You Girls Play Nice

by K.D. Aldyn

Perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter and The Butcher Game, comes a chilling, "Good for Her" revenge thriller that paints a searing picture of friendship, justice, and vengeance, both imagined and actualized, that will leave you questioning how far would you go to avenge your friend?

Four friends. Four plans for revenge. One secret killer. 

When Helen Wyatt is brutally murdered, her four best friends anxiously wait in the courtroom to ensure justice is served. But when her attacker is acquitted of all charges, the women decide to get revenge. 

Hypothetically, of course. 

The friends host a girl's night, each presenting a different way they would kill the culprit to avenge Helen. It's a silly thing, a way to ease their grief. Until, a week later, a murder is discovered that mirrors one of their imagined killings. Then another. What started as a cathartic exercise soon ends in carnage, with suspicion quickly falling on the four friends.

Someone has discovered their secrets. And now, the women will have to hunt down who is framing them for murder. Or, even more chillingly, question who among them may be capable of being a killer themselves…

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Thriller Suspense

368 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 16, 2026

Reviews

[Krickette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel! You Girls Play Nice by K.D Aldyn is a revenge type thriller with a very creative storyline. With multiple POVs, this story is really good and I loved it!

With strong characters and sharp writing, this slow burn thriller hits the sweet spot when four best friends gather to share different ways they might carry out a revenge killing on the man who brutally killed their fifth best friend, Helen.

Fast forward, just weeks after the first fantasy killing is revealed, they find out that their fantasies are actually being carried out and people are being murdered. Questions flood their minds…. Who is doing this? How could they know? A bittersweet novel with twists you didn’t see coming.😳

👉Of all the point of views, which was my favorite? Well Helen’s, of course. Yes! Helen, the dead best friend! I love how she shares all her feelings and emotions about her death and about her friends. She was my favorite! ❤️

This was a very fun and suspenseful read, one with likable characters and a twisty plot. I would definitely recommend this novel! A 3.5 star book.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this ARC kindle version, in exchange for my candid thoughts and honest review.

[_blondebooknerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Listen. 🗣️ I am a simple girl. You show me a cover with a bloody Barbie doll 👱‍♀️🩸 and ransom-style letters, and I am going to aggressively smash that request button. 💥👆

The premise sounded like an absolute top-tier, unhinged thriller. 🔪 Four friends get together 👯‍♀️👯‍♀️ and plot hypothetical revenge against the guy who murdered their best friend and walked free... only for those exact murders to actually start happening. 😳 It gave me major Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart vibes (which was a 5-star masterpiece for me last year 🏆), so my hopes were SKY HIGH. ☁️✨But the execution? 📉 It just didn't get there. 🫠
Here is where I struggled:

🎭 POV Roulette: Every. Single. Chapter. was a game of "Guess Who." 🕵️‍♀️ You had to read the first few sentences just to figure out whose head you were in. As a reader? Absolutely not. 🚫 Just give me a name at the top of the chapter! 📖😤

👵 The Voices: These girls are supposed to be 30 (like me! 🙋‍♀️), but the verbiage had them sounding like they were in their 50s. The disconnect was so real, and I found myself genuinely struggling to stay immersed. 🥱

🔀 The Plot: It just felt so random in places, and that "shadow man" ending? 👤 Completely out of left field. ⚾️🤨

Was it the worst thriller I've ever read? No. 🤷‍♀️
Was it the best? Also no. 🙅‍♀️

Final verdict: It’s a solid, middle-of-the-road 3 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Come for the bloody Barbie vibes 🩸🎀, but keep your expectations in check. 📉

Huge thank you to KD Aldyn, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for sending this eARC to my Kindle in exchange for my honest review! 🫶💖📚

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 🌟 The premise for this book really hooked me. Four friends who are out to avenge the death of their friend. It started off a bit slow for me. It took time to figure out who was who, and then later who did what. It did come together in enjoyable way. I was proud of the women. This is a revenge served up nice and hot.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Poisoned Pen Press and netgalley for the e-arc!

I enjoyed this one immensely, but I almost wish the girls were a bit more sinister and that the Barbie doll on the cover played a bigger role.

Things I loved: a close group of girlfriends that have supported each other for decades. I appreciate the down to earth nature of their relationships. They all experience pettiness, jealousy, even rudeness/cruelty; but they work through it and maintain those deep friendships. This adds a level of reality to the characters that some gal pal thillers lack. The plot is original and creative: starting off with the friends designing and then presenting their own killings of a man they believe to have murdered their best friend. This sounds like constructive therapy to me!

Tensions start to rise when these precise hypothetical killings turn into real life murders. The similar details are uncanny and have all four women anxious. Something isn’t adding up though and the friends are tired of letting the law handle things.

This books was enjoyable, while a bit predictable for me I still had a great time. The plot was executed well and the little twists at the end just had me asking for one more chapter.

[Michaela | bumblebeeslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Girls Play Nice, a story of revenge

First, I really enjoyed the multiple POVs in this book, while it takes a few to grasp each character, I felt I was able to differentiate them pretty quickly. And I love that we even get a POV from a rather unexpected character. Each of the 4 best friends really does their homework on their own "faux" revenge murder plot. They are researched well, and all unique. Unique enough that it is very odd to see one of their murder plans enacted in real life on the news. But when the other 3 plans are also carried out in real life, it becomes very obvious someone is setting them up. The question is, how did anyone learn about their plans, and who is doing it?

With every chapter that we learn more about each of the characters, I felt more and more unsure of each of their motives. I enjoyed the slow-reveal into each woman's "true" character, especially Jackie and Sue, who seem "innocent" but we slowly learn the truth of their childhood secrets. Of course the person enacting the revenge murder plots attempts to frame one of the friends, but it is so obvious, even I knew it wouldn't work. Murderers just don't leave their name laying around a murder site. The police do have to investigate and do their due diligence, but even they are pretty sure this is a set-up.

I liked that we also got to read the POV of the lead investigator, Det. Sam Spade, as she too tries to wade through the crazy mess of all these killings and who may have done them.

The revenge murder's are not the only ones in this story. The carnage continues, only enacted by different parties. When the man who got away with Helen's murder comes back into town, the plot thickens for the Detective, because he has been mostly in hiding for years. Everything we think we know about these 4 friends, seems to change with every new event. I loved that the friends all think they are able to hide what they are doing from the others! But Rebel is onto Jackie and Sue, and Willow is not as fragile as she appears.

In the end, each of the friends gets their own revenge, and it is glorious. This story may be fictional, but it touches on a real-world truth that happens far too often, when the perpetrator gets away with SA and murder, and goes about their life like nothing happened. I loved this story, and I loved how unexpectedly not sweet and innocent the 4 FMCs all are.

Thank you so much to Poisoned Pen Press and the author for a copy of this book!

Some fav quotes:
""Let's make this asshole suffer." Rebel's teeth began their customary grind against an unfair world ruled by the patriarchy, and a rabid injustice. "Metaphorically.""

"The four friends stared at each other slack-jawed, each feeling a hint of catharsis that revenge-no matter how hypothetical-might bring."

"Sasha started googling fancy recipes for eggs and mushrooms, and Rebel went back to working on her plan to torture and kill a man."

"I'll tell you who I did know, though, who I knew a little better than I have let on to date...I'm sorry if I've shown myself to be something of an unreliable narrator."

"Ah, secrets. There are so many I'm taking with me now."

"I wish only but the best for all the kind-hearted souls, and I have no thoughts to spare for the others."

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to net galley, the author and poison pen for the ARC of this book, always thrilled to receive one!

Okay so overall I think this book would be a 3.5 stars, but wanted to round up.

This book follows 4 friends following the gruesome death of their other friend and their path: for justice? I liked the dual perspectives and the switches from 3rd person to 1st person. I think this added to the development of the characters. I also like how this is very woman-revenge and 'go women', however some readers may disagree with the morals at some points. I guess others would question how normal suburban people would be driven to do what they do, but guess revenge gets the best of you. The ending was well developed and I felt that everything had been resolved and I was definitely surprised by the final twist!

Few things I didnt like as much
- minor/ personal preference: some of the names in this book were so odd - I get that the children's names were based on authors and other character names were nicknames but still
- I do think in some places the prose was slightly flowery and verbose I think this sometimes meant the flow was interrupted when a less familiar word was injected. Could just be that I'm used to reading simple language and I need to branch out!
- Tying into the flowery language I think sometimes parts of the plot were repeated I think this is because of the number of characters and everyone learning things at different times but I felt some of the repeats just weren't necessarily needed.

[Tiffany Schulz · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review
This story line of revenge and a group of friends doing their best “ride or die” for one that didn’t make it has great bones. The story and plot itself is easy to follow, with the exception of each chapter not openly telling you who is speaking. It makes you get to know them quickly and trust yourself to pick the right narrator as the story unfolds. I found it slight tedious and annoying that I didn’t know immediately who’s point of view one’s getting and had to deduce it.
I guess I like my stories easy that way-just put the characters name on the chapter. That way I don’t spend an entire two paragraphs trying to figure it out
Aside from that the story was pretty strong. These grinds were not going to let their friends killer get away with anything, and it was good fun to watch them create a plan and execute it. Overall decent story, with just a couple small issues

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

KD Aldyn’s You Girls Play Nice made me realize that apparently my personal moral compass can, in fact, be temporarily overridden by female rage, courtroom injustice, and a group chat full of women who are one glass of wine away from committing felonies. Poisoned Pen Press, thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC because this book was messy, vicious, paranoid, emotionally volatile, and honestly? I ate it up like late-night popcorn during a true crime binge.

This is the kind of thriller that feels like a panic attack wrapped in lipstick and perfectly applied mascara. The story follows four women shattered after the brutal murder of their best friend Helen Wyatt, only to watch the man accused of killing her walk free. And listen… the rage in this book feels palpable. Heavy. Sharp around the edges. You can practically feel it vibrating underneath every conversation, every sideways glance, every “we’re fine” that absolutely means they are not fine.

What starts as a hypothetical girls’ night conversation spirals into complete chaos when the revenge scenarios they jokingly invented start happening in real life. Suddenly everyone is suspicious. Everyone is hiding something. And every single friendship starts cracking under the pressure of grief, guilt, jealousy, fear, and years of buried resentment.

The friendships in this book were honestly my favorite part because they felt real in that uncomfortable way. These women love each other deeply, but they also judge each other, compete with each other, resent each other, and keep secrets from each other like it’s an Olympic sport. It had that addictive “toxic female friendship but make it emotionally layered” energy that keeps you flipping pages at 1 a.m. while muttering, “Girl… what are you DOING?”

And Helen’s presence lingering throughout the story? Brutal. There’s something especially haunting about a victim still feeling emotionally alive inside the narrative while everyone around her unravels.

“Revenge doesn’t stay hypothetical for long.”

The pacing absolutely flies once the murders begin stacking up. Short chapters. Multiple POVs. Constant suspicion. Tiny reveals that slowly build into full-scale chaos. I genuinely kept changing my mind about who I trusted every few chapters, which is honestly exactly what I want from a thriller like this. It leans hard into morally gray territory and asks some deeply uncomfortable questions about justice, loyalty, vengeance, and whether grief can slowly turn ordinary people into something dangerous.

Was every moment perfectly realistic? No. Did I care? Also no. This book operates on pure tension and emotional momentum, and honestly it worked for me. Sometimes you just want a thriller that feels unhinged in the most entertaining possible way.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“If anger could resurrect the dead, Helen would’ve walked out of that courtroom herself.”

If you love revenge thrillers with messy women, morally questionable decisions, shifting loyalties, buried secrets, and enough paranoia to make everyone look guilty, this one deserves a spot on your summer thriller stack immediately.

Now excuse me while I sit quietly and pretend I’d never help hide evidence for my friends because after reading this book… I’m suddenly not as confident as I used to be. 😂

What’s your favorite “good for her” thriller where you found yourself accidentally rooting for the chaos?

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[Nicole Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

KD Aldyn’s “You Girls Play Nice” is a dark, intense revenge thriller that explores grief, justice, and the dangerous power of rage. Combining slasher-style violence with psychological tension and shifting loyalties, the story delivers a gripping story about friendship, vengeance, and the thin line between justice and destruction.

The story begins with a devastating injustice: Helen Wyatt’s murderer, a wealthy and well-connected man named Damien, is acquitted despite strong suspicions of his guilt. Her four best friends are left furious and heartbroken, grappling with the failure of the justice system. During wine-fueled girls’ nights, they cope with their grief by imagining elaborate ways they would take revenge on him. They are purely hypothetical fantasies (yet extremely detailed ) meant as catharsis. But when men begin turning up dead in the exact unique ways the women described, their dark imaginings become terrifyingly real.

From there, the story becomes a tense and suspenseful mystery. The women must confront an unsettling question: who is carrying out the killings? Are they being framed or is someone within their circle capable of murder? As suspicion spreads and secrets emerge, the story examines the complexity of friendship and the destructive potential of vengeance.

One of the story’s strongest elements is its exploration of female rage and loyalty. The four friends are portrayed as messy, complicated, and fiercely protective of one another. Their grief over Helen’s death and their desire for justice feel raw and emotionally charged, creating a compelling foundation for the escalating violence. The book repeatedly asks how far someone would go for a friend and what happens when revenge begins to consume everything else.

The book also maintains relentless tension through its fast pacing and frequent twists. Multiple perspectives, including the women’s viewpoints and a police detective investigating the murders, add layers to the story and heighten the sense of paranoia. As more information emerges about a larger network of violence against women and the hidden connections surrounding Helen’s death, the plot grows increasingly complex, leading to shocking revelations and a dramatic conclusion.

The premise itself is particularly engaging. The creative and unusual murder methods, combined with the mounting body count, give the story strong thriller and slasher energy. The opening courtroom scene effectively establishes the emotional stakes, while the escalating danger keeps you guessing about who can be trusted.

The violence can be graphic at times, with detailed descriptions of both imagined and real killings. The large number of characters, shifting perspectives, and intricate connections can also be difficult to follow at times, occasionally making the story feel overwhelming. Despite these flaws, “You Girls Play Nice” remains an entertaining and provocative thriller. Its mix of psychological suspense and revenge fantasy creates a compelling reading experience, and its exploration of justice, trauma, and moral ambiguity gives the story depth beyond its shocking premise.

Overall, “You Girls Play Nice” is a fierce and unsettling page-turner that will appeal to those who enjoy dark thrillers, morally complex characters, and high-stakes mysteries. With its powerful exploration of vengeance, the story delivers a dramatic and memorable ride.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Girls Play Nice is a razor‑sharp, emotionally charged revenge thriller that takes the idea of “good for her” justice and twists it into something far darker, smarter, and more unsettling than expected. From the opening courtroom scene, the novel pulses with anger, grief, and the fierce loyalty of women who refuse to let their friend’s murder be dismissed as just another tragedy.

The heart of the story lies in the bond between the four friends—messy, loyal, imperfect, and painfully real. Their grief for Helen is palpable, and their frustration at the justice system’s failure feels like a spark thrown onto dry tinder. What begins as a cathartic, wine‑soaked girls’ night—each woman imagining how she would kill Helen’s attacker—starts as dark humour and ends as a nightmare when those hypothetical murders begin happening in real life.

The author handles this shift brilliantly. The tone moves from raw emotion to creeping paranoia as the women realise someone knows exactly what they said that night. The tension tightens with every chapter, and the question at the centre of the book becomes impossible to ignore: is someone framing them, or is one of them capable of crossing the line from fantasy to reality?

The pacing is pitch‑perfect, balancing character‑driven moments with sharp, twist‑heavy suspense. Each woman is given depth and motive, and the story cleverly plays with shifting suspicion, forcing the reader to question every alibi, every glance, every crack in their friendship. The exploration of female rage—how it simmers, how it binds, how it can be weaponised—is one of the novel’s strongest elements.

What elevates the book is its emotional core. Beneath the twists and the tension is a story about friendship: how it saves us, how it betrays us, and how grief can warp even the closest bonds. The final reveals land with impact, tying together the themes of justice, loyalty, and the dangerous power of secrets.

A gripping, clever, and fiercely compelling thriller that keeps you guessing until the final page. Perfect for readers who love dark female friendships, morally grey justice, and twisty revenge stories that refuse to play nice.

With thanks to KD Aldyn, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Tara Dawes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review - all opinions are completely mine.

I thought the premise of this book sounded incredibly interesting - four friends who have lost a friend to murder get together after the person who murdered her is set free and fantasize/plot what they would do to him if given the chance. Then people start turning up dead in the ways that they described. This sounded great - unfortunately for me it was just okay.

As to what the book did well, I really liked the chapters from Helens perspective I thought that was different and well done. I liked that the POV's often changed and we could see things happening across the board. I think in many ways this book was set up almost like a tv miniseries/movie, I could see the scenes, the breaks, etc as the book went on. I do think it would make an interesting tv miniseries.

What didn't work for me, some of the pacing. It was hard at times to get a grasp on how much time had passed between the chapters/scenes. I think one of this books biggest flaws is in its characters, it was hard to understand how these people are all friends, they converse like they are former friends or people who lightly know each other. They all felt very cardboard cutout, their personalities were very defined early on as "this one interest/this job/this note" they just didn't feel natural or well developed. A lot of the dialogue felt stilted and also unnatural and there was a lot of exposition.

As for the plot it was fine - I could see where it was going pretty early on although I do think there will be some readers who are surprised. It all felt very convenient and of course in real life no one is getting away with any of that (like seriously how does no one except one person have a home security camera). I was fine with the resolution of the "mystery" and was satisfied with the ending. Although, I feel like this review might come across a bit harsh there was still enough here for me to like to give it a solid 3.

[TheNovelNomad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge is supposed to be hypothetical. Until it isn’t.

You Girls Play Nice takes a premise that feels almost tongue-in-cheek — four grieving women wine-drunk on rage, imagining how they’d kill the man who got away with murdering their friend — and turns it into something sharp, vicious, and deliciously unhinged.

The courtroom opening is such a smart move. We meet these women in the rawest possible moment: helpless, furious, disillusioned. You feel the injustice. You feel the crack in the system. And from that crack, the story grows teeth.

The “girls’ night” scene is darkly cathartic. It starts playful. Petty. Therapeutic, even. Each plan more creative than the last. It’s grief dressed up as humor. Feminine rage served with wine glasses.

And then the bodies start dropping.

What makes this novel so effective isn’t just the slasher energy (though yes, it absolutely delivers on that front). It’s the way suspicion infects the friend group. The slow unraveling. The looks that linger too long. The thoughts no one says out loud. The creeping realization that maybe the real danger isn’t outside the circle.

The tension is relentless. Once the first “copycat” murder hits, the pacing tightens like a noose. Every chapter raises the stakes. Every reveal makes you recalibrate who you trust. And the paranoia? Chef’s kiss.

But beneath the blood and the chaos, there’s something deeply compelling about these women. They are messy. Loyal. Angry. Protective. Complicated. They love hard — and that’s what makes the question at the heart of this book so unsettling:

How far would you go for your friend?

And perhaps more terrifying — what if someone in your circle already went that far?

By the final act, I was breathless. The ending doesn’t just shock — it lingers. It forces you to sit with the cost of vengeance and the thin line between justice and destruction.

This is the kind of thriller that dares you to cheer while everything burns.

And honestly? I did.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)
This one had me hooked before I even turned the first page—the synopsis paired with that striking cover made Play Nice feel like it was going to be an absolute knockout thriller. And while it didn’t quite hit every mark I hoped for, it was still a fun, fast-paced read that kept me entertained throughout.

The premise is undeniably strong: four grieving friends, a failed justice system, and a “what if” revenge game that spirals into something much darker. What starts as a cathartic girls’ night quickly turns into a chilling reality when their hypothetical murder plans begin happening in real life. That setup alone is enough to pull you in, and the book wastes no time getting things moving.
The pacing is one of its biggest strengths—it’s an easy, quick read that makes it perfect for when you want something gripping but not too heavy. The tension builds nicely as suspicion starts to creep in, both from the outside and within the group. I especially enjoyed the paranoia angle: the idea that someone could be framing them… or that one of them might not be as innocent as she seems.

That said, I found myself wanting a bit more depth, particularly with the characters. While the friendship dynamic is central to the story, the four women sometimes blurred together, making it harder to fully connect with each of them or feel the emotional weight of their situation. The twists were interesting, but a few felt a little predictable or not as impactful as they could have been with stronger buildup.

Still, Play Nice delivers exactly what it promises: a twisty, revenge-fueled thriller that’s easy to binge. It may not have blown me away, but I definitely had a good time with it.

Final thoughts: A clever premise and addictive pacing make this an enjoyable read, even if it doesn’t dig as deep as it could. Perfect for thriller fans looking for something quick, dramatic, and a little sinister.

[whatkhloehreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was eager to sink my teeth into this novel after receiving an ARC from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press, and it certainly delivered an intense and unforgettable reading experience.


As this was an advance copy, trigger warnings were not available—something I would have appreciated before diving in. The book contains graphic depictions of torture, murder, and group sexual assault, and readers should absolutely check content warnings before picking it up. The subject matter is undeniably dark and disturbing, but it reflects harsh realities that, unfortunately, exist in the real world. The author does not shy away from these brutal truths.


One of the more chilling aspects of the novel is its exploration of the dehumanizing way some men view women. The stark portrayal of entitlement and lack of empathy is unsettling precisely because it feels plausible. The writing captures this mindset with a clarity that lingers long after the pages are turned.

Emotionally, this was a heavy read. I noticed my mood dip while reading, which speaks to the immersive and affecting nature of the words. The author successfully evokes discomfort and sorrow, though at times the weight of the themes felt overwhelming.


I did find the dynamic between the four girls frustrating at times. Jackie, in particular, came across as rather unlikeable. Her tendency to use language she knew would confuse her friends felt unnecessarily pretentious, which I really just didn't like.


I think the novel could have benefited from chapter titles that included the characters’ names. There were moments when the narrative blurred between present-day events and flashbacks, and clearer signposting would have made it easier to follow.


Overall, this is a dark and twisted story that won’t be for everyone—but it is undeniably compelling. Despite its heavy themes and occasional frustrations, I found it to be a strong and impactful read.

[Areeba · Rating 5 out of 5]

*You Girls Play Nice* follows the story of four women whose close friend was brutally raped, tortured, and murdered by a powerful and wealthy man. Despite everything pointing to him, he is acquitted, walking away without punishment. The women know he was guilty, and the injustice of it all lingers heavily over their lives.
At first, the book moves a little slowly, I’ll admit it was a bit boring for me. But the premise becomes much more interesting as the story unfolds. The four friends, Rebel, Sue, Jackie and Willow, gather together and, in an attempt to cope with their anger and grief, they planning different murderous fantasies about how they would kill Damien Gatner, responsible for their friend’s death.
Things take a dark turn when someone somehow learns about these fantasies and begins carrying them out in real life. Suddenly, there are murders that mirror the scenarios the women once imagined, turning the story into a tense copycat killer mystery. From there, the plot really picks up speed, pulling the reader into a whirlwind of uncertainty. You’re constantly wondering who the killer might be, whether the original perpetrator is somehow involved, or if someone else is manipulating the situation.
One of the most fascinating elements of the book is how it shifts perspectives. At times, we even get glimpses from the perspective of the dead woman herself. Through those moments, it becomes clear that she’s uneasy watching her friends become caught up in this chaos, worried that their search for justice or revenge might end up destroying them and turning them into collateral damage by the end.
Really interesting, really exhilarating book. Nothing is as straighforward as it seems and it really kept me hooked, once it picked up the pace. And boy, was the ending satisfying.

[Evermore Booklore · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a unique cover and a fun synopsis and this book had both!

The story follows a group of four friends who watch the man they believe murdered their best friend Helen, walk free after being acquitted. During a girls night to decompress, they start joking (hypothetically of course) about revenge. But when people begin dying in the exact ways they described, things spiral fast. Suddenly it’s clear someone knows their secrets… and is setting them up.

Told through multiple POVs (all five friends including “ghost” chapters from Helen) the book aims to piece together what really happened to her while unraveling the present day chaos.

That said, the structure made this a tougher read than expected. With so many POVs and some characters also tied to partners or spouses it quickly became confusing. There are no names at the start of chapters, so it felt like POV roulette with constantly trying to figure out who was speaking. On top of that, the mix of what I felt like first and third person narration added another layer of disorientation for me in places.

While this is ultimately a story about friendship, I struggled to believe in the group dynamic. The characters felt so different and underdeveloped that they came across more like acquaintances than a tight knit circle. I was hoping for adult Pretty Little Liars vibes but it didn’t quite land that way for me.

This isn’t your typical popcorn thriller, not that it was advertised as that but just want to mention it because it’s one you have to fully focus on (and maybe even take notes) to keep everything straight. I feel like if you're able to keep track of who is who in books that you'd probably love this way more than I did because I struggle with that personally.

[Akshaya Ramesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

“How far would you go to avenge your friend?”

I would like to start with a disclaimer that this book is not for light hearts. I have read my own fair share of gruesome thrillers but never have I read something that sounds utterly cruel and evil yet the acts are justified. The book was fast paced and I raced through this. So many characters to keep track of, yet they all coexist seamlessly in the same story without any confusion. The plot is airtight with no hint about loopholes. You could see all the hard work and research that went behind with writing this book. It’s not easy to plan a murder that is clean with no evidence or clues, even if it is hypothetical.

All characters are unreliable including author. The story is told from third person point of view and occasionally includes Helen’s POV as a ghost who proves to be as confused as the reader.

I appreciate the clever use of term ‘Girls’ in the title because it is the most sarcastic thing the author could have as a hint about the book. Girls are supposed to be weak, they are the least to be suspected for cold blooded calculated murder and this book stomps on that assumption. It depicts the range of human emotions from sadness to grief, from angry to distant, the way each human process things differently. Nobody can judge a person based on the façade they want us to see and the sheer capacity of those human emotions are scary as hell. The plot for the story is unique and new, with just the right amount of suspense, unreliability and craziness that only a good thriller can hold.

If you are fans of Karin Slaughter and The Butcher Game, you would love to read this book. Happy reading ✨

[Hope Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Girls Play Nice by K.D. Aldyn is basically what happens when wine night goes on too long and someone says, “Okay but what if we did ruin his life?” and instead of everyone laughing and ordering dessert, the universe says, “Great idea, let’s escalate.”

You’ve got four women, one shared grudge, and a series of “hypothetical” revenge plots that turn very, very real. It’s giving female rage with a side of poor decision-making, and honestly, I respect the commitment. These friendships are messy in that ride-or-die-but-also-I-remember-that-thing-you-said-in-2012 kind of way. Do they always make sense? No. Do they make choices? Constantly.

Once the murders start lining up with their little revenge brainstorming session, the book goes full popcorn thriller. Suddenly everyone is suspicious, no one is communicating like a functional adult, and you’re just sitting there thinking, “Maybe… don’t manifest crimes?” The tension is solid, the pacing is fast, and it’s wildly easy to read “just one more chapter” until it’s somehow 2 a.m.

Is it perfect? Absolutely not. The POVs can blur together, and some twists land more like a polite shrug than a gasp. There are moments where the plot feels like it’s being held together by vibes alone. But you know what? The vibes are strong.

Soooo...... It's messy, dramatic, slightly ridiculous in the best way. If you like your thrillers with chaos, secrets, and women who absolutely should not be left alone with a shared Notes app, this will hit.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Girls Play Nice is a thriller that slinks under your skin from page one. After the brutal torture and murder of their best friend Helen, and the agonizing trial that ends with her killer walking free—Sue, Jackie, Rebel, and Willow are left with nothing but rage and the hollow ache of injustice. Their grief curdles into something darker when they gather to imagine, hypothetically, how they would kill the man who destroyed their lives. It’s a moment of catharsis. A private venting session. A safe place to put their fury.

Until the murders begin and each one mirrors their revenge with chilling precision. Only they have no idea who the victims are or who is committing the crimes. And even more terrifying is how the perpetrator knows of their plans.

Suddenly the women are trapped in a nightmare where every whispered fantasy becomes evidence, every shared secret becomes a threat, and someone out there knows exactly what they said. The atmosphere turns claustrophobic as paranoia creeps in, twisting their friendships and forcing them to question not just who is framing them, but how far they’re willing to go for the justice they were denied.

The tension is relentless, the emotional stakes sharp, and the sense of dread builds until it explodes. It’s a story about grief that festers, loyalty that fractures, and the terrifying possibility that someone is always listening.

A sinister, twisty revenge thriller that kept me guessing and gave me exactly the dark satisfaction I was hoping for.

4.25/5

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing company, Poisoned Pen Press, for the opportunity to review this book.

[Zie]

Dnf at 30%

First and foremost, thank you to NetGalley for allowing me an ARC of this novel.

When I read the premise, I thought it sounded extremely interesting. However, while reading, I noted that it started off very slowly and I had to push myself to continue reading because it didn’t keep my interest. The friend group of different tropes didn’t vibe to me, it felt like they could have been complete strangers to each other and the plot wouldn’t change. If they didn’t have a flashback to when they hung out as kids/teens I doubt I would have known they were truly friends.

Many times in multiple chapters, the ‘smart’ friend, an English major, would say a vocab buzzword specifically for the trope where someone in the room would go “speak english” or “English please”. It became very dry and annoying at points.

While I did like the POV switches and found it quite interesting to show the POV of the one who was accused of killing Helen, I did not like the POV switches to Helen. It felt out of place, like the author had to keep constantly reminding us that she was dead even though the chapter was in her POV, so it created a bunch of sentences that Helen was like “oh btw I’m dead if you forgot”.

Overall, I didn’t have a fun time reading this and where I stopped, it still didn’t have any tension or anything from it supposedly being a Thriller novel.

[Cc Readsss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Release: June 16, 2026
Author: KD Adlyn
Publisher: poisoned pen press

Rating: 3.5★ 

Thoughts:
This book was a total thrill ride—dark, twisted, and gripping from start to finish. I loved how the story started as a cathartic exercise for the friends and spiraled into something much darker and more dangerous. It made me think a lot about friendship, justice, and how grief can turn into something far more destructive.

This book suits someone in the mood for something: dark, tense, emotional
Pace: fast
Plot or Character Driven?: plot
Strong Character Development?: it’s complicated
Loveable Characters?: no
Diverse Cast?: it’s complicated
Are Character Flaws a Main Focus?: yes
Main Themes / Tropes:
revenge, justice, friendship, murder mystery, betrayal

Synopsis:
When the brutal murder of their friend Helen goes unpunished, four women find themselves seeking justice in a way that pushes the boundaries of morality. What begins as a lighthearted "what if" conversation about how they would kill Helen’s attacker turns into a deadly game when one of their imagined scenarios becomes all too real. With each new murder mirroring their own fantasies, the line between justice and vengeance blurs, and the women must confront not only their own guilt but also a growing suspicion that one of them might be a killer.

Favorite Quote:
"revenge has never tasted so sweet."

[The book dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

You Girls Play Nice had me in an absolute chokehold from start to finish! From the very first chapter, I was hooked on the messy friendships, razor-sharp dialogue, and that constant feeling that everything was about to explode. It kept me wanting more even when I had to put the ebook down. It was fast paced and each chapter felt like more of a rush than the last.

I loved the tension between the FMCs. The toxic and competitive nature between the girls was so well done and made it completely addictive. Every interaction felt layered with hidden jealousy, history, and secrets just waiting to spill. Watching everything unravel was chaotic in the best way.
One thing I loved is how your opinions on certain characters shift as the novel goes on. You might like them at first and then slowly start hating them. Or at least that was my experience. The character development and unraveling of truths really keeps you on your toes as you try to solve the mystery of the murders along with the girls who are playing the 'murder games'.

If you love morally gray girls, complicated female friendships, and stories that feel like gossip that turns into a full-blown scandal, this is 100% your book. Dramatic, intense, and impossible to put down.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for the E-ARC of You Girls Play Nice by KD Aldyn via NetGalley. All opinions are mine!

This story...cue Vigilante Shit by Taylor Swift. I love a good female revenge plot. A group of 4 women are survivors of a friend that was brutally raped, tortured, and murdered. The perpetrator got off because the law and system sucks for women, so they thought it would be fun to imagine THEORETICAL horrific murder plots to exact their revenge. When their imaginary murders start happening in real life, shit gets weird and devious and the truth of what really happened to their friend and all who were involved starts to unfold.

First, I really loved this premise. Sometimes it takes the village to make the truth be known and kick the system in the ass to bring justice. Unfortunately, this book just didn't grab me and take me for a ride. I wanted to know so much more. A little more background information on the Club. Less chatter of the women. Momentum was lost in those chapters and by the time it picked back up with the investigation, it dropped back down again due to another chatter chapter. I also didn't see the point of the Helen chapters, I felt those were distracting.

Not a hit, but it was enjoyable and the ending was fantastic!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four friends. One loss. And revenge that refuses to stay hypothetical.

This one starts with grief… and spirals fast.

When Helen’s killer walks free, the rage is immediate and justified. You feel the injustice right alongside her friends, and that anger becomes the heartbeat of the story. What begins as a wine-fueled, “what would you do?” kind of night quickly turns into something much darker when their imagined murders start happening in real life.

And from there? Pure paranoia.
I loved how this played with trust and suspicion. These women are bound by grief, but also by secrets and watching those bonds start to crack under pressure was so tense and addictive. You’re constantly questioning everyone… including them.

The concept alone is so strong, but it’s the execution that really pulls you in. The pacing keeps things moving, the twists keep you guessing, and the tension keeps tightening the deeper you get into it.
It also leans heavily into that “good for her” rage but flips it into something more unsettling. Because at some point, you have to ask… when does justice turn into something else entirely?

Thank you so much K.D. Aldyn, Poisoned Pen Press, & NetGalley for the #gifted earc.
All opinions are my own 🖤

[RonRonReads]

Your best friend is murdered… It’s normal to want revenge if her killer goes free, right? That’s what happens to Helen Wyatt… Her four best friends romanticize their own revenge on Damian after a jury finds him not guilty for Helen’s brutal murder. It’s all fun and games until someone ends up dead in the same manner the ladies wanted Damian dead. How does anyone else know their sinister secret? Can they trust each other?

The premise of the book absolutely captivated me! As I read, I realized there were a lot of characters so I had to highlight as I went, keeping track of whose husband is who and how everyone knows each other. While I am always a fan of multiple POVs, it was hard at times to decipher which characters shoes I was in, but thankfully my highlighting came in handy! I do wish that the chapters were titled with the characters, but that’s just me.

Overall, I felt the book was overly detailed, and it was difficult to tell what information was relevant to the actual story. I was really excited for this book but in the end it just wasn’t for me!

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC!

[Misty Grove · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited when I read the premise of You Girls Play Nice by KD Aldyn. Four friends experience the tragic loss of one of their best friends, Helen, to a brutal assault. The culprit Damian Gatner seemingly escapes justice and leaves the country. Years later, the friends fantasize about getting their revenge. Each woman comes up with a scenario in which Damian gets his comeuppance.. It seems like harmless wish fulfillment until a series of deaths that occurs in the same manner as their proposed scenarios. Now the friends are under suspicion by a determined detective.
Ok sounds great, right? My issues are with the way it unfolds. The characters are only somewhat developed, and it is unclear why some of them are even friends. There are multiple POVs in this, which I don't mind, however the chapters did not mark whose POV you are reading. You have to just use context clues I guess. The pacing was slow, and the story absolutely could've been more exciting with a few tweaks.

Rating: 3 stars

A big thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for graciously providing an eARC in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.

This releases on June 16, 2016!

[Madison Feldhahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

K.D. Aldyn's You Girls Play Nice was a unique take on a revenge story, in which 4 friends plot the hypothetical murder of Damian Gatner, the man who raped and murdered their best friend Helen years earlier. Soon, people are turning up dead in the exact way the friends fantasized and they find themselves embroiled in a murder investigation.

The story is told across multiple POVs-each of the friends, Detective Sam Spade and Helen-and I enjoyed each of them. They were distinctive and I found them easy to connect with and, at most times, rooted for them. Helen, though, was my favorite POV by far. It added extra depth to the other characters and made Helen a tangible figure even though our story starts so long after her death. It added a lot to the story I felt.

I truly never knew where this story was going. Aldyn did a great job with red herrings and had no issue with revealing secrets that turned the story on its head. There was one twist that came out of left field with zero warning whatsoever and, unfortunately, it came across forced and felt as though it was added for its pure potential shock value. Other than that one, I enjoyed the twists.

I found this one easy to read with a plot that I liked with good characters. Though it missed the mark of being great, this is a solid thriller read.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press & NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review! Out June 16

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story kicks off with a powerful moment: four friends watching the man accused of murdering their closest companion walk out of court unpunished. Still reeling from the verdict, they later joke about how they might seek revenge, an offhand, wine soaked conversation that takes a chilling turn when real life killings begin to echo their imagined scenarios. As the deaths mount, the women are pulled into a tightening circle of doubt and fear, unsure whether they’re being framed or whether someone within their own group is hiding far more than grief.

The premise is clever and the tension builds steadily, offering plenty of surprises along the way. While the frequent changes in narrator can feel a little hectic, the mix of suspense, messy friendships and moral grey areas makes for an engaging and enjoyable read. It’s a twisty tale about loyalty, guilt and the secrets people carry. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.

[joyincosythings ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five becomes four. Four become obsessed with avenging their friend’s brutal murder. Even if they're not planning on going through with it.

The story is underpinned by sisterhood, revenge and resilience. Even though the topic is dark, sarcastic humour and banter between the four friends is present throughout. The story is told in multiple POVs; the dead friend's POV is a fantastic, if heartbreaking, addition!

The characters were well-written, the women all being different levels of badass, yet remaining relatable and human. I loved the layered, imperfect relationships between the friends. Having the investigation led by a force to be reckoned with, Detective Samantha Spade, tied it all together beautifully.

I guessed one twist fairly early on, but there were others I did not see coming at all. I really enjoyed the premise of 'what-if' and make-believe becoming a reality in this unsettling revenge story! This was an intense, emotionally charged, and intriguing read!

Thank you to the author, Poisoned Press and Netgalley for this ARC.

[Aria · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Girls Play Nice is an original and well-written read that immediately stood out for its fresh idea and strong voice. KD Aldyn has a real knack for creating tension and keeping the story engaging, and I appreciated how distinct the concept felt from start to finish. The writing carries the story well, and even when the plot takes unexpected turns, it remains polished and compelling.
That said, the story does lean unrealistic at times, which occasionally pulled me out of it. Even so, the creativity of the premise and the strength of the writing made it easy to keep reading, because there was always something interesting happening beneath the surface. I especially liked how memorable the book felt, since it wasn’t just another predictable read but something with its own identity.
Overall, this was a solid 4-star ARC for me: creative, polished, and very readable, with enough originality to outweigh the less believable elements.