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Killer Women
Bodies surface and disappear, seduce and corrupt in these original stories by bestselling, award-winning female crime writers from the Killer Women crime-writing collective. Keep your eyes peeled, your ears cocked and your wits about you as twenty deliciously twisted tales take you to surprising places...
Twenty new stories by Rachel Abbott, SJ Bolton, Jane Casey, Julia Crouch, Tammy Cohen, Elly Griffiths, Sarah Hillary, Amanda Jennings, Alison Joseph, Emma Kavanagh, Erin Kelly, Colette McBeth, Mel McGrath, D. E. Meredith, Kate Medina, Louise Millar, Kate Rhodes, Helen Smith, Louise Voss and Laura Wilson
Twenty new stories by Rachel Abbott, SJ Bolton, Jane Casey, Julia Crouch, Tammy Cohen, Elly Griffiths, Sarah Hillary, Amanda Jennings, Alison Joseph, Emma Kavanagh, Erin Kelly, Colette McBeth, Mel McGrath, D. E. Meredith, Kate Medina, Louise Millar, Kate Rhodes, Helen Smith, Louise Voss and Laura Wilson
310 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2017
15 people are currently reading
411 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Abbott
54 books2,699 followersI was born and brought up in the north of England, and worked for many years as the managing director of an interactive media company. I wrote every day - everything from creative proposals to user manuals - but most exciting of all was writing interactive dramas - including for the Cluedo (Clue in the US) interactive games. I was fortunate enough to sell my company in 2000 and we moved to Italy where we bought and restored an old country house.
I have published six full length novels and one novella, and my seventh Come a Little Closer is due for release in 2018. I now live on the beautiful island of Alderney in the Channel Islands, where I write full time.
Find out more on my website.
I have published six full length novels and one novella, and my seventh Come a Little Closer is due for release in 2018. I now live on the beautiful island of Alderney in the Channel Islands, where I write full time.
Find out more on my website.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 31, 2020
She was partying pretty heavy last night, and has still carried the hangover most of the day. Now that work is finished, all she wants to do is go home, take a relaxing bath and slip in between cool sheets.
However, someone is in her house. A light is on and there is someone ... a man ...cooking in her kitchen. He knows her name ... he knows a lot about her ... but she's never seen him before in her life. She reaches for her phone, but he takes it away from her. He's between her and the door.
When he turns around, he's brandishing a knife. Too late she remembers the woman who was killed a few weeks ago in her neighborhood.
This is a very short story that held my attention from the very first. The suspense is palpable and leads to an unpredictable ending. This one packs a wallop!
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this short story. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
However, someone is in her house. A light is on and there is someone ... a man ...cooking in her kitchen. He knows her name ... he knows a lot about her ... but she's never seen him before in her life. She reaches for her phone, but he takes it away from her. He's between her and the door.
When he turns around, he's brandishing a knife. Too late she remembers the woman who was killed a few weeks ago in her neighborhood.
This is a very short story that held my attention from the very first. The suspense is palpable and leads to an unpredictable ending. This one packs a wallop!
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this short story. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 18, 2018
This was a mixed bag, more good than not good, thankfully.
A compilation of British mystery writers, Killer Women #2 is meant to allow readers to sample a variety of women writing in the crime/mystery genre.
I primarily bought this because it featured a story by Sharon Bolton, a favorite, and also because (unlike some) I actually enjoy short stories.
I decided to rate each story, mainly for my own future reference. I'm always looking for new authors and would like to try a few of those featured in this collection.
Smoking Kills by Erin Kelly - 5 stars
Smart. Good characters. Competent writing. Ending with a twist.
Happy Anniversary by Colette McBeth - 4.5 stars
I liked the writing. The story worked and felt complete. Did feel as if I read something similar before. Ending worked.
Beach Ready Body by Julia Crouch - 3.5 stars
This one started off strong but lost steam as the plot was too apparent. I knew what was going to happen and felt as if I was just waiting to get it over with. Did feel there was a slight twist at the end that worked well. Writing was good.
The Study by Tammy Cohne - 4.5 stars
I really like this one. Thought the story developed naturally and felt more complete and believable than many of the other stories. Original.
An Uninvited Guest by Rachel Abbot - 3.0 stars
Okay. Not bad, but not good. The writing was fine just didn't connect to the character or buy the story as presented. Short stories are hard because you don't have the luxury of 300 plus pages to connect to the reader. Certainly not horrible as far as short stories go, but not as strong as some of the others. Will admit, the author does a great job of concealing the ending.
Articulation by Elly Griffiths - 2.0 stars
This one just didn't work for me. The writing was fine, but the story and characters were lacking.
Sex Crime by Laura Wilson - 4.0 stars
Liked the idea here. The writing was fine, and I connected with the main character. Was also intrigued by the concept of a rape that isn't rape unless it's rape (you've got to read the story). The only thing I didn't like was the twist. So hard, I know. Overall, still enjoyable.
Etta and the Body by Amanda Jennings - 4.0 stars
Again, really liked the idea here. Thought the musings on the internet age were worthwhile. Overall solid. Ending was a little predictable and forced, but it worked.
Ten Things You'll Miss About Me by Sarah Hilary - 1.5 stars
Sorry. I just didn't get this one. Maybe not the author's fault, or maybe so.
Tick List by Louise Millar - 5.0 stars
I really like the concept here. Thought it was fun. Good pacing. Believable, interesting characters.
Baby Killer by Kate Medina - 2.0 stars
This one just seemed blah. Not particularly insightful or creative. Didn't like or relate to the characters. Would have been far more interesting if the girl had been the killer.
Eye on the Prize by Mel McGrath - 2.0 stars
Didn't like this one. Weak story. Weak characters.
Nana by Helen Smith - 3.0 stars
Didn't get this one until the very end, which is unfortunate. Not sure how the author could have made this one work better.
How was that Fair? by Louise Voss - 1.5 stars
Don't think this one worked. Awful characters. Unlikely story. Writing was okay, but not enough to make up for the story itself.
The Return by D.E. Meredith - 5 stars
Loved this story. Writing was superb. Loved the main character as well as supporting characters. Twist okay.
Now, Where was I? by Alison Joseph - 4 stars
Not a particularly original concept, but still fun to read. Liked the narrator. Clever progression.
Jumping at Shadows by Emma Kavanagh - 3.5 stars
Okay...just okay on all fronts.
Fertile Ground by Kate Rhodes - 4.5 stars
Loved the characters but then I'm a sucker for a serial killer. Good story. Nice progression. Okay twist. I think this would have been more interesting if instead of killing the killer at the end, the main character one-upped him somehow.
The House Behind by Jane Casey - 4.0 stars
This was reminiscent of Raymond Carver's "Neighbors." Loved the voyerism on display as well as the commentary on what's real and not real in a digital age. The ending worked as well. Fun. Good.
The Corpse in the Copse by Sharon Bolton - 4.0 stars
Big Bolton fan and felt like this was more an introduction to her series character than a short story meant to stand alone. Still, as always the writing was superb and there is a story, kind of Agatha Christie style in terms of a murder and its resolution in short story format. Great title as well.
A compilation of British mystery writers, Killer Women #2 is meant to allow readers to sample a variety of women writing in the crime/mystery genre.
I primarily bought this because it featured a story by Sharon Bolton, a favorite, and also because (unlike some) I actually enjoy short stories.
I decided to rate each story, mainly for my own future reference. I'm always looking for new authors and would like to try a few of those featured in this collection.
Smoking Kills by Erin Kelly - 5 stars
Smart. Good characters. Competent writing. Ending with a twist.
Happy Anniversary by Colette McBeth - 4.5 stars
I liked the writing. The story worked and felt complete. Did feel as if I read something similar before. Ending worked.
Beach Ready Body by Julia Crouch - 3.5 stars
This one started off strong but lost steam as the plot was too apparent. I knew what was going to happen and felt as if I was just waiting to get it over with. Did feel there was a slight twist at the end that worked well. Writing was good.
The Study by Tammy Cohne - 4.5 stars
I really like this one. Thought the story developed naturally and felt more complete and believable than many of the other stories. Original.
An Uninvited Guest by Rachel Abbot - 3.0 stars
Okay. Not bad, but not good. The writing was fine just didn't connect to the character or buy the story as presented. Short stories are hard because you don't have the luxury of 300 plus pages to connect to the reader. Certainly not horrible as far as short stories go, but not as strong as some of the others. Will admit, the author does a great job of concealing the ending.
Articulation by Elly Griffiths - 2.0 stars
This one just didn't work for me. The writing was fine, but the story and characters were lacking.
Sex Crime by Laura Wilson - 4.0 stars
Liked the idea here. The writing was fine, and I connected with the main character. Was also intrigued by the concept of a rape that isn't rape unless it's rape (you've got to read the story). The only thing I didn't like was the twist. So hard, I know. Overall, still enjoyable.
Etta and the Body by Amanda Jennings - 4.0 stars
Again, really liked the idea here. Thought the musings on the internet age were worthwhile. Overall solid. Ending was a little predictable and forced, but it worked.
Ten Things You'll Miss About Me by Sarah Hilary - 1.5 stars
Sorry. I just didn't get this one. Maybe not the author's fault, or maybe so.
Tick List by Louise Millar - 5.0 stars
I really like the concept here. Thought it was fun. Good pacing. Believable, interesting characters.
Baby Killer by Kate Medina - 2.0 stars
This one just seemed blah. Not particularly insightful or creative. Didn't like or relate to the characters. Would have been far more interesting if the girl had been the killer.
Eye on the Prize by Mel McGrath - 2.0 stars
Didn't like this one. Weak story. Weak characters.
Nana by Helen Smith - 3.0 stars
Didn't get this one until the very end, which is unfortunate. Not sure how the author could have made this one work better.
How was that Fair? by Louise Voss - 1.5 stars
Don't think this one worked. Awful characters. Unlikely story. Writing was okay, but not enough to make up for the story itself.
The Return by D.E. Meredith - 5 stars
Loved this story. Writing was superb. Loved the main character as well as supporting characters. Twist okay.
Now, Where was I? by Alison Joseph - 4 stars
Not a particularly original concept, but still fun to read. Liked the narrator. Clever progression.
Jumping at Shadows by Emma Kavanagh - 3.5 stars
Okay...just okay on all fronts.
Fertile Ground by Kate Rhodes - 4.5 stars
Loved the characters but then I'm a sucker for a serial killer. Good story. Nice progression. Okay twist. I think this would have been more interesting if instead of killing the killer at the end, the main character one-upped him somehow.
The House Behind by Jane Casey - 4.0 stars
This was reminiscent of Raymond Carver's "Neighbors." Loved the voyerism on display as well as the commentary on what's real and not real in a digital age. The ending worked as well. Fun. Good.
The Corpse in the Copse by Sharon Bolton - 4.0 stars
Big Bolton fan and felt like this was more an introduction to her series character than a short story meant to stand alone. Still, as always the writing was superb and there is a story, kind of Agatha Christie style in terms of a murder and its resolution in short story format. Great title as well.
January 13, 2020
Creepy and Chilling! That sums up An Uninvited Guest by Rachel Abbott. I am a huge fan of Rachel Abbott's DCI Tom Douglas books, with that thought, there are couple of books pending for me to catch up in the series😬 however when given a chance to read this short story, I was more than happy to grab it both hands.
Thank You @RachelAbbott, it was a pleasure to read An Uninvited Guest and to have goosebumps on your flesh.
Emma is returning after a hard day's work and is longing for the weekend to unwind, having partied hard with her sister the previous night has also added to her woes.But there's a ghastly surprise waiting for her in the house- a stranger who is in her kitchen cooking a meal and who seems to know things about her. But Emma hasn't seen the stranger ever before, is he a killer or a stalker and what does he want from her?
3 short chapters that left me stunned. Absolutely brilliant!
Thank You @RachelAbbott, it was a pleasure to read An Uninvited Guest and to have goosebumps on your flesh.
Emma is returning after a hard day's work and is longing for the weekend to unwind, having partied hard with her sister the previous night has also added to her woes.But there's a ghastly surprise waiting for her in the house- a stranger who is in her kitchen cooking a meal and who seems to know things about her. But Emma hasn't seen the stranger ever before, is he a killer or a stalker and what does he want from her?
3 short chapters that left me stunned. Absolutely brilliant!
February 26, 2018
Listened to in audio format.
Killer Women was a selection of short stories by the most popular female crime writers of the moment.
My favourite stories were the fitness trainer who was organising a fitness bootcamp. One by one her clients suffered mysterious accidents and two ladies died. The toilet cleaner who was mistaken for a hit man. The best story was the archaeologist who fell in love with the owner who found bones in his garden.
I enjoyed this clever collection of short stories with a twist. Although I did prefer some of the stories more than others. Best of all this book gave me the chance to read authors that I had never read before. I highly recommend this book.
Killer Women was a selection of short stories by the most popular female crime writers of the moment.
My favourite stories were the fitness trainer who was organising a fitness bootcamp. One by one her clients suffered mysterious accidents and two ladies died. The toilet cleaner who was mistaken for a hit man. The best story was the archaeologist who fell in love with the owner who found bones in his garden.
I enjoyed this clever collection of short stories with a twist. Although I did prefer some of the stories more than others. Best of all this book gave me the chance to read authors that I had never read before. I highly recommend this book.
May 18, 2019
Killer Women 2 is an outstanding thriller / crime collection featuring a great many fabulous female authors: Erin Kelly, Louise Voss, Julia Crouch, Rachel Abbott, Elly Griffiths, … One of my favourite stories in this collection was Sharon Bolton’s Lacey Flint story A Corpse in the Copse. I’ve read the entire Lacey Flint series and I adore both the author and her character, so I was thrilled to find Lacey in a standalone story in Killer Women 2.
August 23, 2020
A great short story from Rachel Abbott, if you've never read any of her work, give this free short story a go The Uninvited Guest to get a feel for her work.
It's a great short story I loved it & I love Rachel Abbott's other work too, slowly working through her work
It's a great short story I loved it & I love Rachel Abbott's other work too, slowly working through her work
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December 18, 2020Loved this. A short story from the fabulous Rachel Abbott. Quick and punchy with all the usual plot skill that you come to expect from this author. Rachel is one of my goto authors. Have yet to be disappointed by anything she has written and am always left excited to read her next work
February 9, 2020
As always with this author, expertly written and believable (if a little scary)
November 15, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this collection of short stories, some of which will stay in my mind for some time.
Thoroughly good read.
Thoroughly good read.
August 27, 2021
Loved it !
September 26, 2022
review to follow
October 22, 2022
18 A bit of a mixed bag. For me, there was more bad than good. But the o se that I felt were good were very very good. Recommended to the normal crew.
April 4, 2023
This book didn’t do it for me. I found it tedious and most stories were too short to make me want to read more by these authors; even those I liked seemed to be lacking their magic touches.
January 25, 2024
Really liked it. Some stories more than others but gave me the chance to get to know other authors.
June 15, 2020
Started well. After a night out on the drinks, she comes home next day to find that someone has got into her house!..However I felt the build up and story should of went in a different direction. It’s was a good short story and shows glimpses of the author giving us a good, building thriller in the future. 4/5 for for me.
December 26, 2019
A very clever short story, very entertaining.
July 16, 2020
Thought provoking!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews