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Bad Men #2
Body Count: The new revenge thriller from the bestselling author of BAD MEN
Serial killer Saffy Huntley-Oliver's life is going great.
She's got a fabulous new boyfriend, Jonathan. She has literally got away with murder. And now that she's no longer single, she can get back to her favourite killing bad men.
Particularly Sir Thomas West, a children's TV star who truly deserves to die.
But there are a few little snags. For one, her beloved sister Susie is still dating that insufferable Finlay. For another, Sir Thomas has a very large bodyguard. And Jonathan himself has given up his job investigating true crime, despite all the tempting corpses that Saffy keeps putting in his way.
All of this would be easy to ignore in the flush of new love. Except Saffy's never been in love before, and it's weird. She's having difficulty separating romance from homicide. Especially when someone discovers Saffy's secret hobby and starts sending Jonathan coded messages about her crimes.
Is someone trying to break them up? Or trying to hunt her down?
She's got a fabulous new boyfriend, Jonathan. She has literally got away with murder. And now that she's no longer single, she can get back to her favourite killing bad men.
Particularly Sir Thomas West, a children's TV star who truly deserves to die.
But there are a few little snags. For one, her beloved sister Susie is still dating that insufferable Finlay. For another, Sir Thomas has a very large bodyguard. And Jonathan himself has given up his job investigating true crime, despite all the tempting corpses that Saffy keeps putting in his way.
All of this would be easy to ignore in the flush of new love. Except Saffy's never been in love before, and it's weird. She's having difficulty separating romance from homicide. Especially when someone discovers Saffy's secret hobby and starts sending Jonathan coded messages about her crimes.
Is someone trying to break them up? Or trying to hunt her down?
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2025
25 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Julie Mae Cohen
6 books186 followersI love talking with readers - for 1:1s and Book Club visits, find me on Skolay: http://www.skolay.com/writers/julie-c...
Julie Mae Cohen is the darker side of author Julie Cohen, a million-copy bestselling, award-winning author of book club fiction.
Her first thriller, BAD MEN, was a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick, and was shortlisted for the RNA Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.
She grew up in the USA and lives in the UK with her family and a terrier of dubious origin. Her Google search history is very weird.
Julie Mae Cohen is the darker side of author Julie Cohen, a million-copy bestselling, award-winning author of book club fiction.
Her first thriller, BAD MEN, was a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick, and was shortlisted for the RNA Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.
She grew up in the USA and lives in the UK with her family and a terrier of dubious origin. Her Google search history is very weird.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 10, 2025
BAD MEN walked so BODY COUNT could run!!! this was SO good i can't believe she left us on a cliffhanger. anyway when is the next book coming out cause i needed it yesterday
December 8, 2025
Another great read I am glad that I received this as an ARC of this book and I got to read this before its release and got the audiobook when it was released. After reading this I know that I would reading more from this author. I would recommend that you should read this if you like strong female characters with questionable character.
December 13, 2025
I have enjoyed some novels in this style, so I thought I would enjoy this too. Others may enjoy its darker, twisty style, but this one just wasn't for me.
February 12, 2026
better than the first book tho!
July 21, 2025
Body Count by Julie Mae Cohen
This was a highly anticipated sequel for me, as I adored the first book 'Bad Men' when I read it back in 2023, and it did not disappoint.
I didn't think it was possible, but Cohen has managed to make me love Saffy even more in this second episode of her life as a serial killer. This book made me seriously doubt my own morals, as I couldn't help but agree with Saffy's perspective at multiple points, which just speaks to how great the author's writing is. Saffy is highly intelligent, witty, resourceful and charming to the point that you almost can forgive her for her psychotic traits. However, in this book there was a lot of character development compared to the last one; we see Saffy start to explore her own emotions and start to try and deal with the trauma from her childhood. Her relationship with Jon grows, and so does her doubts about her ability to be emotionless which leads to an internal conflict which was interesting to read. Seeing her doubt herself was a new development from the last book and a very curious aspect of her that we got to explore. Although she kills people (a LOT of people), I couldn't help but empathise with her and I started to actually agree with her motives, which had me in my own personal dilemma. Saffy isn't the only brilliant character in this book; Jon again was a great perspective to read from, and I enjoyed learning more about his personality throughout. The conversations between Jon and Cyril were a great addition and were well done. Susie is also a good character, and I appreciated that even the background characters like those at the gala had their own individual personalities.
I really enjoy Cohen's writing style, with the humour helping take away from the brutality of Saffy's actions. As with 'Bad Men', the plot was intense and gripping, with many turns along the way. Around halfway through the book I did begin to hypothesise on who the mystery Pot Noodle person was, and I ended up being right, yet this didn't take away from the enjoyment of watching Saffy unravel the mystery. The ending was fast-paced and felt like a great peak to all the suspense that had been building throughout. I'm also glad that the book ended on a cliff-hanger, which I usually hate, but only because it means I get to read more of Saffy in the near future! I cannot wait to see what happens with Jon, and whether Saffy is able to heal from her trauma and, if she does, what that means for her murderous hobby. I will be anxiously waiting for the next installment.
I rated this book 5 stars. I will always highly recommend these books to anyone. Although it is very closely related to 'Sweetpea' by Skuse, Cohen's writing style and the way she makes you fall in love with the deeply flawed characters is what makes these books so enjoyable. Thank you to Netgalley and Julie Mae Cohen for the ARC.
This was a highly anticipated sequel for me, as I adored the first book 'Bad Men' when I read it back in 2023, and it did not disappoint.
I didn't think it was possible, but Cohen has managed to make me love Saffy even more in this second episode of her life as a serial killer. This book made me seriously doubt my own morals, as I couldn't help but agree with Saffy's perspective at multiple points, which just speaks to how great the author's writing is. Saffy is highly intelligent, witty, resourceful and charming to the point that you almost can forgive her for her psychotic traits. However, in this book there was a lot of character development compared to the last one; we see Saffy start to explore her own emotions and start to try and deal with the trauma from her childhood. Her relationship with Jon grows, and so does her doubts about her ability to be emotionless which leads to an internal conflict which was interesting to read. Seeing her doubt herself was a new development from the last book and a very curious aspect of her that we got to explore. Although she kills people (a LOT of people), I couldn't help but empathise with her and I started to actually agree with her motives, which had me in my own personal dilemma. Saffy isn't the only brilliant character in this book; Jon again was a great perspective to read from, and I enjoyed learning more about his personality throughout. The conversations between Jon and Cyril were a great addition and were well done. Susie is also a good character, and I appreciated that even the background characters like those at the gala had their own individual personalities.
I really enjoy Cohen's writing style, with the humour helping take away from the brutality of Saffy's actions. As with 'Bad Men', the plot was intense and gripping, with many turns along the way. Around halfway through the book I did begin to hypothesise on who the mystery Pot Noodle person was, and I ended up being right, yet this didn't take away from the enjoyment of watching Saffy unravel the mystery. The ending was fast-paced and felt like a great peak to all the suspense that had been building throughout. I'm also glad that the book ended on a cliff-hanger, which I usually hate, but only because it means I get to read more of Saffy in the near future! I cannot wait to see what happens with Jon, and whether Saffy is able to heal from her trauma and, if she does, what that means for her murderous hobby. I will be anxiously waiting for the next installment.
I rated this book 5 stars. I will always highly recommend these books to anyone. Although it is very closely related to 'Sweetpea' by Skuse, Cohen's writing style and the way she makes you fall in love with the deeply flawed characters is what makes these books so enjoyable. Thank you to Netgalley and Julie Mae Cohen for the ARC.
February 7, 2026
This is the second book in the series and it's completely unhinged! The MC is basically a female version of Batman with a more twisted origin story. She is a feminist serial killer, a self proclaimed narcissist and has Dexter intelligence. It's a crazy story but if you dig a little deeper it has a few layers to it; it begs the question of 'should we take justice into our own hands?' Going by the state of the world right now, the answer seems to be leaning towards a big fat yes.
June 23, 2025
Well, she got away with the Murders and she has a boyfriend now, the sequel we have all been waiting for. It was well worth the wait.
Saffy as before is her usual sarcastic and seriously bad ass self but in this book we see a more vunerable side to her as she gets the feels for her boyfriend and as she navigates the relationship with her sister.
I love how mysterious and twisty this book was. It definitely had me guessing throughout.
So, I'm looking forward to the next book. Wasn't that a cliffhanger!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC.
Saffy as before is her usual sarcastic and seriously bad ass self but in this book we see a more vunerable side to her as she gets the feels for her boyfriend and as she navigates the relationship with her sister.
I love how mysterious and twisty this book was. It definitely had me guessing throughout.
So, I'm looking forward to the next book. Wasn't that a cliffhanger!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC.
August 14, 2025
So this isn’t really advertised as book 2 but it does follow on from bad men, I’ve yet to read bad men but I do own it so I am going to go back to it. However I didn’t know the backstory and I didn’t feel lost at any point! There are a few characters I would have loved to have known more about however it wasn’t impossible to follow and there is enough to continue without it feeling like I was lost.
The book follows femenist serial killer Saffy as she navigates her new relationship with true crime writer Jonathon and her relationship with her sister and her boyfriend aswell as continuing doing her terrific work as the vigilante who goes after bad men.
The storyline was so good, the writing is really good and it’s just overall a really good story! I love how it’s a mix of saffys two worlds colliding and how she is trying to keep them apart but someone else is keen to mix them up for her!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Release date - 14th August 2025
The book follows femenist serial killer Saffy as she navigates her new relationship with true crime writer Jonathon and her relationship with her sister and her boyfriend aswell as continuing doing her terrific work as the vigilante who goes after bad men.
The storyline was so good, the writing is really good and it’s just overall a really good story! I love how it’s a mix of saffys two worlds colliding and how she is trying to keep them apart but someone else is keen to mix them up for her!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Release date - 14th August 2025
October 28, 2025
Excellent. And clearly a third book on the horizon, even better!
November 30, 2025
Review to come….. Bring on book three! So much more could happen
September 20, 2025
A quick read yet again but a sort of a cliffhanger ending ( that I hate)
January 24, 2026
I went in hoping for a light and fun little read but this comes off like a YA fever dream. Shallow writing, bad plot and characters that I didn't care about, masquerades as feminist Dexter.
November 5, 2025
Firstly, thank you so much for @zaffrebooks for making my day by offering to send me this book. I loved Bad Men so much, it’s one of my favourite books, and I’m so incredibly grateful to be given the opportunity to read this follow up of Saffy’s antics.
If you don’t already know, this book follows on from Bad Men. It continues to follow Saffy as she is on her mission to rid the world of bad men. She’s got a great life, is in love for the first time with Jonathan, and has a fun side hobby as a serial killer. Her perfect life is about to be threatened when it seems someone has discovered her hobby.
I was so glad Saffy was back for another book! You know you shouldn’t be rooting for her given she’s a serial killer but she is just such a brilliant character. She is witty, she’s strong and independent, she is fiercely protective of those she loves and has a strong moral compass despite her murderous activities.
This book followed straight on from the previous one, we pick up a few weeks after the events of Bad Men. You could probably read it as stand alone but I think you’d get much more enjoyment having read Bad Men first. This one is more murderous, a much higher body count and more inventive ways of ridding the world of this awful men.
I loved us getting more of a look into Jonathan’s and Susie’s lives. I loved seeing Saffy’s relationship with both develop and grow. Her fierce protectiveness of Susie and it’s so clear how much she loves her and looks out for her. I also really enjoyed Jonathan’s chats with Cyril, these had me laughing out loud multiple times.
The only reason I didn’t give a full five stars is just because the first part of the book it felt like not a lot was happening, you could feel it was building to something but it felt like it took a while to get there. However, this did mean I was totally drawn in as had to see what it was building to, and it was good!!!
If you like thrillers with dark humour , a strong FMC and seeing some awful men get their comeuppance then you need to read this book! I just need there to be a book three ☝️
If you don’t already know, this book follows on from Bad Men. It continues to follow Saffy as she is on her mission to rid the world of bad men. She’s got a great life, is in love for the first time with Jonathan, and has a fun side hobby as a serial killer. Her perfect life is about to be threatened when it seems someone has discovered her hobby.
I was so glad Saffy was back for another book! You know you shouldn’t be rooting for her given she’s a serial killer but she is just such a brilliant character. She is witty, she’s strong and independent, she is fiercely protective of those she loves and has a strong moral compass despite her murderous activities.
This book followed straight on from the previous one, we pick up a few weeks after the events of Bad Men. You could probably read it as stand alone but I think you’d get much more enjoyment having read Bad Men first. This one is more murderous, a much higher body count and more inventive ways of ridding the world of this awful men.
I loved us getting more of a look into Jonathan’s and Susie’s lives. I loved seeing Saffy’s relationship with both develop and grow. Her fierce protectiveness of Susie and it’s so clear how much she loves her and looks out for her. I also really enjoyed Jonathan’s chats with Cyril, these had me laughing out loud multiple times.
The only reason I didn’t give a full five stars is just because the first part of the book it felt like not a lot was happening, you could feel it was building to something but it felt like it took a while to get there. However, this did mean I was totally drawn in as had to see what it was building to, and it was good!!!
If you like thrillers with dark humour , a strong FMC and seeing some awful men get their comeuppance then you need to read this book! I just need there to be a book three ☝️
June 30, 2025
2.5 stars
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK and author Julia Mae Cohen for providing me with the eARC of “Body Count”, in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: August 14th, 2025
Sequel to Bad Men, which I read in June 2024 and gave 4 stars.
Body Count picks up where Bad Men left off, with Jon and ‘ugly dog’ Girl now living with Saffy and trying to navigate life post abduction.
Both Saffy and Jon have their own separate storylines, with the main one being about their relationship. The relationship between the two of them never felt right, but with the number of secrets these two keep from each other it is no surprise. Can a serial killer and a true crime podcaster with a sense of justice really be the perfect match? In my opinion, it didn’t quite work.
Saffy is an incredible character, and the way her mind works and how she justifies what she does is something that sits with me even after finishing the book. You also see a more human side to her in this book, which I like. She is the reason to keep reading.
Jon, I felt, was a very bland character, his relationship with Cyril being the most interesting thing about it.
Cyril is one of the best characters in this book. The way he just does not seem to care about his past murders just illustrates the psychopath that he is. He is also hilarious which makes him stand out as a character.
The third act of the book felt very rushed and almost seemed to come out of left wing. Unfortunately, not my favourite of the female serial killer sub-genre.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK and author Julia Mae Cohen for providing me with the eARC of “Body Count”, in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: August 14th, 2025
Sequel to Bad Men, which I read in June 2024 and gave 4 stars.
Body Count picks up where Bad Men left off, with Jon and ‘ugly dog’ Girl now living with Saffy and trying to navigate life post abduction.
Both Saffy and Jon have their own separate storylines, with the main one being about their relationship. The relationship between the two of them never felt right, but with the number of secrets these two keep from each other it is no surprise. Can a serial killer and a true crime podcaster with a sense of justice really be the perfect match? In my opinion, it didn’t quite work.
Saffy is an incredible character, and the way her mind works and how she justifies what she does is something that sits with me even after finishing the book. You also see a more human side to her in this book, which I like. She is the reason to keep reading.
Jon, I felt, was a very bland character, his relationship with Cyril being the most interesting thing about it.
Cyril is one of the best characters in this book. The way he just does not seem to care about his past murders just illustrates the psychopath that he is. He is also hilarious which makes him stand out as a character.
The third act of the book felt very rushed and almost seemed to come out of left wing. Unfortunately, not my favourite of the female serial killer sub-genre.
September 1, 2025
I really like this story and the main character. I am just so slightly disappointed in the end.
I will read another one if there will come a book after this one tho.
I will read another one if there will come a book after this one tho.
September 12, 2025
I’m confused as to what the point of this book was, I thought it was going somewhere and then it went absolutely no where. Being generous by saying 3 stars. Did not enjoy.
July 25, 2025
Wow, what a ride.
This was an improvement in every way to the pervious book and a delight to eat up. I could not stop reading and raced through this in the best possible way. With a huge smile on my face for the majority of the time, this is everything I could have hoped from a feminist serial killer who also enjoys the finer things in life.
Saffy is at her glorious, murderous best. She is having the time of her life in this, be it shopping, spending time with her sister, spending time with Jon, committing murder, planning dramatic discoveries as dates - she is twisting that boy up no end, it wouldn't surprise me by the end of this series that he becomes a serial killer just like her. She's that good at manipulating and getting things done. And the murders. Lots and lots of lovely murder that is easy to enjoy because everyone has it coming - at least when she kills them.
The minor characters are all well fleshed out and more developed here, and the fact she has a target in mind for the majority of the book allows one of her victims to become more fleshed out too. Everyone is a delight, even when they are horrible.
I figured out the Pot Noodle mystery because really, who else could it be? But the point of the book isn't to trick you, but rather to go on this enjoyable ride together, and ignore some of the more implausible things - the stuff she's able to carry, how she can avoid every CCTV etc but enjoy bask in the glow of the story.
The ending is a series of high octane, slightly ridiculous but still entertaining events, one small thing spinning out of her control leading to a whole series of things. I enjoyed her honestly being on the back foot for once, rather than somehow knowing and controlling everything. But I still can't wait for her to solve everything because where the book ended? Rude. I need her warped happy ending to happen, please and thank you.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
This was an improvement in every way to the pervious book and a delight to eat up. I could not stop reading and raced through this in the best possible way. With a huge smile on my face for the majority of the time, this is everything I could have hoped from a feminist serial killer who also enjoys the finer things in life.
Saffy is at her glorious, murderous best. She is having the time of her life in this, be it shopping, spending time with her sister, spending time with Jon, committing murder, planning dramatic discoveries as dates - she is twisting that boy up no end, it wouldn't surprise me by the end of this series that he becomes a serial killer just like her. She's that good at manipulating and getting things done. And the murders. Lots and lots of lovely murder that is easy to enjoy because everyone has it coming - at least when she kills them.
The minor characters are all well fleshed out and more developed here, and the fact she has a target in mind for the majority of the book allows one of her victims to become more fleshed out too. Everyone is a delight, even when they are horrible.
I figured out the Pot Noodle mystery because really, who else could it be? But the point of the book isn't to trick you, but rather to go on this enjoyable ride together, and ignore some of the more implausible things - the stuff she's able to carry, how she can avoid every CCTV etc but enjoy bask in the glow of the story.
The ending is a series of high octane, slightly ridiculous but still entertaining events, one small thing spinning out of her control leading to a whole series of things. I enjoyed her honestly being on the back foot for once, rather than somehow knowing and controlling everything. But I still can't wait for her to solve everything because where the book ended? Rude. I need her warped happy ending to happen, please and thank you.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
July 27, 2025
Very grateful for the opportunity to review an ARC of Julie Mae Cohen's Body Count through Zaffre and NetGalley.
After reading Bad Men, I was sure we hadn't seen the last of Saffy...and it's great to have her back!
Determined to rid the world of evil, righting wrongs with a smile and a big heart-meet Saffy, a heroine you'll love!
Body Count is written in such an addictive way, once you start reading, you can't put it down. It opens with action right from the start. No messing around for our Saffy, just straight down to business! That said, there are some build up moments of tense suspense, but as I couldn't put it down I didn't have to wait long to find out what was coming up!
With a strong female lead who I'm not sure we're supposed to like, you can't help but love sassy Saffy, especially when she reveals her vulnerable side...or is that just another tactic to draw us in? If it is, it works brilliantly. She is effortlessly nonchalant but also very endearing.
I really liked catching up with returning characters but also feel that you could read this without having read Bad Men as there are clever ways Saffy talks to her audience and fills in any history. So I think it would work well as a stand alone too and still be very much enjoyed.
I really enjoy the subtle way the author reveals some of the things Saffy has done, making you do a double take and then realise, oh well of course she did that!
I particularly liked the journey of discovery Saffy and Jonathan go on in their relationship and then the dynamics between Saffy and her sister Suzie-not forgetting Finlay!
If you're looking for a laugh out loud read that you can't put down, you won't go wrong with Body Count.
And I can't forget Girl, she deserves a special mention. Her relationship with Saffy had me chuckling a lot...maybe Saffy should watch out...is there more to Girl than meets the eye?! She is one cheeky canine!!
Body Count out 14.08.25
Highly recommended!
After reading Bad Men, I was sure we hadn't seen the last of Saffy...and it's great to have her back!
Determined to rid the world of evil, righting wrongs with a smile and a big heart-meet Saffy, a heroine you'll love!
Body Count is written in such an addictive way, once you start reading, you can't put it down. It opens with action right from the start. No messing around for our Saffy, just straight down to business! That said, there are some build up moments of tense suspense, but as I couldn't put it down I didn't have to wait long to find out what was coming up!
With a strong female lead who I'm not sure we're supposed to like, you can't help but love sassy Saffy, especially when she reveals her vulnerable side...or is that just another tactic to draw us in? If it is, it works brilliantly. She is effortlessly nonchalant but also very endearing.
I really liked catching up with returning characters but also feel that you could read this without having read Bad Men as there are clever ways Saffy talks to her audience and fills in any history. So I think it would work well as a stand alone too and still be very much enjoyed.
I really enjoy the subtle way the author reveals some of the things Saffy has done, making you do a double take and then realise, oh well of course she did that!
I particularly liked the journey of discovery Saffy and Jonathan go on in their relationship and then the dynamics between Saffy and her sister Suzie-not forgetting Finlay!
If you're looking for a laugh out loud read that you can't put down, you won't go wrong with Body Count.
And I can't forget Girl, she deserves a special mention. Her relationship with Saffy had me chuckling a lot...maybe Saffy should watch out...is there more to Girl than meets the eye?! She is one cheeky canine!!
Body Count out 14.08.25
Highly recommended!
July 9, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Zaffre for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
Oh I loooooooooove Julie's books.
This is a sequel to Bad Men, and whilst I loved that book, I admit I can't quite remember all the goings-on and so I was concerned I wouldn't keep up with this. But, whilst there are little nods to the previous book, I think you can read this completely on its own and you wouldn't be missing out.
I don't know whether I'd describe it as morbidly sexy or sexily morbid - but the point still stands.
I think novels about women killing despicable men needs its own genre. Because I feel I can't put it in the 'thriller' category as I feel something different when I read them. They're thrilling yes, but there's almost a feel of cosy crime about them (bear with me), and a contemporary love story that just so happens to have murder in it. And I love it for wat it is.
Whilst I couldn't remember everything that happened in Bad Men, I do remember that I loved it, and if this was anywhere near as good then I would be in for a treat and it was. She's made Saffy so human - not that she wasn't in the first book but it almost felt like that was about her murders and this one is more about her as a character who just so happens to be a murderer. She's so well rounded and steals every single scene she's in.
This one is less violent than the first one. There's a lot less killing but it still manages to be just as absorbing and addictive as the first one.
This had me so hooked, it's so good Such depth with everything. There's old characters and some new, but all fabulous. It's not an easy book to read at times, there's some difficult topics, and there are some horrific people, but it is just such a good read.
Whilst I didn't think book one necessarily needed a sequel, this definitely does and I NEED it!
Oh I loooooooooove Julie's books.
This is a sequel to Bad Men, and whilst I loved that book, I admit I can't quite remember all the goings-on and so I was concerned I wouldn't keep up with this. But, whilst there are little nods to the previous book, I think you can read this completely on its own and you wouldn't be missing out.
I don't know whether I'd describe it as morbidly sexy or sexily morbid - but the point still stands.
I think novels about women killing despicable men needs its own genre. Because I feel I can't put it in the 'thriller' category as I feel something different when I read them. They're thrilling yes, but there's almost a feel of cosy crime about them (bear with me), and a contemporary love story that just so happens to have murder in it. And I love it for wat it is.
Whilst I couldn't remember everything that happened in Bad Men, I do remember that I loved it, and if this was anywhere near as good then I would be in for a treat and it was. She's made Saffy so human - not that she wasn't in the first book but it almost felt like that was about her murders and this one is more about her as a character who just so happens to be a murderer. She's so well rounded and steals every single scene she's in.
This one is less violent than the first one. There's a lot less killing but it still manages to be just as absorbing and addictive as the first one.
This had me so hooked, it's so good Such depth with everything. There's old characters and some new, but all fabulous. It's not an easy book to read at times, there's some difficult topics, and there are some horrific people, but it is just such a good read.
Whilst I didn't think book one necessarily needed a sequel, this definitely does and I NEED it!
July 22, 2025
Saffy is a young, rich, beautiful, highly intelligent, charismatic, witty, murderous, psychopath, whose mission is to kill Bad Men: Rapists, Paedos, Abusers, she’s not fussy. She’s now living platonically in London with her ‘boyfriend’, Jon, a True Crime journalist who is trying to quit that career because it seems to keep getting him entangled with real murders. In truth, however, this is not a job related coincidence, more a Saffy effect of which he is totally ignorant, seeing only the first six of the above adjectives, possibly because he is blinded by love unrequited. Saffy is keen to requite him, but is taking it slowly, while planning how she will kill Sir Thomas West, aging star of a highly popular in its time children’s TV show, and prolific paedophile (echoes of Sir Jame Saville). Although this is the continuity factor, there are plenty of other candidates out there so she is not stuck for choice.
This is the sequel to “Bad Men” which I reviewed when it came out two years ago, so I had a look back at what I’d said then and discovered that my opinion on that is my opinion on this so I quote: ‘This is a hard book to define, basically a murder mystery but with a psychological streak in the form of Saffy . . . The writing is very entertaining, clever use of language, lots of gentle humour. The plot is well constructed, but not too difficult to solve. But the main joy is the character of Saffy, a brilliant creation . . . I’m sure there are lots more opportunities for these characters’. And I hope to read the next one, preferably without having to wait a whole two years.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is the sequel to “Bad Men” which I reviewed when it came out two years ago, so I had a look back at what I’d said then and discovered that my opinion on that is my opinion on this so I quote: ‘This is a hard book to define, basically a murder mystery but with a psychological streak in the form of Saffy . . . The writing is very entertaining, clever use of language, lots of gentle humour. The plot is well constructed, but not too difficult to solve. But the main joy is the character of Saffy, a brilliant creation . . . I’m sure there are lots more opportunities for these characters’. And I hope to read the next one, preferably without having to wait a whole two years.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
August 5, 2025
After reading Bad Men I couldn't wait to read Body Count and I wasn't disappointed.
It is thanks to the enormous talent of the author that I find myself not only liking, but routing for a macabre, serial killer. Julie Mae Cohen has written such wonderful characters that I feel as though I know them, Saffy Handley Oliver, a wealthy beyond belief, beautiful, charismatic, shopaholic...Oh, and did I mention, a psychotic serial killer?
Saffy is quite emotionless apart from when it comes to her sister Susie, she has a new boyfriend, Jon (Jonathan Desrosiers) and she is a bit worried that she is getting quite emotional about him, could she possibly be falling in love ? that couldn't really happen, it might dull her senses and she needed them to stay one step ahead of the law.
Saffy believed what she was doing was right, she was doing it for the right reasons ( I must admit a begrudging, empathetic agreement with her), the law just didn't see it her way.
I love how Saffy has started to explore her feelings, I love that Jon is the total opposite of Saffy but their relationship just works, Jon has feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness, can he overcome them ?
These are probably two of the weirdest books that I have ever read and I loved them, the characters are so well rounded, even Finley, Susie's adored boyfriend (who incidentally, Saffy can't stand) had more depth to him that I gave him credit for, I didn't even mind that it ended on a cliff hanger, it just means that I have probably another book to look forward to.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC, my review id totally voluntary.
It is thanks to the enormous talent of the author that I find myself not only liking, but routing for a macabre, serial killer. Julie Mae Cohen has written such wonderful characters that I feel as though I know them, Saffy Handley Oliver, a wealthy beyond belief, beautiful, charismatic, shopaholic...Oh, and did I mention, a psychotic serial killer?
Saffy is quite emotionless apart from when it comes to her sister Susie, she has a new boyfriend, Jon (Jonathan Desrosiers) and she is a bit worried that she is getting quite emotional about him, could she possibly be falling in love ? that couldn't really happen, it might dull her senses and she needed them to stay one step ahead of the law.
Saffy believed what she was doing was right, she was doing it for the right reasons ( I must admit a begrudging, empathetic agreement with her), the law just didn't see it her way.
I love how Saffy has started to explore her feelings, I love that Jon is the total opposite of Saffy but their relationship just works, Jon has feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness, can he overcome them ?
These are probably two of the weirdest books that I have ever read and I loved them, the characters are so well rounded, even Finley, Susie's adored boyfriend (who incidentally, Saffy can't stand) had more depth to him that I gave him credit for, I didn't even mind that it ended on a cliff hanger, it just means that I have probably another book to look forward to.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC, my review id totally voluntary.
June 15, 2025
My favourite serial killer is back - "I am Justice, I am Karma, I am Woman" oh hey there Saffy!
I absolutely loved Bad Men, so I was thrilled to read Body Count. As hilarious as ever, possibly even more so than its predecessor, Body Count is everything I needed and more.
I just adore Saffy - she's wickedly funny, absolutely bad-ass and underneath that cool and polished exterior is actually a total sweetheart. But shhhh, don't tell her I said that!
I laughed from start to finish on this wild ride. It picks up three weeks after Saffy and Jon solve the bin bag murders and they embark on their new relationship, with a few severed heads, dead bodies and twists and turns on the way - standard! As Saffy says "I might have become a serial killer anyway, in the end. I like to hope I would, because I enjoy my hobby very much and my life would be very boring without it."
I loved getting to know Saffy more and also her sister Susie and the intricacies of their relationship. The plot is exciting and I couldn't put this book down - a real page turner full of twists and turns as Saffy lurches from one calamity to next. I can not wait for the next one, Julie you can't leave us hanging like this! There's far too many more Bad Men out there who need their just desserts!
I honestly can't recommend this series enough and would give it 10 stars out of 5 if I could! Just brilliant - an absolute must read!
I absolutely loved Bad Men, so I was thrilled to read Body Count. As hilarious as ever, possibly even more so than its predecessor, Body Count is everything I needed and more.
I just adore Saffy - she's wickedly funny, absolutely bad-ass and underneath that cool and polished exterior is actually a total sweetheart. But shhhh, don't tell her I said that!
I laughed from start to finish on this wild ride. It picks up three weeks after Saffy and Jon solve the bin bag murders and they embark on their new relationship, with a few severed heads, dead bodies and twists and turns on the way - standard! As Saffy says "I might have become a serial killer anyway, in the end. I like to hope I would, because I enjoy my hobby very much and my life would be very boring without it."
I loved getting to know Saffy more and also her sister Susie and the intricacies of their relationship. The plot is exciting and I couldn't put this book down - a real page turner full of twists and turns as Saffy lurches from one calamity to next. I can not wait for the next one, Julie you can't leave us hanging like this! There's far too many more Bad Men out there who need their just desserts!
I honestly can't recommend this series enough and would give it 10 stars out of 5 if I could! Just brilliant - an absolute must read!
August 13, 2025
Serial killer Saffy’s life is great, she has a new boyfriend Jonathan and helps others by killing bad men. She focuses on Sir Thomas West, a TV star who has done bad things and deserves this fate. However with multiple things in her way and being in love she struggles to separate murder and romance. When someone starts sending her boyfriend messages about her crimes, she realises that someone might be trying to hunt her down.
I have heard a lot of good things about Bad Men, the author’s first book in this series, and even though I have yet to read the first one, I was intrigued by the premise of this one and was drawn in by the cover. Even though I haven’t read the first one, I found this easy to follow, although I think reading Bad Men first would have helped understand some of the background information and made this clearer.
I have read quite a few female serial killer thrillers and generally enjoy them. This was definitely a solid one within this trope and flowed well, while being full of fun and drama. The characters are interesting and fleshed out and I enjoyed the dark humour involved within some of them. The story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so I would be intrigued to see where it goes next. This was a well written story overall and I will certainly continue to read more by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I have heard a lot of good things about Bad Men, the author’s first book in this series, and even though I have yet to read the first one, I was intrigued by the premise of this one and was drawn in by the cover. Even though I haven’t read the first one, I found this easy to follow, although I think reading Bad Men first would have helped understand some of the background information and made this clearer.
I have read quite a few female serial killer thrillers and generally enjoy them. This was definitely a solid one within this trope and flowed well, while being full of fun and drama. The characters are interesting and fleshed out and I enjoyed the dark humour involved within some of them. The story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so I would be intrigued to see where it goes next. This was a well written story overall and I will certainly continue to read more by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
August 14, 2025
Serial killer socialite Saffy is back in Julie Mae Cohen’s latest novel (sequel to Bad Men), and this time she has her eyes (and weapons) set on killing a beloved children’s TV star with a dark side. However, with her boyfriend Jonathan receiving messages about her crimes and Saffy finding notes in hiding places, is someone trying to hunt her down?
A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read, which is full of pithy humour to balance out some of the darker themes of the novel. I love the growing relationship between Saffy and Jonathan, though I do worry that he is too sweet and principled to be with Saffy long-term.. I enjoyed the frostiness between Saffy and the much-loathed boyfriend of her sister Susie, which added further entertainment.
There is drama in the mystery that is who has been sending messages to both her and Jonathan, potentially threating to expose her dark hobby. I did guess a little of where this plotline was going, there were some very clever clues dotted in the narrative. Despite guessing, it didn’t entirely pan out ow I thought and I enjoyed where it ended up.
I loved the little nod to Dexter, a comfort show for both Saffy and Jonathan. Oh if only you knew Jonathan! Saffy is truly the female Dexter, directing her homicidal urges towards those men she deems worthy, in her own way determined to make the world a little bit safer for other women.
I definitely feel that the window is open for a very clear book three, as it can’t possibly end there!
A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read, which is full of pithy humour to balance out some of the darker themes of the novel. I love the growing relationship between Saffy and Jonathan, though I do worry that he is too sweet and principled to be with Saffy long-term.. I enjoyed the frostiness between Saffy and the much-loathed boyfriend of her sister Susie, which added further entertainment.
There is drama in the mystery that is who has been sending messages to both her and Jonathan, potentially threating to expose her dark hobby. I did guess a little of where this plotline was going, there were some very clever clues dotted in the narrative. Despite guessing, it didn’t entirely pan out ow I thought and I enjoyed where it ended up.
I loved the little nod to Dexter, a comfort show for both Saffy and Jonathan. Oh if only you knew Jonathan! Saffy is truly the female Dexter, directing her homicidal urges towards those men she deems worthy, in her own way determined to make the world a little bit safer for other women.
I definitely feel that the window is open for a very clear book three, as it can’t possibly end there!
August 17, 2025
Saffy Huntley-Oliver is back. For those who didn’t read the first book Saffy is a sexy, beautiful and extremely wealthy young lady living in London. She has everything she needs. She raises lots of money for charity. She is also a psychopathic serial killer determined to rid the world of as many ‘bad’ men as possible. This story starts 3 weeks after the last book but reads perfectly well as a stand-alone. Told in alternating POVs, Saffy in the 1st person present and Jonathan 3rd person past and it works well.
Briefly, when Saffy was 12 she and her younger sister Susie’s inherited great wealth when their stepdad died. Unfortunately he was at the wrong end of a brick wielded by Saffy! Saffy is now in a relationship with true crime podcaster Jonathan Desrosiers. Bizarre but highly entertaining as she tries to keep her actions secret from him!
This is a dark but often funny read. As the body count soars matters come to a head when they visit Florence and everything and everyone meet head on in the most unexpected and disastrous ways. Great read with some graphic descriptions, some real and some imagined, and as for her charity for donkeys it’s called “Save the Asses”. Tells you all you need to know! Another cliffhanger which I’m hoping means another book coming? A fun entertaining and very enjoyable read.
Briefly, when Saffy was 12 she and her younger sister Susie’s inherited great wealth when their stepdad died. Unfortunately he was at the wrong end of a brick wielded by Saffy! Saffy is now in a relationship with true crime podcaster Jonathan Desrosiers. Bizarre but highly entertaining as she tries to keep her actions secret from him!
This is a dark but often funny read. As the body count soars matters come to a head when they visit Florence and everything and everyone meet head on in the most unexpected and disastrous ways. Great read with some graphic descriptions, some real and some imagined, and as for her charity for donkeys it’s called “Save the Asses”. Tells you all you need to know! Another cliffhanger which I’m hoping means another book coming? A fun entertaining and very enjoyable read.
August 23, 2025
Well, I was not expecting that ending 🤯
Although a little slower in pace compared to Bad Men this next instalment in Saffy’s adventures certainly packs a punch with its content!
Love that Saffy is managing to explore a relationship with Jonathan and work through issues without giving away too much of her extra curricular activities!
I actually love them together!
I enjoyed the whole plot line about someone sending the disappearing messages to Jonathan.
I have to say I didn’t work out who that person was until about the third clue and then it all slotted in to place and my detective skills were correct 🤩
It was lovely to see more from Saffy and Susie’s relationship as well and a little bit of vulnerability on Saffy’s part.
The last 25% of this book was a wild ride with a LOT happening! You will not want to put it down!
Cannot wait to find out what happens next because we cannot be left in that cliff hanger 😮
I love how this book isn’t just about a serial killer but, and it came across in Bad Men too, I get a sense of it being about relationships, platonic, familial, romantic, and how we behave in them, react to life. How events in our life shape us and affect decisions we make
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Although a little slower in pace compared to Bad Men this next instalment in Saffy’s adventures certainly packs a punch with its content!
Love that Saffy is managing to explore a relationship with Jonathan and work through issues without giving away too much of her extra curricular activities!
I actually love them together!
I enjoyed the whole plot line about someone sending the disappearing messages to Jonathan.
I have to say I didn’t work out who that person was until about the third clue and then it all slotted in to place and my detective skills were correct 🤩
It was lovely to see more from Saffy and Susie’s relationship as well and a little bit of vulnerability on Saffy’s part.
The last 25% of this book was a wild ride with a LOT happening! You will not want to put it down!
Cannot wait to find out what happens next because we cannot be left in that cliff hanger 😮
I love how this book isn’t just about a serial killer but, and it came across in Bad Men too, I get a sense of it being about relationships, platonic, familial, romantic, and how we behave in them, react to life. How events in our life shape us and affect decisions we make
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
July 6, 2025
My favourite serial killer from last year Saffy is back, and as the title may imply, her body count is definitely on the rise.
This is a wonderfully twisty story, where we get to know more about what makes Saffy really tick, her fledgling relationship with Jonathan, and I am absolutely loving hearing and discovering just how she seems to be multiple steps ahead of everyone. I also enjoyed getting to know Susie better.
If you were to judge her by appearances you would never believe what was is actually capable of, which is probably her secret weapon.
I was totally hooked on this book, from first page to last, I couldn't get enough of it. I think Julie Mae Cohen is really getting into her stride with these really dark but humorous stories, and I'm totally there for it.
Especially as Saffy is so good at highlighting all the ways that men can suck, and she only really kills the ones that totally deserve it. Always good to see a killer with a conscious, and she also has some great self awareness about what she does.
Just another totally brilliant book, and I really hope this isn't the last we have seen of these characters, given how it ended!
Thank you to Zaffre and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
This is a wonderfully twisty story, where we get to know more about what makes Saffy really tick, her fledgling relationship with Jonathan, and I am absolutely loving hearing and discovering just how she seems to be multiple steps ahead of everyone. I also enjoyed getting to know Susie better.
If you were to judge her by appearances you would never believe what was is actually capable of, which is probably her secret weapon.
I was totally hooked on this book, from first page to last, I couldn't get enough of it. I think Julie Mae Cohen is really getting into her stride with these really dark but humorous stories, and I'm totally there for it.
Especially as Saffy is so good at highlighting all the ways that men can suck, and she only really kills the ones that totally deserve it. Always good to see a killer with a conscious, and she also has some great self awareness about what she does.
Just another totally brilliant book, and I really hope this isn't the last we have seen of these characters, given how it ended!
Thank you to Zaffre and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 22, 2025
I loved 'Bad Men', and now Saffy is back, and so is Jonathan, and the dog (who is slowly chewing up Saffy's very expensive shoe collection...), Saffy's sister, and a whole bunch of dead bad men!
This time around I feel like we see a bit of a softer side to Saffy. She's still hard as nails, but we also get to see her taking care of her sister, and going for therapy. We learn more about Jonathan too, and see him in the aftermath of his near death experience last time, navigating what happens to his career now and if he really wants to continue his investigations into murderers. Can Saffy maintain any semblance of a normal relationship at the same time as continuing her vigilante exploits? Well, no spoilers from me, you'll have to read it yourself, but I flew through the last half of the book wanting to find out what would happen.
I enjoyed all the different little side characters, my favourite being Jon's imprisoned serial killer friend. But there are lots of laughs through the whole book, and some satisfyingly grotesque endings for some truly horrible characters.
Looking forward to the next one already!
With thanks to Net Galley & the publishers for my copy.
This time around I feel like we see a bit of a softer side to Saffy. She's still hard as nails, but we also get to see her taking care of her sister, and going for therapy. We learn more about Jonathan too, and see him in the aftermath of his near death experience last time, navigating what happens to his career now and if he really wants to continue his investigations into murderers. Can Saffy maintain any semblance of a normal relationship at the same time as continuing her vigilante exploits? Well, no spoilers from me, you'll have to read it yourself, but I flew through the last half of the book wanting to find out what would happen.
I enjoyed all the different little side characters, my favourite being Jon's imprisoned serial killer friend. But there are lots of laughs through the whole book, and some satisfyingly grotesque endings for some truly horrible characters.
Looking forward to the next one already!
With thanks to Net Galley & the publishers for my copy.
Read
November 8, 2025Have you met Saffy Huntley-Oliver? If not can I introduce you to one of the funniest, loveliest and well dressed pyschotic serial killers you could hope to meet, on a mission to save the world from bad men ….
Saffy first featured in Bad Men and now she is back in Body Count. And whilst the new book follows on from the previous one, this equally can be read on its own, particularly as we get to know Saffy a whole lot better in this one.
Is it bonkers - yes! Is it hilarious - yes! And there is something so endearing about Saffy and her mass of contradictions - and this time we get to see her softer side as we see her navigate her fledgling relationship with Jonathan, a true crime author and podcaster, as well as get some insight into her relationship with younger sister Susie. And the supporting cast is also brilliantly drawn - Jonathan’s relationship with Cyril is hilarious, and shoe-eating dog Girl provides some extra humour!
There’s murder and mayhem as Saffy lurches from one calamitous situation to another - and it had me hooked. With an ending that suggests there is more to come from Saffy, I for one can’t wait.
Saffy first featured in Bad Men and now she is back in Body Count. And whilst the new book follows on from the previous one, this equally can be read on its own, particularly as we get to know Saffy a whole lot better in this one.
Is it bonkers - yes! Is it hilarious - yes! And there is something so endearing about Saffy and her mass of contradictions - and this time we get to see her softer side as we see her navigate her fledgling relationship with Jonathan, a true crime author and podcaster, as well as get some insight into her relationship with younger sister Susie. And the supporting cast is also brilliantly drawn - Jonathan’s relationship with Cyril is hilarious, and shoe-eating dog Girl provides some extra humour!
There’s murder and mayhem as Saffy lurches from one calamitous situation to another - and it had me hooked. With an ending that suggests there is more to come from Saffy, I for one can’t wait.
August 17, 2025
When I finished Bad Men I wished for a second book - and here it is!
The thing about the first book, was that with Saffy being a serial killer she could not get a serious boyfriend, but this book changes all that. Jonathan who we met in the first book is now staying with Saffy and well things are looking good (if slow) on the relationship front. However, Saffy still knows a few bad men that need to be ended.
There is more of the backstory to Saffy and her sister Susie in this book and a lot more emotional insight into Saffy. At first I was starting to think I wasn't enjoying the book as much as the first one, but then things got really interesting and I kept finding myself thinking - how is she going to get out of this.
As with the first book the humour is very dark and there are obviously things the bad men have done, although not too many details are given. With Johnathan receiving clues about Saffy's crimes and him being a true crime investigator will he finally realise who Saffy is?
The thing about the first book, was that with Saffy being a serial killer she could not get a serious boyfriend, but this book changes all that. Jonathan who we met in the first book is now staying with Saffy and well things are looking good (if slow) on the relationship front. However, Saffy still knows a few bad men that need to be ended.
There is more of the backstory to Saffy and her sister Susie in this book and a lot more emotional insight into Saffy. At first I was starting to think I wasn't enjoying the book as much as the first one, but then things got really interesting and I kept finding myself thinking - how is she going to get out of this.
As with the first book the humour is very dark and there are obviously things the bad men have done, although not too many details are given. With Johnathan receiving clues about Saffy's crimes and him being a true crime investigator will he finally realise who Saffy is?
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