The Revenge Plot

by Jackie Kabler

When Ella Leonard arrives at work one Monday morning, she’s stunned. The place isn’t just shut – it’s gone. Boarded up, closed down. Days later, she gets home to find she’s been evicted from her flat, her belongings piled on the doorstep. It’s as if, bit by bit, someone is taking her entire life away from her.

Who, and why? And how much worse can it get? The answer? A lot worse.
This is just the beginning…


From the bestselling thriller author of The Perfect Couple and The Vanishing of Class 3B, comes a brand new edge-of-your-seat thriller for 2025.

**Available to pre-order now!**

Praise for Jackie

‘Filled with tangible foreboding and pitch-perfect twists’ Sunday Times bestseller, B P Walter

‘Utterly unputdownable’ Jane Bailey

‘This bingeable thriller is a must-read!’ Lesley Kara

'A shocking and binge-worthy thriller!' L.C. North

‘One of the best thrillers of the year’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Suspenseful, full of tension and absolutely gripping’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An absolute corker … totally engrossing and superbly written’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I was totally captivated’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Crime

385 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2025

About the author

Jackie Kabler is a journalist, TV presenter and author. She spent twenty years as a TV news reporter for GMTV, ITV and BBC news, and now works as a presenter for shopping channel QVC and is author of the Cora Baxter Mysteries, a series of murder mysteries set in a television newsroom.

The Development is her third novel. Jackie lives in Gloucestershire with her husband, who is a GP.

Reviews

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Revenge is a dish best served cold".

Jackie Kabler's high-octane, relentlessly twisting psychological thriller will not only hook you.......
it will put you in an emotional chokehold.

This addictive, pacy, disturbing, and intricately plotted book checked all of my boxes:
☑️ Three unhinged and unreliable female protagonists
☑️ Revenge, revenge, and more revenge
☑️ Compelling and strong characterizations
☑️ Razor-sharp plotting. Tension was palpable
☑️ Emotionally resonant, clever, and unpredictable twists

This book is a dark, dizzying, and brilliant study in manipulation, betrayal, and how quickly a person's life can be systematically dismantled.

The storyline begins when one of the female protagonists arrives at work to discover her café completely gone, as if it never existed.

Who did this and why?

All three protagonists are deeply flawed and compellingly real in their single-minded pursuit of retribution.

The storyline rapidly spirals, examining the blurred lines of morality and the devastating human cost of long-held grudges.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Vera Chok.

Although Vera Chok did a superb job with the narration, the book would have benefited from three different narrators since it unfolded from three POVs.

One of my besties of 2025.

All the stars!!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Casey Reads 🌸 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am sorry to do this to an ARC but what the absolute f… 30% in and the ‘exciting’ things that happened is she showed up at her job one day to find it closed down and her boss has disappeared and won’t answer her calls and she ends up living in her car… and she keeps complaining that her boss scammed her. Um people get fired every day, I don’t really see how this is a plot for a thriller..

Anyways 30% in and this story was so bland and weird I had to DNF. This was not thrilling. Sounds like based on the title that she will eventually get revenge on her boss for her loss of job, but I gotta be honest I couldn’t care less at that point.

Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa Kusel]

Listened (the audiobook edition is no longer listed on Amazon or Apple or GR so I had to go back to the opening credits to see who narrated).

Sabrina Pui Yee Chin was the narrator. She played all three characters and all three sounded exactly the same. I found it difficult to distinguish who was who. Granted, she gave Misha a slight cockney twang every so often. Her diction was satisfactory.

So much revenge so little time. Twists galore! Inane doctors! Deceitful, back-stabbing women!

I have nothing more.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sharp concept let down by an unlikable lead, The Revenge Plot didn’t quite hit the mark for me. While the twists and pacing had promise, I found Ella frustratingly entitled and out of touch—especially her judgment toward those on benefits, which felt tone-deaf in today’s climate. Her lack of self-awareness and superiority complex made it hard to root for her, even as her life unraveled. The other women—Harriet and Nisha—offered more intrigue, but their motivations leaned more obsessive than clever. What could have been a darkly satisfying tale of revenge felt more like watching a series of poor decisions snowball. 2.5 stars.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this thriller so much! It involves three women: Ella, Harriet, and Nisha who all believe they are "owed" something for the wrongs they have encountered in life. But of course all these things have been brought on or engineered by each of them and so it's fitting that this revenge is "best served cold" so none of them see it coming. Great twists and turns as your head will spin until the bitter end!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Hannah Carty · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - just couldn’t be bothered with the repetitive plot and moany FMC.

[Mana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jackie Kabler's The Revenge Plot is an engrossing tale centered around Ella Leonard, whose seemingly ordinary life takes an unexpected turn when her workplace abruptly shuts down, leaving her without a job. As if that wasn't enough, she soon discovers she has been evicted from her home, with her belongings unceremoniously dumped on the doorstep. It quickly becomes apparent that these events are not mere coincidences – someone is methodically dismantling every aspect of her life.

The narrative is filled with suspense as the mystery of who is targeting Ella and why deepens with each passing chapter. The tension builds steadily as the protagonist finds herself in increasingly dire situations, making it difficult for readers to put the book down.

Ella Leonard is a well-developed character whose determination and resilience shine through despite the chaos that surrounds her. Her emotional journey is characterized by moments of vulnerability, coupled with incredible displays of strength as she grapples with the loss of control over her life. While Ella's struggles take center stage, the antagonist remains shrouded in mystery for much of the novel, contributing to the unsettling atmosphere.

The themes explored in The Revenge Plot resonate strongly with readers. Issues of identity, trust, and the desire for revenge form the backbone of the narrative, prompting readers to consider how quickly one's sense of stability can be shattered by external forces. In today's fast-paced world, where uncertainty and upheaval often dominate personal and professional lives, these themes feel especially relevant. The novel also explores questions of justice and morality, challenging readers to reflect on the lengths one might go to when pushed to their breaking point.

Jackie Kabler's writing style is accessible and engaging, with short chapters that maintain a brisk pace. Her use of suspense is highly effective, punctuated by twists that keep readers on edge. The tone balances urgency with introspection, providing moments of respite amidst the fast-paced action. However, the narrative structure can feel somewhat formulaic at times, with certain plot points leaning heavily on genre conventions rather than innovative storytelling techniques.

The atmosphere in The Revenge Plot is one of mounting dread and paranoia, which Kabler expertly evokes as Ella's world crumbles around her. Readers can easily visualize the isolation and fear that permeate the narrative, creating an immersive reading experience. While the tension is undeniably palpable, some scenes could benefit from more vivid descriptions to heighten their emotional impact.

In the realm of psychological thrillers, The Revenge Plot manages to stand out by tapping into the universal fear of losing control over one's life. It may not break new ground in the genre, but it succeeds in delivering an entertaining and thought-provoking story. Constructive criticism could be directed towards the development of certain character arcs or the expansion of secondary storylines, which could further enrich the novel.

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE REVENGE PLOT BY JACKIE KABLER
Release date set for the 30th of May 2025
Love the cover.
This is my first book by Jackie.
I enjoyed the storyline for this book.
Slow paced.
Unlikeable characters
Think this is going to be one of those books where you either love it or don't like it.

[Chrissie Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A mixed bag of twists and frustrations

The Revenge Plot had an intriguing premise that immediately pulled me in. The opening chapters were fast-paced and full of promise, and I found myself genuinely curious about Ella’s unravelling life and who might be behind it. Jackie Kabler is clearly skilled at creating suspense, and the initial setup had me flipping pages quickly.

That said, after around the 60% mark, the pacing started to falter. The tension gave way to repetition, and I found myself losing momentum. If this hadn’t been an ARC, I’m honestly not sure I would have pushed through to the end.

The characters were another sticking point for me. While I did feel some empathy for Ella and understood her growing paranoia and frustration, most of the main characters felt flat or deeply unlikeable. It made it difficult to stay emotionally invested in the outcome.

This book definitely had potential and there were moments of clever plotting, but for me, it didn’t quite live up to the early intrigue. A decent read with some good twists, but not one that will stay with me.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read! When Ella arrives at work, she finds it has been emptied and the locks changed. Her boss isn't picking up her phone and then Ella is evicted from her flat as well. Confused and penniless, she is forced to sleep in her car until she reaches out to an old friend for help and a place to stay. When it transpires that Ella's friend, Harriet, has a stalker of her own, the two work together to try and solve the mystery of who is trying to destroy their lives. A couple of great twists took this in a direction I was absolutely not expecting!

4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jackie Kabler and Harper Collins for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Judy Odom · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Revenge Plot is a twisted and oh so crazy read that has you hooked from beginning to end.

The story features three women: Ella who is down on her luck, Harriet who has everything and Nisha who feels Harriet owes her .

When Ella shows up for work and her place of business is shut down she is bewildered.

Her boss is nowhere to be found.

Then her luck goes from bad to worse and Ella feels someone is getting revenge on her but why or who .

Harriet takes Ella in gets her a job and put has put hers and Ella's past history behind them

Nisha was disinherited from her mum's Will and wants justice.

Crazy meets crazy and I love crazy

Secrets, secrets, secres .

I did not who to cheer for , not that any of them deserved to be cheered for.

The Revenge Plot is a roller coaster read.

I will say no more.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review The Revenge Plot.





Thanks to NetGalley

[Saffy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed some of the author’s previous novels so was looking forward to reading The Revenge Plot. I was intrigued by the excellent opening chapters; Ella, a cafe manager arrives at work one morning to discover that her recently opened pop up cafe has been closed down. Her attempts to contact the cafe owner fail and soon she is mysteriously evicted from her flat. I found the first half of the novel compelling and loved the mystery around Ella’s situation as her life begins to rapidly fall apart. However, once the characters of Harriet and Nisha are introduced I felt that the plot fell apart as it became increasingly over complicated and ridiculous with too many plot lines.
I feel that this is probably the weakest novel I’ve read by Jackie Kabler but do look forward to reading more in the future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC

[Morag Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a clever and original piece of psychological fiction - I didn't want it to end!

Ella, former self proclaimed diva model is loving her new solitary but wholesome life running a pop up cafe with huge success. All goes well until she goes to open up one Monday morning...only to find the unit all locked up and the contents gone! Ella soon becomes aware that not only has something gone awry, but someone has malicious intent towards her. She reaches out to old friend Harriet in her hour of need and feels her fortunes start to turn, however even with this move back to her home town of London it seems Ella isn't out of the woods just yet! The craziness just keeps coming!

So much happens in this novel and just when you think you know where it is going....cue an epic plot twist! I wish I could unread it just so I could enjoy it all over again!

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

[Victoria Fensom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ella’s life comes crashing down around her and she has no idea how she’s found herself in this situation. She ends her week thinking everything is looking up and running smoothly in her life, only to arrive at work on Monday morning to find that her workplace no longer exists and there’s not a shred of evidence to suggest that it was ever there. This is just the start of it for Ella and her life starts falling apart more and more in the coming days.

This book did feel a little slow starting and repetitive at some points but I did think it picked up as the book progressed. Generally speaking I didn’t love any of the characters or feel completely invested in them, but despite this, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Ella as you watch her world unravel.

Jackie Kabler’s writing style does make for an easy and enjoyable read, with the short chapters and cliffhangers making me eager to read on. There were also some unexpected twists in the plot which I enjoyed, however I felt these could have been kept more minimal as at parts it felt very pantomime villain like. Despite this, I did enjoy this book overall and would recommend if you’re looking for a quick yet gripping thriller. Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly the cover! Love it!

Well I was totally captivated by this one, there is just so many different layers to it and just who can you trust??

When Ella turns up to work on Monday, she finds the business is gone. The building is empty, the locks have been changed and the orders cancelled. Just what is going on?? And things only get worse for her…..

I love the style in which this was written, jumping between different characters perspectives, it really gives you a feel for how they are feeling and what they are thinking.

I don’t want to give anything away so won’t mention more of the plot. I really liked the character development throughout this book and my feelings towards the main three characters changed throughout, they aren’t always the most likeable but I feel more for Ella and less for Harriet as we get to know them!

This is definite must read for those who like twists and turns right up until the last page. It’s fast paced and will have you questioning what you think you know!

You could argue that some of it is unbelievable, maybe reactions and the consequences are over the top, but then what lengths will people really go to for revenge when they feel they have been wronged??
4.5 stars

[Kayl_may · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, and I’m not entirely sure I’d call this a psychological thriller.. it was certainly full of crime, suspense and twists but I felt it borderlines into comedy in some parts and still an enjoyable read.

The story starts with Ella Leonard finding herself jobless and homeless one Monday morning and trying to figure out what has happened. It is told in three parts by Ella and two other characters who have had seemingly unfair situations happen to them and how they deal with and navigate through this by righting the wrongs that have happened to them.

I found this a bit of a slow burner initially but the pace soon picks up a quarter of the way through. I was intrigued by all three women and the story development and found it on the whole an entertaining read.

The shock twist wasn’t a shock to me, as I’d already figured it out but this didn’t bother me as I’d enjoyed the story.

Thank you to One More Chapter and NetGalley who provided me with an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Claire TheBookendReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jackie Kabler’s The Revenge Plot explores the unraveling of a woman’s life with chilling precision. Ella Leonard begins her week full of optimism, only to find her workplace gone and her home repossessed—without warning or explanation. What follows is a relentless chain of sabotages that leaves her with nothing.

The writing style is fast and engaging, with short chapters and consistent tension that made this a very readable thriller. While I didn’t feel a strong connection to the characters, I did sympathize with Ella’s helplessness and growing desperation. There are some clever twists along the way, though at times the reveals veered into melodrama and felt slightly overdone.

Still, Kabler keeps the plot moving, and the central premise—losing everything without warning—was unsettling in all the right ways. If you’re after a quick, bingeable thriller with a sinister edge and classic revenge themes, this is one to try.

[Lisa (Two Bookish Brits) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to HarperCollins UK / One More Chapter and the author for the ARC via NetGalley.

What. The. Heck. Did. I. Just. Read. Oh my gosh!

When I read the description for this book it sounded intriguing and I knew I had to give it a try BUT I did NOT expect exactly what I was going to get BECAUSE OH MY plot twists everywhere!!!!

I won’t give away the storyline because this one needs to be read without any spoilers but I will say oh my gosh, I was completely invested in this book and could NOT put it down.

I found myself switching sides all the time because these girls, they are something else.

I will admit to skimming through the first quarter of the book, pushing through it because it felt so slow to me but I am so glad I did because those last three quarters were absolutely thrilling. I was sat here wondering what the heck could possibly happen next.

That first plot twist blew my mind, I actually didn’t see it coming and when it did, it knocked me for six, damn.

This is the first book I’ve read from this author and after this I know it won’t be my last. I quite enjoyed the authors writing and plots and yes, I want more.

[Abbeigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella thought her luck had finally come in; a great new job, an apartment to go with it and a much needed relocation. So when she turns up at work one morning to find the place cleared out, she’s baffled. Then, days later, she arrives home to see her belongings piled up outside. Who is so desperate to take her life away from her? And why?

This book gave me whiplash in such a good way! I didn’t know who to trust or believe, and it gave ‘unrealistic narrator’ vibes which I absolutely love.

Set into different sections, ‘The Revenge Plot’ unravels on you like you’re pulling a loose thread, with revelation after revelation thrown at you throughout. I was gripped throughout and found myself racing towards the end because I couldn’t wait to figure out what was really going on.

I can’t wait to read more of Jackie’s work after reading this!

[Sammi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an opening chapter!!
I was instantly drawn in to this thriller, invested straight away!

The plot is unique, suspenseful and completely gripping.

Conflicted about the characters - they were flawed, complex and real. I disliked them, liked them, even pitied them, all at once. The author does a great job of making you feel a range of emotions reading this.

I was left sat with my mouth wide open in shock multiple times during this. The twists leaving me completely speechless.

A tightly woven story of secrets, perceived justice, and revenge, leaving you questioning your moral compass. How far is too far?

This is the first book I've read by this author but I will be getting her other books now as I love her writing.

Thank you to One More Chapter for this advanced copy.

[Alexia | Books4Dreamz · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a unique and intriguing premise, this book pulls you in from page one — imagine arriving at work one Monday morning only to discover it no longer exists. From that moment on, Ella’s life starts to unravel in the most unexpected ways. The story is packed with twists, one after the other and I have to say — the first one really took me by surprise!

Though I anticipated a few of the later developments, the journey to the end was definitely engaging and full of tension. If you enjoy quick reads with a steady pace, layered secrets and a touch of drama, this book might be a perfect fit for you.

The Revenge Plot may not have been a new favorite for me personally, but I know many readers will love the tension, mystery and high-stakes plot.

Many thanks to the publisher for the gifted ARC!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was told over three parts, each featuring Ella’s perspective, with an added narrator per part! I loved the development of Ella’s character throughout, we really get to see why she is the way she is and how she got there. Her tumultuous fast really fed into her paranoia and her feeling wary of everyone really felt valid. There were little twists along the way which made this is wholly engaging read, and I slightly guessed part of the ending but this didn’t detract from the plot at all. This was my first read from Jackie and now all of her back catalogue is on my TBR!

[Sharon Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to @instabooktours for having me on this readalong.

This book had me from the beginning Ella arrives at work on Monday morning to find the unit where she works is empty and all closed up she tries to find out what is going on but the orders have been cancelled and the bank account closed. Her luck goes from bad to worse as she is made homeless. its hard to tell you what is going on without giving anything away. I didn't like Ella a lot she even admitted herself that she had done some pretty awful things. you will have lots of twists and turns along the way and as the story unravels and you meet Harriet an old friend of Ella and Nisha the tale unravels further. I did work out one of the twists but at the very end they just kept coming and the very end well let's just say I'm not sure who got the worse of the deal and I was surprised at the end.

It will definitely keep you wanting more.

[Ancillar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, and all opinions expressed are mine.

This book follows Ella, who is down on her luck and the wrong person she trusts who someone else is also out to get her revenge on.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟 thank you Insta Book Tours, Jackie & One More Chapter for my copy!

[Jilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely brilliant thriller from Jackie Kabler.

******************************
When Ella Leonard arrives at work one Monday morning, she’s stunned. The place isn’t just shut – it’s gone. Boarded up, closed down. Days later, she gets home to find she’s been evicted from her flat, her belongings piled on the doorstep. It’s as if, bit by bit, someone is taking her entire life away from her.

Who, and why? And how much worse can it get? The answer? A lot worse.
This is just the beginning…

[Maria Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Pulls you in immediately. The twists keep coming. Great read.

[Mohade$eh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but I guess the reason I didn't enjoy it much was because of its writing style.

[Robyn Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and raw thriller

Kabler had me absolutely furious with how awful human beings can be to one another, especially when there is men, money and pride on the line. An excellent read, twists and turns like no other. 5/5.

[Dee B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mad Jane fallonesque thriller that I couldn’t put down.