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Don’t Call Me Baby
Katy’s life will forever change when her new boyfriend, Brian, assaults her after a prayer meeting, one that was supposed to help her to stay ‘good’. Her guilt, shame and the blame she suffers after this ordeal, pushes Katy towards a completely new path. Instead of letting this horrific incident make her a victim, Katy vows to get revenge, not only on her boyfriend but on anyone trying to coerce or manipulate women. Unfortunately for some, Katy doesn’t do things by halves.
Katy’s respectable job as the principal of a primary school, her polite, composed manner and her seemingly perfect family life with her two daughters and husband prove a worthy screen for her crusade. Katy’s intimate stream of consciousness, sometimes moral, reveals the dark wit of a woman who maintains her light and breezy attitude to life whilst leaving in her wake the perfect storm – the ideal multi-tasking femme fatale.
When the opportunity arises for Katy to meet up again with Brian, it’s inevitable that she tells him the truth. They have a daughter. Katy’s nonchalant attitude contrasts starkly with the vicious ends that befall her victims. But her story, and events, will take a shocking turn
Katy’s respectable job as the principal of a primary school, her polite, composed manner and her seemingly perfect family life with her two daughters and husband prove a worthy screen for her crusade. Katy’s intimate stream of consciousness, sometimes moral, reveals the dark wit of a woman who maintains her light and breezy attitude to life whilst leaving in her wake the perfect storm – the ideal multi-tasking femme fatale.
When the opportunity arises for Katy to meet up again with Brian, it’s inevitable that she tells him the truth. They have a daughter. Katy’s nonchalant attitude contrasts starkly with the vicious ends that befall her victims. But her story, and events, will take a shocking turn
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
4 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 2, 2025
I was sitting at a 3.25 until the end which bumped it up to a 3.5
We follow our FMC who gets assaulted right at the beginning of the book. The first 25% includes heavy discussion of catholic guilt and religion. Set against the background of Ireland, the jargon creeps into the writing in a way that could be very fun in an audiobook.
I love an unhinged FMC and found this book following the same vibe as Boy Parts by Eliza Clark, where we get an interesting 1st person POV into the mind of someone who tries to focus on presenting as “good” and “put together” but on the inside likes seeking revenge on men more than she likes being with them.
What I liked:
There were many beautiful sentences and things I wanted to underline, especially as a woman.
Female friendship and family dynamics
The length of the book
Vocabulary choice
Inner dialogue
What I was neutral about:
Time jumps
Death descriptions (some a little more disturbing than others)
What I didn’t like:
This book seemed to be missing a cohesive story throughout, and while each chapter had their own “slice of life” quality- it seemed like many characters were introduced only to show her hatred to men. Each chapter seemed to focus on a different situation or man, who we typically had no previous knowledge of, and once their story played out- seemed to not be mentioned again in the novel.
While I understand some people like this writing style, it doesn’t work the best for me, as I enjoy a more seamless plot with a clear beginning middle and end structure. If you liked the structure of One Day in December by Josie Silver, this may work for you.
What I think was a heavily missed opportunity:
Throughout the book, the FMC has a running inner dialogue, where she refers to herself as “baby”. I think a huge opportunity was missed at the beginning of the book when Brian did not refer to her as that, which would logically make sense to stem her hatred. (Not a spoiler, in the first chapter)
I was wondering where this book would end, and it was a good way to wrap it up in my opinion. I overall had a fine time with this book, and with a couple small tweaks I think it would’ve been a bit smoother and cohesive. By absolutely no means a bad book, and if you’re feeling extra man hatey at the time of reading, you may rate it higher. Could be good to read fresh off a breakup (if you’re willing to be disgusted by men again). I would try another book from this author.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an eARC.
We follow our FMC who gets assaulted right at the beginning of the book. The first 25% includes heavy discussion of catholic guilt and religion. Set against the background of Ireland, the jargon creeps into the writing in a way that could be very fun in an audiobook.
I love an unhinged FMC and found this book following the same vibe as Boy Parts by Eliza Clark, where we get an interesting 1st person POV into the mind of someone who tries to focus on presenting as “good” and “put together” but on the inside likes seeking revenge on men more than she likes being with them.
What I liked:
There were many beautiful sentences and things I wanted to underline, especially as a woman.
Female friendship and family dynamics
The length of the book
Vocabulary choice
Inner dialogue
What I was neutral about:
Time jumps
Death descriptions (some a little more disturbing than others)
What I didn’t like:
This book seemed to be missing a cohesive story throughout, and while each chapter had their own “slice of life” quality- it seemed like many characters were introduced only to show her hatred to men. Each chapter seemed to focus on a different situation or man, who we typically had no previous knowledge of, and once their story played out- seemed to not be mentioned again in the novel.
While I understand some people like this writing style, it doesn’t work the best for me, as I enjoy a more seamless plot with a clear beginning middle and end structure. If you liked the structure of One Day in December by Josie Silver, this may work for you.
What I think was a heavily missed opportunity:
Throughout the book, the FMC has a running inner dialogue, where she refers to herself as “baby”. I think a huge opportunity was missed at the beginning of the book when Brian did not refer to her as that, which would logically make sense to stem her hatred. (Not a spoiler, in the first chapter)
I was wondering where this book would end, and it was a good way to wrap it up in my opinion. I overall had a fine time with this book, and with a couple small tweaks I think it would’ve been a bit smoother and cohesive. By absolutely no means a bad book, and if you’re feeling extra man hatey at the time of reading, you may rate it higher. Could be good to read fresh off a breakup (if you’re willing to be disgusted by men again). I would try another book from this author.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an eARC.
October 19, 2025
A razor-sharp, satirical thriller set against the backdrop of modern Northern Ireland.
The core strength of the book lies in its lead character whose inner monologue is highly engaging, full of satirical commentary and brutal honesty. She’s both relatable (the successful professional, the mum) and morally complex, making her every action feel dangerously compelling.
Set in Northern Ireland, the language is refreshingly colloquial, delivering moments of high amusement while quickly shifting to moments of true menace and brutality.
Don’t call me Baby is a brilliant, unconventional thriller with a compelling protagonist and a unique, darkly comedic voice. It's an intelligent exploration of gender dynamics and moral vengeance wrapped in an utterly gripping narrative. If you are looking for a thriller with sharp social commentary, laugh-out-loud dark humour, and a lead character you'll never forget, this is an absolute must-read!
The core strength of the book lies in its lead character whose inner monologue is highly engaging, full of satirical commentary and brutal honesty. She’s both relatable (the successful professional, the mum) and morally complex, making her every action feel dangerously compelling.
Set in Northern Ireland, the language is refreshingly colloquial, delivering moments of high amusement while quickly shifting to moments of true menace and brutality.
Don’t call me Baby is a brilliant, unconventional thriller with a compelling protagonist and a unique, darkly comedic voice. It's an intelligent exploration of gender dynamics and moral vengeance wrapped in an utterly gripping narrative. If you are looking for a thriller with sharp social commentary, laugh-out-loud dark humour, and a lead character you'll never forget, this is an absolute must-read!
October 18, 2025
such a page turner!! loved the inner dialogue & the references to home
October 3, 2025
10/10 book that’s impossible to put down. A strong female protagonist who after experiencing trauma, takes it upon herself to get revenge on abusive and harmful men. A dark thriller that perfectly encapsulates Catholic guilt through the narrator’s witty thoughts. Can’t recommend this book enough!!!
January 12, 2026
If Dexter Morgan was a sexy Irish woman, with catholic guilt.
such a page turner my partner has just commented on how fast I finished it. But what's not to love? Feminine rage, revenge, subtle queer themes and some vivid scenes that make you want to read with one eye closed - it's a hard one if you're an ever growing misandrist like myself.
A fitting ending, that whilst wrapping up I worried wouldn't get tied together but certainly makes you go "Ah, there it is" and be able to close the book with a satisfied smile.
such a page turner my partner has just commented on how fast I finished it. But what's not to love? Feminine rage, revenge, subtle queer themes and some vivid scenes that make you want to read with one eye closed - it's a hard one if you're an ever growing misandrist like myself.
A fitting ending, that whilst wrapping up I worried wouldn't get tied together but certainly makes you go "Ah, there it is" and be able to close the book with a satisfied smile.
January 4, 2026
Don’t Call Me Baby is a gripping, sharply written novel that immediately draws you in with its wit, honesty and emotional rawness. The characters feel complex and real. Katy in particular is unforgettable - layered, darkly funny, and unapologetically human. Cara Finegan’s writing is engaging from the very beginning of the book, balancing brutal truths with moments of humor. A powerful read that stays with you long after the final page.
October 26, 2025
A book on revenge for abusive and harmful men? Don't mind if I do lol
First book by this author, I absolutely loved this book and flew through it. It's fast paced, full of Suspense and tension and will have you flipping the pages to find out more. I'll be purchasing a copy for my co-worker
First book by this author, I absolutely loved this book and flew through it. It's fast paced, full of Suspense and tension and will have you flipping the pages to find out more. I'll be purchasing a copy for my co-worker
November 11, 2025
Smart and deliciously wicked. Feminist crime fiction laced with black humour. Great fast paced read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews