What do you think?
Rate this book
13 Reasons for Murder #1
Politeness Kills
When you work for a serial killer, death is at your door every day.
Britney Cage is a college graduate, entrepreneur, and serial killer. She owns the top temp agency in Tampa, growing rather influential in the community.
When Alex Charles walks through her door looking for a job, his life is forever changed in ways he never imagined. He only wants stability in his life and knows that’s what he’ll have if he can get something permanent.
What Alex doesn’t know is that Britney has decided he needs to die. And she must be the one to kill him.
Why does Britney want to kill Alex? And to what lengths is she willing to go?
Britney Cage is a college graduate, entrepreneur, and serial killer. She owns the top temp agency in Tampa, growing rather influential in the community.
When Alex Charles walks through her door looking for a job, his life is forever changed in ways he never imagined. He only wants stability in his life and knows that’s what he’ll have if he can get something permanent.
What Alex doesn’t know is that Britney has decided he needs to die. And she must be the one to kill him.
Why does Britney want to kill Alex? And to what lengths is she willing to go?
ebook
83 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Byrd
18 books42 followersAmanda Byrd is obsessed with fictional serial killers. From Patrick Bateman to Dr. Hannibal Lecter to Dexter Morgan and every butcher in between, Amanda loves figuring out what drives fiction’s deadliest monsters. When she’s not busy writing, Amanda can be found reading, playing video games, or watching shows and movies like Mindhunter, Hannibal, and Dexter. She lives in Florida with her bloodthirsty, flesh-eating cat.
Sign up for the Deadly Insiders newsletter at
www.amandabyrd.net
Follow Amanda online:
Facebook: Author Amanda Byrd
Instagram: amanda_byrd_author
Bookbub: Amanda Byrd
Sign up for the Deadly Insiders newsletter at
www.amandabyrd.net
Follow Amanda online:
Facebook: Author Amanda Byrd
Instagram: amanda_byrd_author
Bookbub: Amanda Byrd
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 13, 2020
This is an interesting new installment in the serial killer genre. It's fast paced and FUNNY!Britany is a typical serial killer in a way. She has a serious superiority complex and a huge ego, even though she claims she doesn't throughout the whole book (loved the unreliable narration, btw). She doesn't necessarily have a code she kills by. Her victims seem to be--well--just, annoying people. Those annoying people who don't necessarily deserve to die, but if they happen disappear...🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️. Britney is a driven businesswoman who cares deeply about her particular circle of people, (and Minion the cat 😂) and you just can't help but like her! And so you keep reading, because you want to know how her day goes!
.
No spoilers, but at the end of this book she flirts with some SERIOUS risk, and now I have to keep reading because I want to know if she gets caught!
.
No spoilers, but at the end of this book she flirts with some SERIOUS risk, and now I have to keep reading because I want to know if she gets caught!
December 29, 2023
Just couldn’t connect with the writing style
Between all the spelling and grammatical errors I just couldn’t get into the book. Only finished it because I can’t stand to start a book and not finish it. I kept hoping for a twist but never got one. Plus, if she’s such an “accomplished” serial killer who’s been killing for years, how does she make so many stupid mistakes?? Oh well, at least I’m one book closer to my read goal!
Between all the spelling and grammatical errors I just couldn’t get into the book. Only finished it because I can’t stand to start a book and not finish it. I kept hoping for a twist but never got one. Plus, if she’s such an “accomplished” serial killer who’s been killing for years, how does she make so many stupid mistakes?? Oh well, at least I’m one book closer to my read goal!
October 31, 2020
I realize that this is the first book in the series, and while the author does a good job at giving the background on the main character, the novel is very pollanna-esque in that the main character is beautiful, successful, well-connected and seems to have no issues with her life (other than the fact that she has been a serial killer since she was seventeen).
I found that the novel seemingly gave more coverage to her description of setting up her alibi than the actual crime itself. It seemed that the "investigation " of the crime lasted about as long as a television drama and then was closed as unsolved.
On a whole, the book had a few writing errors (words out of order - chapter 32: "she drove to me Tampa General....". Nothing that really detracts from the novel. The character is a tad superficial.
All things considered, the flow of the book is good and the story reads well, definitely a three star rating (if I could give three and one-half stars, I would).
This is just my opinion and my nickels worth.
I found that the novel seemingly gave more coverage to her description of setting up her alibi than the actual crime itself. It seemed that the "investigation " of the crime lasted about as long as a television drama and then was closed as unsolved.
On a whole, the book had a few writing errors (words out of order - chapter 32: "she drove to me Tampa General....". Nothing that really detracts from the novel. The character is a tad superficial.
All things considered, the flow of the book is good and the story reads well, definitely a three star rating (if I could give three and one-half stars, I would).
This is just my opinion and my nickels worth.
July 9, 2020
This is an interesting book that challenges the very stereotype of serial killers. Here is a successful, smart woman who cares deeply about people in her professional circle yet kills people who annoy her. There is no hint of a psychiatric issue or a cold/narcissistic personality. Sure, there's the overinflated ego, but what is her actual trigger? I'm definitely interested in knowing what prompted her to start killing in the first place.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2022
I liked this book I just didn't love it. It was well written just a little over the top for me. When I read a murder mystery I usually think the person who got murdered either deserved it or didn't here the perpetrator made the decision to murder Alex just because he was the next person to walk into her office (it seemed.)
January 30, 2021
A rushed ending that detracted from the story overall! Hopefully this will be rectified in up coming books!
October 28, 2019
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC to provide an honest review.
Britney Cage is a successful, well educated, self-employed owner of the “Passing through Temp Agency”. Attractive, athletic and well liked by her employees, employers and her community she has everything going for her. Beneath this well groomed and well adjusted exterior, she has a darkness that bubbles upward that can only be relieved by killing someone. Britney is a serial killer.
Told in first person, we enter Britney’s world and her obsession. She never knows when someone will trigger her blood lust and they are certainly never someone that works for her. At least, that is before she meets overly polite and fawning temp, Alex Charles.
Alex is the perfect fit for her friend’s doctor’s office but he’s just annoying polite. Polite in such a way that gets beneath Britney’s skin that cannot be endured. If only he knew the danger he’s in before he is sacrificed to sate Britney’s dark desires.
What lengths will she go through to capture her prey and not get caught?
The narrative flows well and the book sets up easily for a sequel. We don’t learn much about when, why or how Britney started killing random people to satisfy this need to kill but we learn about her personal and professional relationships with the people around her. She recognizes that killing people is wrong, and she has empathy for other people. She just turns it off when she decides to murder someone.
As far as Britney is concerned, the world loves her. Since she is our narrator, we either believe she’s telling the truth or we accept the possibility that she is an unreliable in what she’s telling us. She goes through all of the paces as a woman that doesn’t want to get caught which includes binge watching “Mindhunters” and reading the actual book by the FBI profiler.
With politeness as a trigger, it makes sound more like a Serial Mom type of story but it is handled with seriousness. No quirky moments of prank calling neighbors or sending profane letters to neighbors that offend her. She does talk to her cat and runs for fun.
I find her too perfect to relate to or root for, but I think that's the point because she is a serial killer. I am however more interested in Britney’s journey to this point and what will happen if she is discovered. With a title like “13 reasons for murder” I am expecting this to be a 13 book series.
I recommend this book for people wanted to see a slow burn, introduction to a serial killer. I look forward to seeing more from Ms. Byrd and learning more about Britney.
This review was first posted on my website: Studiohnh.com
Britney Cage is a successful, well educated, self-employed owner of the “Passing through Temp Agency”. Attractive, athletic and well liked by her employees, employers and her community she has everything going for her. Beneath this well groomed and well adjusted exterior, she has a darkness that bubbles upward that can only be relieved by killing someone. Britney is a serial killer.
Told in first person, we enter Britney’s world and her obsession. She never knows when someone will trigger her blood lust and they are certainly never someone that works for her. At least, that is before she meets overly polite and fawning temp, Alex Charles.
Alex is the perfect fit for her friend’s doctor’s office but he’s just annoying polite. Polite in such a way that gets beneath Britney’s skin that cannot be endured. If only he knew the danger he’s in before he is sacrificed to sate Britney’s dark desires.
What lengths will she go through to capture her prey and not get caught?
The narrative flows well and the book sets up easily for a sequel. We don’t learn much about when, why or how Britney started killing random people to satisfy this need to kill but we learn about her personal and professional relationships with the people around her. She recognizes that killing people is wrong, and she has empathy for other people. She just turns it off when she decides to murder someone.
As far as Britney is concerned, the world loves her. Since she is our narrator, we either believe she’s telling the truth or we accept the possibility that she is an unreliable in what she’s telling us. She goes through all of the paces as a woman that doesn’t want to get caught which includes binge watching “Mindhunters” and reading the actual book by the FBI profiler.
With politeness as a trigger, it makes sound more like a Serial Mom type of story but it is handled with seriousness. No quirky moments of prank calling neighbors or sending profane letters to neighbors that offend her. She does talk to her cat and runs for fun.
I find her too perfect to relate to or root for, but I think that's the point because she is a serial killer. I am however more interested in Britney’s journey to this point and what will happen if she is discovered. With a title like “13 reasons for murder” I am expecting this to be a 13 book series.
I recommend this book for people wanted to see a slow burn, introduction to a serial killer. I look forward to seeing more from Ms. Byrd and learning more about Britney.
This review was first posted on my website: Studiohnh.com
November 6, 2019
A psychological thriller told through the eyes of a serial killer; Britney Cage is a dangerous person to know. The story follows her from her decision to kill, through the planning stages and finally, the execution. She is a delightful character who has the perfect life and loves her cat. A little hard to relate to, but the story keeps you interested in why and how she became the killer she is.
She owns a successful Temp Agency with the very clever name Passing Through and has a fun and interestingly close relationship with her assistant Julie. Their friendship is a pleasure to dive into.
Britney is methodical, obsessed and careful not to get caught but displays empathy and genuine emotion when it comes to her personal and professional relationships. The narrative flows at a quick pace and leaves you wanting more when the sequel comes out.
The supporting characters add substance to Britney’s story and I look forward to seeing how their roles play out in the upcoming series. Easy to read in one sitting, 13 Reasons for Murder keeps the pages turning quickly to see if her prey will make her change her mind or her obsession to kill will be just too powerful to control.
She owns a successful Temp Agency with the very clever name Passing Through and has a fun and interestingly close relationship with her assistant Julie. Their friendship is a pleasure to dive into.
Britney is methodical, obsessed and careful not to get caught but displays empathy and genuine emotion when it comes to her personal and professional relationships. The narrative flows at a quick pace and leaves you wanting more when the sequel comes out.
The supporting characters add substance to Britney’s story and I look forward to seeing how their roles play out in the upcoming series. Easy to read in one sitting, 13 Reasons for Murder keeps the pages turning quickly to see if her prey will make her change her mind or her obsession to kill will be just too powerful to control.
October 30, 2019
Britney Cox is smart college graduate, owner. Of a successful business, influential in Tampa’s community. Oh yah and a serial killer. She just considerate a different kind of hobby. Her reasons for killing are varied. Alex Charles just wants to get a permanent job, but when he walks into Britney’s Temp Agency. He gets more than he bargained for.
This is a psychological thriller told from the serial killer’s point of view. The characters are interesting, flawed with dynamic personalities. The narrative was great, describing her thinking and distorted reasoning very well. The storyline was suspenseful, addictive and I read it in one sitting. It was a fascinating read and I found the duality of the main chapter fascinating. I hope there are more books with this character.
definitely received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am definitely leaving a review.
This is a psychological thriller told from the serial killer’s point of view. The characters are interesting, flawed with dynamic personalities. The narrative was great, describing her thinking and distorted reasoning very well. The storyline was suspenseful, addictive and I read it in one sitting. It was a fascinating read and I found the duality of the main chapter fascinating. I hope there are more books with this character.
definitely received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am definitely leaving a review.
November 4, 2019
Killer's Viewpoint
I am an ID addict (Investigation Discovery) and love murder mysteries or learning about serial killers. This book feed that. This is a psychological thriller and this is from the serial killer's viewpoint. Britney is an interesting character and while I can't really relate to her, just her thoughts on murder, how she tries to hide that part of herself from society, and how a serial killer actually has empathy for her victims and learns to shut it off during her crimes, it's just makes you think and question things. What I would like to see more as the end leaves it open for another book, is how she got to be where she is. What is her backstory? I want to know more about Britney. I really liked this book and look forward to the next.
*ARC provided by author for an honest review*
I am an ID addict (Investigation Discovery) and love murder mysteries or learning about serial killers. This book feed that. This is a psychological thriller and this is from the serial killer's viewpoint. Britney is an interesting character and while I can't really relate to her, just her thoughts on murder, how she tries to hide that part of herself from society, and how a serial killer actually has empathy for her victims and learns to shut it off during her crimes, it's just makes you think and question things. What I would like to see more as the end leaves it open for another book, is how she got to be where she is. What is her backstory? I want to know more about Britney. I really liked this book and look forward to the next.
*ARC provided by author for an honest review*
December 18, 2023
Britney Cage owns and operates a successful temp agency in sunny Florida. Though her work is satisfying, there's one itch she constantly needs to scratch - murder.
I wouldn't say I liked the main character, almost from the start. She was smug, yet she humble-bragged her way through the entire book. Her self-righteousness irritated me no end. The victim did himself no favours, either. Thus, a four-star rating seems out of place. Normally, that much passion will cause me to sadly DNF the book, but in this case, I was hooked. My only quibble is the rush to the finish line at the end of the story. Whereas the rest of the book seemed almost padded, I wish the author had fleshed out the conclusion.
Knowing that this is a series, I made certain assumptions that most readers will naturally leap to, and they would be correct. Looking forward to the next in this kooky line-up.
I wouldn't say I liked the main character, almost from the start. She was smug, yet she humble-bragged her way through the entire book. Her self-righteousness irritated me no end. The victim did himself no favours, either. Thus, a four-star rating seems out of place. Normally, that much passion will cause me to sadly DNF the book, but in this case, I was hooked. My only quibble is the rush to the finish line at the end of the story. Whereas the rest of the book seemed almost padded, I wish the author had fleshed out the conclusion.
Knowing that this is a series, I made certain assumptions that most readers will naturally leap to, and they would be correct. Looking forward to the next in this kooky line-up.
November 20, 2019
This is the second book I’ve had the pleasure of reading by this author and it’s another wonderful story. If you are looking for a slightly different plot, then this is the book for you. It’s told from the point of view of a serial killer, which in itself is interesting. The characters are interesting and realistic in that they are not perfect, each has their own flaws that allowed me to connect easier with them. It’s a very well written psychological thriller that once started is very difficult, verging on impossible to put down until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2020
At last, a female serial killer series
Brittany Cox owns a temp agency. This connects her well in Florida society. It also places her to meet people she can kill when they offend her in some way.
Alex walks in for a job interview and immediately rubs her wrong because he is too polite. So she sets her sights on ruining and killing him.
This is neither a grim horror story nor a thriller like Dexter. Rather, the tone of the book is light hearted, as though serial murder is a normal hobby.
I am interested to see how the rest of the series develops.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brittany Cox owns a temp agency. This connects her well in Florida society. It also places her to meet people she can kill when they offend her in some way.
Alex walks in for a job interview and immediately rubs her wrong because he is too polite. So she sets her sights on ruining and killing him.
This is neither a grim horror story nor a thriller like Dexter. Rather, the tone of the book is light hearted, as though serial murder is a normal hobby.
I am interested to see how the rest of the series develops.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2019
Absolutely fantastic book following serial killer, Britney Cage through her 13 reasons for murder. Very fun read and had me hooked from the beginning.
*i received this ARC for free from the author in return for my honest review.
Full review at:
http://bookshelfadventures.home.blog/...
*i received this ARC for free from the author in return for my honest review.
Full review at:
http://bookshelfadventures.home.blog/...
November 16, 2019
This story was a bit disconcerting! While I loved it, I had trouble liking the main character yet I could not dislike her either. Britney was so nice and yet NOT! I guess that makes me normal - haha. It is a great read. This author is one of my favorites!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2022
Great thriller
This story was a little bizarre. A female serial killer who was so normal and successful. She was so kind and generous. I guess you never know what lurks beneath the surface. Great read!
This story was a little bizarre. A female serial killer who was so normal and successful. She was so kind and generous. I guess you never know what lurks beneath the surface. Great read!
August 4, 2020
It’s ok
The premise is good but a bit too much explanation and repeats of details. Too much about the cat too.
The premise is good but a bit too much explanation and repeats of details. Too much about the cat too.
December 4, 2023
slow burn
Cute book with a slower burn than I’m use too. But Britney’s character was awesome! Curious to see what happens to her and John!
Cute book with a slower burn than I’m use too. But Britney’s character was awesome! Curious to see what happens to her and John!
October 25, 2024
The author does a great job introducing Britney Cage. The storyline is easy to follow and keeps you interested. You get to know Britney’s everyday life at work and home with her cat, Minion. She seemed normal, caring for her friends and showing empathy. All except that she is a bonafide serial killer, targeting to kill someone just because they are polite, which is mindboggling. I’m looking forward to discovering where the story goes in the next book.
May 29, 2024
Britney is a serial killer, according to her anyway. There was no great detail given to back this up. When she was plotting to kill Alex, his death was going to be slow and painful. The reality was the complete opposite.
The expectation was there but sadly, the author did not deliver. I will not be reading the remainder of the series.
The expectation was there but sadly, the author did not deliver. I will not be reading the remainder of the series.
November 5, 2024
i was very confused with the fmc until i read the line of "i am a serial killer" like 25% through the book. didn't realize that's why she was super narcissistic etc. but overall it was interesting to read a book like this from the other perspective even if the ending was very rushed with the kill and police investigation
April 10, 2025
Quicker than expected
I thought I would try out a new author, and I realized the book was a quick read. The storyline was good, but I feel like some parts were slightly exaggerated to fit the plot. I don't think in any circumstance I would meet up for random friends with benefits after an argument. I would however give this author another try.
I thought I would try out a new author, and I realized the book was a quick read. The storyline was good, but I feel like some parts were slightly exaggerated to fit the plot. I don't think in any circumstance I would meet up for random friends with benefits after an argument. I would however give this author another try.
November 11, 2025
Interesting
I definitely enjoyed the banter that the main character has with all the other characters and for some reason like do you want to read more about it. This book was nice but I don't really all set the same time. Want to be bothered to finish the whole series.
I definitely enjoyed the banter that the main character has with all the other characters and for some reason like do you want to read more about it. This book was nice but I don't really all set the same time. Want to be bothered to finish the whole series.
October 2, 2020
I really did not care much for this book.
Hated the characters and especially the damn cat.
I thought the story was incredibly obvious with no real suspense.
Hated the characters and especially the damn cat.
I thought the story was incredibly obvious with no real suspense.
March 6, 2023
Boring. Hated the main character.
August 15, 2020
DNF. A vary rare thing.
The premise is intriguing, but I could not find the writing style enjoyable.
The premise is intriguing, but I could not find the writing style enjoyable.
August 4, 2020
Typically, I would like a good story told from a perspective of a serial killer but this MC and I just did not mesh. Brit was annoying and awful. I didn't like her attitude and found her completely unbelievable. I don't know that I'd believe she could pull anything off. Her swearing on her second conversation with Alex (after forgetting some pretty important info about his new temp job), I found her ability to run a temp agency also suspect.
Meh. Not liking the main character, I found the rest of the story just an exercise in patience. Wish I'd liked it more.
Meh. Not liking the main character, I found the rest of the story just an exercise in patience. Wish I'd liked it more.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews