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The Hitwoman's Guide to Reducing Household Debt
'I met my husband on the same day I committed my very last murder. There's a joke in there somewhere, about ending two men's lives.'
Olivia Hodges used to do horrible things – back when she worked for a Spanish crime syndicate – but she fled that life and moved home to Australia, building a family in the hipster community of the Dandenong Ranges.
When a small-time criminal gang brings tragedy to her family, superstitious Olivia believes it's the universe demanding payment for her crimes. She wants revenge, but has to get it without adding to her karmic debt. So she creates situations where these bad men get themselves killed through their anger, ego and greed – all while trying to mislead the cops long enough to finish what she started.
Olivia Hodges used to do horrible things – back when she worked for a Spanish crime syndicate – but she fled that life and moved home to Australia, building a family in the hipster community of the Dandenong Ranges.
When a small-time criminal gang brings tragedy to her family, superstitious Olivia believes it's the universe demanding payment for her crimes. She wants revenge, but has to get it without adding to her karmic debt. So she creates situations where these bad men get themselves killed through their anger, ego and greed – all while trying to mislead the cops long enough to finish what she started.
314 pages, Paperback
Published August 27, 2024
46 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
September 29, 2024
I'm not sure that whoever wrote the blurb on the back has actually read the book, and the title doesn't fit the story either. I expected something darkly funny in a domestic setting. What I got was a confused book - not sure whether it is action, thriller, domestic fiction, crime fiction, or what? It's violent, dark, and traumatic. Definitely not funny.
October 21, 2024
This book is a lot more dark and a grim than the cosy murder blurb and retro funk cover might have you thinking. The title is also a bit of a miss and doesn't really align with the content.
The back cover blurb had an interesting premise, and I liked the possibility of a dark storyline, so I opened myself to the potential of a satisfying read.
This book seemed to have a bit of an identity crisis. It bounced around being light-hearted, grim, nice funny, tragic, dark humoured. But it seemed to be a messy and disorganised combination of all of the above rather than the intentional result of clever writing.
Eventually, the moments of actual humour became non-existent. Or rather, I could see the attempt of humour, but I just didn't find the personal asides funny in the increasingly chaotic and messy storyline.
While suspension of disbelief is often required when reading fiction, I found that by halfway through, I had to not only suspend, but show my disbelief the door while I chewed my way through the remainder of the book.
The ending is almost painfully twee.
I quite like grim books with dark humour, and for the first 30% or so, I quite enjoyed the book. Initially, I thought it was leading to a 4-star finish.
But, the writing and the storyline slowly chipped the points away. It's marginally better than 2 points, but not really a full 3 points.
I recently created a 'I am a self aware politically correct person and let me repeatedly tell you how', bingo card for modern male authors - especially those writing books with female primary characters*. This author painfully ticked all the boxes several times before the 50% mark.
Would I recommend this book to my reading friends? Well, I haven't yet.
* I have no issue with male authors writing female characters. I do, however, dislike it when dialogue or descriptors are written with the sole intent of proving what a forward-thinking feminist man the author is. These are often clunky, too bloody obvious in their intent, and generally incongruous with the flow of the text.
The back cover blurb had an interesting premise, and I liked the possibility of a dark storyline, so I opened myself to the potential of a satisfying read.
This book seemed to have a bit of an identity crisis. It bounced around being light-hearted, grim, nice funny, tragic, dark humoured. But it seemed to be a messy and disorganised combination of all of the above rather than the intentional result of clever writing.
Eventually, the moments of actual humour became non-existent. Or rather, I could see the attempt of humour, but I just didn't find the personal asides funny in the increasingly chaotic and messy storyline.
While suspension of disbelief is often required when reading fiction, I found that by halfway through, I had to not only suspend, but show my disbelief the door while I chewed my way through the remainder of the book.
The ending is almost painfully twee.
I quite like grim books with dark humour, and for the first 30% or so, I quite enjoyed the book. Initially, I thought it was leading to a 4-star finish.
But, the writing and the storyline slowly chipped the points away. It's marginally better than 2 points, but not really a full 3 points.
I recently created a 'I am a self aware politically correct person and let me repeatedly tell you how', bingo card for modern male authors - especially those writing books with female primary characters*. This author painfully ticked all the boxes several times before the 50% mark.
Would I recommend this book to my reading friends? Well, I haven't yet.
* I have no issue with male authors writing female characters. I do, however, dislike it when dialogue or descriptors are written with the sole intent of proving what a forward-thinking feminist man the author is. These are often clunky, too bloody obvious in their intent, and generally incongruous with the flow of the text.
September 18, 2024
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
The Hitwoman's Guide to Reducing Household Debt
This crime novel is an Aussie debut for author Mark Mupotsa-Russell and it will take you on a wild and entertaining ride. While it was mostly fun, there was some pretty dark scenes so don’t let the pretty cover trick you. It’s tense, full of action, wit and drama filled.
Olivia is the mother of two young girls and wife to Jai, she used to be a hitwoman for a Spanish crime syndicate in her secret past. Olivia has a new life in Australia now living in the Dandenong Ranges.
A tragic event occurs (I’m still trying to erase the catastrophic scene from my head) and rips her family’s life apart. Olivia seeks revenge and you better beware if you’re guilty.
The morally grey character of Olivia will have your jaw dropping, she’s charming, brutal, kick-ass and a strong character.
I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like this before. Well written and uniquely different, if you love a bit of murder mayhem you won’t want to miss this!
Publication Day 27 August 2024
Publisher Affirm Press
A huge thanks to the wonderful team at Affirm Press for a surprise copy of the book.
The Hitwoman's Guide to Reducing Household Debt
This crime novel is an Aussie debut for author Mark Mupotsa-Russell and it will take you on a wild and entertaining ride. While it was mostly fun, there was some pretty dark scenes so don’t let the pretty cover trick you. It’s tense, full of action, wit and drama filled.
Olivia is the mother of two young girls and wife to Jai, she used to be a hitwoman for a Spanish crime syndicate in her secret past. Olivia has a new life in Australia now living in the Dandenong Ranges.
A tragic event occurs (I’m still trying to erase the catastrophic scene from my head) and rips her family’s life apart. Olivia seeks revenge and you better beware if you’re guilty.
The morally grey character of Olivia will have your jaw dropping, she’s charming, brutal, kick-ass and a strong character.
I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like this before. Well written and uniquely different, if you love a bit of murder mayhem you won’t want to miss this!
Publication Day 27 August 2024
Publisher Affirm Press
A huge thanks to the wonderful team at Affirm Press for a surprise copy of the book.
August 31, 2024
First of all, how great is that cover!! Love the bright, vibrant colours on a book that is so dark. A great debut novel that had me entertained from the very beginning. Whilst being a dark, it was also a lot of fun but very emotional. Full of action and drama, this is an author to watch out for.
Olivia is a business woman, mother and wife with a dark secret. When tragedy strikes her family, she knows that she must once again become that Olivia. Before she met her husband, Olivia worked for a Spanish crime syndicate as a hit woman. She moved to Australia for a fresh start but she seeks revenge on those that dare to harm her nearest and dearest.
What sparks Olivia’s wrath was shocking and tough to read, and did bring me to tears. There is quite a lot of violence and bad language that even for me was hard to read. But a highly addictive and fun read nonetheless.
Thanks to Affirm Press for sending me a surprise copy of this book to read.
Olivia is a business woman, mother and wife with a dark secret. When tragedy strikes her family, she knows that she must once again become that Olivia. Before she met her husband, Olivia worked for a Spanish crime syndicate as a hit woman. She moved to Australia for a fresh start but she seeks revenge on those that dare to harm her nearest and dearest.
What sparks Olivia’s wrath was shocking and tough to read, and did bring me to tears. There is quite a lot of violence and bad language that even for me was hard to read. But a highly addictive and fun read nonetheless.
Thanks to Affirm Press for sending me a surprise copy of this book to read.
December 9, 2024
4.5★s
The Hitwoman’s Guide To Reducing Household Debt is the first novel by Australian film reviewer, screenwriter, columnist and author, Mark Mupotsa-Russell. The audio version is narrated by Casey Withoos. What happens when a botched ATM robbery takes out someone close to a former hitwoman’s family?
It’s some years since Olivia Hodges escaped a career that saw her efficiently eliminating marks on the order of her demanding Spanish crime boss, Dante. Now, she lives with her loving, considerate partner, Jaideep Singh, and their two daughters, Edie and Leena, in the Dandenong Ranges, where, so far, Dante hasn’t found her. She runs an emerging PR company that she started to launder her ill-gotten gains, while Jai is the primary carer for the girls.
She hasn’t fully found a way to live with her terrible history, and when tragedy strikes, she’s convinced it’s the universe settling debts, even though a hitman who also worked for Dante and now lives in a nearby Buddhist monastery, tells her it doesn’t work like that.
The answer to that question? The hitwoman goes hunting. A bit of clever research helps her track down those responsible, but she gave up being a hitwoman because she just couldn’t stomach it anymore: will she be able to do it now, to exact revenge? Or will that further increase her karmic debt? Might there be a different way…?
While she’s secretly busy tracking and tailing, absent from her family, something else happens that causes her ever tolerant husband to understandably have a bit of a dummy-spit: “some of us believe we have duties beyond simple wallowing.” She agrees to see the therapist. Better than telling him what she’s really up to.
Readers should be aware that there is copious use of expletives as well as graphic violence, animal cruelty, and a hefty body count, but Mupotsa-Russell also addresses guilt and grief is a sensitive manner, even as he includes some very black humour. Quite a few of the plot points, though, will require the reader to don their disbelief suspenders
Despite her previous profession, Mupotsa’s protagonist manages to have the reader somewhat onside: when seen from her perspective, her actions seem not entirely unreasonable, although she likely loses some of their respect when she decides to make another person the instrument of her revenge. He gives some of his characters wisdom and insight, even if Jai is definitely too good to be true. An outstanding debut.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Wavesound Audio/WF Howes
The Hitwoman’s Guide To Reducing Household Debt is the first novel by Australian film reviewer, screenwriter, columnist and author, Mark Mupotsa-Russell. The audio version is narrated by Casey Withoos. What happens when a botched ATM robbery takes out someone close to a former hitwoman’s family?
It’s some years since Olivia Hodges escaped a career that saw her efficiently eliminating marks on the order of her demanding Spanish crime boss, Dante. Now, she lives with her loving, considerate partner, Jaideep Singh, and their two daughters, Edie and Leena, in the Dandenong Ranges, where, so far, Dante hasn’t found her. She runs an emerging PR company that she started to launder her ill-gotten gains, while Jai is the primary carer for the girls.
She hasn’t fully found a way to live with her terrible history, and when tragedy strikes, she’s convinced it’s the universe settling debts, even though a hitman who also worked for Dante and now lives in a nearby Buddhist monastery, tells her it doesn’t work like that.
The answer to that question? The hitwoman goes hunting. A bit of clever research helps her track down those responsible, but she gave up being a hitwoman because she just couldn’t stomach it anymore: will she be able to do it now, to exact revenge? Or will that further increase her karmic debt? Might there be a different way…?
While she’s secretly busy tracking and tailing, absent from her family, something else happens that causes her ever tolerant husband to understandably have a bit of a dummy-spit: “some of us believe we have duties beyond simple wallowing.” She agrees to see the therapist. Better than telling him what she’s really up to.
Readers should be aware that there is copious use of expletives as well as graphic violence, animal cruelty, and a hefty body count, but Mupotsa-Russell also addresses guilt and grief is a sensitive manner, even as he includes some very black humour. Quite a few of the plot points, though, will require the reader to don their disbelief suspenders
Despite her previous profession, Mupotsa’s protagonist manages to have the reader somewhat onside: when seen from her perspective, her actions seem not entirely unreasonable, although she likely loses some of their respect when she decides to make another person the instrument of her revenge. He gives some of his characters wisdom and insight, even if Jai is definitely too good to be true. An outstanding debut.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Wavesound Audio/WF Howes
Read
September 27, 2024The title and cover may lead to expectations of humour. However, this book is mostly extremely violent.
August 11, 2025
A dark and clever story following Olivia, the morally grey protagonist who is adept at murder.
August 25, 2024
Thank you Affirm Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
A debut mystery thriller that will surely whet your reading appetite.
Action packed, drama filled, laughs aloud and cartoonish in a delightful way.
Olivia has a husband Jai and two daughters, Edie and Leena.
A secure job and a suburban home.
Olivia also has a dark secret past.
She used to be a hitwoman.
Then tragedy happens from a troublesome gang.
And Olivia has one thing on her mind………revenge!
Now returning to her hidden identity she must make those involved pay.
But things don’t always go the way you want……
This is a fun, witty, quirky and entirely entertaining read.
It’s ticks all the boxes for a good tale.
A wicked plot, a bunch of cheery and merciless characters, comic atmosphere and a whole lot of chipper and joy.
A book for everyone.
A debut mystery thriller that will surely whet your reading appetite.
Action packed, drama filled, laughs aloud and cartoonish in a delightful way.
Olivia has a husband Jai and two daughters, Edie and Leena.
A secure job and a suburban home.
Olivia also has a dark secret past.
She used to be a hitwoman.
Then tragedy happens from a troublesome gang.
And Olivia has one thing on her mind………revenge!
Now returning to her hidden identity she must make those involved pay.
But things don’t always go the way you want……
This is a fun, witty, quirky and entirely entertaining read.
It’s ticks all the boxes for a good tale.
A wicked plot, a bunch of cheery and merciless characters, comic atmosphere and a whole lot of chipper and joy.
A book for everyone.
October 5, 2025
I went into this book expecting a cosy, thriller-comedy about a hitwoman housewife getting revenge. Unfortunately, that's not what I got. The story felt confused, like it couldn’t decide what it wanted to be, and it never fully committed to any particular tone or genre.
On top of that, the setting really threw me off. The book is set locally to where I live, but the town details felt completely wrong, it made it hard to stay immersed in the story.
I did read through to the end, but it didn’t leave much of an impact. I don’t think I’d pick it up again.
On top of that, the setting really threw me off. The book is set locally to where I live, but the town details felt completely wrong, it made it hard to stay immersed in the story.
I did read through to the end, but it didn’t leave much of an impact. I don’t think I’d pick it up again.
January 13, 2025
This was a wild ride! I never once had any doubts about the probabilities of the plot or the characters. Very inventive and entertaining with the added bonus of local locales. Great holiday read and look forward to more from this author.
December 18, 2024
4.5★s
The Hitwoman’s Guide To Reducing Household Debt is the first novel by Australian film reviewer, screenwriter, columnist and author, Mark Mupotsa-Russell. What happens when a botched ATM robbery takes out someone close to a former hitwoman’s family?
It’s some years since Olivia Hodges escaped a career that saw her efficiently eliminating marks on the order of her demanding Spanish crime boss, Dante. Now, she lives with her loving, considerate partner, Jaideep Singh, and their two daughters, Edie and Leena, in the Dandenong Ranges, where, so far, Dante hasn’t found her. She runs an emerging PR company that she started to launder her ill-gotten gains, while Jai is the primary carer for the girls.
She hasn’t fully found a way to live with her terrible history, and when tragedy strikes, she’s convinced it’s the universe settling debts, even though a hitman who also worked for Dante and now lives in a nearby Buddhist monastery, tells her it doesn’t work like that.
The answer to that question? The hitwoman goes hunting. A bit of clever research helps her track down those responsible, but she gave up being a hitwoman because she just couldn’t stomach it anymore: will she be able to do it now, to exact revenge? Or will that further increase her karmic debt? Might there be a different way…?
While she’s secretly busy tracking and tailing, absent from her family, something else happens that causes her ever tolerant husband to understandably have a bit of a dummy-spit: “some of us believe we have duties beyond simple wallowing.” She agrees to see the therapist. Better than telling him what she’s really up to.
Readers should be aware that there is copious use of expletives as well as graphic violence, animal cruelty, and a hefty body count, but Mupotsa-Russell also addresses guilt and grief in a sensitive manner, even as he includes some very black humour. Quite a few of the plot points, though, will require the reader to don their disbelief suspenders
Despite her previous profession, Mupotsa’s protagonist manages to have the reader somewhat onside: when seen from her perspective, her actions seem not entirely unreasonable, although she likely loses some of their respect when she decides to make another person the instrument of her revenge. He gives some of his characters wisdom and insight, even if Jai is definitely too good to be true. An outstanding debut.
The Hitwoman’s Guide To Reducing Household Debt is the first novel by Australian film reviewer, screenwriter, columnist and author, Mark Mupotsa-Russell. What happens when a botched ATM robbery takes out someone close to a former hitwoman’s family?
It’s some years since Olivia Hodges escaped a career that saw her efficiently eliminating marks on the order of her demanding Spanish crime boss, Dante. Now, she lives with her loving, considerate partner, Jaideep Singh, and their two daughters, Edie and Leena, in the Dandenong Ranges, where, so far, Dante hasn’t found her. She runs an emerging PR company that she started to launder her ill-gotten gains, while Jai is the primary carer for the girls.
She hasn’t fully found a way to live with her terrible history, and when tragedy strikes, she’s convinced it’s the universe settling debts, even though a hitman who also worked for Dante and now lives in a nearby Buddhist monastery, tells her it doesn’t work like that.
The answer to that question? The hitwoman goes hunting. A bit of clever research helps her track down those responsible, but she gave up being a hitwoman because she just couldn’t stomach it anymore: will she be able to do it now, to exact revenge? Or will that further increase her karmic debt? Might there be a different way…?
While she’s secretly busy tracking and tailing, absent from her family, something else happens that causes her ever tolerant husband to understandably have a bit of a dummy-spit: “some of us believe we have duties beyond simple wallowing.” She agrees to see the therapist. Better than telling him what she’s really up to.
Readers should be aware that there is copious use of expletives as well as graphic violence, animal cruelty, and a hefty body count, but Mupotsa-Russell also addresses guilt and grief in a sensitive manner, even as he includes some very black humour. Quite a few of the plot points, though, will require the reader to don their disbelief suspenders
Despite her previous profession, Mupotsa’s protagonist manages to have the reader somewhat onside: when seen from her perspective, her actions seem not entirely unreasonable, although she likely loses some of their respect when she decides to make another person the instrument of her revenge. He gives some of his characters wisdom and insight, even if Jai is definitely too good to be true. An outstanding debut.
August 5, 2025
oh man, the dialogues 🙃…
August 27, 2024
“The best lies I ever told grew from truth.”
Wow, what did I just read! This debut novel from Mark Mupotsa-Russell absolutely blew me away, an easy five stars! With that eye catching cover and attention grabbing title I expected a darkly comedic domestic thriller, but I got so much more. It deftly weaves themes of family, grief, guilt and gender roles with a tightly plotted and suspenseful narrative.
Olivia Hodges met her husband on the day she committed her very last murder. Fleeing her life as a hitwoman for a Spanish crime syndicate, Olivia has started a new life and a family in the Dandenong Ranges. When a tragic event tips her back into her killer ways, her life becomes all about vengeance, but can she keep her past a secret, or will everything come tumbling down?
I love a good revenge thriller and this is one of the best. The morally grey character of Olivia was engaging and believable and her killer instinct led to some truly violent outcomes. Although I am still recovering from a scene early in the book (IYKYK), I was one hundred percent on board for this thrilling edge of your seat story.
The Hitwoman’s Guide to Reducing Household Debt was a clever and action packed read which I could not put down. I was torn between needing to see how it would be resolved, while at the same time not wanting it to end. Olivia has to be one of my favourite characters of recent times and I would absolutely love to see this story played out on the screen.
If you love a fast paced thriller full of vengeance and mayhem then you have to grab a copy of this book. It’s perfect for fans of Jack Heath, Gabriel Bergmoser and Benjamin Stevenson.
Wow, what did I just read! This debut novel from Mark Mupotsa-Russell absolutely blew me away, an easy five stars! With that eye catching cover and attention grabbing title I expected a darkly comedic domestic thriller, but I got so much more. It deftly weaves themes of family, grief, guilt and gender roles with a tightly plotted and suspenseful narrative.
Olivia Hodges met her husband on the day she committed her very last murder. Fleeing her life as a hitwoman for a Spanish crime syndicate, Olivia has started a new life and a family in the Dandenong Ranges. When a tragic event tips her back into her killer ways, her life becomes all about vengeance, but can she keep her past a secret, or will everything come tumbling down?
I love a good revenge thriller and this is one of the best. The morally grey character of Olivia was engaging and believable and her killer instinct led to some truly violent outcomes. Although I am still recovering from a scene early in the book (IYKYK), I was one hundred percent on board for this thrilling edge of your seat story.
The Hitwoman’s Guide to Reducing Household Debt was a clever and action packed read which I could not put down. I was torn between needing to see how it would be resolved, while at the same time not wanting it to end. Olivia has to be one of my favourite characters of recent times and I would absolutely love to see this story played out on the screen.
If you love a fast paced thriller full of vengeance and mayhem then you have to grab a copy of this book. It’s perfect for fans of Jack Heath, Gabriel Bergmoser and Benjamin Stevenson.
November 29, 2024
The Hitwoman’s Guide to Reducing Household Debt by Mark Mupotsa-Russell
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novel offers a gritty take on the mystery genre, steering away from the lighter tones of a cozy mystery and diving into the dark, complex life of Olivia Hodges. Once a contract killer for a Spanish crime syndicate, Olivia’s past catches up with her in unexpected ways as she navigates revenge and karmic justice within the quirky, hippie setting of the Dandenong Ranges.
The premise is intriguing, blending crime, suspense, and a touch of dark humour. Olivia’s strategy of orchestrating karmic retribution without directly committing murder adds an interesting twist. The contrast between her deadly past and her domestic present creates compelling tension, but the story occasionally loses its edge due to uneven pacing and a lack of emotional depth in key moments.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read for those who like their mysteries served with a sharper edge and moral complexity, though it stops just short of being unforgettable.
#TheHitwomansGuideToReducingHouseholdDebt #MarkMupotsaRussell
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novel offers a gritty take on the mystery genre, steering away from the lighter tones of a cozy mystery and diving into the dark, complex life of Olivia Hodges. Once a contract killer for a Spanish crime syndicate, Olivia’s past catches up with her in unexpected ways as she navigates revenge and karmic justice within the quirky, hippie setting of the Dandenong Ranges.
The premise is intriguing, blending crime, suspense, and a touch of dark humour. Olivia’s strategy of orchestrating karmic retribution without directly committing murder adds an interesting twist. The contrast between her deadly past and her domestic present creates compelling tension, but the story occasionally loses its edge due to uneven pacing and a lack of emotional depth in key moments.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read for those who like their mysteries served with a sharper edge and moral complexity, though it stops just short of being unforgettable.
#TheHitwomansGuideToReducingHouseholdDebt #MarkMupotsaRussell
November 21, 2024
One of the best books I’ve read in this genre for a long time! And the best book I’ve read this year. So well written! It was so gripping, the characters were complex, and I had no idea what was going to happen! I loved the protagonist’s tone of voice /her dry humour.
And I absolutely loved how the setting was an integral part of the story. I love reading books set in Melbourne and this was no exception.
Can’t wait to read more from Mark!
And I absolutely loved how the setting was an integral part of the story. I love reading books set in Melbourne and this was no exception.
Can’t wait to read more from Mark!
November 22, 2024
I actually really enjoyed this! Not perfect and a lot of little holes but overall an enjoyable read
January 27, 2025
Started off with a cracker of a premise and a really big shock at the beginning. I thought - here we go , this is going to be good. Interesting premise that really just descended into farce imo. I just thought it was so convoluted and messy and completely unrealistic. But then I remembered that the author was a script writer and it all made sense 🤨. I hated the almost ending - way too violent and made me anxious reading it. And the actual ending - I’m sorry but no.
January 5, 2025
Dark and graphic. As others have stated, title and blurb are completely off the mark. There is nothing soft and happy or remotely funny about this book. I don’t mind a bit of killing for the story line, but these are a bit too descriptive for my liking. Even the acknowledgment at the end annoyed me. Willing to give one star to the author for effort, and another for getting it published.
Read
January 3, 2025If you assume this is chick lit or otherwise “easy” murder/crime (a la Thursday murder club), you’re wrong and this book will disappoint you.
Alternatively, if you like dark; and you can see a woman as a hit woman, that ends up married with two kids in the suburb, then you’ll be ok (save for needing a trigger warning about a brutal unexpected death of a pre schooler)
If this book as a movie, I couldn’t watch it for the violence. But I can read it.
Alternatively, if you like dark; and you can see a woman as a hit woman, that ends up married with two kids in the suburb, then you’ll be ok (save for needing a trigger warning about a brutal unexpected death of a pre schooler)
If this book as a movie, I couldn’t watch it for the violence. But I can read it.
December 18, 2024
This was not the book I thought I was getting. It was a thrill a minute crime spree, with objects of pathos and disgust, although the dark humour I was promised was a little thin and not actually funny.
It definitely had potential, but the main character was not quite engaging enough to bring me on board.
It definitely had potential, but the main character was not quite engaging enough to bring me on board.
April 8, 2025
Book club
March 11, 2025
Fun but also very dark and horrible. Felt like the ending was too “happy”.
September 15, 2024
Beware the mother seeking revenge.
When tragedy strikes Olivia’s family, she vows to bring down those responsible. But Olivia is no ordinary mother and those responsible for her loss begin to pay the price. I won’t say more for fear of giving away the plot but it’s a real game of cat and mouse with small town crooks getting themselves caught up in something far bigger than they envisaged.
The book was an interesting take on individual experiences of grief, societal expectations of mothering and gender roles. It had a good balance of plot and character exploration and I found myself believing the implausible was actually plausible. There were also some quintessential Australian moments a La Boy Meets Universe, and I would definitely pay to see a movie adaptation one day.
Thanks to Affirm Press for this surprise book mail!
When tragedy strikes Olivia’s family, she vows to bring down those responsible. But Olivia is no ordinary mother and those responsible for her loss begin to pay the price. I won’t say more for fear of giving away the plot but it’s a real game of cat and mouse with small town crooks getting themselves caught up in something far bigger than they envisaged.
The book was an interesting take on individual experiences of grief, societal expectations of mothering and gender roles. It had a good balance of plot and character exploration and I found myself believing the implausible was actually plausible. There were also some quintessential Australian moments a La Boy Meets Universe, and I would definitely pay to see a movie adaptation one day.
Thanks to Affirm Press for this surprise book mail!
October 29, 2024
This is probably around the 3.25 mark. The whiplash I felt from the title of this book (thinking it’s like a Finlay book or Everyone in my family has killed someone) and getting a kill bill meets underbelly (not seen either so going off vibes) did this book a disservice.
I did however really love all the Melbourne/Victoria references and for chucks of the book I could tell there was a real love for Melbourne.
I still stand by my statement that Australian crime authors tackle the genre in very interesting ways.
Edit: ohhh I get the covers meaning now. It’s kinda clever. I was just not switched on enough to get it
I did however really love all the Melbourne/Victoria references and for chucks of the book I could tell there was a real love for Melbourne.
I still stand by my statement that Australian crime authors tackle the genre in very interesting ways.
Edit: ohhh I get the covers meaning now. It’s kinda clever. I was just not switched on enough to get it
September 30, 2025
I was intrigued by the core concept, which was vastly different to what the cover and title might indicate, but this style of thriller just doesn’t do it for me and so reading this became a slog. When I’m reading and things suddenly happen but they aren’t explained until the next paragraph or page, I’m constantly feeling like I missed something and this interrupts my flow. I struggled to empathise with the main character which left me feeling disconnected. I’m glad I read it as a challenge and something different, and I really enjoyed certain sections of the clever writing, but I’ll be donating it and not reading it again.
September 29, 2024
An incredibly written, thrilling, Australian novel that you never want to put down.
This story had everything. Sparks of romance, lots of crime, suspense, mystery. I could hardly control myself & easily could have read this in one sitting if I didn’t have a life outside of fiction… 😅
There was only one time I winced & it was a small mention of animal abuse, but otherwise, totally enthralling.
As many have said, this is not what I thought I was getting myself into, but my goodness am I glad I read this.
Beautiful, just beautiful, a must read.
This story had everything. Sparks of romance, lots of crime, suspense, mystery. I could hardly control myself & easily could have read this in one sitting if I didn’t have a life outside of fiction… 😅
There was only one time I winced & it was a small mention of animal abuse, but otherwise, totally enthralling.
As many have said, this is not what I thought I was getting myself into, but my goodness am I glad I read this.
Beautiful, just beautiful, a must read.
December 25, 2024
When you read this, remember it's not the dark comedy the title, blurb, and cover lead you to believe. Once you bear that in mind, this is a fantastic book. Dark, a little strange, some passages that are beautifully written, others that are horrifying. The main character has enough cruelty and care to be so, *so* compelling to read.
October 1, 2024
Overall I did not like this read whatsoever. The plot on the back is nothing like the actual read. The Aussie slang used throughout is just overused and not real whatsoever. Honestly I’m really disappointed by this read as I had high hope for this book :(
February 25, 2025
A great little ride of a book - many twists and turns 3.5*
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