Six Strikes

by Antonia Grave

There'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

Genres: Thriller, Crime

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2026

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jo Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 🎧

[soph watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

[Susan J. Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Becky Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Shona · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 Maniac: 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…

I have seen lots of good reviews for this one, and it is a very well written book, but unfortunately I felt it fell a little off mark for me.

From the start it is clear that Maddie is a troubled character, her naivety & vulnerability coming through in droves after being abducted at a young age. This is brilliantly portrayed by the author, and also in the narration, and the reader does definitely connect with her plight.

There are some very serious issues brought to light in this book, the reflection on how different a woman’s world can be to a man’s something that we can all unfortunately probably relate to in modern society, and I think the author did a stellar job of bringing this to the forefront.

Where it fell down for me was that I did find that the repetitiveness of the use of ‘flea’ did become tedious after a while, but I do get the reason why it was needed throughout to portray the mental state of Maddie and the reasoning behind her associated actions.

The audio was very engaging and it is a powerful thriller that is very well written.

[HAYLEY_READS_83 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good read!

It's told in multiple time frames - 2027 we meet Maddie Reid in prison telling her story to a mystery guest and 2007 where she has been committing murders and is currently looking for the 'Manchester Maniac'

This was not only just a thriller, it was packed with raw emotion and female rage! I felt for Maddie, the abuse she went through and the trauma she had experienced at the hands of men, really made you understand why she did what she did, get rid of the 'fleas' (abusive men)

It was fast-paced and gripping. I was intrigued by the mystery guest, it was very cleverly done and hinted at someone from her past. I had a few people in mind as to who it could be but didn't get it right 🫣

If you enjoy thrillers with interesting characters, drama, revenge and suspense then I'd highly recommend this one!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

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⭐️

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Bookstarreviews_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

AD-PR PRODUCT

A fierce debut! 🔥

I inhaled every crevice of this read in every possible moment I had over two days as this debut was a true definition of unputdownable! This read emits Katy Brent and C.J. Skuse vibes, all whilst Grave’s own craft shines brightly through, and I loved this.

Maddie, both morally grey and utterly fascinating, made an excellent protagonist. This anti-hero vigilante is razor sharp and she takes you on one hell of a journey that had me hooked throughout. Men underplay emotions, men take advantage of women, men sour the lives of women. Men are fleas! I loved Maddie’s outlook on this all, and how at times it was so horrifyingly true.

Dark, delicious and devourable, I loved the structure of this read with the chapters in the present, where Maddie’s being questioned by an unknown guest who is writing her story, and the past where we get an insight into the vile men she dealt with and how she got rid of them. Not once did I get confused with the timelines and Grave delivers this book with strong impact. I predicted the Manchester Maniac, but not the guest, but no matter what, this book resonates and I loved this aspect.

Despite the themes, the events and the interactions between characters, what I loved, and which simmered below the tough exterior of this thriller, was the emotion and the way these topics were not shied away from, but tackled to make a fantastic read. I also loved the ending and didn’t expect this at all!

This is an impressive debut and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for Grave in the future! A huge thank you @avonbooksuk for this proof copy of Six Strikes which published on Thursday! 🩷

You must check this read out because my review doesn’t do it justice! 🔥

⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️

[Abbeigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an intense, dark read. I loved the female rage angle that Maddie, the main character had going on and the way the story evolved throughout.

Storylines that follow seeking revenge are a go to for me, and Antonia Graves got this spot on.

This book for you if you love:
🌟 Strong female characters
🌟 Thrillers with a strong message
🌟 Past and prevent POV chapters

[Diane Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved just everything about this book. It's weaves and weaves you think you know but you don't at all. Spectacular first book from this author

Thanks to the author the publisher and Netgalley a early release of this book.

[Mary Picken · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Six Strikes, Antonia Grave has mined a rich seam of uncomfortable events in relation to violence against women and girls. Maddie Reid is our narrator, ably voiced here by Charlie Sanderson. There’s a hard streak to Maddie, and as her story begins to unfold, we start to realise just what has brought that to her.

Maddie’s story unfolds throughout the book, but from the opening pages, you realise that her history is full of violence and the worst kind of trauma. Now Maddie is looking to right some terrible wrongs, and she does not mean to let anyone stand in her way.

What has happened to Maddie has skewed her sense of justice, though, and what she intends to do, and in some cases, succeeds in, is to get rid of the many seedy men who set out to use and abuse women.

The novel has a dual timeline: 2007, when Maddie’s on the trail of a serial killer dubbed the ‘Manchester Maniac’, and 2027, when Maddie is in prison, telling her story to her unnamed visitor.

Grave’s novel captures well the understanding of the risks women face every day – how the simple things, like walking home alone at night or taking a late-night bus ride, are full of danger. Maddie sees male danger everywhere, and she views these predators as ‘fleas’, things to be stamped out and squashed at the earliest opportunity.

It’s not often you find serial killers to be sympathetic characters, and for the most part, Grave pulls this off very well. Maddie is damaged, but her instincts have always been spot on and she knows when danger is present, and when to strike.

For Maddie, hitting back feels less like revenge and more like a craving – a justifiable need – to survive in a safe place. Indeed, she says : “In a world made for men, I carved out a place for women to be safe.”
Grave explores this moral ambiguity through the lens of Maddie’s trauma and he friendships with other women.

This makes for a gripping and emotionally tense read (and listen), as we follow Madie’s rationale for the crimes she has committed.

Verdict: Dark, edgy and thought-provoking, I enjoyed Six Strikes. There are enough real-life examples of what Maddie and other women have endured to make this book feel entirely plausible, and the author throws in some nice curveballs, which kept me guessing. Recommended.

[The Cookster · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justice, One Strike at a Time.

3.5 stars rounded up.

Maddie, abducted at ten and scarred by more than a decade of abuse, takes justice into her own hands, targeting men she calls "fleas" - predators who stalk women, abusive husbands who refuse to leave, and anyone who thrives on fear. But when a serial killer known as the Manchester begins hunting people like her, Maddie's carefully controlled mission spirals, ultimately leading her to prison - and a confrontation that forces her to recount both her triumphs and her downfall.

Six Strikes is Antonia Grave's tense and emotionally charged debut, exploring trauma, revenge, and the everyday dangers women face. The audiobook, narrated by Charlie Sanderson, is energetic and vividly theatrical. Sanderson fully inhabits Maddie's rage, fear, and determination, and while this will work beautifully for many listeners, I personally found it occasionally a touch over-the-top. I tend to prefer a slightly more restrained delivery, so there were moments it pulled me out of the story. That said, countless other listeners are loving this narration, so it's very much a matter of personal taste.

From the first chapter, I was drawn to Maddie. Grave captures the infuriating reality that women must constantly calculate risk - even for something as simple as walking home. Beyond suspense, the novel asks difficult questions about morality, vengeance, and survival without offering tidy answers.

The pacing is mostly strong, though it slows in a few sections, and at times the core message feels a bit heavy-handed. Still, this is a thoughtful, edgy page-turner that lingers in the mind.

Though the audiobook may not suit everyone, Six Strikes is a strong debut that blends thriller tension with a hard, unflinching look at the risks women face every day.

Many thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio | Avon for providing an advance audiobook copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

"Six Strikes" is slated for release on March 12, 2026.

[Kim Snaith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bold, dark and utterly captivating, Six Strikes by Antonia Grave doesn’t pull any punches. Feminist, raw and full of rage, it’s the story of Maddie. Flitting between different timelines, our knowledge of Maddie is fragmented at first, but as you read, you’ll understand more about her – and you’ll sympathise with almost every decision she makes.

You see, Maddie is a serial killer. By definition, at least. But the way she sees it (and the way you’ll likely see it too), she’s offering a service to the world, and to women in particular: she murders what she calls ‘fleas’. Abusive men. Men who prey on vulnerable women. Leacherous men. Men without a shred of common decency.

Turns out there’s a good reason for Maddie’s intense desire to help her fellow women, and her backstory is heartbreaking. It’s something I longed to know more about, but Six Strikes only gives us enough detail to progress the story forward. It’s enough to fully understand Maddie, however, and it paints enough of a picture of the terrible things this young woman has gone through.

The two timelines we are privy to reveal Maddie in prison, caught for her murders, and an earlier Maddie, as she’s hunting down someone known as the ‘Manchester Maniac’. Following his crimes and learning about the victims makes Six Strikes feel a little like a whodunnit; you’ll be trying to figure out the Maniac’s identity alongside Maddie, and with plenty of twists along the way, it’s a novel that will certainly keep you guessing.

I’ve listened to the audio of Six Strikes and found this to be an excellent way to engage with the story. Narrated by Charlie Sanderson, Maddie is brought to life with character and vivre, with Sanderson doing a fantastic job of portraying emotions. Being a story filled with anger and sadness, emotions are ripe, but they’re pulled off perfectly.

Well written, thrilling, angry and surprisingly emotional, Six Strikes stands out thanks to not being afraid to be loud, bold and different. It’s a novel that thriller fans are going to love, and one so powerful it’s going to stay with you for a while.

[morrison_is_reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

No One Escapes The Fire

Maddie has made it her mission to protect women by hunting the men who hurt them—the men she calls “fleas.” Predators. Abusers. Men who think they can get away with anything.

But while Maddie is busy dealing out her own form of justice, another killer is stalking the streets of Manchester. And years later, sitting in a prison interview room, Maddie finally tells the story of how she caught one of the UK’s most prolific serial killers… while becoming one herself.

I was really excited to read this. The premise sounded fantastic, and I do enjoy serial killers in my thrillers, and this one has two.

Unfortunately, I struggled to get a proper grip on Maddie early on. The timelines and chapter jumps happened too quickly for me to fully connect with her character. I usually enjoy multiple timelines, but here I don’t think it was executed particularly well at the start. Later in the book it flowed much better, but I first needed more time with Maddie herself in one timeline.

The pacing also felt uneven. At times it dragged, and some parts felt repetitive. I just never became fully immersed in the story.

There is a very clear message throughout the entire book about women, abuse, victim blaming, and the way the world women live in is often shaped by men and men’s behaviour. While I do agree with the message the book presents, I personally felt it became a bit too heavy-handed and repetitive at times.

That said, maybe that’s exactly the point. Maybe the constant discomfort is meant to reflect the reality many women live with every day—where it doesn’t matter what they wear, how they look, or where they are, there will always be those men who make them feel unsafe.

I unfortunately didn’t connect with most of the characters, although I did like Sloan and Charlie. And while Maddie never fully worked for me as a character, the ending did hit an emotional spot. The final scene makes it painfully clear why she became the person she did. Her life was tragic and deeply unfair.

Usually, stories built around this kind of emotional damage really work for me… but unfortunately this one just didn’t.

[Andrea Hulme · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six Strikes follows Maddie who, as someone who has suffered abuse at the hands of men, protects women by murdering the ‘fleas’ that attack them. But Maddie can’t get away with it forever. Years later in prison, she has 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…

I’m honestly in awe that this is a debut, because it reads with the confidence, control, and polish of a bestseller (which I really hope this becomes!). The writing is impeccable, and both the premise and execution make Six Strikes a real standout for me in what is already a very crowded thriller genre.

From the first few pages I was completely hooked. The narrative moves between Maddie’s vigilante past and her present-day incarceration, where she recounts her story to a mysterious visitor. I loved this dual timeline structure and the way it created such a constant sense of tension - and the gradual reveal of the visitor’s identity was brilliantly done.

At the heart of Six Strikes is Maddie - a serial killer, yet somehow one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read. Did I like and empathise with her? Absolutely. Did I mind that she’s a serial killer? Not at all😂. Her perspective and rationale are difficult to disagree with, and I was completely engrossed by her complexity and the way her story raises unsettling questions about justice and morality.

The story itself is raw and dark, but never exploitative. Its themes are handled with sensitivity and emotional depth, exploring trauma, survival, revenge, and the blurred lines between justice and vigilantism. The pacing is perfect, creating an intense and gripping read packed with clever twists and reveals.

Bold, socially resonant, and thought-provoking, Six Strikes might already be one of my favourite reads of 2026 - and I’ll be eagerly awaiting whatever Antonia Graves writes next!

Thank you so much to Avon Books for sending me this copy to read and review. My opinions are my own.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six Strikes by Antonia Grave is a psychological thriller about a woman who wants to keep all women safe.


I’d like to thank NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books UK, and particularly Jessie Whitehead from Harper Collins for sending me a widget, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.



First, I admit that this book captured my interest from the very beginning.  The prologue set the stage, and there was no way I was putting this one down. 

The majority of the book is split between the time she is hunting the serial killer, and twenty years in the future, when she is being interviewed for the book.  There are flashbacks of her time spent in captivity.  The whole thing read very smoothly.

I found the whole idea of a female serial killer chasing a male serial killer to be fascinating.  Even knowing  (from the start)  that Maddie ends up behind bars, doesn't lessen the intrigue.  Figuring out the identity of the man she is chasing is where the fun begins.  Talk about twisted!

I think the only part which I did not particularly like was that although she figured it out in the end, a lot of the time was spent with Maddie's pure hatred of men - all men.    Until the end, Maddie was a misandrist through and through.  I'm not saying she didn't have her reasons, but it was difficult to read (just as books about misogynists are difficult to read).  Maybe it's just me.

Anyway,  the book was good.  The characters were compelling, if not always likeable.  The plot was definitely something new, and the overall pace was good.  It was a fast and entertaining read, and I will watch for more from this author!

Anyway, until next time ....


For a more thorough review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, its author information and a favorite quotation or two from this book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

 

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

 

 
 

[Shirley Painter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is it ever ok to say you kind of liked a serial killer? In this case, the serial killer is Maddie and she only kills ‘fleas.’ ‘Fleas’ are men that abuse, attack, rape or even kill women. Maddie’s mission is to clean up the streets and ensure they cannot target more women. She wants to make the streets safe again for women to walk at night time and not worry about being preyed on. In particular, she is determined to hunt down the elusive ‘Manchester Maniac,’ a serial killer at large attacking and killing women on the streets of Manchester. Her preferred kill method…look at the cover for your clue!

I enjoyed the narrative style of this book flitting between 2007 and 2027. In 2007 we follow Maddie in her quest to ‘clean the streets’ and remove the ‘fleas.’ The Manchester Maniac is at large and Maddie is determined to find him!

In 2027 Maddie is in Prison being interviewed for a book on serial killers by a mystery guest. We do not know the identity of the mystery guest but it is clear that they are known to Maddie. As the interview sessions progress, we learn more about the abuse Maddie suffered at the hands of a man that held her captive. This gives an understanding as to why she so vehemently hates and distrusts men and where she gained the concept of men being fleas!

This book is very sinister and dark at times. It’s definitely not for the faint hearted, it’s a bit heavy at times. I did find myself wanting to keep reading so that I could put the whole story together, find out who the ‘Manchester Maniac’ was and the identity of Maddie’s special guest. Even though Maddie clearly has significant psychological traumas skewing her view of life, it’s strange to think she’s killing with a moral purpose. In her eyes, she’s trying to make the world a safer place to be, she’s not trying to be evil. It was hard not to like her and feel sorry for her!

[Mary Carbajosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Aurora Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddie protects women against ‘fleas’, men who prey on females, and does this by
Murdering them. And then she gets involved in the Manchester Maniac case - a serial killer murdering people like her. Years later she is in prison and comes face to face with a visitor, who wants to tell all about how she caught a serial killer and also got caught as one herself.

Having heard great things about this book and with an eye catching cover I knew I had to read it. I can see why this has got the praise it has, it is a very well accomplished debut. The story starts strongly and straight away I was drawn into the creepy, unsettling atmosphere and was looking forward to seeing where it would go. The story is told in different timeframes, which helped keep it engaging. Having read a good few female vigilante thrillers, I was pleased that this one felt fresh, with the writing style a bit different to the ones I have previously read.

Maddie as a main character was fascinating , I couldn’t help empathise with her, despite her actions. The story questions morals and raises questions, which would be good for a book club read. There are some dark themes running through the book, but these are explored well. I did have some slight issues however, finding that the pacing and suspense seemed to dip in the middle of the story, which left me not as invested as I first was. Overall though, this was a solid, entertaining thriller and I’d read more by this author. 3.5 stars rounded up due to this being a debut. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[one.too.many.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This debut novel is unique and refreshing, the premise got my interest. Our main character Maddie is an imprisoned serial killer having murdered several men. She calls them fleas, as they are men that have murdered or abused women. We get introduced to her past where she is imprisoned by a much older man herself, then there’s a dual timeline. She gets interviewed by a mystery guest about her life and her crimes.

I enjoyed the prison interview chapters most as we get to learn about her past and the reasons why she decided to murder these men. It’s set out in short chapters with lots of little cliff hangers, and it’s definitely an easy to read thriller.

However, I didn’t like the voice of the main character or her narration, thoughts, whatever you want to call it. I found it too flippant and (definitely at the beginning) far too unhinged for my liking, I just didn’t get on with it. I know that’s definitely a me problem as I’ve read some great reviews.
It was hammering the point home a bit too forcefully that men are the bad ones and all the same. I found it too obvious to be enjoyable and some parts didn’t join up for me. I’m not at all saying it’s a bad book; I reckon it will be enjoyable for most. But for me, despite the intriguing premise and good storyline, it didn’t work. I would have liked some more explanation about the intervening years and the motivation of the main character beyond a hatred of men, the layers and depth were lacking for me.

Sorry for moaning just so much. It’s very readable and from the excellent reviews I’ve seen many might really enjoy this!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧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