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Maneater: The gory new horror for fans of THE MENU
Brought to you by Penguin.
Revenge is tough to swallow...
Things for Renee Landis are finally looking up. She just quit her dead-end job at a chicken shop after landing the coveted role of junior chef at London’s pristine NOVA restaurant.
But it's not the restaurant that draws Renee in - it's the executive chef. Gracie Fitzgerald is as legendary as she is secretive, known for her succulent, signature dishes and the notorious methods in which she runs her kitchen. No one can touch her workspace with bare hands. No other chef can taste her signature dishes. And no one, under any circumstances, is allowed to enter her personal freezer…
'Lip-smackingly entertaining, Maneater cooks up a tense, tart and thrillingly sadistic kitchen nightmare' Leigh Radford, author of One Yellow Eye
'Enormous fun and completely compulsive, Maneater invites you into the world of fine dining and asks what you’re willing to swallow. Stomach-turning and deeply satisfying in equal measures' Kat Dunn, author of Hungerstone
'A meaty mash up of The Menu and A Certain Hunger, you’ll be devouring Maneater right to its (very) bloody end' Jessie Elland, author of The Ladie Upstairs
© Ellie Graves 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
Revenge is tough to swallow...
Things for Renee Landis are finally looking up. She just quit her dead-end job at a chicken shop after landing the coveted role of junior chef at London’s pristine NOVA restaurant.
But it's not the restaurant that draws Renee in - it's the executive chef. Gracie Fitzgerald is as legendary as she is secretive, known for her succulent, signature dishes and the notorious methods in which she runs her kitchen. No one can touch her workspace with bare hands. No other chef can taste her signature dishes. And no one, under any circumstances, is allowed to enter her personal freezer…
'Lip-smackingly entertaining, Maneater cooks up a tense, tart and thrillingly sadistic kitchen nightmare' Leigh Radford, author of One Yellow Eye
'Enormous fun and completely compulsive, Maneater invites you into the world of fine dining and asks what you’re willing to swallow. Stomach-turning and deeply satisfying in equal measures' Kat Dunn, author of Hungerstone
'A meaty mash up of The Menu and A Certain Hunger, you’ll be devouring Maneater right to its (very) bloody end' Jessie Elland, author of The Ladie Upstairs
© Ellie Graves 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
Audible Audio
First published March 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Random House UK , Transworld Publishers/ Bantam for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.75 stars.
Renee, a trained chef now working in a chicken shop quits her job after an unpleasant experience with some entitled misogynists and lands a job at high-end restaurant NOVA. Run by executive chef Gracie Fitzgerald, Renee soon discovers that as well as running a tight ship she has some interesting quirks, including a secret menu she only serves to certain male guests, and a mysterious locked freezer no-one else is allowed to enter. As Renee gets closer to Gracie and spends longer at the restaurant, she finds her personal relationships fracturing.
I found this a very entertaining and readable book. I enjoyed the contrast between reading about delicious sounding meals, and the horror of some of the things that happen in the kitchen. Although it seemed fairly obvious from the start where the plot was going, there were some turns towards the end that surprised me. I'm still thinking about the ending and trying to decide if I liked it, but I did generally have a good time with this.
3.75 stars.
Renee, a trained chef now working in a chicken shop quits her job after an unpleasant experience with some entitled misogynists and lands a job at high-end restaurant NOVA. Run by executive chef Gracie Fitzgerald, Renee soon discovers that as well as running a tight ship she has some interesting quirks, including a secret menu she only serves to certain male guests, and a mysterious locked freezer no-one else is allowed to enter. As Renee gets closer to Gracie and spends longer at the restaurant, she finds her personal relationships fracturing.
I found this a very entertaining and readable book. I enjoyed the contrast between reading about delicious sounding meals, and the horror of some of the things that happen in the kitchen. Although it seemed fairly obvious from the start where the plot was going, there were some turns towards the end that surprised me. I'm still thinking about the ending and trying to decide if I liked it, but I did generally have a good time with this.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Maneater is a culinary femgore horror/thriller mostly set in a high-end kitchen. It's tense, twisted, and seriously addictive!
I actually couldn't put the book down. I picked it up late one evening, and suddenly, it was 3 a.m., and I found myself devouring the book.
the premise is so intriguing already. Renee lands a job at a high-end restaurant where the head chef is secretive, slightly controlling, and very clear about one thing: dont touch her "special dishes." (which obviously makes everything all the more suspicious, and I'm sure you can already see where the story is going)
This is more of a quiet, slowburn horror where the tension builds slowly with a creeping sense of dread. You always feel like something is off, and watching it unravel is simply satisfying.
I also loved the kitchen setting and the authors descriptions on food preparation. It added so much pressure and intensity, making you feel as though you were right there in the kitchen with the other chefs.
My only issue is that it's a bit predictable, which is why I am only giving it 4 stars, but honestly, I still enjoyed it and lot.
Overall, super bingeable and darkly entertaining and definitely one for the weird girl fiction enthusiasts.
I actually couldn't put the book down. I picked it up late one evening, and suddenly, it was 3 a.m., and I found myself devouring the book.
the premise is so intriguing already. Renee lands a job at a high-end restaurant where the head chef is secretive, slightly controlling, and very clear about one thing: dont touch her "special dishes." (which obviously makes everything all the more suspicious, and I'm sure you can already see where the story is going)
This is more of a quiet, slowburn horror where the tension builds slowly with a creeping sense of dread. You always feel like something is off, and watching it unravel is simply satisfying.
I also loved the kitchen setting and the authors descriptions on food preparation. It added so much pressure and intensity, making you feel as though you were right there in the kitchen with the other chefs.
My only issue is that it's a bit predictable, which is why I am only giving it 4 stars, but honestly, I still enjoyed it and lot.
Overall, super bingeable and darkly entertaining and definitely one for the weird girl fiction enthusiasts.
May 5, 2026
I went into Maneater wanting sharp claws, sharper humour and maybe a little cannibalistic chaos and Ellie Graves absolutely delivers on the dark fun!
We follow Renee, a young chef stuck in a dead-end job until one “I’ve had enough” moment lands her a trial at NOVA - one of the most prestigious (and slightly terrifying) restaurants in the city. From there, she’s pulled into a world of high-pressure kitchens, big personalities and a head chef whose talent feels… not entirely normal. The deeper Renee gets, the blurrier things become between ambition, obsession and something a bit more dangerous.
This is very much a be careful what you wish for story, wrapped in kitchen heat, ego and a slow-building sense that something isn’t quite right behind the pass. The horror leans more implied than explicit - less gore, more tension, atmosphere and that creeping “oh no” feeling as things start to shift.
The cast is chaotic in the best way - intimidating front-of-house, unhinged kitchen energy - and there’s a wicked streak of humour running through it that keeps things feeling sharp rather than heavy. It’s fast, very easy to devour (fittingly) and knows exactly how far to lean into its own absurdity.
My only slight wobble was the ending - it goes bold, which I respect, but one character choice had me side-eyeing a little. That said, it does tie back into the whole hunger/ambition/moral slippage theme running through the book.
If you like culinary chaos, dark humour and horror that simmers rather than splatters, Maneater is a fun one. A little predictable in places, but still a very entertaining ride.
We follow Renee, a young chef stuck in a dead-end job until one “I’ve had enough” moment lands her a trial at NOVA - one of the most prestigious (and slightly terrifying) restaurants in the city. From there, she’s pulled into a world of high-pressure kitchens, big personalities and a head chef whose talent feels… not entirely normal. The deeper Renee gets, the blurrier things become between ambition, obsession and something a bit more dangerous.
This is very much a be careful what you wish for story, wrapped in kitchen heat, ego and a slow-building sense that something isn’t quite right behind the pass. The horror leans more implied than explicit - less gore, more tension, atmosphere and that creeping “oh no” feeling as things start to shift.
The cast is chaotic in the best way - intimidating front-of-house, unhinged kitchen energy - and there’s a wicked streak of humour running through it that keeps things feeling sharp rather than heavy. It’s fast, very easy to devour (fittingly) and knows exactly how far to lean into its own absurdity.
My only slight wobble was the ending - it goes bold, which I respect, but one character choice had me side-eyeing a little. That said, it does tie back into the whole hunger/ambition/moral slippage theme running through the book.
If you like culinary chaos, dark humour and horror that simmers rather than splatters, Maneater is a fun one. A little predictable in places, but still a very entertaining ride.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A subtly disturbing story about Chef Renee who gets hired to a posh restaurant where things might just be a bit off. Gracie, the celebrity owner has her own freezer, nobody can taste her signature dish and she's mildly terrifying.
Maneater was really not what I expected. For the vast majority of the book it's all just vibes of creeping unease and Renee arguing with her bestie whether she's working too much or Lola is just jealous. Pretty much nothing happens on page until the very end with its action packed last few chapters, but even then the tension is just not there.
I found Renee obnoxious and the female rage I was promised was overshadowed by the anxious hand wringing of our protagonist. I wanted gore, wanted to feel disgusted and up in arms. I wanted to be surprised, caught off guard, shocked. Instead I felt mostly annoyed of not getting to the point.
I probably would've preferred to read this book, or at least half of it told from Gracie's point of view.
ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
Maneater was really not what I expected. For the vast majority of the book it's all just vibes of creeping unease and Renee arguing with her bestie whether she's working too much or Lola is just jealous. Pretty much nothing happens on page until the very end with its action packed last few chapters, but even then the tension is just not there.
I found Renee obnoxious and the female rage I was promised was overshadowed by the anxious hand wringing of our protagonist. I wanted gore, wanted to feel disgusted and up in arms. I wanted to be surprised, caught off guard, shocked. Instead I felt mostly annoyed of not getting to the point.
I probably would've preferred to read this book, or at least half of it told from Gracie's point of view.
ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I cannot WAIT for this to hit the shelves!
I ate this up, not in the same way as Gracie though!
This book has everything that I love in a horror book. Strong, albeit unhinged, female character, mystery, power, revenge and a little something bloody.
Anyone that loved the movie "The Menu" will devour this.
I ate this up, not in the same way as Gracie though!
This book has everything that I love in a horror book. Strong, albeit unhinged, female character, mystery, power, revenge and a little something bloody.
Anyone that loved the movie "The Menu" will devour this.
April 13, 2026
If you don't want a half spoiler, don't read other reviews that mention the ending!
I really enjoyed the character building, as it all felt very human and real, the dialogue, characters' choices.
I liked that Renee's friend Lola criticised Renee's actions/thoughts in a very realistic way that gave voice to my own criticisms of her extreme judgements about her boyfriend.
I listened to the Audible book, and it was really good.
It is a bit gory, but not too much, and it's not scary imo
I really enjoyed the character building, as it all felt very human and real, the dialogue, characters' choices.
I liked that Renee's friend Lola criticised Renee's actions/thoughts in a very realistic way that gave voice to my own criticisms of her extreme judgements about her boyfriend.
I listened to the Audible book, and it was really good.
It is a bit gory, but not too much, and it's not scary imo
April 23, 2026
a very poor attempt at feminist horror!
May 5, 2026
Spectacular give me fourteen of them right now.
I really enjoyed this one - sure, the premise of the book and where it was going was incredibly obvious from the cover, title and blurb… but I nonetheless ate this right up (get it? Ate?? Cause they’re chefs???)
Renee was a likeable career driven woman and I applaud her for that - she stuck to her guns throughout it all and you really felt the confidence grow with her as you read on.
That ending though?? A career gyal through and through and she’s not letting aaaany man get in her way.
Horrific, femgore, sensational.
I really enjoyed this one - sure, the premise of the book and where it was going was incredibly obvious from the cover, title and blurb… but I nonetheless ate this right up (get it? Ate?? Cause they’re chefs???)
Renee was a likeable career driven woman and I applaud her for that - she stuck to her guns throughout it all and you really felt the confidence grow with her as you read on.
That ending though?? A career gyal through and through and she’s not letting aaaany man get in her way.
Horrific, femgore, sensational.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2026
All my reviews can be found at damppebbles.com
Junior chef Renee held the culinary world in the palm of her hand, she was set to be the next big thing in food, until her mother became ill and she was called home to take care of her. When the time came to return to her dream, it soon became clear that things had moved on. Renee had been forgotten about and was, in fact, now a nobody, a mere hazy memory, with the only food-related job available to her in a fried chicken shop. Putting up with rude, drunk customers, high on their own self-importance was never part of Renee’s plan. So when an opportunity of a lifetime presents itself, she’d be a fool to let it pass. With a little help from her flatmate, Renee applies for a job at NOVA, one of London’s most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants, overseen by infamous, some would say ‘notorious’ Executive Chef, Gracie Fitzgerald. Before long, Renee is learning to fine-tune her skills. Gracie Fitzgerald is, unbelievably, her mentor, and Renee is keen to learn from the best. But there’s something undeniably off about NOVA, and about Gracie. There are so many rules. Things the chefs can and can’t do. Things they’re not allowed to touch, food they’re not allowed to taste. And what’s the deal with Gracie’s private freezer…?
Maneater is a delectable feminist revenge thriller with a deliciously dark horror edge to proceedings. You can probably broadly guess the direction the story takes thanks to the eye-catching cover and the ‘says-nothing-really-but-actually-tells-you-everything-you-need-to-know’ blurb. But that’s what was so appealing about this book to me. I know what the mysterious freezer is all about. YOU know what the mysterious freezer is all about, but oh my gosh, poor Renee doesn’t have a clue!
Following a bright start, Renee finds herself on the bottom rung of the career ladder cooking chicken to order in a chicken shop. A chicken shop which she put on the map thanks to her skill and talent. But this was never the dream. Renee wants more for herself. Renee wants ‘Michelin star more’. So when an interview at NOVA with Gracie Fitzgerald’s second in command seems to go well, Renee has to pinch herself. The chance to prove what she can do to one of the best in the business is a nerve-racking opportunity, and one Renee cannot screw up. Before long, Renee is being offered a permanent role in the small kitchen, and it’s everything she ever dreamt of. So much so, she puts all of herself into her work. Neglecting her best friend and flatmate, Lola, and her long-term boyfriend, Graham. The reader watches as Renee’s drive to succeed, to be a cog in the NOVA wheel, takes over her life. She’s so close that she can’t see what her nearest and dearest can. That there’s something not quite right about the boss Renee adores or the set-up of her meticulously run kitchen.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. Maneater is a highly entertaining, thoroughly engrossing female-led horror thriller. The story moves at a steady pace with Renee becoming more and more obsessed with her job, with her boss and the overall ethos of NOVA. But in truth, she doesn’t know the half of it. I really liked Renee. I believed in this career-driven woman who wanted more for herself. The more drawn into the restaurant Renee becomes, the more that impending sense of doom makes itself known. I loved the kitchen setting, the camaraderie and team spirit amongst the kitchen staff, the intricacies of preparing a lunch or dinner service (I’ve learnt so much!). I thought the characters were all well-written and played their individual parts in the story perfectly. I thought the pace of the novel was darn near perfect, keeping me turning the pages and within Renee’s world when I should have been doing other, much more boring things (adulting/sleeping etc). All in all, I enjoyed the time I spent with Maneater. It’s a compelling, irresistible tale of feminist revenge, which simmers with darkness. Recommended.
Junior chef Renee held the culinary world in the palm of her hand, she was set to be the next big thing in food, until her mother became ill and she was called home to take care of her. When the time came to return to her dream, it soon became clear that things had moved on. Renee had been forgotten about and was, in fact, now a nobody, a mere hazy memory, with the only food-related job available to her in a fried chicken shop. Putting up with rude, drunk customers, high on their own self-importance was never part of Renee’s plan. So when an opportunity of a lifetime presents itself, she’d be a fool to let it pass. With a little help from her flatmate, Renee applies for a job at NOVA, one of London’s most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants, overseen by infamous, some would say ‘notorious’ Executive Chef, Gracie Fitzgerald. Before long, Renee is learning to fine-tune her skills. Gracie Fitzgerald is, unbelievably, her mentor, and Renee is keen to learn from the best. But there’s something undeniably off about NOVA, and about Gracie. There are so many rules. Things the chefs can and can’t do. Things they’re not allowed to touch, food they’re not allowed to taste. And what’s the deal with Gracie’s private freezer…?
Maneater is a delectable feminist revenge thriller with a deliciously dark horror edge to proceedings. You can probably broadly guess the direction the story takes thanks to the eye-catching cover and the ‘says-nothing-really-but-actually-tells-you-everything-you-need-to-know’ blurb. But that’s what was so appealing about this book to me. I know what the mysterious freezer is all about. YOU know what the mysterious freezer is all about, but oh my gosh, poor Renee doesn’t have a clue!
Following a bright start, Renee finds herself on the bottom rung of the career ladder cooking chicken to order in a chicken shop. A chicken shop which she put on the map thanks to her skill and talent. But this was never the dream. Renee wants more for herself. Renee wants ‘Michelin star more’. So when an interview at NOVA with Gracie Fitzgerald’s second in command seems to go well, Renee has to pinch herself. The chance to prove what she can do to one of the best in the business is a nerve-racking opportunity, and one Renee cannot screw up. Before long, Renee is being offered a permanent role in the small kitchen, and it’s everything she ever dreamt of. So much so, she puts all of herself into her work. Neglecting her best friend and flatmate, Lola, and her long-term boyfriend, Graham. The reader watches as Renee’s drive to succeed, to be a cog in the NOVA wheel, takes over her life. She’s so close that she can’t see what her nearest and dearest can. That there’s something not quite right about the boss Renee adores or the set-up of her meticulously run kitchen.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. Maneater is a highly entertaining, thoroughly engrossing female-led horror thriller. The story moves at a steady pace with Renee becoming more and more obsessed with her job, with her boss and the overall ethos of NOVA. But in truth, she doesn’t know the half of it. I really liked Renee. I believed in this career-driven woman who wanted more for herself. The more drawn into the restaurant Renee becomes, the more that impending sense of doom makes itself known. I loved the kitchen setting, the camaraderie and team spirit amongst the kitchen staff, the intricacies of preparing a lunch or dinner service (I’ve learnt so much!). I thought the characters were all well-written and played their individual parts in the story perfectly. I thought the pace of the novel was darn near perfect, keeping me turning the pages and within Renee’s world when I should have been doing other, much more boring things (adulting/sleeping etc). All in all, I enjoyed the time I spent with Maneater. It’s a compelling, irresistible tale of feminist revenge, which simmers with darkness. Recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Well, that was definitely a ride.
Firstly, thank you Netgalley and Random house for the opportunity to read this early - this book did not disappoint.
This had me hooked from the first chapter. This book was not what I really expected - sharpen your knives, you're about to experience the culinary cut throat world like you never have before. Think 'Hannibal' meets 'The Menu' and you would be describing 'Maneater' perfectly.
We meet Renee Landis, who has finally landed the job of her dreams at culinary restaurant NOVA - a prestigious, well established fine dining restaurant in London, run by none other than one of the most successful culinary chefs that she has admired throughout her whole career; Gracie Fitzgerald. Embarking on this great new chapter of her life after finally taking the risk of leaving her Chicken Shop Job to enter the professional chef world again, Renee steps into the role of junior chef. Enamoured by the fast paced environment, the cooking of delectable food, and the other members of staff she works with, Renee starts to feel at home in her role. That is, until she finally meets Gracie in the flesh.
Her reputation proceeds her - firm, calculated, and captivating - Gracie rules her kitchen with a strict agenda - flavour is key, fresh ingredients are at the center, and every step of her recipe must be honoured to the letter. It is on one of the shifts where Renee sees Gracie in action at her own cooking workstation that she feels the true reality of her new work environment because when Gracie works in the kitchen that atmosphere changes - its unsettling, nerve wracking but mostly invigorating for Renee - that is, until the other rule appears. Gracie has her own personal fridge and her own menu for her culinary creations that she creates signature dishes for a 'particular' customer base. These are Gracie's creations, and hers alone - nobody is to ever taste them other than her.
As the curious interactions with Gracie increase, Renee begins to ask herself whether Gracies behaviour is simply down to her work ethic as a chef, as a woman of colour who has had to fight to climb herself to the top of the culinary industry. She's charismatic, confident in an unshakable way. As Renee continues to learn more about Gracie, she realises that she is the mentor that she's always wanted - strong willed and ruthless. As she starts to swamp herself with her commitment to NOVA, her relationship with her best friend and boyfriend start to falter, creating tensions. Since joining NOVA, Renee's life becomes simply work with little time for anything else. Her desire to prove herself and make up for lost time seems to trump all other areas of her life. As the months pass, Renee realises that despite working with Gracie in close proximity on few occasions, she does not truly know 'who' Gracie is, other than what she is successfully known for - being a culinary genius.
As Curiously begins to stir Renee begins to ask herself: what really IS in Gracies private freezer? Why does she invite some of the most awful men to her restaurant and insist on cooking her 'special menu' for them? why is she only sometimes in the kitchen and not always? Will her finding out this information make her a better chef? Only Renee can answer that.
I really enjoyed this book in the most unsettling way. This was feminine rage of the darkest kind, and I couldn't put the book down. All the characters served their own purposes and felt truly relevant to the storyline and its progression. Whilst I already know where the story was leading, I liked that we got to see it unfold from Renee's perspective - I think the whole purpose is to see the horror unfold for her and for us to go through the motions of suspicion, anxiety and then denial and I honestly then Graves captured this perfectly.
I think this falls under horror-fic, as it does feel part literary fiction to me. This horror is more about building suspense, and whilst 'weird girl' lit-fit fans will love this I do think it delivers on the unsettling horror overall!
Firstly, thank you Netgalley and Random house for the opportunity to read this early - this book did not disappoint.
This had me hooked from the first chapter. This book was not what I really expected - sharpen your knives, you're about to experience the culinary cut throat world like you never have before. Think 'Hannibal' meets 'The Menu' and you would be describing 'Maneater' perfectly.
We meet Renee Landis, who has finally landed the job of her dreams at culinary restaurant NOVA - a prestigious, well established fine dining restaurant in London, run by none other than one of the most successful culinary chefs that she has admired throughout her whole career; Gracie Fitzgerald. Embarking on this great new chapter of her life after finally taking the risk of leaving her Chicken Shop Job to enter the professional chef world again, Renee steps into the role of junior chef. Enamoured by the fast paced environment, the cooking of delectable food, and the other members of staff she works with, Renee starts to feel at home in her role. That is, until she finally meets Gracie in the flesh.
Her reputation proceeds her - firm, calculated, and captivating - Gracie rules her kitchen with a strict agenda - flavour is key, fresh ingredients are at the center, and every step of her recipe must be honoured to the letter. It is on one of the shifts where Renee sees Gracie in action at her own cooking workstation that she feels the true reality of her new work environment because when Gracie works in the kitchen that atmosphere changes - its unsettling, nerve wracking but mostly invigorating for Renee - that is, until the other rule appears. Gracie has her own personal fridge and her own menu for her culinary creations that she creates signature dishes for a 'particular' customer base. These are Gracie's creations, and hers alone - nobody is to ever taste them other than her.
As the curious interactions with Gracie increase, Renee begins to ask herself whether Gracies behaviour is simply down to her work ethic as a chef, as a woman of colour who has had to fight to climb herself to the top of the culinary industry. She's charismatic, confident in an unshakable way. As Renee continues to learn more about Gracie, she realises that she is the mentor that she's always wanted - strong willed and ruthless. As she starts to swamp herself with her commitment to NOVA, her relationship with her best friend and boyfriend start to falter, creating tensions. Since joining NOVA, Renee's life becomes simply work with little time for anything else. Her desire to prove herself and make up for lost time seems to trump all other areas of her life. As the months pass, Renee realises that despite working with Gracie in close proximity on few occasions, she does not truly know 'who' Gracie is, other than what she is successfully known for - being a culinary genius.
As Curiously begins to stir Renee begins to ask herself: what really IS in Gracies private freezer? Why does she invite some of the most awful men to her restaurant and insist on cooking her 'special menu' for them? why is she only sometimes in the kitchen and not always? Will her finding out this information make her a better chef? Only Renee can answer that.
I really enjoyed this book in the most unsettling way. This was feminine rage of the darkest kind, and I couldn't put the book down. All the characters served their own purposes and felt truly relevant to the storyline and its progression. Whilst I already know where the story was leading, I liked that we got to see it unfold from Renee's perspective - I think the whole purpose is to see the horror unfold for her and for us to go through the motions of suspicion, anxiety and then denial and I honestly then Graves captured this perfectly.
I think this falls under horror-fic, as it does feel part literary fiction to me. This horror is more about building suspense, and whilst 'weird girl' lit-fit fans will love this I do think it delivers on the unsettling horror overall!
November 27, 2025
Maneater is a deliciously dark and tantalizing culinary thriller that serves up a feast for both the senses and the mind, blending the satirical edge of The Menu with the dark allure of Hannibal. This suspenseful tale invites readers into the elite world of fine dining, where the flavors may be exquisite, but the sourcing of ingredients raises both ethical questions and a simmering tension.
The protagonist, Renee Landis, embarks on a seemingly bright new chapter in her career as she steps into the coveted role of junior chef at London’s prestigious NOVA restaurant. Yet, it’s not merely the prestigious establishment that captivates her; it’s the enigmatic executive chef, Gracie Fitzgerald, whose legendary reputation is as alluring as it is unsettling. Fitzgerald runs her kitchen with an iron fist and a plethora of secrets, enforcing strict rules that keep her culinary creations—and her true methods—shrouded in mystery. The unsettling curiosity about what lies within her personal freezer adds a layer of intrigue that propels the narrative forward.
Renee’s journey through the cutthroat world of fine dining is both thrilling and unsettling. The book explores complex flavors—both culinary and moral—as Landis grapples with her excitement and the creeping unease that comes with knowing the implications of the ingredients she’s handling. Just like a perfectly balanced dish, Ellie masterfully blends humor and horror, allowing readers to revel in the delicious complexity of the narrative, all the while questioning their own moral compass.
Even though the title hints at the impending horror, the anticipation of how events will unfold is what truly kept me hooked. Renee’s experiences elicit both admiration for the culinary arts and a visceral awareness of the darker aspects of human nature. Maneater skillfully walks the line between indulgence and discomfort, making every revelation even more impactful.
Ellie’s writing captivates with eloquent descriptions and a palpable tension that simmers throughout the pages. As a food lover, I found myself both salivating at the thought of Fitzgerald’s culinary creations and recoiling from the ethical dilemmas they present. The book is an exploration of the costs of ambition and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of excellence—an addictive blend that leaves a lasting impression.
I can't wait to see what Ellie serves up next. Maneater is a delectable read that keeps you yearning for more, even while it makes you question the very essence of what it means to indulge. A five-star culinary experience not to be missed!
The protagonist, Renee Landis, embarks on a seemingly bright new chapter in her career as she steps into the coveted role of junior chef at London’s prestigious NOVA restaurant. Yet, it’s not merely the prestigious establishment that captivates her; it’s the enigmatic executive chef, Gracie Fitzgerald, whose legendary reputation is as alluring as it is unsettling. Fitzgerald runs her kitchen with an iron fist and a plethora of secrets, enforcing strict rules that keep her culinary creations—and her true methods—shrouded in mystery. The unsettling curiosity about what lies within her personal freezer adds a layer of intrigue that propels the narrative forward.
Renee’s journey through the cutthroat world of fine dining is both thrilling and unsettling. The book explores complex flavors—both culinary and moral—as Landis grapples with her excitement and the creeping unease that comes with knowing the implications of the ingredients she’s handling. Just like a perfectly balanced dish, Ellie masterfully blends humor and horror, allowing readers to revel in the delicious complexity of the narrative, all the while questioning their own moral compass.
Even though the title hints at the impending horror, the anticipation of how events will unfold is what truly kept me hooked. Renee’s experiences elicit both admiration for the culinary arts and a visceral awareness of the darker aspects of human nature. Maneater skillfully walks the line between indulgence and discomfort, making every revelation even more impactful.
Ellie’s writing captivates with eloquent descriptions and a palpable tension that simmers throughout the pages. As a food lover, I found myself both salivating at the thought of Fitzgerald’s culinary creations and recoiling from the ethical dilemmas they present. The book is an exploration of the costs of ambition and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of excellence—an addictive blend that leaves a lasting impression.
I can't wait to see what Ellie serves up next. Maneater is a delectable read that keeps you yearning for more, even while it makes you question the very essence of what it means to indulge. A five-star culinary experience not to be missed!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Random House and NetGalley for the ARC!
After quitting her dead-end job at a chicken shop, Renee can't believe her luck when she lands the coveted role of junior chef at NOVA, one of London's most pristine restaurants. But it's not the restaurant that draws her in—it's the executive chef, Gracie Fitzgerald. With a reputation for legendary signature dishes and an extreme attention to detail, Gracie runs a no-nonsense kitchen. But Renee can't help feeling unsettled over Gracie's strict rules—no one is allowed to taste her dishes, and most importantly, under no circumstances, can you enter her personal freezer...
Maneater is a gripping read from start to finish. Ellie Graves has done a fantastic job of portraying the busy yet alluring notion of running a kitchen. From the setting to the descriptions of food preparation, smells and tastes, it felt very authentic. Yet there is an underlying sense of unease as we're introduced to Chef Gracie and her strict rules. Suddenly the 'hustle and bustle' of the kitchen becomes something more sinister.
This is a story where every character is written with purpose, and I found myself drawn to so many of the side characters. Gracie in particular was such a compelling character, equally interesting and off-putting. I felt myself drawn to Gracie just like Renee was—an unapologetic woman in what is a male-dominated industry. The book masterfully explores themes of misogyny, with feminism and female rage at its core.
Although Maneater is not subtle in what's really happening in that kitchen, the anticipation keeps you hooked, waiting to see how everything unfolds. A culinary thriller, this book is perfect for those that love simmering tension, strong female characters and mystery.
After quitting her dead-end job at a chicken shop, Renee can't believe her luck when she lands the coveted role of junior chef at NOVA, one of London's most pristine restaurants. But it's not the restaurant that draws her in—it's the executive chef, Gracie Fitzgerald. With a reputation for legendary signature dishes and an extreme attention to detail, Gracie runs a no-nonsense kitchen. But Renee can't help feeling unsettled over Gracie's strict rules—no one is allowed to taste her dishes, and most importantly, under no circumstances, can you enter her personal freezer...
Maneater is a gripping read from start to finish. Ellie Graves has done a fantastic job of portraying the busy yet alluring notion of running a kitchen. From the setting to the descriptions of food preparation, smells and tastes, it felt very authentic. Yet there is an underlying sense of unease as we're introduced to Chef Gracie and her strict rules. Suddenly the 'hustle and bustle' of the kitchen becomes something more sinister.
"She feels trapped—like an animal cornered. The smell of cleaning products sears her sinuses to the point where the air burns in her nostrils. The kitchen no longer feels clinical. It's a crypt—a tomb where once you're in, there is no out."
This is a story where every character is written with purpose, and I found myself drawn to so many of the side characters. Gracie in particular was such a compelling character, equally interesting and off-putting. I felt myself drawn to Gracie just like Renee was—an unapologetic woman in what is a male-dominated industry. The book masterfully explores themes of misogyny, with feminism and female rage at its core.
"She's finally going to witness a true genius at work. A woman—no, THE woman—who didn't so much break through the glass ceiling as smash it to smithereens, eating up her competition as if they were nothing more than an amuse-bouche and leaving no challengers in her wake."
Although Maneater is not subtle in what's really happening in that kitchen, the anticipation keeps you hooked, waiting to see how everything unfolds. A culinary thriller, this book is perfect for those that love simmering tension, strong female characters and mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Well that was a fun read in a weird and wonderful and tantalizingly gory way.. Thank you to the author, Bantam Books and NetGalley for the eARC.
Maneater is told from the point of view 0f Renee, who trained to be a high end chef and won many accolades as a young trainee, but life has thrown her lemons and instead of making lemonade, she finds herself working in a dead-end chicken shop with disrespectful and abusive customers. Until one day it all goes wildly wrong at the chicken shop and she finds herself looking for a new job. When she lands a coveted position at NOVA, working alongside legendary executive chef Gracie Fitzgerald, she feels exhilarated.
But what happens at NOVA is wild and unpredictable. On the face of it, it is a beautiful high end restaurant, until you delve deeper into Gracie Fitzgerald's world and come across female rage, revenge and her personal freezer of ingredients.
I enjoyed the simmering tension particularly at the kitchen at NOVA, the story starts off slowly, as we are introduced to the characters and backgrounds. But as more heat is applied the story becomes incredibly dark and gory, and wonderful. With a little sprinkle of magic here and spoonful of brilliance there, we are taken on a journey that is sharply written, intense, mysterious and sometimes very funny. There are some moments where Gracie is inflicting her grisly haute cuisine on her customers that were both funny and gruesome.
The vibe of the book is unsettling but I really did enjoy the power and ambition of Gracie and how Renee gets pulled into Gracie's aura and becomes as obsessed with her as she is about the food she is making. And I'm not surprised, Gracie was my favourite character, I felt myself pulled into her presence on the page. She was magnetic and deliciously dangerous.
The unraveling of the characters and the storyline is compelling. You just can't look away as we hurtle towards an ending that is brutal and mesmerising. A thoroughly tasty and satisfying novel.
Maneater is told from the point of view 0f Renee, who trained to be a high end chef and won many accolades as a young trainee, but life has thrown her lemons and instead of making lemonade, she finds herself working in a dead-end chicken shop with disrespectful and abusive customers. Until one day it all goes wildly wrong at the chicken shop and she finds herself looking for a new job. When she lands a coveted position at NOVA, working alongside legendary executive chef Gracie Fitzgerald, she feels exhilarated.
But what happens at NOVA is wild and unpredictable. On the face of it, it is a beautiful high end restaurant, until you delve deeper into Gracie Fitzgerald's world and come across female rage, revenge and her personal freezer of ingredients.
I enjoyed the simmering tension particularly at the kitchen at NOVA, the story starts off slowly, as we are introduced to the characters and backgrounds. But as more heat is applied the story becomes incredibly dark and gory, and wonderful. With a little sprinkle of magic here and spoonful of brilliance there, we are taken on a journey that is sharply written, intense, mysterious and sometimes very funny. There are some moments where Gracie is inflicting her grisly haute cuisine on her customers that were both funny and gruesome.
The vibe of the book is unsettling but I really did enjoy the power and ambition of Gracie and how Renee gets pulled into Gracie's aura and becomes as obsessed with her as she is about the food she is making. And I'm not surprised, Gracie was my favourite character, I felt myself pulled into her presence on the page. She was magnetic and deliciously dangerous.
The unraveling of the characters and the storyline is compelling. You just can't look away as we hurtle towards an ending that is brutal and mesmerising. A thoroughly tasty and satisfying novel.
May 4, 2026
Caveat: I've been online friends with the author for some time which won't affect my review.
Maneater (watch out, boy, she'll chew you up) sits in that grey area between (very) dark thriller and outright horror. When I say dark, I mean it. The main premise will likely turn a few stomachs but for the rest of us, there's plenty to get stuck into here.
Chef Renee quits her job working in a crappy chicken joint for a crappy manager with crappy customers, leading her flatmate and rich boyfriend to think she's made a mistake. That's until Renee lands a job at high-end (wanky in other words) restaurant headed by Chef Gracie Fitzgerald - well known in a male dominated industury for taking zero shit and creating meals exclusively for the great and good (wankers in other words). Pretty much instantly, Renee realises Gracie isn't quite right but this is a dream job so she sticks with it as things begin to get . . .odd. And then worse.
The central premise and reveal isn't hidden by misdirection or really covered up in any big way. We know what's coming from fairly early on but that isn't the point here. The angle is much more in what Renee will do when she realises the truth and then what happens after this. There's an inevitablity to it that I really enjoyed. A kind of unstoppable reveal coming closer and closer with every page and even though we know what the reveal will be, we still can't look away. That might put off a reader who wants to guess the reveal based on clues - and get there before the characters do - but this isn't that kind of thriller.
It isn't my place to get into the gender politics of the story. All I will say in that regard is it wouldn't surprise me if a great number of women have similiar experiences to Renee (the city boy customers in her first job; the useless manager; the boyfriend who won't stop trying to fix things either with cash or non-stop 'advice') and Gracie with. . .well, that's for you to find out.
Maneater is a cracking thriller that might put you off your dinner. Or at least make you reconsider who's cooking it.
Maneater (watch out, boy, she'll chew you up) sits in that grey area between (very) dark thriller and outright horror. When I say dark, I mean it. The main premise will likely turn a few stomachs but for the rest of us, there's plenty to get stuck into here.
Chef Renee quits her job working in a crappy chicken joint for a crappy manager with crappy customers, leading her flatmate and rich boyfriend to think she's made a mistake. That's until Renee lands a job at high-end (wanky in other words) restaurant headed by Chef Gracie Fitzgerald - well known in a male dominated industury for taking zero shit and creating meals exclusively for the great and good (wankers in other words). Pretty much instantly, Renee realises Gracie isn't quite right but this is a dream job so she sticks with it as things begin to get . . .odd. And then worse.
The central premise and reveal isn't hidden by misdirection or really covered up in any big way. We know what's coming from fairly early on but that isn't the point here. The angle is much more in what Renee will do when she realises the truth and then what happens after this. There's an inevitablity to it that I really enjoyed. A kind of unstoppable reveal coming closer and closer with every page and even though we know what the reveal will be, we still can't look away. That might put off a reader who wants to guess the reveal based on clues - and get there before the characters do - but this isn't that kind of thriller.
It isn't my place to get into the gender politics of the story. All I will say in that regard is it wouldn't surprise me if a great number of women have similiar experiences to Renee (the city boy customers in her first job; the useless manager; the boyfriend who won't stop trying to fix things either with cash or non-stop 'advice') and Gracie with. . .well, that's for you to find out.
Maneater is a cracking thriller that might put you off your dinner. Or at least make you reconsider who's cooking it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Things for Renee Landis are finally looking up. She just quit her dead-end job at a chicken shop after landing the coveted role of junior chef at London’s pristine NOVA restaurant.
But it's not the restaurant that draws Renee in - it's the executive chef. Gracie Fitzgerald is as legendary as she is secretive, known for her succulent, signature dishes and the notorious methods in which she runs her kitchen. No one can touch her workspace with bare hands. No other chef can taste her signature dishes. And no one, under any circumstances, is allowed to enter her personal freezer…
Stop what you are doing..I would like to announce I have found my first five star read of 2026! From the title and cover alone I knew that this book was going to be for me but it was the execution that was flawless and had me relishing every word. It is pretty obvious to the reader going in what this book is going to be about but Renee as the protagonist is clueless. You want to shout to her don't take the job, but take it she does but needless to say she has jumped out of the frying pan into the fire! Just like any top class kitchen the tension is palpable but at Nova this is a whole different level. I could not read fast enough as I was desperate to see when Renee would find out the truth and how far everything would really go before that point. Often I want great detail and description especially when it comes to horror but with this book it was more implied. This worked perfectly as it created more of a dark undercurrent that ran through the whole book which I really savoured. It also means that if you shy away from horror you would be able to stomach this I'm sure. All the characters were fleshed out (not literally...only some) so I enjoyed reading them all and there was no dead weight among them as they all added something to the story. Maneater is a veritable feast especially for myself who has been literally starved of five star reads this year. It is the perfect blend of revenge, intrigue and social commentary with a soupcon of horror!
But it's not the restaurant that draws Renee in - it's the executive chef. Gracie Fitzgerald is as legendary as she is secretive, known for her succulent, signature dishes and the notorious methods in which she runs her kitchen. No one can touch her workspace with bare hands. No other chef can taste her signature dishes. And no one, under any circumstances, is allowed to enter her personal freezer…
Stop what you are doing..I would like to announce I have found my first five star read of 2026! From the title and cover alone I knew that this book was going to be for me but it was the execution that was flawless and had me relishing every word. It is pretty obvious to the reader going in what this book is going to be about but Renee as the protagonist is clueless. You want to shout to her don't take the job, but take it she does but needless to say she has jumped out of the frying pan into the fire! Just like any top class kitchen the tension is palpable but at Nova this is a whole different level. I could not read fast enough as I was desperate to see when Renee would find out the truth and how far everything would really go before that point. Often I want great detail and description especially when it comes to horror but with this book it was more implied. This worked perfectly as it created more of a dark undercurrent that ran through the whole book which I really savoured. It also means that if you shy away from horror you would be able to stomach this I'm sure. All the characters were fleshed out (not literally...only some) so I enjoyed reading them all and there was no dead weight among them as they all added something to the story. Maneater is a veritable feast especially for myself who has been literally starved of five star reads this year. It is the perfect blend of revenge, intrigue and social commentary with a soupcon of horror!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
where to even begin?
this takes feminine rage to a whole new level, and i'm a big supporter of women's rights and wrongs...
the writing was compelling, it drew me in, the descriptions of the foods, the smells, the kitchen, it felt so realistic that i could just picture myself watching it all unfold from one of the windows.
gracie is compelling, she's fascinating, she's off-putting, but she's so enigmatic that ren can't help but find herself so caught up in her madness.
ren's inability to think of anything but nova and gracie highlighted how under her skin gracie had gotten. she defended her even though she was unsettled and anxious in her presence.
lola highlights that it's grooming behaviour and if it was a man, ren wouldn't have done half the things she'd done. it's something that ties into gracie's motives.
gracie has the aura that pulls people in, and i even found myself rationalising her reasons for being a serial killer, and feeding people human flesh. she could be a cult leader, and ren would be her most loyal follower.
the accidental cannibalism punishments for men who are horrible, the fact that only horrible men are killed to feed other horrible men was truly a delicious morsel of karma.
the ending was truly poetic, gracie killed her mentor for force feeding her human - amongst many other reasons - and ren kills gracie for almost the same reason. ren did almost the exact thing that gracie wanted, she became her.
i would devour a second book where ren is the exec chef and continuing gracie's work. i know there'd be little as a twist, but it'd be delcious to see how ren goes from meek and mild, apologising for everything, to being a man eating woman who refuses to minimise herself for a man.
thank you for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. i enjoyed it as though i, myself, attended a michelinstarred restaurant.
this takes feminine rage to a whole new level, and i'm a big supporter of women's rights and wrongs...
the writing was compelling, it drew me in, the descriptions of the foods, the smells, the kitchen, it felt so realistic that i could just picture myself watching it all unfold from one of the windows.
gracie is compelling, she's fascinating, she's off-putting, but she's so enigmatic that ren can't help but find herself so caught up in her madness.
ren's inability to think of anything but nova and gracie highlighted how under her skin gracie had gotten. she defended her even though she was unsettled and anxious in her presence.
lola highlights that it's grooming behaviour and if it was a man, ren wouldn't have done half the things she'd done. it's something that ties into gracie's motives.
gracie has the aura that pulls people in, and i even found myself rationalising her reasons for being a serial killer, and feeding people human flesh. she could be a cult leader, and ren would be her most loyal follower.
the accidental cannibalism punishments for men who are horrible, the fact that only horrible men are killed to feed other horrible men was truly a delicious morsel of karma.
the ending was truly poetic, gracie killed her mentor for force feeding her human - amongst many other reasons - and ren kills gracie for almost the same reason. ren did almost the exact thing that gracie wanted, she became her.
i would devour a second book where ren is the exec chef and continuing gracie's work. i know there'd be little as a twist, but it'd be delcious to see how ren goes from meek and mild, apologising for everything, to being a man eating woman who refuses to minimise herself for a man.
thank you for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. i enjoyed it as though i, myself, attended a michelinstarred restaurant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2026
Maneater by Ellie Graves
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A brand new restaurant with a chef who has a reputation for extreme detail. A 'special menu' that's reserved for particular clients only. A novice who has ha d a string of career bad lucks. A secret freezer and bucket-loads of simmering female rage. Consider my interest piqued. In this restaurant set horror/thriller crossover junior chef Renee lands her dream job working for enigmatic chef Gracie at NOVA, but the restaurant and Gracie aren't exactly what they seem. Or...maybe they are, but Renee is just unwilling to see it...
There's no real spoilers to be given for this book, as all the clues and signs as to where the book is going are there from the start.
I can wholeheartedly see the allure and magnetic pull chef Gracie - she is confident, charismatic and has a cult like following. She is exactly the kind of edgy mentor Renee is looking for in order to turn her career around, but she's also surrounded by a danger that risks pulling Renee in too deep. I cant decide whether Renee is aloof and just genuinely someone who has zero suspicious thoughts ever; or if she's so determined to get her career back on track that she'll overlook anything and support anyone if it means she can do it. Either way she's a great parrallel character to Gracie and provides the undying awe that Gracie needs to feed her ego.
If you read Tender is The Flesh and thought 'this would be great set in a Michelin starred restaurant with more problematic men and a side of revenge' then this book's for you. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bantam for the eARC for review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A brand new restaurant with a chef who has a reputation for extreme detail. A 'special menu' that's reserved for particular clients only. A novice who has ha d a string of career bad lucks. A secret freezer and bucket-loads of simmering female rage. Consider my interest piqued. In this restaurant set horror/thriller crossover junior chef Renee lands her dream job working for enigmatic chef Gracie at NOVA, but the restaurant and Gracie aren't exactly what they seem. Or...maybe they are, but Renee is just unwilling to see it...
There's no real spoilers to be given for this book, as all the clues and signs as to where the book is going are there from the start.
I can wholeheartedly see the allure and magnetic pull chef Gracie - she is confident, charismatic and has a cult like following. She is exactly the kind of edgy mentor Renee is looking for in order to turn her career around, but she's also surrounded by a danger that risks pulling Renee in too deep. I cant decide whether Renee is aloof and just genuinely someone who has zero suspicious thoughts ever; or if she's so determined to get her career back on track that she'll overlook anything and support anyone if it means she can do it. Either way she's a great parrallel character to Gracie and provides the undying awe that Gracie needs to feed her ego.
If you read Tender is The Flesh and thought 'this would be great set in a Michelin starred restaurant with more problematic men and a side of revenge' then this book's for you. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bantam for the eARC for review.
April 1, 2026
I enjoyed this book, but I think the main problem is that it was quite obvious where it was going, both from the blurb and the description. There has been a wave of these books in the last couple of years, mixing misogyny with revenge, and as soon as there was talk of a private freezer, it was clear where the story was going.
Despite this, I really enjoyed this book and I thought it was very well written. The misogyny scenes were so well written that I could feel myself getting angry and waiting for the revenge to come. I enjoyed the characters on their reactions to the situation. It was interesting that Gracie hired so many men, most of whom seemed willing to go along with her unusual ways. What I enjoyed about this book which set it apart from other cannibalism books was the setting of a high-end kitchen and the high-pressure life of a chef.
The horror aspect didn’t start for quite a good chunk of the book, with a steady build up, although all the clues were there. The setting of being in a restaurant did make it even more stomach churning! I found Gracie so fascinating and perhaps would like to have seen more from her or Bethany’s POV - although this did add to the mystery. It may have been more hard hitting to less of Renee’s quiet platitudes and more of Gracie’s rage. The story moved quickly in this book felt like it was the perfect length! I will definitely be looking for more books by this author in the future.
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the early copy
Despite this, I really enjoyed this book and I thought it was very well written. The misogyny scenes were so well written that I could feel myself getting angry and waiting for the revenge to come. I enjoyed the characters on their reactions to the situation. It was interesting that Gracie hired so many men, most of whom seemed willing to go along with her unusual ways. What I enjoyed about this book which set it apart from other cannibalism books was the setting of a high-end kitchen and the high-pressure life of a chef.
The horror aspect didn’t start for quite a good chunk of the book, with a steady build up, although all the clues were there. The setting of being in a restaurant did make it even more stomach churning! I found Gracie so fascinating and perhaps would like to have seen more from her or Bethany’s POV - although this did add to the mystery. It may have been more hard hitting to less of Renee’s quiet platitudes and more of Gracie’s rage. The story moved quickly in this book felt like it was the perfect length! I will definitely be looking for more books by this author in the future.
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the early copy
November 26, 2025
Revenge simmers quietly at the heart of Maneater, a novel that lures you into the gleaming world of haute cuisine only to reveal the shadows beneath its polished surfaces. Renee Landis, newly freed from her dead-end job, steps into the pristine kitchen of London’s NOVA restaurant, where ambition and artistry collide. Yet it’s not the restaurant itself that captivates—it’s the enigmatic executive chef, Gracie Fitzgerald, whose rules are as chilling as her legendary dishes.
Graves crafts a story that feels both sharp and atmospheric: the clatter of knives, the hush of forbidden spaces, and the tension of secrets locked away in a freezer no one dares to enter. The novel balances horror and mystery with a sly elegance, reminding us that hunger—whether for success, love, or vengeance—can consume more than we bargain for.
What makes Maneater so compelling is its blend of culinary detail with psychological suspense. The kitchen becomes a crucible, testing loyalty, desire, and fear. Renee’s journey is not just about food but about survival, and Graves ensures every page carries the weight of something simmering just out of sight.
Casual readers will be drawn in by the pace and intrigue, while those who savor atmosphere will appreciate the novel’s layered textures. It’s a story that lingers like the aftertaste of a dish you can’t quite name—unsettling, unforgettable, and strangely addictive.
With thanks to Ellie Graves, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Graves crafts a story that feels both sharp and atmospheric: the clatter of knives, the hush of forbidden spaces, and the tension of secrets locked away in a freezer no one dares to enter. The novel balances horror and mystery with a sly elegance, reminding us that hunger—whether for success, love, or vengeance—can consume more than we bargain for.
What makes Maneater so compelling is its blend of culinary detail with psychological suspense. The kitchen becomes a crucible, testing loyalty, desire, and fear. Renee’s journey is not just about food but about survival, and Graves ensures every page carries the weight of something simmering just out of sight.
Casual readers will be drawn in by the pace and intrigue, while those who savor atmosphere will appreciate the novel’s layered textures. It’s a story that lingers like the aftertaste of a dish you can’t quite name—unsettling, unforgettable, and strangely addictive.
With thanks to Ellie Graves, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars
Wow! What a debut!
This is a book that is hard to believe is written by a debut author, so much so that I will definitely be reading whatever she writes next.
I got into this book right from the start and it totally held my attention throughout. I think this was mainly because of the effortless writing style. Whilst this is written in the third person, something I usually don't like, this didn't bother me at all. In fact I quite liked it, which showed to me how much I was enjoying the writing style.
Despite having ZERO interest in cooking or food, the fact that this is set mainly in a restaurant and is about chefs, really did interest me. And I felt totally like I was in the kitchen with them.
I thought the plot was utterly gripping and absorbing and I flew through it, I couldn't put it down.
I liked our main character Renee and the friendship with her flatmate Lola felt very real.
One slight thing that stopped this being a five star read for me, was that this was CLEARLY inspired by the movie The Menu. That is a movie that I love, so the book didn't feel that shocking or surprising to me, as I knew what was coming.
Overall I really enjoyed this book a lot and I highly recommend it!
Thanks to Random House UK for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
Wow! What a debut!
This is a book that is hard to believe is written by a debut author, so much so that I will definitely be reading whatever she writes next.
I got into this book right from the start and it totally held my attention throughout. I think this was mainly because of the effortless writing style. Whilst this is written in the third person, something I usually don't like, this didn't bother me at all. In fact I quite liked it, which showed to me how much I was enjoying the writing style.
Despite having ZERO interest in cooking or food, the fact that this is set mainly in a restaurant and is about chefs, really did interest me. And I felt totally like I was in the kitchen with them.
I thought the plot was utterly gripping and absorbing and I flew through it, I couldn't put it down.
I liked our main character Renee and the friendship with her flatmate Lola felt very real.
One slight thing that stopped this being a five star read for me, was that this was CLEARLY inspired by the movie The Menu. That is a movie that I love, so the book didn't feel that shocking or surprising to me, as I knew what was coming.
Overall I really enjoyed this book a lot and I highly recommend it!
Thanks to Random House UK for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC review ✨ Maneater by Ellie Graves was so fun to read, effortless, bingeable, and addicting. The kitchen dynamics gave me Hell’s Kitchen vibes minus the competition and I was having the time of my life 🥩🔪
Renee is such an easy character to root for, scrappy and determined, with Lola firmly securing her place as best friend of the year. Josh, a perfectly written “nice guy” I loved to hate 👀
Gracie Fitzgerald… oh she's eccentric, hypnotic, and she commands devotion. A mentor who feels inspiring and dangerous, she somehow convinces you that something deeply wrong might actually be justified. Watching admiration blur into obsession was unsettling (I'm speaking for myself and Renee here) and that ending made me GASP 🤯 I'm going to need a sequel - Ellie Graves I'm begging you. I'm giving it 5 stars ✨
Read this if you like:
🔪 bingeable psychological thrillers
🌋 female rage simmering under the surface
👩🍳 high pressure settings
👁️ obsession, control, blurred power dynamics
🧲 charismatic, powerful, unsettling female leads
🔥 slow burn tension with a WTF ending
🩸 subtle horror vibes without going full gore
🔐 locked doors and forbidden spaces
Publication day: March 26th
✨ Thank you to Bantam Books and NetGalley for the free ARC, my opinions are my own.
Renee is such an easy character to root for, scrappy and determined, with Lola firmly securing her place as best friend of the year. Josh, a perfectly written “nice guy” I loved to hate 👀
Gracie Fitzgerald… oh she's eccentric, hypnotic, and she commands devotion. A mentor who feels inspiring and dangerous, she somehow convinces you that something deeply wrong might actually be justified. Watching admiration blur into obsession was unsettling (I'm speaking for myself and Renee here) and that ending made me GASP 🤯 I'm going to need a sequel - Ellie Graves I'm begging you. I'm giving it 5 stars ✨
Read this if you like:
🔪 bingeable psychological thrillers
🌋 female rage simmering under the surface
👩🍳 high pressure settings
👁️ obsession, control, blurred power dynamics
🧲 charismatic, powerful, unsettling female leads
🔥 slow burn tension with a WTF ending
🩸 subtle horror vibes without going full gore
🔐 locked doors and forbidden spaces
Publication day: March 26th
✨ Thank you to Bantam Books and NetGalley for the free ARC, my opinions are my own.
April 4, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and Bantam for an ARC copy of this!!
Omg I looooved this one!! Anything labelled as fem-gore horror is immediately going to pique my interest, and this one did not disappoint!! Maneater follows Renee as she lands a prestigious role at a NOVA, a restaurant run by the infamous and secretive Gracie Fitzgerald. Gracie is very strict (no one is allowed to taste her special dishes or enter her private freezer), and Renee becomes increasingly suspicious that things may not be as they seem.
This is an excellent example of a quiet and creeping horror, and Graves does an excellent job at slowly building tension throughout the book. I was so invested, and alongside the conventional gory aspects you would expect from this type of novel, there are also some poignant discussions on misogyny on both a personal and structural scale. The book taps into a shared female desire for revenge (though perhaps taken to a slight extreme). The eerie atmosphere of tension is so excellently built throughout and is really impressive considering this is the author's horror debut! Overall, this was really entertaining, and I'd highly recommend - I can't wait to see what Graves publishes next!!
Omg I looooved this one!! Anything labelled as fem-gore horror is immediately going to pique my interest, and this one did not disappoint!! Maneater follows Renee as she lands a prestigious role at a NOVA, a restaurant run by the infamous and secretive Gracie Fitzgerald. Gracie is very strict (no one is allowed to taste her special dishes or enter her private freezer), and Renee becomes increasingly suspicious that things may not be as they seem.
This is an excellent example of a quiet and creeping horror, and Graves does an excellent job at slowly building tension throughout the book. I was so invested, and alongside the conventional gory aspects you would expect from this type of novel, there are also some poignant discussions on misogyny on both a personal and structural scale. The book taps into a shared female desire for revenge (though perhaps taken to a slight extreme). The eerie atmosphere of tension is so excellently built throughout and is really impressive considering this is the author's horror debut! Overall, this was really entertaining, and I'd highly recommend - I can't wait to see what Graves publishes next!!
May 2, 2026
Ellie Graves’ Maneater is a fun, darkly humorous read that balances its unsettling premise with sharp, confident writing. The macabre humour is a clear highlight, adding a dry wit that keeps the story engaging without becoming overly heavy. While the more gruesome elements only really emerge toward the end, the tone throughout remains playfully offbeat.
The writing itself is strong and polished, making it an easy and compelling book to get through. However, the central reveal feels fairly obvious early on, which shifts the experience from suspense to simply waiting for events to unfold. This doesn’t ruin the book, but it does take away some of the potential impact.
There are also a few noticeable inconsistencies in the timeline. For instance, the protagonist at one point suggests it’s been days yet she still can’t get the taste out of her mouth, yet later refers to it as having happened earlier that same day. Small details like this can be a little jarring and feel like they were missed in editing.
Overall, Maneater is an enjoyable and well-written novel with a strong sense of humour. Even if it doesn’t fully surprise and has a few minor flaws, it’s still a satisfying and entertaining read. I devoured 😅 it in a day and a half.
The writing itself is strong and polished, making it an easy and compelling book to get through. However, the central reveal feels fairly obvious early on, which shifts the experience from suspense to simply waiting for events to unfold. This doesn’t ruin the book, but it does take away some of the potential impact.
There are also a few noticeable inconsistencies in the timeline. For instance, the protagonist at one point suggests it’s been days yet she still can’t get the taste out of her mouth, yet later refers to it as having happened earlier that same day. Small details like this can be a little jarring and feel like they were missed in editing.
Overall, Maneater is an enjoyable and well-written novel with a strong sense of humour. Even if it doesn’t fully surprise and has a few minor flaws, it’s still a satisfying and entertaining read. I devoured 😅 it in a day and a half.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2026
I started out really enjoying this book, speeding through the first half. I'm all for a bit of literary female revenge so thought I was going to love this. Renee, the main character, gets the chance to work at a top Michelin-starred restaurant, whose executive chef Gracie Fitzgerald, is known for being a bit strange. Strange as in mysterious locked freezers and serving horrible men her special signature dishes that no one else is allowed to taste. There are many hints of what's to come from early on in the books (and of course in the title!) and as Renee becomes more immersed in her work and the thrill of working in the orbit of her idol, it was intriguing to see how this would unfold.
However, after all the build up, the ending just didn't feel right and didn't seem to fit Renee's character. I also would have liked to have known more about Q and his relationship with Gracie as he obviously knew and was involved with what was going on, but where this bond and loyalty came from wasn't explored.
This was so almost a great book but just slightly missed the mark. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the Arc.
However, after all the build up, the ending just didn't feel right and didn't seem to fit Renee's character. I also would have liked to have known more about Q and his relationship with Gracie as he obviously knew and was involved with what was going on, but where this bond and loyalty came from wasn't explored.
This was so almost a great book but just slightly missed the mark. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the Arc.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
We all know what’s going on here, and I really enjoyed it. I think the pacing was done really well, which can be hard to achieve with stories like this. The dynamic between Renee and Gracie is the real focus here, and is strong enough to carry what would otherwise be a predictable book. The dynamic is twisted and toxic and dripping with tension, and Gracie herself is such an intimidating presence, even when she isn’t physically present in the book she is still casting a shadow over everything.
The only real problem with the book is that I found Gracie more interesting than the main protagonist Renee. Renee was a great character and a great protagonist, but I felt like her morals seemed to shift back and forth quite a lot depending on what the narrative required, and the fact that she constantly brushed off her boyfriend’s more subtle and insidious misogyny was never really addressed, which left the overall theme of the book a little confusing.
Still, that didn’t stop this from being a really fun story of female rage and violence. I will continue to support women’s wrongs.
Thank you to the publisher for the early access copy!
The only real problem with the book is that I found Gracie more interesting than the main protagonist Renee. Renee was a great character and a great protagonist, but I felt like her morals seemed to shift back and forth quite a lot depending on what the narrative required, and the fact that she constantly brushed off her boyfriend’s more subtle and insidious misogyny was never really addressed, which left the overall theme of the book a little confusing.
Still, that didn’t stop this from being a really fun story of female rage and violence. I will continue to support women’s wrongs.
Thank you to the publisher for the early access copy!
March 25, 2026
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think the premise of this book was very unique and intriguing, and I do feel that the author did a good job of this book. This book follows Renee, who gets a job at Nova, a high end restaurant, whose head chef Gracie has some very strange rules about working there. I think the first half of the book was my favourite. I loved how there was crumbs of the story thrown in places, and I liked following Renee’s life. I will say that I wish the characters had some more depth as I felt they needed developing more. For me this book let me down a bit near the end, where it felt more rushed, and ultimately this made the ending feel rushed. I also feel the ending was a bit underwhelming for me, especially after how well the story had built up.
Overall, this was a great book which I enjoyed, and would recommend people to try out !
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book
Overall, this was a great book which I enjoyed, and would recommend people to try out !
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book
March 27, 2026
Now, you kind of know where this is going by looking at the cover. But, this was so good!
Renee gets invited to an interview for a potential chef position at a very prestigious restaurant run by a talented woman with a reputation for immense cookery skills and a fierce nature. Renee absolutely loves to work there but can’t shake the feeling of something being slightly off.
This was a great and enjoyable read. There is some very skilful creepiness in this narrative that made me shiver and just gives you those hints of foreboding. The narrative was engaging, the characters likeable and the story well laid out. It’s not a fast-paced read but that didn’t bother me at all.
I enjoyed the subtlety and nuances in this book exploring themes of misogyny, racism, inequality, gender imbalances and many more.
I did not expect the ending to be what it was but it worked! Femgore done well and presented deliciously 😁
I can’t really say much more but I would definitely recommend!
Renee gets invited to an interview for a potential chef position at a very prestigious restaurant run by a talented woman with a reputation for immense cookery skills and a fierce nature. Renee absolutely loves to work there but can’t shake the feeling of something being slightly off.
This was a great and enjoyable read. There is some very skilful creepiness in this narrative that made me shiver and just gives you those hints of foreboding. The narrative was engaging, the characters likeable and the story well laid out. It’s not a fast-paced read but that didn’t bother me at all.
I enjoyed the subtlety and nuances in this book exploring themes of misogyny, racism, inequality, gender imbalances and many more.
I did not expect the ending to be what it was but it worked! Femgore done well and presented deliciously 😁
I can’t really say much more but I would definitely recommend!
April 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Bantam for the advanced copy of this book to read and review.
This would have been a 5 star read for me, had it not been just that little bit too predictable... I did guess what was going to happen pretty early on, and it took some of the fun away from the read.
That being said, it certainly didn't enjoy dim my enjoyment too much, especially with how well written it was... The writing was so compelling, I literally felt like I couldn't put it down, I was drawn in to it so well.
The whole idea/premise was so good too, and I really liked how the cooking elements were woven through, it added an extra layer.
The characters as well were great, I loved the other chefs, and they were really well included given they were background characters.
And the ending???? Chefs kiss... Even if I did guess what would happen, it was still so well done!
A bit gross? Sure, but still a super cool read!
This would have been a 5 star read for me, had it not been just that little bit too predictable... I did guess what was going to happen pretty early on, and it took some of the fun away from the read.
That being said, it certainly didn't enjoy dim my enjoyment too much, especially with how well written it was... The writing was so compelling, I literally felt like I couldn't put it down, I was drawn in to it so well.
The whole idea/premise was so good too, and I really liked how the cooking elements were woven through, it added an extra layer.
The characters as well were great, I loved the other chefs, and they were really well included given they were background characters.
And the ending???? Chefs kiss... Even if I did guess what would happen, it was still so well done!
A bit gross? Sure, but still a super cool read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley, Random House and Ellie Graves for an ARC of this book.
I read this compulsively, I would have finished it much faster if I weren’t so busy! Whenever I did pick it up I really didn’t want to put it down.
Told from the perspective of Renee, an up and coming chef who is offered a position at a prestigious restaurant. We follow her as she meets a range of characters both intriguing and mysterious. She juggles personal stresses alongside this which gives the character a well rounded feel with shifting motivations and priorities.
It was very well paced, with each new chapter providing a new and interesting plot beat to follow whilst intelligently contributing to the overall story. I would love to read more of Graves’ work and hope she continues to write in the horror genre.
I read this compulsively, I would have finished it much faster if I weren’t so busy! Whenever I did pick it up I really didn’t want to put it down.
Told from the perspective of Renee, an up and coming chef who is offered a position at a prestigious restaurant. We follow her as she meets a range of characters both intriguing and mysterious. She juggles personal stresses alongside this which gives the character a well rounded feel with shifting motivations and priorities.
It was very well paced, with each new chapter providing a new and interesting plot beat to follow whilst intelligently contributing to the overall story. I would love to read more of Graves’ work and hope she continues to write in the horror genre.
March 1, 2026
This book was not what I was expecting but in the best way. I literally couldn’t put it down and just had to find out what happened next.
The blatant misogyny riles you up right from the get go and it doesn’t stop throughout. It purposely gets under your skin and makes you want to scream.
The research that went into the ingredients and cooking was brilliant and made you feel like you were in the kitchen with the characters.
The first words that popped into my head on finishing the book were ‘fever dream’ and I stand by it. Ellie Graves knows how to pull you into the story and keep you there. The ending was not expected and I was left staring into space just going over what had happened.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC. I will definitely be buying myself a copy on release and recommending this to all of my friends.
The blatant misogyny riles you up right from the get go and it doesn’t stop throughout. It purposely gets under your skin and makes you want to scream.
The research that went into the ingredients and cooking was brilliant and made you feel like you were in the kitchen with the characters.
The first words that popped into my head on finishing the book were ‘fever dream’ and I stand by it. Ellie Graves knows how to pull you into the story and keep you there. The ending was not expected and I was left staring into space just going over what had happened.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC. I will definitely be buying myself a copy on release and recommending this to all of my friends.
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