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Kill Your ... #3
Kill Your Boss
A witty, page-turning, twisty whodunit from the bestselling author of Kill Your Husbands, perfect for fans of Benjamin Stevenson.
What would it take to turn you into a killer?
Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui has just broken up a loud brawl between two blokes in front of the Warrigal Public Library. But just as she's about to leave the scene, a man inexplicably plummets from the sky and slams into the bike rack right in front of her, dead.
Neville Adams was the head of library services, hated by staff, borrowers, and in fact anybody who had ever met him. Kiara quickly seals the building, trapping everyone who might have pushed him off the roof. She expects to have someone in custody within minutes.
Instead, the investigation becomes the most challenging and dangerous of her career as it spirals outward, ensnaring half the town. It seems that Neville was connected to the disappearance of Emmylou Chisholm - a case that Kiara could never solve, and that has haunted her ever since.
If the killer isn't found fast, the first two victims won't be the last ...
Compelling, propulsive and darkly funny, this is a perfect follow-up to Jack Heath's bestselling Kill Your Husbands.
Praise for Jack
'Heath's characters grab you by the throat and drag you with them ... ' SULARI GENTILL
'Read one Jack Heath book and you'll be a dedicated fan.' ASHLEY KALAGIAN BLUNT
'Jack Heath writes killer reads.' TIM AYLIFFE
'Jack Heath is a must-buy author for me ... with twist after twist.' RACHAEL JOHNS
What would it take to turn you into a killer?
Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui has just broken up a loud brawl between two blokes in front of the Warrigal Public Library. But just as she's about to leave the scene, a man inexplicably plummets from the sky and slams into the bike rack right in front of her, dead.
Neville Adams was the head of library services, hated by staff, borrowers, and in fact anybody who had ever met him. Kiara quickly seals the building, trapping everyone who might have pushed him off the roof. She expects to have someone in custody within minutes.
Instead, the investigation becomes the most challenging and dangerous of her career as it spirals outward, ensnaring half the town. It seems that Neville was connected to the disappearance of Emmylou Chisholm - a case that Kiara could never solve, and that has haunted her ever since.
If the killer isn't found fast, the first two victims won't be the last ...
Compelling, propulsive and darkly funny, this is a perfect follow-up to Jack Heath's bestselling Kill Your Husbands.
Praise for Jack
'Heath's characters grab you by the throat and drag you with them ... ' SULARI GENTILL
'Read one Jack Heath book and you'll be a dedicated fan.' ASHLEY KALAGIAN BLUNT
'Jack Heath writes killer reads.' TIM AYLIFFE
'Jack Heath is a must-buy author for me ... with twist after twist.' RACHAEL JOHNS
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2025
131 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Jack Heath
67 books842 followersJack Heath wrote his debut novel, The Lab, in secondary school and sent it to a publisher at age seventeen. He's now the award-winning author of forty novels for adults and children, including the international bestsellers Hangman, The Wife Swap and 300 Minutes of Danger. His books have been translated into ten languages, optioned for TV and adapted for film. He lives on Ngunnawal/Ngambri country in Canberra, Australia, with his wife, their children, several chickens, a few fish and a possum named Oreo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
November 23, 2025
“Well, she thinks, at least no one's dead. And then a body plummets from the sky and slams headfirst into the bike rack.”
I’ll admit my bias upfront: Jack Heath could write a shopping list and I’d still call it chaotically brilliant and impossible to put down. He’s one of my favourite authors and we even have this cute little connection through my brother. I recall one day loading him up with all my Jack Heath books and saying, “Hey! Get these signed for me will you. Off you go.” Face Palm 🤦🏼♀️
In Kill Your Boss, Jack Heath once again proves he’s the master of the unputdownable. It starts with a man falling out of the sky (literally) and somehow just keeps getting wilder from there. Enter DS Kiara Lui, who has to navigate murder, secrets, and enough office drama to make HR spontaneously combust.
What I love about Jack’s writing is that it’s equal parts clever and chaotic, the perfect mix of crime, comedy, and “wait, did that just happen?” energy. The pacing is relentless, the dialogue snaps, and every chapter ends with that trademark Jack Heath cliffhanger that ruins your plans to sleep, function, or make dinner! (Who am I kidding? I never make dinner lol.)
If you like your mysteries twisty, your humour dark, and your detectives with just the right amount of bite, Kill Your Boss will absolutely deliver.
And Jack, if you’re reading this, sorry (kind of) for dumping my entire book collection on you via my brother. In my defence, it was a brilliantly chaotic move. 😉😁
My Highest Recommendation!
Many thanks to Allen and Unwin & Jack Heath for my early readers copy.
Available Now! Go and get it!
I’ll admit my bias upfront: Jack Heath could write a shopping list and I’d still call it chaotically brilliant and impossible to put down. He’s one of my favourite authors and we even have this cute little connection through my brother. I recall one day loading him up with all my Jack Heath books and saying, “Hey! Get these signed for me will you. Off you go.” Face Palm 🤦🏼♀️
In Kill Your Boss, Jack Heath once again proves he’s the master of the unputdownable. It starts with a man falling out of the sky (literally) and somehow just keeps getting wilder from there. Enter DS Kiara Lui, who has to navigate murder, secrets, and enough office drama to make HR spontaneously combust.
What I love about Jack’s writing is that it’s equal parts clever and chaotic, the perfect mix of crime, comedy, and “wait, did that just happen?” energy. The pacing is relentless, the dialogue snaps, and every chapter ends with that trademark Jack Heath cliffhanger that ruins your plans to sleep, function, or make dinner! (Who am I kidding? I never make dinner lol.)
If you like your mysteries twisty, your humour dark, and your detectives with just the right amount of bite, Kill Your Boss will absolutely deliver.
And Jack, if you’re reading this, sorry (kind of) for dumping my entire book collection on you via my brother. In my defence, it was a brilliantly chaotic move. 😉😁
My Highest Recommendation!
Many thanks to Allen and Unwin & Jack Heath for my early readers copy.
Available Now! Go and get it!
November 30, 2025
4.5 stars
January 11, 2026
I loved Kill Your Brother and Kill Your Husbands and I loved this one, it is witty and a very smart mystery and had my mind turning in so many directions and I thought I had it all worked out till the very end, it was good catching up with Detective Kiara Lui who has just come back from her honeymoon to her wife Elsie, enjoy your visit to Warrigal.
DS Kiara Lui has just broken up a fight between two locals outside the publish library when a body falls from the roof and hits the bike rack and it is only her first day back and she has a new probationary constable Ben Higgins to help with the investigation, is it suicide, did he fall or was he pushed.
The more people who are questioned the more questions she has it appears that the murder victim, Neville Adams is the library boss and is not a very nice person so the main suspects seem to be the people who work for him, if it was murder is there only one perpetrator or is there more, are they working together? Oh the twist and turns in this one is this death linked somehow to the young woman who went missing a few months before?
This one is twisty and witty with so many suspects all with good reason to kill their boss, the characters are fabulous and DS Lui has her work cut out for her she gets herself in danger a few times and her new probie Ben is learning fast he too gets in the path of danger with Kiara, this is one that I highly recommend it certainly had me turning the pages and I do hope that we visit Warrigal again.
DS Kiara Lui has just broken up a fight between two locals outside the publish library when a body falls from the roof and hits the bike rack and it is only her first day back and she has a new probationary constable Ben Higgins to help with the investigation, is it suicide, did he fall or was he pushed.
The more people who are questioned the more questions she has it appears that the murder victim, Neville Adams is the library boss and is not a very nice person so the main suspects seem to be the people who work for him, if it was murder is there only one perpetrator or is there more, are they working together? Oh the twist and turns in this one is this death linked somehow to the young woman who went missing a few months before?
This one is twisty and witty with so many suspects all with good reason to kill their boss, the characters are fabulous and DS Lui has her work cut out for her she gets herself in danger a few times and her new probie Ben is learning fast he too gets in the path of danger with Kiara, this is one that I highly recommend it certainly had me turning the pages and I do hope that we visit Warrigal again.
November 16, 2025
I'm glad he's dead...
The 'he' is Neville Adams, local public library manager and a nasty piece of work. Even better, he dies very soon after #3 in Jack Heath's Kill Your... series begins. DS Kiara Lui had been out the front of the library breaking up a fight when Adams fell from the sky, right in front of her. Dead. It turns out there are any number of people who could have done it. He was universally disliked just for the kind of person he was, but in addition to that, he'd been up to some pretty nasty stuff starting with workplace bullying and escalating from there.
Kiara is recently back at work from her honeymoon, but with her new wife away for work, Kiara's inclination is to throw herself into the case. Which is just as well, because very quickly it spirals and there are multiple bodies in the morgue plus one other local mysteriously unaccounted for. Probationary Constable Ben is just one of a handful of additional resources brought in to spread the load, and he works closely with Kiara. What a great pairing! She's a good teacher, and Ben is a sponge for her knowledge and experience (I really, really hope he gets a permanent posting to Warrigal).
There are lots of red herrings spread on this toast of mystery and dark humour, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The best in the series so far!
The audiobook (currently free on Audible) is performed by an ensemble cast, with no dead weight. A pleasure to listen to.
The 'he' is Neville Adams, local public library manager and a nasty piece of work. Even better, he dies very soon after #3 in Jack Heath's Kill Your... series begins. DS Kiara Lui had been out the front of the library breaking up a fight when Adams fell from the sky, right in front of her. Dead. It turns out there are any number of people who could have done it. He was universally disliked just for the kind of person he was, but in addition to that, he'd been up to some pretty nasty stuff starting with workplace bullying and escalating from there.
Kiara is recently back at work from her honeymoon, but with her new wife away for work, Kiara's inclination is to throw herself into the case. Which is just as well, because very quickly it spirals and there are multiple bodies in the morgue plus one other local mysteriously unaccounted for. Probationary Constable Ben is just one of a handful of additional resources brought in to spread the load, and he works closely with Kiara. What a great pairing! She's a good teacher, and Ben is a sponge for her knowledge and experience (I really, really hope he gets a permanent posting to Warrigal).
There are lots of red herrings spread on this toast of mystery and dark humour, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The best in the series so far!
The audiobook (currently free on Audible) is performed by an ensemble cast, with no dead weight. A pleasure to listen to.
October 23, 2025
When I reviewed Kill Your Husbands I said it was a dastardly read, well Kill Your Boss is that and more. It's dastardly devious, extremely clever and effortlessly readable.
When Neville Adams ends up dead, Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui and the Warrigal police have their work cut out for them. It would seem the only people who liked Neville were his parents. He was hated, loathed and despised by everyone else who knew him. Except maybe his dog Lilith.
As more about Neville comes to light a tangled web of deceit, blackmail and subterfuge is uncovered. A possible link to an unsolved missing persons case makes getting to the bottom of this murder even more important for Kiara.
With an incredible cast of characters, all with their own backstories, I was so invested in this story. Even though Neville dies very early he was such a presence throughout the book.
Jack has written a punchy, well paced murder mystery that is a worthy follow on from the previous two books in this series. How can murder be so much fun to read?
While this can easily be read on its own I highly recommend Kill Your Brother and Kill Your Husbands.
When Neville Adams ends up dead, Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui and the Warrigal police have their work cut out for them. It would seem the only people who liked Neville were his parents. He was hated, loathed and despised by everyone else who knew him. Except maybe his dog Lilith.
As more about Neville comes to light a tangled web of deceit, blackmail and subterfuge is uncovered. A possible link to an unsolved missing persons case makes getting to the bottom of this murder even more important for Kiara.
With an incredible cast of characters, all with their own backstories, I was so invested in this story. Even though Neville dies very early he was such a presence throughout the book.
Jack has written a punchy, well paced murder mystery that is a worthy follow on from the previous two books in this series. How can murder be so much fun to read?
While this can easily be read on its own I highly recommend Kill Your Brother and Kill Your Husbands.
December 7, 2025
4.5 stars.
Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui has just broken up a loud brawl between two blokes in front of the Warrigal Public Library. But just as she's about to leave the scene, a man inexplicably plummets from the sky and slams into the bike rack right in front of her, dead. Neville Adams was the head of library services, hated by staff, borrowers, and in fact anybody who had ever met him. The investigation becomes the most challenging and dangerous of her career as it spirals outward, ensnaring half the town. If the killer isn't found fast, the first two victims won't be the last ...
Well well… this was one of my most anticipated reads this year, and it did not disappoint! The pace snowballed nicely from the initial ‘encounter’ with Neville, to the missing person case, to the multiple murders. I really enjoyed following the different suspects and guessing the whodunnit - although, I had some difficulties believing any of these people working in a library to be bad!
The second mystery of Emmylou’s disappearance added a nice layer. To be honest, I was probably more invested in finding out what had happened to her rather than Neville’s murder since he was an awful person. I had some correct guesses, but still couldn’t figure out the overall tie-in!
While I was missing the Kiara x Elise airtime in this book (more Elise, please!), I had so much fun overall. Aside from the plot twists, it was also funny (as expected from Jack Heath), I chuckled out loud quite a lot of times. Once I reached the last quarter of the book, I couldn’t stop! I’d highly recommend picking this up for your next weekend escapism.
(Thanks to Allen & Unwin for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui has just broken up a loud brawl between two blokes in front of the Warrigal Public Library. But just as she's about to leave the scene, a man inexplicably plummets from the sky and slams into the bike rack right in front of her, dead. Neville Adams was the head of library services, hated by staff, borrowers, and in fact anybody who had ever met him. The investigation becomes the most challenging and dangerous of her career as it spirals outward, ensnaring half the town. If the killer isn't found fast, the first two victims won't be the last ...
Well well… this was one of my most anticipated reads this year, and it did not disappoint! The pace snowballed nicely from the initial ‘encounter’ with Neville, to the missing person case, to the multiple murders. I really enjoyed following the different suspects and guessing the whodunnit - although, I had some difficulties believing any of these people working in a library to be bad!
The second mystery of Emmylou’s disappearance added a nice layer. To be honest, I was probably more invested in finding out what had happened to her rather than Neville’s murder since he was an awful person. I had some correct guesses, but still couldn’t figure out the overall tie-in!
While I was missing the Kiara x Elise airtime in this book (more Elise, please!), I had so much fun overall. Aside from the plot twists, it was also funny (as expected from Jack Heath), I chuckled out loud quite a lot of times. Once I reached the last quarter of the book, I couldn’t stop! I’d highly recommend picking this up for your next weekend escapism.
(Thanks to Allen & Unwin for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
January 27, 2026
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
🐀The most recent in the Kill Your… series, Jack Heath’s latest release is a tale of workplace problems, murder, suggestion, interrelated relationships, danger and investigation. It was yet another literary hit for me and my fantastic buddy read pal @nadyslovesbooks to solve.
🐀Number three in the Kill Your… series sees the welcome return of Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui. It is a dramatic and astonishing opening scene for our intrepid Detective as she observes a man fall to his death outside a local library. Kiara soon learns that this may not be an accident but murder. In an unsuspecting workplace, Jack Heath sets a puzzling scene of murder, intent, mystery and secrets to solve.
🐀This book was a double win for me. Firstly I got the chance to buddy read it with the best @nadsylovesbooks. I also was able to indulge in yet another fine Jack Heath murder mystery book, which I’ve been enjoying back to back over the last month. It was another fantastic reading experience for me and my reading pal thanks to the latest instalment in the Kill Your… series.
🐀What we loved about this buddy read was another chance to reconnect with the likeable Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui, along with her partner. Both these protagonists have appeared in the previous books so we have gained a good sense of familiarity with the couple. We also loved the chance to delve straight back into a perplexing murder mystery, Jack Heath style. As bookworms, we both thought the local library setting of the murder was such a good choice of murder stage. The initial death was quite shocking and spectacular all the same. What made this puzzling was the fact that so many people disliked the victim which meant that just about everyone in this story pretty much had a valid reason to want him gone! We followed closely and devised our own theories around potential killers, which ranged from fellow staff, patrons, locals and family. Assisting the investigation is the instantly loveable probationary officer Ben. For me Ben was the true highlight of the story, I’m just hoping he’ll make another return appearance in a future Heath book.
As the investigation unfurls, Kiara begins to connect the dots to another case and when she starts to put everything in place, things are turned on their head. Heath draws in some provoking themes around the case, pulling in ideas of power, control, blackmail, shame, vulnerability, authority, resentment, vengeance, morality and hatred. This tale is pulsating with sharp pacing, untrustworthy figures, smart dialogue and small town eccentricities.
I couldn’t predict which direction this one was going, or who was responsible for the deadly acts that occurred. My sidekick fared better! Kill Your Boss proved to be another entertaining and intelligent whodunnit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars, thank you to my friends @happyvalley_booksread for the copy
🐀The most recent in the Kill Your… series, Jack Heath’s latest release is a tale of workplace problems, murder, suggestion, interrelated relationships, danger and investigation. It was yet another literary hit for me and my fantastic buddy read pal @nadyslovesbooks to solve.
🐀Number three in the Kill Your… series sees the welcome return of Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui. It is a dramatic and astonishing opening scene for our intrepid Detective as she observes a man fall to his death outside a local library. Kiara soon learns that this may not be an accident but murder. In an unsuspecting workplace, Jack Heath sets a puzzling scene of murder, intent, mystery and secrets to solve.
🐀This book was a double win for me. Firstly I got the chance to buddy read it with the best @nadsylovesbooks. I also was able to indulge in yet another fine Jack Heath murder mystery book, which I’ve been enjoying back to back over the last month. It was another fantastic reading experience for me and my reading pal thanks to the latest instalment in the Kill Your… series.
🐀What we loved about this buddy read was another chance to reconnect with the likeable Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui, along with her partner. Both these protagonists have appeared in the previous books so we have gained a good sense of familiarity with the couple. We also loved the chance to delve straight back into a perplexing murder mystery, Jack Heath style. As bookworms, we both thought the local library setting of the murder was such a good choice of murder stage. The initial death was quite shocking and spectacular all the same. What made this puzzling was the fact that so many people disliked the victim which meant that just about everyone in this story pretty much had a valid reason to want him gone! We followed closely and devised our own theories around potential killers, which ranged from fellow staff, patrons, locals and family. Assisting the investigation is the instantly loveable probationary officer Ben. For me Ben was the true highlight of the story, I’m just hoping he’ll make another return appearance in a future Heath book.
As the investigation unfurls, Kiara begins to connect the dots to another case and when she starts to put everything in place, things are turned on their head. Heath draws in some provoking themes around the case, pulling in ideas of power, control, blackmail, shame, vulnerability, authority, resentment, vengeance, morality and hatred. This tale is pulsating with sharp pacing, untrustworthy figures, smart dialogue and small town eccentricities.
I couldn’t predict which direction this one was going, or who was responsible for the deadly acts that occurred. My sidekick fared better! Kill Your Boss proved to be another entertaining and intelligent whodunnit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars, thank you to my friends @happyvalley_booksread for the copy
December 9, 2025
Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui is back in Kill Your Boss by Jack Heath. We last saw Kiara in Kill Your Husbands, the second in the series that began with Kill Your Brother back in 2022. Kiara is working in the small town of Warrigal in New South Wales (not Warrigul, Victoria) when a body falls from the roof of the public library onto a bike rack directly in front of her.
Neville was Head of Library Services and was disliked by almost every person who was unlucky enough to know him or had the displeasure of working with him. Kiara has multiple suspects and we're given multiple character perspectives in this whodunnit including Neville, Kiara, Kiara's colleague Ben and several staff members at the library.
The Australian location is relatable and Jack Heath's sense of humour always makes me laugh:
'You ever heard that funny German word - the one that means "a face in need of a slap"?' 'Backpfeifengesicht,' Ben puts in. 'That's the one!' Steven says, delighted. 'I could never pronounce it. Think the Australian equivalent is "fuckwit". Page 187
However as Kiara investigates Neville's fall and the prime suspect turns up dead, there are glimpses of insight I always enjoy from this author:
"Coffee doesn't make you more alert, it just stops you from noticing how tired you are. It's like hiding the fuel gauge instead of filling up the tank." Page 77
I really enjoyed this analogy and found myself quoting it for a friend within a week of reading it. Even as I was doing so, I acknowledged the strangeness of quoting a crime author - of a killer cannibal series no less - during a conversation with a friend in need. Thanks Jack!
I believe Kill Your Boss can be read as a standalone although I enjoyed it more than Kill Your Husbands, tipping it over into 5 star territory. The library setting and the cast of characters made Kill Your Boss a highly enjoyable read and fans of Benjamin Stevenson will definitely enjoy this clever Australian whodunnit.
I'll admit I'm dying to get back to the Timothy Blake series so fingers crossed Jack Heath returns soon to the best fictional cannibal ever created on the page.
* Copy courtesy of Allen & Unwin *
Neville was Head of Library Services and was disliked by almost every person who was unlucky enough to know him or had the displeasure of working with him. Kiara has multiple suspects and we're given multiple character perspectives in this whodunnit including Neville, Kiara, Kiara's colleague Ben and several staff members at the library.
The Australian location is relatable and Jack Heath's sense of humour always makes me laugh:
'You ever heard that funny German word - the one that means "a face in need of a slap"?' 'Backpfeifengesicht,' Ben puts in. 'That's the one!' Steven says, delighted. 'I could never pronounce it. Think the Australian equivalent is "fuckwit". Page 187
However as Kiara investigates Neville's fall and the prime suspect turns up dead, there are glimpses of insight I always enjoy from this author:
"Coffee doesn't make you more alert, it just stops you from noticing how tired you are. It's like hiding the fuel gauge instead of filling up the tank." Page 77
I really enjoyed this analogy and found myself quoting it for a friend within a week of reading it. Even as I was doing so, I acknowledged the strangeness of quoting a crime author - of a killer cannibal series no less - during a conversation with a friend in need. Thanks Jack!
I believe Kill Your Boss can be read as a standalone although I enjoyed it more than Kill Your Husbands, tipping it over into 5 star territory. The library setting and the cast of characters made Kill Your Boss a highly enjoyable read and fans of Benjamin Stevenson will definitely enjoy this clever Australian whodunnit.
I'll admit I'm dying to get back to the Timothy Blake series so fingers crossed Jack Heath returns soon to the best fictional cannibal ever created on the page.
* Copy courtesy of Allen & Unwin *
November 4, 2025
Big thanks to Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
I loved Kill Your Husbands (I still need to read Kill Your Brother) and now the follow up in the series Kill Your Boss is your latest thriller enjoyment.
This book is witty, clever and a entertaining murder mystery.
We see the return of Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui and as she is breaking up a brawl between two larrikins out front the public library, a body falls at her feet…….dead.
Now the investigation begins.
Neville Adams is the boss man at the library and everyone hates him.
The staff, the patrons, the town folk and even the homeless.
So who murdered Neville…..
As Kiara digs deeper she finds he is linked to a previous case but then the killer strikes again and now she must resolve this enigma before it’s too late.
A conniving and sharp whodunnit with humorous dialogue and back to the community of Warrigul.
The characters are fun, the plot is interesting, the setting is ‘calm before the storm’ and the reveal is astute.
I ate up all the clues, sneaky moves and suspicions and I still got my accusation wrong.
So grab a pen and paper and put on your detective badge and get ready to solve a crime.
I loved Kill Your Husbands (I still need to read Kill Your Brother) and now the follow up in the series Kill Your Boss is your latest thriller enjoyment.
This book is witty, clever and a entertaining murder mystery.
We see the return of Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui and as she is breaking up a brawl between two larrikins out front the public library, a body falls at her feet…….dead.
Now the investigation begins.
Neville Adams is the boss man at the library and everyone hates him.
The staff, the patrons, the town folk and even the homeless.
So who murdered Neville…..
As Kiara digs deeper she finds he is linked to a previous case but then the killer strikes again and now she must resolve this enigma before it’s too late.
A conniving and sharp whodunnit with humorous dialogue and back to the community of Warrigul.
The characters are fun, the plot is interesting, the setting is ‘calm before the storm’ and the reveal is astute.
I ate up all the clues, sneaky moves and suspicions and I still got my accusation wrong.
So grab a pen and paper and put on your detective badge and get ready to solve a crime.
November 5, 2025
When librarian Neville Adams falls off the roof of the library in front of local Detective Kiara Lui, you could say the case has fallen at her feet..
As she and Probationary Constable Ben Higgins begin the investigation, it becomes obvious Neville wasn’t a well liked boss. Who from his staff is capable of murder?
Flowing between past and present and told from multiple POVs of the library staff as well as Kiara and Ben will have you turning page after page in this fast paced very twisty mystery
Packed with Jack’s signature humour and wit! I loved it! I was snorting laughing throughout and devoured it over two days, feeling that I was right there (especially when places I was literally in that day were mentioned!!) next to Kiara and Ben trying to piece solve the murder
Thank you Allen and Unwin did my gifted review copy
November 4, 2025
Did I binge read this in time for its release day? Yes, I absolutely did.
Set in a quiet Australian town, a library is probably the last place I’d think of as being a cesspit of despicable and dastardly characters. Ok, maybe I’m reaching a little but when the boss of the local library dies falling from the library rooftop, I did not expect the intrigue that unfolds. I’ll not look at libraries the same way ever again. Power struggles, romance, sexual harassment and murder - it’s all here with that special Jack Heath flavour.
Whilst this book has a central character from prior books (see Kill Your Husbands) it can easily be read as a stand alone. Reading the earlier books does give context and layers to our gritty FMC DS Kiara Lui but you can always go back if you pick this one up first. There’s some great scenes with a new Probationary Constable Ben Higgins (not the romantic kind, thankfully as Kiara waves a rainbow flag) - did I say how awesome she is already?
This one had lots happening and multiple potential offenders. I really enjoyed it.
And a big yes for the purple on the cover. My ARC is stunning!
All the stars.
Set in a quiet Australian town, a library is probably the last place I’d think of as being a cesspit of despicable and dastardly characters. Ok, maybe I’m reaching a little but when the boss of the local library dies falling from the library rooftop, I did not expect the intrigue that unfolds. I’ll not look at libraries the same way ever again. Power struggles, romance, sexual harassment and murder - it’s all here with that special Jack Heath flavour.
Whilst this book has a central character from prior books (see Kill Your Husbands) it can easily be read as a stand alone. Reading the earlier books does give context and layers to our gritty FMC DS Kiara Lui but you can always go back if you pick this one up first. There’s some great scenes with a new Probationary Constable Ben Higgins (not the romantic kind, thankfully as Kiara waves a rainbow flag) - did I say how awesome she is already?
This one had lots happening and multiple potential offenders. I really enjoyed it.
And a big yes for the purple on the cover. My ARC is stunning!
All the stars.
November 4, 2025
Well I think that is defiant the quickest I’ve ever finished a book lol.
That was one brilliant book & I cannot wait to read all of Jack Heath’s other books.
That was one brilliant book & I cannot wait to read all of Jack Heath’s other books.
January 6, 2026
Jack Heath has done it again! I didn't want to put it down. I love a book where you think you know who the killer is only for them to wind up dead.
January 25, 2026
Jack Heath’s Kill Your Boss is the literary equivalent of an action-movie trailer: it’s fast, flashy, and promises a wild ride. While it delivers on the "wild" part, it doesn’t quite stick the landing for readers looking for depth beyond the adrenaline.
The Hook
The premise is undeniably catchy. In a world of corporate drudgery, the story leans into the ultimate "office fantasy"—violently exiting your job. Heath excels at maintaining a breakneck pace, utilizing short chapters and punchy prose that make the book very easy to inhale in a single sitting. If you’re looking for a "palate cleanser" between heavier novels, this fits the bill.
What Works
The Pacing: You won’t get bored. The plot moves like a bullet train, rarely pausing for breath or unnecessary exposition.
The Dark Humor: Heath taps into the cynical, modern exhaustion of the workforce. There are moments of sharp, satirical wit that land perfectly for anyone who has ever stared at a spreadsheet and sighed.
The "Popcorn" Factor: It’s unapologetic about being a thriller. It’s designed for entertainment, not for the Booker Prize.
Where It Fumbles
The "3-star" rating comes down to a lack of staying power. Once the initial novelty of the premise wears off, the character development feels a bit thin. The protagonists often feel like archetypes moving through a maze rather than living, breathing people with complex motivations.
Additionally, the plot relies on several conveniences and "leap of faith" moments that might frustrate readers who prefer a more tightly woven, logical mystery. By the final act, the chaos becomes a bit repetitive, and the resolution feels a touch rushed compared to the build-up.
Final Verdict
Kill Your Boss is a fun, mean-spirited little thriller that is perfect for a flight or a beach day. It’s a great example of high-concept fiction, even if it lacks the narrative "meat" to make it truly memorable.
Read this if: You loved The Menu or Horrible Bosses and want a cynical, violent twist on corporate culture.
Skip this if: You prefer character-driven mysteries with intricate, airtight plotting.
The Hook
The premise is undeniably catchy. In a world of corporate drudgery, the story leans into the ultimate "office fantasy"—violently exiting your job. Heath excels at maintaining a breakneck pace, utilizing short chapters and punchy prose that make the book very easy to inhale in a single sitting. If you’re looking for a "palate cleanser" between heavier novels, this fits the bill.
What Works
The Pacing: You won’t get bored. The plot moves like a bullet train, rarely pausing for breath or unnecessary exposition.
The Dark Humor: Heath taps into the cynical, modern exhaustion of the workforce. There are moments of sharp, satirical wit that land perfectly for anyone who has ever stared at a spreadsheet and sighed.
The "Popcorn" Factor: It’s unapologetic about being a thriller. It’s designed for entertainment, not for the Booker Prize.
Where It Fumbles
The "3-star" rating comes down to a lack of staying power. Once the initial novelty of the premise wears off, the character development feels a bit thin. The protagonists often feel like archetypes moving through a maze rather than living, breathing people with complex motivations.
Additionally, the plot relies on several conveniences and "leap of faith" moments that might frustrate readers who prefer a more tightly woven, logical mystery. By the final act, the chaos becomes a bit repetitive, and the resolution feels a touch rushed compared to the build-up.
Final Verdict
Kill Your Boss is a fun, mean-spirited little thriller that is perfect for a flight or a beach day. It’s a great example of high-concept fiction, even if it lacks the narrative "meat" to make it truly memorable.
Read this if: You loved The Menu or Horrible Bosses and want a cynical, violent twist on corporate culture.
Skip this if: You prefer character-driven mysteries with intricate, airtight plotting.
December 17, 2025
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: Murder With Manners, Red Herring Heaven, Witty Whodunnit
—-
Long time followers will know that cosy crime is fast becoming my favourite genre and while this one isn’t strictly cosy, it’s so funny it earned honorary cosy status in my books.
This story delivered everything I want from my cosy crime fiction with super witty banter, a number of red herrings, twists on twists and a growing body count.
An added bonus was the suspect list. Rather than slowly narrowing down who could possibly be the culprit, this book proudly lays out just how many people would quite happily kill the boss, turning the guessing game into pure reader fun.
The opening chapter hooked me instantly and the momentum never dipped. The twists kept coming right up to the final page, the characters were thoroughly enjoyable and the crime-solving dynamics made this one genuinely impossible to put down.
This was my first Jack Heath novel (which worked perfectly as a standalone read), but it absolutely won’t be my last. I’ll be diving straight into his back catalogue.
If you enjoy crime vibes from authors like Richard Osman or Mark Billingham, this should shoot straight to the top of your TBR.
—-
Long time followers will know that cosy crime is fast becoming my favourite genre and while this one isn’t strictly cosy, it’s so funny it earned honorary cosy status in my books.
This story delivered everything I want from my cosy crime fiction with super witty banter, a number of red herrings, twists on twists and a growing body count.
An added bonus was the suspect list. Rather than slowly narrowing down who could possibly be the culprit, this book proudly lays out just how many people would quite happily kill the boss, turning the guessing game into pure reader fun.
The opening chapter hooked me instantly and the momentum never dipped. The twists kept coming right up to the final page, the characters were thoroughly enjoyable and the crime-solving dynamics made this one genuinely impossible to put down.
This was my first Jack Heath novel (which worked perfectly as a standalone read), but it absolutely won’t be my last. I’ll be diving straight into his back catalogue.
If you enjoy crime vibes from authors like Richard Osman or Mark Billingham, this should shoot straight to the top of your TBR.
January 4, 2026
top notch Jack Heath writing right here👌🏻
a very enjoyable whodunnit that kept me guessing until the very end!
a very enjoyable whodunnit that kept me guessing until the very end!
November 25, 2025
A great example of tje Aussie cozy mystery genre
December 13, 2025
Audible - 4.6⭐️. Such a fun little mystery. I found myself laughing out loud during inappropriate parts… Which I think was the idea. I really didn’t know who “did it” until almost the end. I also didn’t realize this was number three in the book series. I will have to read the first two. The voice acting/narrating was superb!
November 22, 2025
As DS Kiara Lui just finished broken up a lot brawl between two locals in front of Warrigal Public Library, a man unexpectedly fall and slams into the bike rack, right in front of her, dead on the spot!
The dead man is Neville Adams, the head of library services. Kiara leads the investigation, but it's not an easy one to find the suspect, as with Neville's unlikeable character, everyone disliked him, and so everybody is a suspect.😅
On top of that, this investigation will open up an old opened case of missing person.
Another entertaining murder mystery book from @jackheathwriter
What can be more intriguing than murder in the library? Only Jack can do this 🤭
The dead man is Neville Adams, the head of library services. Kiara leads the investigation, but it's not an easy one to find the suspect, as with Neville's unlikeable character, everyone disliked him, and so everybody is a suspect.😅
On top of that, this investigation will open up an old opened case of missing person.
Another entertaining murder mystery book from @jackheathwriter
What can be more intriguing than murder in the library? Only Jack can do this 🤭
December 13, 2025
3.5⭐️ good but nothing super memorable
November 15, 2025
Kill Your Boss by Jack Heath is the third in the
'Kill your....'
series featuring DS Kiara Lui. I jokingly tried to guess what the next one would be in my review of
Kill Your Husbands
... one of my guesses was 'colleagues'.
I was close but no banana. Though many will relate to this as I'm fairly sure most of us have had a horrendous boss at some point in their life. In a letter by Heath (in the review copy I received) he talks about unlikeable characters and it has to be said the victim here—Neville—is certainly that. In fact I love that no one (other than the victim's parents) even pretends to have a good word to say about the victim... so the suspects are many!
The victim here plummets to his death from the roof of the local library. As Kiara is on the scene and secures the building this is the quintessential locked-room mystery (well, locked building in fact) which should limit the suspect pool but the interrelatedness of the characters means the murder may not have been someone with an obvious motive, rather someone enacting vengeance on their behalf.
This is another great addition to the series, a fun and twisty read and again I appreciated Heath's sense of humour (or at least his 'take' on human nature).
4.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
I was close but no banana. Though many will relate to this as I'm fairly sure most of us have had a horrendous boss at some point in their life. In a letter by Heath (in the review copy I received) he talks about unlikeable characters and it has to be said the victim here—Neville—is certainly that. In fact I love that no one (other than the victim's parents) even pretends to have a good word to say about the victim... so the suspects are many!
The victim here plummets to his death from the roof of the local library. As Kiara is on the scene and secures the building this is the quintessential locked-room mystery (well, locked building in fact) which should limit the suspect pool but the interrelatedness of the characters means the murder may not have been someone with an obvious motive, rather someone enacting vengeance on their behalf.
This is another great addition to the series, a fun and twisty read and again I appreciated Heath's sense of humour (or at least his 'take' on human nature).
4.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
November 9, 2025
The 3rd book in the "Kill Your..." series was a fast read for me!
Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui is back for another gruesome murder case (or few). This one had me going around in circles trying to guess whodunit. With a secondary case floating around in the background of the story it was interesting to see if it all pieced together or if it was a red herring. In the end my initial guess and reason was correct, but I'd dropped that all together during the course of the story lol!
I must be truthful and didn't realise this was a series until I picked this one up! I had read "Kill your Husbands" last year but unfortunately forgotten the cast names. I will be revisiting that book after I finish the first one in the series "Kill You Brother".
Keep them coming Jack Heath!!
Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui is back for another gruesome murder case (or few). This one had me going around in circles trying to guess whodunit. With a secondary case floating around in the background of the story it was interesting to see if it all pieced together or if it was a red herring. In the end my initial guess and reason was correct, but I'd dropped that all together during the course of the story lol!
I must be truthful and didn't realise this was a series until I picked this one up! I had read "Kill your Husbands" last year but unfortunately forgotten the cast names. I will be revisiting that book after I finish the first one in the series "Kill You Brother".
Keep them coming Jack Heath!!
January 13, 2026
For readers who love their crime served with a side of humour, this one's for you! If you enjoy Benjamin Stevenson, try this one!
This is the third book in the "Kill Your..." series but it can easily be read as a standalone.
In Kill Your Boss, we meet back up with Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui, as she investigates the death of Head of Library Services, Neville Adams.
Two things hooked me in straight away. Firstly, a murder mystery set in a library? Say no more! And secondly, Neville is far from your typical murder victim. He was universally hated by his colleagues and just about everyone else too. In fact, the only people who seemed to like him were his parents.
Jack Heath captivates you with his writing and draws you in with multiple POVs, plenty of twists and an impressively long list of suspects - I mean who didn't want Neville dead? The story unfolds across alternating timelines, jumping between past and present, which is exactly how I like my thrillers.
Packed with Jack Heath's signature style of humor and wit, this one is a must read for crime fans!
This is the third book in the "Kill Your..." series but it can easily be read as a standalone.
In Kill Your Boss, we meet back up with Detective Sergeant Kiara Lui, as she investigates the death of Head of Library Services, Neville Adams.
Two things hooked me in straight away. Firstly, a murder mystery set in a library? Say no more! And secondly, Neville is far from your typical murder victim. He was universally hated by his colleagues and just about everyone else too. In fact, the only people who seemed to like him were his parents.
Jack Heath captivates you with his writing and draws you in with multiple POVs, plenty of twists and an impressively long list of suspects - I mean who didn't want Neville dead? The story unfolds across alternating timelines, jumping between past and present, which is exactly how I like my thrillers.
Packed with Jack Heath's signature style of humor and wit, this one is a must read for crime fans!
January 6, 2026
My first 5 star review of 2026. I love Jack Heath books - the 'Kill Your....' series is excellent (though maybe not quite as good as the 'Hangman' series?) and this one was a great addition. I found it a little less complex than 'Kill Your Husbands' which for me is a good thing, and the locked room aspect made for less suspects and made it easier to keep track of all the characters. I managed to guess the killer before the end of the book (unusual for me) but it was still a great ride, lots of drama, but maybe a little short.
November 5, 2025
Detective Kiara is on the case to solve Nevilles death. Neville is a library manager and sorta not very well liked ….
A NSW country town police investigation. Love it! The cover, also love it! The characters, love them!
I got sucked in within the first 20 pages. Just that vibe of small town secrets, everyone is hiding something! All that is hiding within the chapters. The chapters are POVs, while the story plays out between past and present.
Full of twists! I didn’t figure it out at all.
Moments felt a bit slow and at times I got confused because of different POVS - but when I finished the book I felt like that’s on purpose.
Throughly enjoyed! Definitely want the other reads that go with this book.
A NSW country town police investigation. Love it! The cover, also love it! The characters, love them!
I got sucked in within the first 20 pages. Just that vibe of small town secrets, everyone is hiding something! All that is hiding within the chapters. The chapters are POVs, while the story plays out between past and present.
Full of twists! I didn’t figure it out at all.
Moments felt a bit slow and at times I got confused because of different POVS - but when I finished the book I felt like that’s on purpose.
Throughly enjoyed! Definitely want the other reads that go with this book.
November 26, 2025
I really enjoyed listening to this story. The suspense was great, as was the constant guessing of the who-done-it. Just when I thought I knew, I quickly realized there was more to the story.
Although the story was great, the narrating of the audiobook was phenomenal. I think that really made the story so enjoyable. I was able to get more of the humor than I probably would have just reading it on my own.
I am now starting this series from book one. I hope it’s as good as this recent book.
Although the story was great, the narrating of the audiobook was phenomenal. I think that really made the story so enjoyable. I was able to get more of the humor than I probably would have just reading it on my own.
I am now starting this series from book one. I hope it’s as good as this recent book.
November 24, 2025
Mystery lite, but not a simple mystery. The opening made a splash and grabbed my attention, setting the tone for the book. It let me know that this cast of characters weren't going to be straight-forward and that I was in for some shenanigans along the way.
Then, just when it seems there is a clear indication of the killer's identity, someone else dies and it couldn't be who we thought it was. Added to the mysteries within the mystery are some ingenious twists on familiar murder methods.
I found this story to be highly entertaining and enjoyed my journey with it.
Then, just when it seems there is a clear indication of the killer's identity, someone else dies and it couldn't be who we thought it was. Added to the mysteries within the mystery are some ingenious twists on familiar murder methods.
I found this story to be highly entertaining and enjoyed my journey with it.
January 18, 2026
Despite its catchy title and the promising "locked-room" setup, Kill Your Boss was a struggle to finish. Jack Heath’s mystery attempts to blend dark humor with a twisty whodunit, but the execution felt disjointed. Between the abrasive characters and a plot that relies too heavily on convenient coincidences, I found it impossible to stay engaged.
December 11, 2025
I can barely believe that the same guy who autographed my copy of Replica in Belco Dymocks is the same guy writing a series of murder mysteries. As always, it was a pleasure, Jack. I’ll be waiting for the next one.
January 9, 2026
Just like the first two in the series, this one kept me guessing till the very end. There was a lot going on, and Jack tidies everything away by the conclusion. Who killed the boss, when the boss is so deplorable that everyone who has had any contact with the man would have a motive? Red herrings, twists, turns, and just when you think you know what's going on, you're wrong. Thoroughly enjoyable.
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