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The Throwaways
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Expected 20 Oct 26Win a free print copy of this book!
1 day and 19:21:27
5 copies available
U.S. only
The Calloway women are notorious for three Olympic-level banter, an inexplicable fear of dolls, and secrets.
And one of these things is going to get them killed.
Aster Calloway only sold her grandmother’s Fabergé music box on eBay to finance her mom’s mayoral campaign. It’s not like Poppy Calloway has any real business running for office, but the only other candidate is her book-banning high school nemesis—and she’s in the lead. But what Aster doesn’t realize is that selling the heirloom has toppled the house of lies her grandmother, Iris, has been living in for the past forty years.
Because hidden inside that jewel-encrusted music box was a list of names—names that protected defected KGB operative Iris, her daughter, and her granddaughter. Now the list is gone, and a creepy doll is on Poppy’s doorstep, which can only mean that the list is in play...and the three most dangerous spies in the world are on the
The one who broke Iris’s heart.
The one who gave her Poppy.
And the one who wants all the other spies, and especially those bickering Calloway women, dead.
And one of these things is going to get them killed.
Aster Calloway only sold her grandmother’s Fabergé music box on eBay to finance her mom’s mayoral campaign. It’s not like Poppy Calloway has any real business running for office, but the only other candidate is her book-banning high school nemesis—and she’s in the lead. But what Aster doesn’t realize is that selling the heirloom has toppled the house of lies her grandmother, Iris, has been living in for the past forty years.
Because hidden inside that jewel-encrusted music box was a list of names—names that protected defected KGB operative Iris, her daughter, and her granddaughter. Now the list is gone, and a creepy doll is on Poppy’s doorstep, which can only mean that the list is in play...and the three most dangerous spies in the world are on the
The one who broke Iris’s heart.
The one who gave her Poppy.
And the one who wants all the other spies, and especially those bickering Calloway women, dead.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
Greta Kelly
7 books374 followersGreta K. Kelly is (probably) not a witch, death or otherwise, but she can still be summoned with offerings of too-beautiful-to-use journals and Butterfingers candy. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her husband and daughters who are doing their level-best to take over the world.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 11, 2026
The Throwaways somehow has the makings of a Hallmark movie all tied together with a bloody pink ribbon!
The perfect mix of the hometown vibes of Gilmore Girls, The Americans action, and the banter from Archer to create a story I NEEDED to keep reading. As a fantasy girly, this book is now responsible for my interest in the thriller genre as a whole!
10/10 loved it!
The perfect mix of the hometown vibes of Gilmore Girls, The Americans action, and the banter from Archer to create a story I NEEDED to keep reading. As a fantasy girly, this book is now responsible for my interest in the thriller genre as a whole!
10/10 loved it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you want a spy thriller with Gilmore Girls energy and The Americans stakes, The Throwaways by Greta Kelly is the one. That pitch is what sold me, and the book delivered on it.
Three generations of Calloway women, Iris, Poppy, and Aster, are pulled into danger after Aster tries to sell a Fabergé music box that had been hiding a list of names, the list that kept Iris, a defected KGB operative, and her family safe for forty years. A creepy doll shows up on Poppy’s doorstep, and it’s clear the list is in play.
I loved reading each of the women’s POVs, the banter, the inner monologues. Each has her own strengths and determination and the grandmother’s badassery is a joy. I loved her as soon as I read “My grandmother isn’t sugar and spice and everything nice — she’s vodka and Vicodin and venom-red lipstick.” No spoilers here but I also loved the twists and the backstories that surfaced as the story went on. I absolutely loved this book.
Thank you Entangled and NetGalley for the e-arc.
Three generations of Calloway women, Iris, Poppy, and Aster, are pulled into danger after Aster tries to sell a Fabergé music box that had been hiding a list of names, the list that kept Iris, a defected KGB operative, and her family safe for forty years. A creepy doll shows up on Poppy’s doorstep, and it’s clear the list is in play.
I loved reading each of the women’s POVs, the banter, the inner monologues. Each has her own strengths and determination and the grandmother’s badassery is a joy. I loved her as soon as I read “My grandmother isn’t sugar and spice and everything nice — she’s vodka and Vicodin and venom-red lipstick.” No spoilers here but I also loved the twists and the backstories that surfaced as the story went on. I absolutely loved this book.
Thank you Entangled and NetGalley for the e-arc.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A DRC was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and hot mess review.
Loads of fun in a breathless plot that throws in everything but the kitchen sink - wait, wasn't one of our heroines hiding in one of those? Socially screwed up small town shenanigans start off the action but it veers into skullduggery of the highest order, international spies hunting each other down, bent of revenge for slurs and arrows committed decades ago. The most interesting character by far is Iris, the Grandma who can outthink, outfox, outrun and out kill any of the others, excepting Nastia (genuinely one of the most terrifying females in fiction of the past few years.) Poppy and Aster do their best to keep up with their relative but they pale by comparison, as do the male characters. I could have done without the mystery of Poppy's high school scandal being such a big exposition or Aster's somewhat bratty behavior but I do think Iris deserves a film treatment - Helen Mirren? Annette Bening? Great fun.
Loads of fun in a breathless plot that throws in everything but the kitchen sink - wait, wasn't one of our heroines hiding in one of those? Socially screwed up small town shenanigans start off the action but it veers into skullduggery of the highest order, international spies hunting each other down, bent of revenge for slurs and arrows committed decades ago. The most interesting character by far is Iris, the Grandma who can outthink, outfox, outrun and out kill any of the others, excepting Nastia (genuinely one of the most terrifying females in fiction of the past few years.) Poppy and Aster do their best to keep up with their relative but they pale by comparison, as do the male characters. I could have done without the mystery of Poppy's high school scandal being such a big exposition or Aster's somewhat bratty behavior but I do think Iris deserves a film treatment - Helen Mirren? Annette Bening? Great fun.
September 10, 2026
Thank you to the author for the gifted eARC!
I had so much fun with this and could hardly put it down! This is marketed as a Gilmore Girls-coded, adult spy thriller that “somehow has the makings of a Hallmark movie all tied together with a bloody pink ribbon” and it’s incredibly accurate. There are definitely some darker themes woven throughout, but at its core this is a fun spy adventure that perfectly balances its humor with mediations on family connections and individual identity (especially when it comes to motherhood). As a mom to two littles, I felt deeply connected to Poppy through her struggles with figuring out who she is outside of being Aster’s mom, but I also can clearly remember what it was like to be in Aster’s shoes as she tries to figure out who she is outside of her mother’s expectations. And even if you aren’t a sold on these themes, I’d still recommend it to anyone who enjoys a classic thriller because there were just so many fantastic twists and turns that had me flying through each chapter needing to know what happened next. I’m so excited for this to be in the hands of more readers when it comes out!
I had so much fun with this and could hardly put it down! This is marketed as a Gilmore Girls-coded, adult spy thriller that “somehow has the makings of a Hallmark movie all tied together with a bloody pink ribbon” and it’s incredibly accurate. There are definitely some darker themes woven throughout, but at its core this is a fun spy adventure that perfectly balances its humor with mediations on family connections and individual identity (especially when it comes to motherhood). As a mom to two littles, I felt deeply connected to Poppy through her struggles with figuring out who she is outside of being Aster’s mom, but I also can clearly remember what it was like to be in Aster’s shoes as she tries to figure out who she is outside of her mother’s expectations. And even if you aren’t a sold on these themes, I’d still recommend it to anyone who enjoys a classic thriller because there were just so many fantastic twists and turns that had me flying through each chapter needing to know what happened next. I’m so excited for this to be in the hands of more readers when it comes out!
October 9, 2026
Funny yet intense and fast-paced, the Throwaways had me on the edge of my seat right up until the end. I thought I was going into a cosy romance with Gilmore Girls vibes, then bam - spies and espionage! Every time I think I know what’s coming there’s another twist. Yet the ending was very cosy and tied everything up so well.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for Gilmore Girls meets James Bond!
4.5 stars
Highly recommend if you’re looking for Gilmore Girls meets James Bond!
4.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is such a fun story, filled with secrets, plot twists, and glorious banter!!!
Aster Calloway is at a turning point in her young life, plus her mom Poppy is running a losing campaign for mayor against her frenemy, so Aster decides to help. When "help" means stealing from grandma Iris, and putting said stolen item up on EBay to fund mom's political aspirations, it can't go well. You see, Iris is a former spy, and the stolen item has, by virtue of being listed for sale, just alerted dangerous people from her past as to her, and her family's, whereabouts.
From there it is a non-stop adventure to evade every law enforcement officer, former spy, former love, etc. so that Iris can keep the family she has been protecting for decades alive and safe.
Greta Kelly's wit shines in this multigenerational rollercoaster of shenanigans!
Aster Calloway is at a turning point in her young life, plus her mom Poppy is running a losing campaign for mayor against her frenemy, so Aster decides to help. When "help" means stealing from grandma Iris, and putting said stolen item up on EBay to fund mom's political aspirations, it can't go well. You see, Iris is a former spy, and the stolen item has, by virtue of being listed for sale, just alerted dangerous people from her past as to her, and her family's, whereabouts.
From there it is a non-stop adventure to evade every law enforcement officer, former spy, former love, etc. so that Iris can keep the family she has been protecting for decades alive and safe.
Greta Kelly's wit shines in this multigenerational rollercoaster of shenanigans!
Review of advance copy
3.5 stars rounded up. Took me awhile to get into it but once I did, I appreciated all the various twists & layers. Could make a great mini series. Thanks to NG & Sideways Books for the ARC!
October 12, 2026
Gilmore Girls meets ex-spies, old secrets and a bomb expert… what’s not to love?!
I absolutely loved The Throwaway by Greta Kelly! Imagine the three generations of women from Gilmore Girls, but throw in some old family secrets, ex-spies, a bomb expert and plenty of action, and you’re somewhere close to this brilliant story!
At the heart of the book are Iris, Poppy and Aster three strong, badass women who each have their own secrets to hide and reasons for keeping their cards close to their chests. They’re flawed, complicated and occasionally frustrating, but that’s exactly what makes them so likeable and relatable. There’s something wonderful about watching their relationships twist, turn and develop as the story unfolds. Beneath all the secrets, danger and chaos, there’s a lovely reminder that love, loyalty and family can conquer an awful lot.
The pacing is fantastic, with plenty of action and some wonderful twists and turns to keep you hooked. Just when you think you’ve got things figured out, the story has another surprise waiting for you! I particularly loved how each chapter is told from a different perspective Iris, Poppy or Aster. It gives you a chance to understand each woman a little better, while gradually piecing together their secrets and motivations.
The writing flows beautifully, making this an easy and thoroughly enjoyable read. I also loved the little moments of humour scattered throughout the story. They bring a light-heartedness to the book and balance out the action and more serious moments perfectly.
For me, the real highlight is the women themselves. They’re strong, capable and wonderfully imperfect, and their relationships are at the heart of what makes this story so special. There’s action, mystery, family drama and plenty of heart, all wrapped up in a fast-paced story that kept me turning the pages.
If you love strong female characters, complicated family relationships, hidden secrets, a healthy dose of action and a story with plenty of heart, then I’d definitely recommend giving The Throwaway a read.
A brilliant, fun and twisty read with badass women at its centre — what more could you ask for?
I absolutely loved The Throwaway by Greta Kelly! Imagine the three generations of women from Gilmore Girls, but throw in some old family secrets, ex-spies, a bomb expert and plenty of action, and you’re somewhere close to this brilliant story!
At the heart of the book are Iris, Poppy and Aster three strong, badass women who each have their own secrets to hide and reasons for keeping their cards close to their chests. They’re flawed, complicated and occasionally frustrating, but that’s exactly what makes them so likeable and relatable. There’s something wonderful about watching their relationships twist, turn and develop as the story unfolds. Beneath all the secrets, danger and chaos, there’s a lovely reminder that love, loyalty and family can conquer an awful lot.
The pacing is fantastic, with plenty of action and some wonderful twists and turns to keep you hooked. Just when you think you’ve got things figured out, the story has another surprise waiting for you! I particularly loved how each chapter is told from a different perspective Iris, Poppy or Aster. It gives you a chance to understand each woman a little better, while gradually piecing together their secrets and motivations.
The writing flows beautifully, making this an easy and thoroughly enjoyable read. I also loved the little moments of humour scattered throughout the story. They bring a light-heartedness to the book and balance out the action and more serious moments perfectly.
For me, the real highlight is the women themselves. They’re strong, capable and wonderfully imperfect, and their relationships are at the heart of what makes this story so special. There’s action, mystery, family drama and plenty of heart, all wrapped up in a fast-paced story that kept me turning the pages.
If you love strong female characters, complicated family relationships, hidden secrets, a healthy dose of action and a story with plenty of heart, then I’d definitely recommend giving The Throwaway a read.
A brilliant, fun and twisty read with badass women at its centre — what more could you ask for?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Family secrets, complicated relationships, and a little Cold War intrigue? Yes, please!
The Throwaways by Greta Kelly delivers an entertaining blend of family drama, espionage, and suspense, but what really stood out to me was the exploration of the complicated relationships between three generations of Calloway women.
Aster, Poppy, and Iris are far from your picture-perfect family, and that’s exactly what makes their story so compelling. Their relationships are tangled in decades of secrets, misunderstandings, resentment, and the kind of emotional baggage that only family can create. There’s love beneath the surface, but there’s also plenty of hurt, mistrust, and things left unsaid.
I particularly appreciated that Kelly didn’t try to make these women flawless or their relationships easy. Family dynamics are messy, and the story embraces that reality. Watching these strong-willed women navigate their shared history while confronting secrets from the past was just as interesting to me as the mystery itself.
The Cold War connections and unexpected revelations added another layer of intrigue, but the emotional heart of this book lies in the complicated bonds between mothers, daughters, and granddaughters. Sometimes the people who know us best are also the ones who understand us the least.
While a few moments felt slower than I would have liked, the combination of family dysfunction, long-buried secrets, and suspense kept me invested.
Four stars for a story that reminds us that family history is rarely as simple as we think, and sometimes the most complicated mysteries are the people we’re related to.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review!
📚 Expected Publication Date: October 20, 2026
The Throwaways by Greta Kelly delivers an entertaining blend of family drama, espionage, and suspense, but what really stood out to me was the exploration of the complicated relationships between three generations of Calloway women.
Aster, Poppy, and Iris are far from your picture-perfect family, and that’s exactly what makes their story so compelling. Their relationships are tangled in decades of secrets, misunderstandings, resentment, and the kind of emotional baggage that only family can create. There’s love beneath the surface, but there’s also plenty of hurt, mistrust, and things left unsaid.
I particularly appreciated that Kelly didn’t try to make these women flawless or their relationships easy. Family dynamics are messy, and the story embraces that reality. Watching these strong-willed women navigate their shared history while confronting secrets from the past was just as interesting to me as the mystery itself.
The Cold War connections and unexpected revelations added another layer of intrigue, but the emotional heart of this book lies in the complicated bonds between mothers, daughters, and granddaughters. Sometimes the people who know us best are also the ones who understand us the least.
While a few moments felt slower than I would have liked, the combination of family dysfunction, long-buried secrets, and suspense kept me invested.
Four stars for a story that reminds us that family history is rarely as simple as we think, and sometimes the most complicated mysteries are the people we’re related to.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review!
📚 Expected Publication Date: October 20, 2026
October 9, 2026
intergenerational trauma
trio narration
neglectful mom / helicopter mom
suspense / thriller
ex-spy
secret identity
3.5 stars
The overall premise of the book was interesting. The banter was fast and often, so the book was pretty entertaining. Unfortunately all three of the main characters (Iris, Poppy, and Aster) sounded exactly the same despite their different upbringings and ages.
Iris - the matriarch and former KGB spy has kept her daughter and granddaughter at arm's length. Unsurprisingly, her past life is the least of the secrets she's been keeping. She's still a baddie tho!
Poppy - my least favorite of the three. She over-corrects for her neglected upbringing by completely smothering her daughter. She really does not see how her own behavior is effecting those around her. Thankfully she does grow by the end of the book.
Aster - college drop out, naive (probably because of her mother's actions), agent of chaos. I found her fun to read, though frustrating at times.
Together, these three were amusing to read,. Their familial problems were more stressful than anything else in the book. This was a fairly quick and easy read.
Thank you Entangled Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
trio narration
neglectful mom / helicopter mom
suspense / thriller
ex-spy
secret identity
3.5 stars
The overall premise of the book was interesting. The banter was fast and often, so the book was pretty entertaining. Unfortunately all three of the main characters (Iris, Poppy, and Aster) sounded exactly the same despite their different upbringings and ages.
Iris - the matriarch and former KGB spy has kept her daughter and granddaughter at arm's length. Unsurprisingly, her past life is the least of the secrets she's been keeping. She's still a baddie tho!
Poppy - my least favorite of the three. She over-corrects for her neglected upbringing by completely smothering her daughter. She really does not see how her own behavior is effecting those around her. Thankfully she does grow by the end of the book.
Aster - college drop out, naive (probably because of her mother's actions), agent of chaos. I found her fun to read, though frustrating at times.
Together, these three were amusing to read,. Their familial problems were more stressful than anything else in the book. This was a fairly quick and easy read.
Thank you Entangled Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Throwaways is a small-town story that feels like Gilmore Girls meets Alias!!
The story starts off fairly mundane, with Aster trying to help her mother's mayoral campaign. There's rivalry, gossip, family intrigue, and everything you'd expect from a small-town story.
But when the story takes its first unexpected turn, I quickly realised that wasn't even the real twist!
As I learned more about the truth behind the Calloway matriarch's past, a much bigger mystery began to unfold. The twists kept coming, the stakes kept getting higher, and before I knew it, I was caught up in a story where I genuinely didn't know if anyone was going to survive!
This is so much more than just a cosy, small-town story. It took me on a rollercoaster ride through family secrets, mystery, and into spy territory, and I had so much fun along the way!
If you love your cosy, small-town feels but also enjoy a good mystery, don't go past this one! The banter is spot on, the relationships feel real, and I absolutely loved my time immersed in the Calloway women's story.
I received this book as an ARC from the author and Entangled Publishers via NetGalley. This review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
The story starts off fairly mundane, with Aster trying to help her mother's mayoral campaign. There's rivalry, gossip, family intrigue, and everything you'd expect from a small-town story.
But when the story takes its first unexpected turn, I quickly realised that wasn't even the real twist!
As I learned more about the truth behind the Calloway matriarch's past, a much bigger mystery began to unfold. The twists kept coming, the stakes kept getting higher, and before I knew it, I was caught up in a story where I genuinely didn't know if anyone was going to survive!
This is so much more than just a cosy, small-town story. It took me on a rollercoaster ride through family secrets, mystery, and into spy territory, and I had so much fun along the way!
If you love your cosy, small-town feels but also enjoy a good mystery, don't go past this one! The banter is spot on, the relationships feel real, and I absolutely loved my time immersed in the Calloway women's story.
I received this book as an ARC from the author and Entangled Publishers via NetGalley. This review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed The Throwaways by Greta Kelly. One of my favourite things about this book was the strong female characters. I loved seeing their strength, determination and resilience, and how they handled everything that was thrown at them. They were easy to root for, and I found myself really invested in their journey.
I also really loved the sense of family throughout the story. No matter what they were up against, there was a real feeling of sticking together and having each other’s backs. That loyalty and willingness to fight for one another added so much to the story and made it feel like there was more at stake than just the events unfolding around them. I always enjoy a story where the relationships between the characters are just as important as the plot itself, and this one definitely delivered on that for me.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read with strong female leads, great themes of loyalty and family, and characters I genuinely cared about. It’s the kind of story that reminds you that even when things get tough, having people who stand by you can make all the difference. I’m glad I picked this one
I also really loved the sense of family throughout the story. No matter what they were up against, there was a real feeling of sticking together and having each other’s backs. That loyalty and willingness to fight for one another added so much to the story and made it feel like there was more at stake than just the events unfolding around them. I always enjoy a story where the relationships between the characters are just as important as the plot itself, and this one definitely delivered on that for me.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read with strong female leads, great themes of loyalty and family, and characters I genuinely cared about. It’s the kind of story that reminds you that even when things get tough, having people who stand by you can make all the difference. I’m glad I picked this one
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Apparently all I need is three generations of women, a former Soviet spy, some family secrets, murder, and a creepy doll and I’m entertained. 😂
The Throwaways was just FUN. The whole thing is a little ridiculous, completely chaotic, and somehow it works.
I loved the three generations of Calloway women, but Iris was absolutely my favorite. I already love books with older women who are underestimated, but give Grandma a secret spy past and the ability to outsmart basically everyone around her? Even better.
It took me a little bit to get into the story, but once it got going, it REALLY got going. There are spies, old grudges, family drama, people trying to kill each other, secrets coming out everywhere…and meanwhile these women are still bickering with each other like any other family.
Is the plot a little over-the-top? Absolutely. Did I care? Nope. I was having too much fun.
It’s twisty, funny, fast-paced once it gets moving, and definitely different from what I normally read. Sometimes you just have to stop asking questions and enjoy the chaos.
The Throwaways was just FUN. The whole thing is a little ridiculous, completely chaotic, and somehow it works.
I loved the three generations of Calloway women, but Iris was absolutely my favorite. I already love books with older women who are underestimated, but give Grandma a secret spy past and the ability to outsmart basically everyone around her? Even better.
It took me a little bit to get into the story, but once it got going, it REALLY got going. There are spies, old grudges, family drama, people trying to kill each other, secrets coming out everywhere…and meanwhile these women are still bickering with each other like any other family.
Is the plot a little over-the-top? Absolutely. Did I care? Nope. I was having too much fun.
It’s twisty, funny, fast-paced once it gets moving, and definitely different from what I normally read. Sometimes you just have to stop asking questions and enjoy the chaos.
August 22, 2026
I received an advance reader copy of The Throwaways via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Throwaways was just so much fun. The best way I can describe it is: Gilmore Girls meets a spy thriller - a combination I genuinely didn’t know I needed until now.
At the heart of the story is a mother-daughter relationship set against the backdrop of a wonderfully quirky small town with its own traditions, characters and sense of community. There’s that familiar Gilmore Girls-like dynamic of a mother who had her daughter very young, a daughter trying to create a little more distance and independence for herself, and a complicated relationship with a rather cool and emotionally distant grandmother. Except, in this case, the grandmother also happens to have been a spy for the Russians. So naturally, things escalate from small-town family drama to chases, shootouts, murder and some genuinely dangerous situations.
What I loved most was how easily the book balances those different elements. There are some darker and more serious topics woven into the story, but overall this is such an entertaining, fast-paced read. The characters are incredibly likeable, the family dynamics give the story real warmth, and there was enough suspense to keep me wondering how everything would eventually play out. I flew through it.
This probably isn’t a book I would have picked up completely on my own, which makes it even more satisfying that I enjoyed it this much. Greta Kelly has absolutely won me over with this one - and although she usually writes fantasy, which is very much outside my usual reading comfort zone, I’m now genuinely curious to try her other books too. I’d wholeheartedly recommend The Throwaways, especially if you’re looking for something fun, clever and compulsively readable to pull you out of a reading slump.
The Throwaways was just so much fun. The best way I can describe it is: Gilmore Girls meets a spy thriller - a combination I genuinely didn’t know I needed until now.
At the heart of the story is a mother-daughter relationship set against the backdrop of a wonderfully quirky small town with its own traditions, characters and sense of community. There’s that familiar Gilmore Girls-like dynamic of a mother who had her daughter very young, a daughter trying to create a little more distance and independence for herself, and a complicated relationship with a rather cool and emotionally distant grandmother. Except, in this case, the grandmother also happens to have been a spy for the Russians. So naturally, things escalate from small-town family drama to chases, shootouts, murder and some genuinely dangerous situations.
What I loved most was how easily the book balances those different elements. There are some darker and more serious topics woven into the story, but overall this is such an entertaining, fast-paced read. The characters are incredibly likeable, the family dynamics give the story real warmth, and there was enough suspense to keep me wondering how everything would eventually play out. I flew through it.
This probably isn’t a book I would have picked up completely on my own, which makes it even more satisfying that I enjoyed it this much. Greta Kelly has absolutely won me over with this one - and although she usually writes fantasy, which is very much outside my usual reading comfort zone, I’m now genuinely curious to try her other books too. I’d wholeheartedly recommend The Throwaways, especially if you’re looking for something fun, clever and compulsively readable to pull you out of a reading slump.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, thank you to the publishers Entangled Publishing and the author Greta Kelly for the gifted eARC in exchange for a review - all thoughts are my own. Spoiler: it’s great and comes out October 20th!
If you’ve been following me for any sort of time, you know I LOVE Greta Kelly! She wrote the Warrior Witch duology that I wouldn’t shut up about for most of 2021-2023 (if you haven’t read it yet, consider this your sign), so I was SO excited to hear she wrote a book that basically answers, “What if the Gilmore girls were spies?”
Limiting this book to just the Gilmore girls comparison does it a disservice though, because it’s SO MUCH MORE. Stick around and read this if:
You vibe with Killers of a Certain Age, Mamma Mia, and yes, of course, Gilmore girls
You want a lightning fast, action-packed story that involves Soviet spies, creepy dolls, and small town feuds
You loved Ally Carter’s Blonde Identity or The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year (I know you did, that book was ALL over IG last year)
The pretty first edition with sprayed edges hits shelves on October 20th and I strongly encourage everyone to add to cart or else a creepy doll might end up on your doorstep (...just kidding. Kind of.)
If you’ve been following me for any sort of time, you know I LOVE Greta Kelly! She wrote the Warrior Witch duology that I wouldn’t shut up about for most of 2021-2023 (if you haven’t read it yet, consider this your sign), so I was SO excited to hear she wrote a book that basically answers, “What if the Gilmore girls were spies?”
Limiting this book to just the Gilmore girls comparison does it a disservice though, because it’s SO MUCH MORE. Stick around and read this if:
You vibe with Killers of a Certain Age, Mamma Mia, and yes, of course, Gilmore girls
You want a lightning fast, action-packed story that involves Soviet spies, creepy dolls, and small town feuds
You loved Ally Carter’s Blonde Identity or The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year (I know you did, that book was ALL over IG last year)
The pretty first edition with sprayed edges hits shelves on October 20th and I strongly encourage everyone to add to cart or else a creepy doll might end up on your doorstep (...just kidding. Kind of.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Throwaways was quite an interesting read. This author knows how to write a story that captures the reader's attention and keep it even when they don't really care for the main characters. I found Poppy a bit immature and I can't pinpoint exactly what irritated me about Aster but she irritated me that much I know. I think my fave of the bunch was Iris even though she was extremely secretive and closed off. It's really weird to say I wasn't invested in the characters but fully engrossed in the story being told. I devoured it in one sitting. It kept me up way past my bedtime. There was action, suspense, twists and turns, secrets galore and so much more. It was a great blend of women's fiction, suspense, thriller and comedy. It seems like a weird combination but they worked so well together. Despite my issues with the characters I still found this to be an enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
October 14, 2026
ARC review from NetGalley.
The Throwaways follows three generations of women, a grandmother, a mother and a daughter, each with her own point of view and her own secrets. It all starts with a mysterious package containing a doll, and from there everything spirals.
Iris is running from her past, Poppy is in the middle of a mayoral election, and Aster is about to leave for California without telling her mum. Then the secrets start coming out, and suddenly the whole family is in danger.
Every time I thought I'd caught up, there was another twist. It's fast, funny and full of heart, and I loved how it all came together at the end. Think Gilmore Girls, but with spies, action and saving the world.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sideways Books, for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The Throwaways follows three generations of women, a grandmother, a mother and a daughter, each with her own point of view and her own secrets. It all starts with a mysterious package containing a doll, and from there everything spirals.
Iris is running from her past, Poppy is in the middle of a mayoral election, and Aster is about to leave for California without telling her mum. Then the secrets start coming out, and suddenly the whole family is in danger.
Every time I thought I'd caught up, there was another twist. It's fast, funny and full of heart, and I loved how it all came together at the end. Think Gilmore Girls, but with spies, action and saving the world.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sideways Books, for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First a thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read this early. This really was a fun read.
I really enjoyed this triple perspective story. Three generations of women all with their own secrets to keep, yet all are intertwined with each other. Iris, the grandmother has a past that she wants to keep hidden, for good reason. She used to be a KGB spy. Poppy, Iris’ daughter doesn’t want the world to know exactly how a young man died when she was a teen. Aster, Poppy’s daughter doesn’t want her mom to know she’s leaving school or that she stole something from her grandmother. Everything is about to come to light when creepy dolls start showing up again.
I really enjoyed this triple perspective story. Three generations of women all with their own secrets to keep, yet all are intertwined with each other. Iris, the grandmother has a past that she wants to keep hidden, for good reason. She used to be a KGB spy. Poppy, Iris’ daughter doesn’t want the world to know exactly how a young man died when she was a teen. Aster, Poppy’s daughter doesn’t want her mom to know she’s leaving school or that she stole something from her grandmother. Everything is about to come to light when creepy dolls start showing up again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
the chaotic plot kicks off when aster calloway sells her grandmother’s vintage fabergé music box on ebay to crowdfund her mom’s wild mayoral campaign, completely unaware that the heirloom hidden-stashed a classified list of names protecting her family from three dangerous rival spies. it's essentially gilmore girls meets a high-stakes espionage mission, packed with elite banter, family dysfunction, and a very real, very hilarious fear of dolls. if you're obsessed with fast-paced, funny mysteries with badass women yelling at each other while dodging secret agents, this one is an absolute must-read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sometimes, your mom turns out to be a Soviet spy...and that complicate your life a tad bit...
This was really fun and entertaining. And it felt like a really unique take on a spy story. Especially because this spy is now a mom and has to deal with the complications that brings into her life, her kid's life, and their relationship dynamic.
I do think the start was a little bit slow, but then it sped up and I was hooked, so I didn't mind the slow start too much.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This was really fun and entertaining. And it felt like a really unique take on a spy story. Especially because this spy is now a mom and has to deal with the complications that brings into her life, her kid's life, and their relationship dynamic.
I do think the start was a little bit slow, but then it sped up and I was hooked, so I didn't mind the slow start too much.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was definitely a little creepier than I expected at first but I ended up loving it. Aster, Iris, and Poppy were all super interesting to follow along with as daughter, mother, and grandmother. I read the majority of this on a plane ride and was on the edge of my seat until the end. Such a great thriller!!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Pure brain candy. But that's not a bad thing. The plot is absurd and twisting, but the three generations of women are interesting characters, and this has a lot to say about mother daughter relationships.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fun , yet complicated mother daughter relationships. Generational trauma projectile vomiting all over this plot. Everyone trying to kill everyone because…assumptions…and other varying twists(they are everywhere). This book is a violent and dramatic gilmore girls… LOVE IT!!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A fun, action-packed story. I liked the relationships between the three generations of women and the fictional Wisconsin setting. At times, the changing POVs and various scandals in their backgrounds got a little confusing.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This was freaking fantastic and a certain child deserves a smack.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Love an old lady spy getting pulled back into the game.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Full review to follow
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If Die Hard was a Hallmark movie! This was non-stop action and suspense with my kind of sarcastic banter in life or death situations.
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