Medusa

Killing Eve #6

by Luke Jennings

The next BRAND NEW instalment of Luke Jennings' bestselling KILLING EVE series - the inspiration behind the BAFTA-winning drama starring Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh! 💥 I lie to her constantly, and it's always the same lie. That I'm as human as she is.

Deceived once too often by Oxana, Eve flees to the country town where she lived as a child. But violence and death are hard on her heels, and time will not be turned back. Reeling from Eve's departure, Oxana throws herself into her latest to assassinate the leaders of a newly-formed European drug cartel.

Turkish mafia boss Tahir Yilmaz is hosting a voyage around the Greek islands on his luxury yacht Medusa. The group includes his seventeen-year-old daughter Defne and her friend Buse, and Tahir is taking no chances. He's hired a chaperone, a nanny from a top-drawer English training school. At least he thinks that's who Oxana is...

As the Medusa moves from isle to idyllic isle, a brutal showdown draws closer, and with it, a deadly reckoning for Eve and Oxana. Can the star-crossed couple save their relationship? Can they even save themselves?

The latest Killing Eve adventure is charged with all the savage humour, chilling violence and perversely romantic longing that fans of the series have come to love and expect. Welcome aboard the Medusa!

⭐️ Praise for the bestselling KILLING EVE series ⭐️

'Villanelle is one of the most entrancing characters ever created, simultaneously a heroine and villain, both fascinating and frightening. This twisty, jaw-dropping tale kept me gripped from beginning to end.' — International bestselling author Tess Gerritsen

Somehow Luke Jennings does it makes you root for a psychopath and the woman who will share her life provided they dodge bullets and her own murderous impulses - Author and journalist Catherine Mayer

'A welcome return for an icon of spy fiction' — Sunday Times bestselling author Charles Cumming

Topples the typical spy-action thriller as these two fiercely intelligent women, equally obsessed with each other, go head to head in an epic game of cat and mouse ― Sunday Express

A memorable protagonist . . . there is an extra sheen of glamour that makes Villanelle more a James Bond than a mere killer ― Daily Mail

Like Ian Fleming, Jennings is at once tongue-in-cheek and serious . . . His version of 007 is great fun ― Sunday Times

A short howitzer of a novel . . . Jennings writes at supersonic speed, packing in an impressive number of violent set pieces and sex scenes. The breakneck pace is undeniably addictive but he also displays an offbeat sense of humour ― Metro

Exciting and fun ― Daily Express

Reads a little like Terry Hayes's I Am Pilgrim in miniature . . . the final pages are thrilling ― The Spectator

Racy in several senses and gripping from the word go, you can also see why BBC America commissioned a television version of Jennings's sensational thriller ― Radio Times

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2026

About the author

Luke Jennings is an author and the dance critic of The Observer. He trained at the Rambert School and was a dancer for ten years before turning to writing.

As a journalist he has written for Vanity Fair, the New Yorker and Time, as well as for numerous British titles. He is the author of Blood Knots, a memoir, short-listed for the 2010 Samuel Johnson and William Hill prizes, and of three novels: Breach Candy, Beauty Story, and the Booker Prize-nominated Atlantic. With Deborah Bull, he wrote The Faber Guide to Ballet, and with his daughter Laura, the Stars fiction series for Puffin Books, about teenagers at a stage-school.

He is currently writing a follow-up to his 2017 thriller Codename Villanelle (John Murray). The Villanelle titles are the basis for BBC America's upcoming TV series Killing Eve, airing in 2018 and starring Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer.

Reviews

[Chrissie Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into Killing Eve: Medusa slightly wary after feeling a bit underwhelmed by the previous instalment, but this felt like a return to the format that made me fall in love with this series in the first place.

This time, the story follows Eve as she pulls away after everything that’s happened, while Oxana finds herself embedded in a dangerous new mission aboard a luxury yacht tied to a cartel. As expected, their paths begin to circle each other again, building towards something that feels both inevitable and explosive.

At first, Eve leaving in anger frustrated me, but as the story unfolded and she started to recognise how much she has changed, it really worked for me. Watching her come to terms with who she is now, how she feels about Oxana, and what that means for her identity added a much deeper emotional layer than we’ve seen recently. There is less focus on the chaotic and almost comedic edge of their dynamic, and more attention given to who they are beneath all of that. I really appreciated that shift.

Oxana’s development stood out the most for me. Seeing her interact with Defne, and even Inci at times, added something softer to her character. It was subtle, but important. It showed that despite everything she believes about herself, she is capable of feeling and connecting, even if it looks different to everyone else. Those moments made her feel more human without losing what makes her so compelling.

The mission itself felt much stronger this time around. The stakes were higher, the tension was sharper, and I found myself far more invested, especially as everything built towards the climax. There were still flashes of humour too, particularly with Oxana training to be a nanny, which added a bit of levity at just the right moments. I also really enjoyed Phillipa as a side character.

Overall, this felt like a stronger, more emotionally grounded instalment that brings the focus back to what makes this series so addictive. The balance between character development and high stakes action worked really well for me, and it has definitely renewed my excitement for where the story goes next.

[Maddie Weeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have yet again been blessed with an advance copy of the newest Killing Eve book 😍 Thank you Boldwood Books, The Murder List and Luke Jennings for allowing me to read and provide my honest review!

It’s no secret that I am a HUGE fan of this series and I think this one might be my favourite so far!

As with the rest of the series. Medusa is fast paced and action packed. The story is told through Oxana and Eve as they embark on separate adventures. The Twelve are back and they need Villanelle.

Oxana is one of my favourite book characters ever, she is unintentionally comedic and there’s parts where we see a softer side of her with the younger characters which I think was nice to see.

If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.

I recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Killing Eve and fans of spy thriller!

I give this book 5 stars!

[Shannon bagnall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the killing eve saga.

This one was interesting because we got to see Eve and Oxana separated again and how their lives are when they aren’t together, I loved that Eve had her own story and we learnt how she’s changed being with Oxana.

I also loved how it really talked about how different people become like Oxana becoming villanelle and at the end the mafia princess, it just shows all it takes is one event to change someone.

Overall a really great boom in the series, it just proves they could have carried on the show, we can hope one day they’ll pick it back up 🤞🏻

* full disclosure I was given this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley*

[Stephen Clynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve Polastri and Oxana Voronstova are two lesbians who share a partnership both at home and work. However, when they are discussing a new job with Johnny on behalf of the Twelve, Eve and Oxana have a big disagreement. This is more than a lover’s tiff and Eve moves out of the London flat they share and goes missing. Headstrong Oxana accepts the new job and goes to work regardless of the potential danger to her life. How will things work out for Eve and Oxana?

Because Eve and Oxana are not working together, there are 2 plot lines in this story. The chapters are split between Eve and Oxana so you get what each girl is working on plus how much or how little they are missing each other.

I found the 2 plot lines to be average - nothing out of the ordinary - county drug lines for Eve and mafia yacht sailing on the Medusa for Oxana. What I thought was very good were the private thoughts Eve and Oxana developed about being apart from each other and how much, ignoring their radically different personalities, they love each other. Medusa is a thriller and there is a fair amount of violence within the pages. Many people lose their lives and there is a fair amount of action. But what I enjoyed the most was the emotional intensity between Eve and Oxana. This is NOT a romantic novel - nothing is slushy - but the feelings Eve and Oxana hold for each other is a joy to read. As Oxana puts it…

It’s been five days now since Eve walked out of our meeting with Johnny Fernandes. Since then I’ve rung her number countless times in the hope that she’ll switch her phone on again. Nothing, and I’m distraught, because this has gone far beyond any fight we’ve ever had. It gives me a sick, empty feeling that I can’t put into words except to say that it feels like an ending.

… I enjoyed reading Killing Eve: Medusa. Although this is book 6 in this series, you do not need to have read the first 5 books OR watched the very popular, hit BBC drama series of Killing Eve. There is enough back story in this latest book for you to understand just where Eve and Oxana are coming from. Eve and Oxana are not quiet lesbians as Eve is an Ex-MI6 officer and Oxana an elite assassin.

I found Killing Eve: Medusa to be a GOOD 4 star read, nothing wrong with that although I enjoyed Resurrection #4 and Long Shot #5 far more, giving each the top score of 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Boldwood Books for passing me an ARC on the understanding that I post a review.

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Villanelle is dragged to Balice and Bili's wedding by Eve. After an enjoyable time at the wedding, Eve and Villanelle must get down to business. Johnny Fernandes has a new job for them. They are to join a meeting on a boat in a Greek Island. They need to take down the Italian and Albanian mafia bosses in order for the Turkish mafia to reign over the drug business, all backed up by The Twelve. Even feels that this job is too dangerous and wants them to walk away. But, per usual, Villanelle choose the job over Eve because that is who she is. Villanelle lies constantly and undermines Eve at every turn. So this time Eve walks away from Villanelle, Johnny and the Twelve. Will she make it far? Can she leave Villanelle for good?

This was another great read for me. I am invested in Eve and Villanelle's relationship. I am always rooting for them, even when Villanelle lies and cheats her way through their relationship. I do feel like Villanelle learned something new on that boat with the teens she was there to protect. I enjoyed Villanelle's time at the nanny academy. She was a good big sister to the girls there and I found her to be so hilarious during her time there. Eve also had her own learning experience while she was away. Eve proved to herself that she is someone apart from Villanelle and she too can catch bad guys all on her own. The pagan/Wiccan representation was much appreciated.

Another magnificent book to add to the Killing Eve collection!
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit apprehensive about this one as I found the last Killing Eve novel a little underwhelming, however this REALLY delivered! This was exactly what I love about this series.

When Eve founds out that Oxana has betrayed her once again by accepting a new mission for the Twelve, she flees her life in London and returns to Cranbourne, the little village where she grew up. There she meets friends both new and old. But will the danger that seems to be her life still follow her?

Meanwhile, Oxana accepts a mission to act as a Nanny for two spoiled teenagers on a super yacht in Greece. This bit was so great! The nanny training was so funny, the setting was wonderful (especially if you like Below Deck!) and the danger felt very real throughout.

This book was really cool as we got to see how much Eve and Oxana's lives had changed because of each other. We got to see more of their inner monologues and learned more about each character individually.

I'd HIGHLY recommend! I can't wait for the next one.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC.

🛥️🗡️🐍

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of the Killing Eve series and I was very excited to see that Luke Jennings has written a new installment coming in May 2026! It's more of the same, but this time Eve an Oxana have a major disagreement and go on separate adventures. I enjoyed the two plotlines and how they ultimately came together.

The series includes many short, fast-paced novels full of action and drama, and this book follows the same pattern. I like having the images of Jodie Comer as Oxana/Villanelle and Sandra Oh as Eve, even as the show and the books go their separate ways. Oxana is a fascinating character and it's easy to see how she frustrates but intrigues Eve.

I was very much amused by Oxana's experiences at nanny training school and Eve's time with a witch; the rest of the story is very entertaining as well. The book is certain to be a hit with fans of the series!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Anna J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally the next book in the killing Eve series. Oxana has once again broken her trust with Eve by keeping secrets and putting her job before Eve. This time Eve flees to her hometown where she rents a room from a witch. It was interesting to get a glimpse of what her life was before. She instantly bonds with the witch and can't escape her true nature as evil shows up at her door.

Oxana goes off to nanny school which was hilarious as she has no clue about kids. She needs to pass the class to get her next job as a nanny on a yacht. She will be there to protect a rich teenage girl. Oxana is excited about being picked by the twelve to do this job. She will be on her own on a yacht preparing to break up a drug cartel and fearing making it out alive.

I enjoyed the dual time lines and reading Oxana's and Eve's thoughts. They have one twisted relationship. These books are so entertaining and I can't wait for next one.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast-paced entry in the Killing Eve series. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC; this review is voluntary. In *Medusa*, Oxana and Eve go their separate ways—Oxana is sent to assassinate the leaders of an international drug cartel, while Eve returns to her sleepy hometown and gets caught up in county lines. Their separation gives them space to reflect on their relationship. Oxana seems to be growing more compassionate—hopefully not too much. While the series typically mixes romance and thriller elements right from the beginning, this one leans more toward romance, with Oxana’s trademark antics not showing up until about halfway through. The earlier format works better, as the pace is quicker from the start. Her time at Nanny School makes for a hilarious interlude, and quirky Phillipa is a delightful counterbalance to both Oxana and Eve.
Perfect for readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers mixed with complicated love stories.

[Emerald Maple · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Medusa, The Twelve need Villanelle. Not too many assassins who can pass as a nanny, they need a young woman. Honestly, this book is worth reading for Oxana in nanny school alone. Imagine Villanelle with an advanced version of those fake babies they make you take home in a school known for “proper” British nannies for the rich and powerful. Also tip for other students, never get between a psychopath and her cornflakes.

This one felt more classic Killing Eve with them having separate storylines as Oxana carries out one of her most dangerous missions for The Twelve while Eve goes back to her childhood home as she reels from Oxana’s lies only to find that violence has become part of her life even when completely separate from her Villaneve life.

I did guess the ending but Eve’s time in the sleepy town had a good twist and overall a great read. But I am nostalgic for the series so love the books.

Thanks to Boldwood Books for the advance copy for review through Netgalley.

[Bandit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennings seems to be popping out Villanelle adventures like nobody's business. They're not improving; if anything, the quality is steadily waning, in writing and especially in plotting. The plots are rather uninspired, and the character development has more or less stalled, relying on unbecoming melodramatics and repetition.
This is basically a pretty sizzling trilogy that's been stretched into a neverending series. It runs almost solely on fumes of the original greatness and the existing fan base, most of whom are likely still mad about the ending of the BBC adaptation.
So why am I rounding it up to four stars? Well, because I suppose I am the target audience, who loved the show and the original three books, and, more importantly, loved the characters enough to follow them on further adventures.
These books are snack food, empty calories, but sometimes it's okay to indulge in those. Yes, I wish they were better, the way they used to be, but I'll enjoy them for what they are now.
Underwhelming but amusing, and a quick read.
Thanks Netgalley.

This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

The newest instalment in the Killing Eve series this was an enjoyable read.

I’m such a sucker for the intense chemistry between Eve and Villanelle and their completely twisted connection with each other. That dynamic is just as compelling on the page as it is on screen 🖤

Eve and Villanelle each have their own separate plots, but both were engaging in their own way and kept me invested.

I did love the dark humour as well!

If you enjoy Eve and Villanelle's morally messy cat-and-mouse dynamic, this one is an engaging and quick read.

Thank you to Boldwood Books, Luke Jennings and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine Harman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve and Oxana have a big argument and go their separate ways. We follow them separately as they decide what the future holds for them. The characters have been around for a while now and so are well established. The interaction with the characters they meet in their relative locations come across as multifaceted people who have hidden depths. The descriptive atmosphere of the book is well handled and evocative. An enjoyable if tough at times read. With thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent excellent. another ripper from Killing Eve series. Recommended. And by the way please bring back the TV show BBC… thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Janne · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fast, easy and addictive return to Killing Eve 🔪✨
Smooth writing makes it effortless to read, with strong familiar characters and a solid plot 🌊⛵️
Overall, a solid, fun thriller that’s easy to read and very addictive 📖🔥
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC 😊

[Silvia Rey · Rating 3 out of 5]

the fact that oxana gave eve the ring is so important to me in case anyone was wondering