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Lady X: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26The search for a notorious vigilante exposes the secrets between three generations of women in this propulsive novel of female resistance and rage, sweeping from contemporary L.A. to gritty, 1970s New York.
Los Angeles, 2024. After learning that her A-List actor husband sent explicit photos to multiple girls on social media, Margot Cooper runs away from the world—and the paparazzi—by fleeing to her childhood home with her teenage daughter in tow.
But home isn’t the sanctuary Margot was hoping for. In a cardboard box in the corner of the attic, she finds damning evidence of an infamous urban legend, the mysterious vigilante “Lady X”—including a blurry newspaper photo of a woman who looks an awful lot like Margot’s mother.
New York City, 1977. In the midst of an infamous summer, Ginger Daughtry and her two beloved roommates are able to shield each other from the chaos—until one of them is assaulted. Astounded by the lack of response from police, the young women decide to engage in some light payback, signing their handiwork as “Lady X.”
Soon copycats appear, and a movement inspired by acts of vandalism against terrible men spirals out of control, with criminals running amok under the guise of the enigmatic “Lady X.” When a body is found fallen—or pushed—from five stories high, the hunt reaches a boiling point.
But Lady X has vanished into thin air.
Los Angeles, 2024. After learning that her A-List actor husband sent explicit photos to multiple girls on social media, Margot Cooper runs away from the world—and the paparazzi—by fleeing to her childhood home with her teenage daughter in tow.
But home isn’t the sanctuary Margot was hoping for. In a cardboard box in the corner of the attic, she finds damning evidence of an infamous urban legend, the mysterious vigilante “Lady X”—including a blurry newspaper photo of a woman who looks an awful lot like Margot’s mother.
New York City, 1977. In the midst of an infamous summer, Ginger Daughtry and her two beloved roommates are able to shield each other from the chaos—until one of them is assaulted. Astounded by the lack of response from police, the young women decide to engage in some light payback, signing their handiwork as “Lady X.”
Soon copycats appear, and a movement inspired by acts of vandalism against terrible men spirals out of control, with criminals running amok under the guise of the enigmatic “Lady X.” When a body is found fallen—or pushed—from five stories high, the hunt reaches a boiling point.
But Lady X has vanished into thin air.
Audible Audio
Expected publication July 14, 2026
About the author
Molly Fader
4 books657 followersMolly Fader is the author of The McAvoy Sister’s Book Of Secrets. As Molly O’Keefe she is the USA Today Bestselling author of over 50 contemporary romances. She lives in Toronto Ontario with her husband, two kids and rescue dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
June 5, 2026
I zipped through this audiobook! A feminine rage type of story that had me interested in both present and past storylines.
August 28, 2025
Out May 5th, 2026
Lady X is a gripping, intergenerational novel that blends mystery, feminist resistance, and emotional reckoning across two timelines—1970s New York and contemporary Los Angeles. At its heart, the story explores the legacy of a vigilante known only as “Lady X,” whose mythic reputation has haunted and empowered women for decades. The novel opens in 2024 with Margot Cooper, a Hollywood wife reeling from the public scandal of her A-list husband’s inappropriate behavior. Seeking refuge, she retreats to her childhood home with her teenage daughter, only to uncover a box in the attic containing cryptic evidence—newspaper clippings and photos—that suggest her mother may have once been the infamous Lady X.
The narrative then shifts to 1977 New York City, where Ginger Daughtry and her two roommates are navigating a gritty, chaotic summer. When one of them is assaulted and the police fail to act, the women take justice into their own hands. Their retaliatory acts—graffiti, vandalism, and symbolic defiance—are signed “Lady X,” sparking a wave of copycat crimes and a citywide obsession with the mysterious figure. What begins as a personal crusade against misogyny snowballs into a movement, blurring the lines between justice and chaos. When a man is found dead under suspicious circumstances, the hunt for Lady X intensifies, but she disappears without a trace.
As Margot digs deeper into her mother’s past, she begins to unravel the secrets that bind three generations of women—herself, her mother, and her daughter.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC!
Lady X is a gripping, intergenerational novel that blends mystery, feminist resistance, and emotional reckoning across two timelines—1970s New York and contemporary Los Angeles. At its heart, the story explores the legacy of a vigilante known only as “Lady X,” whose mythic reputation has haunted and empowered women for decades. The novel opens in 2024 with Margot Cooper, a Hollywood wife reeling from the public scandal of her A-list husband’s inappropriate behavior. Seeking refuge, she retreats to her childhood home with her teenage daughter, only to uncover a box in the attic containing cryptic evidence—newspaper clippings and photos—that suggest her mother may have once been the infamous Lady X.
The narrative then shifts to 1977 New York City, where Ginger Daughtry and her two roommates are navigating a gritty, chaotic summer. When one of them is assaulted and the police fail to act, the women take justice into their own hands. Their retaliatory acts—graffiti, vandalism, and symbolic defiance—are signed “Lady X,” sparking a wave of copycat crimes and a citywide obsession with the mysterious figure. What begins as a personal crusade against misogyny snowballs into a movement, blurring the lines between justice and chaos. When a man is found dead under suspicious circumstances, the hunt for Lady X intensifies, but she disappears without a trace.
As Margot digs deeper into her mother’s past, she begins to unravel the secrets that bind three generations of women—herself, her mother, and her daughter.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC!
September 30, 2025
Lady X is a sweeping, dual-timeline novel of resistance, rage, and resilience.
In 1977 New York, Ginger and her roommates, disillusioned by a system that fails them, become the notorious vigilante “Lady X.” In 2024 Los Angeles, Margot, reeling from her husband’s betrayal, uncovers clues that suggest her own mother may have been part of the legend.
What I loved most was how Molly Fader tackled such a dark and important subject with grace. The story is suspenseful yet deeply human, with women you can’t help but cheer for, even when they’re walking morally gray lines.
Perfect for readers of Kate Quinn, Lisa Unger, or Brit Bennett.
In 1977 New York, Ginger and her roommates, disillusioned by a system that fails them, become the notorious vigilante “Lady X.” In 2024 Los Angeles, Margot, reeling from her husband’s betrayal, uncovers clues that suggest her own mother may have been part of the legend.
What I loved most was how Molly Fader tackled such a dark and important subject with grace. The story is suspenseful yet deeply human, with women you can’t help but cheer for, even when they’re walking morally gray lines.
Perfect for readers of Kate Quinn, Lisa Unger, or Brit Bennett.
September 28, 2025
Thank you to Random House Publishing and Molly Fader (via NetGalley) for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
"Lady X" follows sisters Margot and Julia as they navigate family lies and secrets. After Margot’s husband Jack becomes embroiled in public scandal due to his affairs, the sisters discover evidence linking their mother to the 1977 activist known as "Lady X." This revelation prompts them to uncover secrets about their mother's past.
The novel features a unique premise with dual points of view, alternating between Margot in 2024 and Ginger in 1977. The author effectively sets the scene with vivid descriptions of the Orbit Room, the political climate of 1977, and well-developed backstories for each character. Faye, Rachel, and Ginger illustrate the struggle and spirit of the feminist movement. I appreciated how each main character evolved throughout the novel, learning to trust one another and assert themselves in a male-dominated world.
Although there were some references in the 1977 perspective that I found confusing and had to reread several times, by the end, Ginger's past intertwined seamlessly with Margot’s current situation with her husband. This novel powerfully explores themes of female friendship and the feminist movement.
"Lady X" is set to be published on May 5, 2026.
"Lady X" follows sisters Margot and Julia as they navigate family lies and secrets. After Margot’s husband Jack becomes embroiled in public scandal due to his affairs, the sisters discover evidence linking their mother to the 1977 activist known as "Lady X." This revelation prompts them to uncover secrets about their mother's past.
The novel features a unique premise with dual points of view, alternating between Margot in 2024 and Ginger in 1977. The author effectively sets the scene with vivid descriptions of the Orbit Room, the political climate of 1977, and well-developed backstories for each character. Faye, Rachel, and Ginger illustrate the struggle and spirit of the feminist movement. I appreciated how each main character evolved throughout the novel, learning to trust one another and assert themselves in a male-dominated world.
Although there were some references in the 1977 perspective that I found confusing and had to reread several times, by the end, Ginger's past intertwined seamlessly with Margot’s current situation with her husband. This novel powerfully explores themes of female friendship and the feminist movement.
"Lady X" is set to be published on May 5, 2026.
June 21, 2026
Lady X is a grunge-fueled New York City vigilante story encased in a heartfelt family saga.
While her world is falling apart, Margot and her sister accidentally uncover their mother’s decades old secrets. Among them is evidence possibly linking her to Lady X, an infamous NYC vigilante who was known for targeting the city’s most despicable men. Told in dual timelines, we follow three generations of women as they grapple with their respective traumas. Although decades apart, their crises all share one common denominator… the audacity of men.
This was an exceptionally good time. Dual timelines don’t always land for me as I usually far prefer one period over the other but this was a rare gem. Both timelines and their respective characters were strong and engaging and I found myself lost in the pages. The roommates made such a chaotically charming trio and encapsulated the kind of friendship any girl dreams to have. Meanwhile, Margot’s arc showed growth and a found resolve that I quite admired.
The patriarchal injustices and feelings of mistrust/fear toward men was painted in a way any woman can understand. The search for revenge was satisfying and watching the women rally around one another was bittersweet. I really enjoyed the author’s attention to detail and the pop culture references throughout. Molly Fader paints an engrossing and vivid picture of the grimey 1977 NYC nightlife. The characters were just as well drawn with all three generations of women showing various levels of healing and resolve. Their journeys were handled with great care and sympathy.
I recommend for fans of found sisterhood, feminist lit, heart-rending family sagas, and crime period pieces.
While her world is falling apart, Margot and her sister accidentally uncover their mother’s decades old secrets. Among them is evidence possibly linking her to Lady X, an infamous NYC vigilante who was known for targeting the city’s most despicable men. Told in dual timelines, we follow three generations of women as they grapple with their respective traumas. Although decades apart, their crises all share one common denominator… the audacity of men.
This was an exceptionally good time. Dual timelines don’t always land for me as I usually far prefer one period over the other but this was a rare gem. Both timelines and their respective characters were strong and engaging and I found myself lost in the pages. The roommates made such a chaotically charming trio and encapsulated the kind of friendship any girl dreams to have. Meanwhile, Margot’s arc showed growth and a found resolve that I quite admired.
The patriarchal injustices and feelings of mistrust/fear toward men was painted in a way any woman can understand. The search for revenge was satisfying and watching the women rally around one another was bittersweet. I really enjoyed the author’s attention to detail and the pop culture references throughout. Molly Fader paints an engrossing and vivid picture of the grimey 1977 NYC nightlife. The characters were just as well drawn with all three generations of women showing various levels of healing and resolve. Their journeys were handled with great care and sympathy.
I recommend for fans of found sisterhood, feminist lit, heart-rending family sagas, and crime period pieces.
December 2, 2025
* thanks to Ballantine for the ARC (pub dat: May 5, 2026)
Loved this - dual timelines (1970s NYC and today), vigilante justice, complicated female friendships, complicated family relationships, and a lot of shitty men.
Loved this - dual timelines (1970s NYC and today), vigilante justice, complicated female friendships, complicated family relationships, and a lot of shitty men.
March 1, 2026
Thank you, thank you, thank you Lauren from BookHuddle and NetGalley for this ARC.
I inhaled this book. I could not put in down. If you are angry and disappointed about everything going on in the world right now, this book is just for you. The feminine rage is so justified and essential at this moment.
The dual storylines were equally engaging. I loved reading about New York in the 70’s, while Margot’s story is so similar to others in the news. You will feel a connection to the female characters in this story - their rage, their love/found family, and their disappointment in the lack of accountability and change. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
I inhaled this book. I could not put in down. If you are angry and disappointed about everything going on in the world right now, this book is just for you. The feminine rage is so justified and essential at this moment.
The dual storylines were equally engaging. I loved reading about New York in the 70’s, while Margot’s story is so similar to others in the news. You will feel a connection to the female characters in this story - their rage, their love/found family, and their disappointment in the lack of accountability and change. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
July 11, 2026
LADY X is one of my favorite novels of 2026 so far! I absolutely loved this story of female rage and resistance. I finished it in only a couple sittings and truly had so much fun reading it.
When Margot returns to her childhood home, she uncovers evidence that points to her mother being Lady X, an infamous vigilante.
Between 1970s New York and 2024 Los Angeles, both timelines were equally entertaining and brought the story to life.
The writing was fantastic and the characters were fully developed. I really loved reading about Ginger and her two roommates!!
When Margot returns to her childhood home, she uncovers evidence that points to her mother being Lady X, an infamous vigilante.
Between 1970s New York and 2024 Los Angeles, both timelines were equally entertaining and brought the story to life.
The writing was fantastic and the characters were fully developed. I really loved reading about Ginger and her two roommates!!
February 24, 2026
First, a big thank you to Lauren from BookHuddle and NetGalley for the ARC!
This book was incredible. I honestly don’t even have the words. Every woman needs to read this. Honestly so do the men.
The feminine rage in this story? So satisfying. It felt so relatable and powerful in a way that just hits. I truly think any woman could see parts of herself in these pages. And the ending? I’ve never felt so satisfied watching a character grow and fully step into themselves.
I’m usually not a dual-timeline girl and almost always prefer one over the other, but not here. I was equally invested in both. Every time I wanted more from one timeline, Molly delivered. She really knew exactly when to give you what you were craving.
Such a powerful read.
This book was incredible. I honestly don’t even have the words. Every woman needs to read this. Honestly so do the men.
The feminine rage in this story? So satisfying. It felt so relatable and powerful in a way that just hits. I truly think any woman could see parts of herself in these pages. And the ending? I’ve never felt so satisfied watching a character grow and fully step into themselves.
I’m usually not a dual-timeline girl and almost always prefer one over the other, but not here. I was equally invested in both. Every time I wanted more from one timeline, Molly delivered. She really knew exactly when to give you what you were craving.
Such a powerful read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2026
5 stars!
This was a fabulous read for me. The dual timeline, the characters, the tension, and the atmosphere all came together to create a propulsive and evocative story.
The women in both timelines were so well developed and had strong, bonded relationships. There were so many tough things that happened to many of the characters, but their strong relationships helped them through.
I couldn't stop reading this; I had to know what was going to happen. Every time we switched timelines, I was immersed, but still wanted to get back to the alternate timeline to find out what was happening. I can't recommend this bad-ass feminist story enough. I hope it gets all the attention it deserves!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advance e-reader copy.
This was a fabulous read for me. The dual timeline, the characters, the tension, and the atmosphere all came together to create a propulsive and evocative story.
The women in both timelines were so well developed and had strong, bonded relationships. There were so many tough things that happened to many of the characters, but their strong relationships helped them through.
I couldn't stop reading this; I had to know what was going to happen. Every time we switched timelines, I was immersed, but still wanted to get back to the alternate timeline to find out what was happening. I can't recommend this bad-ass feminist story enough. I hope it gets all the attention it deserves!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advance e-reader copy.
May 4, 2026
I loved this book so much. A dual time-line that portrays the strength of a family through similar experiences. The story telling was fantastic, I could feel the emotion in each character and connection in each timeline.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars!
Three generations of women navigate themes of resistance in contemporary Los Angeles and 1970s New York. In 2024, Margot Cooper discovers a link between her mother and the vigilante "Lady X," prompting her to return to her childhood home. Meanwhile, in 1977 New York, Ginger Daughtry and her roommates, after facing police inaction following an assault, take justice into their own hands under the name "Lady X." Their movement spirals out of control as Lady X mysteriously disappears, leaving chaos in her wake...
Honestly, I’ve come across this book all over my social media feeds, and I couldn’t resist diving in, especially with that stunning cover! What a fantastic decision it turned out to be, as this bold narrative deserves to be shared for generations to come. I’m particularly drawn to this year’s themes surrounding women’s resilience, resistance, and standing up during challenging times. The new generation often doesn’t grasp how vastly different life was for women back then and, in many ways, still is.
The story unfolds across two timelines, following Margot in the present and Ginger in the past, with news articles seamlessly woven in to enhance the narrative. As Margot and her sister Julie sift through their mom's belongings, they stumble upon a box labeled "New York" in the attic, and that’s where the adventure truly begins! What an exhilarating ride it was! Then we meet the infamous Lady X and her intriguing sidekicks—what a captivating tale!
This heart-pounding story is described so vividly that I felt like I was right there beside Lady X, seeking revenge! It was hard to put down—definitely one of those perfect vacation reads. The characters stick with you, and the dual timelines provide a fascinating glimpse into the past while keeping the story moving forward.
What a thoughtfully crafted narrative about women striving to survive in their own time, with the hope of telling their stories one day. This book is for anyone who appreciates tales of female solidarity, resilience, and friendship that endure through unimaginable challenges, along with their reunion. If you enjoy stories centered around womanhood and fierce female vigilantes, this one is a must-read! The narrative has heart, and I absolutely loved it! Retelling stories from the ‘70s can be tricky, given how different things are now, but this was done tastefully. You really feel the helpless dread and rage as if you were experiencing their struggles firsthand. What a remarkable ending! Time waits for no one!
Thank you, Ballentine Books and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Three generations of women navigate themes of resistance in contemporary Los Angeles and 1970s New York. In 2024, Margot Cooper discovers a link between her mother and the vigilante "Lady X," prompting her to return to her childhood home. Meanwhile, in 1977 New York, Ginger Daughtry and her roommates, after facing police inaction following an assault, take justice into their own hands under the name "Lady X." Their movement spirals out of control as Lady X mysteriously disappears, leaving chaos in her wake...
Honestly, I’ve come across this book all over my social media feeds, and I couldn’t resist diving in, especially with that stunning cover! What a fantastic decision it turned out to be, as this bold narrative deserves to be shared for generations to come. I’m particularly drawn to this year’s themes surrounding women’s resilience, resistance, and standing up during challenging times. The new generation often doesn’t grasp how vastly different life was for women back then and, in many ways, still is.
The story unfolds across two timelines, following Margot in the present and Ginger in the past, with news articles seamlessly woven in to enhance the narrative. As Margot and her sister Julie sift through their mom's belongings, they stumble upon a box labeled "New York" in the attic, and that’s where the adventure truly begins! What an exhilarating ride it was! Then we meet the infamous Lady X and her intriguing sidekicks—what a captivating tale!
This heart-pounding story is described so vividly that I felt like I was right there beside Lady X, seeking revenge! It was hard to put down—definitely one of those perfect vacation reads. The characters stick with you, and the dual timelines provide a fascinating glimpse into the past while keeping the story moving forward.
What a thoughtfully crafted narrative about women striving to survive in their own time, with the hope of telling their stories one day. This book is for anyone who appreciates tales of female solidarity, resilience, and friendship that endure through unimaginable challenges, along with their reunion. If you enjoy stories centered around womanhood and fierce female vigilantes, this one is a must-read! The narrative has heart, and I absolutely loved it! Retelling stories from the ‘70s can be tricky, given how different things are now, but this was done tastefully. You really feel the helpless dread and rage as if you were experiencing their struggles firsthand. What a remarkable ending! Time waits for no one!
Thank you, Ballentine Books and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 7, 2026
I was completely mesmerized by the storytelling...6 stars for this masterpiece!
"Lady X is trying to tell us something. Why aren’t we listening? Why isn’t anyone asking these men what they did to deserve this?"
Margot Cooper lives the idyllic Hollywood lifestyle with her handsome actor husband and their teenage daughter. But it all comes crashing down when his inappropriate photos surface causing a huge public scandal. Seeking refuge, she flees to her childhood home with her daughter. While helping her sister clean out the home, they find a box in the attic containing newspaper clippings and photos from 1977 that suggests their mom may have been the mysterious "Lady X", a vigilante in New York City who targeted abusive men when the system wouldn't listen.
Lady X is a powerful, necessary read. Feminine rage, revenge, mystery, intergenerational secrets and strong female friendships completely captured my attention. The characters were so well-developed, I connected emotionally with each of them. The rage you'll feel reading about the injustices these women faced THEN and NOW is indescribable. This novel screams: women empowering women. Fader's writing is so engaging and flowed so precisely, I read this in 24 hours while still working 12 hour shifts; I didn't want to put it down! Typically in a dual timeline story, I'm drawn to one more than the other but not in LADY X! I was equally drawn to both the past and present storylines. I especially loved the fierce friendship between Ginger, Faye and Rachel.
This unforgettable book will be one of my top 10 of the year. I need EVERYONE to read this masterpiece when it's out...it'll make for great discussions!
"Lady X is trying to tell us something. Why aren’t we listening? Why isn’t anyone asking these men what they did to deserve this?"
Margot Cooper lives the idyllic Hollywood lifestyle with her handsome actor husband and their teenage daughter. But it all comes crashing down when his inappropriate photos surface causing a huge public scandal. Seeking refuge, she flees to her childhood home with her daughter. While helping her sister clean out the home, they find a box in the attic containing newspaper clippings and photos from 1977 that suggests their mom may have been the mysterious "Lady X", a vigilante in New York City who targeted abusive men when the system wouldn't listen.
Lady X is a powerful, necessary read. Feminine rage, revenge, mystery, intergenerational secrets and strong female friendships completely captured my attention. The characters were so well-developed, I connected emotionally with each of them. The rage you'll feel reading about the injustices these women faced THEN and NOW is indescribable. This novel screams: women empowering women. Fader's writing is so engaging and flowed so precisely, I read this in 24 hours while still working 12 hour shifts; I didn't want to put it down! Typically in a dual timeline story, I'm drawn to one more than the other but not in LADY X! I was equally drawn to both the past and present storylines. I especially loved the fierce friendship between Ginger, Faye and Rachel.
This unforgettable book will be one of my top 10 of the year. I need EVERYONE to read this masterpiece when it's out...it'll make for great discussions!
May 27, 2026
Synopsis:
Los Angeles, 2024. After learning that her A-List actor husband sent explicit photos to multiple girls on social media, Margot Cooper runs away from the world—and the paparazzi—by fleeing to her childhood home with her teenage daughter in tow. In a cardboard box in the corner of the attic, she finds damning evidence of an infamous urban legend, the mysterious vigilante “Lady X”—including a blurry newspaper photo of a woman who looks like Margot’s mother.
New York City, 1977. In the midst of an infamous summer, Ginger Daughtry and her two beloved roommates are able to shield each other from the chaos—until one of them is assaulted. The young women decide to engage in some light payback, signing their handiwork as “Lady X.” Soon copycats appear, and a movement inspired by acts of vandalism against terrible men spirals out of control. When a body is found fallen—or pushed—from five stories high, the hunt reaches a boiling point.
Review:
I absolutely LOVED this book! There were strong and badass female characters peppered through this entire book. It really does feel so unfair that there is rarely retribution for men when they abuse women so I can see why "Lady X" really took off in NYC, with copycats popping up. I connected in some way with each woman in this book, and despite there being many characters, I was able to follow along easily as each character was developed with a clear ARC. I'm always a fan of a dual timeline because I like to see the direct link between history and present day, which as a society, we often seem to forget. If you like reading about female rage, feminism and resistance, you have to read this book. F the patriarchy!
Thanks to Molly & Ballantine for my ARC!
Los Angeles, 2024. After learning that her A-List actor husband sent explicit photos to multiple girls on social media, Margot Cooper runs away from the world—and the paparazzi—by fleeing to her childhood home with her teenage daughter in tow. In a cardboard box in the corner of the attic, she finds damning evidence of an infamous urban legend, the mysterious vigilante “Lady X”—including a blurry newspaper photo of a woman who looks like Margot’s mother.
New York City, 1977. In the midst of an infamous summer, Ginger Daughtry and her two beloved roommates are able to shield each other from the chaos—until one of them is assaulted. The young women decide to engage in some light payback, signing their handiwork as “Lady X.” Soon copycats appear, and a movement inspired by acts of vandalism against terrible men spirals out of control. When a body is found fallen—or pushed—from five stories high, the hunt reaches a boiling point.
Review:
I absolutely LOVED this book! There were strong and badass female characters peppered through this entire book. It really does feel so unfair that there is rarely retribution for men when they abuse women so I can see why "Lady X" really took off in NYC, with copycats popping up. I connected in some way with each woman in this book, and despite there being many characters, I was able to follow along easily as each character was developed with a clear ARC. I'm always a fan of a dual timeline because I like to see the direct link between history and present day, which as a society, we often seem to forget. If you like reading about female rage, feminism and resistance, you have to read this book. F the patriarchy!
Thanks to Molly & Ballantine for my ARC!
March 24, 2026
4.5 stars. Lady X was great. I loved the dual time line. Both sides were equally interesting and enjoyable to read. I loved the story of how Lady X came to be, and the power of women, especially in a time when women did not have much of it. Highly recommend this book. Thank you Random House and NetGalley for the EArc.
February 21, 2026
A book about sisterhood & female rage against the patriarchy? Fuck yes. Please read this.
October 1, 2025
Okay, wow—Lady X, five stars and zero regrets. This isn’t normally the type of book I reach for, and I’d never read anything from this author before, but the cover and synopsis had me intrigued. I went in curious but unsure if it would hold my attention… and I ended up glued to the pages.
The story moves between two timelines: Margot in 2024, who’s hiding out at her childhood home after her marriage implodes, and Ginger in 1977 New York, where she and her roommates decide to fight back after one of them is attacked. Their small act of revenge snowballs into something much bigger—an urban legend known as “Lady X.” Generational secrets, a little mystery, and plenty of tension tie the two timelines together, and it’s all super easy to follow.
What I loved most was how much heart this book had. Sisterhood, found family, women empowering other women—it’s all here, and it shines. The 1977 chapters especially popped for me. While Son of Sam was on the loose, Lady X was out there saying “hold my beer” (figuratively, not literally) and making sure bad men are brought to their knees. (That one is both literal and figurative.)
There are some great twists and turns, and while a couple of sections dragged just a bit, I honestly didn’t care—I was too invested in the characters and needed to know how it all shook out. These women are raw, fierce, and relatable.
This was a 5-star read for me, no question. It’s the kind of book that would spark so much conversation in a book club—you could really dig into the themes and probably trauma-bond a little over what the women go through. Luckily, they have each other, and as a reader, you feel that support right along with them.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Random House Published/Ballantine Books for putting this arc on my radar. Pub date is 5/5/2026. Highly recommend picking this one up—you won’t regret it!
The story moves between two timelines: Margot in 2024, who’s hiding out at her childhood home after her marriage implodes, and Ginger in 1977 New York, where she and her roommates decide to fight back after one of them is attacked. Their small act of revenge snowballs into something much bigger—an urban legend known as “Lady X.” Generational secrets, a little mystery, and plenty of tension tie the two timelines together, and it’s all super easy to follow.
What I loved most was how much heart this book had. Sisterhood, found family, women empowering other women—it’s all here, and it shines. The 1977 chapters especially popped for me. While Son of Sam was on the loose, Lady X was out there saying “hold my beer” (figuratively, not literally) and making sure bad men are brought to their knees. (That one is both literal and figurative.)
There are some great twists and turns, and while a couple of sections dragged just a bit, I honestly didn’t care—I was too invested in the characters and needed to know how it all shook out. These women are raw, fierce, and relatable.
This was a 5-star read for me, no question. It’s the kind of book that would spark so much conversation in a book club—you could really dig into the themes and probably trauma-bond a little over what the women go through. Luckily, they have each other, and as a reader, you feel that support right along with them.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Random House Published/Ballantine Books for putting this arc on my radar. Pub date is 5/5/2026. Highly recommend picking this one up—you won’t regret it!
October 11, 2025
"Lady X" is a novel that blends mystery, historical fiction, and impactful storytelling. Set in a dual time-line of modern day California and 1970's New York, the themes explored in the story are as relevant now as they were in the past.
Originally, I was skeptical about the dual time-line because historical fiction isn't my favorite genre, but it was the perfect conduit to tell this story. The writing style flowed and each chapter was engaging. I was never bored.
The main theme of the book is about the marginalization of women. And although the zeitgeist of western society has changed and laws have been enacted to better protect women, there still seems to be an expectation of women to help clean up the mess even if they are the aggreived party. This is glaringly painful in the situation of Margot (modern day time-line), whose movie star husband cheated on her and needs her to help mend his fractured image. It is especially true of the women in the 70's time-line who are told after reaching out for help, to consider the reputation of the men that have hurt them and how the women's accusations will affect these men.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. My only criticism is at a couple of points in the book, the story segue was clunky and I had to go back because I thought I skipped a page. For example, one of the characters was photographed looking at an office. The next paragraph she was in the club collecting her check. The next paragraph she was in her kitchen.
This book is perfect for those who enjoy reading about strong women, mother daughter relationships, and historical fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC.
Originally, I was skeptical about the dual time-line because historical fiction isn't my favorite genre, but it was the perfect conduit to tell this story. The writing style flowed and each chapter was engaging. I was never bored.
The main theme of the book is about the marginalization of women. And although the zeitgeist of western society has changed and laws have been enacted to better protect women, there still seems to be an expectation of women to help clean up the mess even if they are the aggreived party. This is glaringly painful in the situation of Margot (modern day time-line), whose movie star husband cheated on her and needs her to help mend his fractured image. It is especially true of the women in the 70's time-line who are told after reaching out for help, to consider the reputation of the men that have hurt them and how the women's accusations will affect these men.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. My only criticism is at a couple of points in the book, the story segue was clunky and I had to go back because I thought I skipped a page. For example, one of the characters was photographed looking at an office. The next paragraph she was in the club collecting her check. The next paragraph she was in her kitchen.
This book is perfect for those who enjoy reading about strong women, mother daughter relationships, and historical fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC.
November 3, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. While I love the #metoo emphasis and calling a-hole dudes out for the crappy behavior, I felt like the novel was a little bogged down with exposition that wasn't essential to the story as whole. I do understand what Fader was doing with those seemingly unnecessary details, but it felt a little forced.
I can't imagine what it's like to be a woman, let alone a woman who is sexualized at every moment of their lives. I can't imagine how women who have been solicited feel and the rage that can occupy their lives and thoughts, and for this I appreciate Lady X, it's a glance in that direction and hopefully a teaching moment for the novel. I think that people need to be aware of how something like this can take over a persons life. I love the whole Lady X underdog story and I like how 1977 was woven together with the story in 2024. I was underwhelmed with the details of Margot's life outside of her desire to destroy her husband (for obvious, and good reasons). I get that she felt forced to create a brand to feel like she had a life of her own, I do get that, but I would have been much more interested in her picking up the reins of Lady X in more detail and more frequently. I do suppose you have to start somewhere with that type of social justice.
Regardless, the book was interesting and the stories being told in 1977 and 2024 were well laid out. I think I wanted more revenge for men being a hole men and to see them fall because you know... eff them. Thanks to NetGalley for the hook up!
I can't imagine what it's like to be a woman, let alone a woman who is sexualized at every moment of their lives. I can't imagine how women who have been solicited feel and the rage that can occupy their lives and thoughts, and for this I appreciate Lady X, it's a glance in that direction and hopefully a teaching moment for the novel. I think that people need to be aware of how something like this can take over a persons life. I love the whole Lady X underdog story and I like how 1977 was woven together with the story in 2024. I was underwhelmed with the details of Margot's life outside of her desire to destroy her husband (for obvious, and good reasons). I get that she felt forced to create a brand to feel like she had a life of her own, I do get that, but I would have been much more interested in her picking up the reins of Lady X in more detail and more frequently. I do suppose you have to start somewhere with that type of social justice.
Regardless, the book was interesting and the stories being told in 1977 and 2024 were well laid out. I think I wanted more revenge for men being a hole men and to see them fall because you know... eff them. Thanks to NetGalley for the hook up!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a very strong novel with a beautiful story enveloped within the pages.
I truly loved discovering the story of Lady X and the power she gave to women. I felt like Molly Fader did a great job weaving the story between the 70s and the present. Each character was strong and grew throughout the novel.
Historical fiction novels do tend to feel very long for me which is why I rated this 3 stars. I did enjoy it when I was reading it but it just felt so long.
I believe that this is a very powerful book that everyone should read. It shows that even though women have more rights now, men still believe that they are more powerful and in general, better than women. It shows the power that women have to make their own decisions and find their own story.
I truly loved discovering the story of Lady X and the power she gave to women. I felt like Molly Fader did a great job weaving the story between the 70s and the present. Each character was strong and grew throughout the novel.
Historical fiction novels do tend to feel very long for me which is why I rated this 3 stars. I did enjoy it when I was reading it but it just felt so long.
I believe that this is a very powerful book that everyone should read. It shows that even though women have more rights now, men still believe that they are more powerful and in general, better than women. It shows the power that women have to make their own decisions and find their own story.
November 11, 2025
Thank you to Random House, Ballantine Books, and Molly Fader for an ARC copy of Lady X. 3.5 stars. This was a grand story of friendship and the struggles we as women face in a patriarchal society. At times it was a bit predictable but a fun read. If youre a McFadden fan, add this to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lady X is extraordinary. Molly Fader has created an incredible storyline that is destined to stay with me for years to come. She takes 3 generations of women and despite their own journeys taking place 50 years apart, there is something very similar in their actions and reactions to life around them. I was intrigued right from the start as we got a glimpse into the gritty life that was NYC in 1977. A brutally hot and humid summer I remember well in my youth, as the city was taken over by the devil that was Son of Sam. But Fader adds a new element to the trying times with a vigilante of sorts by the name of Lady X, affecting 3 newly-bonded women and how their lives would never be the same.
What an adventure. One that is bittersweet yet beautiful all the same. 1977 and 2024 are represented by each year taking a turn in telling the stories that affected a mother, her two daughters and a granddaughter. With Ginger Daughtry at the core of this book, I was totally in awe of the woman who would ultimately change the lives of her new roommates Faye and Rachel and carry that fierce cry for justice down to her daughters Margot and Julia, together with granddaughter Skye. Each woman is going through their own crisis of sorts and Fader does a marvelous job in having the stories intertwine without ever getting too tangled or knotted up.
With discoveries of a life that their sweet mother never uttered a word about, the book starts to uncover exactly what went down in that sticky NYC summer and how Margot, in particular, starts to have a new appreciation for her mom, wanting to channel her spirit as she forges her own battle with her despicable husband. I felt for Margot as secrets her popular actor husband tried to hide, finally come to light and she heads back to her childhood home with her youngest daughter to try and make sense of all that is happening. Once she and her sister Julia, together with daughter Skye start rummaging through the attic, thus begins their road to uncover of not only what transpired back in 1977 but how their own futures might now change.
Fader doesn't leave any stone unturned as she allows Ginger, Faye and Rachel to try and rid the city of horrible men who only want to disparage women and take advantage of them. Their illegal antics keep them on their toes and although they only spent a short time together, they built a bond none had ever had before. When you juxtapose that bond with the one Julia, Margot and Skye forge together in their search for the truth, the use of Lady X as the factor that brings everyone together is truly clever. Each woman, whether in the past or present, finds a force within themselves to finally stand up and be counted. To not be belittled forever by the men around them or in the case of Margot, in particular, to not always be willing to do whatever it took to make sure her boat never rocked. The strength each gets from the others is a true testament to the power of women and as I finished the book, I felt that battle cry deep within my very soul.
I'm no feminist, but to watch as these remarkable women take matters into their own hands, whether good, bad or otherwise, had me proud to be one of them. It's never easy to be brave, but each gave their all when needed, stayed loyal to a fault and truly realized that when they put their minds to it, anything could be possible.
There is plenty to keep track of as each woman sets forth on their own path to some semblance of happiness. It's never an easy road for any of them and at times very a bit wistful. Yet, the final scene was beyond wonderful and my heart was in my throat as the past and present collide in the most spectacular of ways.
Molly Fader always gives her all, but with Lady X, it's like she has achieved yet another level of brilliance. A must-read for the summer and for anyone with a book group/club who needs a boost of hope and resilience. These 6 women prove that there is always more to the story. You just have to be steadfast in your desire to find the truth and figure out how to use it to the best of your ability. I'd like to think they all found their peace amongst the truths bared and hope their lives are better for it. Just by reading this book, I know mine is.
5+++ big stars!
What an adventure. One that is bittersweet yet beautiful all the same. 1977 and 2024 are represented by each year taking a turn in telling the stories that affected a mother, her two daughters and a granddaughter. With Ginger Daughtry at the core of this book, I was totally in awe of the woman who would ultimately change the lives of her new roommates Faye and Rachel and carry that fierce cry for justice down to her daughters Margot and Julia, together with granddaughter Skye. Each woman is going through their own crisis of sorts and Fader does a marvelous job in having the stories intertwine without ever getting too tangled or knotted up.
With discoveries of a life that their sweet mother never uttered a word about, the book starts to uncover exactly what went down in that sticky NYC summer and how Margot, in particular, starts to have a new appreciation for her mom, wanting to channel her spirit as she forges her own battle with her despicable husband. I felt for Margot as secrets her popular actor husband tried to hide, finally come to light and she heads back to her childhood home with her youngest daughter to try and make sense of all that is happening. Once she and her sister Julia, together with daughter Skye start rummaging through the attic, thus begins their road to uncover of not only what transpired back in 1977 but how their own futures might now change.
Fader doesn't leave any stone unturned as she allows Ginger, Faye and Rachel to try and rid the city of horrible men who only want to disparage women and take advantage of them. Their illegal antics keep them on their toes and although they only spent a short time together, they built a bond none had ever had before. When you juxtapose that bond with the one Julia, Margot and Skye forge together in their search for the truth, the use of Lady X as the factor that brings everyone together is truly clever. Each woman, whether in the past or present, finds a force within themselves to finally stand up and be counted. To not be belittled forever by the men around them or in the case of Margot, in particular, to not always be willing to do whatever it took to make sure her boat never rocked. The strength each gets from the others is a true testament to the power of women and as I finished the book, I felt that battle cry deep within my very soul.
I'm no feminist, but to watch as these remarkable women take matters into their own hands, whether good, bad or otherwise, had me proud to be one of them. It's never easy to be brave, but each gave their all when needed, stayed loyal to a fault and truly realized that when they put their minds to it, anything could be possible.
There is plenty to keep track of as each woman sets forth on their own path to some semblance of happiness. It's never an easy road for any of them and at times very a bit wistful. Yet, the final scene was beyond wonderful and my heart was in my throat as the past and present collide in the most spectacular of ways.
Molly Fader always gives her all, but with Lady X, it's like she has achieved yet another level of brilliance. A must-read for the summer and for anyone with a book group/club who needs a boost of hope and resilience. These 6 women prove that there is always more to the story. You just have to be steadfast in your desire to find the truth and figure out how to use it to the best of your ability. I'd like to think they all found their peace amongst the truths bared and hope their lives are better for it. Just by reading this book, I know mine is.
5+++ big stars!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
CW: infidelity, sexual assault (off-page), sexual harassment, abuse of power, domestic violence (off-page), gender-based violence, police brutality, police misconduct, sexism/misogyny, homophobia, thoughts of abortion, friendship betrayal, complicated friendships, complicated family dynamics
I don’t know if a book has ever made me cry purely from uncontrollable rage before, so kudos to Molly Fader.
I know this story. All women I know know this story. We’ve lived it in one form or another, and we continue to live it. And yet, the intensity of my anger while reading Lady X genuinely shocked me.
From the opening, I felt sick to my stomach as Margot learns about Jack’s infidelity and despicable behaviour. The revelation lands even harder because the marriage is framed as loving and solid; the kind of partnership the public admires (literally! Margot's whole brand revolved around it). That contrast makes the betrayal all the more devastating. Watching Margot and her family find out alongside the rest of the world was brutal.
The novel’s dual timelines reinforce how systemic this harm is. The 1970s New York storyline feels horrifyingly real. It's a reminder of how little room women had to simply exist without harassment or threat. That historical rage bleeds seamlessly into the present-day story, where Margot’s sacrifices are rendered invisible. Learning that she studied biochemistry before giving up her education to support Jack’s ambitions, and keep a pregnancy she didn't initially want, made his later comments about her brand and making her question her worth all the more sickening. His entitlement is staggering, and the rage it provoked in me was visceral.
If the betrayal by men is enraging, the betrayal by women cuts even deeper. Noelle is, frankly, astonishing in the worst way. She's right up there with Nesta from A Court of Thorns and Roses for me. And anyone who knows my views on Nesta will understand just how damning that comparison is. Sleeping with her friend's (and boss’s) husband is bad enough, but filming Margot during an intensely vulnerable and emotional moment (a moment Noelle shouldn't have even been present for if Jack could learn to keep it in his pants) and using it as blackmail is just shocking. And I'm terribly upset she didn't get slapped in the face. Additionally, Ellen’s decision to side with her father clearly required Olympic-level mental gymnastics to justify her decision to do so, and it made me both incredibly angry and just so sad at the same time.
Not every relationship worked for me. The banter between Margot and Julia felt more antagonistic than affectionate, despite the book insisting they rarely fought and they loved each other deeply. Nevertheless, these moments didn’t dull the novel’s impact. If anything, they highlighted how messy, imperfect, and human these relationships are.
Lady X made me furious. It left me vibrating with moral outrage. And that is precisely why it’s so effective. This is a book about moral injury, about what happens when women give everything in good faith and are punished time and again for silence, politeness, and compromise. And it's also a story about the power of finally refusing to swallow that injustice. Margot’s ultimate reclamation of her voice is cathartic, earned, and unforgettable.
This is not a comfortable read. But it is a necessary one. And an extraordinarily powerful one.
There were some editorial mistakes that will hopefully be caught before the book is published!
I don’t know if a book has ever made me cry purely from uncontrollable rage before, so kudos to Molly Fader.
I know this story. All women I know know this story. We’ve lived it in one form or another, and we continue to live it. And yet, the intensity of my anger while reading Lady X genuinely shocked me.
From the opening, I felt sick to my stomach as Margot learns about Jack’s infidelity and despicable behaviour. The revelation lands even harder because the marriage is framed as loving and solid; the kind of partnership the public admires (literally! Margot's whole brand revolved around it). That contrast makes the betrayal all the more devastating. Watching Margot and her family find out alongside the rest of the world was brutal.
The novel’s dual timelines reinforce how systemic this harm is. The 1970s New York storyline feels horrifyingly real. It's a reminder of how little room women had to simply exist without harassment or threat. That historical rage bleeds seamlessly into the present-day story, where Margot’s sacrifices are rendered invisible. Learning that she studied biochemistry before giving up her education to support Jack’s ambitions, and keep a pregnancy she didn't initially want, made his later comments about her brand and making her question her worth all the more sickening. His entitlement is staggering, and the rage it provoked in me was visceral.
If the betrayal by men is enraging, the betrayal by women cuts even deeper. Noelle is, frankly, astonishing in the worst way. She's right up there with Nesta from A Court of Thorns and Roses for me. And anyone who knows my views on Nesta will understand just how damning that comparison is. Sleeping with her friend's (and boss’s) husband is bad enough, but filming Margot during an intensely vulnerable and emotional moment (a moment Noelle shouldn't have even been present for if Jack could learn to keep it in his pants) and using it as blackmail is just shocking. And I'm terribly upset she didn't get slapped in the face. Additionally, Ellen’s decision to side with her father clearly required Olympic-level mental gymnastics to justify her decision to do so, and it made me both incredibly angry and just so sad at the same time.
Not every relationship worked for me. The banter between Margot and Julia felt more antagonistic than affectionate, despite the book insisting they rarely fought and they loved each other deeply. Nevertheless, these moments didn’t dull the novel’s impact. If anything, they highlighted how messy, imperfect, and human these relationships are.
Lady X made me furious. It left me vibrating with moral outrage. And that is precisely why it’s so effective. This is a book about moral injury, about what happens when women give everything in good faith and are punished time and again for silence, politeness, and compromise. And it's also a story about the power of finally refusing to swallow that injustice. Margot’s ultimate reclamation of her voice is cathartic, earned, and unforgettable.
This is not a comfortable read. But it is a necessary one. And an extraordinarily powerful one.
There were some editorial mistakes that will hopefully be caught before the book is published!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
💋“No one is going to save us. No one is going to care. We have to do it ourselves.” Molly Fader’s newest, Lady X, is a powerful feminist novel following two women decades apart. It’s exciting, mysterious, and full of righteous feminine rage.
I love a good alternating timeline story, and this one does it so well. The chapters are quick and full of fast-moving events. And the undercurrent of feminine rage… so intensely powerful. I could feel the electricity jumping off the page, especially in Ginger’s timeline. Her story was fiery and exciting, and I just adored her friendship with Faye and Rachel. The NYC setting was just as electric as the plot, and was the perfect backdrop for the story.
Margot’s plot was a more modernized version of the same feminist anger—and a distinct reminder that while much has changed, some things are still the same. Much like her sister Julia, I wanted Margot to get angry so badly (her patience was honestly saintly), and it was so satisfying when she finally did. Her character arc was gratifying in the best way. I wanted more justice for her husband and a bit more resolution with her children, but I also understand that there’s only so many pages in a book.
A big thank you to Ballantine Books for the advanced copy! Everyone should make sure to grab this when it comes out—it’ll fuel your feminine rage in the absolute best, most cathartic way.
Quotes I saved:
💋A good marriage—a long marriage—didn’t just happen. It took physical and emotional work. Therapy sometimes. Forgiveness all the time. It was a constant balancing act between needs and wants and anger and kindness.
💋This wasn’t just a marriage. It was a life. And worse, it was a life in a fishbowl.
💋If there was one thing Ginger loved more than dancing, it was coming to the rescue.
💋They are scared. That we will do this hard thing and take this risk and that in the end we won’t fail and we will accomplish what they could not. Freedom. Happiness. On our terms.
💋For every woman who had been harassed, assaulted, raped, and silenced, Lady X was a goddamn hero. And for every man who targeted women, Lady X was a real problem.
💋Lady X is trying to tell us something. Why aren’t we listening? Why isn’t anyone asking these men what they did to deserve this?
💋If we want anything to change we have to talk about what men do to us in offices like that and then we have to stop leading one another into that bullshit like we don’t have choice.
💋Even when you think everything is destroyed. Something survives. Something always survives.
💋There was no justice. Not for women. Not right now.
💋My guess is plenty of women are made enough to get a little revenge.
💋Were women allowed to have two dreams? In 1977? In 2024?
💋I love you, Margot. But when the fuck are you going to get angry?
💋Lady X is the real fucking deal. She’s gonna change shit.
💋“We are all Lady X.”
💋The communal nature of it all, seeing in one another’s faces the same pain. The same rage. It was miraculous.
💋In the right moment, at the right time, anyone is capable of anything.
💋People do terrible things all the time. Loving a person doesn’t change their capacity to do terrible, awful things.
💋Not giving a shit was freeing.
💋You’re a phenomenon. You are a movement.
💋You know if you went around the city and asked men what they thought of Lady X, the ones who are angry, who feel called out or victimized, the ones who cal her a bitch or say she needs to be punished—they’re guilty. All of them.
💋It’s his mess. Don’t clean it up for him.
I love a good alternating timeline story, and this one does it so well. The chapters are quick and full of fast-moving events. And the undercurrent of feminine rage… so intensely powerful. I could feel the electricity jumping off the page, especially in Ginger’s timeline. Her story was fiery and exciting, and I just adored her friendship with Faye and Rachel. The NYC setting was just as electric as the plot, and was the perfect backdrop for the story.
Margot’s plot was a more modernized version of the same feminist anger—and a distinct reminder that while much has changed, some things are still the same. Much like her sister Julia, I wanted Margot to get angry so badly (her patience was honestly saintly), and it was so satisfying when she finally did. Her character arc was gratifying in the best way. I wanted more justice for her husband and a bit more resolution with her children, but I also understand that there’s only so many pages in a book.
A big thank you to Ballantine Books for the advanced copy! Everyone should make sure to grab this when it comes out—it’ll fuel your feminine rage in the absolute best, most cathartic way.
Quotes I saved:
💋A good marriage—a long marriage—didn’t just happen. It took physical and emotional work. Therapy sometimes. Forgiveness all the time. It was a constant balancing act between needs and wants and anger and kindness.
💋This wasn’t just a marriage. It was a life. And worse, it was a life in a fishbowl.
💋If there was one thing Ginger loved more than dancing, it was coming to the rescue.
💋They are scared. That we will do this hard thing and take this risk and that in the end we won’t fail and we will accomplish what they could not. Freedom. Happiness. On our terms.
💋For every woman who had been harassed, assaulted, raped, and silenced, Lady X was a goddamn hero. And for every man who targeted women, Lady X was a real problem.
💋Lady X is trying to tell us something. Why aren’t we listening? Why isn’t anyone asking these men what they did to deserve this?
💋If we want anything to change we have to talk about what men do to us in offices like that and then we have to stop leading one another into that bullshit like we don’t have choice.
💋Even when you think everything is destroyed. Something survives. Something always survives.
💋There was no justice. Not for women. Not right now.
💋My guess is plenty of women are made enough to get a little revenge.
💋Were women allowed to have two dreams? In 1977? In 2024?
💋I love you, Margot. But when the fuck are you going to get angry?
💋Lady X is the real fucking deal. She’s gonna change shit.
💋“We are all Lady X.”
💋The communal nature of it all, seeing in one another’s faces the same pain. The same rage. It was miraculous.
💋In the right moment, at the right time, anyone is capable of anything.
💋People do terrible things all the time. Loving a person doesn’t change their capacity to do terrible, awful things.
💋Not giving a shit was freeing.
💋You’re a phenomenon. You are a movement.
💋You know if you went around the city and asked men what they thought of Lady X, the ones who are angry, who feel called out or victimized, the ones who cal her a bitch or say she needs to be punished—they’re guilty. All of them.
💋It’s his mess. Don’t clean it up for him.
October 27, 2025
Thanks to the Ballantine Books and Netgalley for this eARC.
🕶️ Molly Fader’s Lady X is a fierce, layered novel that pulses with intergenerational rage, resilience, and revelation. It’s a story that spans decades and cities—from gritty 1970s New York to glossy 2024 Los Angeles—yet remains rooted in one timeless truth: the power of women to rewrite the narratives forced upon them.
🔍 Margot Cooper, a Hollywood wife with a crumbling marriage and a teenage daughter in tow, flees the paparazzi and scandal to her childhood home. But sanctuary proves elusive. In the attic, Margot discovers a box of clippings and photos tied to an urban legend: Lady X, a vigilante who targeted abusive men in 1970s New York. One photo—a blurry image of a woman who looks eerily like Margot’s mother—sets off a chain reaction of questions, secrets, and reckoning.
The novel unfolds in dual timelines: Margot’s present-day unraveling and the origin story of Lady X, told through fragments, memories, and hidden truths. Fader masterfully braids these threads into a narrative that’s both propulsive and emotionally rich.
💥 Lady X is a novel about resistance—not just political, but personal. It explores:
- The legacy of female rage across generations
- The cost of silence and the courage of truth-telling
- The blurred lines between justice and vengeance
- The complexities of mother-daughter relationships
Fader doesn’t shy away from the messy, contradictory emotions that define womanhood. Her characters are flawed, fierce, and unforgettable.
✍️ Fader’s prose is sharp and cinematic, with dialogue that crackles and interior monologues that ache. The pacing is brisk but never rushed, allowing space for emotional depth and thematic nuance. The Lady X segments read like noir poetry—gritty, stylized, and haunting.
👩👧 Margot is a compelling protagonist: privileged yet vulnerable, angry yet unsure how to wield that anger. Her daughter offers a Gen Z counterpoint—idealistic, impatient, and unafraid to confront hypocrisy. The real star, though, is Lady X herself: a myth, a memory, and a mirror. As Margot peels back layers of her mother’s past, she begins to understand her own.
⭐ Lady X is a bold, emotionally intelligent novel that blends mystery, memoir, and manifesto. It’s a story for anyone who’s ever felt silenced, sidelined, or underestimated—and for those ready to reclaim their voice. Molly Fader doesn’t just tell a story; she issues a challenge.
For fans of Brit Bennett, Lisa Jewell, or literary fiction with a feminist edge, this is a must-read.
🕶️ Molly Fader’s Lady X is a fierce, layered novel that pulses with intergenerational rage, resilience, and revelation. It’s a story that spans decades and cities—from gritty 1970s New York to glossy 2024 Los Angeles—yet remains rooted in one timeless truth: the power of women to rewrite the narratives forced upon them.
🔍 Margot Cooper, a Hollywood wife with a crumbling marriage and a teenage daughter in tow, flees the paparazzi and scandal to her childhood home. But sanctuary proves elusive. In the attic, Margot discovers a box of clippings and photos tied to an urban legend: Lady X, a vigilante who targeted abusive men in 1970s New York. One photo—a blurry image of a woman who looks eerily like Margot’s mother—sets off a chain reaction of questions, secrets, and reckoning.
The novel unfolds in dual timelines: Margot’s present-day unraveling and the origin story of Lady X, told through fragments, memories, and hidden truths. Fader masterfully braids these threads into a narrative that’s both propulsive and emotionally rich.
💥 Lady X is a novel about resistance—not just political, but personal. It explores:
- The legacy of female rage across generations
- The cost of silence and the courage of truth-telling
- The blurred lines between justice and vengeance
- The complexities of mother-daughter relationships
Fader doesn’t shy away from the messy, contradictory emotions that define womanhood. Her characters are flawed, fierce, and unforgettable.
✍️ Fader’s prose is sharp and cinematic, with dialogue that crackles and interior monologues that ache. The pacing is brisk but never rushed, allowing space for emotional depth and thematic nuance. The Lady X segments read like noir poetry—gritty, stylized, and haunting.
👩👧 Margot is a compelling protagonist: privileged yet vulnerable, angry yet unsure how to wield that anger. Her daughter offers a Gen Z counterpoint—idealistic, impatient, and unafraid to confront hypocrisy. The real star, though, is Lady X herself: a myth, a memory, and a mirror. As Margot peels back layers of her mother’s past, she begins to understand her own.
⭐ Lady X is a bold, emotionally intelligent novel that blends mystery, memoir, and manifesto. It’s a story for anyone who’s ever felt silenced, sidelined, or underestimated—and for those ready to reclaim their voice. Molly Fader doesn’t just tell a story; she issues a challenge.
For fans of Brit Bennett, Lisa Jewell, or literary fiction with a feminist edge, this is a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 ⭐️
Lady X was a bold, dual-timeline tale where the rage of the past collided with the secrets of the present. Molly Fader wrote an intriguing feminist mystery that blended scandal, secrets, and the unstoppable legend of Lady X.
Lady X by Molly Fader wove together two timelines. In 1977 New York, three young women took justice into their own hands after one of them was assaulted which created the urban legend of Lady X—a masked avenger who fought back against men who hurt women. Decades later, in 2024, Margot fled her husband’s scandal and discovered a box of clippings that suggested her mother might have been involved in the Lady X movement. As the past and present collided, secrets surfaced and Margot began to see how her mother’s choices still echoed through her own life.
Lady X shined in the way it tied two timelines together, blended the gritty atmosphere of 1970s New York with the modern struggles of a woman caught in the fallout of a public scandal. The story explored themes of female rage, resilience, and generational secrets, giving it both emotional weight and cultural relevance. Fader captured how the Lady X legend became larger than life while it still grounded it in the real, messy lives of the women behind it. The dual timeline structure kept the tension high, and the mystery of Margot’s mother’s past added an engaging layer of intrigue.
On the downside, parts of the novel felt heavy-handed, especially when the social commentary overshadowed the characters’ personal arcs. Some of the pacing dragged, particularly in the modern timeline, where Margot’s reactions sometimes felt repetitive compared to the raw urgency of the 1977 storyline. While the mystery was compelling, a few reveals were more predictable than shocking. Still, the novel’s ambition, emotional themes, and feminist backbone outweighed these flaws, making it a thoughtful and layered read.
Overall I really enjoyed Lady X and found it to be both gripping and meaningful. The way Molly Fader wove past and present together kept me turning the pages, and I appreciated how the story highlighted women’s voices and the lasting impact of hidden histories. Even with a few slower moments, this was a powerful and thought-provoking read that left me satisfied and grateful to have received an advance copy from NetGalley and Ballantine—thank you!
I recommend this novel to those who enjoy thoughtful, layered fiction with a mix of suspense, history, and family drama.
Lady X was a bold, dual-timeline tale where the rage of the past collided with the secrets of the present. Molly Fader wrote an intriguing feminist mystery that blended scandal, secrets, and the unstoppable legend of Lady X.
Lady X by Molly Fader wove together two timelines. In 1977 New York, three young women took justice into their own hands after one of them was assaulted which created the urban legend of Lady X—a masked avenger who fought back against men who hurt women. Decades later, in 2024, Margot fled her husband’s scandal and discovered a box of clippings that suggested her mother might have been involved in the Lady X movement. As the past and present collided, secrets surfaced and Margot began to see how her mother’s choices still echoed through her own life.
Lady X shined in the way it tied two timelines together, blended the gritty atmosphere of 1970s New York with the modern struggles of a woman caught in the fallout of a public scandal. The story explored themes of female rage, resilience, and generational secrets, giving it both emotional weight and cultural relevance. Fader captured how the Lady X legend became larger than life while it still grounded it in the real, messy lives of the women behind it. The dual timeline structure kept the tension high, and the mystery of Margot’s mother’s past added an engaging layer of intrigue.
On the downside, parts of the novel felt heavy-handed, especially when the social commentary overshadowed the characters’ personal arcs. Some of the pacing dragged, particularly in the modern timeline, where Margot’s reactions sometimes felt repetitive compared to the raw urgency of the 1977 storyline. While the mystery was compelling, a few reveals were more predictable than shocking. Still, the novel’s ambition, emotional themes, and feminist backbone outweighed these flaws, making it a thoughtful and layered read.
Overall I really enjoyed Lady X and found it to be both gripping and meaningful. The way Molly Fader wove past and present together kept me turning the pages, and I appreciated how the story highlighted women’s voices and the lasting impact of hidden histories. Even with a few slower moments, this was a powerful and thought-provoking read that left me satisfied and grateful to have received an advance copy from NetGalley and Ballantine—thank you!
I recommend this novel to those who enjoy thoughtful, layered fiction with a mix of suspense, history, and family drama.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First things first, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for approving this incredible digital ARC that was right up my alley! I had an amazing time reading it and talking about it to people I know. It was a perfect book to finish to kick off Pride month too. This dual POV and timeline novel proves that the world has always been full of villainous misogyny that ruins lives… and revenge is a dish best served with spray cans, a bat, and female friendship. What starts as a celebrity housewife’s life crumbling around her due to her husband’s infidelity turns into a story full of grieving the dreams left behind as well as rising above and defying the odds during the most uncertain circumstances — choosing to help others, whether it be a stranger or (found) family, and finding/strengthening yourself in the process. What I really loved about this novel is how distinct the character voices are. No character seemed forgettable, unrealistic, or faded into the background of their respective storylines. They held secrets, suspense, and navigated tumultuating emotions in the face of hardship. From foreigner Faye to motherly Margot and sentimental sharp Skye (to name a couple), each woman had a booming personality all of her own and they held their ground when they believed it most. The alteration between daughter(s), Margot, and mother, Ginger, storylines enhanced the struggles that women still face, but contrasted based on their social class and how they paved their futures. Most importantly, how these memories and stories can strengthen you. The settings of each character highlighted the stereotypical polished and sophisticated lifestyle that Margot grasped onto in Hollywood as well as the gutsy, harmful reality of Ginger’s New York, including a serial killer subplot that grasped newspaper headlines in true 70s fashion! The character’s journeys show that it’s up to you to decide how to react to situations out of your control, how to navigate the situations that you can, and how to conquer that conflict, even if it might be morally grey. As a whole, Lady X is the personification of fierce fearlessness in the face of adversity, the realities of living as a woman in this day and age (or decades earlier), and I highly recommend it to those who appreciate historical fiction that showcases important topics such as rape and abuse with tenacity and tender grace alike. Thank you, Lady X. May your fire burn on in modern literary history.
July 5, 2026
Well…this book made me mad. Not because it was bad—far from it—but because it kept reminding me how often women have been expected to quietly live with things that should never have been acceptable in the first place.
Molly Fader’s Lady X surprised me in the best way.
Ballantine Books, thank you so much for the gifted book.
I went in thinking the mystery would be my favorite part. It wasn’t. I wanted to know who Lady X really was, of course, but somewhere along the way the women became the reason I couldn’t stop reading.
Margot’s life falls apart in a very public way, and instead of feeling sorry for herself forever, she heads home with her daughter, Skye. That trip opens a door into her mother’s past, and suddenly this family is trying to figure out whether the woman they thought they knew had been living with a secret for decades.
Then the story jumps to New York in 1977, and honestly, those chapters had me hooked. Ginger, Rachel, and Faye felt like real friends. They teased each other, protected each other, messed up, forgave each other, and refused to disappear when the world expected them to. I cared about all three of them.
“You can be grateful for the trauma that lets you heal.”
That line has been sitting in my head ever since I finished.
This book definitely tackles some heavy subjects, but it never felt like it was lecturing me. It simply showed what these women were living through and trusted me to decide how I felt about it. I appreciated that. Nothing was wrapped up with a neat little bow, and honestly, I don’t think this story would have worked if it had been.
I also loved how the mystery unfolded. Every time I thought I’d figured something out, another piece of Ginger’s story came along and proved me wrong. Those little discoveries kept me saying, “Okay…just one more chapter,” until suddenly there weren’t any chapters left.
★★★★★
If you love historical fiction with a mystery threaded through it, complicated families, unforgettable female friendships, and characters that feel like people you actually know, I would absolutely recommend picking this one up.
Did anyone else finish this one wanting to call a friend just to talk about everything that happened?
Molly Fader’s Lady X surprised me in the best way.
Ballantine Books, thank you so much for the gifted book.
I went in thinking the mystery would be my favorite part. It wasn’t. I wanted to know who Lady X really was, of course, but somewhere along the way the women became the reason I couldn’t stop reading.
Margot’s life falls apart in a very public way, and instead of feeling sorry for herself forever, she heads home with her daughter, Skye. That trip opens a door into her mother’s past, and suddenly this family is trying to figure out whether the woman they thought they knew had been living with a secret for decades.
Then the story jumps to New York in 1977, and honestly, those chapters had me hooked. Ginger, Rachel, and Faye felt like real friends. They teased each other, protected each other, messed up, forgave each other, and refused to disappear when the world expected them to. I cared about all three of them.
“You can be grateful for the trauma that lets you heal.”
That line has been sitting in my head ever since I finished.
This book definitely tackles some heavy subjects, but it never felt like it was lecturing me. It simply showed what these women were living through and trusted me to decide how I felt about it. I appreciated that. Nothing was wrapped up with a neat little bow, and honestly, I don’t think this story would have worked if it had been.
I also loved how the mystery unfolded. Every time I thought I’d figured something out, another piece of Ginger’s story came along and proved me wrong. Those little discoveries kept me saying, “Okay…just one more chapter,” until suddenly there weren’t any chapters left.
★★★★★
If you love historical fiction with a mystery threaded through it, complicated families, unforgettable female friendships, and characters that feel like people you actually know, I would absolutely recommend picking this one up.
Did anyone else finish this one wanting to call a friend just to talk about everything that happened?
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was an extraordinary book and once I started I could not put it down. It was riveting from the first page to the last. It is emotionally charged with intrigue, family drama, humour and most of all with woman who protect those they love.
It tells the story in two time lines. LA 2024 and NY 1977
Margot Cooper who life has imploded when her husband of 20 yrs, who is a #1 box office actor pictures of him showing explicit photos on the internet to young girls and she must get out of town, along with her youngest daughter to get away from the damaging publicity and try to find answers. They go to her childhood home. But what she finds when exploring some boxes is another shocking revelation about the notaries vigilante Lady X and could be her mother when she finds a picture that looks a lot like her mother... So her sister, daughter and she embark on a mission to find out the truth about who their mother really is and if she is in fact the notornis Lady X and who her friends really were.
In New York city in 1977 Ginger Daughtry is living by day in the dance studio and by night is a coat check girl in the infamous hottest night club in town. And she with her two best friends and roommates are able to help one another from the crimes against woman in New York until one of them is attacked and they get no help from the police and they decide to get a payback from the attacker and then things escalates and Lady X is born. But their are copy cats and things spiral out of control for the three woman and they must get control before one of them is arrested or worse...
This book was a masterful work of friendships, sisters , mother and daughters and so emotional charged with things that are taken right out of today's headlines you will be cheering on Lady X and wanting to get revenge for all the wrongs ever made against woman. I was cheering for both Ginger and her friends to get payback and for Margot to kick her sleaze bag of a husband to the curb. And don't get me started on who we really think are our friends...
Margot and Ginger are my heroes for standing up for what is right for woman who have been wronged.
It tells the story in two time lines. LA 2024 and NY 1977
Margot Cooper who life has imploded when her husband of 20 yrs, who is a #1 box office actor pictures of him showing explicit photos on the internet to young girls and she must get out of town, along with her youngest daughter to get away from the damaging publicity and try to find answers. They go to her childhood home. But what she finds when exploring some boxes is another shocking revelation about the notaries vigilante Lady X and could be her mother when she finds a picture that looks a lot like her mother... So her sister, daughter and she embark on a mission to find out the truth about who their mother really is and if she is in fact the notornis Lady X and who her friends really were.
In New York city in 1977 Ginger Daughtry is living by day in the dance studio and by night is a coat check girl in the infamous hottest night club in town. And she with her two best friends and roommates are able to help one another from the crimes against woman in New York until one of them is attacked and they get no help from the police and they decide to get a payback from the attacker and then things escalates and Lady X is born. But their are copy cats and things spiral out of control for the three woman and they must get control before one of them is arrested or worse...
This book was a masterful work of friendships, sisters , mother and daughters and so emotional charged with things that are taken right out of today's headlines you will be cheering on Lady X and wanting to get revenge for all the wrongs ever made against woman. I was cheering for both Ginger and her friends to get payback and for Margot to kick her sleaze bag of a husband to the curb. And don't get me started on who we really think are our friends...
Margot and Ginger are my heroes for standing up for what is right for woman who have been wronged.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lady X by Molly Fader is a story about multiple women, but focuses on two: a mother and her daughter, both angered by the way some men behave. As Margot runs from LA with her daughter, Skye, after word broke about her movie star husband, Jack Cooper’s infidelities and perversions, she heads home to her mother’s house, in Pittsburgh. Her mother no longer lives there but her sister does. Her fact-based, unforgiving sister, Julia. Julia had seen the social media and now knows all about what is going on and she is angry. Margot doesn’t really know how she feels, yet. Julia drags them up to the attic to clean, a chore she has been putting off and the perfect distraction. While up there, they discover old newspapers following someone in New York City called Lady X, who vandalized buildings and cars with pictures of male body parts and words that were accusations. In one photo they saw the face of their mother. That set both Julia and Skye off on research. So much happened. So many details. Do many stories.
What a great book. Lady X is fictional but she embodies the anger felt by millions of women, abused and mistreated by the men in their lives. The anger is palpable. And justified. Even though it was many years later, Margot was living through the same sense of entitlement from her husband. The man she had loved and lived with for thirty years. It is an amazing story, one young women need to read. Love is not a reason to be taken advantage of or humiliated. Margot makes this clear when she eventually confronts her husband, his misdemeanors so much worse than she thought. She defends her daughter when a boy tries to shift the blame for his behavior to her. She appreciates that the love she saw between her parents was honest. It was a terrific read.
I was invited to read Lady X by Ballantine. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Ballantine #MollyFader #LadyX
What a great book. Lady X is fictional but she embodies the anger felt by millions of women, abused and mistreated by the men in their lives. The anger is palpable. And justified. Even though it was many years later, Margot was living through the same sense of entitlement from her husband. The man she had loved and lived with for thirty years. It is an amazing story, one young women need to read. Love is not a reason to be taken advantage of or humiliated. Margot makes this clear when she eventually confronts her husband, his misdemeanors so much worse than she thought. She defends her daughter when a boy tries to shift the blame for his behavior to her. She appreciates that the love she saw between her parents was honest. It was a terrific read.
I was invited to read Lady X by Ballantine. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Ballantine #MollyFader #LadyX
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