Hot Girl Murder Club

by Ashley Winstead

From national bestselling author Ashley Winstead comes a buzzy, bloody new thriller about success, sisterhood, and demanding justice…by any means necessary.

What’s a girl got to do to get some fame, a few million record sales, and justice for murder?

Ten years ago, aspiring singer-actress Scout Sage lost the only thing that her sister, Georgia. Ever since Georgia’s mysterious death at a Hollywood party, Scout’s done her best to honor her memory, clawing her way through the industry and collecting a network of climbers along the way, fellow hot girls in stilettos with cutthroat ambition, a new Hollywood order.

But when a slew of targeted murders makes headlines across L.A., all pointing to Scout as the killer, she turns overnight from a mid-tier pop star into the world’s most famous (alleged) murderer. Now everything she’s worked to build—including the justice she wants for Georgia—will fall apart unless Scout can prove she’s not guilty.

Meanwhile, the young and unusual detective assigned to her case, herself no stranger to tragedy, begins to unearth secrets not even Scout knows, let alone her millions of new fans. Particularly about the ways Georgia’s death connects to an even older pattern of crimes long hushed over in Hollywood—an old reign of terror that, if brought to light, could be the fuel that ignites a reckoning the world over.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Adult, Suspense, Horror Thriller

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 14, 2026

About the author

Ashley Winstead's bestselling, critically-acclaimed books have been translated into more than twenty languages, optioned for film and television, named Book of the Month, Indie Next, Library Read, Loan Star, and Amazon Editor picks, and covered everywhere from the New York Times to People magazine. She's a former academic who lives in Houston with her husband, three cats, and beloved wine fridge.

Reviews

[Ricarda · Rating 3 out of 5]

First rule of Hot Girl Murder Club is that we don't talk about Hot Girl Murder Club, and by that I mean that there just really isn't that much to say about it. I was super thrilled about the premise of a group of female Hollywood stars coming together to get revenge on all the disgusting people in the business, but it simply wasn't the positively unhinged story that I had hoped for. The actual story was all over the place, honestly. It starts out with detective Grey Holloway, who is frowned upon in her department because she is, well … hot. She's called to a crime scene where the murdered victim looks very similar to her, but you can forget that I said that because it literally doesn't play any role in the rest of the book. (I don't know what that was about, but I wanted to illustrate my frustration with this story.) We get a bit of the investigation that follows this murder case and learn how it might be connected to other deaths and the rumors of this murderous group of women led by a pop star. It could be such an iconic story. A bit trashy, really leaning into the silly title, entertaining and wild while also addressing serious issues. Just a book about girls supporting girls and if that support includes murder, so be it. But the book wasn't all that. Instead it's a kind of unexciting investigation of a death 10 years in the past, which may or may not be connected to the current day murders. I would hardly call it a thriller and it was so weird how I was introduced to the possibility of the Hot Girl Murder Club and then got something else entirely. But I'm also not sure what I got instead. Some POVs truly lacked purpose and I don't get why they were included at all and the plot was so random or convenient at times that the book just wasn't exciting to read. All the characters stayed flat and I only know about the bad things that happened to them and about nothing else. Sure, it's a story that addresses exploitation, injustice and sexual assault in Hollywood, but why portray characters who are affected by these issues in such a one-dimensional way? There's the rising star singer whose one thing is that her sister was murdered, and her assistant's one thing is that she wants to protect the singer at all costs, and the detective's one thing is also that her sister was murdered (unrelated to the singer). Why did I need to read from all these people? I don't know. I actually didn't hate reading this book, though. I was always hoping for cool reveals and some turned out to be unexpected. But also because they just involved random people who I never spent any moment thinking about beforehand.

This turned out to be one of these reviews where I sound like a complete hater. But my actual thoughts upon finishing this book were: eh, it was fine, whatever. So while I can't sing any praises here, I also think that it's a perfectly readable book. I think I just had the wrong expectations, but I also blame the marketing for that. You name a book Hot Girl Murder Club and then it's not a fun story whatsoever? Everyone involved in this process had this mediocre three-star review of mine coming.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book at least two hours ago and I’m still stunned into silence by it. Actually, silence is the wrong word. I’m outraged by the fact that this book of fiction is actually what our world is right now. I don’t want to spoil anything, but Ashley Winstead wrote an incredible ripped-from-the-headlines book. Literally headlines from this week. I admire women like Ashley who let their voices be heard to help other women. This book was horrible in the best way - you’ll understand when you read it.

Dare I say Hot Girl Murder Club is exactly what we’re missing at this point in time? I could feel Ashley’s seething rage. Then on the other side, it’s a story about sisterhood and how important that is. A beautiful nod to her own sister.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this explosive arc!

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buddy read with the As!

Thank you Minotaur Books for the advanced copy.

[Laura Lovesreading]

In my dreams I hold a knife is still one of my ultimate fave reads!
The blurb sounds soo juicy
Hurry up release day!!!!!!!

[_blondebooknerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4.25 ⭐
I am LOVING the ambition of this Hollywood thriller! 🎤🔪

I was so excited to get my hands on an eARC of Hot Girl Murder Club ! Huge thank you to NetGalley, Ashley Winstead, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for the early access in exchange for my honest review. 💖✨

Ashley Winstead is easily one of my favorite authors and her writing is always TOP-TIER. She is extremely intelligent and it really shows in the way she constructs a story! 🧠✍️

This book follows Scout Sage, a pop star whose world is turned upside down when she’s framed for a string of murders that might actually link back to her sister’s death years ago. It’s a cutthroat look at Hollywood, fame, and a sister’s quest for justice. 🎬💄

What I Loved:
The multiple POV was handled so well! I loved how the chapters weren't just names but focused on their careers and how the story affected each one differently. It kept me on my toes! And even though there was A LOT going on, Ashley tied it all up in a PERFECT, NEAT BOW by the end. 🎀👏

My Thoughts:
I really liked it, but there was definitely a lot to keep track of! It was a bit more political than I usually want for a thriller. 🏛️📈 Thrillers are usually my "brain break" from heavy fantasy world-building, and this one had almost TOO MUCH substance for a quick palette cleanser. It’s deep and complex, which is great, but it required some heavy lifting to follow all the threads! 🤯🔍

Final Verdict:
I enjoyed this book and will definitely be recommending it to my audience! 📣✨ I think it will hit especially hard for readers who focus SOLELY on the thriller genre as their main choice. It’s a smart, ambitious story about what it takes to get justice in a world of stilettos and secrets. 👠💄🚨

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Girl Murder Club
By: Ashley Winstead
Pub Date: July 14, 2026
Publisher: Minotaur Books

I always win the book lottery when I get accepted for books by Ashley. Her books in any genre she writes are ones I can’t wait to devour. Isn’t this cover TO DIE for!

For ten years, Scott Sage has been mourning her sister’s death. Georgia death at a party in Hollywood has put the light on the “not so hot part of an industry”.

Scout is now working her way in Hollywood trying to honor her memory. It’s a “cutthroat” business and lots of people will step over others to get to the top.

When murders start happening again, it is looking like Scout might be involved. How can she clear her name? She quickly learns who believes her and who turns on her.

Another FABULOUS book by Winstead. Get ready to add HOT GIRL MURDER CLUB to your shelf and devour once the book arrives.

[megan ◡̈ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up to 3, i think?

i honestly dont really know where to start with this, mostly because im kind of at a loss wondering what on earth i just read lol. this book wasnt bad but it also wasnt good either? there was just TOO much going on at all times and too many point of views that a lot of the times it took me until midway or the end of the chapter to even know who the heck was talking at that point.

i picked this one up on a whim thinking a fun thriller would fix my semi romance slump im finding myself in but my brain honestly feels like its slush and numb. i dont really have a lot of opinions on anything in this book tbh..

i guess my thoughts are that it isnt a bad book but its not a memorable one with good twists and turns either.

[Jen W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a wild tale of murder, cover-ups and women stepping in and stepping up to help other women.

Scout Sage and her best friend Izabel are looking for fame and fortune in Hollywood. A party leads to the death of Scout's baby sister, Georgia. Ten years later, the Hollywood rumor is that Scout and a group of women, known as the Hot Girl Murder Club, may be responsible for several murders.

Grey Holloway is a police officer trying to unravel her own sister's disappearance while also working on Scout's case.

This story is about supporting women's rights as well as their wrongs. It is a fun thriller where everyone has something to hide.

The book is told in multiple timelines and from multiple POVs. There are quite a few POVs, so you have to really focus on the chapter heading. I think this all came together really well. Even though you know some things going on are not on the legal side, you still feel it is right. Some of these very topics can be heard on the news every day.

Thank you to St. Martins Press for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Trisha]

this author does GREAT mysteries! July release, can't wait to read it!

[Mehva · Rating 4 out of 5]

i have read a lot of her books and they have been 4.5 or 5 stars for me, two of them very powerful. So I came in with high expectations, which is usually a problem. It took me a long time to get involved with the book I wanted more depth, more emotional connection. I felt satisfied at the end but it was hard at points pushing through. 3.5

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in awe of how Ashley wrote the exact book we all need right now. The rage, the friendships, the frustration, and the need to do something to change it. This was heavy, real, and absolutely brilliant.

Scout and Izzy are best friends that are fueled by tragedy but with bodies stacking up and Scout’s song lyrics at each crime scene how far have they gone to get justice?

I loved this book - the sisterhood and the we are better together mentality. Also, the ending gave it that extra star for me. It was a deeply satisfying conclusion to this emotionally charged story.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Nenia Campbell]

Please god, all I want is an ARC of this book

[Liza (LitLifewithLiza) Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley doesn't sugarcoat her thrillers, honest and raw, Hot Girl Murder Club holds up a mirror to the horrors that we're living in and says: what if we did something about it. The monsters aren't under your bed; they're leading your country, smiling on TV, and signing your paycheck.

I'm not going to lie, reading this book was difficult at times. I had to step away, consume some light-hearted content, and return because the truths that Ashley brings to the surface in this book are ugly, but they need to be heard and not silenced.

Common themes in Ashley's books that I love: giving a voice to the voiceless and the power of female friendship and family. HGMC is no different and stays true to the roots that add an emotional layer and depth to the story as we progress through and form bonds with these women.

A few of the strong women we meet:

Grey, our independent and headstrong detective who will go the ends of the earth for her sister and rediscovers what justice can look like.

Scout, the fearless leader who knows no bounds when it comes to protecting her found family.

And sprinkled in you'll meet other women, lifted up and empowered by our fmcs.

I will admit that I was confused at times with the back and forth between POVs and timelines. I would have loved more time spent with Grey vs the side characters who's stories I could've seen through Scouts pov.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC. Pub day: 7/14/26

[Holden Wunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot Girl Murder Club is a Good For Her radical feminist anthem that we all deserve in the year 2026.

Once again Ashley Winstead is here to give us just desserts, feminine icons, and a thrilling rollercoaster of good times. I absolutely love her switches from literary fiction to thrillers and she never misses a beat.

HGMC explores the patriarchy and includes that women who have yet to decanter men while directly opposing that with the women who have had to when faced with strife and trauma. There are issues of class, power ranks, and what it truly means to have a tribe of women by your side. The only thing I didnt love was the labeling of the POV switches, it got confusing at times and wasn’t always clear who we were with until you started delving into their POV. But when it comes down to it that’s an incredibly nitpicky issue that wasn’t detrimental to the reading at all.

This is for anyone who wants a thrill, some actual justice in their life and those yearning for female friendships.

[Katie’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
This was a really fun concept- a pop star-vigilante, murdering men who have wronged woman? And it's what originally drew me in. But it was just too confusing to read? Multiple POVs in multiple timelines that aren't well labeled, so it takes a minute to even realize who's pov you're reading. It was just all over the place and hard to follow

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid thriller from one of my favorite authors. My only complaint is that at some points it felt a bit slow.

[Michelle]

Ultimately, this book wasn’t for me. It started off strong, and I really liked the premise—it initially gave off Charles Manson vibes with the Hollywood setting and lyrics written in blood.

Where it lost me was the shift into multiple POVs without clearly identifying the characters, along with the jumping timelines which became confusing to follow. I also tend to shy away from heavy political themes in my reads, even though I understand they reflect real-world issues. While it wasn’t for me, I can definitely see it being loved by the right audience.

Thank you St Martin's Press for the complimentary ARC - available 7/14

[Kennedy Volpi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited for a new Ashley Winstead book but it just did not live up to the expectations. There was not much mystery happening. There were too many POVs and going back and forth. Some POVs really had nothing to do with anything in the book it seemed. It did somewhat wrap up in the end but it still was just a bit confusing. People just came in at the end and had a big role even though they were just introduced. It was a quick read but unfortunately, it was a bit boring and not what i was hoping for.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this eARC.

[daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read anything this fun and addictive in a long LONG time. I was sat reading and all of a sudden it was 2 am, and I had to finish the book before I could even allow myself to go to sleep.

I adore a story about strong women AND women getting revenge when they’ve been wronged, so this one was right up my alley. And if you also support women’s rights as well as women’s wrongs, this is 100% the book for you!

All throughout the story, it was so clear that the situation of the world we live in today has had a huge influence on the story. Ashley Winstead’s thoughts and opinions, specifically on the very negative parts of society today, shine through in a way that is done so well. And one can only assume that this has been written in a post-Jeffrey Epstein world; Maybe even as a reaction to the files.

The publisher very kindly provided this arc through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Haylee Schaab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given. It was so clever, full of twists and simply kept you wanting to read more! I absolutely loved it!!!

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

At this point my only comment is: Winstead writes fearlessly and amazingly as if the book were almost non-fiction in an Epstein/Maxwell/...... world. Or today. Why is it the rich, powerful and politically connected get away with murder?

Not my question, the book's. Kind of. 🙃

I was provided an ARC for an an honest review of this book. My opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity.

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun and engaging read.

The premise alone pulled me in. A celebrity turning into a vigilante and going after powerful men in Hollywood? Yeah… that had my attention immediately.

The story follows Scout Sage, a rising star whose sister died under mysterious circumstances years ago. When a series of murders starts happening and somehow points back to her, things spiral quickly.

I’ll be honest, at the beginning I struggled a bit. The multiple POVs made it a little confusing at first, and it took me a few chapters to fully get into the story and figure out who’s who.

But once it clicked… I was in.

What I really liked was how the story balances different angles. On one side, you have that vigilante-style justice. On another, the official investigation. And then there’s the whole Hollywood layer, which felt very “glamorous on the outside, rotten underneath.”

All the main characters have their own motivations and reasons for what they’re doing, which made things more interesting. Scout is trying to uncover the truth about her sister, while the detective has her own personal drive as well.

Overall, this was a fast, entertaining thriller with an interesting concept and a lot going on beneath the surface.

⭐ 4 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the ARC.

[Keagan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not what I was expecting at all. I was very excited for a new Ashley Winstead book but this was just not it, unfortunately. It took me almost a month to finish and I was tempted to DNF multiple times. I could not get into this at all, as it was very confusing with multiple POV’s and having to figure out who each person was. The more people that came in towards the end, the more confusing it became and there was no opportunity to connect with any of the characters. It doesn’t feel as if anything got truly resolved. We have answers on the big topics in the book, like who killed Georgia and Alice but it all feels unfinished. The ending left me incredibly confused - Grey sounds like she needs help, not taking justice into her own hands and killing Knox and taking Alice’s bones with her.

This is very political heavy, especially with what has been going on with the world and I can see what she was trying to do with women supporting women, but it was difficult to understand.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the eARC.

[Dallas Strawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley Winstead is at her best writing frothy soapy suspense and this summer she invites fans to join the HOT GIRL MURDER CLUB, in one of her most delicious novels yet- readers will be clamoring to join the club! More of a slow burn than Winstead may be know for, but HOT GIRL boils to a satisfying conclusion... I didn't want to put it down!

An up and coming pop star begins to be accused of murders in Los Angeles while grieving the death of her sister from a decade ago, while a journalist is trying to track down not only the truth about the pop star but a personal issue in her own past... It's a fabulous premise; juicy as can be, and left in the expert hands of a writer like Winstead it spills into a juicy tale of murder, revenge, lies, and deception.

[Julie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Minotaur Books and Net Galley for this ARC. Books releases 7/14 and I recommend.

Hot Girl Murder Club covers all my favorite book tropes. Non-linear timelines, multiple POVs, and some really strong female characters. Add the writing of Ashley Winstead and you’ve got yourself a great read that you just can’t put down. The plot runs so close to the headlines of today I had to remind myself this is a work of fiction. Yes, there are a ton of characters, but it’s worth it, I promise.

[Brynn | readyourworriesaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley Winstead has been one of my auto-buy authors ever since her debut novel. I am always impressed by her talent and she is such a kind human 🫶

HOT GIRL MURDER CLUB is a twisty thriller about sisterhood and justice.

The secrets were revealed in a way that kept me glued to the page and scrambling to piece together how everything was connected.

Ashley had a knack for writing strong female characters. The friendships revealed so much about characters’ motivations and just how far their bond would take them.

This is the type of book that will pull you out of a reading slump! I loved this psychological thriller and can’t wait to add a finished copy to my Ashley Winstead collection 🩵

[Deanna Rodriguez (Cook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I had an excellent time reading this one! I love Ashley Winstead’s thrillers so MUCH! This one had SO MUCH going on with so many important themes and real unrest that’s going on now driving this story. I truly enjoyed all the characters and the roles they played and the twists they created! This book is an absolute binge read and DEFINITELY a bangerrrr! I am so grateful that I got to read it early and I can’t wait for everyone else to love it!

[Kate Hergott · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There was no path to justice through the system. Men like him *are* the system."

I'm starting to think Ashley Winstead can't miss.

Hot Girl Murder Club excels uniquely as a Hollywood thriller through Winstead's devastating prose and sharp, multi-faceted takes on celebrity culture, parasocial relationships, trial by public opinion and the industry's rampant misandry. The surface layer premise of a group of vigilante It Girls is a thrilling vehicle to explore nepotism, ruthless ambition, cults of personality, patriarchy and sisterhood.

The story centers on Scout Sage, mid-level pop singer made more famous by her sister's murder, and her allegedly-revenge-enacting girl gang, but in a meta nod to celebrity gossip and parasocial relationships, we experience Scout's story through multiple people adjacent to her life and industry. This narrative structure forces readers to speculate about Scout while still considering the implications of second hand knowledge in the process.

I was mesmerized by the gritty neo-noir LA aesthetic juxtaposed with performances of glitz, glamour and wealth, and the pitch-black issues confronted by righteous female rage felt reminiscent of my previous favorite of Winstead's, The Last Housewife. (Which is now overtaken by or tied with Hot Girl Murder Club).

Fans of Everybody Knows by Jordan Harper, The Lady Upstairs by Halley Sutton, and This Girl's a Killer by Emma C Wells will LOVE this one!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book I have read from this author, and I loved it! The pacing is engaging; the point of view changes is done well and encourage the plot development. PLUS, it passes the Bechdel test!

The story introduces multiple characters that seem randomly disconnected but by the end, their lives and stories intertwine and creates a dynamic picture of human complexities. Especially around the theme of women's lives and the roles and expectations they carry. Can women be violent and still be victims of their surroundings? Or are they mutually exclusive and begs to question morality and purity? Women are complex and can contain multitudes.

This plot mimics reality for many women and with current affairs, and the men who lead the current US political sphere still not held responsible for their crimes (and all the male apologists) I rooted for my vengeance queens. I often questioned while reading this book why we as a society hold men with wealth and status above the well-being and safety of the women in their lives.

The theme of sisterhood and who belongs is explored and I do not ever want to experience the loss of my one and only sister. With this in mind, I understood many of the character's motivations, because I took would not rest and would grieve endlessly for mine. Scout and Izzy.... I see you!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC. I did a buddy read with a friend and no lie...we talked easily for an hour about this story afterwards.

Also believe Epstein survivors! And down with the Patriarchy.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t love this book but I also didn’t dislike it. I strongly considered DNFing at the start but told myself to give it 25% before I decided. It captured my attention *just enough* to continue.

The concept had really intrigued me — a women’s murder club? Sign me up! That sounds hilarious!

What it lacked was that heart pounding feeling you should get when reading thrillers. There were no jaw dropping twists. The multiple POVs was extremely confusing, especially since it didn’t outright name anyone for that chapter, instead it would have “The Assistant”. There were over 5 POVs which is a lot.

At the end of the day it was still a good book, just not for me personally!

*Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for inviting me to read this book! All opinions are my own