An empowered PI parlays her talent for petty revenge into lucrative karmic justice in a sharp and funny novel full of surprises by a USA Today bestselling author.
When Stella Stark discovers that her boyfriend is cheating, she also discovers that thirty-nine isn’t too old for petty revenge. Can we say…glitter bomb? She’s lost both her job and her home—why not broaden her professional horizons as Little Miss Petty, helping wronged women achieve karmic justice? Frankly, the demand is too great to ignore.
New friends rally around Havisham, a bar owner with a soft spot under her gruff exterior, and Salcedo, a college student with marketing savvy. There’s just one Getting revenge on the cheating soon-to-be ex-husband of her best-paying client is supposed to be easy. After all, he’s her neighbor. But something isn’t adding up. Malone is not only intriguingly handsome. He’s also a good listener, sympathetic, and adores kittens. He may look like the ex, but he isn’t acting like him. And how can Stella, a woman on the rebound, be even remotely tempted by the pizza-with-benefits relationship he suggests? That would be so bad for business.
There’s so much for Stella to learn—about karma, the charmer across the breezeway she’s falling for, and most importantly, herself. Love, revenge, and second chances—they all come with a little risk. And a twist.
Sally Kilpatrick writes...stuff. She prefers fiction to biographies, but here we are. When not fretting over her biography, Sally writes southern fiction, mystery, and lots of to do lists. She lives with her dashing husband, two precocious kids, and two persnickety cats in Marietta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Visit her author website at sallykilpatrick.com or follow her on BlueSky as @SuperWriterMom.
Oh, it is that time once again. Line edits have been completed so it's time to tell you a bit about Little Miss Petty.
Wow, this book.
I would like to award myself the Extreme Perseverance Against Annoying Odds Badge for finishing this book that was inspired by something that happened while I was writing Nobody's Perfect. Thank goodness, nothing seriously tragic happened while I was trying to write this book, but several scary and anxiety-inducing things did happen. For the most part, I was Captain Jack Sparrow in that "Complications arose, ensued, and were overcome."
Over the past few years, I'm sure that many of you, like me, have been frustrated by assorted events. All too often it feels as though too many people get away with doing horrible things and never face any consequences. One day I thought to myself, wouldn't it be nice to have a vigilante for poetic justice? Someone who can mete out punishments that are fitting for the crimes?
Me being me, I did my best to keep it light. As Havisham says in this book, "Logical consequences are always more satisfying than random revenge." As such, this book has a few of my favorite things: a hot nerd, a kitten, a wisecracking heroine, a sassy older lady with no effs to give, the Waffle House, female friendship, a wisp of a mystery, a more robust romance than usual, and a hero who's read Brené Brown.
Lord have mercy sometimes getting this book into the world reminded me of that time I was in labor for 42 hours straight. In both cases, the end did in fact justify the means. I hope you enjoy this story, but...please, kids, don't try any of Stella's acts of karma at home.
This was FUN. Like actually fun. And I don’t say that lightly.
I love a starting over story and this one hits that reset button hard. Stella gets knocked all the way down and instead of spiraling, she builds something completely unexpected out of it. The whole “petty revenge as a business” concept? So different. So entertaining. It felt fresh, which is rare.
The plot leans into that idea in the best way. Watching her take these messy, emotional situations and turn them into calculated, karmic payback for other women was honestly so satisfying. It walks that line between ridiculous and genius and somehow makes it work.
The friendships were one of my favorite parts. They felt real, supportive, a little chaotic in the best way. That found-family energy carried a lot of the story for me.
The romance… I could’ve taken it or left it. It wasn’t bad, it just didn’t have the same spark as everything else going on. I was way more invested in Stella figuring herself out and building her thing than I was in who she ended up with.
But the humor? That’s what made this. It’s witty, a little unhinged, and just genuinely entertaining without trying too hard.
Original concept, strong main character, great friendships. This one stood out.
“You’re the pettiest woman I’ve ever known.” “You must not know many women.”
“Pettiness isn’t something you put on a résumé, but it IS a skill.”
“What is it with women and pockets?!”
“I am little Miss Petty. I do mean things to people.”
“Anyone who doesn’t see you as a goddess doesn’t deserve to have you.”
Thanks to the publisher for my gifted copy of this one.
The best way to describe it is if you take Southern Charm (not the show) + Dexter + 50 Cent but make it female…it has more cozy than vengeful vibes. It’s like a cozy karmatic romance novel.
I don’t typically like the Instalove trope but I really liked how the trope was done in this one.
For all the swifties out there, there are tons of Taylor Swift Puns for you to enjoy.
Only drawback is I kinda wanted more pettiness ha ha ha.
Overall it was an enjoyable read and really focused on women of a certain age, never giving up on your dreams and the value of good female friendships, even in unexpected places.
What got my attention? The title. Because yep... I’m petty. Very petty... aaand I love a good payback.
Now into the review. Our FMC, Stella, catches her boyfriend (who’s also her business partner...ouch) cheating on her. As she tries to rebuild her life, she makes some new friends who convince her to start a side hustle offering petty revenge services for other wronged women; basically supplementing her PI work while tackling her debt. Naturally, business is booming.
Now, about the pettiness... I have to admit, it didn’t wow me as much as I hoped (except for the puzzle part ... that was hilarious). But once the story shifted into more relationship-building and character development, everything really settled and it became a genuinely enjoyable read.
Did I want more revenge on the ex, especially for the table pics? Oh, hell YES.
Now, about our MMC ... he was such a solid, kind, kitten-loving man and for a second I panicked at the end thinking the HEA had left the chat. But nope! It came back stronger than ever.
Cute, fun and easy to binge at midnight. 4⭐ from me!
This had many cute moments and the main character was very relatable. I thought the premise would be a little more snarky and witty but it really just felt like a romance with a subplot. I think it’s a decent read but I often felt the story moved too slow.
After finally serving divorce papers to a particularly elusive client, Stella Stark heads home ready to celebrate—with champagne and some well-earned, adults-only time with her professional and romantic partner.
Instead, she finds the celebration already underway. Her partner has upgraded to a younger model, who’s taken Stella’s place in both his heart and their bed.
Reeling from the implosion of her personal and professional life, Stella leans on a new circle of fiercely supportive friends who encourage her to channel her rage into something productive. Enter a side hustle with a sharp edge: ensuring karma bites back—legally, of course.
With a hastily built website and the unforgettable name Little Miss Petty, Stella soon finds herself masterminding clever, entirely lawful schemes designed to deliver just deserts to those who’ve earned them.
One new client should be a piece of cake—he lives right across the hall from Stella’s new apartment. But there’s more to the man next door than meets the eye, and Stella can’t ignore the spark of attraction simmering between them… even if she absolutely should. The neighbor she’s been tasked with targeting doesn’t quite match the description her friend provided, raising questions Stella can’t shake.
Following Stella’s journey is just one of the pleasures of Little Miss Petty. With her no-nonsense attitude and investigative instincts, she feels like a spiritual heir to Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone. But Stella is more than her sharp edges and her commitment to delivering well-earned comeuppance. The novel thoughtfully explores the experiences that shaped the woman we meet—and quickly grow to love and root for.
Stella is a delight, as are the eclectic characters who populate Little Miss Petty. I, for one, wouldn’t mind spending more time with them in a future installment—should Kilpatrick be so inclined.
A delightful blend of mystery and romantic comedy, Little Miss Petty also offers a couple of clever Easter eggs for fans of a certain series about exploring the final frontier. It’s another winning story from Kilpatrick, who continues to level up her characters and storytelling with each new release.
With a memorable narrator and a vibrant supporting cast, Little Miss Petty is thoroughly entertaining from start to finish.
Highly recommended.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you're searching for a book full of humor, big feelings, and "I can't believe she just said that" energy, this is the book for you!!
Stella Stark starts a business as a "petty revenge" consultant after her own heartbreak, helping wronged women get even while navigating a new romance with a neighbor who complicates her plans.
This book was such a fun romcom with a surprising amount of heartfelt emotions! Stella is a messy deeply relatable heroine. I especially related to her commitment to always being "fine" while masking her internal struggles. It was easy to root for her character growth as she stepped into her own power and explores her chemistry with one of her marks. Sharp, witty, charming, and down right funny, this is a great new release worth adding to your TBR or Kindle Unlimited collection.
I was not expecting Little Miss Petty to take me out the way it did, but this book completely surprised me (in a really good way!) The audiobook narrated by Amanda Stribling was fantastic and really brought Stella’s voice to life. Her internal dialogue is sharp, so funny, and just so real. As someone in her 30s, I felt like I was in her head the entire time... Laughing through a lot of it, but she was really relatable. What starts as petty revenge (iconic) turns into something so much bigger. Stella rebuilding her life, finding her people, and leaning into her own power was really inspiring. I also loved the dynamic between the women in this story and the dialogue as a whole was awesome. The romance was cute and sweet and fun. There’s a little bit of everything here-- humor, romance, and a touch of mystery. This was such a fun, empowering read that had a lot of heart and that I will not soon forget.
Sweet story, great narrator, loved the southern accents. The cats name made me giggle and Im hoping BB, the person not the cat, has listened to this story.
Little Miss Petty was a truly enjoyable story with a relatable FMC, but the writing at times felt pretty cringy, especially with the inclusion of TikTok meme references, which made the book feel a bit dated. I say this as a proud millennial, but it definitely leans into the kind of humor Gen Z labels “cringy millennial.”
That being said, I genuinely liked the story, the characters, and the romance. The plot of the book is so interesting with a PI who starts a side business doing petty things for cash to pay off her debts after being dumped, and along the way falls in love with someone she shouldn’t. I was genuinely entertained the entire time especially because I could relate heavily to the FMC.
I do wish we had seen more of the side characters outside of the main character’s perspective, because they seemed to only serve as companions that help the FMC find her way, and not their own fully fleshed out selves. I also would have liked a bit more buildup and tension before the romance fully took off because it felt like it went from 0-100.
Overall, it was still an enjoyable read and I would rate it 3.5 stars. I think it will really work for people who don’t mind (or might even enjoy) that style of “cringy millennial” humor.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved Little Miss Petty—it was so deliciously petty in the best possible way. There is something incredibly satisfying about watching a woman take control of her life, take up space, and fully embrace who she is without apology, and this book delivers that energy perfectly. What stood out most to me was how strong the FMC remained in the face of betrayal. Instead of crumbling or spiraling, she chooses herself. She walks away with her head held high, refusing to let anyone diminish her worth, and that kind of quiet strength felt both refreshing and empowering. I also adored the “girls’ girl” theme woven throughout the story. Seeing women support each other, have each other’s backs, and uplift one another added such a meaningful layer to the book. It wasn’t just about personal growth—it was about community, loyalty, and choosing to stand together. And let’s talk about the romance—absolutely delicious. It added just the right amount of tension and sweetness, making the story even more engaging without overshadowing the FMC’s journey. Overall, Little Miss Petty was a fun, empowering, and thoroughly entertaining read that kept me hooked from start to finish. If you love stories about strong women, a little bit of revenge, and a whole lot of self-worth, this one is definitely worth picking up. #arc #netgalley #littlemisspetty
Thanks to Sally Kilpatrick, Montlake, Kindle, and Goodreads for a free copy of this book. 2.75 stars. Overall, I thought this book was pretty cute. It took me a long time to get into, and I put it down/picked it back up at least 3 times before I fully committed to finishing it. I didn't really identify with Stella, so I think that was difficult for me. I never really felt invested in her story or her outcome even though the premise of the story was cute. At times, it kind of felt like the story was going all over the place, and a lot of it felt really unrealistic for me. It was just a lot. And too many Taylor Swift references lol. I liked Malone as a love interest, although I think he could have been fleshed out a lot more. I know there were layers to him, but we didn't really get to see any of those. Loved the value that was put on friendship, although I didn't care for Trista as a character, even before I found out about her betrayal... Overall, I really liked that the idea of doing life at your own pace was highlighted. The gift Stella received for her 40th birthday was awesome. I'm happy that the story seemed to end on that idea.
Little Miss Petty is such a light and fun read! I absolutely loved all of the local Atlanta references as well as all the Gen X and Millennial humor! Throw in the homages to Brene Brown and Taylor Swift… sold!
While this is a lighter read, Kilpatrick packs a heavy punch with insecurities and big life questions that make ALL readers feel seen. I found myself smiling incessantly while reading this book and in 2026, who doesn’t need a mood lift?
Another highlight in this little gem is the multigenerational friendships Kilpatrick displays via nightly petty planning sessions at Waffle House. I fell in love with Havisham, Salcedo, and even Betty & Jasper!
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advanced copy which has not affected my review.
This book made me happy! In honor of Little Miss Petty, I may have to anonymously gift it to all the sour apples I know! 🍏
Okay, this was pretty stinking cute. While there IS, of course, a bit of fun pettiness along the way (as the title would suggest), what I enjoyed most about Little Miss Petty was Stella’s journey as she starts over in life, love, and work. I especially appreciated how real the story felt—and that our FMC is a little older. Life isn’t over after your 20s, after all. I loved her friends, the touch of Practical Magic–style silliness, and the way things worked out between her and Malone.
Starting over is hard. Maybe a little instant karma will help Stella get over her ex and the crappy way he ended things. Maybe it will also lead to a new career and new best friends. Who knew pettiness was in such demand?
LITTLE MISS PETTY was a fun read! Even the heavier moments were wrapped in the lightness of hope with a sprinkle of humor.
The romance had a lust-to-love kind of vibe, and I enjoyed the buildup. But my favorite part was the way the three women of different ages and backgrounds grew to be close, relying on each other and finding themselves in the process.
4.5⭐ Don't let the suckers win! Stella Stark, p.i., may be in need of karma herself, but she's offering her services for petty revenge. Acerbic and delightful, this mystery with an edge is less a whodunnit than a how are we going to catch him. Along the way, Stella corrals vibrant and quirky group interested in petty hilarity into a found family. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
This was a fun read! I enjoyed the relationships Stella made through the book and the cheese level made this feel like I was watching a romantic comedy. I disliked how Stella seemed more like a teenager than a mature adult woman, but maybe we all still feel like a teenager at heart or in our minds? Either way was definitely easy and fun to read and discuss in our book club!
An empowered PI parlays her talent for petty revenge into lucrative karmic justice in a sharp and funny novel.
There’s so much for Stella to learn—about karma, the charmer across the breezeway she’s falling for, and most importantly, herself. Love, revenge, and second chances—they all come with a little risk. And a twist.
Thank you NetGalley for this ALC. I tho it ht this book was funny, empowering and sweet. I loved the female friendships and the cat of course. There was no really bs communication between the fmc and mmc. And I loved their banter.
This was a short and sweet listen and really enjoyed the narrator.
This is a new author for me, and I absolutely loved it! The main character is 39, very relatable, and fun. The MMC is a total green flag. Overall, it is a really fun book. I look forward to reading more from this author
Stella Stark has problems. Her live-in boyfriend and business partner has dumped her for another woman so now she has to rent a place and find a job. She needs money and when the ex-boyfriend makes her financial situation more daunting, she resorts to some pettiness. She's so good at it that, at the urging of her friends, she starts a business. She will do petty things for others.
This book was laugh out loud funny. I loved Stella, her wit, her snarkiness, and her self-deprecating ways. I also loved the friendships and the female comradery. I thoroughly enjoyed this -- I'm not much of a romance reader these days but this one was great!
I adored this book. It's easy, light hearted, witty with just the right amount of petty. Plus, it really highlights the importance of female friendships. This isn't a thought provoking novel, but it was exactly what I needed to get out of my psychological thriller slump and just enjoy a book.
What a delight it was to read Little Miss Petty! We all have some hidden desire to see wrongdoers get what they deserve, don't we? Just me? In any case, Stella and her pals were a treat to spend time with. I loved the various schemes that were mostly innocent - the ladybugs were truly the most fun, and the flamingos! Oh, the flamingos!
Malone was super tasty. It was also heartwarming to watch Stella grow into the love she deserves. I enjoy Kilpatrick's snappy dialogue and the interesting situations her characters find themselves in!