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Six Strikes
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Expected 12 Mar 26There's no smoke without fire…As someone who has suffered abuse at the hands of men, Maddie protects women by murdering those who attack them – men she calls ‘fleas’. Fleas are men who follow women home. Abusive husbands who refuse to walk away. And then there’s the Manchester a serial killer stalking the streets, determined to murder people like her.
But Maddie can’t get away with it forever. Years later, in the interview room of her prison, she comes face-to-face with a very important visitor. Someone she’s going to tell all to, about how she caught one of the UK’s most prolific serial killers, and how she got caught as one herself…
This emotional and chilling thriller in the vein of Promising Young Woman is perfect for fans of Alice Feeney, Helen Fields and Jo Callaghan.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW!‘A nuanced tragedy as well as an exciting crime fiction’ – MARIE TIERNEY, author of Deadly Animals
'Remarkable' – ALISON BELSHAM, author of The Girls on Chalk Hill
'Thrilling and moving. A must read!’ – JANE RENSHAW, author of The Stepson
'Utterly enthralling' – FRANCES CRAWFORD, author of A Bad, Bad Place
'Exceptionally gripping and suspenseful’ – JULIE LANCASTER, author of Remember Where You’ve Buried the Bodies
But Maddie can’t get away with it forever. Years later, in the interview room of her prison, she comes face-to-face with a very important visitor. Someone she’s going to tell all to, about how she caught one of the UK’s most prolific serial killers, and how she got caught as one herself…
This emotional and chilling thriller in the vein of Promising Young Woman is perfect for fans of Alice Feeney, Helen Fields and Jo Callaghan.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW!‘A nuanced tragedy as well as an exciting crime fiction’ – MARIE TIERNEY, author of Deadly Animals
'Remarkable' – ALISON BELSHAM, author of The Girls on Chalk Hill
'Thrilling and moving. A must read!’ – JANE RENSHAW, author of The Stepson
'Utterly enthralling' – FRANCES CRAWFORD, author of A Bad, Bad Place
'Exceptionally gripping and suspenseful’ – JULIE LANCASTER, author of Remember Where You’ve Buried the Bodies
- GenresCrime
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 12, 2026
8 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 30, 2025
4+
Abuse sufferer Maddie Reid hunts ‘fleas’, men who stalk and murder women and men who abuse women. She’s got pretty good at it and so far has evaded the law. Meanwhile, in Manchester, a serial killer known as The Maniac is stalking prey, making life dangerous for women and so Maddie cannot resist the ‘lure’ of the city. Can she find the killer when the police failed to do so? Inevitably, the law catches up with Maddie and twenty years later at HMP Bronzefield, Maddie is in an interview room. Will she tell all about her hunt for the Manchester Maniac and how she came to be apprehended?
It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel so accomplished is the writing. This is a raw, shocking, dark and utterly gripping novel, a novel of retribution (justified? I’ll leave you to decide) and which makes very valid and thoughtful points about female safety along the way. it builds intensely and slowly but with excellent suspense and with some very good revelatory jolts along the way.
What can I say about Maddie without giving too much away? She’s resilient, resourceful, a survivor, scarred, damaged and utterly unforgettable. As you read about her, her actions, maybe like me you’ll ask a multitude of questions about right and wrong and about justice.
Overall, this is an excellent psychological thriller with many twists and turns and which is hard to put down. I hope it’s the best seller as it deserves to be.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Abuse sufferer Maddie Reid hunts ‘fleas’, men who stalk and murder women and men who abuse women. She’s got pretty good at it and so far has evaded the law. Meanwhile, in Manchester, a serial killer known as The Maniac is stalking prey, making life dangerous for women and so Maddie cannot resist the ‘lure’ of the city. Can she find the killer when the police failed to do so? Inevitably, the law catches up with Maddie and twenty years later at HMP Bronzefield, Maddie is in an interview room. Will she tell all about her hunt for the Manchester Maniac and how she came to be apprehended?
It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel so accomplished is the writing. This is a raw, shocking, dark and utterly gripping novel, a novel of retribution (justified? I’ll leave you to decide) and which makes very valid and thoughtful points about female safety along the way. it builds intensely and slowly but with excellent suspense and with some very good revelatory jolts along the way.
What can I say about Maddie without giving too much away? She’s resilient, resourceful, a survivor, scarred, damaged and utterly unforgettable. As you read about her, her actions, maybe like me you’ll ask a multitude of questions about right and wrong and about justice.
Overall, this is an excellent psychological thriller with many twists and turns and which is hard to put down. I hope it’s the best seller as it deserves to be.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
December 27, 2025
I’m unsure if this is a debut title, if it is it’s a massively impressive start to a writing career, the writing and characterisation were fabulous and the whole story felt fresh, current, relatable, believable and unique.
I loved this. and I’m glad I took my time with it, I normally have to binge a title to totally get it, but with this I was quite safe in the knowledge that Maddie was waiting to tell me her story and I could dive in and out when I had time to listen.
Quite a triumph, you’ll want this on your 2026 tbr!
I really enjoyed the narration, Charlie Sanderson made Maddie real.
Huge thanks to HarperCollins U.K. audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
I loved this. and I’m glad I took my time with it, I normally have to binge a title to totally get it, but with this I was quite safe in the knowledge that Maddie was waiting to tell me her story and I could dive in and out when I had time to listen.
Quite a triumph, you’ll want this on your 2026 tbr!
I really enjoyed the narration, Charlie Sanderson made Maddie real.
Huge thanks to HarperCollins U.K. audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Antonia Grave’s debut thriller about a vigilante serial killer reads like it was written by a seasoned, bestselling author.
It’s a gripping story of an abducted child who eventually escapes her captor but can’t escape what he’s turned her into.
It’s a novel that really makes you question justice; Maddie is in prison for taking the lives of men that prey on vulnerable women. Her perspective and rationale were hard to disagree with for the majority of this novel, as the men who become her victims are guilty of perpetrating multiple crimes and arguably, deserving of their fate.
Someone from Maddie’s past is writing her story and she agrees to be interviewed in prison for their book. The author’s identity isn’t revealed until near the end of the story, and I did not guess that particular twist. As Maddie spills the tea, we travel with her and her guest between the past and the present to find out exactly how she wound up behind bars. It’s a consuming novel about the wreckage and fear wrought by abusers and the question of what constitutes justice for the lasting and damaging scars they leave.
Charlie Sanderson narrates brilliantly.
This was an easy five-star read for me, with thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. audio for the chance to read an ARC/ALC. Do check the trigger warnings as this story is packed with them.
Six Strikes is out on 12 March.
It’s a gripping story of an abducted child who eventually escapes her captor but can’t escape what he’s turned her into.
It’s a novel that really makes you question justice; Maddie is in prison for taking the lives of men that prey on vulnerable women. Her perspective and rationale were hard to disagree with for the majority of this novel, as the men who become her victims are guilty of perpetrating multiple crimes and arguably, deserving of their fate.
Someone from Maddie’s past is writing her story and she agrees to be interviewed in prison for their book. The author’s identity isn’t revealed until near the end of the story, and I did not guess that particular twist. As Maddie spills the tea, we travel with her and her guest between the past and the present to find out exactly how she wound up behind bars. It’s a consuming novel about the wreckage and fear wrought by abusers and the question of what constitutes justice for the lasting and damaging scars they leave.
Charlie Sanderson narrates brilliantly.
This was an easy five-star read for me, with thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. audio for the chance to read an ARC/ALC. Do check the trigger warnings as this story is packed with them.
Six Strikes is out on 12 March.
January 30, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review honestly and without bias.
A compelling and original story by Antonia Grave that builds slowly as the suspense increases with every chapter. Never really sure where the story was heading and the mystery surrounding 'the guest' added to the intrigue. Maddie is a fantastic character and although she has very dark tendencies you can't help but like her, poignant at times given the hand that she was dealt and how it framed her life. Wonderfully written with some great twists I think this is going to be one of the standout reads of the year. A very impressive debut. 4.5⭐️
A compelling and original story by Antonia Grave that builds slowly as the suspense increases with every chapter. Never really sure where the story was heading and the mystery surrounding 'the guest' added to the intrigue. Maddie is a fantastic character and although she has very dark tendencies you can't help but like her, poignant at times given the hand that she was dealt and how it framed her life. Wonderfully written with some great twists I think this is going to be one of the standout reads of the year. A very impressive debut. 4.5⭐️
January 29, 2026
4.5 🌟. I had never heard of Antonia Grave before, but I’m so glad I gave this book a shot. I love a female serial killer going after bad men. This book was funny, sad and thrilling. I couldn’t stop reading. The FMC was so good and I loved the back and forth of the timelines. Definitely recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley for this arc!
Thanks to NetGalley for this arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 4.0/5
Seldom are debut novels executed as maturely as this one from Antonia Grave. Split predominantly across two timeframes, "Six Strikes" tells the story of Maddie Reid - or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that Maddie tells her own story as she is our first person narrator. The later time frame, set in 2027, features Maddie meeting with an unnamed "guest" who is visiting her is prison, where she is serving time for multiple murders. The earlier one, 2007, plays out around the time when Maddie had been committing the murders and seeking out a male serial killer dubbed "The Manchester Maniac".
A casual glance at the synopsis (and some reviews, for that matter) may suggest that "Six Strikes" is simply another in a spate of novels to feature a vigilante female leading character, such as C.J. Skuse's "Sweetpea", who turns to serial killing in order to right what she deems to be society's wrongs. However, aside from having a serial killing female lead protagonist, "Six Strikes" is significantly different to that Sweetpea-inspired sub-genre. Rather than the focus being on dark humour and often over-the-top, absurdly bizarre killing sprees, "Six Strikes" is a more considered psychological drama. It is shaped around Maddie's experiences as a woman who was abducted and abused as a child and whose perception of people, especially men, has been tainted as a consequence. The content is disturbing at times - all the more so due to the fact that it is not exaggerated for dark comedic effect, but is instead far more truly representative of what can and does happen in real life. It is impossible not to empathise with Maddie as we learn more about her. She is flawed and her view of the world often perverse - but we come to appreciate how her corrupted view is merely a consequence of the corruption she has suffered herself.
"Six Strikes" is a story that has drama, tension and suspense. It contains intriguing mysteries and astute observations of the society in which we live - but it is also emotional and poignant. This is a fine debut and I look forward to reading more from Antonia Grave.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Seldom are debut novels executed as maturely as this one from Antonia Grave. Split predominantly across two timeframes, "Six Strikes" tells the story of Maddie Reid - or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that Maddie tells her own story as she is our first person narrator. The later time frame, set in 2027, features Maddie meeting with an unnamed "guest" who is visiting her is prison, where she is serving time for multiple murders. The earlier one, 2007, plays out around the time when Maddie had been committing the murders and seeking out a male serial killer dubbed "The Manchester Maniac".
A casual glance at the synopsis (and some reviews, for that matter) may suggest that "Six Strikes" is simply another in a spate of novels to feature a vigilante female leading character, such as C.J. Skuse's "Sweetpea", who turns to serial killing in order to right what she deems to be society's wrongs. However, aside from having a serial killing female lead protagonist, "Six Strikes" is significantly different to that Sweetpea-inspired sub-genre. Rather than the focus being on dark humour and often over-the-top, absurdly bizarre killing sprees, "Six Strikes" is a more considered psychological drama. It is shaped around Maddie's experiences as a woman who was abducted and abused as a child and whose perception of people, especially men, has been tainted as a consequence. The content is disturbing at times - all the more so due to the fact that it is not exaggerated for dark comedic effect, but is instead far more truly representative of what can and does happen in real life. It is impossible not to empathise with Maddie as we learn more about her. She is flawed and her view of the world often perverse - but we come to appreciate how her corrupted view is merely a consequence of the corruption she has suffered herself.
"Six Strikes" is a story that has drama, tension and suspense. It contains intriguing mysteries and astute observations of the society in which we live - but it is also emotional and poignant. This is a fine debut and I look forward to reading more from Antonia Grave.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
January 11, 2026
I do enjoy a serial killer thriller and with Six Strikes author Antonia Grave delivers us two for the price of one. Now Maddie, one of the two aforementioned killers, and narrator of this very clever book, is no ordinary run of the mill 'woman out for revenge'. Hers is a very harrowing backstory, one that the opening pages of the book shed some light on, even if the full extent of her plight, and the way in which she breaks free from it are not explored until later in the book. The implications are clear, and are a little hard to read. Not that the ends justify the means, but it goes a long way to explaining why she sets out to exterminate those pesky 'fleas' who plague the life of women up and down the country. When she gets wind of a killer up in Manchester, the temptation to exterminate the ultimate pest is just too strong to ignore.
I really liked the way in which the author has set out this story, a mixture of present day interviews between Maddie and an as yet unnamed visitor, and her recounting of her history, post escape from her past, and her search for the so called Manchester Maniac. As with any story of murder, when the victims are sex workers, there is little fanfare, but when the latest victim is a clean living young girl from the right side of society, things get a lot more publicity. The way in which Maddie becomes embroiled in the case, and her method of hunting a killer really worked and felt just the right side of plausible.
I liked Maddie, in spite of her dark tendencies. There is an authenticity to the way the author has portrayed her and her behaviour as a survivor of abuse, and someone who has missed out on learning some of the most basic social clues, really does ring true. She is not the easiest person to connect with, as many of the characters find out, and trust is a very big deal for her, something that plays perfectly into the story and the path she follows. But she has a strength that defies her past and in reading I couldn't help imagining what she could have been if circumstances had been different. It takes real skill to make you care about a character who is so conflicted and defensive, so detached, but the author pulled it off and I really wanted to see her not only catch the killer but find a path that I already knew was impossible.
There is a great cast of characters in this book, some who serve to help Maddie in their own different ways and some who appear more ... expendable. The author employs great use of sleight of hand to misdirect us and focus attention in all the wrong places, and many a time my suspicion moved in one direction, only for the author to show me a few short pages later what an idiot I had been. The whole plot of this book feels sadly relevant and possible in as much as it echoes far too much of what makes the headlines these days, and Maddies circumstances, along with those of many of the women around her are all too relatable.
But this is not really about women as victims, although they certainly are. This is about one woman taking back control in the best way she knows how. Engrossing, fast paced and teeming with tension and atmosphere, I raced through it and loved every single second. Definitely recommended.
I really liked the way in which the author has set out this story, a mixture of present day interviews between Maddie and an as yet unnamed visitor, and her recounting of her history, post escape from her past, and her search for the so called Manchester Maniac. As with any story of murder, when the victims are sex workers, there is little fanfare, but when the latest victim is a clean living young girl from the right side of society, things get a lot more publicity. The way in which Maddie becomes embroiled in the case, and her method of hunting a killer really worked and felt just the right side of plausible.
I liked Maddie, in spite of her dark tendencies. There is an authenticity to the way the author has portrayed her and her behaviour as a survivor of abuse, and someone who has missed out on learning some of the most basic social clues, really does ring true. She is not the easiest person to connect with, as many of the characters find out, and trust is a very big deal for her, something that plays perfectly into the story and the path she follows. But she has a strength that defies her past and in reading I couldn't help imagining what she could have been if circumstances had been different. It takes real skill to make you care about a character who is so conflicted and defensive, so detached, but the author pulled it off and I really wanted to see her not only catch the killer but find a path that I already knew was impossible.
There is a great cast of characters in this book, some who serve to help Maddie in their own different ways and some who appear more ... expendable. The author employs great use of sleight of hand to misdirect us and focus attention in all the wrong places, and many a time my suspicion moved in one direction, only for the author to show me a few short pages later what an idiot I had been. The whole plot of this book feels sadly relevant and possible in as much as it echoes far too much of what makes the headlines these days, and Maddies circumstances, along with those of many of the women around her are all too relatable.
But this is not really about women as victims, although they certainly are. This is about one woman taking back control in the best way she knows how. Engrossing, fast paced and teeming with tension and atmosphere, I raced through it and loved every single second. Definitely recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Six Strikes is a complex and layered thriller that makes you sit up and think about trauma, abuse and revenge. Maddie, scarred by years of abuse, takes justice into her own hands by targeting the men she calls “fleas”—predators who stalk women, abusive husbands who refuse to walk away, and those who thrive on fear.
I was really focused on how a young Maddie, captured and locked away by a man, when she was 10 years old. And was stuck in that situation for 12 years. All the things that a young girl goes through kept playing on my mind as I was reading this. You get taken at a young age, and have a life dictated to by a stranger, a man, and are stuck in that situation until you are 22 years old and manage to escape.
The narrative unfolds with Maddie years later, in the stark confines of a prison interview room, recounting how she, the hunted, becomes the hunter. The story line covers a 20 year span, as we follow Maddie's life following her escape from the house where she was kidnapped and then her life in prison. The story is woven together brilliantly, as we go back and forward, learning about what drives her. We hear how she hunted down one of the UK’s most prolific killers—the Manchester Maniac—but also became a killer herself. This fascinating writing style gives the novel a haunting impact, blending confession with suspense, and forcing us to confront uncomfortable questions about justice, morality, and survival.
What makes Six Strikes stand out is its emotional depth. It’s not just a tale of violence and pursuit. I liked that the focus was on Maddie and not the 'fleas.' I was drawn to her character. She was scared, resilient, protector and predator. The atmosphere is tense and immersive, yet threaded with humanity, and even some humour.
Six Strikes is both chilling and thought-provoking—a thriller that burns with intensity and will linger long after the final pages are finished.
With thanks to Antonia Grave, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
I was really focused on how a young Maddie, captured and locked away by a man, when she was 10 years old. And was stuck in that situation for 12 years. All the things that a young girl goes through kept playing on my mind as I was reading this. You get taken at a young age, and have a life dictated to by a stranger, a man, and are stuck in that situation until you are 22 years old and manage to escape.
The narrative unfolds with Maddie years later, in the stark confines of a prison interview room, recounting how she, the hunted, becomes the hunter. The story line covers a 20 year span, as we follow Maddie's life following her escape from the house where she was kidnapped and then her life in prison. The story is woven together brilliantly, as we go back and forward, learning about what drives her. We hear how she hunted down one of the UK’s most prolific killers—the Manchester Maniac—but also became a killer herself. This fascinating writing style gives the novel a haunting impact, blending confession with suspense, and forcing us to confront uncomfortable questions about justice, morality, and survival.
What makes Six Strikes stand out is its emotional depth. It’s not just a tale of violence and pursuit. I liked that the focus was on Maddie and not the 'fleas.' I was drawn to her character. She was scared, resilient, protector and predator. The atmosphere is tense and immersive, yet threaded with humanity, and even some humour.
Six Strikes is both chilling and thought-provoking—a thriller that burns with intensity and will linger long after the final pages are finished.
With thanks to Antonia Grave, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm really scared to commit to this so early in the year - but I have a feeling that this is going to be one of my favourite reads of the whole of 2026!!
This book took me on such an emotional rollercoaster and even now I am still struggling for words and a little bit in shock!
We follow the story of Maddie who - now, I'm giving no spoilers here - but she's had a tough life.... she's made some bad decisions and done some even worse things.
But as much as I know that I should side against her for all that she's done - I honestly just can't - and I feel that many readers will be rooting for along the way too.
Maddie is the absolute product of the bad hand she's been dealt in life and this story just shows how the things that happened to her, have shaped her and motivated her to become the person she is.
I think I kind of fell in love with her character right from the off and honestly couldn't put this book down until I had discovered her whole journey.
The story is told purely from Maddie's pov and we really get to delve around in her mind.
This helped me connect with her and feel each and every emotion.
She's, on the one hand, such a complex character - but in many ways so easily relatable too.
I loved that the events unfold gradually as we switch between the three different timelines - with the present, showing us the outcome, but each thread adding more and more layers to the whole story.
Each thread was packed with twists that kept me hooked from start to finish and then that ending totally floored me!
Maddie will stay in my head for a long time to come and this is definitely a book I could see myself re-reading (and I don't do that too often!) - even knowing the outcome and the twists, I could easily dive back in and spend so much more time with this brilliant book!
I can't wait to see more from this author soon - the writing was wonderful and it's a voice that really resonated.
I'm excited for what's next.
This book took me on such an emotional rollercoaster and even now I am still struggling for words and a little bit in shock!
We follow the story of Maddie who - now, I'm giving no spoilers here - but she's had a tough life.... she's made some bad decisions and done some even worse things.
But as much as I know that I should side against her for all that she's done - I honestly just can't - and I feel that many readers will be rooting for along the way too.
Maddie is the absolute product of the bad hand she's been dealt in life and this story just shows how the things that happened to her, have shaped her and motivated her to become the person she is.
I think I kind of fell in love with her character right from the off and honestly couldn't put this book down until I had discovered her whole journey.
The story is told purely from Maddie's pov and we really get to delve around in her mind.
This helped me connect with her and feel each and every emotion.
She's, on the one hand, such a complex character - but in many ways so easily relatable too.
I loved that the events unfold gradually as we switch between the three different timelines - with the present, showing us the outcome, but each thread adding more and more layers to the whole story.
Each thread was packed with twists that kept me hooked from start to finish and then that ending totally floored me!
Maddie will stay in my head for a long time to come and this is definitely a book I could see myself re-reading (and I don't do that too often!) - even knowing the outcome and the twists, I could easily dive back in and spend so much more time with this brilliant book!
I can't wait to see more from this author soon - the writing was wonderful and it's a voice that really resonated.
I'm excited for what's next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I first heard about this book, I thought that the title sounded very intriguing and that’s what made it stand out for me. The story follows the female lead character Maddie, from her point of view, as we realise she is being held captive by a pedophile, then we quickly learn that Maddie kills men who abuse women, men she calls FLEAS … she is a serial killer !! After a difficult life, and having been abused herself, Maddie is on a mission to rid the world of abusive husbands, stalkers and one serial killer - the Manchester Maniac, in order to protect other women. According to her, in a world made for men, she has carved out a place for women to be safe. Years later while serving time in prison, an important visitor is going to write a book about Maddie, and her crimes. It’s time to tell all.
The book is quite a complex, layered story, which is dark and full of secrets and deception, and is in parts, a very disturbing read. I enjoyed the story line immensely, but I felt it was let down by a lot of rambling and repetition.
The implausibly gruesome plot is highly unlikely but fascinating and engaging and we get a gradual unraveling set of events, jumping between timelines to help us understand why Maddie acts as she does.
The story is not without subtle humour, and one of my favourite quotes by Maggie,
“I am the police, but far more effective- they should thank me” perfectly sums up her attitude.
For me, this was an exciting tale, that will certainly entertain anyone who is looking for a dark, menacing thriller.
Thank you to Net Galley and Avon Books for the advanced copy.
The book is quite a complex, layered story, which is dark and full of secrets and deception, and is in parts, a very disturbing read. I enjoyed the story line immensely, but I felt it was let down by a lot of rambling and repetition.
The implausibly gruesome plot is highly unlikely but fascinating and engaging and we get a gradual unraveling set of events, jumping between timelines to help us understand why Maddie acts as she does.
The story is not without subtle humour, and one of my favourite quotes by Maggie,
“I am the police, but far more effective- they should thank me” perfectly sums up her attitude.
For me, this was an exciting tale, that will certainly entertain anyone who is looking for a dark, menacing thriller.
Thank you to Net Galley and Avon Books for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Maddie, shaped by past abuse, hunts and kills predatory men she calls “fleas.” Years later, she’s begins to unpack how her path led her from survivor to someone with blood on her hands.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
The narrator gives a big performance and is very much the vibe of this story. For me though, it was a little too much. I tend to struggle with bigger, more theatrical deliveries, and this leaned that way.
That said, loads of reviewers are loving the audio, so this might absolutely be a “me” thing.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
I loved the 3-timeline structure. It pulled me in straight away and kept me wanting to know all the things. As it went on, it became heavier on the middle timeline, and unfortunately that was the one I enjoyed the least.
I was with Maddie immediately. The fact that women can’t even go for a walk without calculating risk because of men is infuriating. It’s such a basic freedom, and yet it doesn’t feel basic at all.
What I really appreciated was how it raises questions about right and wrong without wrapping them up neatly.
The vibe sits in that middle space I love. It’s not gritty, but it’s definitely not popcorn light either. A thoughtful page-turner with an edge. I did find the pacing slightly slow in places, and the core message, while important, occasionally felt a little heavy-handed.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
A strong debut that takes a hard look at the everyday danger women live with. The audiobook wasn’t quite for me, but it’s getting a lot of love from other listeners.
Thank you HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Charlie Sanderson
📖 Publishes 03•12•26 | 352 pages | 9h 37m
Maddie, shaped by past abuse, hunts and kills predatory men she calls “fleas.” Years later, she’s begins to unpack how her path led her from survivor to someone with blood on her hands.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
The narrator gives a big performance and is very much the vibe of this story. For me though, it was a little too much. I tend to struggle with bigger, more theatrical deliveries, and this leaned that way.
That said, loads of reviewers are loving the audio, so this might absolutely be a “me” thing.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
I loved the 3-timeline structure. It pulled me in straight away and kept me wanting to know all the things. As it went on, it became heavier on the middle timeline, and unfortunately that was the one I enjoyed the least.
I was with Maddie immediately. The fact that women can’t even go for a walk without calculating risk because of men is infuriating. It’s such a basic freedom, and yet it doesn’t feel basic at all.
What I really appreciated was how it raises questions about right and wrong without wrapping them up neatly.
The vibe sits in that middle space I love. It’s not gritty, but it’s definitely not popcorn light either. A thoughtful page-turner with an edge. I did find the pacing slightly slow in places, and the core message, while important, occasionally felt a little heavy-handed.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
A strong debut that takes a hard look at the everyday danger women live with. The audiobook wasn’t quite for me, but it’s getting a lot of love from other listeners.
Thank you HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Charlie Sanderson
📖 Publishes 03•12•26 | 352 pages | 9h 37m
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It’s incredible that this book is a debut as it is so brilliantly written with fabulous characterisation and a perfectly executed plot. I was gripped!
The story is narrated by Maddie, largely across two timelines; the present day, where she is serving time in prison for her crimes and 20 years previously. Maddie is a complex character with a level of cold emotional detachment that seemed incongruous with the other side of her personality, where she deeply cared about other women and their safety. Despite her murderous tendencies, I found myself liking Maddie, admiring her resilience and rooting for her as she endeavours to catch and kill as many bad men as she can - and she’s good at it!
Maddie’s own past very much shaped the woman she has become; she was kidnapped at 10 years old and held captive by a man for 12 years until her escape. I liked the way the author drip fed us the details of Maddie’s captivity through her memories and imaginary conversations with him, as he still haunted her, in her mind and enabling the reader to feel desperately sorry for her, even knowing she is a predatory killer!
This book is raw, dark and incredibly intense and the writing feels original and unique. There are some clever twists and I found the concept of Maddie meeting with an unnamed prison visitor, who was interviewing her for a book they were writing, added an additional layer of intrigue to the mystery.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Antonia Grave and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
The story is narrated by Maddie, largely across two timelines; the present day, where she is serving time in prison for her crimes and 20 years previously. Maddie is a complex character with a level of cold emotional detachment that seemed incongruous with the other side of her personality, where she deeply cared about other women and their safety. Despite her murderous tendencies, I found myself liking Maddie, admiring her resilience and rooting for her as she endeavours to catch and kill as many bad men as she can - and she’s good at it!
Maddie’s own past very much shaped the woman she has become; she was kidnapped at 10 years old and held captive by a man for 12 years until her escape. I liked the way the author drip fed us the details of Maddie’s captivity through her memories and imaginary conversations with him, as he still haunted her, in her mind and enabling the reader to feel desperately sorry for her, even knowing she is a predatory killer!
This book is raw, dark and incredibly intense and the writing feels original and unique. There are some clever twists and I found the concept of Maddie meeting with an unnamed prison visitor, who was interviewing her for a book they were writing, added an additional layer of intrigue to the mystery.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Antonia Grave and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
November 23, 2025
Six Strikes is a bold and unsettling thriller that asks what happens when trauma and vengeance collide. Maddie, scarred by years of abuse, takes justice into her own hands by targeting the men she calls “fleas”—predators who stalk women, abusive husbands who refuse to walk away, and those who thrive on fear. Her mission is brutal but rooted in a fierce desire to protect, and that complexity makes her story both chilling and deeply compelling.
The narrative unfolds with Maddie years later, in the stark confines of a prison interview room, recounting how she not only hunted down one of the UK’s most prolific killers—the Manchester Maniac—but also became a killer herself. This framing gives the novel a haunting resonance, blending confession with suspense, and forcing the reader to confront uncomfortable questions about justice, morality, and survival.
What makes Six Strikes stand out is its emotional depth. It’s not simply a tale of violence and pursuit, but a story about scars, resilience, and the blurred line between protector and predator. The atmosphere is tense and immersive, yet threaded with humanity, making Maddie a character who lingers long after the final page.
Perfect for fans of Alice Feeney, Helen Fields, and Jo Callaghan, Six Strikes is both chilling and thought-provoking—a thriller that burns with intensity and refuses to be forgotten.
With thanks to Antonia Grave, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The narrative unfolds with Maddie years later, in the stark confines of a prison interview room, recounting how she not only hunted down one of the UK’s most prolific killers—the Manchester Maniac—but also became a killer herself. This framing gives the novel a haunting resonance, blending confession with suspense, and forcing the reader to confront uncomfortable questions about justice, morality, and survival.
What makes Six Strikes stand out is its emotional depth. It’s not simply a tale of violence and pursuit, but a story about scars, resilience, and the blurred line between protector and predator. The atmosphere is tense and immersive, yet threaded with humanity, making Maddie a character who lingers long after the final page.
Perfect for fans of Alice Feeney, Helen Fields, and Jo Callaghan, Six Strikes is both chilling and thought-provoking—a thriller that burns with intensity and refuses to be forgotten.
With thanks to Antonia Grave, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
December 4, 2025
Review of ‘Six Strikes’ by Antonia Grace, due to be published on 12 March 2026 by Avon Books UK.
Told from the point of view of Maddie Reid, now an infamous serial killer, her backstory being a child abducted as a 10 year old, kept captive by her abuser, Ben Starr, for 12 years.
We follow Maddie through two timelines - one in 2007 in Manchester, where together with investigative reporter Victoria Sloane they hunt for clues as to who the ‘Manchester Maniac’ is - the other during her incarceration at HMP Bronzefield in 2027. We follow Maddie’s recall of the other abusers, or ‘fleas’ as she calls them, how she caught them and ended their lives.
Undoubtedly, the horrors of her past and lost childhood shaped her future, Maddie sees only bad, and struggles to see any good. Maybe her thoughts and actions are misguided, or maybe she is right - she is a hero who has saved countless other women from a fate similar to her own, or worse.
The revelation of who her mystery prison visitor is left until near the end, with there being a few suspects for who it could be, with a cleverly written tiny little reference that is almost blink and you’d miss it to give a glimpse of their identity, earlier than the reveal itself.
A well written, well executed, dark and unsettling debut. I found myself completely engrossed in Maddie’s story. Words don’t do justice to just how good this novel is - it’s a highly recommend read.
Told from the point of view of Maddie Reid, now an infamous serial killer, her backstory being a child abducted as a 10 year old, kept captive by her abuser, Ben Starr, for 12 years.
We follow Maddie through two timelines - one in 2007 in Manchester, where together with investigative reporter Victoria Sloane they hunt for clues as to who the ‘Manchester Maniac’ is - the other during her incarceration at HMP Bronzefield in 2027. We follow Maddie’s recall of the other abusers, or ‘fleas’ as she calls them, how she caught them and ended their lives.
Undoubtedly, the horrors of her past and lost childhood shaped her future, Maddie sees only bad, and struggles to see any good. Maybe her thoughts and actions are misguided, or maybe she is right - she is a hero who has saved countless other women from a fate similar to her own, or worse.
The revelation of who her mystery prison visitor is left until near the end, with there being a few suspects for who it could be, with a cleverly written tiny little reference that is almost blink and you’d miss it to give a glimpse of their identity, earlier than the reveal itself.
A well written, well executed, dark and unsettling debut. I found myself completely engrossed in Maddie’s story. Words don’t do justice to just how good this novel is - it’s a highly recommend read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🎧5⭐️
I had the audiobook Charlie Sanderson who is excellent.
Maddie is an abuse survivor turned serial killer. We hear her story from interviews in prison as well as her own past recollections. What we don’t know until the end of the book is who the interviewer is.
I love the first person narrative it keeps it light and chatty. Although badly damaged she comes across as sassy, confidant to the point of arrogance.
I’ve read a few female serial killers / vigilantes,I think the most well known is the Sweetpea series. As there’s always a common theme it’s hard to get a unique angle. I really need to understand the driving forces of the antagonist, having empathy for the situation, and not judging her for her actions, I didn’t find Maddie likeable but could totally understand her reasoning as her experiences are shared with the reader, and I definitely didn’t judge her, so the author did a great job getting me on board. It’s definitely dark, but not gruesome so sits mid way on the cosy to gore score making this accessible to many.
This is well finessed it doesn’t feel like a debut novel. There’s plenty going on throughout the book which kept my attention riveted. It’s got a good pace which never dips.
One bit I found strange was the date of the prison interviews as it’s 2027, and I couldn’t work that out that rationale.
I highly recommend this book and will be looking to see what this author comes up with next.
I had this book for free
I had the audiobook Charlie Sanderson who is excellent.
Maddie is an abuse survivor turned serial killer. We hear her story from interviews in prison as well as her own past recollections. What we don’t know until the end of the book is who the interviewer is.
I love the first person narrative it keeps it light and chatty. Although badly damaged she comes across as sassy, confidant to the point of arrogance.
I’ve read a few female serial killers / vigilantes,I think the most well known is the Sweetpea series. As there’s always a common theme it’s hard to get a unique angle. I really need to understand the driving forces of the antagonist, having empathy for the situation, and not judging her for her actions, I didn’t find Maddie likeable but could totally understand her reasoning as her experiences are shared with the reader, and I definitely didn’t judge her, so the author did a great job getting me on board. It’s definitely dark, but not gruesome so sits mid way on the cosy to gore score making this accessible to many.
This is well finessed it doesn’t feel like a debut novel. There’s plenty going on throughout the book which kept my attention riveted. It’s got a good pace which never dips.
One bit I found strange was the date of the prison interviews as it’s 2027, and I couldn’t work that out that rationale.
I highly recommend this book and will be looking to see what this author comes up with next.
I had this book for free
January 3, 2026
Maddie Reid is a strong, bold woman. She had to grow up far too quickly, her childhood being everything that nightmares are made of.
Six Strikes is told in a dual timeline. One timeline tells of us of Maddie’s formative years, all that she endured, that shaped her in to the adult we meet. We also see Maddie in 2027, meeting regularly with a mystery visitor, who is clearly someone she knows, but as the reader, we are not privy to their identity.
I enjoyed the author’s writing, and the pace at which the story unfolded. It didn’t feel rushed, and it didn’t drag, it was perfectly pitched to understand Maddie. I found myself gripped by our central character and story, and continually wondered what led her to where we find her in 2027.
I loved the intentional ambiguity of Maddie’s visitor. Not knowing who they were, made me constantly question their motivations and angle. I had three people in mind, and I was constantly in flux over their identity. The audio narration was provided by Charlie Sanderson, voicing both male and female characters really well. Having a sole narrator kept the question of the visitor a mystery, until the author was ready to show their hand.
I think fans of Sweetpea, and revenge thrillers in general, will love Six Strikes. It is such an impressive, suspenseful debut, and I’m already looking forward to reading whatever Antonia writes next.
Six Strikes is told in a dual timeline. One timeline tells of us of Maddie’s formative years, all that she endured, that shaped her in to the adult we meet. We also see Maddie in 2027, meeting regularly with a mystery visitor, who is clearly someone she knows, but as the reader, we are not privy to their identity.
I enjoyed the author’s writing, and the pace at which the story unfolded. It didn’t feel rushed, and it didn’t drag, it was perfectly pitched to understand Maddie. I found myself gripped by our central character and story, and continually wondered what led her to where we find her in 2027.
I loved the intentional ambiguity of Maddie’s visitor. Not knowing who they were, made me constantly question their motivations and angle. I had three people in mind, and I was constantly in flux over their identity. The audio narration was provided by Charlie Sanderson, voicing both male and female characters really well. Having a sole narrator kept the question of the visitor a mystery, until the author was ready to show their hand.
I think fans of Sweetpea, and revenge thrillers in general, will love Six Strikes. It is such an impressive, suspenseful debut, and I’m already looking forward to reading whatever Antonia writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: Six Strikes
Author: Antonia Grave
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Publication Date: March 12, 2026
This book tells the heart-wrenching story of Maddie as she recounts her past. It is told in two different time periods, the past and the present.
While Maddie is in prison, a journalist that is writing a book about her frequently stops in for a visit. The name of the journalist isn't given, simply referring to the person as they/them and "guest". This drives me a little bit crazy as those are pronouns used for more than one person, not a single person. Even though I understand the reasoning for this, it's one of my pet peeves and it just threw me off. It wasn't until 85% into the book that the person was described as "he".
My heart goes out to Maddie. She endured so much. Being kidnapped and then continuously raped, eventually being rescued after 13 years. As if that wasn't enough, she had to endure a deadly disease while incarcerated. A part of me felt it was wrong to root for Maddie, to want her to continue to squash out "fleas", but how could you not???
This book is full of drama, suspense, and twisty turns. I'm hoping this author continues to write books, as I see a bright future ahead. Definitely one of the best books I've read in quite some time.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Author: Antonia Grave
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Publication Date: March 12, 2026
This book tells the heart-wrenching story of Maddie as she recounts her past. It is told in two different time periods, the past and the present.
While Maddie is in prison, a journalist that is writing a book about her frequently stops in for a visit. The name of the journalist isn't given, simply referring to the person as they/them and "guest". This drives me a little bit crazy as those are pronouns used for more than one person, not a single person. Even though I understand the reasoning for this, it's one of my pet peeves and it just threw me off. It wasn't until 85% into the book that the person was described as "he".
My heart goes out to Maddie. She endured so much. Being kidnapped and then continuously raped, eventually being rescued after 13 years. As if that wasn't enough, she had to endure a deadly disease while incarcerated. A part of me felt it was wrong to root for Maddie, to want her to continue to squash out "fleas", but how could you not???
This book is full of drama, suspense, and twisty turns. I'm hoping this author continues to write books, as I see a bright future ahead. Definitely one of the best books I've read in quite some time.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Did I pick this up because it was written by a fellow Antonia? Yes, I did - and I am so glad. What an absolutely cracking debut!
We follow Maddie across two timelines. The first when she is killing men who attack women. And years later, in a prison interview where she’s ready to tell all: how she helped catch the Manchester Maniac serial killer and how she ended up being caught as one herself.
Maddie is such a complex and compelling character: callous, calculating and cruel at times, yet deeply traumatised, longing for connection while fiercely protecting women from an evil she knows first-hand. Her rage feel understandable, even when her actions aren’t. She's the ultimate anti-hero - and I can't stop thinking about her! 🖤
Despite knowing from the beginning where Maddie’s story ends, the story still manages to weave in mysteries: who is the Manchester Maniac, and who is interviewing Maddie?
The novel also delivers a powerful exploration of the added weight women carry every day - the invisible labour of staying safe, the constant calculation of risk, and the exhausting reality that the onus so often falls on women to manage men’s behaviour. This thematic depth elevates the book beyond a revenge thriller into something sharper and more socially resonant.
Highly recommend!
We follow Maddie across two timelines. The first when she is killing men who attack women. And years later, in a prison interview where she’s ready to tell all: how she helped catch the Manchester Maniac serial killer and how she ended up being caught as one herself.
Maddie is such a complex and compelling character: callous, calculating and cruel at times, yet deeply traumatised, longing for connection while fiercely protecting women from an evil she knows first-hand. Her rage feel understandable, even when her actions aren’t. She's the ultimate anti-hero - and I can't stop thinking about her! 🖤
Despite knowing from the beginning where Maddie’s story ends, the story still manages to weave in mysteries: who is the Manchester Maniac, and who is interviewing Maddie?
The novel also delivers a powerful exploration of the added weight women carry every day - the invisible labour of staying safe, the constant calculation of risk, and the exhausting reality that the onus so often falls on women to manage men’s behaviour. This thematic depth elevates the book beyond a revenge thriller into something sharper and more socially resonant.
Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
This was an entertaining debut from Antonia Grave, with a morally messy premise that immediately pulled me in. I’m always intrigued by vigilante-style stories, especially ones that center women reclaiming power, so this definitely had my attention from the start.
Six Strikes stood out for how uncomfortable it was — in a good way. This isn’t a glossy vigilante story; it’s darker, heavier, and emotionally raw. Maddie isn’t meant to be admired or justified, and the book really leans into the cost of her choices. The interview-room framing adds this constant sense of inevitability that made the tension feel psychological and lingering rather than twisty.
That said, after having read They Never Learn—which uses a very similar trope—I was hoping this one would feel a bit sharper and move faster. The concept is compelling, but the pacing felt slightly more measured than I wanted, and I kept waiting for that extra edge or urgency to really kick in.
Still, I appreciated the darker themes, the emotional undercurrent, and the way the story examines justice, trauma, and accountability. While it didn’t fully hit the intensity I was craving, it was a solid read.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
This was an entertaining debut from Antonia Grave, with a morally messy premise that immediately pulled me in. I’m always intrigued by vigilante-style stories, especially ones that center women reclaiming power, so this definitely had my attention from the start.
Six Strikes stood out for how uncomfortable it was — in a good way. This isn’t a glossy vigilante story; it’s darker, heavier, and emotionally raw. Maddie isn’t meant to be admired or justified, and the book really leans into the cost of her choices. The interview-room framing adds this constant sense of inevitability that made the tension feel psychological and lingering rather than twisty.
That said, after having read They Never Learn—which uses a very similar trope—I was hoping this one would feel a bit sharper and move faster. The concept is compelling, but the pacing felt slightly more measured than I wanted, and I kept waiting for that extra edge or urgency to really kick in.
Still, I appreciated the darker themes, the emotional undercurrent, and the way the story examines justice, trauma, and accountability. While it didn’t fully hit the intensity I was craving, it was a solid read.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
February 11, 2026
Six Strikes by Antonia Grave is an engaging read that expertly combines suspense and character development, making it a worthy addition to the thriller genre. Set against a backdrop of intense action and unexpected twists, the narrative keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
One of the standout elements of the book for me is the protagonist's development. Maya evolves beautifully throughout the story, showcasing her growth in strength and resilience as she navigates the challenges thrown her way. Antonia Grave skilfully weaves Maya's backstory into the plot, allowing readers to connect deeply with her struggles and I found myself rooting for her.
The pacing is generally well-balanced, with moments of high tension interspersed with quieter, reflective scenes that allow for character introspection. While some plot points felt a bit predictable, the overall execution and engaging writing style kept my interest piqued.
In summary, Six Strikes is a thrilling journey that offers a compelling protagonist in Maya and a gripping plot. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the narration and would recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read when it releases on March 12, 2026. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listening early
One of the standout elements of the book for me is the protagonist's development. Maya evolves beautifully throughout the story, showcasing her growth in strength and resilience as she navigates the challenges thrown her way. Antonia Grave skilfully weaves Maya's backstory into the plot, allowing readers to connect deeply with her struggles and I found myself rooting for her.
The pacing is generally well-balanced, with moments of high tension interspersed with quieter, reflective scenes that allow for character introspection. While some plot points felt a bit predictable, the overall execution and engaging writing style kept my interest piqued.
In summary, Six Strikes is a thrilling journey that offers a compelling protagonist in Maya and a gripping plot. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the narration and would recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read when it releases on March 12, 2026. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listening early
January 18, 2026
Six Strikes is a dark and uncomfortable read at times. The subject matter is tough, dealing with abuse, power, and violence, but it’s wrapped inside a compelling mystery about truth, justice, and how a woman reclaims control from dangerous men who believe they’re untouchable.
What I really appreciated was how the story slowly reveals itself. You’re constantly questioning what actually happened, who Maddie really is, and how far she’s willing to go. I found myself torn between sympathy and unease , which felt very intentional. Maddie is a complex, flawed protagonist, and I liked that the book doesn’t try to make her choices easy or comfortable for the reader.
The serial killer reveal genuinely surprised me. I thought I had a handle on where the story was going, and then it took a turn I didn’t see coming, which added a lot to the overall impact of the ending.
This isn’t a light read by any means, but if you enjoy dark thrillers that focus on survival, empowerment, and blurred moral lines, this one is worth picking up. It’s gritty, unsettling, and thought provoking in equal measure.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review.
What I really appreciated was how the story slowly reveals itself. You’re constantly questioning what actually happened, who Maddie really is, and how far she’s willing to go. I found myself torn between sympathy and unease , which felt very intentional. Maddie is a complex, flawed protagonist, and I liked that the book doesn’t try to make her choices easy or comfortable for the reader.
The serial killer reveal genuinely surprised me. I thought I had a handle on where the story was going, and then it took a turn I didn’t see coming, which added a lot to the overall impact of the ending.
This isn’t a light read by any means, but if you enjoy dark thrillers that focus on survival, empowerment, and blurred moral lines, this one is worth picking up. It’s gritty, unsettling, and thought provoking in equal measure.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A new author, a debut novel. I won't lie, I found this a tough read. To be fair the subject of abused women was never going to be a cheery story. It made me think what dark place the author must have been to to create this narrative.
Maddie is a victim of abuse, she was kidnapped for 12 years from the age of 12 by a man, kept his prisoner and abused both mentally and physically.
Maddie escaped by killing her captor. She then got a taste for it and wanted to be a protector of women by killing abusers of women (fleas). She casts the women as innocent lambs and the evil men as the fleas who just constantly feed off the lambs.
Maddie kills these men.
She gets caught, the story is told over two timelines, one as she leaves the hostel for domestically abused women for Manchester, as there is a serial killer of women on the loose. She sets her sights on stopping him.
The second time line is of her 20 years later in prison, where she is serving a life sentence for murdering the fleas!
The prison timeline I was more on board with as it gave you some light into how her mind worked. The Manchester story was too coincendental and felt too unrealistic.
It dragged in places (the middle especially) and there was a lot of repetition, particularly "in my minds eye", I recall that phrase being used 3 or 4 times in the second half of the book.
I did like the way the Author built Maddies' character and the narrator of the audiobook did a good job with the storytelling.
Overall I gave this a 3/5 (probably rounded up from 2.5). It was ok, could have been better.
Maddie is a victim of abuse, she was kidnapped for 12 years from the age of 12 by a man, kept his prisoner and abused both mentally and physically.
Maddie escaped by killing her captor. She then got a taste for it and wanted to be a protector of women by killing abusers of women (fleas). She casts the women as innocent lambs and the evil men as the fleas who just constantly feed off the lambs.
Maddie kills these men.
She gets caught, the story is told over two timelines, one as she leaves the hostel for domestically abused women for Manchester, as there is a serial killer of women on the loose. She sets her sights on stopping him.
The second time line is of her 20 years later in prison, where she is serving a life sentence for murdering the fleas!
The prison timeline I was more on board with as it gave you some light into how her mind worked. The Manchester story was too coincendental and felt too unrealistic.
It dragged in places (the middle especially) and there was a lot of repetition, particularly "in my minds eye", I recall that phrase being used 3 or 4 times in the second half of the book.
I did like the way the Author built Maddies' character and the narrator of the audiobook did a good job with the storytelling.
Overall I gave this a 3/5 (probably rounded up from 2.5). It was ok, could have been better.
December 4, 2025
Raw, dark and utterly gripping.
It’s hard to believe that this is a debut novel, the writing is stellar and the way in which it unfolds unsettling and yet compulsive.
Told from two timelines, we are introduced to Maddie. Abused, broken, different, survivor, seeker of justice, serial killer. She is a multi faceted character with depth and paradox. The story raises the question about morality when seen from the perspective of someone who genuinely believes that they are doing something right having been a victim themselves.
I loved this book, from the moment I picked it up I knew I had a good read! This book reminds me a lot of Sweetpea by C J Skuse - just without the dark humour. It’s not gory and (luckily) it does not glorify or detail Maddies abuse. In stead it is artfully written so the reader is able to fully empathise with her without having to truly ‘understand’ what she lived through.
Definitely one to look out for in the book clubs next year. I think this’ll cause quite a stir.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
It’s hard to believe that this is a debut novel, the writing is stellar and the way in which it unfolds unsettling and yet compulsive.
Told from two timelines, we are introduced to Maddie. Abused, broken, different, survivor, seeker of justice, serial killer. She is a multi faceted character with depth and paradox. The story raises the question about morality when seen from the perspective of someone who genuinely believes that they are doing something right having been a victim themselves.
I loved this book, from the moment I picked it up I knew I had a good read! This book reminds me a lot of Sweetpea by C J Skuse - just without the dark humour. It’s not gory and (luckily) it does not glorify or detail Maddies abuse. In stead it is artfully written so the reader is able to fully empathise with her without having to truly ‘understand’ what she lived through.
Definitely one to look out for in the book clubs next year. I think this’ll cause quite a stir.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Maddie was kidnapped at 10 years old and held captive for 12 years. After she gains her freedom, she searches out bad men (who she calls fleas) and exterminates them. Very much in the same vein as Promising Young Woman, she is the anti-hero protecting women from would-be attackers.
I really loved the premise of this story, Maddie is dishing out her own form of justice because the system has failed her and other women. The story is told from a dual timeline - present day, where she is in prison serving time for the murders she’s committed, and 2007 when she is searching for a serial killer, known as the Manchester Maniac.
The ending has a great twist, which I thought was very well done. The middle of the book was a little slow for me, I felt that the story wasn’t moving forward and I was losing interest in parts. Overall, I did enjoy this read, and would be a great pick for those who love books with serial killers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK | Avon for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved the premise of this story, Maddie is dishing out her own form of justice because the system has failed her and other women. The story is told from a dual timeline - present day, where she is in prison serving time for the murders she’s committed, and 2007 when she is searching for a serial killer, known as the Manchester Maniac.
The ending has a great twist, which I thought was very well done. The middle of the book was a little slow for me, I felt that the story wasn’t moving forward and I was losing interest in parts. Overall, I did enjoy this read, and would be a great pick for those who love books with serial killers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK | Avon for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2025
**Six Strikes** is a gripping thriller that pulled me in from the first chapter and never really let up. Antonia Grave keeps the tension high throughout, balancing sharp action with a lingering sense of unease that made me want to read “just one more page” over and over again.
I especially liked how grounded the main character felt. Their reactions, doubts, and stubborn determination gave the story real emotional weight, even when things got intense. The twists were clever without feeling forced, and the pacing stayed tight all the way through.
A few moments moved a bit quickly, but overall this was a fast, addictive read with atmosphere to spare. If you enjoy thrillers with grit, mystery, and a strong central voice, **Six Strikes** is absolutely worth picking up.
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Antonia Grave and Avon Books UK📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
I especially liked how grounded the main character felt. Their reactions, doubts, and stubborn determination gave the story real emotional weight, even when things got intense. The twists were clever without feeling forced, and the pacing stayed tight all the way through.
A few moments moved a bit quickly, but overall this was a fast, addictive read with atmosphere to spare. If you enjoy thrillers with grit, mystery, and a strong central voice, **Six Strikes** is absolutely worth picking up.
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Antonia Grave and Avon Books UK📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
December 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Maddie is a survivor. She has suffered at the hands of abusive men, the types of men she calls 'fleas', and her plan is to remove those fleas from the world, before the Police catch up with her. She knows there is a serial killer in Manchester, and she is determined to rid this flea, seeing as the authorities have so far failed to catch him.
This was a dark story. I liked Maddie, and her actions are very thought provoking, whether you feel what she is doing is justified for the greater good, or she is just as bad as them. I found myself really rooting for her, and I hoped she got the life she had dreamed of. We read from two different timelines, back when she was in a women's refuge, and then from HMP Bronzefield where we read more about her own backstory. It got quite slow in places, but it was still quite a good and captivating read.
Maddie is a survivor. She has suffered at the hands of abusive men, the types of men she calls 'fleas', and her plan is to remove those fleas from the world, before the Police catch up with her. She knows there is a serial killer in Manchester, and she is determined to rid this flea, seeing as the authorities have so far failed to catch him.
This was a dark story. I liked Maddie, and her actions are very thought provoking, whether you feel what she is doing is justified for the greater good, or she is just as bad as them. I found myself really rooting for her, and I hoped she got the life she had dreamed of. We read from two different timelines, back when she was in a women's refuge, and then from HMP Bronzefield where we read more about her own backstory. It got quite slow in places, but it was still quite a good and captivating read.
December 17, 2025
Six Strike is a solid thriller with an interesting premise and enough tension to keep things moving, even if it didn’t fully land for me.
Antonia Graves clearly knows how to build suspense, and there are moments where the story pulls you in and makes you want to read on. The pacing is generally good, and the plot has some engaging twists, but I found parts of it a little predictable and wished certain threads had been explored in more depth.
The characters are likeable enough, but I didn’t always feel fully connected to them, which made it harder to stay emotionally invested as the stakes rose. There’s nothing wrong with the writing, it just didn’t quite deliver the punch I was hoping for.
Overall, Six Strike is an easy, competent read that will suit fans of the genre, but it didn’t stand out strongly for me. Worth a look if you’re after a straightforward thriller without too much complexity
Antonia Graves clearly knows how to build suspense, and there are moments where the story pulls you in and makes you want to read on. The pacing is generally good, and the plot has some engaging twists, but I found parts of it a little predictable and wished certain threads had been explored in more depth.
The characters are likeable enough, but I didn’t always feel fully connected to them, which made it harder to stay emotionally invested as the stakes rose. There’s nothing wrong with the writing, it just didn’t quite deliver the punch I was hoping for.
Overall, Six Strike is an easy, competent read that will suit fans of the genre, but it didn’t stand out strongly for me. Worth a look if you’re after a straightforward thriller without too much complexity
January 26, 2026
This is a great, twisty, gripping read that kept me hooked from start to finish. From the very first pages, the story pulls you in and never lets go, constantly shifting your expectations and keeping you guessing. loved the use of different timelines — they add depth, tension, and an extra layer of intrigue, slowly revealing truths while hiding even more beneath the surface. This is a book full of secrets and deception, where everything you think you know is completely thrown up in the air.
The story is dark, compelling, and brilliantly paced, with characters that feel complex and believable. Every reveal lands with impact, and the atmosphere keeps you on edge throughout.
I’m genuinely surprised this is a debut novel — it’s so confident, polished, and expertly told. Antonia Grave has delivered a brilliant debut with a powerful story and unforgettable characters. I loved everything about it and will absolutely be looking out for what she writes next.
The story is dark, compelling, and brilliantly paced, with characters that feel complex and believable. Every reveal lands with impact, and the atmosphere keeps you on edge throughout.
I’m genuinely surprised this is a debut novel — it’s so confident, polished, and expertly told. Antonia Grave has delivered a brilliant debut with a powerful story and unforgettable characters. I loved everything about it and will absolutely be looking out for what she writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Female “vigilantes” always interest me. Taking on abusers in books is interesting. I enjoy seeing how the author will handle an essentially amoral character that you are secretly rooting for.
That’s Maddie who has taken on the onerous task of eliminating “fleas.” Shifting between the past and the present we get to see how Maddie develops and how she views the consequences of her actions. She takes on abusers with a sense for justice (that doesn’t always happen in real life). While you are not supposed to condone what she does, as a reader (I think book - not real life as murder is wrong) you cheer her on. These people are vile.
I liked Maddie. She’s strong, resilient, and she has a good purpose in mind - albeit it one that’s not morally right. Again, it’s a book and the enjoyment of the book are good characters and plots which you get in this one.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Avon Books for allowing me to read this ARC.
That’s Maddie who has taken on the onerous task of eliminating “fleas.” Shifting between the past and the present we get to see how Maddie develops and how she views the consequences of her actions. She takes on abusers with a sense for justice (that doesn’t always happen in real life). While you are not supposed to condone what she does, as a reader (I think book - not real life as murder is wrong) you cheer her on. These people are vile.
I liked Maddie. She’s strong, resilient, and she has a good purpose in mind - albeit it one that’s not morally right. Again, it’s a book and the enjoyment of the book are good characters and plots which you get in this one.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Avon Books for allowing me to read this ARC.
December 26, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to listen to this audiobook ARC of Six Strikes by Antonia Grave.
Six Strikes is a gripping thriller with a strong, unforgettable female lead. Maddie, having survived being taken to a drug den by her addict mother and held against her will, is driven by a fierce sense of justice after her escape. She fights misogyny and violence against women in her own way, targeting the men who harm them, while grappling with the moral weight of her actions. Grave’s writing is intense and darkly compelling, and the narration perfectly suits the cast of characters and the difficult content. I particularly enjoyed the humour, which provided a welcome foil to the darker themes. The takeaway from Queen of Burgers will stay with me for some time! Perfect for fans of the CJ Skise Sweet Pea series. A solid five stars from me.
Six Strikes is a gripping thriller with a strong, unforgettable female lead. Maddie, having survived being taken to a drug den by her addict mother and held against her will, is driven by a fierce sense of justice after her escape. She fights misogyny and violence against women in her own way, targeting the men who harm them, while grappling with the moral weight of her actions. Grave’s writing is intense and darkly compelling, and the narration perfectly suits the cast of characters and the difficult content. I particularly enjoyed the humour, which provided a welcome foil to the darker themes. The takeaway from Queen of Burgers will stay with me for some time! Perfect for fans of the CJ Skise Sweet Pea series. A solid five stars from me.
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