and less safe in her own home. But the pages end abruptly, leaving Abby and Benny with more questions than answers.
Where is Gia now? And, more importantly, will they find her before it’s too late?
My Thoughts:
I loved the setting - Gia and Benny's home in Greece sounds like a gorgeous place. So idyllic on this beautiful island. When Gia doesn't show up at the hotel to see the Northern Lights it had to be shocking for Abby and Benny. Gia wanted the trip so badly - it had to be an omen of something bad happening. There are secrets here and quite a lot of decption which held my interest. The story unfolded with some unresolved issues from the past coming to light bit by bit. The ending left me with a few questions though and didn't tie up as well as I would have liked. Overall a good story for mystery lovers.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
When an heiress goes missing, her best friend races to unravel the secrets behind her disappearance using clues left behind in an explosive manuscript…
Gia and Abby have been best friends since they were girls, forever bonded by the tragedy that unfolded in Greece when they were eighteen. In the aftermath, bookish Abby threw herself into her studies while heiress Gia chronicled the events of that fateful summer in a salacious memoir.
Twelve years later, Gia is back in Greece for the summer with her shiny new husband and a motley crew of glamorous guests, preparing to sell the family estate in the wake of her father’s death. When Abby receives an invitation from Gia to celebrate her birthday in September beneath the Northern Lights, she’s thrilled to be granted the time off from her high-pressure job. But the day of her flight, she receives a mysterious, threatening email in her inbox, and when she and Gia’s brother Benny arrive at the Swedish resort, Gia isn’t there. After days of cryptic messages and unanswered calls, Abby and Benny are worried enough to fly to Greece to check on her.
Only, when they arrive, they find Gia’s beachfront estate eerily deserted, the sole clue to her whereabouts a manuscript she wrote detailing the events leading up to her disappearance. The pages reveal the dark truth about Gia’s provocative new marriage and the dirty secrets of the guests they entertained with fizzy champagne under the hot Mediterranean sun. As tensions rise, Gia feels less and less safe in her own home. But the pages end abruptly, leaving Abby and Benny with more questions than answers.
Where is Gia now? And, more importantly, will they find her before it’s too late?
My Thoughts:
I loved the setting - Gia and Benny's home in Greece sounds like a gorgeous place. So idyllic on this beautiful island. When Gia doesn't show up at the hotel to see the Northern Lights it had to be shocking for Abby and Benny. Gia wanted the trip so badly - it had to be an omen of something bad happening. There are secrets here and quite a lot of decption which held my interest. The story unfolded with some unresolved issues from the past coming to light bit by bit. The ending left me with a few questions though and didn't tie up as well as I would have liked. Overall a good story for mystery lovers.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam through Netgalley for an advance copy.
January 24, 2024
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What in the flying fuck did I just read here? I mean, it's a good thing to start things off like that because you shouldn't trust a single soul in this entire book. Well maybe like one person but don't hold your breath.
From the very beginning, I was completely hooked on Ladykiller. Gia and Abby's friendship seemed interesting enough, but the overall mystery kept the pages turning. Don't even get me started on all these fabulous places that were casually visited throughout this book either. If I could be in Greece, on an island, while reading this book - well, it would have been the freaking cherry on top.
Back to the mystery, it's hard to put down a book when you truly don't trust anyone. If they were acting suspicious, then I automatically didn't believe a single word that was being said. I was happy when questions started to form around certain people, but in the end, I'm still left with so many unanswered questions. Which irks me so much.
So many things are revealed towards the end which definitely had me gasping. Heck, even the little reveals along that way had me screaming, "I KNEW IT. I FREAKING KNEW IT!" Like I mentioned before, this book had me hooked and I wasn't going to put this down until I read the very last page.
In the end, I'm really happy that I dove into this mystery thriller. I'm (sort of) with how things ended but ugh, I just want to know - is she a killer? It will be on my mind forever and ever.
What in the flying fuck did I just read here? I mean, it's a good thing to start things off like that because you shouldn't trust a single soul in this entire book. Well maybe like one person but don't hold your breath.
From the very beginning, I was completely hooked on Ladykiller. Gia and Abby's friendship seemed interesting enough, but the overall mystery kept the pages turning. Don't even get me started on all these fabulous places that were casually visited throughout this book either. If I could be in Greece, on an island, while reading this book - well, it would have been the freaking cherry on top.
Back to the mystery, it's hard to put down a book when you truly don't trust anyone. If they were acting suspicious, then I automatically didn't believe a single word that was being said. I was happy when questions started to form around certain people, but in the end, I'm still left with so many unanswered questions. Which irks me so much.
So many things are revealed towards the end which definitely had me gasping. Heck, even the little reveals along that way had me screaming, "I KNEW IT. I FREAKING KNEW IT!" Like I mentioned before, this book had me hooked and I wasn't going to put this down until I read the very last page.
In the end, I'm really happy that I dove into this mystery thriller. I'm (sort of) with how things ended but ugh, I just want to know - is she a killer? It will be on my mind forever and ever.
November 23, 2024
The first part of this book toggles between present day from Abby’s POV & chapters of Gia’s unfinished manuscript. The manuscript took up a large portion of this book, which in turn felt like it took a long for Gia’s story to unfold. This made for a much slower paced book than I prefer. About halfway through the book, the suspense does pick up. I was really looking forward to Ladykiller, the synopsis was a huge reason I wanted to read this book. However, it fell flat for me.The setting of Greece was a 10/10! Would I recommend this? ONLY if you like ambiguous endings. I felt like I was left with so many questions at the end.
August 26, 2024
murder books are BACK BABY
April 28, 2024
Blurb Beware: The blurb gives away a lot of the book and isn’t quite accurate. In fact, the first line of the blurb doesn’t happen until 80 percent into the book, and that conflict is resolved pretty quickly. So avoid.
I also can’t tell what’s on the cover. Maybe it will be clearer in print. It looks at first glance like someone swimming a butterfly stroke. But maybe it’s someone doing a backstroke. Then again, maybe it’s a landscape shot? My vision is not good enough to decipher it.
The construction of the story is a little weird. We have Abby in the present, being invited to visit her best friend, Gia, in Greece. This is interspersed with Gia’s “manuscript” of her newlywed life in Greece, backtracking several months. It takes about 75 percent of the book for the manuscript to catch up to the present. This made it feel like the book hadn’t really started yet. Then it’s all Abby’s POV for the rest of it. The manuscript is all present tense (groan) and most of Abby’s POV is in past tense (but some is in present tense). I HATE narratives in present tense. Only five percent of writers can use it effectively.
The beginning really confused me. In the prologue, it talks about a zoo animal that escapes and eats another animal, then switches mid-paragraph to a funeral. I thought the funeral was for the animal for a long time but it was for a person totally unrelated to the zoo. I still have no idea what the point of the zoo tale was, and I am still recovering from the whiplash of the non sequitur. Maybe it was copy and pasted in by mistake in the ARC.
The atmosphere of the book is full of suspicions, with characters and actions that feel a bit off, and secrets waiting to be revealed. So it has a great buildup, if a tad slow. Then the ending was a letdown. It’s just ambiguous, no clear answers. I hate that. It’s not a bad book by any means — if it sounds appealing, you’ll probably like it. Still a good book but could be better.
Language: Steady amount of strong language
Sexual Content: Lots of sleaze and sex scenes, moderately explicit
Violence/Gore: domestic violence briefly shown; gun violence off-page
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
I also can’t tell what’s on the cover. Maybe it will be clearer in print. It looks at first glance like someone swimming a butterfly stroke. But maybe it’s someone doing a backstroke. Then again, maybe it’s a landscape shot? My vision is not good enough to decipher it.
The construction of the story is a little weird. We have Abby in the present, being invited to visit her best friend, Gia, in Greece. This is interspersed with Gia’s “manuscript” of her newlywed life in Greece, backtracking several months. It takes about 75 percent of the book for the manuscript to catch up to the present. This made it feel like the book hadn’t really started yet. Then it’s all Abby’s POV for the rest of it. The manuscript is all present tense (groan) and most of Abby’s POV is in past tense (but some is in present tense). I HATE narratives in present tense. Only five percent of writers can use it effectively.
The beginning really confused me. In the prologue, it talks about a zoo animal that escapes and eats another animal, then switches mid-paragraph to a funeral. I thought the funeral was for the animal for a long time but it was for a person totally unrelated to the zoo. I still have no idea what the point of the zoo tale was, and I am still recovering from the whiplash of the non sequitur. Maybe it was copy and pasted in by mistake in the ARC.
The atmosphere of the book is full of suspicions, with characters and actions that feel a bit off, and secrets waiting to be revealed. So it has a great buildup, if a tad slow. Then the ending was a letdown. It’s just ambiguous, no clear answers. I hate that. It’s not a bad book by any means — if it sounds appealing, you’ll probably like it. Still a good book but could be better.
Language: Steady amount of strong language
Sexual Content: Lots of sleaze and sex scenes, moderately explicit
Violence/Gore: domestic violence briefly shown; gun violence off-page
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
July 8, 2024
2.5/5
I was very into this one right from the start, the setting in Greece, the possible toxic friendship between Gia and Abby, the secrets and lies, so much to enjoy. I also loved the structure here, you get Abby’s perspective in the present day and Gia’s via her manuscript as she details the events leading up to her disappearance. It was a very immersive read with a steady pacing that kept me engaged and I assumed it would be a four or maybe even a five star read for me most of the time. But then the ending was just sooo disappointing for me, I hate when things are ambiguous and that’s what happened here. I don’t want to have questions about what really happened, I want answers and I don’t want to come to my own conclusions. So overall this one wasn’t for me, no matter how good the rest of the book was a weak ending will ruin it for me.
I was very into this one right from the start, the setting in Greece, the possible toxic friendship between Gia and Abby, the secrets and lies, so much to enjoy. I also loved the structure here, you get Abby’s perspective in the present day and Gia’s via her manuscript as she details the events leading up to her disappearance. It was a very immersive read with a steady pacing that kept me engaged and I assumed it would be a four or maybe even a five star read for me most of the time. But then the ending was just sooo disappointing for me, I hate when things are ambiguous and that’s what happened here. I don’t want to have questions about what really happened, I want answers and I don’t want to come to my own conclusions. So overall this one wasn’t for me, no matter how good the rest of the book was a weak ending will ruin it for me.
July 6, 2024
An heiress goes missing and her best friend and brother stop at nothing to find her.
This will be a short and sweet review. It kept my attention, was full of unreliable narrators and con artists. No one could be trusted. There were twists and turns and I loved the part of the book told from Gia (the heiress)’s manuscript. The first half is slower than the second, the ending a bit ambiguous. You may have some questions you wish were answered.
And this cover!! How gorgeous?! It really drew me in and made me want to request this book on netgalley.
Also- fun fact: Katherine St. John wrote this under a new pen name!
This will be a short and sweet review. It kept my attention, was full of unreliable narrators and con artists. No one could be trusted. There were twists and turns and I loved the part of the book told from Gia (the heiress)’s manuscript. The first half is slower than the second, the ending a bit ambiguous. You may have some questions you wish were answered.
And this cover!! How gorgeous?! It really drew me in and made me want to request this book on netgalley.
Also- fun fact: Katherine St. John wrote this under a new pen name!
September 20, 2024
4.5/5
From what I can tell, Ladykiller is Katherine Wood's debut, and it is just the kind of salacious and drama-filled book I love to read. The viewpoints rotate between Abby and Gia’s manuscript, and if you don’t like the unreliable narrator trope this will not be for you. I loved the way the manuscript and Abby’s viewpoint ended up tying together, and I definitely spent the entire book wondering how true Gia’s story was. The pacing is on the slower side but still steady, and I just completely fell into this world of sex, money, and bad behavior with a dash of mystery.
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Marcella Black & Hallie Ricardo and thought they both did a bang-up job. I did like whoever narrated Gia’s manuscript slightly better, but honestly, they were both rockstars and I LOVED the audio even on a (slow for me) 2x speed. Ladykiller was super close to being a 5-star ⭐ read for me had it not been for the rather ambiguous ending. I typically prefer more closure than what I got here, and I literally shook my fist at the end. 🤣 A couple of parts of the novel made my jaw drop, and others made me insanely angry, but all the while I was invested despite the not-so-likeable characters. I can’t wait to see what Wood writes next!
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
From what I can tell, Ladykiller is Katherine Wood's debut, and it is just the kind of salacious and drama-filled book I love to read. The viewpoints rotate between Abby and Gia’s manuscript, and if you don’t like the unreliable narrator trope this will not be for you. I loved the way the manuscript and Abby’s viewpoint ended up tying together, and I definitely spent the entire book wondering how true Gia’s story was. The pacing is on the slower side but still steady, and I just completely fell into this world of sex, money, and bad behavior with a dash of mystery.
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Marcella Black & Hallie Ricardo and thought they both did a bang-up job. I did like whoever narrated Gia’s manuscript slightly better, but honestly, they were both rockstars and I LOVED the audio even on a (slow for me) 2x speed. Ladykiller was super close to being a 5-star ⭐ read for me had it not been for the rather ambiguous ending. I typically prefer more closure than what I got here, and I literally shook my fist at the end. 🤣 A couple of parts of the novel made my jaw drop, and others made me insanely angry, but all the while I was invested despite the not-so-likeable characters. I can’t wait to see what Wood writes next!
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
January 5, 2024
I thought this was a pretty fun read, centered on best friends Gia and Abby who plan a fancy trip (along with Gia’s brother Benny) for which Gia doesn’t show. This takes us on a journey of alternating timelines between Abby trying to figure out where Gia is and a manuscript Gia wrote a month before that may or may not be autobiographical. I enjoyed the alternating timeline and I love an unreliable narrator!
The setting is on a Greek island and was atmospheric; I could easily picture myself there. I was very fascinated by the abandoned island nearby as well. I felt that Gia’s character was a little bit of a caricature but I still enjoyed reading about her. Abby was more believable, but both made a few decisions that I thought seemed out of character. The twists were somewhat predictable for the most part, but were still fun to read, and there was one that did catch me off guard. I thought the ending was interesting; though it didn’t leave me super satisfied, I appreciated where the author was going.
Overall, fun read that held my interest throughout and had interesting characters - would recommend to those who like psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The setting is on a Greek island and was atmospheric; I could easily picture myself there. I was very fascinated by the abandoned island nearby as well. I felt that Gia’s character was a little bit of a caricature but I still enjoyed reading about her. Abby was more believable, but both made a few decisions that I thought seemed out of character. The twists were somewhat predictable for the most part, but were still fun to read, and there was one that did catch me off guard. I thought the ending was interesting; though it didn’t leave me super satisfied, I appreciated where the author was going.
Overall, fun read that held my interest throughout and had interesting characters - would recommend to those who like psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2024
Ambiguous endings in suspense novels should be lit on fire and then shot into the sun for good measure. There's a reason I read genre fiction folks, and endings like this one ain't it. Ugh.
February 21, 2025
I was so looking forward to this novel and it absolutely did not do it for me. Mixing the past, the present, unknown timelines, a manuscript (good grief), and multiple narrators, it's no wonder I had a hard time getting invested and staying interested. As soon as I was getting into a storyline, the entire novel shifted and I had to start back at square one. When it finally got back around to a place I was interested in, I had already moved on.
I listened to this novel on audio and the narrators were good but maybe the audio didn't help me follow as well. I felt myself tuning out a lot, particularly at the start of new segments. The novel is long, felt drawn out, and there were so many extraneous characters and unnecessary plotlines. The entire history was completely unnecessary and felt like it was thrown in to "explain" some things away.
I also struggled with the manuscript. You can never trust them and they're just so over the top. I have a very hard time getting on board with believing that anyone would truly create one, especially in the current circumstances.
Overall, this one was a miss. I sure do love that cover though!
I listened to this novel on audio and the narrators were good but maybe the audio didn't help me follow as well. I felt myself tuning out a lot, particularly at the start of new segments. The novel is long, felt drawn out, and there were so many extraneous characters and unnecessary plotlines. The entire history was completely unnecessary and felt like it was thrown in to "explain" some things away.
I also struggled with the manuscript. You can never trust them and they're just so over the top. I have a very hard time getting on board with believing that anyone would truly create one, especially in the current circumstances.
Overall, this one was a miss. I sure do love that cover though!
June 21, 2024
The title, cover, and synopsis of this book is everything! I was more than intrigued; downright edge of my seat excited to start in. The story begins strongly with introductions to Gia and Abby. I thought it was super odd the wealthy father disinherited his children for no better reason than giving money to charity, BUT he provided for his ex-wives??? I digress…
A crime was committed a decade ago. Abby believes Gia knew more than she has admitted and she has been harboring guilt. Gia, atypical rich girl, has been flitting her way through life from one destination to the next. Problem is the money is running out and her brand new husband is off to filch what is left.
Somewhere in the middle the story falls apart. One unrealistic plot twist after the next and it lost the modicum of excitement that had been built. Major bummer…the last 100 pages read like three decades worth of content. I was so bored and just wanted the story to end. Which it did, uneventfully.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for my personal review.
A crime was committed a decade ago. Abby believes Gia knew more than she has admitted and she has been harboring guilt. Gia, atypical rich girl, has been flitting her way through life from one destination to the next. Problem is the money is running out and her brand new husband is off to filch what is left.
Somewhere in the middle the story falls apart. One unrealistic plot twist after the next and it lost the modicum of excitement that had been built. Major bummer…the last 100 pages read like three decades worth of content. I was so bored and just wanted the story to end. Which it did, uneventfully.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for my personal review.
April 29, 2024
This book was so slow.
It’s painful to get through.
Unreliable narrator for one of the perspectives.
The mystery aspect of who’s sending Abby the emails is good. However, Gia being taken advantage of is so hard to read because it’s so obvious what’s happening. The twist at the end is predicable but still good.
It’s painful to get through.
Unreliable narrator for one of the perspectives.
The mystery aspect of who’s sending Abby the emails is good. However, Gia being taken advantage of is so hard to read because it’s so obvious what’s happening. The twist at the end is predicable but still good.
July 8, 2024
3.5 stars.
This is a story about friendships and relationships, as well as rich, entitled and greedy adults behaving badly. In this debut adult contemporary fiction/mystery novel readers are given an expose filled with steamy sex, lust, and seduction (and that's just in the first half).
Abby and Gia were as close as sisters while growing up, even though Abby's mom was employed by Gia's highly successful family, who paid for Abby's education. The girls drifted apart after a traumatic even occurred when they were young adults, but many years later, Gia invites her brother, Benny, and Abby to Switzerland to celebrate her birthday. Told from Abby's POV, and Gia's via an unfinished manuscript, the story takes readers on a roller coaster ride of suspense and deceit.
The plot definitely gave me the feeling that no one was actually who they seemed to be, everyone was lying and hiding secrets, and no one could be trusted.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for giving me the opportunity to read a DRC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a story about friendships and relationships, as well as rich, entitled and greedy adults behaving badly. In this debut adult contemporary fiction/mystery novel readers are given an expose filled with steamy sex, lust, and seduction (and that's just in the first half).
Abby and Gia were as close as sisters while growing up, even though Abby's mom was employed by Gia's highly successful family, who paid for Abby's education. The girls drifted apart after a traumatic even occurred when they were young adults, but many years later, Gia invites her brother, Benny, and Abby to Switzerland to celebrate her birthday. Told from Abby's POV, and Gia's via an unfinished manuscript, the story takes readers on a roller coaster ride of suspense and deceit.
The plot definitely gave me the feeling that no one was actually who they seemed to be, everyone was lying and hiding secrets, and no one could be trusted.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for giving me the opportunity to read a DRC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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