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The Othello Club: THE GRIPPING PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER BEHIND THE NEW PARAMOUNT+ SERIES THE REVENGE CLUB
Discover the stunning crime thriller and revenge tale behind the forthcoming Paramount+ sensation, THE REVENGE CLUB, Martin Compston (Line of Duty), Aimée Ffion-Edwards (Peaky Blinders), Meera Syal (The Kumars at No. 42), Sharon Rooney (Barbie), Douglas Henshall (Shetland), Chaneil Kular (Sex Education), and Amit Shah (Happy Valley).
Six divorcees seek revenge on their deceitful spouses, but someone starts taking it much too far…
Emily had the perfect life – the perfect job, the perfect house, the perfect husband – before she was blindsided and betrayed and lost it all. Now she's sitting in a divorce counselling group wondering how she’ll ever feel okay again. What she wants is her old life back, and these group sessions seem to be the only way she'll be able to move on – past the jealousy, the hurt, and the daydreams of getting revenge.
And it seems everyone in the group is in the same jilted by an ex-partner and struggling to cope. So over post-therapy drinks, the six divorcées come up with the brilliant idea to get a little payback of their own – Strangers-on-a-Train style, with each getting even on another's behalf. Nothing serious – just enough to disrupt their former partner's picture-perfect lives.
Emily is hesitant at first, but the more her old life spins away from her, the less she worries about her morals – plus, they agreed no one would get hurt.
But just when the group think they've pulled off the perfect petty crimes, one of the exes is found dead… and then another… and another…
With DI Rosa Hawkes on their case and the plan spiralling out of control, Emily doesn't know who she can trust, and if divorce taught her anything, it’s that you can’t trust anyone, even the people you love. Especially the people you love. Let alone perfect strangers like these.
Six divorcees seek revenge on their deceitful spouses, but someone starts taking it much too far…
Emily had the perfect life – the perfect job, the perfect house, the perfect husband – before she was blindsided and betrayed and lost it all. Now she's sitting in a divorce counselling group wondering how she’ll ever feel okay again. What she wants is her old life back, and these group sessions seem to be the only way she'll be able to move on – past the jealousy, the hurt, and the daydreams of getting revenge.
And it seems everyone in the group is in the same jilted by an ex-partner and struggling to cope. So over post-therapy drinks, the six divorcées come up with the brilliant idea to get a little payback of their own – Strangers-on-a-Train style, with each getting even on another's behalf. Nothing serious – just enough to disrupt their former partner's picture-perfect lives.
Emily is hesitant at first, but the more her old life spins away from her, the less she worries about her morals – plus, they agreed no one would get hurt.
But just when the group think they've pulled off the perfect petty crimes, one of the exes is found dead… and then another… and another…
With DI Rosa Hawkes on their case and the plan spiralling out of control, Emily doesn't know who she can trust, and if divorce taught her anything, it’s that you can’t trust anyone, even the people you love. Especially the people you love. Let alone perfect strangers like these.
437 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2025
52 people are currently reading
914 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Pennington
1 book11 followersJ.D. Pennington is an award-winning creative director and copywriter with over twenty years of experience in film and television advertising, creating campaigns for major studios and leading independents.
A native of Merseyside, he lives in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, with his wife, two children and a mischievous Patterjack terrier. The Othello Club is his first novel. It has been developed and adapted for television by Gaumont for Paramount+, and is currently filming.
A native of Merseyside, he lives in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, with his wife, two children and a mischievous Patterjack terrier. The Othello Club is his first novel. It has been developed and adapted for television by Gaumont for Paramount+, and is currently filming.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
December 25, 2025
The definition of a perfectly crafted revenge thriller, The Othello Club was a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled debut that pulled me in right from the start. Filled with an intense atmosphere, oodles of suspicious characters, and a ton of moving parts, there wasn’t a chance of me working this complex plot out before the explosive double-barrel set of jaw-dropping reveals. But the short, punchy chapters were what kept my fingers flying through the pages at speed. Giving me a just-one-more-chapter vibe, I found myself reading far too late into the night as I desperately wanted to learn all the whos, whats, and whys. After all, as bodies started dropping like flies, there was no telling who the ultimate revenge-seeker really was. Bravo, my dear author, you hit it out of the park with this one on your very first go.
There were sadly a few pieces that pulled me out of the immersive storytelling while I was reading. Topping the list was the over-the-top feel that required me to suspend all disbelief. While I quickly put that aside and fell into the unique premise, the long list of POVs definitely got a bit distracting at times. Keeping me from connecting with any of the characters except for one, I felt as if I was being kept somewhat at a distance from the rest. That being said, after finishing the novel, I think that was likely done on purpose. In hindsight, it made me root for the protagonist even more, which made them my ride-or-die choice for potentially getting away with murder. Were they just an unwilling co-conspirator or something more? I’ll leave it for you to find out because I wouldn’t want to spoil this one for you at all.
Done and dusted, thanks to the dark humor, twisted schemes, and juicy secrets, I loved this book all the way down to my toes despite the flaws. Even the mildly open-ended conclusion was a win as the ambiguous feel of the last page made me smile with glee. After all, either one of the delightfully wicked possibilities worked just fine with me. Interweaving Shakespearean prose with complicated feelings like jealousy, hatred, betrayal, and obsession, this book, which started off feeling like a clever popcorn thriller, quickly became a provocative thought-provoker instead. Now my thoughts are consumed with two things. First and foremost, how long I’ll have to wait for the Paramount+ TV series, which is coming our way soon, and, secondly, what Mr. Pennington is going to pen next. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Emily had the perfect life—the perfect job, the perfect house, the perfect husband—before she was blindsided and betrayed and lost it all. Now she's sitting in a divorce counselling group wondering how she’ll ever feel okay again. What she wants is her old life back, and these group sessions seem to be the only way she'll be able to move on—past the jealousy, the hurt, and the daydreams of getting revenge.
And it seems everyone in the group is in the same boat: jilted by an ex-partner and struggling to cope. So over post-therapy drinks, the six divorcées come up with the brilliant idea to get a little payback of their own—Strangers-on-a-Train style, with each getting even on another's behalf. Nothing serious—just enough to disrupt their former partner's picture-perfect lives.
Emily is hesitant at first, but the more her old life spins away from her, the less she worries about her morals—plus, they agreed no one would get hurt.
But just when the group think they've pulled off the perfect petty crimes, one of the exes is found dead…and then another…and another…
With DI Rosa Hawkes on their case and the plan spiralling out of control, Emily doesn't know who she can trust, and if divorce taught her anything, it’s that you can’t trust anyone, even the people you love. Especially the people you love. Let alone perfect strangers like these.
Thank you to J.D. Pennington and Datura Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 14, 2025
Content warning: infidelity, divorce, drug and alcohol use, attempted rape, violence, house fire, knife and gun violence, mention of: infertility
There were sadly a few pieces that pulled me out of the immersive storytelling while I was reading. Topping the list was the over-the-top feel that required me to suspend all disbelief. While I quickly put that aside and fell into the unique premise, the long list of POVs definitely got a bit distracting at times. Keeping me from connecting with any of the characters except for one, I felt as if I was being kept somewhat at a distance from the rest. That being said, after finishing the novel, I think that was likely done on purpose. In hindsight, it made me root for the protagonist even more, which made them my ride-or-die choice for potentially getting away with murder. Were they just an unwilling co-conspirator or something more? I’ll leave it for you to find out because I wouldn’t want to spoil this one for you at all.
Done and dusted, thanks to the dark humor, twisted schemes, and juicy secrets, I loved this book all the way down to my toes despite the flaws. Even the mildly open-ended conclusion was a win as the ambiguous feel of the last page made me smile with glee. After all, either one of the delightfully wicked possibilities worked just fine with me. Interweaving Shakespearean prose with complicated feelings like jealousy, hatred, betrayal, and obsession, this book, which started off feeling like a clever popcorn thriller, quickly became a provocative thought-provoker instead. Now my thoughts are consumed with two things. First and foremost, how long I’ll have to wait for the Paramount+ TV series, which is coming our way soon, and, secondly, what Mr. Pennington is going to pen next. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Emily had the perfect life—the perfect job, the perfect house, the perfect husband—before she was blindsided and betrayed and lost it all. Now she's sitting in a divorce counselling group wondering how she’ll ever feel okay again. What she wants is her old life back, and these group sessions seem to be the only way she'll be able to move on—past the jealousy, the hurt, and the daydreams of getting revenge.
And it seems everyone in the group is in the same boat: jilted by an ex-partner and struggling to cope. So over post-therapy drinks, the six divorcées come up with the brilliant idea to get a little payback of their own—Strangers-on-a-Train style, with each getting even on another's behalf. Nothing serious—just enough to disrupt their former partner's picture-perfect lives.
Emily is hesitant at first, but the more her old life spins away from her, the less she worries about her morals—plus, they agreed no one would get hurt.
But just when the group think they've pulled off the perfect petty crimes, one of the exes is found dead…and then another…and another…
With DI Rosa Hawkes on their case and the plan spiralling out of control, Emily doesn't know who she can trust, and if divorce taught her anything, it’s that you can’t trust anyone, even the people you love. Especially the people you love. Let alone perfect strangers like these.
Thank you to J.D. Pennington and Datura Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 14, 2025
Content warning: infidelity, divorce, drug and alcohol use, attempted rape, violence, house fire, knife and gun violence, mention of: infertility
October 22, 2025
FIVE STAR STUNNER ALERT!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
️️️️️
"Have you heard the adage, Emily? 'Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.' ”
Buckle up folks 'cause this is a wild and twisty ride with a relentless pace! Six folks meet in a support group for divorcees finding common ground as they lament their exes. Soon the idea of revenge pops up with the caveat of no violence. As they begin enacting their plans the suspense is palpable, but when things take a gruesome turn? The intensity DRIPS from the pages. Things quickly spiral out of control and as bodies start dropping the manner in which they are killed is just deserts of sorts. Who is breaking the no violence rule and who will be next to die?
Right from the opening pages, I was hooked and knew I was in for a veritable treat! The short hypnotic chapters with several rotating POVs (including the police) elicited a "just one more chapter" vibe until I was more than halfway through the book. Unpredictable and shocking, the many twists and turns gave me whiplash while I furiously flipped pages as if MY life depended on it!
JD Pennington's writing is rich and provocative, tapping into feelings such as jealousy, anger, distrust, betrayal and injustice amongst a diverse group of characters. I never would've guessed this masterful and complex tale of revenge is his debut. Pennington has penned a banger of a novel on his first go round. Well done sir! I'm an instant fan and ready for whatever you come up with next.
THE OTHELLO CLUB is a taut and gripping no-holds-barred suspense thriller. I was on pins and needles right up to the chilling albeit ambiguous conclusion, which is my favorite kind. It was everything I hoped for and utterly satisfying, sending shivers down my spine. If you love dark and twisted crime fiction you can't put down, trust me, y'all need to snatch this up NOW!
This brilliant novel is being adapted to film as The Revenge Club with Paramount+ and I can't wait to see it!
____
Thank you Datura Books for my gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
️️️️️
"Have you heard the adage, Emily? 'Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.' ”
Buckle up folks 'cause this is a wild and twisty ride with a relentless pace! Six folks meet in a support group for divorcees finding common ground as they lament their exes. Soon the idea of revenge pops up with the caveat of no violence. As they begin enacting their plans the suspense is palpable, but when things take a gruesome turn? The intensity DRIPS from the pages. Things quickly spiral out of control and as bodies start dropping the manner in which they are killed is just deserts of sorts. Who is breaking the no violence rule and who will be next to die?
Right from the opening pages, I was hooked and knew I was in for a veritable treat! The short hypnotic chapters with several rotating POVs (including the police) elicited a "just one more chapter" vibe until I was more than halfway through the book. Unpredictable and shocking, the many twists and turns gave me whiplash while I furiously flipped pages as if MY life depended on it!
JD Pennington's writing is rich and provocative, tapping into feelings such as jealousy, anger, distrust, betrayal and injustice amongst a diverse group of characters. I never would've guessed this masterful and complex tale of revenge is his debut. Pennington has penned a banger of a novel on his first go round. Well done sir! I'm an instant fan and ready for whatever you come up with next.
THE OTHELLO CLUB is a taut and gripping no-holds-barred suspense thriller. I was on pins and needles right up to the chilling albeit ambiguous conclusion, which is my favorite kind. It was everything I hoped for and utterly satisfying, sending shivers down my spine. If you love dark and twisted crime fiction you can't put down, trust me, y'all need to snatch this up NOW!
This brilliant novel is being adapted to film as The Revenge Club with Paramount+ and I can't wait to see it!
____
Thank you Datura Books for my gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
October 16, 2025
Picture this. You go to a divorce support group. Your divorce was catastrophic and you can’t get over it. He left you for your very best friend. How could they do this to you?
You arrive and it seems everyone has gone or is going through a painful divorce. You are not alone. Maybe there is hope for you yet.
One night, you guys go for drinks. That night will change everything. The six of you make a revenge pact. You’re in! Strangers On a Train x’s SIX!
Bloody Mary and Joseph, this book was AMAZING! Have you seen Law Abiding Citizen with Jamie Foxx? It reminded me of that but with divorcees and no court. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! UNPUTDOWNABLE! Revenge never looked so sweet. Until one of you ends up dead.
Soon to be a Paramount+ production! I can’t freaking wait!
Go buy this book! A hidden gem of a banger not to be missed!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Massive thanks to Datura Books for my phenomenal gifted copy.
You arrive and it seems everyone has gone or is going through a painful divorce. You are not alone. Maybe there is hope for you yet.
One night, you guys go for drinks. That night will change everything. The six of you make a revenge pact. You’re in! Strangers On a Train x’s SIX!
Bloody Mary and Joseph, this book was AMAZING! Have you seen Law Abiding Citizen with Jamie Foxx? It reminded me of that but with divorcees and no court. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! UNPUTDOWNABLE! Revenge never looked so sweet. Until one of you ends up dead.
Soon to be a Paramount+ production! I can’t freaking wait!
Go buy this book! A hidden gem of a banger not to be missed!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Massive thanks to Datura Books for my phenomenal gifted copy.
October 12, 2025
This was a fun read. You might think you know what is going to happen in this revenge thriller before you even start reading it but you will be wrong. I look forward to watching this series on Paramount Plus when it hits the air. A fabulous debut novel.
A group of hurt divorcees meet in a support group to try to get through this tough time in their lives. They are all feeling betrayed and angry and decide to get revenge on their cheating partners, without out a physical violence of course. Only things don’t quite happen that way, surprisingly, and the police are soon looking at them .
This was very cleverly done, always keeping you guessing as those pages were turned. It was a fast read, very entertaining.
Thanks so much to Datura Books for my early copy to read on NetGalley . Out on October 14th.
A group of hurt divorcees meet in a support group to try to get through this tough time in their lives. They are all feeling betrayed and angry and decide to get revenge on their cheating partners, without out a physical violence of course. Only things don’t quite happen that way, surprisingly, and the police are soon looking at them .
This was very cleverly done, always keeping you guessing as those pages were turned. It was a fast read, very entertaining.
Thanks so much to Datura Books for my early copy to read on NetGalley . Out on October 14th.
November 17, 2025
Wow. I feel like I held my breath throughout the whole book! This was so cleverly plotted and well written! I’m not surprised it’s being adapted for TV. Absolutely brilliant! What a debut! Definitely pick this one up. There are a lot of POVs but once you get your head around them it’s amazing.
October 8, 2025
READ THIS BOOK - SO FUN!
#ad much love for my advance copy @daturabooks #partner
THE OTHELLO CLUB
Releases October 14, 2025
I’d say this book needs to be turned into a movie or limited series, but it already is going to be soon! Coming soon as an original series on Paramount+! YASSSSSS I CANNOT WAIT TO WATCH IT because this book is pure GOLD. 🥳
Revenge. Suspects. Diabolical.
“Prepare for battle because divorce is war,” (p. 52).
“Let me tell you something about anger. If it's directed in the right way, it can be a powerful weapon. When diplomacy fails, there is only one language some fuckers understand,” (p. 74).
Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves…
What do you get when you mix a bunch of cheaters, people who think too highly of themselves, and a bunch of murders together? A whole lot of suspects - that’s what. Also The Othello Club by JD Pennington a debut that is sure to put them on the map!
Oof! Buckle up because this one wild ride of a book. So scandalous that not even TMZ could conjure such a story. With short chapters, a kiIIer mystery, and unhinged characters, this is a fast-paced delicious little thriller.
Emily, poor ol’ Emily - running to her best friend for comfort after suspecting her husband Dan is lying to her and having an affair. What Emily discovers is the axis in which this book spins from. While Emily is reeling from her divorce, her sister pays for a Divorce Support Centre, knowing this is exactly what Emily needs.
At first Emily thinks she’d rather skip this pathetic little group, but by their second meeting this support group turns into something much more than she originally thought it would.
The storyline alternates between perspectives giving us a story that is full of all the dramas of suburban life. Murders, fires, bombs and more. A solid whodunnit mystery. But you won’t see this twist coming.
A thriller that will have you flipping the pages late into the night.
#ad much love for my advance copy @daturabooks #partner
THE OTHELLO CLUB
Releases October 14, 2025
I’d say this book needs to be turned into a movie or limited series, but it already is going to be soon! Coming soon as an original series on Paramount+! YASSSSSS I CANNOT WAIT TO WATCH IT because this book is pure GOLD. 🥳
Revenge. Suspects. Diabolical.
“Prepare for battle because divorce is war,” (p. 52).
“Let me tell you something about anger. If it's directed in the right way, it can be a powerful weapon. When diplomacy fails, there is only one language some fuckers understand,” (p. 74).
Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves…
What do you get when you mix a bunch of cheaters, people who think too highly of themselves, and a bunch of murders together? A whole lot of suspects - that’s what. Also The Othello Club by JD Pennington a debut that is sure to put them on the map!
Oof! Buckle up because this one wild ride of a book. So scandalous that not even TMZ could conjure such a story. With short chapters, a kiIIer mystery, and unhinged characters, this is a fast-paced delicious little thriller.
Emily, poor ol’ Emily - running to her best friend for comfort after suspecting her husband Dan is lying to her and having an affair. What Emily discovers is the axis in which this book spins from. While Emily is reeling from her divorce, her sister pays for a Divorce Support Centre, knowing this is exactly what Emily needs.
At first Emily thinks she’d rather skip this pathetic little group, but by their second meeting this support group turns into something much more than she originally thought it would.
The storyline alternates between perspectives giving us a story that is full of all the dramas of suburban life. Murders, fires, bombs and more. A solid whodunnit mystery. But you won’t see this twist coming.
A thriller that will have you flipping the pages late into the night.
September 13, 2025
Simply sharp and impressive. The Othello Club was a clever and compulsively readable debut novel that blended quick wit with dark, twisted suspense. J D Pennington delivered a fresh revenge thriller that felt both original and relentlessly entertaining.
The story centered on Emily, whose life was in pieces after betrayal and divorce, and she reluctantly joined a support group where she met others in the same situation. Over drinks, the group bonded through their shared pain and hatched a mischievous plan: they secretly got a little payback on one another’s exes. At first, it seemed like harmless fun—but when one ex turned up dead, and then another, their pact spiraled into something far more dangerous. Suspicion crept in, trust between the group fractured, and Detective Inspector Rosa Hawkes closed in as everyone scrambled to figure out who was behind the escalated violence.
J. D. Pennington’s style was cinematic, fast-paced, and sharp, mixed dark humor with psychological tension. He used multiple perspectives, tight dialogue, and cliffhanger chapter endings that kept the story moving, while it gradually revealed secrets. The result was a thriller that felt layered, suspenseful, and laced with wit.
The Othello Club was an inventive and cleverly written thriller with a premise that hooked me right away. A group of divorcees who bonded over heartbreak and created a revenge pact gave the story both tension and a darkly playful edge. The multiple perspectives kept things fresh, and the twists landed with enough surprise that had me second-guessing who could really be trusted. The Shakespearean undertones and layered themes of jealousy and betrayal added an extra richness that elevated it beyond the standard revenge tale.
At the same time, juggling so many characters made it harder to connect deeply with each of them, and a few of the shifting viewpoints slowed the momentum in places. Some of the twists leaned a little on the expected side, especially once the pattern of revenge turned deadly. Still, the writing was gripping, the concept original, and the suspense sharp enough that it kept me reading eagerly to the end.
I absolutely loved this original debut. The Othello Club stood out with its fresh concept, layered perspectives, and relentless suspense that kept me glued to the pages. Pennington’s crisp writing and clever twists made this a memorable thriller, and I��m already eager to see what he delivers next.
I’m grateful to NetGalley and Datura for the chance to read J. D. Pennington’s debut novel in exchange for my honest review.
The story centered on Emily, whose life was in pieces after betrayal and divorce, and she reluctantly joined a support group where she met others in the same situation. Over drinks, the group bonded through their shared pain and hatched a mischievous plan: they secretly got a little payback on one another’s exes. At first, it seemed like harmless fun—but when one ex turned up dead, and then another, their pact spiraled into something far more dangerous. Suspicion crept in, trust between the group fractured, and Detective Inspector Rosa Hawkes closed in as everyone scrambled to figure out who was behind the escalated violence.
J. D. Pennington’s style was cinematic, fast-paced, and sharp, mixed dark humor with psychological tension. He used multiple perspectives, tight dialogue, and cliffhanger chapter endings that kept the story moving, while it gradually revealed secrets. The result was a thriller that felt layered, suspenseful, and laced with wit.
The Othello Club was an inventive and cleverly written thriller with a premise that hooked me right away. A group of divorcees who bonded over heartbreak and created a revenge pact gave the story both tension and a darkly playful edge. The multiple perspectives kept things fresh, and the twists landed with enough surprise that had me second-guessing who could really be trusted. The Shakespearean undertones and layered themes of jealousy and betrayal added an extra richness that elevated it beyond the standard revenge tale.
At the same time, juggling so many characters made it harder to connect deeply with each of them, and a few of the shifting viewpoints slowed the momentum in places. Some of the twists leaned a little on the expected side, especially once the pattern of revenge turned deadly. Still, the writing was gripping, the concept original, and the suspense sharp enough that it kept me reading eagerly to the end.
I absolutely loved this original debut. The Othello Club stood out with its fresh concept, layered perspectives, and relentless suspense that kept me glued to the pages. Pennington’s crisp writing and clever twists made this a memorable thriller, and I��m already eager to see what he delivers next.
I’m grateful to NetGalley and Datura for the chance to read J. D. Pennington’s debut novel in exchange for my honest review.
October 17, 2025
I am so excited for this to be a series, I will definitely be watching! I feel like this will translate really well to the screen so I have high hopes for the tv series!
I absolutely loved the vibes of this book, I am a PETTY QUEEN so anything revenge related i am here for it!! I love to watch people play out revenge fantasies that I wouldn’t dream of in real life but absolutely devour in a fictional setting 😂😂😂
Divorcees meet in a support group and decide to plot revenge on their deceitful spouses yet things get out of control when somebody decides to take things a little tooooo far… yes yes yes! The tension, the drama! The danger! I loved this so much!
Definitely a must read!
Thank you for the gifted copy!
I absolutely loved the vibes of this book, I am a PETTY QUEEN so anything revenge related i am here for it!! I love to watch people play out revenge fantasies that I wouldn’t dream of in real life but absolutely devour in a fictional setting 😂😂😂
Divorcees meet in a support group and decide to plot revenge on their deceitful spouses yet things get out of control when somebody decides to take things a little tooooo far… yes yes yes! The tension, the drama! The danger! I loved this so much!
Definitely a must read!
Thank you for the gifted copy!
October 12, 2025
A troubling story which begins fairly innocuously - with a group of men and women joining a divorce therapy group - before showing us a series of deaths and forcing us to try and work out who might be behind them.
Nicknamed The OthelloClub its members are all angry they have been betrayed. They each want something. And in the pages of this story we see them participate in behaviours that, for some, get them what they most desire.
Dark and psychologically troubling. None of the characters come out of events particularly well, but it was a fascinating read.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review it before publication.
Nicknamed The OthelloClub its members are all angry they have been betrayed. They each want something. And in the pages of this story we see them participate in behaviours that, for some, get them what they most desire.
Dark and psychologically troubling. None of the characters come out of events particularly well, but it was a fascinating read.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review it before publication.
November 22, 2025
I purchased this on release day last month, and I have only got round to starting it last night (and promptly finishing it today!!)
Over 400 pages of pure, intense, fast-paced twists and turns. I honestly loved this so much.
Six divorcées plot harmless revenge on their unfaithful exes—until someone takes the plan far beyond petty payback.
Emily once had the perfect life before betrayal destroyed it. Now, in a divorce support group, she just wants her old life back.
When the group bonds over their shared heartbreak, they jokingly devise a Strangers-on-a-Train–style scheme to sabotage each other’s exes.
Nothing serious—just small acts to shake up their former partners’ flawless lives. They all agree no violence....🤔
Then one ex turns up dead… and another… and another. The group’s harmless plan has become something far more dangerous.
This was an insane read, multiple POV's are definitely my fave type of book and this had so many layers to unravel that my head was spinning, in a good way!
I couldn't figure out whose ex I hated more 😳🤔🤣
This is the thriller behind the upcoming paramount series The Revenge Club due out next month and I can't wait to see who plays each character!
If you read one book before the year ends I 100% recommend this 💚🖤
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 7, 2025
Another disappointing read. Was
looking forward to this one as it seemed an original and plausible idea. It was trying too hard to be comedic, to be classed as a thriller. Fell flat for me after 100 pages and just got silly.
looking forward to this one as it seemed an original and plausible idea. It was trying too hard to be comedic, to be classed as a thriller. Fell flat for me after 100 pages and just got silly.
August 8, 2025
I was gifted this ARC from the publisher.
As a fan of thrillers and Shakespeare, this book was amazing. Gripping and unpredictable, I was left guessing to the very end. A perfect thriller.
If you enjoyed If We Were Villains you should check this out.
Release date: 14th October 2025
As a fan of thrillers and Shakespeare, this book was amazing. Gripping and unpredictable, I was left guessing to the very end. A perfect thriller.
If you enjoyed If We Were Villains you should check this out.
Release date: 14th October 2025
October 14, 2025
Who doesn’t love a good revenge story!? And if you’re anything like the people in the Othello Club, you may have a good reason for revenge! But at what cost…
This thriller follows a support group consisting of people who are divorced or in the process of being divorced and all happen to have ex-partners who were unfaithful. They eventually decide to work together to mess with the lives of their exes just so they can feel a little better. Just some hacking, surveilling, data leaking, sabotage of businesses…nobody mentioned murder though. Soon, things start to get out of hand and there seems to be no way to stop it.
This book is so FUN! I didn’t want to put it down - it was action-packed and kept me guessing the whole time right up until the last few sentences. Not to mention how well-written it was! Shakespeare fans/nerds like me will appreciate all the references as well. I was so happy to see that it’s already on its way to becoming a TV show - I hope the show lives up the how great this story was!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for my review.
This thriller follows a support group consisting of people who are divorced or in the process of being divorced and all happen to have ex-partners who were unfaithful. They eventually decide to work together to mess with the lives of their exes just so they can feel a little better. Just some hacking, surveilling, data leaking, sabotage of businesses…nobody mentioned murder though. Soon, things start to get out of hand and there seems to be no way to stop it.
This book is so FUN! I didn’t want to put it down - it was action-packed and kept me guessing the whole time right up until the last few sentences. Not to mention how well-written it was! Shakespeare fans/nerds like me will appreciate all the references as well. I was so happy to see that it’s already on its way to becoming a TV show - I hope the show lives up the how great this story was!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for my review.
August 2, 2025
The Othello Club offers a unique and intriguing premise. Six members of a divorce therapy group decide to take revenge on their exes by pooling their skills—supposedly without causing real harm, just “an eye for an eye.” Told from multiple perspectives, the story keeps you guessing about the true psychopath among them while exploring the escalating consequences of their schemes. The varied POVs add depth, as each character brings their own struggles and experiences of divorce. The plot draws you in and makes you want to keep reading, though at times the pacing slows, and certain sections could have been tighter. Overall, it’s an engaging read with a fresh concept that keeps you hooked until the end.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2025
3.5 rounding up. This was a four star read right up until the end when the big reveal happens and you realize that you’ve lost the thread on the motive. Up until that reveal it was just fantastic. I loved the revenge plot line, I loved the vindication, the paranoia. It was a deeply addicting and satisfying read
A group of people meet in a divorce counseling session and they realize they’d be better off using each others skills to take revenge on the adultering partners who left them. They promise no violence but when partners start to die, they realize one of them isn’t playing by the rules anymore.
With the big reveal I really lost the thread. I didn’t understand who was behind the explosions, who was actually committing the murders, and who was doing all the framing. This also then made it hard to follow why they were doing it because I understood why the cheating spouses got killed off but why were the innocents getting killed too? They write it off as just a psychopath but I think that’s just an easy way out. Up until then, I was hooked like I haven’t been in ages
A group of people meet in a divorce counseling session and they realize they’d be better off using each others skills to take revenge on the adultering partners who left them. They promise no violence but when partners start to die, they realize one of them isn’t playing by the rules anymore.
With the big reveal I really lost the thread. I didn’t understand who was behind the explosions, who was actually committing the murders, and who was doing all the framing. This also then made it hard to follow why they were doing it because I understood why the cheating spouses got killed off but why were the innocents getting killed too? They write it off as just a psychopath but I think that’s just an easy way out. Up until then, I was hooked like I haven’t been in ages
October 14, 2025
Six divorcees seek revenge on their deceitful spouses, but someone starts taking it much too far…
Intrigued? You should be. THE OTHELLO CLUB, a revenge thriller, is PERFECT for the season. I'd say this should become a movie or TV series, but they're way ahead of me. Paramount Plus is planning a series based on the book called THE REVENGE CLUB, and I am over the moon for @j.dpennington! Anyway, the book comes out today, so let me tell you all about it.
The book centers mainly on Emily, who joins a support group after a divorce. After bonding over their betrayals, they come up with a plan: to seek revenge on the cheaters who ruined their lives. A little harmless fun turns deadly when one ends up dead, oh, and then ANOTHER! Suspicion grows, jealousy and betrayals ensue, and things get crazy as they all try to figure out who the murderer is.
I loved the multiple POV's and the way the author trickled in hints and added depth to the story. The twists are unpredictable, and this is coming from one who knows how a movie or book ends before the halfway point.
I cannot wait for the series to air! Fans of revenge plots and thrillers are going to eat this one up.
Thank you, @daturabooks, for having me on this online tour!
Intrigued? You should be. THE OTHELLO CLUB, a revenge thriller, is PERFECT for the season. I'd say this should become a movie or TV series, but they're way ahead of me. Paramount Plus is planning a series based on the book called THE REVENGE CLUB, and I am over the moon for @j.dpennington! Anyway, the book comes out today, so let me tell you all about it.
The book centers mainly on Emily, who joins a support group after a divorce. After bonding over their betrayals, they come up with a plan: to seek revenge on the cheaters who ruined their lives. A little harmless fun turns deadly when one ends up dead, oh, and then ANOTHER! Suspicion grows, jealousy and betrayals ensue, and things get crazy as they all try to figure out who the murderer is.
I loved the multiple POV's and the way the author trickled in hints and added depth to the story. The twists are unpredictable, and this is coming from one who knows how a movie or book ends before the halfway point.
I cannot wait for the series to air! Fans of revenge plots and thrillers are going to eat this one up.
Thank you, @daturabooks, for having me on this online tour!
October 4, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book! This is a dark and gripping thriller with a very captivating Shakespearean twist! This definitely wasn’t just another typical thriller, and I loved all the references to the Shakespeare play Othello, which this book was obviously named after. The Shakespeare references put a very unique spin on the plot, and I was hooked from the first page.
The plot of this book is so twisty and unpredictable, and the whole way through I had no clue who the culprit was. It’s not often that I’m surprised by a book, but this one definitely surprised me with who the guilty party was! I loved all of the different characters and found every one of them individually intriguing. It was interesting to see all these polar opposite people meet in the divorce group setting and see them bond over their need for revenge, and then seeing how their explosive revenge plan played out… It was definitely a bumpy ride! This was such a fun, action-packed read, and I’d definitely recommend this!
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The plot of this book is so twisty and unpredictable, and the whole way through I had no clue who the culprit was. It’s not often that I’m surprised by a book, but this one definitely surprised me with who the guilty party was! I loved all of the different characters and found every one of them individually intriguing. It was interesting to see all these polar opposite people meet in the divorce group setting and see them bond over their need for revenge, and then seeing how their explosive revenge plan played out… It was definitely a bumpy ride! This was such a fun, action-packed read, and I’d definitely recommend this!
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2025
lots of twists and turns and written in a way to confuse you from the start.
It took me a while to get into bur once I was I was away and lead on the same merry dance as Rosa.
It took me a while to get into bur once I was I was away and lead on the same merry dance as Rosa.
September 11, 2025
An interesting premise for this story which acknowledges its debt to Strangers On A Train. Plot rattles along quite nicely until becoming derailed in a rather frenetic finale.
However, what really lets this story down is the descriptive language which jars at regular intervals. Some examples:
“egress of the elevator”
“Jack’s pupils eclipse his irises”
“her jade gaze sliding into her tea leaves”
“respires on her cigarette”
“somniferous darkness”
“amorphous blackness”
“mucilaginous riverbed”
Unfortunately this is not a comprehensive list. Fortunately this is not the final draft so there is still an opportunity for a competent editor to rescue this entertaining story from the excesses of its prose.
(Thanks to the publisher, i was given an advance copy in exchange for an honest review)
However, what really lets this story down is the descriptive language which jars at regular intervals. Some examples:
“egress of the elevator”
“Jack’s pupils eclipse his irises”
“her jade gaze sliding into her tea leaves”
“respires on her cigarette”
“somniferous darkness”
“amorphous blackness”
“mucilaginous riverbed”
Unfortunately this is not a comprehensive list. Fortunately this is not the final draft so there is still an opportunity for a competent editor to rescue this entertaining story from the excesses of its prose.
(Thanks to the publisher, i was given an advance copy in exchange for an honest review)
September 5, 2025
Having read and studied Shakespeare’s Othello back in high school English, I was immediately intrigued when I came across the blurb for The Othello Club. That spark of recognition was what made me request the ARC - and I’m so glad I did. Add in the fact it’s already being adapted into a Paramount+ series - and my excitement couldn’t have been higher.
Much like Shakespeare’s tale, this book digs into jealousy, betrayal, and the destructive lengths people will go when their emotions tip into obsession. The short, punchy chapters and multiple POVs kept the pace flying and made it easy to follow each thread of the story. I was hooked on every perspective - and needed to see how all the tangled motives and secrets would collide.
The setup - six strangers meeting through divorce counselling and forming a pact to get revenge on each other’s exes - starts as a darkly playful idea. But as exes begin turning up dead, suspicion creeps in, alliances fracture, and trust proves as fragile as Desdemona’s fate. The tension doesn’t let up, and the moral unravelling of the characters made this impossible to put down.
An addictive and clever debut - one that takes the timeless themes of Othello and spins them into a modern thriller. I can’t wait to see it come to life on screen when The Revenge Club drops on Paramount+.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Much like Shakespeare’s tale, this book digs into jealousy, betrayal, and the destructive lengths people will go when their emotions tip into obsession. The short, punchy chapters and multiple POVs kept the pace flying and made it easy to follow each thread of the story. I was hooked on every perspective - and needed to see how all the tangled motives and secrets would collide.
The setup - six strangers meeting through divorce counselling and forming a pact to get revenge on each other’s exes - starts as a darkly playful idea. But as exes begin turning up dead, suspicion creeps in, alliances fracture, and trust proves as fragile as Desdemona’s fate. The tension doesn’t let up, and the moral unravelling of the characters made this impossible to put down.
An addictive and clever debut - one that takes the timeless themes of Othello and spins them into a modern thriller. I can’t wait to see it come to life on screen when The Revenge Club drops on Paramount+.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5
Let me begin by saying that it is no surprise to me that an adaptation of this book this is already being filmed and will appear on Paramount+ at some point in the not too distant future. The surprising part is that this is J.D. Pennington's debut novel. Impressive!
Apart from being highly readable in the printed format, this really is astonishingly filmic, like a screenplay shouting out to be put on the small screen. The early chapters of "The Othello Club" may lull you into a false sense of security. There are elements of a "Thursday Murder Club" feel, but featuring a bunch of aggrieved people going through the divorce process, rather than a bunch of octogenarian cold case investigators. However, things get considerably darker as events begin to unfold and the death toll starts to rise. "The Othello Club" is no cosy crime caper, it is a well-constructed dark - at times quite chilling - mystery, where the plot thickens and the tension palpably rises until it reaches a dramatic conclusion.
If I were to make a more critical observation, it would have to be that the character count is higher than ideal for the printed format. If I tallied up correctly, there are 16 viewpoints represented in the book, which can prove a little tricky to process and to recall precisely who is who, without flicking back to double-check. That said, in the scheme of things, this is a forgivable matter and also one which will be less of an issue when the story hits the television screen and the audience has the additional benefit of a visual aide-memoire. But, don't just wait for the Paramount+ version! Indulge yourself and read this first!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Footnote:
Having now seen the Paramount+ dramatisation based on this book, I have to say that it is very disappointing and bears only scant resemblance to the book on which it was based. Forget the TV version - it simply doesn't do the book justice.
Let me begin by saying that it is no surprise to me that an adaptation of this book this is already being filmed and will appear on Paramount+ at some point in the not too distant future. The surprising part is that this is J.D. Pennington's debut novel. Impressive!
Apart from being highly readable in the printed format, this really is astonishingly filmic, like a screenplay shouting out to be put on the small screen. The early chapters of "The Othello Club" may lull you into a false sense of security. There are elements of a "Thursday Murder Club" feel, but featuring a bunch of aggrieved people going through the divorce process, rather than a bunch of octogenarian cold case investigators. However, things get considerably darker as events begin to unfold and the death toll starts to rise. "The Othello Club" is no cosy crime caper, it is a well-constructed dark - at times quite chilling - mystery, where the plot thickens and the tension palpably rises until it reaches a dramatic conclusion.
If I were to make a more critical observation, it would have to be that the character count is higher than ideal for the printed format. If I tallied up correctly, there are 16 viewpoints represented in the book, which can prove a little tricky to process and to recall precisely who is who, without flicking back to double-check. That said, in the scheme of things, this is a forgivable matter and also one which will be less of an issue when the story hits the television screen and the audience has the additional benefit of a visual aide-memoire. But, don't just wait for the Paramount+ version! Indulge yourself and read this first!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Footnote:
Having now seen the Paramount+ dramatisation based on this book, I have to say that it is very disappointing and bears only scant resemblance to the book on which it was based. Forget the TV version - it simply doesn't do the book justice.
September 28, 2025
The premise was interesting and this was a page-turner, for sure. But I felt that, overall, it was way too long, way too convoluted, and way too fetched-slash-ridiculous. The ending too, it didn’t really feel believable. Not that the rest did but… it was just a lot, on top of too much already.
October 2, 2025
Thank you to Datura Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
Wow, what a really neat concept for a story line! The characters were a little stereotypical but their overlap in qualities kept their traits from being too defined and label leaning. The different perspectives were easy to follow, the details kept me guessing (not an easy feat) and the twist(s) were good and well played. The verbiage choices were clearly deliberate as a way to let the reader draw their conclusions or assumptions. The very last part of the book could have been filled out a little more as a way to build up to the final realization, but start to finish it was a good engrossing read. I wouldn’t be surprised if this was picked up to go on the big screen. With a little bit of tweaking, it really is that good.
Wow, what a really neat concept for a story line! The characters were a little stereotypical but their overlap in qualities kept their traits from being too defined and label leaning. The different perspectives were easy to follow, the details kept me guessing (not an easy feat) and the twist(s) were good and well played. The verbiage choices were clearly deliberate as a way to let the reader draw their conclusions or assumptions. The very last part of the book could have been filled out a little more as a way to build up to the final realization, but start to finish it was a good engrossing read. I wouldn’t be surprised if this was picked up to go on the big screen. With a little bit of tweaking, it really is that good.
October 14, 2025
All my reviews can be found at damppebbles.com
Emily had a life that many of her friends envied. That was until her husband, Dan, had an affair and broke her heart. She lost everything: her house, her job, her husband, and the hope of a happy, contented future. Feeling like she’s starting over again, she finds herself in a divorce support group, surrounded by five other newly single, angry, heartbroken people. One night after a counselling session, the group end up in the pub. Slightly tipsy, they agree to exact revenge on their exes. Nothing too serious, just mess with them a little. Cause a little chaos in their lives. They all agree to it on one proviso: no one gets hurt. And it was all going so well. Until the first body turned up…
The Othello Club is a cracking read! An accomplished debut thriller that has the reader on the edge of their seat from the moment Emily discovers the truth about her marriage, all the way through to the cinematic denouement. It’s a little bit bonkers, but oh my gosh, I was 100% there for it. Loving every twisted moment, every shocking reveal. I’ll be completely honest with you, I did read a book with a similar plot earlier this year, but The Othello Club is so much better. More assured in its delivery, a more engaging plot and the characters in this book I found more interesting. This is a book that I struggled to put down. And when I did have to walk away from it, I was desperate to return to the story.
Emily’s world is turned upside down by the discovery of her husband’s affair. That in itself sounds traumatic, but you don’t really know the half of it! She joins the divorce support group, an eclectic group of people led by Malcolm, the counsellor, in order to start rebuilding her life. Each member of the group has their own story, a tale of heartbreak and sorrow. They’re all undeniably angry, jealous of their exes’ new partner and unable to move forward with their lives. Each of the main characters is well-written, they all add something to the story, and it’s easy to keep track of who everyone is, along with their exes and new beaus. I found Emily a little naïve but I think her naivety, her desire to do the right thing, helps build the story. I didn’t particularly warm to her but I did feel a lot of empathy for her. She is a GREAT lead character.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I spent with The Othello Club, and I’m very much looking forward to reading more by this author in the future. I was delighted to see the book is being made into a Paramount+ series. I, for one, will certainly be tuning in. The Othello Club is a dark and engaging revenge thriller that kept me captivated from start to finish. I really enjoyed the fast pace of the book, with something always happening. The twists and turns were shocking, and I certainly wasn’t able to guess who was behind it all. The reveal was drenched in tension, and the denouement was beautifully cinematic (I hope Paramount+ do it justice – it’s glorious in the book!). All in all, The Othello Club is an addictive read with plenty of tension, thrills, and a premise that will have you hooked. A blisteringly good debut from an author to watch. Highly recommended.
Emily had a life that many of her friends envied. That was until her husband, Dan, had an affair and broke her heart. She lost everything: her house, her job, her husband, and the hope of a happy, contented future. Feeling like she’s starting over again, she finds herself in a divorce support group, surrounded by five other newly single, angry, heartbroken people. One night after a counselling session, the group end up in the pub. Slightly tipsy, they agree to exact revenge on their exes. Nothing too serious, just mess with them a little. Cause a little chaos in their lives. They all agree to it on one proviso: no one gets hurt. And it was all going so well. Until the first body turned up…
The Othello Club is a cracking read! An accomplished debut thriller that has the reader on the edge of their seat from the moment Emily discovers the truth about her marriage, all the way through to the cinematic denouement. It’s a little bit bonkers, but oh my gosh, I was 100% there for it. Loving every twisted moment, every shocking reveal. I’ll be completely honest with you, I did read a book with a similar plot earlier this year, but The Othello Club is so much better. More assured in its delivery, a more engaging plot and the characters in this book I found more interesting. This is a book that I struggled to put down. And when I did have to walk away from it, I was desperate to return to the story.
Emily’s world is turned upside down by the discovery of her husband’s affair. That in itself sounds traumatic, but you don’t really know the half of it! She joins the divorce support group, an eclectic group of people led by Malcolm, the counsellor, in order to start rebuilding her life. Each member of the group has their own story, a tale of heartbreak and sorrow. They’re all undeniably angry, jealous of their exes’ new partner and unable to move forward with their lives. Each of the main characters is well-written, they all add something to the story, and it’s easy to keep track of who everyone is, along with their exes and new beaus. I found Emily a little naïve but I think her naivety, her desire to do the right thing, helps build the story. I didn’t particularly warm to her but I did feel a lot of empathy for her. She is a GREAT lead character.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I spent with The Othello Club, and I’m very much looking forward to reading more by this author in the future. I was delighted to see the book is being made into a Paramount+ series. I, for one, will certainly be tuning in. The Othello Club is a dark and engaging revenge thriller that kept me captivated from start to finish. I really enjoyed the fast pace of the book, with something always happening. The twists and turns were shocking, and I certainly wasn’t able to guess who was behind it all. The reveal was drenched in tension, and the denouement was beautifully cinematic (I hope Paramount+ do it justice – it’s glorious in the book!). All in all, The Othello Club is an addictive read with plenty of tension, thrills, and a premise that will have you hooked. A blisteringly good debut from an author to watch. Highly recommended.
October 22, 2025
Thank you Datura Books @daturabooks Angry Robot @angryrobotbooks Netgalley @netgalley and J.D. Pennington for this free ebook!
“The Othello Club” by J.D. Pennington. It’s actually ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2, but had to round up for Goodreads. Genre: Thriller. Location: London, England.
Emily Hunter (33) had the perfect job, perfect house, perfect husband until she was blindsided, betrayed, and lost it all. Now she attends a divorce support counseling group wondering to feel okay again. Snarky Callum, nervy, on-the-spectrum Tal, hard-drinking Ciara, wealthy Rachel, ex-military Steve, and Emily-they’re all furious, frustrated, jealous, and hurt. Over drinks, the 6 agree to do small, disruptive pranks to each other’s exes. Just when they think they’ve pulled off the perfect petty crimes, an exe is found dead, followed by another, and another. With Detective Inspector Rosa Hawkes on their case, Emily doesn't know who to trust-especially strangers like these.
Author Pennington’s book focuses on jealousy, betrayal, and revenge. He uses short chapters, multiple points of view, and a twisty plot to keep you guessing. Unfortunately, there is unnecessary, cruel fat-shaming-many of the people described aren’t even plot characters: (“Bryony’s porcine face…” “Bryony waddled up….”)(“…a grotesque Toby Jug of a man…”) (…the client waddled…”) I wonder if his personal opinions are creeping in, as he often comments on overweight characters’ too tight clothes (…”Metcalf’s straining at his belly.”), or body shape (…”shakes his jowly face.”)-things that don’t advance the plot. Pennington’s debut novel is being adapted into a Paramount+ television series titled The Revenge Club. It has too much petty shaming of overweight people, but it’s fast and suspenseful. If the TV series cuts out the fat-shaming and cleans up the ending it will be wonderful, so overall it’s still 3.5 stars from me 📚👩🏼🦳 #theothelloclub #netgalley #jdpennington
“The Othello Club” by J.D. Pennington. It’s actually ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2, but had to round up for Goodreads. Genre: Thriller. Location: London, England.
Emily Hunter (33) had the perfect job, perfect house, perfect husband until she was blindsided, betrayed, and lost it all. Now she attends a divorce support counseling group wondering to feel okay again. Snarky Callum, nervy, on-the-spectrum Tal, hard-drinking Ciara, wealthy Rachel, ex-military Steve, and Emily-they’re all furious, frustrated, jealous, and hurt. Over drinks, the 6 agree to do small, disruptive pranks to each other’s exes. Just when they think they’ve pulled off the perfect petty crimes, an exe is found dead, followed by another, and another. With Detective Inspector Rosa Hawkes on their case, Emily doesn't know who to trust-especially strangers like these.
Author Pennington’s book focuses on jealousy, betrayal, and revenge. He uses short chapters, multiple points of view, and a twisty plot to keep you guessing. Unfortunately, there is unnecessary, cruel fat-shaming-many of the people described aren’t even plot characters: (“Bryony’s porcine face…” “Bryony waddled up….”)(“…a grotesque Toby Jug of a man…”) (…the client waddled…”) I wonder if his personal opinions are creeping in, as he often comments on overweight characters’ too tight clothes (…”Metcalf’s straining at his belly.”), or body shape (…”shakes his jowly face.”)-things that don’t advance the plot. Pennington’s debut novel is being adapted into a Paramount+ television series titled The Revenge Club. It has too much petty shaming of overweight people, but it’s fast and suspenseful. If the TV series cuts out the fat-shaming and cleans up the ending it will be wonderful, so overall it’s still 3.5 stars from me 📚👩🏼🦳 #theothelloclub #netgalley #jdpennington
October 4, 2025
Six strangers, grieving, angry. Six plans to make their ex's pay for what they did, but the only rule is nobody is meant to get physically hurt. It doesn't take long for that rule to be broken but who is the mastermind directing the tragedy?
The problem with having six 'main' characters, plus a variety of secondary ones that all have pov's means that some are less developed than others. One in particular main character fades away part way through and although they are mentioned after, their story never feels complete, at least not when put up against the others.
Despite that however, the author has done a really good crafting this world and these characters. They were engaging and at one point or another throughout the whole book I found myself hoping that the character whose PoV I was reading, wasn't the killer, as they had flashes of sympathy and understanding. Even with the scariest character, a person I wouldn't want to meet in real life, I found myself feeling sorry for him at one point in the book.
I wasn't really a fan of Tal. Not because of him, but because I felt the author could have done a much better job of creating an autistic character. He reads like a character from decades ago, a pastiche of stereotypes rather than a character in of himself. Which was a real shame as there were some great ideas with his storyline.
So many of the characters are unreliable narrators. Not all the time, but there are moments when each lies, pulls away from the truth. It's a joy to read, to try and unpick the lies as motives and histories are slowly peeled back and revealed to us one by one. There are so many layers to this. It was fast paced, enjoyable and with a few minor hiccups, very well worth the read.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
The problem with having six 'main' characters, plus a variety of secondary ones that all have pov's means that some are less developed than others. One in particular main character fades away part way through and although they are mentioned after, their story never feels complete, at least not when put up against the others.
Despite that however, the author has done a really good crafting this world and these characters. They were engaging and at one point or another throughout the whole book I found myself hoping that the character whose PoV I was reading, wasn't the killer, as they had flashes of sympathy and understanding. Even with the scariest character, a person I wouldn't want to meet in real life, I found myself feeling sorry for him at one point in the book.
I wasn't really a fan of Tal. Not because of him, but because I felt the author could have done a much better job of creating an autistic character. He reads like a character from decades ago, a pastiche of stereotypes rather than a character in of himself. Which was a real shame as there were some great ideas with his storyline.
So many of the characters are unreliable narrators. Not all the time, but there are moments when each lies, pulls away from the truth. It's a joy to read, to try and unpick the lies as motives and histories are slowly peeled back and revealed to us one by one. There are so many layers to this. It was fast paced, enjoyable and with a few minor hiccups, very well worth the read.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
December 2, 2025
Emily crashes her best friend Charlotte’s apartment one night, convinced her husband Dan is cheating on her, only to find her husband naked in Charlotte’s bed. In a fit of rage, she attacks Dan and Charlotte and Charlotte reveals she’s pregnant. This is a slap in the face for Emily, as she and Dan had been trying for years to no avail. Fast forward and Emily sits reluctantly in a therapy circle with five other divorcees, all scorned lovers. They find themselves spending more time together and then someone suggests something absolutely insane: what if they all worked together to ruin the lives of their exes, a “Strangers on a Train” situation. Nobody would get caught, there’s no way to tie any of them together, right? That is until someone gets a little out of hand. Suddenly, The Othello Club isn’t so innocent and people are winding up dead. They’re all facing ruin, so who keeps taking things a little too far, leaving quotes from Shakespeare’s Othello in their wake?
Now, mind you I had a lot of time to kill today at work and so yes, I spent my entire workday reading this book. HOWEVER, I would not have continued to paw my way through the digital pages if it hadn’t been so goddamn good! I really was left wondering who was doing everything and even the ending left me questioning everything. This is a new take on the “Strangers on a Train” that I thoroughly enjoyed. I didn’t find any of the characters to be overly annoying or under-used. It did get a little disorienting at times because there were just so many POVs, but it wasn’t at all hard to distinguish what we were doing. All of the characters are unique and I really enjoyed it. Dare I say this may be my favorite book of the year?!?!
4.4 stars.
Now, mind you I had a lot of time to kill today at work and so yes, I spent my entire workday reading this book. HOWEVER, I would not have continued to paw my way through the digital pages if it hadn’t been so goddamn good! I really was left wondering who was doing everything and even the ending left me questioning everything. This is a new take on the “Strangers on a Train” that I thoroughly enjoyed. I didn’t find any of the characters to be overly annoying or under-used. It did get a little disorienting at times because there were just so many POVs, but it wasn’t at all hard to distinguish what we were doing. All of the characters are unique and I really enjoyed it. Dare I say this may be my favorite book of the year?!?!
4.4 stars.
October 26, 2025
Emily’s seemingly perfect life unravels when she discovers her husband and best friend are having an affair. Hoping to heal, she joins a divorce counselling group—only to find that everyone else is just as stuck as she is. As the group bonds, a bold idea emerges: what if they could get revenge on their exes, just enough to feel empowered, but without causing real harm? The plan works—until one of the exes turns up dead. Surely the group couldn’t be involved… could they?
This was a compelling read with a fast-paced plot and a clever twist on the Strangers on a Train concept. The story moves quickly, making it hard to put down, and the mix of personalities in the divorce makes for an interesting reading experience. Some characters are more sympathetic than others, and I occasionally found myself siding with the exes, which made the unfolding events all the more emotionally complex. That ambiguity—never quite knowing who to trust—is a hallmark of a good thriller, and it’s well executed here.
My main reservation, and the reason I’ve rated this three stars rather than four, is the ending. It’s open-ended and leaves much to interpretation, which I personally find frustrating. I prefer clear resolutions, and in this case, the ambiguity felt unnecessary—especially since the narrative had just tied up its loose ends. That said, many readers will absolutely love how this ends so don't let that put you off.
Overall, this is a gripping and inventive thriller, worth picking up—especially if you don’t mind a bit of ambiguity at the finish.
Thanks to NetGalley and Datura Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a compelling read with a fast-paced plot and a clever twist on the Strangers on a Train concept. The story moves quickly, making it hard to put down, and the mix of personalities in the divorce makes for an interesting reading experience. Some characters are more sympathetic than others, and I occasionally found myself siding with the exes, which made the unfolding events all the more emotionally complex. That ambiguity—never quite knowing who to trust—is a hallmark of a good thriller, and it’s well executed here.
My main reservation, and the reason I’ve rated this three stars rather than four, is the ending. It’s open-ended and leaves much to interpretation, which I personally find frustrating. I prefer clear resolutions, and in this case, the ambiguity felt unnecessary—especially since the narrative had just tied up its loose ends. That said, many readers will absolutely love how this ends so don't let that put you off.
Overall, this is a gripping and inventive thriller, worth picking up—especially if you don’t mind a bit of ambiguity at the finish.
Thanks to NetGalley and Datura Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2025
A book about a group of people who join a counselling group for those going through divorce, who decide to reek revenge on their ex husband and wives. The story is told from the individual’s perspectives, including a police detective. Although it’s well constructed I just didn’t enjoy it. I think the characters are well written and I wonder if it’s because I didn’t like them. Maybe the theme is really is just too dark for me. I’m still giving it a 4, even though I didn’t enjoy it, I should have realised I wouldn’t knowing the subject matter. I did debate giving it a 3 but I think I save that for books that I wouldn’t recommend and for someone who likes this type of book I would recommend it. I think I’m more of a Thursday Murders Club person. For someone who hasn’t had a traumatic divorce this would probably be fine! It’s going to be made into a tv series and I did find it easy to visualise which I think is always a good sign.
The subject matter is dark there are murders, violence, drug and alcohol abuse and a young girl harms herself. I wouldn’t recommend it for people who find the content triggering but I think that’s pretty explicit from its description.
I think if you’re interested in murder mysteries with twists and turns then this is a well written book, dark book with lots of twists that keep you guessing, I think, you can’t go far wrong with this.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinions.
The subject matter is dark there are murders, violence, drug and alcohol abuse and a young girl harms herself. I wouldn’t recommend it for people who find the content triggering but I think that’s pretty explicit from its description.
I think if you’re interested in murder mysteries with twists and turns then this is a well written book, dark book with lots of twists that keep you guessing, I think, you can’t go far wrong with this.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinions.
October 11, 2025
I’m a sucker for anything Shakespeare inspired and since I teach Othello at A level, the title intrigued me from the start. It’s a bit of a departure from what I normally read - literary fiction and historical fiction with the odd beach read thrown in - but it’s good to experiment right? So when Netgalley offered me a pre-release copy in exchange for an honest review, I thought I’d give it a go.
The premise is based around a revenge plot concocted by six members of a divorce recovery counselling group who meet to try and get over their ex-partners. Some are more reluctant than others, but all have been emotionally traumatised by their spouses cheating on them and so agree to get a little of their own back. Nothing violent or physically threatening, just enough to make their former lovers a bit less smug and a bit less picture perfect.
The book tells the stories mostly in third person, from multiple viewpoints, including the detective inspector Rosa Hawkes, whose first person perspective contrasts the others.
I did enjoy the book for the most part - there were some particularly brutal scenes, and I thought the references to Othello were quite well placed (though they did get peppered in quite a lot more in the last chapters of the book). I did see one of the twists coming from quite a way back and wasn’t sure if one of the other twists actually worked in reconciling a satisfying ending. Overall, would recommend for a dark and twisted tale! Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley.
The premise is based around a revenge plot concocted by six members of a divorce recovery counselling group who meet to try and get over their ex-partners. Some are more reluctant than others, but all have been emotionally traumatised by their spouses cheating on them and so agree to get a little of their own back. Nothing violent or physically threatening, just enough to make their former lovers a bit less smug and a bit less picture perfect.
The book tells the stories mostly in third person, from multiple viewpoints, including the detective inspector Rosa Hawkes, whose first person perspective contrasts the others.
I did enjoy the book for the most part - there were some particularly brutal scenes, and I thought the references to Othello were quite well placed (though they did get peppered in quite a lot more in the last chapters of the book). I did see one of the twists coming from quite a way back and wasn’t sure if one of the other twists actually worked in reconciling a satisfying ending. Overall, would recommend for a dark and twisted tale! Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley.
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