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A Guilty Woman
When Caroline walks into the bustling hotel bar on a Friday afternoon, no one could have predicted what is about to unfold. With chilling precision, she pulls out a gun and shoots her lover five times in cold blood. The crime, committed in plain sight, leaves no room for doubt—Caroline is guilty. But when questioned, she offers no explanation and refuses to comment.
As the case explodes across media outlets, a popular true crime podcast begins to dig deeper into Caroline’s life.
Soon, Caroline’s uncovered writing becomes the key to understanding her past—and potentially, the dark secrets she has yet to reveal. As her attorney scrambles to defend her, one question lingers: What happens when a killer rewrites their own story?
And when her trial approaches, whispers grow about a manuscript she’s writing from prison—one that might reveal far more than anyone expected . . .
A Guilty Woman is perfect for fans of true crime, thrillers, and dark literary mysteries.
As the case explodes across media outlets, a popular true crime podcast begins to dig deeper into Caroline’s life.
Soon, Caroline’s uncovered writing becomes the key to understanding her past—and potentially, the dark secrets she has yet to reveal. As her attorney scrambles to defend her, one question lingers: What happens when a killer rewrites their own story?
And when her trial approaches, whispers grow about a manuscript she’s writing from prison—one that might reveal far more than anyone expected . . .
A Guilty Woman is perfect for fans of true crime, thrillers, and dark literary mysteries.
242 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2025
198 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 10, 2025
This book has a really interesting and original premise, which immediately grabbed my attention. While the story occasionally felt redundant and introduced characters that ultimately went nowhere, it still offered an enjoyable reading experience.
I love a good villain, and this story provided that with a truly intriguing and well-developed character. The inclusion of podcast snippets was a clever way to break up the narrative and add another layer to the story as well.
While some plot points were predictable, the book still managed to keep me guessing in other areas. Overall, it's a fun ride, despite its flaws and I will definitely be looking into other books by Barnes!
I love a good villain, and this story provided that with a truly intriguing and well-developed character. The inclusion of podcast snippets was a clever way to break up the narrative and add another layer to the story as well.
While some plot points were predictable, the book still managed to keep me guessing in other areas. Overall, it's a fun ride, despite its flaws and I will definitely be looking into other books by Barnes!
February 4, 2025
What an excellent read.
From a divorcee to a woman arrested. What drove her to this, a well known & climbing author. Shooting her lover in public & no one can understand why.
As the story unfolds we get to see how she ticks and what is going on, or as much as she will let anyone see what is going on.
So good and leads you in to just woah.
Fab read
From a divorcee to a woman arrested. What drove her to this, a well known & climbing author. Shooting her lover in public & no one can understand why.
As the story unfolds we get to see how she ticks and what is going on, or as much as she will let anyone see what is going on.
So good and leads you in to just woah.
Fab read
February 9, 2025
I finished this book awhile ago but I had a difficult time writing a review for it. Mostly because I felt bored and by the end it had become a chore to finish. What's there to say about a book where it's the rehashing of the same information over and over again?
Caroline Geel is a woman who seems perfectly normal. She's a teacher and an author, living a quiet life alone after her second divorce. But when Caroline shoots a man in a room full of witnesses for no apparent reason, the question is: why?
At first glance, the premise seems promising—which is what drew me in initially. I quickly discovered the writing to be very dry which doesn't help when the story also moves at a snail's pace. Much of the beginning is spent building up Caroline's character. We are introduced to a lot of secondary characters, almost all of whom are NEVER ever referenced again. There is an entire chapter, for example, where we meet three of Caroline's friends. I was waiting to see if we ever hear from these characters again or if they're referenced anywhere else and they aren't. Not once. Filler like this serves zero purpose, adding nothing to Caroline’s development or to the overall plot. I wish I could say that this was an isolated incident, but it isn't.
Although Caroline is undoubtedly a cold-blooded psychopath, she is extremely dull—almost robotic. Perhaps I’m not giving the author enough credit, because part of me thinks the intention was to portray Caroline as a woman devoid of emotion, someone who is meant to be cold and unfeeling. If that’s the case, she succeeded. Most of the story is told through Caroline's perspective, giving us a view into her thoughts and feelings, as well as what's going on around her. I just found that I didn't really care. She's not a character I could bring myself to either like or dislike, I felt very unattached. There is a podcast perspective as an alternating view between chapters, but this felt like more unnecessary filler that added nothing new, always bringing up things that have already been established. My favorite character, hands down, was Ma, who is the only one who’s even slightly memorable or fun.
I do like the twist at the very end, and the events leading up to the ending are..... somewhat plausible. Not so unbelievable that it couldn't theoretically happen. Ultimately, Charlotte Barnes' writing style may not be for me but I want to thank the author and Bloodhound Books for giving me the opportunity to read this, in exchange for my honest review.
Caroline Geel is a woman who seems perfectly normal. She's a teacher and an author, living a quiet life alone after her second divorce. But when Caroline shoots a man in a room full of witnesses for no apparent reason, the question is: why?
At first glance, the premise seems promising—which is what drew me in initially. I quickly discovered the writing to be very dry which doesn't help when the story also moves at a snail's pace. Much of the beginning is spent building up Caroline's character. We are introduced to a lot of secondary characters, almost all of whom are NEVER ever referenced again. There is an entire chapter, for example, where we meet three of Caroline's friends. I was waiting to see if we ever hear from these characters again or if they're referenced anywhere else and they aren't. Not once. Filler like this serves zero purpose, adding nothing to Caroline’s development or to the overall plot. I wish I could say that this was an isolated incident, but it isn't.
Although Caroline is undoubtedly a cold-blooded psychopath, she is extremely dull—almost robotic. Perhaps I’m not giving the author enough credit, because part of me thinks the intention was to portray Caroline as a woman devoid of emotion, someone who is meant to be cold and unfeeling. If that’s the case, she succeeded. Most of the story is told through Caroline's perspective, giving us a view into her thoughts and feelings, as well as what's going on around her. I just found that I didn't really care. She's not a character I could bring myself to either like or dislike, I felt very unattached. There is a podcast perspective as an alternating view between chapters, but this felt like more unnecessary filler that added nothing new, always bringing up things that have already been established. My favorite character, hands down, was Ma, who is the only one who’s even slightly memorable or fun.
I do like the twist at the very end, and the events leading up to the ending are..... somewhat plausible. Not so unbelievable that it couldn't theoretically happen. Ultimately, Charlotte Barnes' writing style may not be for me but I want to thank the author and Bloodhound Books for giving me the opportunity to read this, in exchange for my honest review.
January 14, 2025
Charlotte Barnes masterfully blurs the lines between reality and fiction in A Guilty Woman, a riveting psychological thriller that probes the murky depths of guilt, storytelling, and the secrets we carry. From the moment Caroline unapologetically pulls the trigger in a crowded hotel bar, readers are drawn into a taut narrative that is as much about the crime itself as it is about the enigmatic woman at its centre.
Barnes’ decision to structure the novel around Caroline’s evolving narrative—a true-crime podcast, media frenzy, courtroom drama, and the manuscript she pens in prison—creates a layered storytelling approach that keeps readers hooked. The podcast element, in particular, injects a fresh, modern perspective, capturing the voyeuristic fascination society has with crimes and their perpetrators.
Caroline is a complex protagonist. While her actions are undeniably horrific, Barnes carefully unveils her past through her writings and interactions, forcing readers to grapple with empathy and judgment. The ambiguity of her motives, combined with the question of how much her manuscript reveals truth or fabrications, elevates the tension and keeps you guessing.
Barnes’ prose is sharp and evocative, painting vivid scenes of the courtroom, Caroline’s psychological turmoil, and the media frenzy surrounding the case. The pacing is relentless but balanced, giving readers moments to reflect before plunging into another shocking revelation.
The novel's only drawback is its slightly rushed resolution. While the climax is satisfying, some threads could have been explored further, particularly around the manuscript’s final revelations and the fallout they spark. That said, this minor quibble does not detract significantly from the overall impact of the story.
Barnes’ decision to structure the novel around Caroline’s evolving narrative—a true-crime podcast, media frenzy, courtroom drama, and the manuscript she pens in prison—creates a layered storytelling approach that keeps readers hooked. The podcast element, in particular, injects a fresh, modern perspective, capturing the voyeuristic fascination society has with crimes and their perpetrators.
Caroline is a complex protagonist. While her actions are undeniably horrific, Barnes carefully unveils her past through her writings and interactions, forcing readers to grapple with empathy and judgment. The ambiguity of her motives, combined with the question of how much her manuscript reveals truth or fabrications, elevates the tension and keeps you guessing.
Barnes’ prose is sharp and evocative, painting vivid scenes of the courtroom, Caroline’s psychological turmoil, and the media frenzy surrounding the case. The pacing is relentless but balanced, giving readers moments to reflect before plunging into another shocking revelation.
The novel's only drawback is its slightly rushed resolution. While the climax is satisfying, some threads could have been explored further, particularly around the manuscript’s final revelations and the fallout they spark. That said, this minor quibble does not detract significantly from the overall impact of the story.
March 17, 2025
Ok so I found this book mostly irritating but I gave the book a highish rating because of the uniqueness.
First, hold on my friends because, quite accidentally, one of my most favourite songs fits the review, so if want, check ending haha.
So the author tries to make the book smart, and, although she uses old cases to create her character, even I have more faith in modern psychology or at least criminology that the ending would not be what happens to Caroline, trial etc.
You will also not enjoy this book if you get irritated with slow crime fiction.
I just didn’t enjoy this book much, so I don’t recommend it, but I do that just out of personal irritation, the writing style and just an ending that is definitely unlikely in our modern world.
The author does write and think smart in mwny ways, but we just don’t gel enough.
Well here’s the song.
https://youtu.be/jQ665Y_EOpA?si=Eb9PN...
First, hold on my friends because, quite accidentally, one of my most favourite songs fits the review, so if want, check ending haha.
So the author tries to make the book smart, and, although she uses old cases to create her character, even I have more faith in modern psychology or at least criminology that the ending would not be what happens to Caroline, trial etc.
You will also not enjoy this book if you get irritated with slow crime fiction.
I just didn’t enjoy this book much, so I don’t recommend it, but I do that just out of personal irritation, the writing style and just an ending that is definitely unlikely in our modern world.
The author does write and think smart in mwny ways, but we just don’t gel enough.
Well here’s the song.
https://youtu.be/jQ665Y_EOpA?si=Eb9PN...
November 19, 2025
I absolutely hated HATED this book, the plot twist if you can even call it that, the characters, everything about it was horrendous.
February 8, 2025
A short one sitter. Enough with the lips tho… lips of the napkin… lips of the envelope… lips of the paper…. lips of the letter …. just enough-edit better please.
February 8, 2025
This was such a good book, I recommend it highly
January 16, 2025
When I started this book I did find it slow at the beginning. However, I am very glad I kept reading. By the time I was a few chapters in I couldn’t put it down. The story is about a woman who has not had the easiest life to say the least. She has had a couple failed marriages and family drama as well. She goes on a date with someone and the unthinkable happens. She then has to find a really good lawyer to help her. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone so I will leave the description at that. I really enjoyed how the story was told from the main character’s (Caroline Geel) point of view but also had chapters devoted to different podcasts covering her case in the book which gave some other viewpoints. The story kept me in suspense and I didn’t see the ending coming. I would definitely recommend this book to others that like this genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Bernard's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Bernard's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2025
Just eh for me although there was a nice twist at the end and I always love when there are podcasts intertwined in a story.
January 9, 2025
A gripping read. There are plenty of twists in this tale. Charlotte Barnes has the ability to drag you into the pages and get you involved with the story only to pull the rug from under your feet as you read on. The characters are well thought through, and the writing flows off the pages really easily. Another triumph from this author.
April 29, 2025
Guilty of reading this terrible book
March 9, 2025
Mixed reviews on this one - not quite 3 stars but 2 stars didn’t feel right either. I was instantly drawn in with the concept - shooting a man in public and then trying to get away with it? Not knowing why she shot him? Instantly intrigued! Straight away there was a sense of unease with the character, I didn’t feel like I was on her side and was mistrustful of her. Something was off. As it progressed I was expecting her to be wronged somehow by her legal team and to actually discover a good reason for the murder. I was underwhelmed by the lack of much happening when Caroline is in jail which was much of the book in the end. I didn’t love the podcast element particularly either although I understand why it was done to tie in with the end. I was underwhelmed with the reason for killing Noah - she just wanted to know how it felt? Especially didn’t believe that when it turns out she has killed before. This wasn’t as much a shock either as I had guessed there was something amiss when she had something to do with drugs as a teacher which was close to one of the books she had written. I still enjoyed that twist though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2025
Another fantastic book by Charlotte Barnes. Having just read My Husband The Murderer, I couldn’t wait to read Charlotte’s newest book. And I was not disappointed!
After author Caroline shoots her lover in the middle of a hotel bar, she decides that she isn’t going to speak to anyone, except her lawyer, and even then she won’t tell anyone what her motive was for killing him. This frustrates everyone, but Caroline sticks to her guns (no pun intended!) and refuses to tell anyone why she did it. She eventually is put in prison and the only request she has is that she can continue to write her next book.
Interspersed with scenes from podcasts, this book had me hooked from the beginning and I kept reading to find out if Caroline eventually revealed her motive and then I kept reading and was surprised by the twist, although looking back, I had sort of guessed it but then dismissed it!
I really enjoyed this book, again Charlotte’s writing is so easy to draw you in and make you want to know more and I’m looking forward to seeing where she goes next with her writing!
Thank you to Charlotte Barnes and Bloodhound Books for allowing me to read an ARC of this fantastic book!
After author Caroline shoots her lover in the middle of a hotel bar, she decides that she isn’t going to speak to anyone, except her lawyer, and even then she won’t tell anyone what her motive was for killing him. This frustrates everyone, but Caroline sticks to her guns (no pun intended!) and refuses to tell anyone why she did it. She eventually is put in prison and the only request she has is that she can continue to write her next book.
Interspersed with scenes from podcasts, this book had me hooked from the beginning and I kept reading to find out if Caroline eventually revealed her motive and then I kept reading and was surprised by the twist, although looking back, I had sort of guessed it but then dismissed it!
I really enjoyed this book, again Charlotte’s writing is so easy to draw you in and make you want to know more and I’m looking forward to seeing where she goes next with her writing!
Thank you to Charlotte Barnes and Bloodhound Books for allowing me to read an ARC of this fantastic book!
July 27, 2025
It’s a good book if you want something quick and easy to read to reach your reading challenge goal but other than that I wouldn’t say there was anything particularly special about this book. It had the potential to be super good especially with the concept but it fell short for me. The writing didn’t flow smoothly and it often felt choppy or incomplete.
I really enjoyed the concept with the podcasts. It was unique and I felt like we were able to learn more about the case from a different perspective. With that being said I felt like the amount of podcast were a little too much. Almost every chapter with a podcast was an entirely new podcast with entirely new characters. I wish we had less podcasts and got more chapters from just two instead of having so many. It felt like we kept getting introduced to characters that in the end didn’t bring anything to the book.
I was not a fan of the MC. She fell flat for me. Was boring. Lacked personality. Which if the author intended to write her character to be cold and disinterested then she did a great job at executing that. But I felt like I couldn’t really connect with her.
The book was pretty predictable. It felt very “tell and not show” for me, so everything felt expected. And the plot twist at the end was kind of a let down for me as well. And I felt like the book ended very abruptly.
Overall it’s okay if you want something quick to read, but I personally felt like it could have been way better.
I really enjoyed the concept with the podcasts. It was unique and I felt like we were able to learn more about the case from a different perspective. With that being said I felt like the amount of podcast were a little too much. Almost every chapter with a podcast was an entirely new podcast with entirely new characters. I wish we had less podcasts and got more chapters from just two instead of having so many. It felt like we kept getting introduced to characters that in the end didn’t bring anything to the book.
I was not a fan of the MC. She fell flat for me. Was boring. Lacked personality. Which if the author intended to write her character to be cold and disinterested then she did a great job at executing that. But I felt like I couldn’t really connect with her.
The book was pretty predictable. It felt very “tell and not show” for me, so everything felt expected. And the plot twist at the end was kind of a let down for me as well. And I felt like the book ended very abruptly.
Overall it’s okay if you want something quick to read, but I personally felt like it could have been way better.
December 30, 2024
Oh wow! A premise that blew me away (along with the victim!) and fascinated me. A woman is in a bar with her boyfriend. She starts the socially perfectly normal interaction with her boyfriend and as they have drinks, reaches for her handbag , pulls out a gun and empties the whole barrel into him. On reaching the police station and her solicitor ( whom she has the funds for a very good one), she proceeds to plead not guilty. Occasional chapters give us a podcast of a true crime series covering the trial and takes us more into Caroline's life.
Blimey Riley! One where I held my breath and was beguiled by the plot. I quite liked Caroline, other than the fact of what she had done, as she seemed grounded and realistic (hope that makes sense?) and very calm through the whole thing- as if carefully planned perhaps? Caroline is an author and her writings take on a whole new meaning. A fantastic twist puts things into place… I won’t give anything away. A clever, brilliantly executed thrill of a read. Five big stars.
For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog
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January 23, 2025
This is a rather horrible book, (or should that be great?) about a rather unpleasant woman. It is, however, compelling reading. Caroline seems to be a perfectly pleasant and intelligent woman. With two failed marriages behind her, at a young age, one might suspect that she is a poor judge of character. Or it her husbands who cannot see beyond the attractive veneer? A teacher, journalist and author, she seems to be muddling along, though not enjoying massive success. What on earth causes a seemingly harmless, sane woman, to very publicly shoot her younger lover? What was the motive for the killing? Caroline isn’t telling, indeed, Caroline isn’t speaking at all. Other people, of course, are speaking, speculating and judging. She is fortunate enough to be defended by a prominent lawyer, who enjoys the publicity and notoriety of this strange case. It is the sort of book that will remain in my mind and possibly give me nightmares. It is skilfully written, and the characters are frighteningly convincing. Definitely worth a read.
February 28, 2025
Caroline has had a fairly rough life, her father committed suicide and she moved to the USA to be with a husband she split with.
She's moving on, has a group of friends and has written a few books.
Then one day she takes her lover (she refuses to call him a boyfriend) out to lunch, and shoots him.
The book then follows her incarceration and the fight to get her out.
Caroline is a fascinating character. As the reader i think we are the only people who know why she done it. So we have a sort of advantage over the other characters that come in.
I loved the interspersed chapters with various podcasts. It gave various views on what was a despicable crime. It was also interesting to reflect our true fascination into women that kill, and true crime in general. Although fiction I've no doubt that the conversations being had all over the world would have been almost exactly as written.
I flew through this, it was so gripping you had to keep going to find out how it would end. A couple of nice little shocks along the way. Brilliant.
She's moving on, has a group of friends and has written a few books.
Then one day she takes her lover (she refuses to call him a boyfriend) out to lunch, and shoots him.
The book then follows her incarceration and the fight to get her out.
Caroline is a fascinating character. As the reader i think we are the only people who know why she done it. So we have a sort of advantage over the other characters that come in.
I loved the interspersed chapters with various podcasts. It gave various views on what was a despicable crime. It was also interesting to reflect our true fascination into women that kill, and true crime in general. Although fiction I've no doubt that the conversations being had all over the world would have been almost exactly as written.
I flew through this, it was so gripping you had to keep going to find out how it would end. A couple of nice little shocks along the way. Brilliant.
January 31, 2025
Wow, this book is wild! If you haven't checked out the author's work, "A Guilty Woman" is the perfect place to start. I have to admit, the striking cover initially caught my eye, but the blurb sealed the deal. It's a gripping psychological thriller you won't want to put down!
Caroline suddenly shoots her lover without warning in the middle of a bustling bar. What could possibly drive a person to such madness? We're left guessing because she clams up, leaving everyone baffled.
Desperate to escape the consequences, she hires a high-profile lawyer to defend her. Rumors swirl that she's even penning a book from behind bars! What the heck? The media is in a frenzy, hanging on every scrap of information, while a popular podcast dedicates itself to dissecting the case. There were tons of witnesses. How does she think she can evade the law?
"A Guilty Woman" grabs you with its intense true-crime atmosphere and intertwines it with a gripping legal thriller that keeps your heart racing. Caroline is fascinating! She's strange yet captivating and pulls you deep into the story. The plot dances through unexpected twists and turns, leading to an astonishing conclusion that left me completely speechless. This book is a wild ride you won't want to miss!
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
Caroline suddenly shoots her lover without warning in the middle of a bustling bar. What could possibly drive a person to such madness? We're left guessing because she clams up, leaving everyone baffled.
Desperate to escape the consequences, she hires a high-profile lawyer to defend her. Rumors swirl that she's even penning a book from behind bars! What the heck? The media is in a frenzy, hanging on every scrap of information, while a popular podcast dedicates itself to dissecting the case. There were tons of witnesses. How does she think she can evade the law?
"A Guilty Woman" grabs you with its intense true-crime atmosphere and intertwines it with a gripping legal thriller that keeps your heart racing. Caroline is fascinating! She's strange yet captivating and pulls you deep into the story. The plot dances through unexpected twists and turns, leading to an astonishing conclusion that left me completely speechless. This book is a wild ride you won't want to miss!
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
February 6, 2025
The synopsis caught my attention, and I was eager to read the story. However, I found the opening a bit slow. I’m glad I kept going, though, because a few chapters in, it became impossible to put the book down. The narrative revolves around a woman who has endured significant hardships in her life, including a couple of failed marriages and family turmoil. After going on a date with someone, she unexpectedly experiences a shocking event that forces her to seek help from a skilled lawyer. I won't reveal any spoilers for those who haven't read the story yet, so I'll leave the summary at that.
I really enjoyed how the story was told from the main character, Caroline Geel's, point of view, while also including chapters from various podcasts discussing her case, which provided additional perspectives. The story kept me in suspense, and I didn't see the ending coming. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I really enjoyed how the story was told from the main character, Caroline Geel's, point of view, while also including chapters from various podcasts discussing her case, which provided additional perspectives. The story kept me in suspense, and I didn't see the ending coming. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre.
February 11, 2025
From the beginning this book grabbed my attention and held it because I was never sure exactly where the author was going with the story; which is a good thing. She kept me on my toes. There were several ways the story could have played out and Ms. Barnes kept me guessing until almost the very end. And even though I had figured out the main premise, she still had several surprises for me. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Barnes but it won't be the last. I have added her to my list of authors that I will read anything they write.without question. When you pick up this book (notice I said when not if) be sure you have uninterrupted time. You aren't going to want to put it down. Be forewarned. It's that good.
I received a review copy from the author via Bloodhound Books and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
I received a review copy from the author via Bloodhound Books and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
February 21, 2025
Caroline is a teacher turned author with 2 failed marriages and a needy widowed mother. She's living in the USA, has a younger lover she sees on schedule, made a few female friends, and starts work on another book.
Until one evening, she shoots her lover dead in a bar, in front of everyone. Why?
So the story unfolds bit by bit. It seemed kind of dreary in places, but that changes. There's also bloggers speculating on the motive while the trial goes on which haven't been revealed. Caroline's also picked her lawyer in advance of the crime. Silent at first, she befriends another inmate while locked up that seems rather unlikely. It was a puzzler to me. And then it unfolds, bit by bit until the very last which was a surprise for me.
Not an author that I've read before, but after this am planning on reading more of her.
Until one evening, she shoots her lover dead in a bar, in front of everyone. Why?
So the story unfolds bit by bit. It seemed kind of dreary in places, but that changes. There's also bloggers speculating on the motive while the trial goes on which haven't been revealed. Caroline's also picked her lawyer in advance of the crime. Silent at first, she befriends another inmate while locked up that seems rather unlikely. It was a puzzler to me. And then it unfolds, bit by bit until the very last which was a surprise for me.
Not an author that I've read before, but after this am planning on reading more of her.
November 21, 2025
This was a 3 star read until the plot twist. It was a nice change to read from the perspective of a woman who is an actual psychopath who wasn't some tragic character who was reacting to trauma and just needed to find the right motivation to become a good person. Or who turned out to actually be some vigilante who went after bad people etc but who is genuinely just out for herself and is calculated in such a way that shows just how people see what they want to see. I appreciated that this wasn't some gory violent book either, just quietly unsettling. I also love that it didn't turn out to be a "the real villain was capitalism all along" like the last female psychopath book I read. Which was great, but sometimes it's more interesting for the character to actually just be a shitty person despite all their advantages etc because those people actually exist in real life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2025
My favourite read in a long time, I was really feeling that I had lost my reading mojo and then I was given the opportunity to read this.
It is my first novel by Charlotte Barnes and I think I will read more following this.
A very clever thriller, with a protagonist that has so many layers that you never really know what you are dealing with. I enjoyed the way that the story evolved using narrative and also podcasts to reflect a different view as to what you were reading and to create an ever changing opinion.
The characters were well developed and the writing style was easy to read. Definitely a recommended read.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for my ARC copy of this novel
It is my first novel by Charlotte Barnes and I think I will read more following this.
A very clever thriller, with a protagonist that has so many layers that you never really know what you are dealing with. I enjoyed the way that the story evolved using narrative and also podcasts to reflect a different view as to what you were reading and to create an ever changing opinion.
The characters were well developed and the writing style was easy to read. Definitely a recommended read.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for my ARC copy of this novel
January 22, 2025
Caroline has a difficult relationship with her mother and her father committed suicide after suffering from depression for many years. She has two marriages behind her and has written three novels. And then she kills a man in a crowded restaurant and hires Lucas Williams, hotshot lawyer, to get her off. It’s an audacious ask! I don’t want to say any more for fear of letting slip a spoiler, but suffice to say, if you like a tightly plotted, clever story with razor sharp dialogue, characters that pop off the page, and a twist so chilling you’ll be reaching for a blanket to wrap yourself in, then this is a book for you!
I can’t recommend it highly enough.
I can’t recommend it highly enough.
February 20, 2025
So this book starts off slow as hell, and it feels like the ramblings of a mid thirties woman and I almost DNF’ed, but I’m really glad I didn’t! The pace of this book significantly picks up once the shooting happens, and from there it’s a fun game of how is this going to turn out. I have to admit, the twist did feel predictable, but it was written in a way that felt exciting and just right for how the shooting case goes. Also, I think our author wanted to main Caroline obnoxious as hell and if that was the case, it was a success because I couldn’t STAND her ignorance to it all. All in all, a great little read!
May 10, 2025
Ummm where to start with this one. It was a slow read. And it felt like there was a lot of the same information repeated over and over again for filler which it didn’t need
I found the little podcast snippets interesting and a good way to break up the main plot of the story. But they too were also repetitive.
I agree we were Introduced to random characters once only to never hear of them again. Which just felt like more story filler.
Overall it was fine
However I was annoyed by the authors note that she based this off a real killer. With basically the same name as the main protagonist and same or similar motive?
It made the story less special to me somehow.
I found the little podcast snippets interesting and a good way to break up the main plot of the story. But they too were also repetitive.
I agree we were Introduced to random characters once only to never hear of them again. Which just felt like more story filler.
Overall it was fine
However I was annoyed by the authors note that she based this off a real killer. With basically the same name as the main protagonist and same or similar motive?
It made the story less special to me somehow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2025
This was an exciting and engaging read throughout, telling the story of Caroline who shoots her lover in cold blood whilst at a restaurant in front of many other people. Caroline never gives a reason for this murder and as the story progresses we learn more and more about her character and why she murdered her lover. There are some twists and turns in this story and it is very shocking throughout. There are also some humourous moments which I enjoyed. The podcast episodes, interspersed throughout, added to the story and gave the story a modern feel whilst also making you question the role of social media in today’s society and how eager the public are to know what has happened and why. I also think newspaper clippings would have been a good addition to the story. Overall, it was fast-paced thriller which made me think about the justice system, social media and why someone may commit such a crime.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2025
I devoured this book in a day. It's easy to read and a fascinating subject matter. Although the reader can see exactly the motive for the murder owing to being able to read Caroline's thoughts and story, it just makes it frustrating that nobody else is aware. A high profile, cold blooded murder yet Caroline is pleading not guilty and engaged a high profile defence lawyer. Very clever, and while I guessed what she reveals at the end, it was a great reveal. Clever, dark and chilling. #bloodhoundbooks #aguiltywoman
February 6, 2025
What a ride this book was, when you think you finally figure out what is going on the author takes you into a complete different and, I dare say, shocking direction.
Typical Charlotte Barnes book, you need to pay attention to every single one of the words that come out of the characters on the book, every word matters, that way you'll have a better understanding of what is really going on under the surface of the plot of the book.
This is an extraordinary book, with a very chilling plot that will keep you on the front of your seat until you get to the unexpected and shocking ending.
Typical Charlotte Barnes book, you need to pay attention to every single one of the words that come out of the characters on the book, every word matters, that way you'll have a better understanding of what is really going on under the surface of the plot of the book.
This is an extraordinary book, with a very chilling plot that will keep you on the front of your seat until you get to the unexpected and shocking ending.
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