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Sweetpea #5
The Bad Seeds: Sweetpea, Book 5
Liked the
Sweetpea
TV series on Sky Atlantic
You'll love the books…
‘This isn’t a book for the squeamish or the faint-hearted … think Bridget Jones meets American Psycho’ Red
Sweetpea is coming home at last…
Newly married, with a loving family surrounding her, everything's coming up roses for ex-serial killer Rhiannon Lewis, right?
Wrong.
Her husband has just been shot, and the daughter she left behind in the UK is desperately ill. She’s got no choice but to flee the States and return home, back to her roots, where she’s in danger of being recognised and arrested at any moment.
Only nothing is quite as it seems…
With a series of bad choices in front of her, and the authorities right behind, Rhiannon's in a hell of a hole and she needs to dig herself out of it pronto. But help can come from the most unlikely places. And even more unlikely people…
You'll love the books…
‘This isn’t a book for the squeamish or the faint-hearted … think Bridget Jones meets American Psycho’ Red
Sweetpea is coming home at last…
Newly married, with a loving family surrounding her, everything's coming up roses for ex-serial killer Rhiannon Lewis, right?
Wrong.
Her husband has just been shot, and the daughter she left behind in the UK is desperately ill. She’s got no choice but to flee the States and return home, back to her roots, where she’s in danger of being recognised and arrested at any moment.
Only nothing is quite as it seems…
With a series of bad choices in front of her, and the authorities right behind, Rhiannon's in a hell of a hole and she needs to dig herself out of it pronto. But help can come from the most unlikely places. And even more unlikely people…
Audible Audio
Published October 24, 2024
184 people are currently reading
1915 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Skuse
17 books847 followersC.J. SKUSE is the author of the Young Adult novels PRETTY BAD THINGS, ROCKOHOLIC and DEAD ROMANTIC (Chicken House), MONSTER and THE DEVIANTS (Mira Ink). She was born in 1980 in Weston-super-Mare, England. She has First Class degrees in Creative Writing and Writing for Children and, aside from writing novels lectures in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. C.J. is currently working on adult novel SWEETPEA for HQ/HarperCollins (out April 2017).
C.J. loves Masterchef, Gummy Bears and murder sites. She hates carnivals, hard-boiled eggs and coughing. The movies Titanic, My Best Friend's Wedding and Ruby Sparks were all probably based on her ideas; she just didn't get to write them down in time. Before she dies, she would like to go to Japan, try clay-pigeon shooting and have Ryan Gosling present her with the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
You can find C.J. Skuse on Facebook or on Twitter www.twitter.com/CeejaytheAuthor.
C.J. loves Masterchef, Gummy Bears and murder sites. She hates carnivals, hard-boiled eggs and coughing. The movies Titanic, My Best Friend's Wedding and Ruby Sparks were all probably based on her ideas; she just didn't get to write them down in time. Before she dies, she would like to go to Japan, try clay-pigeon shooting and have Ryan Gosling present her with the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
You can find C.J. Skuse on Facebook or on Twitter www.twitter.com/CeejaytheAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
September 13, 2025
☆☆☆☆
After five books, The Bad Seeds delivers a satisfying and fitting conclusion to the Sweetpea series. Skuse has done an exceptional job in wrapping up the dark, twisted journey of Rhiannon and her chaotic world, providing both closure and a sense of catharsis that longtime fans will appreciate.
The humor, wit, and morbid charm we've come to expect from this series are all still present, but there’s a maturity in the narrative here that makes it stand out. While the story maintains its edge-of-your-seat suspense, there’s a definite sense of finality that brings the whole arc to a satisfying end.
What I loved most about this installment was how it balanced the macabre with moments of reflection. Skuse doesn’t shy away from the darker elements of the story, but there’s also a sense of growth and resolution for Rhiannon. It's an ending that feels earned, and it perfectly ties together the complex, twisted threads of the series.
If you’ve been following Rhiannon’s journey from the very first book, this one won’t disappoint. It may not be the lightest read, but it offers the perfect sendoff to a series that’s been anything but ordinary.
For fans of twisted humor, compelling antiheroes, and gripping psychological thrills, The Bad Seeds is a satisfying end to a series.
After five books, The Bad Seeds delivers a satisfying and fitting conclusion to the Sweetpea series. Skuse has done an exceptional job in wrapping up the dark, twisted journey of Rhiannon and her chaotic world, providing both closure and a sense of catharsis that longtime fans will appreciate.
The humor, wit, and morbid charm we've come to expect from this series are all still present, but there’s a maturity in the narrative here that makes it stand out. While the story maintains its edge-of-your-seat suspense, there’s a definite sense of finality that brings the whole arc to a satisfying end.
What I loved most about this installment was how it balanced the macabre with moments of reflection. Skuse doesn’t shy away from the darker elements of the story, but there’s also a sense of growth and resolution for Rhiannon. It's an ending that feels earned, and it perfectly ties together the complex, twisted threads of the series.
If you’ve been following Rhiannon’s journey from the very first book, this one won’t disappoint. It may not be the lightest read, but it offers the perfect sendoff to a series that’s been anything but ordinary.
For fans of twisted humor, compelling antiheroes, and gripping psychological thrills, The Bad Seeds is a satisfying end to a series.
October 29, 2024
Urgh why does this series have to end!!!
This is the kind of book series where the standard doesn’t drop, even five books in and that is rare!! Rhiannon is a character that won’t be easily forgotten!
This was the perfect ending, perfect! This book pick up straight after the cliffhanger ending of book 4! Rhiannon’s husband had been shot and she needs to get back to the Uk for her seriously ill daughter, but as events spiral out of control in the craziest of ways, will help come from the unlikeliest of places? I will most certainly miss Rhiannon, this book series was perfection and so was the ending!
This is the kind of book series where the standard doesn’t drop, even five books in and that is rare!! Rhiannon is a character that won’t be easily forgotten!
This was the perfect ending, perfect! This book pick up straight after the cliffhanger ending of book 4! Rhiannon’s husband had been shot and she needs to get back to the Uk for her seriously ill daughter, but as events spiral out of control in the craziest of ways, will help come from the unlikeliest of places? I will most certainly miss Rhiannon, this book series was perfection and so was the ending!
September 3, 2024
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.
Overall rating : 5*
Writing skill : 5*
Plot: 5*
Pace: 4*
Characters: 5*
Completion: 4*
She does it again, another 5* installment to one of my favourite ever series. I cannot talk to you about the plot, if you havent read the others it will be a complete spoiler, but I will say its a great progression of the story. There were scenarios I did not expect, but loved them regardless.
This ended in a great way, open to more, but also closed enough for completeness.
I know theres been a flood of female serial killer books over the past few years, but they all stem from this one, and in my opinion they dont touch they sides. Stick with this one and you wont go far wrong!!
Sad to say goodbye to sweetpea, but boy have I enjoyed the ride!
Overall rating : 5*
Writing skill : 5*
Plot: 5*
Pace: 4*
Characters: 5*
Completion: 4*
She does it again, another 5* installment to one of my favourite ever series. I cannot talk to you about the plot, if you havent read the others it will be a complete spoiler, but I will say its a great progression of the story. There were scenarios I did not expect, but loved them regardless.
This ended in a great way, open to more, but also closed enough for completeness.
I know theres been a flood of female serial killer books over the past few years, but they all stem from this one, and in my opinion they dont touch they sides. Stick with this one and you wont go far wrong!!
Sad to say goodbye to sweetpea, but boy have I enjoyed the ride!
August 8, 2024
This book was everything I hoped it would be. The ending of book 4 smashed my heart into a million pieces, and I've been (im)patiently waiting to get my hands on this one ever since. I thought this was a brilliant conclusion to the series - it was full of the usual Rhiannon-isms and it ended just how I wanted it to end. My only negative is that I'm devastated that the series is over, I've loved every single page of it.
August 20, 2024
I was so excited to get the email from netgalley and the publisher to invite me to read the final installment of the Sweetpea series.
You know those things you wish you could experience again for the first time - reading Sweetpea was one of mine. Sweetpea ignited a passion for a very specific genre in me and I've adored the whole series, but with this one I truly feel like it's gone full circle and I got those same feels like the first book.
After leaving us on the mother of all cliffhangers at the end of thorn in my side, the bad seeds throws us straight back into the thick of it.
I laughed so hard at so many different points - the deliciously dark humour and sarcastic one liners are just so on point.
I wasn't sure how the story of Rhiannon/Sweetpea would end - I obviously didn't want it to! But I think the way that it has is actually pretty perfect.
I'm also truly honoured that a little piece of me is in this final book as I'm mentioned in the acknowledgements!
C. J. Skuse I'm a Bad Seed for life! #KeepHerBuried
You know those things you wish you could experience again for the first time - reading Sweetpea was one of mine. Sweetpea ignited a passion for a very specific genre in me and I've adored the whole series, but with this one I truly feel like it's gone full circle and I got those same feels like the first book.
After leaving us on the mother of all cliffhangers at the end of thorn in my side, the bad seeds throws us straight back into the thick of it.
I laughed so hard at so many different points - the deliciously dark humour and sarcastic one liners are just so on point.
I wasn't sure how the story of Rhiannon/Sweetpea would end - I obviously didn't want it to! But I think the way that it has is actually pretty perfect.
I'm also truly honoured that a little piece of me is in this final book as I'm mentioned in the acknowledgements!
C. J. Skuse I'm a Bad Seed for life! #KeepHerBuried
April 16, 2025
A disappointing end to the series. It feels like the series got away from the author. Characters are unrealistic and Rhiannon is wholly unlikable. She shouldn't have gotten a happy ending. She doesn't deserve one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2024
Rhiannon Lewis is one of my most favorite characters and I've loved the Sweetpea series. I will forever be one of her "bad seeds." I enjoyed the beginning and ending of this book, but the middle dragged for me a bit. Not a whole lot of action, but a satisfying ending nonetheless.
November 28, 2024
Love Rhiannon!! a another great book in this series
December 18, 2024
So sad this is over :((( what am I gonna do now
November 3, 2024
Since S.J.Skuse announced that The Bad Seeds was the last book in the series, I was reading it with a nostalgic feeling, saying goodbye to Rhiannon.
But, unfortunately, this book as well other sequels in the series, does not live up to the 1st one. The Sweetpea was, in my view, a clever and powerful novel about revenge, forgiveness and punishment. The sequels are more entertaining and light soap opera, with lots of familiar jokes and tricks.
Yet, I ‘m really grateful to the book for making me forget about reality and trying to look through the eyes of Rhiannon.
But, unfortunately, this book as well other sequels in the series, does not live up to the 1st one. The Sweetpea was, in my view, a clever and powerful novel about revenge, forgiveness and punishment. The sequels are more entertaining and light soap opera, with lots of familiar jokes and tricks.
Yet, I ‘m really grateful to the book for making me forget about reality and trying to look through the eyes of Rhiannon.
November 12, 2024
1. C.J. Skuse because this is the last book in the series 🥲
I’m not normally a series fan, but Sweetpea completely took over my life and I loved it ✨
I’m not normally a series fan, but Sweetpea completely took over my life and I loved it ✨
March 27, 2025
2.7- i had a love hate relationship with this series, it was draaaged out but the ultimate story was good
May 22, 2025
You've got to love a serial killer with a heart! I had no idea what this book would hold for Rhiannon, and my heart was in my mouth as to whether this was where she is finally captured and be destined to serve out her time at her majesty's pleasure. There are some unexpected surprises as well as the usual dark humour I've grown to love in this series. A must-read for Sweetpea fans!
October 28, 2024
I am so happy with the ending of the series! I discovered it this past March and am so sad that it ended so quickly. I truly fell in love with Rhiannon and will miss her story. I can’t wait to see where the Sweetpea series goes next!
October 22, 2024
5/5
Ofc I devoured this in 6 hours straight. Do you know who I am?
This ended EXACTLY how I wanted it.
Love. Love. Love. Love.
Ugh. No words at the current time I just ate this up.
Feeling kinda empty that the world of Sweetpea is over though. Will be re-reading this at some point next year I know I will.
Ofc I devoured this in 6 hours straight. Do you know who I am?
This ended EXACTLY how I wanted it.
Love. Love. Love. Love.
Ugh. No words at the current time I just ate this up.
Feeling kinda empty that the world of Sweetpea is over though. Will be re-reading this at some point next year I know I will.
July 25, 2025
FUCK ME SIDEWAYS!!!!!! This book, this series is insane , it’s hands down the BEST series I’ve ever read. C J Skuse, you are a legend! I’m so happy to have met you too!
The book. It was dark, thrilling, had you almost tearing your hair out in frustration, completely unpredictable and absolutely hilarious! I laughed out loud as with all the other books in the series. Her one liners just get you in the right spot and her kill lists *chefs kiss * * Gordon Ramsay clap*
If I could go back in time and experience something all over again for the first time, it would be Sweetpea. Hands down. I shout this series from the rooftops to anyone who’ll listen 🙌🏻
I love how in this book we see more into how Rhiannon feels in terms of guilt, remorse and her conscience. We see how much of an impact AJ’s death had upon her, which we didn’t have much of before. She’s become more in touch with her humanity but still keeping the raw, every bit of Rhiannon we couldn’t be without!
I love the repeated references to the other books, the various murders, her previous friends, Marnie 🖤 and taking you back to her feelings standing on the cruise ship alone and terrified. It really feels like the whole series has gone full circle now.
I had two endings in my mind and could only see it possibly ending in those two ways. And how it ended was perfect!!! Exactly how it needed to. I cried!
Absolutely incredible. Can’t wait to re read them all over again soon!!!!
The book. It was dark, thrilling, had you almost tearing your hair out in frustration, completely unpredictable and absolutely hilarious! I laughed out loud as with all the other books in the series. Her one liners just get you in the right spot and her kill lists *chefs kiss * * Gordon Ramsay clap*
If I could go back in time and experience something all over again for the first time, it would be Sweetpea. Hands down. I shout this series from the rooftops to anyone who’ll listen 🙌🏻
I love how in this book we see more into how Rhiannon feels in terms of guilt, remorse and her conscience. We see how much of an impact AJ’s death had upon her, which we didn’t have much of before. She’s become more in touch with her humanity but still keeping the raw, every bit of Rhiannon we couldn’t be without!
I love the repeated references to the other books, the various murders, her previous friends, Marnie 🖤 and taking you back to her feelings standing on the cruise ship alone and terrified. It really feels like the whole series has gone full circle now.
I had two endings in my mind and could only see it possibly ending in those two ways. And how it ended was perfect!!! Exactly how it needed to. I cried!
Absolutely incredible. Can’t wait to re read them all over again soon!!!!
November 16, 2024
2.5 stars. This was not good. What a disappointing way to round off the excellent Sweetpea series. It just tipped into utter ridiculousness by the end, presented Irish people as really primitive and there was a lot of virtue signalling too. If, like me, you absolutely swallowed the rest of the books whole, stop at Thorn in my Side and just read a summary of this so you know how it ends.
January 2, 2025
not bad, certainly not great either. I didn’t think a satisfying conclusion to this series was ever guaranteed, and though the last chapter was definitely a fitting goodbye to Rhiannon, the rest of the book was…not so much.
November 2, 2024
4.5⭐️🎧
Genuinely don't know what to do with myself
Genuinely don't know what to do with myself
December 21, 2024
3.5 / 5.0
A great book from start to finish, continuing from the events of the previous book we gain an insight into the life of Rhiannon trying to live a normal life. A wonderful book full of wit, drama and laughter!
Definitely a book worth investing into, but would highly recommend to start from the beginning as the book would not make sense!
A great book from start to finish, continuing from the events of the previous book we gain an insight into the life of Rhiannon trying to live a normal life. A wonderful book full of wit, drama and laughter!
Definitely a book worth investing into, but would highly recommend to start from the beginning as the book would not make sense!
November 7, 2024
Perfection <3
I really did not want this series to end, it made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me want to channel Rhiannon in situations - not murdering, but for her no fear, don't give a crap attitude.
I had the pleasure of meeting CJ - she's equally as amazing as Rhiannon.
WE WANT IVY'S STORY!!!!!!!
I really did not want this series to end, it made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me want to channel Rhiannon in situations - not murdering, but for her no fear, don't give a crap attitude.
I had the pleasure of meeting CJ - she's equally as amazing as Rhiannon.
WE WANT IVY'S STORY!!!!!!!
August 29, 2025
Loved the final book of Sweetpea! Have to admit it dropped off for me in book 3 and 4 with regard to the story line, I felt they were a bit empty but my god did it pick back up in the last one. The character of Rhiannon was done so well & her humour really carries the slower story of the middle books & she is surprisingly relatable.
Lovely end to a fantastic series!
Lovely end to a fantastic series!
August 23, 2025
What can I say - Just Brilliant! I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, this series is not the usual kind of book I would pick up to read/listen to, and I am so grateful to my book club for putting Sweetpea forward last year. I’ve listened to all of them and this was an excellent conclusion. I’m sad the series is finished, but I am happy with how it ended. I guess I have to admit I’m a Bad Seed, and proud of it. Power to those who stand up for what is right. I’ll miss these chat, and Georgia’s narration has been spectacular throughout the series, thank you to you and CJ.
August 22, 2025
Very sad to have finished this series, loved every book. Each character was thought out, well developed and likeable. Each book kept me guessing and turning the page for more.
Loved Rhiannon so much it’ll be strange to read a book without her voice anymore. 🥀
Will be recommending this series to all!!!✨
Loved Rhiannon so much it’ll be strange to read a book without her voice anymore. 🥀
Will be recommending this series to all!!!✨
September 17, 2024
Rating: 4.0/5
"The Bad Seeds" marks the fifth and final outing of anti-heroine, Rhiannon Lewis - aka Sweetpea, and thus brings to a close a brilliant series of books that has spawned a sub-genre of strong female characters with a penchant for killing people. The only real downside with the series is that the individual books don't work well as standalones, so you really need to start with book one and read them in sequence.
I have been singing the praises of Rhiannon ever since she first appeared in "Sweetpea" back in 2017. For the unacquainted, Rhiannon, is a serial killer who is something of a cross between Bridget Jones and Villanelle from "Killing Eve". It was like a breath of fresh air, with a fragrance as sweet as the flowers that provide her nickname, when she first came onto the scene. The formula throughout the five-book series has remained pretty consistent: Instead of conventional chapter breaks, you will find a diary style format, with wonderfully acerbic and darkly amusing kill lists - all delivered in fine narrative style by the author, with well-plotted storylines peppered with darkly humorous observations.
Although I will miss Rhiannon, I think it is probably the right decision to call time on the series - wonderful as it has been. I don't know whether C.J. Skuse will move onto something completely different, or perhaps pen a spin-off related to this series, but I am sure that I will be reading it, whatever it turns out to be. In the meantime, I am looking forward to watching the dramatised version of "Sweetpea" that is due to hit the screens on Sky Atlantic very soon.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
"The Bad Seeds" marks the fifth and final outing of anti-heroine, Rhiannon Lewis - aka Sweetpea, and thus brings to a close a brilliant series of books that has spawned a sub-genre of strong female characters with a penchant for killing people. The only real downside with the series is that the individual books don't work well as standalones, so you really need to start with book one and read them in sequence.
I have been singing the praises of Rhiannon ever since she first appeared in "Sweetpea" back in 2017. For the unacquainted, Rhiannon, is a serial killer who is something of a cross between Bridget Jones and Villanelle from "Killing Eve". It was like a breath of fresh air, with a fragrance as sweet as the flowers that provide her nickname, when she first came onto the scene. The formula throughout the five-book series has remained pretty consistent: Instead of conventional chapter breaks, you will find a diary style format, with wonderfully acerbic and darkly amusing kill lists - all delivered in fine narrative style by the author, with well-plotted storylines peppered with darkly humorous observations.
Although I will miss Rhiannon, I think it is probably the right decision to call time on the series - wonderful as it has been. I don't know whether C.J. Skuse will move onto something completely different, or perhaps pen a spin-off related to this series, but I am sure that I will be reading it, whatever it turns out to be. In the meantime, I am looking forward to watching the dramatised version of "Sweetpea" that is due to hit the screens on Sky Atlantic very soon.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
July 31, 2025
A great end to the series
May 10, 2025
The fifth and final book of the Sweetpea series… I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it. I’m going to miss Rhiannon and the last chapter was a fitting goodbye but I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the others in the series. It started off strong and it had some good moments but there were long chapters where not much happened. Overall, an enjoyable series 🔪
November 12, 2024
I listened to this on audio and the narrator as usual was excellent.
I love the exploits of sweet pea and would be tempted to be a bad seed, then I remember not everything she has done was justified
I have enjoyed this series and its dark humour
I love the exploits of sweet pea and would be tempted to be a bad seed, then I remember not everything she has done was justified
I have enjoyed this series and its dark humour
Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews