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Lady X
10 hours, 40 minutes
The search for a notorious vigilante exposes the secrets between three generations of women in this propulsive novel of female resistance and rage, sweeping from contemporary L.A. to gritty, 1970s New York.
Los Angeles, 2024. After learning that her A-List actor husband sent explicit photos to multiple girls on social media, Margot Cooper runs away from the world—and the paparazzi—by fleeing to her childhood home with her teenage daughter in tow.
But home isn’t the sanctuary Margot was hoping for. In a cardboard box in the corner of the attic, she finds damning evidence of an infamous urban legend, the mysterious vigilante “Lady X”—including a blurry newspaper photo of a woman who looks an awful lot like Margot’s mother.
New York City, 1977. In the midst of an infamous summer, Ginger Daughtry and her two beloved roommates are able to shield each other from the chaos—until one of them is assaulted. Astounded by the lack of response from police, the young women decide to engage in some light payback, signing their handiwork as “Lady X.”
Soon copycats appear, and a movement inspired by acts of vandalism against terrible men spirals out of control, with criminals running amok under the guise of the enigmatic “Lady X.” When a body is found fallen—or pushed—from five stories high, the hunt reaches a boiling point.
But Lady X has vanished into thin air.
The search for a notorious vigilante exposes the secrets between three generations of women in this propulsive novel of female resistance and rage, sweeping from contemporary L.A. to gritty, 1970s New York.
Los Angeles, 2024. After learning that her A-List actor husband sent explicit photos to multiple girls on social media, Margot Cooper runs away from the world—and the paparazzi—by fleeing to her childhood home with her teenage daughter in tow.
But home isn’t the sanctuary Margot was hoping for. In a cardboard box in the corner of the attic, she finds damning evidence of an infamous urban legend, the mysterious vigilante “Lady X”—including a blurry newspaper photo of a woman who looks an awful lot like Margot’s mother.
New York City, 1977. In the midst of an infamous summer, Ginger Daughtry and her two beloved roommates are able to shield each other from the chaos—until one of them is assaulted. Astounded by the lack of response from police, the young women decide to engage in some light payback, signing their handiwork as “Lady X.”
Soon copycats appear, and a movement inspired by acts of vandalism against terrible men spirals out of control, with criminals running amok under the guise of the enigmatic “Lady X.” When a body is found fallen—or pushed—from five stories high, the hunt reaches a boiling point.
But Lady X has vanished into thin air.
Audiobook
First published July 14, 2026
About the author
Molly Fader
4 books687 followersMolly Fader is the author of The McAvoy Sister’s Book Of Secrets. As Molly O’Keefe she is the USA Today Bestselling author of over 50 contemporary romances. She lives in Toronto Ontario with her husband, two kids and rescue dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 332 reviews
August 1, 2026
4 (maybe even 4.5) ⭐️s
I gobbled this book up, and it kept me up way past my bedtime. It was so bingeable and engaging that I'm surprised it isn't getting more attention.
2024, Los Angeles — Margot Cooper's life implodes when her famous actor husband is accused of sending explicit photos to multiple young women on social media. She takes her youngest daughter, Skye, who is still in high school, and heads back to her childhood home in Pennsylvania to be with her sister. With their mother now living in an assisted living facility, the sisters decide it's finally time to clean out the attic. While sorting through decades of forgotten belongings, they stumble across a dusty cardboard box filled with articles about the mysterious vigilante known as "Lady X," along with a blurry newspaper photo of a woman who looks an awful lot like their mother.
1977, New York City — With The Son of Sam causing fear in NY, Ginger and her roommates Rachel and Faye try to stay safe and lay low until one of them is assaulted and raped. Shocked by the lack of response when they report it to a police officer, they decide to take matters into their own hands.
Both timelines are compelling in different ways. I also loved how the author explores the powerful bonds of both biological family and found family. Not once did I lose interest while reading, and I found the ending quite satisfying.
Many of the men in this book are horrible and misogynistic, BUT huge kudos to the author for acknowledging that good men, including some in law enforcement, exist as well. That's something I don't come across very often in stories centered on female rage, and I really appreciated that choice because it brought balance to the story.
This was my first Molly Fader book, but because I enjoyed it so much, I'll definitely be checking out her previous work. Highly recommend!
Now available! My thanks to Ballantine via NetGalley for my digital ARC.
I gobbled this book up, and it kept me up way past my bedtime. It was so bingeable and engaging that I'm surprised it isn't getting more attention.
2024, Los Angeles — Margot Cooper's life implodes when her famous actor husband is accused of sending explicit photos to multiple young women on social media. She takes her youngest daughter, Skye, who is still in high school, and heads back to her childhood home in Pennsylvania to be with her sister. With their mother now living in an assisted living facility, the sisters decide it's finally time to clean out the attic. While sorting through decades of forgotten belongings, they stumble across a dusty cardboard box filled with articles about the mysterious vigilante known as "Lady X," along with a blurry newspaper photo of a woman who looks an awful lot like their mother.
1977, New York City — With The Son of Sam causing fear in NY, Ginger and her roommates Rachel and Faye try to stay safe and lay low until one of them is assaulted and raped. Shocked by the lack of response when they report it to a police officer, they decide to take matters into their own hands.
Both timelines are compelling in different ways. I also loved how the author explores the powerful bonds of both biological family and found family. Not once did I lose interest while reading, and I found the ending quite satisfying.
Many of the men in this book are horrible and misogynistic, BUT huge kudos to the author for acknowledging that good men, including some in law enforcement, exist as well. That's something I don't come across very often in stories centered on female rage, and I really appreciated that choice because it brought balance to the story.
This was my first Molly Fader book, but because I enjoyed it so much, I'll definitely be checking out her previous work. Highly recommend!
Now available! My thanks to Ballantine via NetGalley for my digital ARC.
August 11, 2026
Infinity stars!!! ♾️⭐️
One of the best books I have ever read! I think this book changed my brain chemistry and I will never forget it! Why aren’t more people talking about this masterpiece?
A woman finds old information about a “Lady X” in her childhood home’s attic. Lady X was a feminist vigilante in the 70s. The story is told between two timelines and it is just perfectly written. We slowly find out who Lady X is and everything that went down while there is a present day theme that matches everything that happened.
I never re-read books, but this is one I would read again. It was just perfect. If you have ever heard that song Labour by Paris Paloma, that was playing in my head while reading parts of this.
If there was ever a book that needs to be immediately made into a series it is this one. Do you hear me Prime? Netflix?
One of the best books I have ever read! I think this book changed my brain chemistry and I will never forget it! Why aren’t more people talking about this masterpiece?
A woman finds old information about a “Lady X” in her childhood home’s attic. Lady X was a feminist vigilante in the 70s. The story is told between two timelines and it is just perfectly written. We slowly find out who Lady X is and everything that went down while there is a present day theme that matches everything that happened.
I never re-read books, but this is one I would read again. It was just perfect. If you have ever heard that song Labour by Paris Paloma, that was playing in my head while reading parts of this.
If there was ever a book that needs to be immediately made into a series it is this one. Do you hear me Prime? Netflix?
June 5, 2026
I zipped through this audiobook! A feminine rage type of story that had me interested in both present and past storylines.
August 3, 2026
the setup…
It’s the summer of 2024 and in the blink of an eye, Margot Cooper’s life imploded. Her Hollywood star husband Jack is exposed as having sent sexually explicit pictures to young girls on social media. Their carefully curated marriage was a sham, along with the brand she built. She and sixteen-year old daughter Skye flee to her parents’ home in Pittsburgh to escape the madness, joining her sister Julia who now lives there. As they work to sort through the attic, they discover a box with newspaper clippings from the summer of 1977 New York City where the Son of Sam terrorized the boroughs, the infamous blackout brought chaos and Lady X struck fear into the hearts of badly behaving men. But one of the Lady X articles appears to include a photo of their mother, Ginger. Could it be…?
the heart of the story…
The transitions between 2024 and 1977 were expertly timed and fascinating with Margot and Ginger as the storytellers. Margot and Julia were completely unaware their mother ever lived in New York. Ginger and roommates Rachel and Faye were not only there during that infamous summer but were in the thick of everything, forced to deal with the commonplace misogyny and sexual harassment of the time. Was Lady X an urban legend or were they somehow connected?
the narration…
Helen Laser delivered (again) a fabulous performance with riveting storytelling, giving distinctive voices for a host of characters.
the bottom line…
Fader is masterful in capturing the vibe of 1977 NYC and the emotional punch of Margot’s 2024 public marriage meltdown. The emergence of female rage expressed through Lady X was empowering and unsettled men as it does today. I loved how Ginger, Rachel and Faye bonded through the experience and supported each other. It’s an extremely powerful, well crafted story.
It’s the summer of 2024 and in the blink of an eye, Margot Cooper’s life imploded. Her Hollywood star husband Jack is exposed as having sent sexually explicit pictures to young girls on social media. Their carefully curated marriage was a sham, along with the brand she built. She and sixteen-year old daughter Skye flee to her parents’ home in Pittsburgh to escape the madness, joining her sister Julia who now lives there. As they work to sort through the attic, they discover a box with newspaper clippings from the summer of 1977 New York City where the Son of Sam terrorized the boroughs, the infamous blackout brought chaos and Lady X struck fear into the hearts of badly behaving men. But one of the Lady X articles appears to include a photo of their mother, Ginger. Could it be…?
the heart of the story…
The transitions between 2024 and 1977 were expertly timed and fascinating with Margot and Ginger as the storytellers. Margot and Julia were completely unaware their mother ever lived in New York. Ginger and roommates Rachel and Faye were not only there during that infamous summer but were in the thick of everything, forced to deal with the commonplace misogyny and sexual harassment of the time. Was Lady X an urban legend or were they somehow connected?
the narration…
Helen Laser delivered (again) a fabulous performance with riveting storytelling, giving distinctive voices for a host of characters.
the bottom line…
Fader is masterful in capturing the vibe of 1977 NYC and the emotional punch of Margot’s 2024 public marriage meltdown. The emergence of female rage expressed through Lady X was empowering and unsettled men as it does today. I loved how Ginger, Rachel and Faye bonded through the experience and supported each other. It’s an extremely powerful, well crafted story.
August 28, 2025
Out May 5th, 2026
Lady X is a gripping, intergenerational novel that blends mystery, feminist resistance, and emotional reckoning across two timelines—1970s New York and contemporary Los Angeles. At its heart, the story explores the legacy of a vigilante known only as “Lady X,” whose mythic reputation has haunted and empowered women for decades. The novel opens in 2024 with Margot Cooper, a Hollywood wife reeling from the public scandal of her A-list husband’s inappropriate behavior. Seeking refuge, she retreats to her childhood home with her teenage daughter, only to uncover a box in the attic containing cryptic evidence—newspaper clippings and photos—that suggest her mother may have once been the infamous Lady X.
The narrative then shifts to 1977 New York City, where Ginger Daughtry and her two roommates are navigating a gritty, chaotic summer. When one of them is assaulted and the police fail to act, the women take justice into their own hands. Their retaliatory acts—graffiti, vandalism, and symbolic defiance—are signed “Lady X,” sparking a wave of copycat crimes and a citywide obsession with the mysterious figure. What begins as a personal crusade against misogyny snowballs into a movement, blurring the lines between justice and chaos. When a man is found dead under suspicious circumstances, the hunt for Lady X intensifies, but she disappears without a trace.
As Margot digs deeper into her mother’s past, she begins to unravel the secrets that bind three generations of women—herself, her mother, and her daughter.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC!
Lady X is a gripping, intergenerational novel that blends mystery, feminist resistance, and emotional reckoning across two timelines—1970s New York and contemporary Los Angeles. At its heart, the story explores the legacy of a vigilante known only as “Lady X,” whose mythic reputation has haunted and empowered women for decades. The novel opens in 2024 with Margot Cooper, a Hollywood wife reeling from the public scandal of her A-list husband’s inappropriate behavior. Seeking refuge, she retreats to her childhood home with her teenage daughter, only to uncover a box in the attic containing cryptic evidence—newspaper clippings and photos—that suggest her mother may have once been the infamous Lady X.
The narrative then shifts to 1977 New York City, where Ginger Daughtry and her two roommates are navigating a gritty, chaotic summer. When one of them is assaulted and the police fail to act, the women take justice into their own hands. Their retaliatory acts—graffiti, vandalism, and symbolic defiance—are signed “Lady X,” sparking a wave of copycat crimes and a citywide obsession with the mysterious figure. What begins as a personal crusade against misogyny snowballs into a movement, blurring the lines between justice and chaos. When a man is found dead under suspicious circumstances, the hunt for Lady X intensifies, but she disappears without a trace.
As Margot digs deeper into her mother’s past, she begins to unravel the secrets that bind three generations of women—herself, her mother, and her daughter.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC!
September 30, 2025
Lady X is a sweeping, dual-timeline novel of resistance, rage, and resilience.
In 1977 New York, Ginger and her roommates, disillusioned by a system that fails them, become the notorious vigilante “Lady X.” In 2024 Los Angeles, Margot, reeling from her husband’s betrayal, uncovers clues that suggest her own mother may have been part of the legend.
What I loved most was how Molly Fader tackled such a dark and important subject with grace. The story is suspenseful yet deeply human, with women you can’t help but cheer for, even when they’re walking morally gray lines.
Perfect for readers of Kate Quinn, Lisa Unger, or Brit Bennett.
In 1977 New York, Ginger and her roommates, disillusioned by a system that fails them, become the notorious vigilante “Lady X.” In 2024 Los Angeles, Margot, reeling from her husband’s betrayal, uncovers clues that suggest her own mother may have been part of the legend.
What I loved most was how Molly Fader tackled such a dark and important subject with grace. The story is suspenseful yet deeply human, with women you can’t help but cheer for, even when they’re walking morally gray lines.
Perfect for readers of Kate Quinn, Lisa Unger, or Brit Bennett.
July 28, 2026
5 stars.
This was fantastic. I usually am meh about dual timelines, but these both worked and also seamlessly fit together. Both narratives were equally strong, had well developed characters and kept a good pace. I have absolutely no complaints. It was a lot stronger than I anticipated.
I mostly listened to the audio and it was very well narrated by the talented Helen Laser. She always does a great job. Very grateful for the opportunity to both read and listen to this wonderful book.
Thank you to Ballantine Books for the gifted finished copy and prhaudio for the gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This was fantastic. I usually am meh about dual timelines, but these both worked and also seamlessly fit together. Both narratives were equally strong, had well developed characters and kept a good pace. I have absolutely no complaints. It was a lot stronger than I anticipated.
I mostly listened to the audio and it was very well narrated by the talented Helen Laser. She always does a great job. Very grateful for the opportunity to both read and listen to this wonderful book.
Thank you to Ballantine Books for the gifted finished copy and prhaudio for the gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2025
Thank you to Random House Publishing and Molly Fader (via NetGalley) for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
"Lady X" follows sisters Margot and Julia as they navigate family lies and secrets. After Margot’s husband Jack becomes embroiled in public scandal due to his affairs, the sisters discover evidence linking their mother to the 1977 activist known as "Lady X." This revelation prompts them to uncover secrets about their mother's past.
The novel features a unique premise with dual points of view, alternating between Margot in 2024 and Ginger in 1977. The author effectively sets the scene with vivid descriptions of the Orbit Room, the political climate of 1977, and well-developed backstories for each character. Faye, Rachel, and Ginger illustrate the struggle and spirit of the feminist movement. I appreciated how each main character evolved throughout the novel, learning to trust one another and assert themselves in a male-dominated world.
Although there were some references in the 1977 perspective that I found confusing and had to reread several times, by the end, Ginger's past intertwined seamlessly with Margot’s current situation with her husband. This novel powerfully explores themes of female friendship and the feminist movement.
"Lady X" is set to be published on May 5, 2026.
"Lady X" follows sisters Margot and Julia as they navigate family lies and secrets. After Margot’s husband Jack becomes embroiled in public scandal due to his affairs, the sisters discover evidence linking their mother to the 1977 activist known as "Lady X." This revelation prompts them to uncover secrets about their mother's past.
The novel features a unique premise with dual points of view, alternating between Margot in 2024 and Ginger in 1977. The author effectively sets the scene with vivid descriptions of the Orbit Room, the political climate of 1977, and well-developed backstories for each character. Faye, Rachel, and Ginger illustrate the struggle and spirit of the feminist movement. I appreciated how each main character evolved throughout the novel, learning to trust one another and assert themselves in a male-dominated world.
Although there were some references in the 1977 perspective that I found confusing and had to reread several times, by the end, Ginger's past intertwined seamlessly with Margot’s current situation with her husband. This novel powerfully explores themes of female friendship and the feminist movement.
"Lady X" is set to be published on May 5, 2026.
July 11, 2026
LADY X is one of my favorite novels of 2026 so far! I absolutely loved this story of female rage and resistance. I finished it in only a couple sittings and truly had so much fun reading it.
When Margot returns to her childhood home, she uncovers evidence that points to her mother being Lady X, an infamous vigilante.
Between 1970s New York and 2024 Los Angeles, both timelines were equally entertaining and brought the story to life.
The writing was fantastic and the characters were fully developed. I really loved reading about Ginger and her two roommates!!
When Margot returns to her childhood home, she uncovers evidence that points to her mother being Lady X, an infamous vigilante.
Between 1970s New York and 2024 Los Angeles, both timelines were equally entertaining and brought the story to life.
The writing was fantastic and the characters were fully developed. I really loved reading about Ginger and her two roommates!!
July 22, 2026
Women’s rage has rarely been this satisfying to read.
There seems to be a growing category of books that my friend Anna affectionately calls books about how women are not mad enough, and Lady X may be one of the best examples I’ve read. If you love the righteous fury and female solidarity found in novels by Kirsten Miller or Ashley Winstead, put this one at the top of your list.
Margot appears to have the perfect life. She’s built a successful career as a mommy influencer while supporting her husband Jack’s Hollywood stardom. But when allegations of infidelity and sexual assault against him become public, Margot escapes with her daughter to her childhood home in Pittsburgh, where her mother is living with dementia. While sorting through the attic, they uncover clues connected to a mysterious vigilante artist known only as Lady X—a woman who challenged powerful men in 1977 New York City.
From there, the novel transports readers to one of the most fascinating backdrops imaginable: New York during the Summer of Sam. As fear grips the city, the NYPD is overwhelmed, women navigate harassment as an everyday reality, and Ginger is working as a coat-check attendant at a glamorous nightclub reminiscent of Studio 54. Alongside her unforgettable roommates Rachel and Faye, she becomes part of a story that is suspenseful, emotional, and impossible to put down.
The historical storyline completely stole my heart. Mollie Feder captures the energy, danger, and contradictions of 1977 New York so vividly that I felt immersed in every page. The present-day chapters appear just often enough to keep the mystery moving, but wisely allow the historical narrative to take center stage.
What impressed me most, though, was how thoughtfully the novel connects two generations of women. The parallels between Ginger’s experiences in the 1970s and Margot’s reckoning decades later never feel heavy-handed. Instead, the story asks powerful questions about accountability, complicity, the stories women are expected to tell about themselves, and what becomes possible when anger is transformed into action and solidarity.
This book made me angry. It made me laugh. It made me cheer. Most of all, it left me deeply satisfied.
Lady X is my favorite historical fiction novel I’ve read this month and, at the moment, my favorite July release. It’s propulsive, empowering, emotionally resonant, and exactly the kind of novel that sparks incredible book club discussions. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Content note: This novel contains themes of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
★★★★★
Thank you to Ballantine Books for the finished copy. Published July 14.
There seems to be a growing category of books that my friend Anna affectionately calls books about how women are not mad enough, and Lady X may be one of the best examples I’ve read. If you love the righteous fury and female solidarity found in novels by Kirsten Miller or Ashley Winstead, put this one at the top of your list.
Margot appears to have the perfect life. She’s built a successful career as a mommy influencer while supporting her husband Jack’s Hollywood stardom. But when allegations of infidelity and sexual assault against him become public, Margot escapes with her daughter to her childhood home in Pittsburgh, where her mother is living with dementia. While sorting through the attic, they uncover clues connected to a mysterious vigilante artist known only as Lady X—a woman who challenged powerful men in 1977 New York City.
From there, the novel transports readers to one of the most fascinating backdrops imaginable: New York during the Summer of Sam. As fear grips the city, the NYPD is overwhelmed, women navigate harassment as an everyday reality, and Ginger is working as a coat-check attendant at a glamorous nightclub reminiscent of Studio 54. Alongside her unforgettable roommates Rachel and Faye, she becomes part of a story that is suspenseful, emotional, and impossible to put down.
The historical storyline completely stole my heart. Mollie Feder captures the energy, danger, and contradictions of 1977 New York so vividly that I felt immersed in every page. The present-day chapters appear just often enough to keep the mystery moving, but wisely allow the historical narrative to take center stage.
What impressed me most, though, was how thoughtfully the novel connects two generations of women. The parallels between Ginger’s experiences in the 1970s and Margot’s reckoning decades later never feel heavy-handed. Instead, the story asks powerful questions about accountability, complicity, the stories women are expected to tell about themselves, and what becomes possible when anger is transformed into action and solidarity.
This book made me angry. It made me laugh. It made me cheer. Most of all, it left me deeply satisfied.
Lady X is my favorite historical fiction novel I’ve read this month and, at the moment, my favorite July release. It’s propulsive, empowering, emotionally resonant, and exactly the kind of novel that sparks incredible book club discussions. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Content note: This novel contains themes of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
★★★★★
Thank you to Ballantine Books for the finished copy. Published July 14.
August 1, 2026
Second “I-nearly-finished-this-in-one-sitting” read of the summer.
The intergenerational plot(s), the feminine rage, the communal agency, and most importantly: the beautiful, imperfect love of women whose bonds strengthen from friendship to chosen family.
Desperately grateful to have my own Lady X crew (all of whom would consider me their Faye).
The intergenerational plot(s), the feminine rage, the communal agency, and most importantly: the beautiful, imperfect love of women whose bonds strengthen from friendship to chosen family.
Desperately grateful to have my own Lady X crew (all of whom would consider me their Faye).
June 21, 2026
Lady X is a grunge-fueled New York City vigilante story encased in a heartfelt family saga.
While her world is falling apart, Margot and her sister accidentally uncover their mother’s decades old secrets. Among them is evidence possibly linking her to Lady X, an infamous NYC vigilante who was known for targeting the city’s most despicable men. Told in dual timelines, we follow three generations of women as they grapple with their respective traumas. Although decades apart, their crises all share one common denominator… the audacity of men.
This was an exceptionally good time. Dual timelines don’t always land for me as I usually far prefer one period over the other but this was a rare gem. Both timelines and their respective characters were strong and engaging and I found myself lost in the pages. The roommates made such a chaotically charming trio and encapsulated the kind of friendship any girl dreams to have. Meanwhile, Margot’s arc showed growth and a found resolve that I quite admired.
The patriarchal injustices and feelings of mistrust/fear toward men was painted in a way any woman can understand. The search for revenge was satisfying and watching the women rally around one another was bittersweet. I really enjoyed the author’s attention to detail and the pop culture references throughout. Molly Fader paints an engrossing and vivid picture of the grimey 1977 NYC nightlife. The characters were just as well drawn with all three generations of women showing various levels of healing and resolve. Their journeys were handled with great care and sympathy.
I recommend for fans of found sisterhood, feminist lit, heart-rending family sagas, and crime period pieces.
While her world is falling apart, Margot and her sister accidentally uncover their mother’s decades old secrets. Among them is evidence possibly linking her to Lady X, an infamous NYC vigilante who was known for targeting the city’s most despicable men. Told in dual timelines, we follow three generations of women as they grapple with their respective traumas. Although decades apart, their crises all share one common denominator… the audacity of men.
This was an exceptionally good time. Dual timelines don’t always land for me as I usually far prefer one period over the other but this was a rare gem. Both timelines and their respective characters were strong and engaging and I found myself lost in the pages. The roommates made such a chaotically charming trio and encapsulated the kind of friendship any girl dreams to have. Meanwhile, Margot’s arc showed growth and a found resolve that I quite admired.
The patriarchal injustices and feelings of mistrust/fear toward men was painted in a way any woman can understand. The search for revenge was satisfying and watching the women rally around one another was bittersweet. I really enjoyed the author’s attention to detail and the pop culture references throughout. Molly Fader paints an engrossing and vivid picture of the grimey 1977 NYC nightlife. The characters were just as well drawn with all three generations of women showing various levels of healing and resolve. Their journeys were handled with great care and sympathy.
I recommend for fans of found sisterhood, feminist lit, heart-rending family sagas, and crime period pieces.
July 31, 2026
Flew so fast through this. It's the ultimate female rage response to #metoo. Very entertaining and Helen Laser does a phenomenal audio performance.
December 2, 2025
* thanks to Ballantine for the ARC (pub dat: May 5, 2026)
Loved this - dual timelines (1970s NYC and today), vigilante justice, complicated female friendships, complicated family relationships, and a lot of shitty men.
Loved this - dual timelines (1970s NYC and today), vigilante justice, complicated female friendships, complicated family relationships, and a lot of shitty men.
July 23, 2026
4.5 rounded up
Thank you to Ballantine Books for the gifted copy.
I tandem read this one with my physical Ballantine copy and the audiobook from Libby. If you’re an audiobook fan, I can’t recommend that format enough. Helen Laser’s narration is absolutely perfect for this story.
This is the kind of book that makes me grateful to be a reader. Lady X reminds me why I love sharing books and why I keep trying to put the right story into someone else’s hands (or ears).
Told across two timelines, the story follows three generations of women connected by the mystery of Lady X. In 2024, Margot Cooper retreats to her childhood home with her teenage daughter after discovering that her famous husband has been sending explicit photos to girls online. While there, she finds evidence linking her mother to Lady X, a vigilante who became an urban legend in 1970s New York.
In 1977, Ginger Daughtry and her roommates begin signing acts of payback against terrible men as “Lady X” after one of them is assaulted and the police fail to act. What starts as a way to reclaim some power grows into a movement that quickly becomes bigger, darker, and more dangerous than any of them intended.
Lady X explores female rage, resistance, motherhood, friendship, and the ways women protect one another when the systems meant to protect them fail.
“In the end, Lady X was just a woman. Any woman. Every woman. Maybe there were a dozen of her. And maybe, hopefully, there will be a dozen more. Because her work isn’t done.”
And that is exactly what makes this story feel so powerful.
Thank you to Ballantine Books for the gifted copy.
I tandem read this one with my physical Ballantine copy and the audiobook from Libby. If you’re an audiobook fan, I can’t recommend that format enough. Helen Laser’s narration is absolutely perfect for this story.
This is the kind of book that makes me grateful to be a reader. Lady X reminds me why I love sharing books and why I keep trying to put the right story into someone else’s hands (or ears).
Told across two timelines, the story follows three generations of women connected by the mystery of Lady X. In 2024, Margot Cooper retreats to her childhood home with her teenage daughter after discovering that her famous husband has been sending explicit photos to girls online. While there, she finds evidence linking her mother to Lady X, a vigilante who became an urban legend in 1970s New York.
In 1977, Ginger Daughtry and her roommates begin signing acts of payback against terrible men as “Lady X” after one of them is assaulted and the police fail to act. What starts as a way to reclaim some power grows into a movement that quickly becomes bigger, darker, and more dangerous than any of them intended.
Lady X explores female rage, resistance, motherhood, friendship, and the ways women protect one another when the systems meant to protect them fail.
“In the end, Lady X was just a woman. Any woman. Every woman. Maybe there were a dozen of her. And maybe, hopefully, there will be a dozen more. Because her work isn’t done.”
And that is exactly what makes this story feel so powerful.
July 25, 2026
A fantastic tale of injustice, vengeance, fame, and fear. It's a jagged ride through the sequin-strewn streets of 1970s New York that veers sharply into a modern-day betrayal and the inequality that dogs us still. I adored all three generations of women trying to find themselves despite the claws of terrible men grasping at their heels.
August 10, 2026
A great dose of feminine rage ✨😤
”Vigilante sh*t” by Taylor swift in book form!
”Vigilante sh*t” by Taylor swift in book form!
August 10, 2026
Отличная книга и отличная история про жаркое лето 1977-го.
July 19, 2026
4.5 stars.
This was a really engaging novel about women taking back control of their lives and confronting men behaving badly.
Set in New York City in the summer of 1977 and in 2024, the story is about three fierce young women, Ginger, Rachel, and Faye, who refuse to be victims when one of them is assaulted and the police do nothing. Lady X, a vigilante doling out justice to terrible men as society will not, is born.
Fast forward to 2024, and Margot, Ginger’s daughter, has dutifully been abiding by society’s rules, when her rich, powerful husband is exposed during the #MeToo movement. As Ginger flees to her childhood home, she discovers secrets that her mother had been hiding that force Margot to confront what she thought she knew about her and to re-evaluate her own life.
I googled a lot while I was reading this one as I was curious whether it was based on actual events. While Lady X is fictitious, New York City in summer 1977 was a hotbed of crime, the Son of Sam serial killer was terrorizing the city, and there was a huge electrical blackout. These events are interwoven into the novel and provide a great backdrop and authenticity to the story.
I found both storylines interesting (the level of misogyny and institutional sexism in the 1977 storyline was especially infuriating) and loved the friendships of the three women and Margot’s relationship with her sister. I was rooting for them throughout.
Sadly, the misogynistic society portrayed in both timelines is all too realistic and it was empowering to see these female characters taking charge of their lives and refusing to cower to the men who tried to control them.
A captivating feminist rage story that I thoroughly enjoyed!
This was a really engaging novel about women taking back control of their lives and confronting men behaving badly.
Set in New York City in the summer of 1977 and in 2024, the story is about three fierce young women, Ginger, Rachel, and Faye, who refuse to be victims when one of them is assaulted and the police do nothing. Lady X, a vigilante doling out justice to terrible men as society will not, is born.
Fast forward to 2024, and Margot, Ginger’s daughter, has dutifully been abiding by society’s rules, when her rich, powerful husband is exposed during the #MeToo movement. As Ginger flees to her childhood home, she discovers secrets that her mother had been hiding that force Margot to confront what she thought she knew about her and to re-evaluate her own life.
I googled a lot while I was reading this one as I was curious whether it was based on actual events. While Lady X is fictitious, New York City in summer 1977 was a hotbed of crime, the Son of Sam serial killer was terrorizing the city, and there was a huge electrical blackout. These events are interwoven into the novel and provide a great backdrop and authenticity to the story.
I found both storylines interesting (the level of misogyny and institutional sexism in the 1977 storyline was especially infuriating) and loved the friendships of the three women and Margot’s relationship with her sister. I was rooting for them throughout.
Sadly, the misogynistic society portrayed in both timelines is all too realistic and it was empowering to see these female characters taking charge of their lives and refusing to cower to the men who tried to control them.
A captivating feminist rage story that I thoroughly enjoyed!
July 30, 2026
An ode to womanhood and women friendship. Had me infuriated, crying, and smiling.
March 1, 2026
Thank you, thank you, thank you Lauren from BookHuddle and NetGalley for this ARC.
I inhaled this book. I could not put in down. If you are angry and disappointed about everything going on in the world right now, this book is just for you. The feminine rage is so justified and essential at this moment.
The dual storylines were equally engaging. I loved reading about New York in the 70’s, while Margot’s story is so similar to others in the news. You will feel a connection to the female characters in this story - their rage, their love/found family, and their disappointment in the lack of accountability and change. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
I inhaled this book. I could not put in down. If you are angry and disappointed about everything going on in the world right now, this book is just for you. The feminine rage is so justified and essential at this moment.
The dual storylines were equally engaging. I loved reading about New York in the 70’s, while Margot’s story is so similar to others in the news. You will feel a connection to the female characters in this story - their rage, their love/found family, and their disappointment in the lack of accountability and change. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
May 4, 2026
I loved this book so much. A dual time-line that portrays the strength of a family through similar experiences. The story telling was fantastic, I could feel the emotion in each character and connection in each timeline.
Read
July 14, 2026Lady X is a thrilling and exemplary historical fiction novel that explores female resistance, the fight against systemic misogyny, and what happens when the legal system fails women. Set in dual-timelines, we follow Margot Cooper in 2024 Los Angeles as she navigates the fallout of a very public marital scandal. Along with her daughter Skye, she flees to her childhood home to escape paparazzi, uncovering secrets about her mother's past in the process. With her investigative journalist sister Julia, the 3 women find newspaper clippings in the attic, linking their mother, Ginger, to the notorious vigilante Lady X, a dark symbol of justice against predatory men in the gritty, neon-lit era of 1970s New York. In another timeline, we follow Ginger Daughtry, a courageous and aspiring dancer, who finds sisterhood in two new roomates, Rachel and Faye, during the sweltering hot summer of 1977. I can't say too much more without giving away major plot points of the book, but I absolutely devoured every bit of this! I loved the social commentary on the dangers of a patriarchal society and the moral ambiguity of vigilante justice. What began as a personal and focused crusade against abusive men eventually spirals out of control, spurring copycat crimes that blur the lines between justified protection and chaotic violence. The way strength and reliance of women on each other was a core emotional pillar in both timelines was really powerful too. The writing was immersive and well researched; if you're familiar with 1970s New York history, there were a bunch of easter eggs sprinkled throughout. Setting the past timeline during the era when the Summer of Sam murders inspired citywide obsession and instilled fear in women was a really nice touch. The characters were flawed, vivid and deeply human; I don't think I've felt this emotionally connected to a cast of characters in a minute. And the ending felt entirely perfect, linking both timelines expertly. By the end, the novel compels the reader to ask themself how much has really changed in 50 years? It effectively captured the exhausting reality of the moral injury women face when required to endure and compromise with patriarchal double standards. Recommended to those who are interested in stories exploring female rage, family secrets or cathartic and empowering reads. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the arc!
July 16, 2026
Feminine rage is having a moment, and Lady X (gifted from @ballantinebooks ) is here for it.
This dual timeline novel follows Ginger in 1970s NYC, as the vigilante Lady X takes to the street, seeking revenge on the men who harm women. And Margot in the present, the wife of a celebrity who was just accused of sending explicit photos to young women.
It’s the type of book that had me racing through the pages, to find out what led to Lady X’s rise and fall, and how Margot would deal with her new reality.
It’s also the type of book where the karmic revenge is sweet and everything I’d hoped for.
New York City was a character in itself, full of disco and unrest, and Ginger at the heart of it all. I was equally invested in Margot’s story, as she struggles with redefining her role as a mother and her views of her own mother.
You know I can’t resist a good found family story. Or one that tries to dismantle the patriarchy. And while that’s certainly a Herculean task, I was definitely cheering these ladies on as they call attention to sexual assault and the men who go unchecked.
A much needed story for our times. Because “Even when you think everything is destroyed. Something survives.” 4.5 stars
This dual timeline novel follows Ginger in 1970s NYC, as the vigilante Lady X takes to the street, seeking revenge on the men who harm women. And Margot in the present, the wife of a celebrity who was just accused of sending explicit photos to young women.
It’s the type of book that had me racing through the pages, to find out what led to Lady X’s rise and fall, and how Margot would deal with her new reality.
It’s also the type of book where the karmic revenge is sweet and everything I’d hoped for.
New York City was a character in itself, full of disco and unrest, and Ginger at the heart of it all. I was equally invested in Margot’s story, as she struggles with redefining her role as a mother and her views of her own mother.
You know I can’t resist a good found family story. Or one that tries to dismantle the patriarchy. And while that’s certainly a Herculean task, I was definitely cheering these ladies on as they call attention to sexual assault and the men who go unchecked.
A much needed story for our times. Because “Even when you think everything is destroyed. Something survives.” 4.5 stars
August 3, 2026
1970 NYC ➡️ 2024 LA
Thank you, PRH Audio, for the #gifted copy of Lady X {partner}
Genre: Historical
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 7.14.2026
Pages: 352
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
I’ve noticed an uptick of feminine rage in books recently and I am all for it 👏🏼
There is so much to unpack (and love) within Lady X that I don’t really know where to begin. This felt like a much darker storyline for the author Molly Fader and she executed it seamlessly. She was able to create a novel full of strong female friendships, feminine rage and the unjust treatment that women have been subjected to for way too long. I could feel the anger of the characters pouring out of the pages.
Typically in a dual timeline story, I end up liking one over the other but with Lady X, I loved them equally and couldn’t get enough of the characters in 1970 and 2024. I do think that the 2024 storyline was profound because it showed our FMC, Margot, that her mother, Ginger, was not just someone who sat idly by in her youth. It served as a reminder that our parents and grandparents had their own battles to fight during their youth and that we shouldn’t forget that they were people before they were parents.
Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆
The audiobook is narrated by Helen Laser (who has also narrated The Wedding People, Yellowface, What Kind of Paradise & Crow Talk). I always enjoy Laser’s narrations and find that her voice really pulls me right into the storyline.
cw: assault, r*pe, alcohol abuse
Read if you enjoy:
✌🏼 Dual timeline
🗽 1970s NYC
👊🏼 Feminine rage
👏🏼 Strong female friendships
I felt like Lady X was a message to women to continue to speak up, to continue to use their voices and tell the patriarchal world to go to hell.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/chaptersofc...
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Thank you, PRH Audio, for the #gifted copy of Lady X {partner}
Genre: Historical
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 7.14.2026
Pages: 352
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
I’ve noticed an uptick of feminine rage in books recently and I am all for it 👏🏼
There is so much to unpack (and love) within Lady X that I don’t really know where to begin. This felt like a much darker storyline for the author Molly Fader and she executed it seamlessly. She was able to create a novel full of strong female friendships, feminine rage and the unjust treatment that women have been subjected to for way too long. I could feel the anger of the characters pouring out of the pages.
Typically in a dual timeline story, I end up liking one over the other but with Lady X, I loved them equally and couldn’t get enough of the characters in 1970 and 2024. I do think that the 2024 storyline was profound because it showed our FMC, Margot, that her mother, Ginger, was not just someone who sat idly by in her youth. It served as a reminder that our parents and grandparents had their own battles to fight during their youth and that we shouldn’t forget that they were people before they were parents.
Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆
The audiobook is narrated by Helen Laser (who has also narrated The Wedding People, Yellowface, What Kind of Paradise & Crow Talk). I always enjoy Laser’s narrations and find that her voice really pulls me right into the storyline.
cw: assault, r*pe, alcohol abuse
Read if you enjoy:
✌🏼 Dual timeline
🗽 1970s NYC
👊🏼 Feminine rage
👏🏼 Strong female friendships
I felt like Lady X was a message to women to continue to speak up, to continue to use their voices and tell the patriarchal world to go to hell.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on StoryGraph:https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
July 21, 2026
Margot seems to have the perfect life with her four kids, A-list actor husband, and picture-perfect family...until she discovers her husband has been sending explicit photos to women online. Looking for a fresh start, she returns to Pennsylvania with her youngest daughter to stay with her sister. While cleaning out their late mother's attic, they uncover old newspaper clippings revealing that their mother, Ginger, may have been the mysterious 1970s feminist vigilante known only as Lady X.
I was so happy to win this in a Goodreads Giveaway! It took a while to make its way to me, but it was absolutely worth the wait. I loved the dual timeline, with Margot uncovering her mother's past while Ginger's chapters transported us back to the 1970s. It was a great reminder that, despite the peace-and-love image of the era, women were facing incredible challenges long before movements like #MeToo. I really appreciated the message the book was trying to send about women standing up for themselves and each other. While some characters definitely took things a little too far, real change has to start somewhere, and I thought the story handled those conversations really well.
My only real issue was Margot. I understood why she was devastated by her husband's betrayal, but she often came across as surprisingly naïve about both her own privileged life and the idea that her mother had an identity outside of being "Mom." It became a little frustrating watching her dismiss the possibility that Ginger could have been part of such an important movement. Thankfully, she grows tremendously over the course of the novel, and by the end I appreciated her journey much more than I did at the beginning.
Overall, this was such an empowering historical fiction novel with a strong message about women finding their voices across generations. Even though Margot occasionally tested my patience, Ginger's story completely stole the show, and together they made for a thoughtful, inspiring read. I'm so glad this Goodreads Giveaway introduced me to it.
I was so happy to win this in a Goodreads Giveaway! It took a while to make its way to me, but it was absolutely worth the wait. I loved the dual timeline, with Margot uncovering her mother's past while Ginger's chapters transported us back to the 1970s. It was a great reminder that, despite the peace-and-love image of the era, women were facing incredible challenges long before movements like #MeToo. I really appreciated the message the book was trying to send about women standing up for themselves and each other. While some characters definitely took things a little too far, real change has to start somewhere, and I thought the story handled those conversations really well.
My only real issue was Margot. I understood why she was devastated by her husband's betrayal, but she often came across as surprisingly naïve about both her own privileged life and the idea that her mother had an identity outside of being "Mom." It became a little frustrating watching her dismiss the possibility that Ginger could have been part of such an important movement. Thankfully, she grows tremendously over the course of the novel, and by the end I appreciated her journey much more than I did at the beginning.
Overall, this was such an empowering historical fiction novel with a strong message about women finding their voices across generations. Even though Margot occasionally tested my patience, Ginger's story completely stole the show, and together they made for a thoughtful, inspiring read. I'm so glad this Goodreads Giveaway introduced me to it.
August 3, 2026
*3.5 rounded up*
First off, thank you Ballantine and Random House for the gifted copy of this book! All opinions shared are entirely my own.
Lady X is a historical fiction with a dual timeline, feminine rage, and ultimately the systemic misogyny that women have faced for ages under the patriarchy.
What starts out as a celebrity marriage falling apart in the wake of a post #metoo sexual harassment scandal ends up exploring the lives of three young women living in NYC during 1977 who found themselves in the midst of a vigilante movement with the name Lady X attached.
I enjoyed the 1977 plot line more than the 2024 one, it ultimately what kept me engaged through the book. My main issues were that some of the conflicts and issues that played out fell a bit flat and I had trouble connecting with the characters, they felt a little two-dimensional to me. However, I did appreciate the feminist message this book delivered.
First off, thank you Ballantine and Random House for the gifted copy of this book! All opinions shared are entirely my own.
Lady X is a historical fiction with a dual timeline, feminine rage, and ultimately the systemic misogyny that women have faced for ages under the patriarchy.
What starts out as a celebrity marriage falling apart in the wake of a post #metoo sexual harassment scandal ends up exploring the lives of three young women living in NYC during 1977 who found themselves in the midst of a vigilante movement with the name Lady X attached.
I enjoyed the 1977 plot line more than the 2024 one, it ultimately what kept me engaged through the book. My main issues were that some of the conflicts and issues that played out fell a bit flat and I had trouble connecting with the characters, they felt a little two-dimensional to me. However, I did appreciate the feminist message this book delivered.
July 19, 2026
4.5 stars: this is one of the better dual timeline mystery books I’ve read in a while. This was super engaging and entertaining. This book encapsulates feminine rage and friendship. I really enjoyed this!
July 29, 2026
Lady X is the female vigilante I didn't know I needed! 🤭
Thank you @vanditmarbooks for sending us a copy of Lady X! 🖤
Looking for female rage, mystery and family drama? This is you next read! There are three generations of women in this story who all intertwine while in search for Lady X; the woman who puts man in their place and leaves her mark by spraying her name in graffiti. 👀
I loved this book! It's different from what I normally read, but so good! You hop through different times in the story and that gives it a lot of suspense. When the time changes, you also change POV's and none of them were boring. 👏🏽 What I also really appreciated were the topics in this book. From LGBTQ+, to women's rights, everything came to pass. Besides that, this book is impossible to put down. I flew through it thanks to the writing style. 🎀
I would totally recommend this book!
Thank you @vanditmarbooks for sending us a copy of Lady X! 🖤
Looking for female rage, mystery and family drama? This is you next read! There are three generations of women in this story who all intertwine while in search for Lady X; the woman who puts man in their place and leaves her mark by spraying her name in graffiti. 👀
I loved this book! It's different from what I normally read, but so good! You hop through different times in the story and that gives it a lot of suspense. When the time changes, you also change POV's and none of them were boring. 👏🏽 What I also really appreciated were the topics in this book. From LGBTQ+, to women's rights, everything came to pass. Besides that, this book is impossible to put down. I flew through it thanks to the writing style. 🎀
I would totally recommend this book!
August 13, 2026
I'm doing an alphabet challenge and needed an X book which led me to this. It isn't something I'd normally reach for but I enjoyed it! I was hoping for a bit more juice by the end but it did have some good female rage. A real "good for her" book.
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