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Maneater: The thrilling new femgore horror novel
Not yet published
Expected 26 Mar 26The Devil Wears Prada meets The Eyes Are the Best Part in this sharply visceral fem-gore thriller.
'Enormous fun and completely compulsive, Maneater invites you into the world of fine dining and asks what you’re willing to swallow. Stomach-turning and deeply satisfying in equal measures' Kat Dunn, author of Hungerstone
'A meaty mash up of The Menu and A Certain Hunger, you’ll be devouring Maneater right to its (very) bloody end' Jessie Elland, author of The Ladie Upstairs
______
Revenge is tough to swallow...
Things for Renee Landis are finally looking up. She just quit her dead-end job at a chicken shop after landing the coveted role of junior chef at London’s pristine NOVA restaurant.
But it's not the restaurant that draws Renee in - it's the executive chef. Gracie Fitzgerald is as legendary as she is secretive, known for her succulent, signature dishes and the notorious methods in which she runs her kitchen. No one can touch her workspace with bare hands. No other chef can taste her signature dishes. And no one, under any circumstances, is allowed to enter her personal freezer…
______
Readers are devouring
'Gory and gruesome'
'A deliciously dark and tantalising culinary thriller'
'Blends the satirical edge of The Menu with the dark allure of Hannibal'
'Lures you into the gleaming world of haute cuisine only to reveal the shadows beneath its polished surface'
'Enormous fun and completely compulsive, Maneater invites you into the world of fine dining and asks what you’re willing to swallow. Stomach-turning and deeply satisfying in equal measures' Kat Dunn, author of Hungerstone
'A meaty mash up of The Menu and A Certain Hunger, you’ll be devouring Maneater right to its (very) bloody end' Jessie Elland, author of The Ladie Upstairs
______
Revenge is tough to swallow...
Things for Renee Landis are finally looking up. She just quit her dead-end job at a chicken shop after landing the coveted role of junior chef at London’s pristine NOVA restaurant.
But it's not the restaurant that draws Renee in - it's the executive chef. Gracie Fitzgerald is as legendary as she is secretive, known for her succulent, signature dishes and the notorious methods in which she runs her kitchen. No one can touch her workspace with bare hands. No other chef can taste her signature dishes. And no one, under any circumstances, is allowed to enter her personal freezer…
______
Readers are devouring
'Gory and gruesome'
'A deliciously dark and tantalising culinary thriller'
'Blends the satirical edge of The Menu with the dark allure of Hannibal'
'Lures you into the gleaming world of haute cuisine only to reveal the shadows beneath its polished surface'
- GenresHorror
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 26, 2026
10 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A subtly disturbing story about Chef Renee who gets hired to a posh restaurant where things might just be a bit off. Gracie, the celebrity owner has her own freezer, nobody can taste her signature dish and she's mildly terrifying.
Maneater was really not what I expected. For the vast majority of the book it's all just vibes of creeping unease and Renee arguing with her bestie whether she's working too much or Lola is just jealous. Pretty much nothing happens on page until the very end with its action packed last few chapters, but even then the tension is just not there.
I found Renee obnoxious and the female rage I was promised was overshadowed by the anxious hand wringing of our protagonist. I wanted gore, wanted to feel disgusted and up in arms. I wanted to be surprised, caught off guard, shocked. Instead I felt mostly annoyed of not getting to the point.
I probably would've preferred to read this book, or at least half of it told from Gracie's point of view.
ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
Maneater was really not what I expected. For the vast majority of the book it's all just vibes of creeping unease and Renee arguing with her bestie whether she's working too much or Lola is just jealous. Pretty much nothing happens on page until the very end with its action packed last few chapters, but even then the tension is just not there.
I found Renee obnoxious and the female rage I was promised was overshadowed by the anxious hand wringing of our protagonist. I wanted gore, wanted to feel disgusted and up in arms. I wanted to be surprised, caught off guard, shocked. Instead I felt mostly annoyed of not getting to the point.
I probably would've preferred to read this book, or at least half of it told from Gracie's point of view.
ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I cannot WAIT for this to hit the shelves!
I ate this up, not in the same way as Gracie though!
This book has everything that I love in a horror book. Strong, albeit unhinged, female character, mystery, power, revenge and a little something bloody.
Anyone that loved the movie "The Menu" will devour this.
I ate this up, not in the same way as Gracie though!
This book has everything that I love in a horror book. Strong, albeit unhinged, female character, mystery, power, revenge and a little something bloody.
Anyone that loved the movie "The Menu" will devour this.
November 27, 2025
Maneater is a deliciously dark and tantalizing culinary thriller that serves up a feast for both the senses and the mind, blending the satirical edge of The Menu with the dark allure of Hannibal. This suspenseful tale invites readers into the elite world of fine dining, where the flavors may be exquisite, but the sourcing of ingredients raises both ethical questions and a simmering tension.
The protagonist, Renee Landis, embarks on a seemingly bright new chapter in her career as she steps into the coveted role of junior chef at London’s prestigious NOVA restaurant. Yet, it’s not merely the prestigious establishment that captivates her; it’s the enigmatic executive chef, Gracie Fitzgerald, whose legendary reputation is as alluring as it is unsettling. Fitzgerald runs her kitchen with an iron fist and a plethora of secrets, enforcing strict rules that keep her culinary creations—and her true methods—shrouded in mystery. The unsettling curiosity about what lies within her personal freezer adds a layer of intrigue that propels the narrative forward.
Renee’s journey through the cutthroat world of fine dining is both thrilling and unsettling. The book explores complex flavors—both culinary and moral—as Landis grapples with her excitement and the creeping unease that comes with knowing the implications of the ingredients she’s handling. Just like a perfectly balanced dish, Ellie masterfully blends humor and horror, allowing readers to revel in the delicious complexity of the narrative, all the while questioning their own moral compass.
Even though the title hints at the impending horror, the anticipation of how events will unfold is what truly kept me hooked. Renee’s experiences elicit both admiration for the culinary arts and a visceral awareness of the darker aspects of human nature. Maneater skillfully walks the line between indulgence and discomfort, making every revelation even more impactful.
Ellie’s writing captivates with eloquent descriptions and a palpable tension that simmers throughout the pages. As a food lover, I found myself both salivating at the thought of Fitzgerald’s culinary creations and recoiling from the ethical dilemmas they present. The book is an exploration of the costs of ambition and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of excellence—an addictive blend that leaves a lasting impression.
I can't wait to see what Ellie serves up next. Maneater is a delectable read that keeps you yearning for more, even while it makes you question the very essence of what it means to indulge. A five-star culinary experience not to be missed!
The protagonist, Renee Landis, embarks on a seemingly bright new chapter in her career as she steps into the coveted role of junior chef at London’s prestigious NOVA restaurant. Yet, it’s not merely the prestigious establishment that captivates her; it’s the enigmatic executive chef, Gracie Fitzgerald, whose legendary reputation is as alluring as it is unsettling. Fitzgerald runs her kitchen with an iron fist and a plethora of secrets, enforcing strict rules that keep her culinary creations—and her true methods—shrouded in mystery. The unsettling curiosity about what lies within her personal freezer adds a layer of intrigue that propels the narrative forward.
Renee’s journey through the cutthroat world of fine dining is both thrilling and unsettling. The book explores complex flavors—both culinary and moral—as Landis grapples with her excitement and the creeping unease that comes with knowing the implications of the ingredients she’s handling. Just like a perfectly balanced dish, Ellie masterfully blends humor and horror, allowing readers to revel in the delicious complexity of the narrative, all the while questioning their own moral compass.
Even though the title hints at the impending horror, the anticipation of how events will unfold is what truly kept me hooked. Renee’s experiences elicit both admiration for the culinary arts and a visceral awareness of the darker aspects of human nature. Maneater skillfully walks the line between indulgence and discomfort, making every revelation even more impactful.
Ellie’s writing captivates with eloquent descriptions and a palpable tension that simmers throughout the pages. As a food lover, I found myself both salivating at the thought of Fitzgerald’s culinary creations and recoiling from the ethical dilemmas they present. The book is an exploration of the costs of ambition and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of excellence—an addictive blend that leaves a lasting impression.
I can't wait to see what Ellie serves up next. Maneater is a delectable read that keeps you yearning for more, even while it makes you question the very essence of what it means to indulge. A five-star culinary experience not to be missed!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Random House and NetGalley for the ARC!
After quitting her dead-end job at a chicken shop, Renee can't believe her luck when she lands the coveted role of junior chef at NOVA, one of London's most pristine restaurants. But it's not the restaurant that draws her in—it's the executive chef, Gracie Fitzgerald. With a reputation for legendary signature dishes and an extreme attention to detail, Gracie runs a no-nonsense kitchen. But Renee can't help feeling unsettled over Gracie's strict rules—no one is allowed to taste her dishes, and most importantly, under no circumstances, can you enter her personal freezer...
Maneater is a gripping read from start to finish. Ellie Graves has done a fantastic job of portraying the busy yet alluring notion of running a kitchen. From the setting to the descriptions of food preparation, smells and tastes, it felt very authentic. Yet there is an underlying sense of unease as we're introduced to Chef Gracie and her strict rules. Suddenly the 'hustle and bustle' of the kitchen becomes something more sinister.
This is a story where every character is written with purpose, and I found myself drawn to so many of the side characters. Gracie in particular was such a compelling character, equally interesting and off-putting. I felt myself drawn to Gracie just like Renee was—an unapologetic woman in what is a male-dominated industry. The book masterfully explores themes of misogyny, with feminism and female rage at its core.
Although Maneater is not subtle in what's really happening in that kitchen, the anticipation keeps you hooked, waiting to see how everything unfolds. A culinary thriller, this book is perfect for those that love simmering tension, strong female characters and mystery.
After quitting her dead-end job at a chicken shop, Renee can't believe her luck when she lands the coveted role of junior chef at NOVA, one of London's most pristine restaurants. But it's not the restaurant that draws her in—it's the executive chef, Gracie Fitzgerald. With a reputation for legendary signature dishes and an extreme attention to detail, Gracie runs a no-nonsense kitchen. But Renee can't help feeling unsettled over Gracie's strict rules—no one is allowed to taste her dishes, and most importantly, under no circumstances, can you enter her personal freezer...
Maneater is a gripping read from start to finish. Ellie Graves has done a fantastic job of portraying the busy yet alluring notion of running a kitchen. From the setting to the descriptions of food preparation, smells and tastes, it felt very authentic. Yet there is an underlying sense of unease as we're introduced to Chef Gracie and her strict rules. Suddenly the 'hustle and bustle' of the kitchen becomes something more sinister.
"She feels trapped—like an animal cornered. The smell of cleaning products sears her sinuses to the point where the air burns in her nostrils. The kitchen no longer feels clinical. It's a crypt—a tomb where once you're in, there is no out."
This is a story where every character is written with purpose, and I found myself drawn to so many of the side characters. Gracie in particular was such a compelling character, equally interesting and off-putting. I felt myself drawn to Gracie just like Renee was—an unapologetic woman in what is a male-dominated industry. The book masterfully explores themes of misogyny, with feminism and female rage at its core.
"She's finally going to witness a true genius at work. A woman—no, THE woman—who didn't so much break through the glass ceiling as smash it to smithereens, eating up her competition as if they were nothing more than an amuse-bouche and leaving no challengers in her wake."
Although Maneater is not subtle in what's really happening in that kitchen, the anticipation keeps you hooked, waiting to see how everything unfolds. A culinary thriller, this book is perfect for those that love simmering tension, strong female characters and mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
where to even begin?
this takes feminine rage to a whole new level, and i'm a big supporter of women's rights and wrongs...
the writing was compelling, it drew me in, the descriptions of the foods, the smells, the kitchen, it felt so realistic that i could just picture myself watching it all unfold from one of the windows.
gracie is compelling, she's fascinating, she's off-putting, but she's so enigmatic that ren can't help but find herself so caught up in her madness.
ren's inability to think of anything but nova and gracie highlighted how under her skin gracie had gotten. she defended her even though she was unsettled and anxious in her presence.
lola highlights that it's grooming behaviour and if it was a man, ren wouldn't have done half the things she'd done. it's something that ties into gracie's motives.
gracie has the aura that pulls people in, and i even found myself rationalising her reasons for being a serial killer, and feeding people human flesh. she could be a cult leader, and ren would be her most loyal follower.
the accidental cannibalism punishments for men who are horrible, the fact that only horrible men are killed to feed other horrible men was truly a delicious morsel of karma.
the ending was truly poetic, gracie killed her mentor for force feeding her human - amongst many other reasons - and ren kills gracie for almost the same reason. ren did almost the exact thing that gracie wanted, she became her.
i would devour a second book where ren is the exec chef and continuing gracie's work. i know there'd be little as a twist, but it'd be delcious to see how ren goes from meek and mild, apologising for everything, to being a man eating woman who refuses to minimise herself for a man.
thank you for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. i enjoyed it as though i, myself, attended a michelinstarred restaurant.
this takes feminine rage to a whole new level, and i'm a big supporter of women's rights and wrongs...
the writing was compelling, it drew me in, the descriptions of the foods, the smells, the kitchen, it felt so realistic that i could just picture myself watching it all unfold from one of the windows.
gracie is compelling, she's fascinating, she's off-putting, but she's so enigmatic that ren can't help but find herself so caught up in her madness.
ren's inability to think of anything but nova and gracie highlighted how under her skin gracie had gotten. she defended her even though she was unsettled and anxious in her presence.
lola highlights that it's grooming behaviour and if it was a man, ren wouldn't have done half the things she'd done. it's something that ties into gracie's motives.
gracie has the aura that pulls people in, and i even found myself rationalising her reasons for being a serial killer, and feeding people human flesh. she could be a cult leader, and ren would be her most loyal follower.
the accidental cannibalism punishments for men who are horrible, the fact that only horrible men are killed to feed other horrible men was truly a delicious morsel of karma.
the ending was truly poetic, gracie killed her mentor for force feeding her human - amongst many other reasons - and ren kills gracie for almost the same reason. ren did almost the exact thing that gracie wanted, she became her.
i would devour a second book where ren is the exec chef and continuing gracie's work. i know there'd be little as a twist, but it'd be delcious to see how ren goes from meek and mild, apologising for everything, to being a man eating woman who refuses to minimise herself for a man.
thank you for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. i enjoyed it as though i, myself, attended a michelinstarred restaurant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2025
Revenge simmers quietly at the heart of Maneater, a novel that lures you into the gleaming world of haute cuisine only to reveal the shadows beneath its polished surfaces. Renee Landis, newly freed from her dead-end job, steps into the pristine kitchen of London’s NOVA restaurant, where ambition and artistry collide. Yet it’s not the restaurant itself that captivates—it’s the enigmatic executive chef, Gracie Fitzgerald, whose rules are as chilling as her legendary dishes.
Graves crafts a story that feels both sharp and atmospheric: the clatter of knives, the hush of forbidden spaces, and the tension of secrets locked away in a freezer no one dares to enter. The novel balances horror and mystery with a sly elegance, reminding us that hunger—whether for success, love, or vengeance—can consume more than we bargain for.
What makes Maneater so compelling is its blend of culinary detail with psychological suspense. The kitchen becomes a crucible, testing loyalty, desire, and fear. Renee’s journey is not just about food but about survival, and Graves ensures every page carries the weight of something simmering just out of sight.
Casual readers will be drawn in by the pace and intrigue, while those who savor atmosphere will appreciate the novel’s layered textures. It’s a story that lingers like the aftertaste of a dish you can’t quite name—unsettling, unforgettable, and strangely addictive.
With thanks to Ellie Graves, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Graves crafts a story that feels both sharp and atmospheric: the clatter of knives, the hush of forbidden spaces, and the tension of secrets locked away in a freezer no one dares to enter. The novel balances horror and mystery with a sly elegance, reminding us that hunger—whether for success, love, or vengeance—can consume more than we bargain for.
What makes Maneater so compelling is its blend of culinary detail with psychological suspense. The kitchen becomes a crucible, testing loyalty, desire, and fear. Renee’s journey is not just about food but about survival, and Graves ensures every page carries the weight of something simmering just out of sight.
Casual readers will be drawn in by the pace and intrigue, while those who savor atmosphere will appreciate the novel’s layered textures. It’s a story that lingers like the aftertaste of a dish you can’t quite name—unsettling, unforgettable, and strangely addictive.
With thanks to Ellie Graves, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC review ✨ Maneater by Ellie Graves was so fun to read, effortless, bingeable, and addicting. The kitchen dynamics gave me Hell’s Kitchen vibes minus the competition and I was having the time of my life 🥩🔪
Renee is such an easy character to root for, scrappy and determined, with Lola firmly securing her place as best friend of the year. Josh, a perfectly written “nice guy” I loved to hate 👀
Gracie Fitzgerald… oh she's eccentric, hypnotic, and she commands devotion. A mentor who feels inspiring and dangerous, she somehow convinces you that something deeply wrong might actually be justified. Watching admiration blur into obsession was unsettling (I'm speaking for myself and Renee here) and that ending made me GASP 🤯 I'm going to need a sequel - Ellie Graves I'm begging you. I'm giving it 5 stars ✨
Read this if you like:
🔪 bingeable psychological thrillers
🌋 female rage simmering under the surface
👩🍳 high pressure settings
👁️ obsession, control, blurred power dynamics
🧲 charismatic, powerful, unsettling female leads
🔥 slow burn tension with a WTF ending
🩸 subtle horror vibes without going full gore
🔐 locked doors and forbidden spaces
Publication day: March 26th
✨ Thank you to Bantam Books and NetGalley for the free ARC, my opinions are my own.
Renee is such an easy character to root for, scrappy and determined, with Lola firmly securing her place as best friend of the year. Josh, a perfectly written “nice guy” I loved to hate 👀
Gracie Fitzgerald… oh she's eccentric, hypnotic, and she commands devotion. A mentor who feels inspiring and dangerous, she somehow convinces you that something deeply wrong might actually be justified. Watching admiration blur into obsession was unsettling (I'm speaking for myself and Renee here) and that ending made me GASP 🤯 I'm going to need a sequel - Ellie Graves I'm begging you. I'm giving it 5 stars ✨
Read this if you like:
🔪 bingeable psychological thrillers
🌋 female rage simmering under the surface
👩🍳 high pressure settings
👁️ obsession, control, blurred power dynamics
🧲 charismatic, powerful, unsettling female leads
🔥 slow burn tension with a WTF ending
🩸 subtle horror vibes without going full gore
🔐 locked doors and forbidden spaces
Publication day: March 26th
✨ Thank you to Bantam Books and NetGalley for the free ARC, my opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
We all know what’s going on here, and I really enjoyed it. I think the pacing was done really well, which can be hard to achieve with stories like this. The dynamic between Renee and Gracie is the real focus here, and is strong enough to carry what would otherwise be a predictable book. The dynamic is twisted and toxic and dripping with tension, and Gracie herself is such an intimidating presence, even when she isn’t physically present in the book she is still casting a shadow over everything.
The only real problem with the book is that I found Gracie more interesting than the main protagonist Renee. Renee was a great character and a great protagonist, but I felt like her morals seemed to shift back and forth quite a lot depending on what the narrative required, and the fact that she constantly brushed off her boyfriend’s more subtle and insidious misogyny was never really addressed, which left the overall theme of the book a little confusing.
Still, that didn’t stop this from being a really fun story of female rage and violence. I will continue to support women’s wrongs.
Thank you to the publisher for the early access copy!
The only real problem with the book is that I found Gracie more interesting than the main protagonist Renee. Renee was a great character and a great protagonist, but I felt like her morals seemed to shift back and forth quite a lot depending on what the narrative required, and the fact that she constantly brushed off her boyfriend’s more subtle and insidious misogyny was never really addressed, which left the overall theme of the book a little confusing.
Still, that didn’t stop this from being a really fun story of female rage and violence. I will continue to support women’s wrongs.
Thank you to the publisher for the early access copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley, Random House and Ellie Graves for an ARC of this book.
I read this compulsively, I would have finished it much faster if I weren’t so busy! Whenever I did pick it up I really didn’t want to put it down.
Told from the perspective of Renee, an up and coming chef who is offered a position at a prestigious restaurant. We follow her as she meets a range of characters both intriguing and mysterious. She juggles personal stresses alongside this which gives the character a well rounded feel with shifting motivations and priorities.
It was very well paced, with each new chapter providing a new and interesting plot beat to follow whilst intelligently contributing to the overall story. I would love to read more of Graves’ work and hope she continues to write in the horror genre.
I read this compulsively, I would have finished it much faster if I weren’t so busy! Whenever I did pick it up I really didn’t want to put it down.
Told from the perspective of Renee, an up and coming chef who is offered a position at a prestigious restaurant. We follow her as she meets a range of characters both intriguing and mysterious. She juggles personal stresses alongside this which gives the character a well rounded feel with shifting motivations and priorities.
It was very well paced, with each new chapter providing a new and interesting plot beat to follow whilst intelligently contributing to the overall story. I would love to read more of Graves’ work and hope she continues to write in the horror genre.
March 1, 2026
This book was not what I was expecting but in the best way. I literally couldn’t put it down and just had to find out what happened next.
The blatant misogyny riles you up right from the get go and it doesn’t stop throughout. It purposely gets under your skin and makes you want to scream.
The research that went into the ingredients and cooking was brilliant and made you feel like you were in the kitchen with the characters.
The first words that popped into my head on finishing the book were ‘fever dream’ and I stand by it. Ellie Graves knows how to pull you into the story and keep you there. The ending was not expected and I was left staring into space just going over what had happened.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC. I will definitely be buying myself a copy on release and recommending this to all of my friends.
The blatant misogyny riles you up right from the get go and it doesn’t stop throughout. It purposely gets under your skin and makes you want to scream.
The research that went into the ingredients and cooking was brilliant and made you feel like you were in the kitchen with the characters.
The first words that popped into my head on finishing the book were ‘fever dream’ and I stand by it. Ellie Graves knows how to pull you into the story and keep you there. The ending was not expected and I was left staring into space just going over what had happened.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC. I will definitely be buying myself a copy on release and recommending this to all of my friends.
November 9, 2025
Wonderfully weird and deliciously gory. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
Maneater follows Renee, as she quits her dead-end chicken shop with their disrespectful and abusive customers, and lands a coveted position at NOVA, working alongside legendary executive chef Gracie Fitzgerald.
Working here has a lot of rules, and a lot of bizarre clauses in Renee’s contract, including the restricted entry to Gracie’s personal freezer, for reasons no one knows why. The unsettling vibes of this book reminded me a little of The Menu (great movie) but with a feminist horror twist.
Although it was quite easy to predict what’s going to happen, the way in which everything unravels and how Renee becomes swept up in Gracie’s bizarre working practices had me hooked.
Maneater follows Renee, as she quits her dead-end chicken shop with their disrespectful and abusive customers, and lands a coveted position at NOVA, working alongside legendary executive chef Gracie Fitzgerald.
Working here has a lot of rules, and a lot of bizarre clauses in Renee’s contract, including the restricted entry to Gracie’s personal freezer, for reasons no one knows why. The unsettling vibes of this book reminded me a little of The Menu (great movie) but with a feminist horror twist.
Although it was quite easy to predict what’s going to happen, the way in which everything unravels and how Renee becomes swept up in Gracie’s bizarre working practices had me hooked.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Bantam for the ARC of this!
I really enjoyed this book, the female rage and core premise was really interesting to me and I could see where the story was going but it didn't disappoint. I wasn't quite anticipating the ending at first, but it grew on me when I gave it some more thought.
I really liked the characters in this and the exploration of the way some of the relationships changed as the story progressed. There were some scenes where I was desperate for more, but it was the right decision to keep the reader guessing instead of showing us everything.
The tension and self-doubt in this book were really well written and I had such a great time reading this one. It was fantastic and one of my new highly recommended read for any fans of this type of book!
I really enjoyed this book, the female rage and core premise was really interesting to me and I could see where the story was going but it didn't disappoint. I wasn't quite anticipating the ending at first, but it grew on me when I gave it some more thought.
I really liked the characters in this and the exploration of the way some of the relationships changed as the story progressed. There were some scenes where I was desperate for more, but it was the right decision to keep the reader guessing instead of showing us everything.
The tension and self-doubt in this book were really well written and I had such a great time reading this one. It was fantastic and one of my new highly recommended read for any fans of this type of book!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I thoroughly enjoyed the witty, satirical humor of this book. It had me gritting my teeth in anger and scoffing A LOT at some of the male characters. It's definitely one that questions your morals and calls it out as it is... How far would you go for revenge? The book, unfortunately, portrays a lot of realistic characters and definitely more than a few real-life men who can be drawn as scary mirror images. Overall, a great book to kick your feet up with a nice glass of wine, when you've had enough of workplace misogyny and rich men thinking they can ooze out misogyny like it's the latest cologne.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Maneater was a solid, enjoyable read, even if it didn’t quite surprise me. There were no big twists or shocking turns, which I’ve come to expect from books in this genre, but it very much delivered exactly what the blurb promised.
The story was well told and consistently interesting, with strong pacing and engaging writing that kept me turning the pages. While it lacked thrills or jaw-dropping moments, I still enjoyed the experience and found it an entertaining read overall.
A good choice if you’re looking for a straightforward, well-executed story rather than something twist-heavy.
The story was well told and consistently interesting, with strong pacing and engaging writing that kept me turning the pages. While it lacked thrills or jaw-dropping moments, I still enjoyed the experience and found it an entertaining read overall.
A good choice if you’re looking for a straightforward, well-executed story rather than something twist-heavy.
November 18, 2025
This feels like a lot of build up, but it's ok, because I liked Renee and her friends.
I also liked the slightly dubious happenings that led me to think I knew exactly what was happening.
Really ramps up towards the end, and is incredibly fun right to the last page.
Very enjoyable.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy.
I also liked the slightly dubious happenings that led me to think I knew exactly what was happening.
Really ramps up towards the end, and is incredibly fun right to the last page.
Very enjoyable.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of Maneater in exchange for an honest review.
I love reading about food, even if it's horrifying, and Ellie Graves has a wonderful way of writing about food and cooking. I loved the way that the story developed in Maneater, from its perfectly normal beginning to the growing unease as the mysteries behind Michelin-starred London restaurant NOVA unfurled. The contrast between the Graves' beautiful descriptions of haute cuisine and the evil that lurked in the background was simply brilliant.
The story was also driven by very strong characters - Renee, whose ambition leads her to unthinkable places; Gracie, who has done unspeakable things to get to the top of her game; and my personal favourite, Lola, who just wants to look after her best friend.
Fans of A Certain Hunger, Girl Dinner and femgore in general will definitely enjoy this.
I love reading about food, even if it's horrifying, and Ellie Graves has a wonderful way of writing about food and cooking. I loved the way that the story developed in Maneater, from its perfectly normal beginning to the growing unease as the mysteries behind Michelin-starred London restaurant NOVA unfurled. The contrast between the Graves' beautiful descriptions of haute cuisine and the evil that lurked in the background was simply brilliant.
The story was also driven by very strong characters - Renee, whose ambition leads her to unthinkable places; Gracie, who has done unspeakable things to get to the top of her game; and my personal favourite, Lola, who just wants to look after her best friend.
Fans of A Certain Hunger, Girl Dinner and femgore in general will definitely enjoy this.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
After securing the position of junior chef at one of London’s most esteemed restaurants, things for Renee are finally looking up. But as Renee gets closer to the legendary executive chef Gracie, the phrase ‘revenge is a dish best served cold’ takes on a whole new meaning. A meaty mash up of The Menu and A Certain Hunger, I devoured Maneater right to its (very!) bloody end. Loved how Graves created such a sensory experience with this novel; the taste of the food, atmosphere of the kitchen, the pressure and the tension, the chill of what was really in *that* freezer.
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