The Killer She Knew

by Zee David

When Emma, a ghostwriter, moves to a new town to start afresh with her ailing mother, she unexpectedly becomes entangled in a web of mystery surrounding her sister's murder.A chance encounter with Nick, a writer renting space in her new home, leads Emma to a bizarre a fiction novel detailing the diary of a serial killer. As Emma delves deeper into the project, she begins to question the line between fiction and reality, all while confronting her own past and forming unexpected alliances.

Genres: Audiobook

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2024

About the author

Zee David discovered her talent of writing at an early age. Her satisfaction is knowing that her work is read and loved. She loves writing, watching Korean dramas, and most of all, she loves her family.

Zee David's language background reflects in her work, which consists of both American and British English. She speaks four languages fluently. She is an animal lover, especially cats, and dogs

Reads a lot, though mostly listens to audiobooks. She leans toward the mystery genre.


https://books2read.com/author/zee-dav...

https://www.amazon.com/author/zeedavid

Reviews

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel doesn’t mess around, already from the start we know there was a tragedy so we have a tense start made for suspense. When a mysterious writer turns up later, there is another element made for making you guess. Especially when he turns out to be quite strange.

There are some questions that made me want to know more, sometimes I felt like the plot jumped a bit too much from one event to another and it made it hard for me to get all the facts straight.

There is a sudden shock about halfway in that kept me reeling and thinking: what is going on here ? I love when I have to ask those questions, getting a glimpse of a story that needs to be told.

In part two we go back to the past, and the character immediately feels real and consistent in how he looks at the world. I wish there would be more chapters relating to him. I also found that maybe the chapters about Zoe and Emma could have been moved up a bit, before we knew what happened to her, to build more suspense. Also, Mia’s POV came a bit out of the blue, and Kathy felt like a different person than when she was described later. Mia was kind of funny in one scene, I loved that although it might have been a little misplaced due to the seriousness of the situation.

I liked how the author described the people in the book. It was to the point and just enough to get a feel of how they looked.

The last chapters were full of tension; and I liked that. You really didn’t know where it all would lead, and there were some surprises for sure!

Overall a solid debut novel.

[Caitlyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

actually no stars

review to come for netgalley

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️| The Killer She Knew set a decent premises for the overall story. Great concept about loss, tragedy, forgiveness and family healing. If I had a highlight one thing, it would be the shocking final twist at the end.

Emma is determined to find out who is responsible for the death of her sister Zoe. She’s willing to do anything to bring this person to justice, including some unorthodox methods that could put her and her loved ones in danger.

In the audiobook, the alternating narrators was an excellent idea. The male was great, but the female voice sounded extremely muffled and just appeared to be recorded in very low quality. Overall a good story that is worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy K · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Killer She Knew(audio) 1⭐️

Emma is a ghostwriter and moves Nick into her home to write his novel. Emma also lives with her sickly mother, who is cared for by Mia, her nurse. The story is told from Emma’s POV (present day) for most of the first half of the book. Then multiple POVs are added with various timelines. While the ending was technically “twisty” it seemed rushed and forced, especially since I failed to connect with the characters to really get too invested.

Audio specific:
Due to poor audio production I couldn’t listen at a higher speed like I typically do. It was difficult to hear the narrator and the voice didn’t match the story’s intended accent. The sound was echo-y. The female narrator gave the male character a very monotone voice. The male narrator had much better quality, but was only used for a couple chapters, which made it confusing why they even choose to have two narrators for his limited chapters. The voice acting didn’t feel like it matched the story/characters. All the female characters sounded the same. Unfortunately, this is the worst audiobook I’ve listened to.

Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell you—The Killer She Knew by Zee David didn’t just pull me in, it dragged me down into its twisted layers and refused to let go until I was questioning everything right alongside Emma.

This book hit me right in that sweet spot where suspense, grief, and a touch of eerie uncertainty blend together. Emma’s not some flashy heroine—she’s raw, haunted, and just trying to keep it together while caring for her mom and unpacking the trauma of her sister’s murder. So when she ends up ghostwriting a “fictional” novel that starts sounding a little too familiar... whew. Cue the goosebumps.

I could feel her unease—the way each chapter she worked on blurred the lines between her job and her own fears. And then there’s Nick. Oh boy. That mysterious, keeps-to-himself vibe had me instantly on edge. I was right there with Emma, wondering: Is he just another writer? Or something else entirely?
Zee David knows how to build tension like a storm rolling in. The pacing was just enough to let me breathe before dropping another twist, another revelation, another hint that maybe Emma’s world isn’t as safe or separate from the killer’s mind as she thought. And the diary entries? Creepy, compelling, and absolutely could not skip. They added such a deliciously disturbing flavor to the whole story.

What I really loved was how personal it all felt. Emma’s grief, her suspicion, her moments of strength—it wasn’t just a whodunit, it was a story about a woman reclaiming her voice while standing in the middle of chaos. It got under my skin in the best way.

If you’re into dark mysteries with emotional depth, unreliable alliances, and a constant sense of what the hell is going on, then grab this one. Just maybe don’t read it at night with all the lights off. Trust me.

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 rounded up.

I found this so lackluster and it had such potential to be so nail-bitingly suspenseful and good.

This story follows a ghostwriter who is dealing with murder of her sister. But at the same time, another writer moves into her house (and that just sounds suspicious to me). Do you see how much potential is here?? So much!

But this was so lackluster. I think part of the problem was how short this is, there's not enough time for much development to happen or for suspense to properly build up. And the ending was not satisfying. When I had finished it I just thought "okay." And that is not how a mystery/thriller should have you feeling by the end.

Thanks to NetGallry for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Zoe Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ghostwriter Emma has moved to Jope Town after inheriting a house from her father. Her unwell mother, who Emma has a fractured relationship with, also lives with her and she has a carer Mia. We learn from the off of the murder of Emma’s sister Zoe ten years earlier. Nick is the author Emma is going to be writing for, his story he calls ‘A Diary Of Murders’ about a murderer who got away with gruesomely killing three women. Emma has invited Nick to stay in the house while they work on the book, but she begins to question the lines between reality and fiction.

This was a relatively short book (170 pages) so ideal for a quick read. It definitely pulls you in from the start however I found parts confusing and not so easy to follow. I would definitely be interested reading more from this author.

[Trina 🌻 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook but think I would have preferred an e-book for this. The audio wasn’t well recorded. But the story was good. Starts off with the death is a young girl. Then goes to her ill mother and ghost writer sister 10 years later. A short book but it packs in some good thriller aspects. 3 1/2 stars for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy.

[basmas_world · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think this book has a lot of potential, but it isn’t exactly what it was advertised to be.

I would like to thank NetGalley for the free audiobook in exchange for an review.

To be honest, I'm not sure if it was the lack of character development, the writing, or the poor audio quality, but something prevented me from fully enjoying the concept behind it.

Emma’s voice really should be re-recorded—it was hard to understand her, which made it difficult to immerse myself in the story. Zach’s voice was much better, but I don’t understand why his POV came so late in the book. We spent almost 50% of the time with Emma, and then suddenly, we have a new voice.

The time jumps, the structure, and the (sudden) dual POV all wasted the potential of the story.

I also noticed in chapter 28, the sentence “I carefully walk around, heading to Mum’s empty bed and looking over everything as if I’d notice anything different” is repeated two times in different tones.

[N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced psychological thriller with an unexpected twist at the end. This story was filled with betrayal and deception, and I LOVED every minute of it. It begs the question–how many masks can one person wear? 😏

[Brad Dude · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the different perspectives from the main characters as they explore they takes on several deaths in the local town. I especially liked the idea of a teacher with access to many young people being tracked down throughout the story. Sometimes it was a bit confusing between the action and the story being ghostwritten. Good read!

[Katy Merz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

2.5 stars rounded down

The audio for this just took away from the story completely. I had a hard time getting into the storyline and based on other ratings, think it would have been more enjoyable as an ebook for me.

[R_Diksha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of a young girl who is trying to take care of both her mother and herself after the tragic death of her younger sister, for which her mother blames her. It’s already incredibly difficult for her to manage everything on her own, trying to provide for her family, keep the roof over their heads, and pay the bills. Life feels like a constant struggle, and she's barely holding it together. Then, an unexpected opportunity comes her way: a chance to ghostwrite a story with a generous paycheck. Not only does this offer promise for her bank balance, but the writer also moves into her house. At first, it seems like a win-win situation. But is it truly a good idea to let a stranger into her home, especially when his story doesn’t feel like fiction? His words give Emma an uneasy feeling, and there’s something about him that sends chills down her spine.

I really enjoyed the story—it kept me engaged and hooked all the way through. I managed to finish it in one sitting because it’s a relatively short read. That being said, it did feel a bit predictable for me. As I read, I had a strong sense of where the plot was headed, and because of that, the ending didn’t come as much of a shock or surprise. While the twists weren’t quite as surprising as I’d hoped, the story still managed to capture my attention from start to finish. I think this book would be a great pick for beginners who are looking to dive into the thriller genre or for anyone who wants a quick, captivating read. It’s just long enough to keep you hooked without feeling overwhelming, and it offers a solid introduction to suspenseful storytelling.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[SueCanaan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh, I HATE leaving so few stars for new authors, and for Netgalley, but, honesty is the key word and I cannot give more.

That said, this review is for the audiobook, and much of my dislike of the material could be completely connected to the incredibly poorly done audio. I would encourage you to check out the reviews which were for the printed/ebook material. Those folks had a completely different response to the work and seem to have given 4 or 5 stars routinely.

I requested this based on the publisher's writeup which told me the main character was a writer (a plus), and after moving to a new town (love new places which will be explored) the novella is in the mystery/women's fiction genres. At only 4 hours on audio, it was a no brainer.

After starting the shockingly amateurish audio, I just kept repeating the mantra "I can do ANYTHING for only 4 hours." I repeated that a lot. I do not understand the mechanics behind producing an audio book, but this one sounded like a newbie reader took a 1980s cassette player, found a tunnel, sat down and started reading. It is a hollow sounding presentation that gets in the way of the story. I actually have been listening to audiobooks since the 80s when the listener was limited to cassettes, and this production is still worse than anything I've ever heard. And the icing on the cake is that at whatever volume you choose, be prepared for a sonic boom level sound every time the narrator expresses excitement in the reading.

Please publisher and author, take this advice with the concern I truly feel - do not release this audio version as planned in January 2025. Just don't.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started The Killer She Knew, I thought I was diving into a straightforward thriller, but what I found was a deeply layered story that combines suspense, psychological drama, and emotional depth. The novel follows Emma, a ghostwriter grappling with the loss of her sister Zoe, whose tragic death has left unresolved grief and tension in Emma's relationship with her ailing mother.

Emma’s life takes a chilling turn when she begins working with Nicholas, an enigmatic writer whose story of a serial killer seems disturbingly tied to Emma’s own past. As Emma digs deeper, the line between fiction and reality blurs, unraveling secrets that force her to confront truths she’s tried to bury.

The suspense is palpable throughout, with unexpected twists that kept me hooked. Emma's inner turmoil and her quest for closure add a poignant dimension, making this more than just a typical mystery. Nicholas, with his cryptic personality, is equally compelling, keeping you constantly questioning his intentions. The supporting characters, particularly Mia, offer moments of lightness and balance that contrast the darker undertones.

Zee David’s writing style is sharp and immersive, seamlessly blending psychological tension with intricate character dynamics. The pacing is well-executed, though at times the plot jumps between events a bit abruptly. Despite this, the narrative’s twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end.

For fans of psychological thrillers with emotional depth and plenty of surprises, The Killer She Knew is an excellent pick. It’s a gripping debut that will leave you eagerly awaiting Zee David’s next work. Highly recommended!

[Suzi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately I can not finish this book. The writing is extremely poor and there's so many issues that I'm not going to waste my precious reading time on something that's not quality.

Some issues I had:
⭕Some strange things I cant quite get my head around. Where are they? Jope Town sounds American (the name and the way it's described), but she moved from London. Are they still in England then? Or not?
⭕Tying her nightgown around herself? Should that be dressing gown? Is the author not a native English speaker? Small things like that are forgivable if so. If they're English speaking as a mother tongue, it's just poor editing that should have been picked up.
⭕Another thing that makes me wonder if the author is not English speaking first: "coffee is the last thing you should be taking" what a strange way to phrase something. Again, forgivable if it's not their mother tongue otherwise the editor has not done their job properly.
⭕Too many adverbs made the writing cumbersome and clunky.
⭕What's wrong with said? Everyone is always muttering or ranting etc.
⭕Totally disjointed writing and I released about 18% through the author is trying to use synonyms for words they have used previously but its making the narrative sound silly. (She dropped the knife. Okay, then the man nods at it. But the author calls it a cutter... Like wtf? Nobody has ever called a knife a cutter. Ever.) Sometimes the thesaurus isn't your friend Baby Kangaroo Tribiani.

Anyway, this wasn't a great read. I'm sorry to give such a low score for an ARC. But we're asked for honesty and there it is.

[Sneha · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked up “The Killer She Knew,” I was expecting a typical thriller, but what I got was so much more. The book follows Emma, a ghostwriter who’s trying to start fresh in a new town while caring for her sick mother. But the past catches up with her when she gets involved in solving her sister’s murder, all while working on a creepy project involving the diary of a serial killer.

What I loved most is how the lines between fiction and reality blur for Emma. As she dives deeper into this twisted diary, you can literally feel her fear and paranoia creeping in. The suspense is off the charts, making it impossible to stop reading. You’ll be questioning everything right along with her!

Then there’s Nick, the writer renting space in Emma’s new home. He’s mysterious, intriguing, and just the right amount of unsettling. Their dynamic keeps you guessing—is he a friend, or something much darker? Zee David knows how to keep you on edge, that’s for sure.

The way the author weaves in Emma’s personal struggles, especially her grief and guilt over her sister’s death, adds depth to the story. It’s not just a thriller; it’s a story about confronting the past and finding closure, even when the truth is hard to face.

All in all, “The Killer She Knew” is a total page-turner with twists that’ll keep you guessing until the very end. If you’re into thrillers with a side of psychological drama, this one’s for you!

[Shilo Goodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My biggest advice is to stick it out to the end. There are parts of this book that are very confusing. I often found myself wondering why someone did something or said something. If you stick it out to the end, most of the confusing parts are cleared up. There were a few parts that were still a bit confusing, which I wish had been cleared up a little better. I can't say more than that without ruining the story.

One of the unusual things about this book is that you know parts of the mystery pretty much from the first chapter or two. Others parts are clear soon thereafter. Most of it is just about figuring out how the story is going to come together in the end. For me, there was really only one surprising twist in the plot, and when I thought back on it, even that shouldn't have been super surprising.

This book does have some swearing. There's no graphic sexual content. There are several murders that take place throughout the story. Some of it is described, but it doesn't go into graphic detail.

I got a free ARC from BookSirens, and I left a voluntary review. Overall, I would give this book 3.5 stars. I rounded up because I did like the ending, and most of the confusion was cleared up in the end.

[Marija · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel grabs you from the start with a tragedy that sets a suspenseful tone. The introduction of a mysterious and eccentric writer adds to the intrigue.

While the plot raises several questions that kept me curious, it occasionally jumped too quickly from one event to another, making it hard to keep track of everything.

About halfway through, a shocking twist had me wondering what was happening—this is what I love about a good story. In part two, we revisit the past, and the character’s perspective feels authentic and consistent. I wished there were more chapters focused on him.

The chapters about Zoe and Emma could have been moved earlier to build suspense, while Mia’s point of view felt unexpected, and Kathy seemed inconsistent later on. I enjoyed Mia's humor, although it felt a bit out of place given the serious context.

The author’s character descriptions were concise yet effective. Overall, the final chapters were tense and full of surprises, keeping me guessing until the end!

[Meg.Just.Meg.Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Killer She Knew by Zee David is a suspenseful and gripping mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story follows Emma, a ghostwriter seeking a fresh start while caring for her ailing mother, as she becomes enmeshed in the chilling mystery of her sister’s murder. The narrative takes an intriguing turn when Emma begins ghostwriting a fictional novel based on the diary of a serial killer, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

The twists in this book are expertly crafted. While I guessed parts of the ending midway, there were still plenty of surprises that kept me on my toes. Zee David weaves a complex tale of secrets, lies, and unexpected alliances, making this more than just a standard whodunit.

Emma’s character is compelling—her determination to uncover the truth while facing her own past is both relatable and admirable. Nick’s mysterious presence adds another layer of intrigue, as his connection to the project unfolds.
With its eerie atmosphere, unpredictable twists, and engaging characters, The Killer She Knew is a good-read for fans of psychological thrillers. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking, suspense-filled mystery.

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma, a ghostwriter, has just relocated to a new town with her sick mother. When Emma takes on a ghost writing job with a man named Nick, they begin to write a fictional serial killers diary. But, things become unsettling when while writing the story, the narrative starts to intertwine with Emma's sisters murder years before. As Emma digs deeper into the story, she starts to question what is real and what is fiction.

This is a shorter dark thriller that was very fast-paced. I really like the tension that David has worked into this novel, combined with a steady pace I was interested and couldn't stop reading. A couple of drawbacks for me though is parts of the story got a little choppy and some of the twists were too obvious. Despite these things, definitely stick it out, everything eventually makes sense! This story is perfect for a one-sitting read and for fans of dark and emotional psychological thrillers.

Thank you to NetGalley, Zee David, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC! Publication date was July 16th 2024.

[sureshot · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book gets off to a good start. It gives just enough mystery that you want to know more about Emma’s past and what happened to her sister. And then there is a mysterious writer hiring Emma as a ghostwriter, and I wanted to know more about that. The author does a good job establishing the characters through their interactions. Emma’s in her head a lot, which you would expect from a ghost writer. Nick is kind of mysterious, bordering on creepy. Mia adds a nice normalcy to it all, giving a needed contrast for the other two characters. The mystery and twists that follow are excellent. There’s some obvious mixed with some not so obvious. The writing was good, but it was really the mystery of it all that kept me reading. It had a feel like The Girl on the Train. The author did a great job mixing psychology with mystery. I highly recommend it for lovers of psychological thrillers and mysteries.

[Softlancer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story follows Emma, a young woman struggling with the aftermath of her sister Zoe's tragic death, which has strained her relationship with their mother, who is suffering from health issues. Emma takes on a ghostwriting project for a mysterious writer named Nicholas, who has a dark past involving the murders of several women. As Emma becomes more involved in the project, she uncovers unsettling connections between Nicholas's story and her own life, particularly regarding the circumstances of her sister's death. The narrative explores themes of grief, guilt, and the quest for justice, culminating in a tense confrontation with the truth about Nicholas and the impact of his actions on Emma and her family. The story blends elements of psychological thriller and emotional drama, highlighting Emma's journey toward healing and resolution.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Killer She Knew by Zee David
Narrated by Millie Hearts & Omar Abou
Publisher: Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Novellas & Short Stories, Women's Fiction
Published: December 9, 2024

The Killer She Knew by Zee David is the first book I've read by the author. I thought the twists and turns were fascinating and kept me engaged. I loved the ending!!!

I enjoyed the narration by Omar Abou, but really struggled with the narration by Millie Hearts. I found her to be monotone and almost DNF'd the book because of it.

I'll definitely give the author a second chance. I'm not sure if I struggled with the book because of the narration or because of the story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carmel Audsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma is consumed by the death of her sister Zoe, and the impact it has had on her relationship with her ailing mother who is being tended by her carer Mia. A writer called Nick enters her life. He needs her help as a ghostwriter, and she needs the cash, to the point where he ends up boarding at her house. Nick’s story is a fictitious account of a murderer who killed three women, which makes Emma feel unsettled as her sister died at the hands of a psychopath. So at this point, because of the book title, I’m wondering ‘did Nick kill Emma’s sister or perhaps it was Mia, the nurse’. The story moves through time and I found the switching from present to past tense a little distracting. It’s a slow-burn that creates suspense and, while it keeps the reader interested, there are times when you wish the big reveal would be made. A short, easy read with a twist at the end.

[Amanda O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Killer She knew follows Emma, a ghost writer, who works to solve the death of her sister. I enjoyed the story and the twist at the end. I listened to the audiobook and the timeline got a little confusing jumping between the present and past since the change wasn't always mentioned. I think this book would have been better read as a physical book.

Additionally, the audio quality for Emma's pov wasn't very good and it was hard to hear when the listening speed was increased.

Overall, I enjoyed this short mystery. Some parts were rushed especially at the end, but l liked the story line and would read more of this author's works!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[mas · Rating 1 out of 5]

i hate giving one star reviews to arcs but this was such a frustrating read as a thriller fan.

predictability is truly the death of a thriller book and the writer made it so that everything was drawn out at the start so you could guess what would happen and then started adding twist after twist which were all just incredibly ridiculous and badly written and not even fully fleshed out.

i also had trouble connecting with all of the characters, none of them seemed realistic to me + their character plotlines were all so rushed and there was no real chance to properly understand them and the sudden dual pov's just seemed unnecessary.

overall it was just quite tropey and a dull read that could have been good but lacked the effort needed for that.

thank you netgalley for the arc.

[Briana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has excellent potential! The characters were a bit of a myriad group, and the storyline driving the book kept me very interested. There were some definite "I cannot put this down" moments, and some "wait what?" paragraphs.

There is some room for improvement in the flow of the very entertaining story. At times, it felt a bit jumbled and confusing - perhaps a bit overly verbose. I also had a big question about the reasoning for a certain character's actions that felt unanswered but pivotal to the plot.

All in all, I'd say it's a solid 3.75. Entertaining for sure, and a bit unpredictable as well!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This psychological thriller packed a lot into a little space. A serial killing spree several years ago is still causing repercussions present day. Three different perspectives across two different time frames meant plenty of opportunity for misdirection. There were motives both sinister and for revenge.
This was a very quick read for me. The author did a very good job of giving just enough with each chapter to add pieces that kept the picture forming, and just enough twists to think there could be an escape from justice. The tension built right up to the penultimate chapter, which made the final chapter really catch me off guard. Entertaining story.
I received an advanced copy through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into the story because the production quality of the audio book was awful. It sounded like Millie Hearts was in a tunnel and was very difficult to understand what she was saying even with the volume all the way up. I was thankful this was a short story becaue I’m not sure I could have made it through a full length book.

I don’t like leaving a review like this but avoid the audio book - read the physical or digital book. I recommend Millie’s audio be re-recorded before it is available via audio more broadly.

Thank you to NetGalley & Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.