The Smart Girl's Guide to Revenge

by Jessica May Harper, Kaya Scodelario (Narrator)

‘till death do us part.

She meant every word.

He didn’t mean one.

Now she’s coming for revenge.

Fresh out of prison, after taking the fall for their insurance fraud scheme, Jessica has only one thing on her mind.

As she masterminds her elaborate plan for justice, Jessica must come face to face with the ghosts of her past.

But while some people are beyond redemption, there is only one person who can satisfy her revenge.

Narrated by Kaya Scodelario, star of The Gentleman and Skins, Audible proudly presents a lethal tale of betrayal and con-artistry where the house doesn’t always win.

Genres: Audiobook, Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller, Mystery

Audible Audio

Published September 18, 2025

Reviews

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conning the con-man? Yes, please!

[Sarah Toback · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story! But, the added sounds were distracting because they weren't consistent. Occasionally, there was a car noise or a paper crinkling, and it was more startling than adding to the story.

[Jo Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟 may have been a 4 without the random sound effects 🎧

[Alma Alfaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this girl!
She did everything that needed to be done to get her revenge 🙂‍↕️

[Gabrielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Entertaining enough for a pallet cleanser, but the story was very basic.

Everything was too convenient, and while I'm glad Jessica got her revenge, it honestly just didn't feel satisfying to me.

The story while fun, was both simplistic and unrealistic with way too many plot holes.

I liked the narrator's Voice but wasn't a fan of the added sound effects as they were inconsistent and jarring.

The story had potential but kinda fell flat, however it's a good listen if you don't wanna think too hard.

[Hunter Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable listen, normally I despise timeline jumping as a cheap way to keep you engaged, but the author did a tremendous job and I really enjoyed the characters and the story.

[Eva Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audiobook "The Smart Girl's Guide to Revenge" by Jessica May Harper is an engaging, witty, and clever mystery thriller featuring a con artist and dark humor, centered around a strong female lead and outstanding narration.

This book was truly brilliant and clever, and oh my, it was so delightful! I relished every moment of it! It's an engaging, very interesting, and gripping story that captivated me from the very first minute! I seriously couldn't stop listening!

The narration by Kaya Scodelario was exactly what you hope for in a perfect audiobook! The sound effects added an extra layer to the experience. And the main character? I completely fell in love with her! Jessica, the strong female protagonist, embarks on a satisfying journey of revenge, allowing us to appreciate the story's emphasis on her redemption and intricate plan for justice.

The narrative unfolds from both past and present perspectives, enabling us to enjoy the revenge tale while uncovering more about the origins and backgrounds of both characters, giving us a better understanding of her emotions.

The story kicks off with Jessica being released from prison, where she served time after taking the blame for an insurance fraud scheme she devised with her husband, Jimmy Lake. To her astonishment, she learns that Jimmy had been deceiving her all along, leaving her incarcerated and broke while he roamed free.
With a singular determination for justice, Jessica devises a complex and wicked plan for revenge against the one who betrayed her.

[Nikki Edmonds · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Alison Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing special but enjoyable

[Olivia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really struggled to get into this book might try again next year…

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure after reading the blurb but I love Kaya so gave it a go.
Some actors “over act” audiobooks but Kaya was perfect.

I loved the idea of women scorned finally getting their own back. The idea that they found their “ride or die” partners, even if it was in jail.

I hope a part two comes out. I want to see what Avril has up her sleeve.

[Lounge505 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 stars 🌟 A lighthearted revenge story, I love the moral o the story. I quite enjoyed it, but I’d love it more if there was less content on Jessica’s obsession over Jamie, but I guess it probably rings true to people who have been in toxic relationships, I’ve never been in one, I found that part a bit repetitive thus annoying.

[Michelle Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent easy read. A lot of fun. Will be checking for this author again. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[Alyssa L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book, well written and good story line. Loved how it played out. If you enjoy a good murder mystery with a slight twist then you'll love this cutsy murder mystery. It all ties up nice in the end and just has an overall good feel. Will definitely be looking for more titles from this author.

[Jennifer Heltman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say this is more of a 3.75. I did it on Audible and the reader was absolutely perfect for the book. The storyline was pretty predictable. I kind of guess what the ending would be very early on and it did end the way I thought it would, but it still was super enjoyable. It’s a nice short read of just something is like a pallet cleanser kind of book about revenge

[Sheryl Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a con cons a con. Artist, that is.

Jessica, the main character, is telling us the story as she plots and carries out her plans for revenge. It is all very interesting hearing her inner thoughts and there is a bit of glee every time she is successful. She is a strong and determined character who doesn't worry about being predictable or fitting into anyone's ideal of her.

Her partner in love and in schemes is in the hot seat. Throughout the book the large looming question is: how much can we trust him? Is he telling the truth?

As we wonder about his integrity, we also wonder where all the plotting and planning is going. Will Jessica be successful? After all, she is up against a pro. A pro who taught her everything.

[Sherly Rodriguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. I felt it was a little slow and just didn’t seem that interesting. Yea, she did her revenge. But the back and forth from prison to current life seemed that it didn’t help much with the story.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ This was a free audiobook on audible and i’m pleasantly surprised! It was giving boss bitch energy with a revenge arc that made you feel warm and fuzzy at the end, despite hating certain characters for defying the main character

[Amy Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really great! If you're a fan of movies like Ocean 8 then you will like this book. It's filled with action and suspense. Definitely a 5 star!

[Cara Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t wow me. Pretty basic story, nothing truly shocking or unexpected happened.

[Michelle Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟 Audio

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - fun story, good concept, a little predictable but still enjoyed hearing the cons and the drama

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio book - such a great listen, I really enjoyed the plot and characters

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Patricia Farrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book and got a kick out of it. Who doesn’t like to get even with the guy who’s done you wrong? Lots of fun capers. Women empowerment. I recommend it for the pure lunacy. Take a listen!

[Alyssa Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did the audiobook of this and it was perfectly enjoyable! I was thoroughly entertained!

[Steph Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK I made it 60% through this Audible freebie and apart from the good narration, it was pretty naff. Not much of a story to keep you interested and all a bit cliche and unoriginal.

[Leanne Paolazzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Sia01 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this

[Karen Z · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars because I didn’t feel this book brought much value but was definitely entertaining.