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Lady X: A Novel
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25 copies available
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The search for a notorious vigilante exposes the secrets between three generations of women in this propulsive novel of female resistance and rage, sweeping from contemporary L.A. to gritty, 1970s New York.
Los Angeles, 2024. After learning that her A-List actor husband sent explicit photos to multiple girls on social media, Margot Cooper runs away from the world—and the paparazzi—by fleeing to her childhood home with her teenage daughter in tow.
But home isn’t the sanctuary Margot was hoping for. In a cardboard box in the corner of the attic, she finds damning evidence of an infamous urban legend, the mysterious vigilante “Lady X”—including a blurry newspaper photo of a woman who looks an awful lot like Margot’s mother.
New York City, 1977. In the midst of an infamous summer, Ginger Daughtry and her two beloved roommates are able to shield each other from the chaos—until one of them is assaulted. Astounded by the lack of response from police, the young women decide to engage in some light payback, signing their handiwork as “Lady X.”
Soon copycats appear, and a movement inspired by acts of vandalism against terrible men spirals out of control, with criminals running amok under the guise of the enigmatic “Lady X.” When a body is found fallen—or pushed—from five stories high, the hunt reaches a boiling point.
But Lady X has vanished into thin air.
Los Angeles, 2024. After learning that her A-List actor husband sent explicit photos to multiple girls on social media, Margot Cooper runs away from the world—and the paparazzi—by fleeing to her childhood home with her teenage daughter in tow.
But home isn’t the sanctuary Margot was hoping for. In a cardboard box in the corner of the attic, she finds damning evidence of an infamous urban legend, the mysterious vigilante “Lady X”—including a blurry newspaper photo of a woman who looks an awful lot like Margot’s mother.
New York City, 1977. In the midst of an infamous summer, Ginger Daughtry and her two beloved roommates are able to shield each other from the chaos—until one of them is assaulted. Astounded by the lack of response from police, the young women decide to engage in some light payback, signing their handiwork as “Lady X.”
Soon copycats appear, and a movement inspired by acts of vandalism against terrible men spirals out of control, with criminals running amok under the guise of the enigmatic “Lady X.” When a body is found fallen—or pushed—from five stories high, the hunt reaches a boiling point.
But Lady X has vanished into thin air.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 5, 2026
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About the author
Molly Fader
5 books581 followersMolly Fader is the author of The McAvoy Sister’s Book Of Secrets. As Molly O’Keefe she is the USA Today Bestselling author of over 50 contemporary romances. She lives in Toronto Ontario with her husband, two kids and rescue dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 28, 2025
Thank you to Random House Publishing and Molly Fader (via NetGalley) for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
"Lady X" follows sisters Margot and Julia as they navigate family lies and secrets. After Margot’s husband Jack becomes embroiled in public scandal due to his affairs, the sisters discover evidence linking their mother to the 1977 activist known as "Lady X." This revelation prompts them to uncover secrets about their mother's past.
The novel features a unique premise with dual points of view, alternating between Margot in 2024 and Ginger in 1977. The author effectively sets the scene with vivid descriptions of the Orbit Room, the political climate of 1977, and well-developed backstories for each character. Faye, Rachel, and Ginger illustrate the struggle and spirit of the feminist movement. I appreciated how each main character evolved throughout the novel, learning to trust one another and assert themselves in a male-dominated world.
Although there were some references in the 1977 perspective that I found confusing and had to reread several times, by the end, Ginger's past intertwined seamlessly with Margot’s current situation with her husband. This novel powerfully explores themes of female friendship and the feminist movement.
"Lady X" is set to be published on May 5, 2026.
"Lady X" follows sisters Margot and Julia as they navigate family lies and secrets. After Margot’s husband Jack becomes embroiled in public scandal due to his affairs, the sisters discover evidence linking their mother to the 1977 activist known as "Lady X." This revelation prompts them to uncover secrets about their mother's past.
The novel features a unique premise with dual points of view, alternating between Margot in 2024 and Ginger in 1977. The author effectively sets the scene with vivid descriptions of the Orbit Room, the political climate of 1977, and well-developed backstories for each character. Faye, Rachel, and Ginger illustrate the struggle and spirit of the feminist movement. I appreciated how each main character evolved throughout the novel, learning to trust one another and assert themselves in a male-dominated world.
Although there were some references in the 1977 perspective that I found confusing and had to reread several times, by the end, Ginger's past intertwined seamlessly with Margot’s current situation with her husband. This novel powerfully explores themes of female friendship and the feminist movement.
"Lady X" is set to be published on May 5, 2026.
August 28, 2025
Out May 5th, 2026
Lady X is a gripping, intergenerational novel that blends mystery, feminist resistance, and emotional reckoning across two timelines—1970s New York and contemporary Los Angeles. At its heart, the story explores the legacy of a vigilante known only as “Lady X,” whose mythic reputation has haunted and empowered women for decades. The novel opens in 2024 with Margot Cooper, a Hollywood wife reeling from the public scandal of her A-list husband’s inappropriate behavior. Seeking refuge, she retreats to her childhood home with her teenage daughter, only to uncover a box in the attic containing cryptic evidence—newspaper clippings and photos—that suggest her mother may have once been the infamous Lady X.
The narrative then shifts to 1977 New York City, where Ginger Daughtry and her two roommates are navigating a gritty, chaotic summer. When one of them is assaulted and the police fail to act, the women take justice into their own hands. Their retaliatory acts—graffiti, vandalism, and symbolic defiance—are signed “Lady X,” sparking a wave of copycat crimes and a citywide obsession with the mysterious figure. What begins as a personal crusade against misogyny snowballs into a movement, blurring the lines between justice and chaos. When a man is found dead under suspicious circumstances, the hunt for Lady X intensifies, but she disappears without a trace.
As Margot digs deeper into her mother’s past, she begins to unravel the secrets that bind three generations of women—herself, her mother, and her daughter.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC!
Lady X is a gripping, intergenerational novel that blends mystery, feminist resistance, and emotional reckoning across two timelines—1970s New York and contemporary Los Angeles. At its heart, the story explores the legacy of a vigilante known only as “Lady X,” whose mythic reputation has haunted and empowered women for decades. The novel opens in 2024 with Margot Cooper, a Hollywood wife reeling from the public scandal of her A-list husband’s inappropriate behavior. Seeking refuge, she retreats to her childhood home with her teenage daughter, only to uncover a box in the attic containing cryptic evidence—newspaper clippings and photos—that suggest her mother may have once been the infamous Lady X.
The narrative then shifts to 1977 New York City, where Ginger Daughtry and her two roommates are navigating a gritty, chaotic summer. When one of them is assaulted and the police fail to act, the women take justice into their own hands. Their retaliatory acts—graffiti, vandalism, and symbolic defiance—are signed “Lady X,” sparking a wave of copycat crimes and a citywide obsession with the mysterious figure. What begins as a personal crusade against misogyny snowballs into a movement, blurring the lines between justice and chaos. When a man is found dead under suspicious circumstances, the hunt for Lady X intensifies, but she disappears without a trace.
As Margot digs deeper into her mother’s past, she begins to unravel the secrets that bind three generations of women—herself, her mother, and her daughter.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC!
September 30, 2025
Lady X is a sweeping, dual-timeline novel of resistance, rage, and resilience.
In 1977 New York, Ginger and her roommates, disillusioned by a system that fails them, become the notorious vigilante “Lady X.” In 2024 Los Angeles, Margot, reeling from her husband’s betrayal, uncovers clues that suggest her own mother may have been part of the legend.
What I loved most was how Molly Fader tackled such a dark and important subject with grace. The story is suspenseful yet deeply human, with women you can’t help but cheer for, even when they’re walking morally gray lines.
Perfect for readers of Kate Quinn, Lisa Unger, or Brit Bennett.
In 1977 New York, Ginger and her roommates, disillusioned by a system that fails them, become the notorious vigilante “Lady X.” In 2024 Los Angeles, Margot, reeling from her husband’s betrayal, uncovers clues that suggest her own mother may have been part of the legend.
What I loved most was how Molly Fader tackled such a dark and important subject with grace. The story is suspenseful yet deeply human, with women you can’t help but cheer for, even when they’re walking morally gray lines.
Perfect for readers of Kate Quinn, Lisa Unger, or Brit Bennett.
December 2, 2025
* thanks to Ballantine for the ARC (pub dat: May 5, 2026)
Loved this - dual timelines (1970s NYC and today), vigilante justice, complicated female friendships, complicated family relationships, and a lot of shitty men.
Loved this - dual timelines (1970s NYC and today), vigilante justice, complicated female friendships, complicated family relationships, and a lot of shitty men.
October 27, 2025
Thanks to the Ballantine Books and Netgalley for this eARC.
🕶️ Molly Fader’s Lady X is a fierce, layered novel that pulses with intergenerational rage, resilience, and revelation. It’s a story that spans decades and cities—from gritty 1970s New York to glossy 2024 Los Angeles—yet remains rooted in one timeless truth: the power of women to rewrite the narratives forced upon them.
🔍 Margot Cooper, a Hollywood wife with a crumbling marriage and a teenage daughter in tow, flees the paparazzi and scandal to her childhood home. But sanctuary proves elusive. In the attic, Margot discovers a box of clippings and photos tied to an urban legend: Lady X, a vigilante who targeted abusive men in 1970s New York. One photo—a blurry image of a woman who looks eerily like Margot’s mother—sets off a chain reaction of questions, secrets, and reckoning.
The novel unfolds in dual timelines: Margot’s present-day unraveling and the origin story of Lady X, told through fragments, memories, and hidden truths. Fader masterfully braids these threads into a narrative that’s both propulsive and emotionally rich.
💥 Lady X is a novel about resistance—not just political, but personal. It explores:
- The legacy of female rage across generations
- The cost of silence and the courage of truth-telling
- The blurred lines between justice and vengeance
- The complexities of mother-daughter relationships
Fader doesn’t shy away from the messy, contradictory emotions that define womanhood. Her characters are flawed, fierce, and unforgettable.
✍️ Fader’s prose is sharp and cinematic, with dialogue that crackles and interior monologues that ache. The pacing is brisk but never rushed, allowing space for emotional depth and thematic nuance. The Lady X segments read like noir poetry—gritty, stylized, and haunting.
👩👧 Margot is a compelling protagonist: privileged yet vulnerable, angry yet unsure how to wield that anger. Her daughter offers a Gen Z counterpoint—idealistic, impatient, and unafraid to confront hypocrisy. The real star, though, is Lady X herself: a myth, a memory, and a mirror. As Margot peels back layers of her mother’s past, she begins to understand her own.
⭐ Lady X is a bold, emotionally intelligent novel that blends mystery, memoir, and manifesto. It’s a story for anyone who’s ever felt silenced, sidelined, or underestimated—and for those ready to reclaim their voice. Molly Fader doesn’t just tell a story; she issues a challenge.
For fans of Brit Bennett, Lisa Jewell, or literary fiction with a feminist edge, this is a must-read.
🕶️ Molly Fader’s Lady X is a fierce, layered novel that pulses with intergenerational rage, resilience, and revelation. It’s a story that spans decades and cities—from gritty 1970s New York to glossy 2024 Los Angeles—yet remains rooted in one timeless truth: the power of women to rewrite the narratives forced upon them.
🔍 Margot Cooper, a Hollywood wife with a crumbling marriage and a teenage daughter in tow, flees the paparazzi and scandal to her childhood home. But sanctuary proves elusive. In the attic, Margot discovers a box of clippings and photos tied to an urban legend: Lady X, a vigilante who targeted abusive men in 1970s New York. One photo—a blurry image of a woman who looks eerily like Margot’s mother—sets off a chain reaction of questions, secrets, and reckoning.
The novel unfolds in dual timelines: Margot’s present-day unraveling and the origin story of Lady X, told through fragments, memories, and hidden truths. Fader masterfully braids these threads into a narrative that’s both propulsive and emotionally rich.
💥 Lady X is a novel about resistance—not just political, but personal. It explores:
- The legacy of female rage across generations
- The cost of silence and the courage of truth-telling
- The blurred lines between justice and vengeance
- The complexities of mother-daughter relationships
Fader doesn’t shy away from the messy, contradictory emotions that define womanhood. Her characters are flawed, fierce, and unforgettable.
✍️ Fader’s prose is sharp and cinematic, with dialogue that crackles and interior monologues that ache. The pacing is brisk but never rushed, allowing space for emotional depth and thematic nuance. The Lady X segments read like noir poetry—gritty, stylized, and haunting.
👩👧 Margot is a compelling protagonist: privileged yet vulnerable, angry yet unsure how to wield that anger. Her daughter offers a Gen Z counterpoint—idealistic, impatient, and unafraid to confront hypocrisy. The real star, though, is Lady X herself: a myth, a memory, and a mirror. As Margot peels back layers of her mother’s past, she begins to understand her own.
⭐ Lady X is a bold, emotionally intelligent novel that blends mystery, memoir, and manifesto. It’s a story for anyone who’s ever felt silenced, sidelined, or underestimated—and for those ready to reclaim their voice. Molly Fader doesn’t just tell a story; she issues a challenge.
For fans of Brit Bennett, Lisa Jewell, or literary fiction with a feminist edge, this is a must-read.
October 1, 2025
Okay, wow—Lady X, five stars and zero regrets. This isn’t normally the type of book I reach for, and I’d never read anything from this author before, but the cover and synopsis had me intrigued. I went in curious but unsure if it would hold my attention… and I ended up glued to the pages.
The story moves between two timelines: Margot in 2024, who’s hiding out at her childhood home after her marriage implodes, and Ginger in 1977 New York, where she and her roommates decide to fight back after one of them is attacked. Their small act of revenge snowballs into something much bigger—an urban legend known as “Lady X.” Generational secrets, a little mystery, and plenty of tension tie the two timelines together, and it’s all super easy to follow.
What I loved most was how much heart this book had. Sisterhood, found family, women empowering other women—it’s all here, and it shines. The 1977 chapters especially popped for me. While Son of Sam was on the loose, Lady X was out there saying “hold my beer” (figuratively, not literally) and making sure bad men are brought to their knees. (That one is both literal and figurative.)
There are some great twists and turns, and while a couple of sections dragged just a bit, I honestly didn’t care—I was too invested in the characters and needed to know how it all shook out. These women are raw, fierce, and relatable.
This was a 5-star read for me, no question. It’s the kind of book that would spark so much conversation in a book club—you could really dig into the themes and probably trauma-bond a little over what the women go through. Luckily, they have each other, and as a reader, you feel that support right along with them.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Random House Published/Ballantine Books for putting this arc on my radar. Pub date is 5/5/2026. Highly recommend picking this one up—you won’t regret it!
The story moves between two timelines: Margot in 2024, who’s hiding out at her childhood home after her marriage implodes, and Ginger in 1977 New York, where she and her roommates decide to fight back after one of them is attacked. Their small act of revenge snowballs into something much bigger—an urban legend known as “Lady X.” Generational secrets, a little mystery, and plenty of tension tie the two timelines together, and it’s all super easy to follow.
What I loved most was how much heart this book had. Sisterhood, found family, women empowering other women—it’s all here, and it shines. The 1977 chapters especially popped for me. While Son of Sam was on the loose, Lady X was out there saying “hold my beer” (figuratively, not literally) and making sure bad men are brought to their knees. (That one is both literal and figurative.)
There are some great twists and turns, and while a couple of sections dragged just a bit, I honestly didn’t care—I was too invested in the characters and needed to know how it all shook out. These women are raw, fierce, and relatable.
This was a 5-star read for me, no question. It’s the kind of book that would spark so much conversation in a book club—you could really dig into the themes and probably trauma-bond a little over what the women go through. Luckily, they have each other, and as a reader, you feel that support right along with them.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Random House Published/Ballantine Books for putting this arc on my radar. Pub date is 5/5/2026. Highly recommend picking this one up—you won’t regret it!
October 11, 2025
"Lady X" is a novel that blends mystery, historical fiction, and impactful storytelling. Set in a dual time-line of modern day California and 1970's New York, the themes explored in the story are as relevant now as they were in the past.
Originally, I was skeptical about the dual time-line because historical fiction isn't my favorite genre, but it was the perfect conduit to tell this story. The writing style flowed and each chapter was engaging. I was never bored.
The main theme of the book is about the marginalization of women. And although the zeitgeist of western society has changed and laws have been enacted to better protect women, there still seems to be an expectation of women to help clean up the mess even if they are the aggreived party. This is glaringly painful in the situation of Margot (modern day time-line), whose movie star husband cheated on her and needs her to help mend his fractured image. It is especially true of the women in the 70's time-line who are told after reaching out for help, to consider the reputation of the men that have hurt them and how the women's accusations will affect these men.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. My only criticism is at a couple of points in the book, the story segue was clunky and I had to go back because I thought I skipped a page. For example, one of the characters was photographed looking at an office. The next paragraph she was in the club collecting her check. The next paragraph she was in her kitchen.
This book is perfect for those who enjoy reading about strong women, mother daughter relationships, and historical fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC.
Originally, I was skeptical about the dual time-line because historical fiction isn't my favorite genre, but it was the perfect conduit to tell this story. The writing style flowed and each chapter was engaging. I was never bored.
The main theme of the book is about the marginalization of women. And although the zeitgeist of western society has changed and laws have been enacted to better protect women, there still seems to be an expectation of women to help clean up the mess even if they are the aggreived party. This is glaringly painful in the situation of Margot (modern day time-line), whose movie star husband cheated on her and needs her to help mend his fractured image. It is especially true of the women in the 70's time-line who are told after reaching out for help, to consider the reputation of the men that have hurt them and how the women's accusations will affect these men.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. My only criticism is at a couple of points in the book, the story segue was clunky and I had to go back because I thought I skipped a page. For example, one of the characters was photographed looking at an office. The next paragraph she was in the club collecting her check. The next paragraph she was in her kitchen.
This book is perfect for those who enjoy reading about strong women, mother daughter relationships, and historical fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC.
September 17, 2025
★★★★ 4.5 stars
When Margot, a Hollywood wife, discovers that her famous weasel of a husband has been sending inappropriate texts and explicit photos to young women, she packs up and flees to her childhood home in Philadelphia with her daughter. Her sister, Julia, still lives there — and while digging through the attic, the two stumble upon a stack of old newspaper clippings about “Lady X,” a mysterious vigilante who once exposed predatory men.
Woven seamlessly into their present-day story is a rich and compelling 1977 timeline, following their mother, Ginger and friends, as young women coming of age in gritty New York City — navigating independence, danger, and the fierce bonds of sisterhood.
This one and had such a fun time. I was completely swept away by this book. The characters are vivid, flawed, and deeply human — I haven’t felt this emotionally connected to a cast in ages. The dual timelines were masterfully executed, with each chapter drawing me in further. The writing was immersive and beautifully researched; I felt transported right back to the late ’70s, and it brought back so many fun memories. Thoughtful, emotional, and deeply empowering — this one’s a standout. Absolutely fantastic! A page-turner packed with grit, heart, and vintage flair — I didn’t want it to end!
🌟 Went in blind, came out obsessed!
Dual timelines, fierce women, gritty NYC, and a whole lot of heart.
✨ Thoughtful, emotional, empowering — 4.5 stars from me!
💃📚 #HistoricalFiction #DualTimeline #BookLover #HighlyRecommend
When Margot, a Hollywood wife, discovers that her famous weasel of a husband has been sending inappropriate texts and explicit photos to young women, she packs up and flees to her childhood home in Philadelphia with her daughter. Her sister, Julia, still lives there — and while digging through the attic, the two stumble upon a stack of old newspaper clippings about “Lady X,” a mysterious vigilante who once exposed predatory men.
Woven seamlessly into their present-day story is a rich and compelling 1977 timeline, following their mother, Ginger and friends, as young women coming of age in gritty New York City — navigating independence, danger, and the fierce bonds of sisterhood.
This one and had such a fun time. I was completely swept away by this book. The characters are vivid, flawed, and deeply human — I haven’t felt this emotionally connected to a cast in ages. The dual timelines were masterfully executed, with each chapter drawing me in further. The writing was immersive and beautifully researched; I felt transported right back to the late ’70s, and it brought back so many fun memories. Thoughtful, emotional, and deeply empowering — this one’s a standout. Absolutely fantastic! A page-turner packed with grit, heart, and vintage flair — I didn’t want it to end!
🌟 Went in blind, came out obsessed!
Dual timelines, fierce women, gritty NYC, and a whole lot of heart.
✨ Thoughtful, emotional, empowering — 4.5 stars from me!
💃📚 #HistoricalFiction #DualTimeline #BookLover #HighlyRecommend
November 3, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. While I love the #metoo emphasis and calling a-hole dudes out for the crappy behavior, I felt like the novel was a little bogged down with exposition that wasn't essential to the story as whole. I do understand what Fader was doing with those seemingly unnecessary details, but it felt a little forced.
I can't imagine what it's like to be a woman, let alone a woman who is sexualized at every moment of their lives. I can't imagine how women who have been solicited feel and the rage that can occupy their lives and thoughts, and for this I appreciate Lady X, it's a glance in that direction and hopefully a teaching moment for the novel. I think that people need to be aware of how something like this can take over a persons life. I love the whole Lady X underdog story and I like how 1977 was woven together with the story in 2024. I was underwhelmed with the details of Margot's life outside of her desire to destroy her husband (for obvious, and good reasons). I get that she felt forced to create a brand to feel like she had a life of her own, I do get that, but I would have been much more interested in her picking up the reins of Lady X in more detail and more frequently. I do suppose you have to start somewhere with that type of social justice.
Regardless, the book was interesting and the stories being told in 1977 and 2024 were well laid out. I think I wanted more revenge for men being a hole men and to see them fall because you know... eff them. Thanks to NetGalley for the hook up!
I can't imagine what it's like to be a woman, let alone a woman who is sexualized at every moment of their lives. I can't imagine how women who have been solicited feel and the rage that can occupy their lives and thoughts, and for this I appreciate Lady X, it's a glance in that direction and hopefully a teaching moment for the novel. I think that people need to be aware of how something like this can take over a persons life. I love the whole Lady X underdog story and I like how 1977 was woven together with the story in 2024. I was underwhelmed with the details of Margot's life outside of her desire to destroy her husband (for obvious, and good reasons). I get that she felt forced to create a brand to feel like she had a life of her own, I do get that, but I would have been much more interested in her picking up the reins of Lady X in more detail and more frequently. I do suppose you have to start somewhere with that type of social justice.
Regardless, the book was interesting and the stories being told in 1977 and 2024 were well laid out. I think I wanted more revenge for men being a hole men and to see them fall because you know... eff them. Thanks to NetGalley for the hook up!
November 16, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book started off strong but began to drag within the first few chapters. I wanted to like the characters because they represented the feminine rage women endure each day, but the dual timeline just didn't work for me. The main character, Margot, was the definition of white privilege and extremely weathly, but still found ways to feel sorry for herself. While I understand the idea was for her to grow and figure out the power she carries as a woman, not only for herself but also for her children, I'm not sure she truly understood the oppressions her mother lived through, especially when she's able to purchase a "mansion" for herself and her children at the end. Maybe that's a wonderful happy ending for some, but I can't help but feel that the true injustices some women face in present day was a major oversight. Her struggles felt disconnected from the very real, visceral pain the book was trying to explore. Honestly, I almost DNF'd at 67% because Margot was so annoying. I pushed through, but it was a struggle. I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it had been set entirely in the '70s and focused solely on that timeline. The contrast between eras just highlighted how little Lady X's journey connected with Margot's present-day arc.
This book started off strong but began to drag within the first few chapters. I wanted to like the characters because they represented the feminine rage women endure each day, but the dual timeline just didn't work for me. The main character, Margot, was the definition of white privilege and extremely weathly, but still found ways to feel sorry for herself. While I understand the idea was for her to grow and figure out the power she carries as a woman, not only for herself but also for her children, I'm not sure she truly understood the oppressions her mother lived through, especially when she's able to purchase a "mansion" for herself and her children at the end. Maybe that's a wonderful happy ending for some, but I can't help but feel that the true injustices some women face in present day was a major oversight. Her struggles felt disconnected from the very real, visceral pain the book was trying to explore. Honestly, I almost DNF'd at 67% because Margot was so annoying. I pushed through, but it was a struggle. I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it had been set entirely in the '70s and focused solely on that timeline. The contrast between eras just highlighted how little Lady X's journey connected with Margot's present-day arc.
December 7, 2025
Lady X is a clever, compulsively readable braid of past and present, built on the tension between what women endure and what they refuse to tolerate. Fader moves cleanly between 1977 New York— grimy, disillusioned, and vibrating with barely contained fury— and 2024 Los Angeles, where the aftershocks of old resistance land squarely on a woman trying to rebuild her life after betrayal. The dual timelines feel symbiotic rather than gimmicky, each illuminating the other’s blind spots.
What Fader does especially well is render female anger with nuance. The book isn’t interested in easy catharsis. It’s about the emotional architecture of retaliation: the small humiliations that accumulate, the private justifications, the way ordinary women can be driven toward extraordinary action when institutions repeatedly fail them. And still, the story never tips into didacticism— there’s too much human ache, too much interpersonal complexity, to let the themes flatten.
If there’s a hitch, it’s that the novel occasionally leans on the momentum of its premise more than the intricacy of its characters. However, the emotional payoffs land, and the unraveling of the “Lady X” legacy is handled with a satisfying sense of revelation.
This novel is sharp, emotionally astute, and surprisingly tender beneath its grit. A commentary on inherited silence, the cost of speaking up, and the impossible question of how far you’d go to protect the women you love.
What Fader does especially well is render female anger with nuance. The book isn’t interested in easy catharsis. It’s about the emotional architecture of retaliation: the small humiliations that accumulate, the private justifications, the way ordinary women can be driven toward extraordinary action when institutions repeatedly fail them. And still, the story never tips into didacticism— there’s too much human ache, too much interpersonal complexity, to let the themes flatten.
If there’s a hitch, it’s that the novel occasionally leans on the momentum of its premise more than the intricacy of its characters. However, the emotional payoffs land, and the unraveling of the “Lady X” legacy is handled with a satisfying sense of revelation.
This novel is sharp, emotionally astute, and surprisingly tender beneath its grit. A commentary on inherited silence, the cost of speaking up, and the impossible question of how far you’d go to protect the women you love.
October 18, 2025
I was given an ARC copy for a honest review
Where to start with this book..... The beginning is a little slow as all new books seem to be with the building of the characters. Once the story gets going and you get to know them it is so hard to put down.
We get to jump from modern day Hollywood to New York in the 70's. Margot has just learned that her beloved husband has been sending unsolicited pictures to women and not just women but some underaged ones as well. Her whole world explodes with this reality. After this Margot and her youngest daughter go to Pittsburgh to stay at her family home with her sister. Only to stumble on somethings.her mother has kept hidden.
This is where we meet lady X. Ginger (Margot and Julia's mom) lived in NYC and they never knew it. We get to meet ginger and her two roommates and the life they lead in NYC and the things they dealt with during this time. The three women become best friends and help each other thru things that no woman should have to deal with. They help to start a movement that sweeps thru New York with a fire! We eventually find out what pushed them to do the things that happened and we get to see how this bonded them together even closer. This is an amazing story and I can't wait to read more by this author.
Where to start with this book..... The beginning is a little slow as all new books seem to be with the building of the characters. Once the story gets going and you get to know them it is so hard to put down.
We get to jump from modern day Hollywood to New York in the 70's. Margot has just learned that her beloved husband has been sending unsolicited pictures to women and not just women but some underaged ones as well. Her whole world explodes with this reality. After this Margot and her youngest daughter go to Pittsburgh to stay at her family home with her sister. Only to stumble on somethings.her mother has kept hidden.
This is where we meet lady X. Ginger (Margot and Julia's mom) lived in NYC and they never knew it. We get to meet ginger and her two roommates and the life they lead in NYC and the things they dealt with during this time. The three women become best friends and help each other thru things that no woman should have to deal with. They help to start a movement that sweeps thru New York with a fire! We eventually find out what pushed them to do the things that happened and we get to see how this bonded them together even closer. This is an amazing story and I can't wait to read more by this author.
November 22, 2025
I absolutely loved this book, clear through until the very end, when a random, totally irrelevant, smarmy, and vile aside negated my experience. The author is clearly mentally challenged by TDS, and to subtly infer that our President is a rapist is not only slanderous and stupid, but also potentially alienates a wide majority of her readers who were also ready to leave a five-star review. The sentence is not needed and I strongly suggest that it be changed, as there are plenty of REAL examples to cite. Instead of eagerly passing this book on to my friends, I was so disgusted that, when finished, I threw this book into the trash. A five-star read descended into a two-star. What a disappointment. If the author’s political bias is so strong that she feels the need to slander and spew unproven propaganda, then I fear that what talent she has will be doomed by her own ego and self-aggrandizing “superiority”.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lady X was an entertaining and engaging read that blended mystery, intrigue, and character drama in a way that kept me turning the pages. I went in not quite sure what to expect, but I was quickly pulled into the story and invested in how everything would unfold. The atmosphere was well done, with a sense of secrets simmering just beneath the surface.
The plot had enough twists to stay interesting without feeling overly confusing, and the pacing generally worked well, even if a few sections felt slightly slower than others.
While it didn’t completely blow me away or surprise me at every turn, it was still a very satisfying read overall. The writing was solid, the characters were engaging, and the story held my attention from start to finish.
A strong four-star read and a good choice if you enjoy character-driven stories with mystery, secrets, and a touch of drama.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy. This is set to publish in Aug 2026!
The plot had enough twists to stay interesting without feeling overly confusing, and the pacing generally worked well, even if a few sections felt slightly slower than others.
While it didn’t completely blow me away or surprise me at every turn, it was still a very satisfying read overall. The writing was solid, the characters were engaging, and the story held my attention from start to finish.
A strong four-star read and a good choice if you enjoy character-driven stories with mystery, secrets, and a touch of drama.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy. This is set to publish in Aug 2026!
November 11, 2025
{4.5 ⭐️}
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the e-ARC! Out May 2026!
Lady X follows Margot, who flees to Pittsburgh with her daughter after discovering her husband’s affair and public scandal. There, she reconnects with her sister, Julia. Together, they stumble upon a mysterious box of “Lady X” articles that spark an investigation into their family’s past.
The story alternates between Margot and Julia in the present day, and their mother, Ginger, in 1970s New York City during the time of Son of Sam. I loved the dual timelines and how seamlessly they intertwined, the mother/daughter parallels were so well done. It’s a story about reinvention, resilience, and the quiet (and loud!!!) power of women.
Well-paced, emotionally layered, and surprisingly hard to put down! I kept thinking about it long after finishing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the e-ARC! Out May 2026!
Lady X follows Margot, who flees to Pittsburgh with her daughter after discovering her husband’s affair and public scandal. There, she reconnects with her sister, Julia. Together, they stumble upon a mysterious box of “Lady X” articles that spark an investigation into their family’s past.
The story alternates between Margot and Julia in the present day, and their mother, Ginger, in 1970s New York City during the time of Son of Sam. I loved the dual timelines and how seamlessly they intertwined, the mother/daughter parallels were so well done. It’s a story about reinvention, resilience, and the quiet (and loud!!!) power of women.
Well-paced, emotionally layered, and surprisingly hard to put down! I kept thinking about it long after finishing.
September 23, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Molly Fader for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest opinion.
**If I could give this book 10 stars I would!!**
Oh Ms. Molly, you pulled my cold heart strings with the duel timelines. In this day and age it's wonderful to have a book whose story is where women are supporting women. So, kudos to that. I love the characters and the plot bewitched me (yes I had to quote Mr. Darcy). The page of the entire book was spot on in my opinion. Ms. Molly had be begging for more from start to finish, and even now.
If y'all love a thoughtful, suspenseful and a historical fiction, then y'all will love this book as much as I do, if that's even possible.
**If I could give this book 10 stars I would!!**
Oh Ms. Molly, you pulled my cold heart strings with the duel timelines. In this day and age it's wonderful to have a book whose story is where women are supporting women. So, kudos to that. I love the characters and the plot bewitched me (yes I had to quote Mr. Darcy). The page of the entire book was spot on in my opinion. Ms. Molly had be begging for more from start to finish, and even now.
If y'all love a thoughtful, suspenseful and a historical fiction, then y'all will love this book as much as I do, if that's even possible.
November 16, 2025
A suspenseful story of the powerlessness women face and what happens when they fight back. Modern day depiction is Margot who is married to a Hollywood star who screws up her marriage with despicable acts . she and her renegade sister and teenage daughter navigate the fallout while uncovering the story of Lady X and its relation yo thief mother and gran. 1977 in NYC is recreated through three best friends during the hot summer of son of sam. The birth of Lady x takes center stage as they deal with abusive men and lack of rights. When a series of vandalism events escalates, thief lives change forever and leads back to Margot's own story. Well developed characters and real life drama.
Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley
Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a very strong novel with a beautiful story enveloped within the pages.
I truly loved discovering the story of Lady X and the power she gave to women. I felt like Molly Fader did a great job weaving the story between the 70s and the present. Each character was strong and grew throughout the novel.
Historical fiction novels do tend to feel very long for me which is why I rated this 3 stars. I did enjoy it when I was reading it but it just felt so long.
I believe that this is a very powerful book that everyone should read. It shows that even though women have more rights now, men still believe that they are more powerful and in general, better than women. It shows the power that women have to make their own decisions and find their own story.
I truly loved discovering the story of Lady X and the power she gave to women. I felt like Molly Fader did a great job weaving the story between the 70s and the present. Each character was strong and grew throughout the novel.
Historical fiction novels do tend to feel very long for me which is why I rated this 3 stars. I did enjoy it when I was reading it but it just felt so long.
I believe that this is a very powerful book that everyone should read. It shows that even though women have more rights now, men still believe that they are more powerful and in general, better than women. It shows the power that women have to make their own decisions and find their own story.
August 28, 2025
When Margot Cooper finds out that her famous actor husband has been texting and sending d@ck pics to young women, she flees to her childhood home in Philadelphia with her daughter. Her sister, Julia still lives in the home. Whilst clearing out the attic, they find newspaper clippings about Lady X, a vigilante who exposed abusive men. We also see 1977, when Margot and Julia's mom, Ginger, was a young women living in New York City.
I really enjoyed this book. The dual timelines kept me wondering what would happen next. The book was really well written. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I really enjoyed this book. The dual timelines kept me wondering what would happen next. The book was really well written. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
September 18, 2025
I loved this book! It was great seeing women supporting each other, whether they were sisters, mother and daughter or friends. Margot, a famous woman married to an even more famous man, is publicly humiliated by allegations of sexual harassment by her husband and flees to the comfort of her childhood home. While there with her daughter, she finds comfort in her sister and discovers some secrets about her mother. They learn that their mother, Ginger, actually lived in NYC in 1977. The scenes of New York in the 1970's were quite realistic. Overall, this was an exhilarating read, with moments of humor and a lot of emotion. I highly recommend it.
**ARC provided by NetGalley**
**ARC provided by NetGalley**
September 21, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc. Easily one of my top books of the year.
I’m a sucker for anything with badass women, men getting what they deserve, and strong female friendship. Each character in this book was interesting, had a backstory, went beyond surface level. The duel timelines were great- another thing that always gets me excited.
Margot was flawed. Complicated in an potentially unlikable way because who likes the woman who tries to excuse her husbands actions, who doesn’t appear strong … at first. She is strong, just not in the ways other characters in the book are. She is Lady X as much as anyone else.
Highly recommended read!
I’m a sucker for anything with badass women, men getting what they deserve, and strong female friendship. Each character in this book was interesting, had a backstory, went beyond surface level. The duel timelines were great- another thing that always gets me excited.
Margot was flawed. Complicated in an potentially unlikable way because who likes the woman who tries to excuse her husbands actions, who doesn’t appear strong … at first. She is strong, just not in the ways other characters in the book are. She is Lady X as much as anyone else.
Highly recommended read!
December 9, 2025
I really, really enjoyed this book. I often times struggle with dual timelines but I found the structure of this book very well done, and 1970s New York? Yes please. I loved the complexities of the relationships and Molly fleshed them out so well.
I did find some plot clunkiness in a few chapters that had me flipping backwards to reread, however, it did not take away from my reading experience and overall I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Margot (FMC) and her story.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to give an honest review. I will absolutely be recommending this to my fellow reader friends!
I did find some plot clunkiness in a few chapters that had me flipping backwards to reread, however, it did not take away from my reading experience and overall I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Margot (FMC) and her story.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to give an honest review. I will absolutely be recommending this to my fellow reader friends!
November 25, 2025
Molly Fader doesn’t pull any punches. In this powder keg of a novel, Fader has mounded a veritable pile of misogynist injustices; a pyre onto which she pours gasoline, then beckons the reader to stand by and stare, transfixed, as she strikes a match. With, at times, uncomfortably raw insight and genuine feeling, Fader takes the reader on a literary ride through some of the worst - and most universal - experiences of womanhood. To put it bluntly: Lady X is the outlet for feminist rage that we all need right now. Incendiary, cathartic, and deeply satisfying.
September 30, 2025
Lady X pulled me in with its mix of mystery, romance, and resilience. I loved how the story unfolded piece by piece, with secrets slowly being revealed. The writing felt smooth and kept me engaged, though at times the pacing dragged a little. What stood out most to me was the strength of the characters and the way their struggles felt real and relatable. It’s a heartfelt, layered story that left me both entertained and reflective.
October 14, 2025
Lady X by Molly Fader was a knockout! It started off a little slow and mysterious, but built up tension ending with an amazing climax! I would read it again! Ginger was a bad*** and I ended up loving Margot's tenacity! Automatic 5 stars for me!
November 11, 2025
Thank you to Random House, Ballantine Books, and Molly Fader for an ARC copy of Lady X. 3.5 stars. This was a grand story of friendship and the struggles we as women face in a patriarchal society. At times it was a bit predictable but a fun read. If youre a McFadden fan, add this to your TBR.
November 13, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Such an inspiring and unforgettable story! This one will resonate with me.
This book was an ARC that was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was an ARC that was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2025
Not my usual read and it kept me totally engrossed the whole time.
Review of advance copy received from Shelf Awareness Pro
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Review of advance copy received from Author
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