Hot Girl Murder Club

by Ashley Winstead

From national bestselling author Ashley Winstead comes a buzzy, bloody new thriller about success, sisterhood, and demanding justice…by any means necessary.

What’s a girl got to do to get some fame, a few million record sales, and justice for murder?

Ten years ago, aspiring singer-actress Scout Sage lost the only thing that mattered: her sister, Georgia. Ever since Georgia’s mysterious death at a Hollywood party, Scout’s done her best to honor her memory, clawing her way through the industry and collecting a network of climbers along the way, fellow hot girls in stilettos with cutthroat ambition, a new Hollywood order.

But when a slew of targeted murders makes headlines across LA, all pointing to Scout as the killer, she turns overnight from a mid-tier pop star into the world’s most famous (alleged) murderer. Now everything she’s worked to build—including the justice she wants for Georgia—will fall apart unless Scout can prove she’s not guilty.

Meanwhile, the young and unusual detective assigned to her case, herself no stranger to tragedy, begins to unearth secrets not even Scout knows, let alone her millions of new fans. Particularly about the ways Georgia’s death connects to an even older pattern of crimes long hushed over in Hollywood—an old reign of terror that, if brought to light, could be the fuel that ignites a reckoning the world over.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Adult, Fiction, Suspense, Horror Thriller

336 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication July 14, 2026

About the author

Ashley Winstead's bestselling, critically-acclaimed books have been translated into more than a dozen languages, optioned for television, named Book of the Month, Indie Next, Library Read, Loan Star, and Amazon Editor picks, and covered everywhere from the New York Times to People magazine. She's a former academic who lives in Houston with her husband, three cats, and beloved wine fridge.

Reviews

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buddy read with the As!

Thank you Minotaur Books for the advanced copy.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book at least two hours ago and I’m still stunned into silence by it. Actually, silence is the wrong word. I’m outraged by the fact that this book of fiction is actually what our world is right now. I don’t want to spoil anything, but Ashley Winstead wrote an incredible ripped-from-the-headlines book. Literally headlines from this week. I admire women like Ashley who let their voices be heard to help other women. This book was horrible in the best way - you’ll understand when you read it.

Dare I say Hot Girl Murder Club is exactly what we’re missing at this point in time? I could feel Ashley’s seething rage. Then on the other side, it’s a story about sisterhood and how important that is. A beautiful nod to her own sister.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this explosive arc!

[Laura Lovesreading]

In my dreams I hold a knife is still one of my ultimate fave reads!
The blurb sounds soo juicy
Hurry up release day!!!!!!!

[_blondebooknerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4.25 ⭐
I am LOVING the ambition of this Hollywood thriller! 🎤🔪

I was so excited to get my hands on an eARC of Hot Girl Murder Club ! Huge thank you to NetGalley, Ashley Winstead, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for the early access in exchange for my honest review. 💖✨

Ashley Winstead is easily one of my favorite authors and her writing is always TOP-TIER. She is extremely intelligent and it really shows in the way she constructs a story! 🧠✍️

This book follows Scout Sage, a pop star whose world is turned upside down when she’s framed for a string of murders that might actually link back to her sister’s death years ago. It’s a cutthroat look at Hollywood, fame, and a sister’s quest for justice. 🎬💄

What I Loved:
The multiple POV was handled so well! I loved how the chapters weren't just names but focused on their careers and how the story affected each one differently. It kept me on my toes! And even though there was A LOT going on, Ashley tied it all up in a PERFECT, NEAT BOW by the end. 🎀👏

My Thoughts:
I really liked it, but there was definitely a lot to keep track of! It was a bit more political than I usually want for a thriller. 🏛️📈 Thrillers are usually my "brain break" from heavy fantasy world-building, and this one had almost TOO MUCH substance for a quick palette cleanser. It’s deep and complex, which is great, but it required some heavy lifting to follow all the threads! 🤯🔍

Final Verdict:
I enjoyed this book and will definitely be recommending it to my audience! 📣✨ I think it will hit especially hard for readers who focus SOLELY on the thriller genre as their main choice. It’s a smart, ambitious story about what it takes to get justice in a world of stilettos and secrets. 👠💄🚨

[Nenia Campbell]

Please god, all I want is an ARC of this book

[Liza (LitLifewithLiza) Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley doesn't sugarcoat her thrillers, honest and raw, Hot Girl Murder Club holds up a mirror to the horrors that we're living in and says: what if we did something about it. The monsters aren't under your bed; they're leading your country, smiling on TV, and signing your paycheck.

I'm not going to lie, reading this book was difficult at times. I had to step away, consume some light-hearted content, and return because the truths that Ashley brings to the surface in this book are ugly, but they need to be heard and not silenced.

Common themes in Ashley's books that I love: giving a voice to the voiceless and the power of female friendship and family. HGMC is no different and stays true to the roots that add an emotional layer and depth to the story as we progress through and form bonds with these women.

A few of the strong women we meet:

Grey, our independent and headstrong detective who will go the ends of the earth for her sister and rediscovers what justice can look like.

Scout, the fearless leader who knows no bounds when it comes to protecting her found family.

And sprinkled in you'll meet other women, lifted up and empowered by our fmcs.

I will admit that I was confused at times with the back and forth between POVs and timelines. I would have loved more time spent with Grey vs the side characters who's stories I could've seen through Scouts pov.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC. Pub day: 7/14/26

[Holden Wunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot Girl Murder Club is a Good For Her radical feminist anthem that we all deserve in the year 2026.

Once again Ashley Winstead is here to give us just desserts, feminine icons, and a thrilling rollercoaster of good times. I absolutely love her switches from literary fiction to thrillers and she never misses a beat.

HGMC explores the patriarchy and includes that women who have yet to decanter men while directly opposing that with the women who have had to when faced with strife and trauma. There are issues of class, power ranks, and what it truly means to have a tribe of women by your side. The only thing I didnt love was the labeling of the POV switches, it got confusing at times and wasn’t always clear who we were with until you started delving into their POV. But when it comes down to it that’s an incredibly nitpicky issue that wasn’t detrimental to the reading at all.

This is for anyone who wants a thrill, some actual justice in their life and those yearning for female friendships.

[Trisha]

this author does GREAT mysteries! July release, can't wait to read it!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in awe of how Ashley wrote the exact book we all need right now. The rage, the friendships, the frustration, and the need to do something to change it. This was heavy, real, and absolutely brilliant.

Scout and Izzy are best friends that are fueled by tragedy but with bodies stacking up and Scout’s song lyrics at each crime scene how far have they gone to get justice?

I loved this book - the sisterhood and the we are better together mentality. Also, the ending gave it that extra star for me. It was a deeply satisfying conclusion to this emotionally charged story.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Haylee Schaab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given. It was so clever, full of twists and simply kept you wanting to read more! I absolutely loved it!!!

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

At this point my only comment is: Winstead writes fearlessly and amazingly as if the book were almost non-fiction in an Epstein/Maxwell/...... world. Or today. Why is it the rich, powerful and politically connected get away with murder?

Not my question, the book's. Kind of. 🙃

I was provided an ARC for an an honest review of this book. My opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity.

[Brynn | readyourworriesaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley Winstead has been one of my auto-buy authors ever since her debut novel. I am always impressed by her talent and she is such a kind human 🫶

HOT GIRL MURDER CLUB is a twisty thriller about sisterhood and justice.

The secrets were revealed in a way that kept me glued to the page and scrambling to piece together how everything was connected.

Ashley had a knack for writing strong female characters. The friendships revealed so much about characters’ motivations and just how far their bond would take them.

This is the type of book that will pull you out of a reading slump! I loved this psychological thriller and can’t wait to add a finished copy to my Ashley Winstead collection 🩵

[Deanna Rodriguez (Cook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I had an excellent time reading this one! I love Ashley Winstead’s thrillers so MUCH! This one had SO MUCH going on with so many important themes and real unrest that’s going on now driving this story. I truly enjoyed all the characters and the roles they played and the twists they created! This book is an absolute binge read and DEFINITELY a bangerrrr! I am so grateful that I got to read it early and I can’t wait for everyone else to love it!

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Girl Murder Club
By: Ashley Winstead
Pub Date: July 14, 2026
Publisher: Minotaur Books

I always win the book lottery when I get accepted for books by Ashley. Her books in any genre she writes are ones I can’t wait to devour. Isn’t this cover TO DIE for!

For ten years, Scott Sage has been mourning her sister’s death. Georgia death at a party in Hollywood has put the light on the “not so hot area of an industry”.

Scout is now working her way in Hollywood trying to honor her memory. It’s a “cutthroat” business and lots of people will step over others to get to the top.

When murders start happening again, it is looking like Scout might be involved. How can she clear her name? She quickly learns who believes her and who turns on her.

Another FABULOUS book by Winstead. Get ready to add HOT GIRL MURDER CLUB to your shelf and devour once the book arrives.

[Jen W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a wild tale of murder, cover-ups and women stepping in and stepping up to help other women.

Scout Sage and her best friend Izabel are looking for fame and fortune in Hollywood. A party leads to the death of Scout's baby sister, Georgia. Ten years later, the Hollywood rumor is that Scout and a group of women, known as the Hot Girl Murder Club, may be responsible for several murders.

Grey Holloway is a police officer trying to unravel her own sister's disappearance while also working on Scout's case.

This story is about supporting women's rights as well as their wrongs. It is a fun thriller where everyone has something to hide.

The book is told in multiple timelines and from multiple POVs. There are quite a few POVs, so you have to really focus on the chapter heading. I think this all came together really well. Even though you know some things going on are not on the legal side, you still feel it is right. Some of these very topics can be heard on the news every day.

Thank you to St. Martins Press for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t love this book but I also didn’t dislike it. I strongly considered DNFing at the start but told myself to give it 25% before I decided. It captured my attention *just enough* to continue.

The concept had really intrigued me — a women’s murder club? Sign me up! That sounds hilarious!

What it lacked was that heart pounding feeling you should get when reading thrillers. There were no jaw dropping twists. The multiple POVs was extremely confusing, especially since it didn’t outright name anyone for that chapter, instead it would have “The Assistant”. There were over 5 POVs which is a lot.

At the end of the day it was still a good book, just not for me personally!

*Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for inviting me to read this book! All opinions are my own

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC. This was my first book from this author, and I found it to be very interesting. Loved the story concept and all the twists and turns. I didn't love the multiple POV's especially since there was really no warning that the POV switched so it was a bit confusing at first. Some of the language and word choice was interesting and felt a bit forced to sound a certain way. Overall I enjoyed it and would read this author again.

[Angelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

Prepare to be wowed by this whip smart mystery. It’s full of feminine rage, ethical relativism, justice, complex emotions, and layers of intrigue. Don’t go into thinking it’s a popcorn thriller. This book will demand full attention and focus, and it absolutely deserves it.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[shannon (books by the glass) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I support women’s rights and wrongs!! this one hit a little too close to home in today’s society, and I hate that it felt so relevant in a world of misogyny, boys’ clubs, and cover ups by billionaires who feel they can do whatever they want with no consequences

once again, ashley’s ability to weave a web full of secrets, plot twists, and characters is AMAZE 🥹 I could barely keep track of the characters, which at times felt like a lot especially with the abrupt time shifts, but the way it all tied together at the end was *chef kiss*

the two main focuses were on grey, a homicide detective who is also trying to solve her sister’s disappearance, and scout, a pop singer with a vengeance to make the women of the world stronger… however, I was here for isabel, scout’s best friend, who seemed to be content with remaining behind the scenes but we all saw who she really was 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

while the story was weaved in revenge and mystery, it was truly the conversations about society and politics that made this story. it 100% made my blood boil, but I was rooting for all of the old white men’s downfalls 🤪

another crazy one by ashley winstead hits the shelves in july!! thank you minotaur for the advanced copy!

rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: chile sauvignon blanc

[Abby (readwithdrabby) · Rating 3 out of 5]

•Ten years ago, Scout Sage was on the brink of fame, when her sister, Georgia, was murdered. Scout has spent the last ten years avenging her sister’s death, by shouting from the rooftops the names of the men she holds responsible.

•Presently, powerful men are being murdered and clues at the crime scene directly point to Sage as the one responsible. A young detective with an odd connection to everything is assigned to the case. These two women uncover more than they bargained for.

•I enjoyed the general idea of this book, but I thought the jumps from multiple POVs were sometimes confusing.

•Thank you to NetGalley, Ashley Winstead, and Minotaur Books for this ARC. It will become available on July 14, 2026.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to Netgalley & St Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of Hot Girl Murder Club!

As all of Ashley Winstead’s books are this was a compulsive read & so hard to put down.

Ashley touched on a lot of (unfortunately) real and dark topics that are affecting women today.

There were times where I was overwhelmed by all the characters and POVs and having trouble keeping track - I do think some of them could have been cut. Overall I think she managed to wrap them up well.

As always I continue to be amazed by Ashley’s range - each of her books is so different but well done.

[Katie’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
This was a really fun concept- a pop star-vigilante, murdering men who have wronged woman? And it's what originally drew me in. But it was just too confusing to read? Multiple POVs in multiple timelines that aren't well labeled, so it takes a minute to even realize who's pov you're reading. It was just all over the place and hard to follow

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lizzie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Scout Sage loses her sister, she and her best friend Izzy put no faith in the justice system to see that her murderer is held accountable. In her rise to fame, others around her begin to fade as well. Who can be trusted and what is the goal?

Great Hollywood read that reads like a tv series! Thank you St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the read!

[Uyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Minotaur Books for the free arc.

3.5⭐

I thought the idea was refreshing. Women rising up and protecting one another. There's also this sense of how the world is geared towards the rich and how they don't play to the same rules and the injustice of that.

It lost stars because the timeline was a bit confusing to follow.

[Megan Tiscareno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shout out to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
I’m a huge Ashley Winstead fan so I knew I had to read this one.
I loved the dual timeline perspective and the various characters that we meet are flawed but likable. I enjoyed the story. The ending fell flat for me. I felt like we were building up to something completely different.

[Elizabeth Anderson Wayman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic suspense from Ashley Winstead! She does such a great job of creating characters that are complex and interesting but that you never fully trust. I enjoyed this story more than In My Dreams I Hold a Knife - which was one of my favorites a few years ago. This is a must read.

[Ashley Lay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This just didn’t grip me like her other thrillers have. I think the amount of POVs and timelines was a little overwhelming, and the dialogue (especially in the last 25%) was really cringey. They all starting speaking like they were reading from a manifesto 😐

[Alycia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Review to come.

[Samantha]

Review to come

Also believe Epstein survivors.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25