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Pretty Evil
GLAMOUROUS. TOUGH. RUTHLESS.
Camilla Black is not your average serial killer.
As the editor of fashion magazine Couture, Camilla is a commanding presence.
Impeccably dressed and regularly snapped at the front row of fashion week, Camilla is respected and revered.
And yet Camilla has a secret. When she's not sipping martinis with London's elite, she's scouring the streets for the worst of the worst – the most despicable predators around.
And then she finds them, she shows no mercy. She shows no mercy at all.
Camilla is the very last person a predator would ever want to meet...
Fans of novels such as My Sister the Serial Killer, Sweetpea and Maestra, and TV shows including Dexter, I May Destroy You, and Killing Eve, will relish the dark, brutal world of Pretty Evil.
First published as 'Predator' at the height of MeToo in 2020.
Camilla Black is not your average serial killer.
As the editor of fashion magazine Couture, Camilla is a commanding presence.
Impeccably dressed and regularly snapped at the front row of fashion week, Camilla is respected and revered.
And yet Camilla has a secret. When she's not sipping martinis with London's elite, she's scouring the streets for the worst of the worst – the most despicable predators around.
And then she finds them, she shows no mercy. She shows no mercy at all.
Camilla is the very last person a predator would ever want to meet...
Fans of novels such as My Sister the Serial Killer, Sweetpea and Maestra, and TV shows including Dexter, I May Destroy You, and Killing Eve, will relish the dark, brutal world of Pretty Evil.
First published as 'Predator' at the height of MeToo in 2020.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2020
242 people are currently reading
4552 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Rosi
5 books107 followersI am a thriller and horror author from Oxford, UK.
I write dark but entertaining books about the kind of people you probably wouldn't want to meet.
To watch some videos about my books, visit my Instagram page @zoerosiauthor or visit www.zoerosi.co.uk.
I write dark but entertaining books about the kind of people you probably wouldn't want to meet.
To watch some videos about my books, visit my Instagram page @zoerosiauthor or visit www.zoerosi.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
November 14, 2022
Thank you Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
3.5 rounded up
One sentence review: A passionately written tale of revenge
SYNOPSIS
Camilla Black is a rich bish with a penchant to kill r@pists and pedos... but can she keep getting away with it?
MY OPINION
Ight so I'm gonna be a lil messy (tbh when am I not?) but THIS is everything How to Kill Men and Get Away With It was trying to be. I gave How to Kill Men 2 piddly ass stars because the plot had more holes than a cheese grater and was more a PETA ad than anything else. Now, keeping in mind that Pretty Evil was originally indie published in 2020, it seems How To Kill Men was VERY, VERY inspired by this book........................ but it ended up being the Great Value version.
If you've read How To Kill Men, I implore you to read Pretty Evil to see the similarities yourself. Pretty Evil is head and shoulders above How To Kill Men for two main reasons:
1. Ironically, How to Kill Men and Get Away With It was more about how to NOT get away with it. Homegirl said forensic countermeasures? Never heard of her. In Pretty Evil, our fashionable serial killer has more sense than to use her personal cell phone to track down creepos. Zoe Rosi clearly took her time to research how to cover her tracks, which a h0e like me always appreciates.
2. In the author's acknowledgments, Rosi says she wrote this book after a traumatic experience. And you can tell. It's passionately written and comes from a place of hurt, of confusion, of loss for one's former self. Instead of pandering to the boss babes with lines like "men have nothing but the audacity", Rosi shows how Camilla's childhood trauma and personal experiences leads her down this path. You can feel her character's anger, distrust, and brokenness. With all this said, know thy triggers.
I wouldn't classify this book as a "popcorn thriller". It's very character driven with more windup than action (if this makes sense). Also it is SURPRISINGLY SPICY (another aspect that How To Kill Men seemed inspired by......................). There's two graphic sex scenes: one f/m and one f/f. I was clutching my pearls LOL. I know thrillerheadz don't like spice in their books, but you can easily skip these parts and not "lose" anything. And yes, there is a romance storyline as well (f/f). This is more prevalent and is key to Camilla's character arc.
I gave this a 3.5 because the ending was VERY rushed. I was at 94% on my Kindle and homegirl was just getting on the bus to the final showdown. It had me thinking there was either gonna be a crazy cliffhanger, or maybe the file got cut off? But nope, Rosi wraps it all up in the last 6%. I think if Rosi had cut down on some of the inner thoughts and filler scenes and given more time for the big twisty twist, it would've had more of an emotional impact and "wow" factor. Instead it felt like when you're giving a presentation at work and realize you had 6 slides left with only 5 minutes remaining so you bum rush through the rest.
I rounded up because I appreciate the message of the book and how she didn't pander to the audience. Rosi actually looks beneath the surface to uncover the whys and hows of the power imbalance between men and women, whether that be in the office or in the bedroom. Also, despite being published nearly 3 years ago, it is still relevant and fresh.
All in all, I recommend to those who like revenge stories and bougie living, but also want to get a lil deep with it.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: passionately written ("write what you know" really applies here), funny at times, strong character voice
Cons: ending is very rushed, filler scenes
3.5 rounded up
One sentence review: A passionately written tale of revenge
SYNOPSIS
Camilla Black is a rich bish with a penchant to kill r@pists and pedos... but can she keep getting away with it?
MY OPINION
Ight so I'm gonna be a lil messy (tbh when am I not?) but THIS is everything How to Kill Men and Get Away With It was trying to be. I gave How to Kill Men 2 piddly ass stars because the plot had more holes than a cheese grater and was more a PETA ad than anything else. Now, keeping in mind that Pretty Evil was originally indie published in 2020, it seems How To Kill Men was VERY, VERY inspired by this book........................ but it ended up being the Great Value version.
If you've read How To Kill Men, I implore you to read Pretty Evil to see the similarities yourself. Pretty Evil is head and shoulders above How To Kill Men for two main reasons:
1. Ironically, How to Kill Men and Get Away With It was more about how to NOT get away with it. Homegirl said forensic countermeasures? Never heard of her. In Pretty Evil, our fashionable serial killer has more sense than to use her personal cell phone to track down creepos. Zoe Rosi clearly took her time to research how to cover her tracks, which a h0e like me always appreciates.
2. In the author's acknowledgments, Rosi says she wrote this book after a traumatic experience. And you can tell. It's passionately written and comes from a place of hurt, of confusion, of loss for one's former self. Instead of pandering to the boss babes with lines like "men have nothing but the audacity", Rosi shows how Camilla's childhood trauma and personal experiences leads her down this path. You can feel her character's anger, distrust, and brokenness. With all this said, know thy triggers.
I wouldn't classify this book as a "popcorn thriller". It's very character driven with more windup than action (if this makes sense). Also it is SURPRISINGLY SPICY (another aspect that How To Kill Men seemed inspired by......................). There's two graphic sex scenes: one f/m and one f/f. I was clutching my pearls LOL. I know thrillerheadz don't like spice in their books, but you can easily skip these parts and not "lose" anything. And yes, there is a romance storyline as well (f/f). This is more prevalent and is key to Camilla's character arc.
I gave this a 3.5 because the ending was VERY rushed. I was at 94% on my Kindle and homegirl was just getting on the bus to the final showdown. It had me thinking there was either gonna be a crazy cliffhanger, or maybe the file got cut off? But nope, Rosi wraps it all up in the last 6%. I think if Rosi had cut down on some of the inner thoughts and filler scenes and given more time for the big twisty twist, it would've had more of an emotional impact and "wow" factor. Instead it felt like when you're giving a presentation at work and realize you had 6 slides left with only 5 minutes remaining so you bum rush through the rest.
I rounded up because I appreciate the message of the book and how she didn't pander to the audience. Rosi actually looks beneath the surface to uncover the whys and hows of the power imbalance between men and women, whether that be in the office or in the bedroom. Also, despite being published nearly 3 years ago, it is still relevant and fresh.
All in all, I recommend to those who like revenge stories and bougie living, but also want to get a lil deep with it.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: passionately written ("write what you know" really applies here), funny at times, strong character voice
Cons: ending is very rushed, filler scenes
June 24, 2023
2 "tons of potential but no cigar" stars !!!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Thomas and Mercer. This was re-released Jan. 2023. I am providing an honest review.
We are in the head of a female serial killer who only kills men that have hurt her or other women and/or children. In the meantime she is at the top of her game in fashion editing. But the poor dear is still struggling with feeling hurt and left out...(bah)
So I want to start off on a positive note. Ms.Rosi has got some very good to excellent writing chops on her. The prose was consistently 3.5 to 4 star quality. Generally a pleasure to read. I also loved the details about fashion. Most excellent.
The rest not so much...
-the grisliness and violence felt a quite self-indulgent and gratuitous...quite gross really
-the pacing was off...the ending and outcomes were lame lame lame...a cop out and shit show
-the psychology of a female serial killer felt off the mark, expected, a feminist vigilante...umm no
-overall not enjoyable but I wanted to see what happened and that ending....just a resounding NO
I think that Ms. Rosi could really churn out a most excellent feminist thriller or better yet a semi-literary one...this folks though was not it....
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Thomas and Mercer. This was re-released Jan. 2023. I am providing an honest review.
We are in the head of a female serial killer who only kills men that have hurt her or other women and/or children. In the meantime she is at the top of her game in fashion editing. But the poor dear is still struggling with feeling hurt and left out...(bah)
So I want to start off on a positive note. Ms.Rosi has got some very good to excellent writing chops on her. The prose was consistently 3.5 to 4 star quality. Generally a pleasure to read. I also loved the details about fashion. Most excellent.
The rest not so much...
-the grisliness and violence felt a quite self-indulgent and gratuitous...quite gross really
-the pacing was off...the ending and outcomes were lame lame lame...a cop out and shit show
-the psychology of a female serial killer felt off the mark, expected, a feminist vigilante...umm no
-overall not enjoyable but I wanted to see what happened and that ending....just a resounding NO
I think that Ms. Rosi could really churn out a most excellent feminist thriller or better yet a semi-literary one...this folks though was not it....
December 27, 2022
If you liked Dexter, you’ll probably enjoy this evil little book as well. A female serial killer needing to satisfy her bloodlust by killing off creeps. Although I enjoyed it, I thought the author set the bar too high by being reminded of an unique tv-show. Sometimes I even missed Dexter and wanted to know how he would have thought and acted instead of Camilla. This aside, the book was well-paced and I was drawn in from the start. There was an underlying tension, perfect for feeling that delicious chill down my spine. I found the ending a bit abrupt and it left me with questions. There was really no hints as to what Camilla was thinking, so I was totally baffled by what she had figured out. But it was also interesting that the author just didn’t reveal all her thoughts.
The book was well-written and it flowed along easily.
Overall a decent read, but it didn’t blow me away.
Thanks to netgalley and Amazon publishing for the arc
The book was well-written and it flowed along easily.
Overall a decent read, but it didn’t blow me away.
Thanks to netgalley and Amazon publishing for the arc
January 17, 2023
Woahhhhhhhhh
Well here is a book you wont forget after reading
Camilla
Successful top fashion mag editor by day
Stalker and killer of those who have raped and sexually abused by night
Camilla is complex, narcissistic and powerful but that is in her day job 😁 as a predator she serves justice to London’s most heinous and depraved and she does it with relish, double helpings
She had me wincing and yet cheering her on and also at times she made me LOL with her rye dark as night humour and observations and also her description of Hayes ( where she commits one act of retribution )
She has a full sex life with men and women and I was exhausted reading these assignations, goodness only knows how she felt
I liked her brand snobbery and googled a few things to add to the picture of her flat in Mayfair (I had in my mind) and her wardrobe of top designer clothes
Yet she had a heart, a feeling of righting very bad wrongs, it’s just she enjoyed righting them so much!
I meet many characters in my book week but Camilla will stay in my mind as will this book
A good, if maybe very quick ending and I wasn’t sure if glad or sad at the ending
Bravo to the author for tackling such issues and creating such a character
10/10
5 Scary Stars
Well here is a book you wont forget after reading
Camilla
Successful top fashion mag editor by day
Stalker and killer of those who have raped and sexually abused by night
Camilla is complex, narcissistic and powerful but that is in her day job 😁 as a predator she serves justice to London’s most heinous and depraved and she does it with relish, double helpings
She had me wincing and yet cheering her on and also at times she made me LOL with her rye dark as night humour and observations and also her description of Hayes ( where she commits one act of retribution )
She has a full sex life with men and women and I was exhausted reading these assignations, goodness only knows how she felt
I liked her brand snobbery and googled a few things to add to the picture of her flat in Mayfair (I had in my mind) and her wardrobe of top designer clothes
Yet she had a heart, a feeling of righting very bad wrongs, it’s just she enjoyed righting them so much!
I meet many characters in my book week but Camilla will stay in my mind as will this book
A good, if maybe very quick ending and I wasn’t sure if glad or sad at the ending
Bravo to the author for tackling such issues and creating such a character
10/10
5 Scary Stars
November 23, 2022
4-5 stars
By day, Camilla Black is a glamorous fashion editor and by night something entirely else.
In a bar a predator meets a predator with opposite results to what one of them expects as tables are well and truly turned. Here we have a justice seeker, a righter of wrongs, an avenging, vigilante angel and it’s a chilling tale.
This is not an easy story to tell or to read by any stretch of the imagination as it’s certainly a twisted story but it’s one heck of a gripping experience. I loudly applaud the concept of the novel, of fighting back against those who have the advantage of greater strength especially as it’s very sobering how few rapes and sexual assaults end with successful convictions.
However, it’s definitely not for the faint hearted as nothing is sugarcoated. It’s very dark and graphic in places, not just of violence but there is a big dose of hot and steamy too.
The author has created an unforgettable character in Camilla. Through the developing plot, you learn about her background and her raison d’être. She’s a very complex woman and dare I suggest a fascinating one? I really like how during the day Camilla dons the Ferragamo, McQueen or Burberry and clads her feet in Jimmy’s, the tone is lighter, brighter and there’s humour. However, nighttime Camilla contrasts starkly with Primani outfits and the matching, appropriately black tone and intense scenes. I would have preferred a stronger ending as it feels abrupt although that’s not to say I don’t like it.
Overall, this is well written, the message and the storytelling is powerful and it’s genuinely hard to put down. The pace is fast, there’s never a dull moment, you hold your breath in anticipation of what might come next and it pulls no punches.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Amazon Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
By day, Camilla Black is a glamorous fashion editor and by night something entirely else.
In a bar a predator meets a predator with opposite results to what one of them expects as tables are well and truly turned. Here we have a justice seeker, a righter of wrongs, an avenging, vigilante angel and it’s a chilling tale.
This is not an easy story to tell or to read by any stretch of the imagination as it’s certainly a twisted story but it’s one heck of a gripping experience. I loudly applaud the concept of the novel, of fighting back against those who have the advantage of greater strength especially as it’s very sobering how few rapes and sexual assaults end with successful convictions.
However, it’s definitely not for the faint hearted as nothing is sugarcoated. It’s very dark and graphic in places, not just of violence but there is a big dose of hot and steamy too.
The author has created an unforgettable character in Camilla. Through the developing plot, you learn about her background and her raison d’être. She’s a very complex woman and dare I suggest a fascinating one? I really like how during the day Camilla dons the Ferragamo, McQueen or Burberry and clads her feet in Jimmy’s, the tone is lighter, brighter and there’s humour. However, nighttime Camilla contrasts starkly with Primani outfits and the matching, appropriately black tone and intense scenes. I would have preferred a stronger ending as it feels abrupt although that’s not to say I don’t like it.
Overall, this is well written, the message and the storytelling is powerful and it’s genuinely hard to put down. The pace is fast, there’s never a dull moment, you hold your breath in anticipation of what might come next and it pulls no punches.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Amazon Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
February 12, 2023
4⭐
This was previously published as Predator in 2020, but has been re-released with revisions ~ I do wonder what changes were made, can anyone tell me?
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, revenge, serial killer, dark elements of pedophilia, molestation & rape, some steamage on the f/m and f/f front
Camille is a fashion magazine editor by day and Lady Dexter by night brutally killing rapists and pedophiles. She's rich, arrogant and thinks she can outsmart anyone.
The chapters and paragraphs are both on the longer side, with most chapters being about 30-40 minutes long. There were plenty of flashbacks that tell the tales of her previous kills as if she were reliving the high from them. She definitely has no qualms about what she's done and continues to do.
Overall, a quick read that kept me engaged and curious how it would all end. I was satisfied with the conclusion.
Side note ~ it was like the author googled the top 30 fancy shmancy designers and name dropped em all.
*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for my copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
This was previously published as Predator in 2020, but has been re-released with revisions ~ I do wonder what changes were made, can anyone tell me?
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, revenge, serial killer, dark elements of pedophilia, molestation & rape, some steamage on the f/m and f/f front
Camille is a fashion magazine editor by day and Lady Dexter by night brutally killing rapists and pedophiles. She's rich, arrogant and thinks she can outsmart anyone.
The chapters and paragraphs are both on the longer side, with most chapters being about 30-40 minutes long. There were plenty of flashbacks that tell the tales of her previous kills as if she were reliving the high from them. She definitely has no qualms about what she's done and continues to do.
Overall, a quick read that kept me engaged and curious how it would all end. I was satisfied with the conclusion.
Side note ~ it was like the author googled the top 30 fancy shmancy designers and name dropped em all.
*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for my copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
October 29, 2020
PREDATOR is a psychological Serial Killer Thriller by Zoe Caldwell.
Camilla Black is a successful and glamorous fashion magazine editor, for a fashion magazine, Couture with a big social media presence. She has it all!
But Camilla has a secret.
Underneath her poised exterior lurks a cold dark heart and an insatiable need to kill.
A murderer of bad men, Camilla sees herself as a vigilante, making the world a better place with every abuser she kills. But Camilla had come from a dysfunctional family, with her mum’s suicide, and the abuse she endured as a child. She was damaged… She soon realized she could never move on from the past. She no longer looked for love. She was used to being hurt and abused. That is all she had known.
On one instance she had saved a girl from being raped on the streets. She wasn’t a damaged victim anymore, but a vigilante.
Eventually, she went hunting for her next predator who abused women…and her next kill.
She had killed eight men, with Julian Taylor being her last victim. When Camilla murders Julian Taylor, she’s sure she can escape justice, but a new detective is given the case and is closing in.
Can Camilla get away with murder or has her luck finally run out?
While the book is well written, I found the graphic nature and language a little over the top for me, and not my usual psychological thriller. I am sure it will appeal to a lot of other readers.
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
Publication Date: Nov 2, 2020
Camilla Black is a successful and glamorous fashion magazine editor, for a fashion magazine, Couture with a big social media presence. She has it all!
But Camilla has a secret.
Underneath her poised exterior lurks a cold dark heart and an insatiable need to kill.
A murderer of bad men, Camilla sees herself as a vigilante, making the world a better place with every abuser she kills. But Camilla had come from a dysfunctional family, with her mum’s suicide, and the abuse she endured as a child. She was damaged… She soon realized she could never move on from the past. She no longer looked for love. She was used to being hurt and abused. That is all she had known.
On one instance she had saved a girl from being raped on the streets. She wasn’t a damaged victim anymore, but a vigilante.
Eventually, she went hunting for her next predator who abused women…and her next kill.
She had killed eight men, with Julian Taylor being her last victim. When Camilla murders Julian Taylor, she’s sure she can escape justice, but a new detective is given the case and is closing in.
Can Camilla get away with murder or has her luck finally run out?
While the book is well written, I found the graphic nature and language a little over the top for me, and not my usual psychological thriller. I am sure it will appeal to a lot of other readers.
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
Publication Date: Nov 2, 2020
February 9, 2023
An easy read with a gripping plot. Ms. Rosi is a very talented writer who hooked me from the very first chapter. Loved the ending of the book, too. However, she went overboard with the sex scenes. The fashion talk was a turn-off for me, as well, but I will definitely read Ms. Rosi's next book.
Thank you, #NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.
Thank you, #NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.
January 20, 2023
☆☆☆☆
Welcome to my stop on the book tour for “Pretty Evil” by Zoe Rosi!
Behind this seductive cover is a female version of Dexter. Or maybe a very demented Super Girl! If you enjoyed watching Dexter, buckle up for the violent and deadly ride Camilla is going to take you on! Lots of TWs in this one.
She is a powerful female protagonist and the editor of a fashion magazine. Bold, gorgeous, sassy, and unforgettable! It’s easy to look up to a woman like her. Her evenings can be brutal. Growing up with an abusive father gave her urges she can’t ignore. She seeks out rapists and other predators to deliver the punishment they deserve…according to her. Much more severe than the court system doles out.
“Nothing’s more fun than playing a player at their own game. Drugging the druggers. Abusing abusers. Controlling controllers. Don’t worry, I’m not into raping rapists. Sometimes I murder them…”- “Pretty Evil” by Zoe Rosi
After a visit from Detective Wheelan, she worries she’s been too careless with her last victim. Things didn’t go as planned but she never thought she’d be linked to Julian. Can she resist her urges?
Sincere thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Zoe Rosi for providing this gifted book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#PrettyEvil #zoerosi #netgalley #rachelsrandomresources #booktour #booktourhost #howluckyami #usbookreviewer #ireadbooks #ireviewbooks #ilovereading #newrelease #honestreview #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks #cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecommendations #igreels
Welcome to my stop on the book tour for “Pretty Evil” by Zoe Rosi!
Behind this seductive cover is a female version of Dexter. Or maybe a very demented Super Girl! If you enjoyed watching Dexter, buckle up for the violent and deadly ride Camilla is going to take you on! Lots of TWs in this one.
She is a powerful female protagonist and the editor of a fashion magazine. Bold, gorgeous, sassy, and unforgettable! It’s easy to look up to a woman like her. Her evenings can be brutal. Growing up with an abusive father gave her urges she can’t ignore. She seeks out rapists and other predators to deliver the punishment they deserve…according to her. Much more severe than the court system doles out.
“Nothing’s more fun than playing a player at their own game. Drugging the druggers. Abusing abusers. Controlling controllers. Don’t worry, I’m not into raping rapists. Sometimes I murder them…”- “Pretty Evil” by Zoe Rosi
After a visit from Detective Wheelan, she worries she’s been too careless with her last victim. Things didn’t go as planned but she never thought she’d be linked to Julian. Can she resist her urges?
Sincere thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Zoe Rosi for providing this gifted book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#PrettyEvil #zoerosi #netgalley #rachelsrandomresources #booktour #booktourhost #howluckyami #usbookreviewer #ireadbooks #ireviewbooks #ilovereading #newrelease #honestreview #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks #cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecommendations #igreels
December 1, 2022
And THIS, my friends, is why shady, awful men should be quaking in their boots. 😉
A SHORT PREVIEW:
Camilla Black has been honing her identity for a long time now. She's become a successful magazine editor up there with the likes of Miranda Priestly (ikyk), casual lovers, and a great apartment. Under that perfect veneer, though, Camilla has a secret. She murders bad men. It's not like they don't deserve it right? Who's even going to look for them? But when her latest kill ends up in the papers, and Detective Wheelan, a renowned investigator, comes on the case.. who will win this battle of the minds? The secret vigilante or the black-and-white thinking detective?
MUSINGS:
-Is there really anything more quietly vicious than an enraged woman? The sheer number of women I know who listen to straight-up murder podcasts while doing their 4-step skincare routine every night? Mind-blowing.
- I loved the story premise, and that's why I requested to review Pretty Evil. There aren't many stories about female vigilantes because women don't usually make their kills so ostentatiously. (Funny how we're called emotional, but we're not the ones murdering people with axes usually, right?)
- I don't know what I expected - perhaps something lighter..? That is not this book, lol. Not for the squeamish; much of this is gory and graphic in terms of violence and s3xuality.
- Random thought... What do you think of vigilantes? Personally, I could never become one. I don't like to spend energy on things that could land me in prison. I'm not meant for prison life, ya know? However, I have to say, after having my own #metoo experiences, I'm not opposed to her style of un-aliving bad men lol... I think if this was really happening, I'd probably not be too upset about it. 🙊
FAVORITE QUOTE (S):
'I tried to date, like a normal twenty-something, but it didn’t work out. There’s something off about you when you’ve been abused, when you’re damaged, broken. You’re different. Men can sniff out the pain in you, like dogs picking up on a scent.'....'My pretty face isn’t valuable enough currency to make up for the scars. The men I dated picked up on the trauma, the voids, the hurt, and they didn’t want it in their lives. They didn’t want it in their homes. They didn’t want its legacy in their children.'
-- This stood out to me because it is absolute truth. It's the reason I married someone older. Someone who could understand imperfections and darkness. Once you have scars of any kind.. people of your generation don't seem to cut the emotional/maturity mustard, and I've met many women in my position who say the same thing.
NOTES:
- This book is one giant trigger with some catharsis blended in for good measure.
- Definitely written from a place of rage. The writer notes that she wrote this after #metoo experiences, so it was cathartic in a way for her to write and can be cathartic for us to read IF you've dealt with your trauma or have none.
- Written from the killer's POV - so one would assume they're automatically an unreliable unstable narrator, but that's not the case. I actually found her to be quite level-headed throughout the whole thing. (Which might say more about me really? lol)
- LGBTQ+ representation
- Read at your own risk!!
**I received this book as an advanced reader copy, but all reviews are my own. - SLR
A SHORT PREVIEW:
Camilla Black has been honing her identity for a long time now. She's become a successful magazine editor up there with the likes of Miranda Priestly (ikyk), casual lovers, and a great apartment. Under that perfect veneer, though, Camilla has a secret. She murders bad men. It's not like they don't deserve it right? Who's even going to look for them? But when her latest kill ends up in the papers, and Detective Wheelan, a renowned investigator, comes on the case.. who will win this battle of the minds? The secret vigilante or the black-and-white thinking detective?
MUSINGS:
-Is there really anything more quietly vicious than an enraged woman? The sheer number of women I know who listen to straight-up murder podcasts while doing their 4-step skincare routine every night? Mind-blowing.
- I loved the story premise, and that's why I requested to review Pretty Evil. There aren't many stories about female vigilantes because women don't usually make their kills so ostentatiously. (Funny how we're called emotional, but we're not the ones murdering people with axes usually, right?)
- I don't know what I expected - perhaps something lighter..? That is not this book, lol. Not for the squeamish; much of this is gory and graphic in terms of violence and s3xuality.
- Random thought... What do you think of vigilantes? Personally, I could never become one. I don't like to spend energy on things that could land me in prison. I'm not meant for prison life, ya know? However, I have to say, after having my own #metoo experiences, I'm not opposed to her style of un-aliving bad men lol... I think if this was really happening, I'd probably not be too upset about it. 🙊
FAVORITE QUOTE (S):
'I tried to date, like a normal twenty-something, but it didn’t work out. There’s something off about you when you’ve been abused, when you’re damaged, broken. You’re different. Men can sniff out the pain in you, like dogs picking up on a scent.'....'My pretty face isn’t valuable enough currency to make up for the scars. The men I dated picked up on the trauma, the voids, the hurt, and they didn’t want it in their lives. They didn’t want it in their homes. They didn’t want its legacy in their children.'
-- This stood out to me because it is absolute truth. It's the reason I married someone older. Someone who could understand imperfections and darkness. Once you have scars of any kind.. people of your generation don't seem to cut the emotional/maturity mustard, and I've met many women in my position who say the same thing.
NOTES:
- This book is one giant trigger with some catharsis blended in for good measure.
- Definitely written from a place of rage. The writer notes that she wrote this after #metoo experiences, so it was cathartic in a way for her to write and can be cathartic for us to read IF you've dealt with your trauma or have none.
- Written from the killer's POV - so one would assume they're automatically an unreliable unstable narrator, but that's not the case. I actually found her to be quite level-headed throughout the whole thing. (Which might say more about me really? lol)
- LGBTQ+ representation
- Read at your own risk!!
**I received this book as an advanced reader copy, but all reviews are my own. - SLR
November 27, 2022
Update: The author has deleted her comments, which include: Pointing out that her book came out first in 2020, telling me to look at other reviews, saying I was "not being fair on the author" by treating her book as "stale", and saying "there's no need for bitchiness".
My response to the author's comments via her fake account (she changed the account name from Zoe to Lydia after commenting but Goodreads' email notification was faster): I'm aware that Pretty Evil was published in 2020. I was just comparing it to other books it reminded me of and explaining why I liked those better. I even admitted that my *personal* reading order might have affected my opinion about this book but nowhere did I talk about who was the original. I also believe my review is balanced with both what I liked and didn't liked about the book. I could have read Pretty Evil before the other 2 titles and still dislike it for poor storytelling + lacking in detail.
And if we want to talk about who came first, the first Mindfk book was published in 2016…
Original, unedited review:
How to Kill Men and Get Away With It meets the Mindf*ck Series, but make it yawnz. This lacks the wit and humour of the former, the gutsiness and darkness of the latter, as well as the compulsiveness and likeable protagonists of both.
I love a good girlboss story, especially when there's murder involved but Pretty Evil felt like just a standard thriller. It was okay overall but I have to admit my apathy towards this book might be because of how much I enjoyed its aforementioned counterparts e.g. lots of been there, read that, but with much less emotional investment.
The first 2/3 of the book was weak with all telling and no showing, lots of diary-style prattling on and let-me-tell-you-all-about it. But things do pick up and get better with the introduction and fleshing out of characters. Camilla also won me over eventually. Her moral ambiguity and inner turmoil made her a more sympathetic and believable protagonist.
Although the ending felt rushed, it took me by surprise and left me feeling more positive about the book. I prefer more depth and detail in thrillers but those seeking a entertaining, no-frills read might enjoy this better.
Weird sentences:
"He moans, sighing, as his cock disappears down my neck."
Camilla while committing murder: "I reach up and touch my breasts through my top; my nipples are hard."
Camilla rescues a stranger who's blacked out and unresponsive, bundles her into a cab, "hoping she got home safe". But no mention of how Camilla knows her address.
And the problematic because being targeted has nothing to do with looks: "There were other pretty girls at the paper, but he'd targeted me."
Am I being a nitpicky prude? Maybe...
Thank you Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
My response to the author's comments via her fake account (she changed the account name from Zoe to Lydia after commenting but Goodreads' email notification was faster): I'm aware that Pretty Evil was published in 2020. I was just comparing it to other books it reminded me of and explaining why I liked those better. I even admitted that my *personal* reading order might have affected my opinion about this book but nowhere did I talk about who was the original. I also believe my review is balanced with both what I liked and didn't liked about the book. I could have read Pretty Evil before the other 2 titles and still dislike it for poor storytelling + lacking in detail.
And if we want to talk about who came first, the first Mindfk book was published in 2016…
Original, unedited review:
How to Kill Men and Get Away With It meets the Mindf*ck Series, but make it yawnz. This lacks the wit and humour of the former, the gutsiness and darkness of the latter, as well as the compulsiveness and likeable protagonists of both.
I love a good girlboss story, especially when there's murder involved but Pretty Evil felt like just a standard thriller. It was okay overall but I have to admit my apathy towards this book might be because of how much I enjoyed its aforementioned counterparts e.g. lots of been there, read that, but with much less emotional investment.
The first 2/3 of the book was weak with all telling and no showing, lots of diary-style prattling on and let-me-tell-you-all-about it. But things do pick up and get better with the introduction and fleshing out of characters. Camilla also won me over eventually. Her moral ambiguity and inner turmoil made her a more sympathetic and believable protagonist.
Although the ending felt rushed, it took me by surprise and left me feeling more positive about the book. I prefer more depth and detail in thrillers but those seeking a entertaining, no-frills read might enjoy this better.
Weird sentences:
"He moans, sighing, as his cock disappears down my neck."
Camilla while committing murder: "I reach up and touch my breasts through my top; my nipples are hard."
Camilla rescues a stranger who's blacked out and unresponsive, bundles her into a cab, "hoping she got home safe". But no mention of how Camilla knows her address.
And the problematic because being targeted has nothing to do with looks: "There were other pretty girls at the paper, but he'd targeted me."
Am I being a nitpicky prude? Maybe...
Thank you Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
October 26, 2020
Camilla is a fashion magazine editor. She wear the best clothes, the best known shoes, expensive jewelry. She's smart, she's poised, .... but she has a secret.
Camilla is a serial killer ... but she only kills those men who abuse women. She plots and plans, and then executes those plans with precision.... leaving a string of dead men behind her. She's always been at least one step ahead of the law ....but a new detective has been given the case .. and he's getting close.
From the beginning, the reader knows the who ... the why ... and it seems to have all started in her childhood. It's well written with a character that can swing both ways. I wanted to root for her taking out bad men, but then her ways of killing didn't set well with me. I can't say that I actually liked her.
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: LANGUAGE / RAPE / DOMESTIC ABUSE / GRAPHIC EPISODES OF INTIMATE MOMENTS / F/F AS WELL AS F/M.
I wanted to like it more than I did. It was just too much for my personal tastes. However, the plot was intricate , well written.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Camilla is a serial killer ... but she only kills those men who abuse women. She plots and plans, and then executes those plans with precision.... leaving a string of dead men behind her. She's always been at least one step ahead of the law ....but a new detective has been given the case .. and he's getting close.
From the beginning, the reader knows the who ... the why ... and it seems to have all started in her childhood. It's well written with a character that can swing both ways. I wanted to root for her taking out bad men, but then her ways of killing didn't set well with me. I can't say that I actually liked her.
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: LANGUAGE / RAPE / DOMESTIC ABUSE / GRAPHIC EPISODES OF INTIMATE MOMENTS / F/F AS WELL AS F/M.
I wanted to like it more than I did. It was just too much for my personal tastes. However, the plot was intricate , well written.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 18, 2023
Everything about Pretty Evil by Zoe Rosi spoke to me, the fabulous cover and title, the blurb that did nothing but whet my appetite. I love villains, especially when there is a strong, female protagonist to make them pay. I love diverse characters, and Camilla qualifies.
I love the cat and mouse game between Camilla, a vigilante serial killer, and Detective Wheelan, who never gives up once he sinks his teeth into a case. I couldn’t see how Zoe Rosi would make me happy, but she did. If I was watching this as a movie or TV series, I would have been talking to Camilla, and she would probably tell me to shut up and sit down. She’s got this. LOL
I love a character that walks to the beat of her own drum. Camilla has remade herself into a fashionista, the editor of Coutoure magazine. Money can make things possible and she takes full advantage of it. She dons a mask, like the clothes she wears.
I’m not into raping rapists. Sometimes I murder them….
The feeling is strange: I feel powerful, knowing he’s at my mercy…is this why men use date rape drugs? I’d always thought it was about getting a guaranteed fuck, but now I see it’s about having a sense of complete control. It’s about being godlike.
Julian…and the roof scene…I had to do a little research to get the gist of what Camilla was going for and I love it. For me, gruesome and brutal, is good. It makes me feel satisfied in a way that real life, many times, does not. If do unto others as you would have others do unto you really applied, maybe people would rethink their actions. That is the wonderful thing about fiction, anything goes.
In Chapter 18, at 94%, I had to put my ereader down. I was reluctant to find out what comes next. I was afraid for her. How can this end in a way where I will be satisfied? Camilla…watch out…but, I should have known that Zoe Rosi was three steps ahead of me…and I LOVE IT! The story can end here, but the character is fascinating, complex, driven, so I could see more coming. Is Camilla talking to you, Zoe? I certainly hope so.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Pretty Evil by Zoe Rosi.
I love the cat and mouse game between Camilla, a vigilante serial killer, and Detective Wheelan, who never gives up once he sinks his teeth into a case. I couldn’t see how Zoe Rosi would make me happy, but she did. If I was watching this as a movie or TV series, I would have been talking to Camilla, and she would probably tell me to shut up and sit down. She’s got this. LOL
I love a character that walks to the beat of her own drum. Camilla has remade herself into a fashionista, the editor of Coutoure magazine. Money can make things possible and she takes full advantage of it. She dons a mask, like the clothes she wears.
I’m not into raping rapists. Sometimes I murder them….
The feeling is strange: I feel powerful, knowing he’s at my mercy…is this why men use date rape drugs? I’d always thought it was about getting a guaranteed fuck, but now I see it’s about having a sense of complete control. It’s about being godlike.
Julian…and the roof scene…I had to do a little research to get the gist of what Camilla was going for and I love it. For me, gruesome and brutal, is good. It makes me feel satisfied in a way that real life, many times, does not. If do unto others as you would have others do unto you really applied, maybe people would rethink their actions. That is the wonderful thing about fiction, anything goes.
In Chapter 18, at 94%, I had to put my ereader down. I was reluctant to find out what comes next. I was afraid for her. How can this end in a way where I will be satisfied? Camilla…watch out…but, I should have known that Zoe Rosi was three steps ahead of me…and I LOVE IT! The story can end here, but the character is fascinating, complex, driven, so I could see more coming. Is Camilla talking to you, Zoe? I certainly hope so.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Pretty Evil by Zoe Rosi.
January 26, 2023
Pretty Evil is a murderous mash-up of Dexter Vs. The Devil Wears Prada. It’s impossible not to be drawn into the sinister world of Camilla, a predator in editors’ clothing.
Pretty Evil is a different kind of beast!
Life has a habit of turning us, making us think and act differently it is a part of us whether we want it to be or not. Those traumatic events that become entwined with our DNA, changes our chemistry, it makes you question if you would’ve still gone down this path if it hadn’t happened. The truth is, you’ll never know – it’s a hard pill to swallow.
Camilla is the editor of a high-end fashion magazine – Couture. She’s climbed the ranks, through hard work and dedication. She puts forward a slick appearance, she loves her designer brands, her minimalist décor, and her Mayfair apartment. She loves all of these things but it’s the perfect alibi for her extracurricular activities. Under the cover of darkness, she likes to hunt out victims and slay them in rather imaginative ways. Camilla, the editor is a serial killer.
After reading Pretty Evil I have to say I kind of found myself lost for words. That doesn’t happen that often…the writing really brought this storyline to life. The inner monologue of Camilla was addictive to the point where I was completely on her side and hoping that she wouldn’t get caught. I often found myself trying to have a quiet word with myself and reminding myself that there’s a certain thing called morals. That’s how good the writing is that you fall into the spell of the apparent bad guy.
Camilla isn’t just any serial killer. Camilla is a serial killer with only vigilante justice in mind. She picks her victims by a strict moral code. She picks off men that are predators in society. Murderers, abusers, rapists, and paedophiles. Upon targeting Julian, a man that has a fetish for drugging and raping his tinder dates, Camilla decides to exact a little revenge. Think Editor with a crossbow (totally hobo with a crossbow came to mind.) She set him up artfully and she takes pride in her work. It’s messed up but her type of vigilante justice is always justified in her mind.
Every event that takes place leaves a wound. Camilla is broken from the events of her past, a past that has now seeped into her present. A past that has made her overconfident, and willing to take more risks which now has DCI Wheelan knocking at her door. The police are getting too close to discovering her murderous acts. Will it all blow over or will she be caught as she plans to do one last kill that has landed on her lap?
Pretty Evil is a different kind of beast!
Life has a habit of turning us, making us think and act differently it is a part of us whether we want it to be or not. Those traumatic events that become entwined with our DNA, changes our chemistry, it makes you question if you would’ve still gone down this path if it hadn’t happened. The truth is, you’ll never know – it’s a hard pill to swallow.
Camilla is the editor of a high-end fashion magazine – Couture. She’s climbed the ranks, through hard work and dedication. She puts forward a slick appearance, she loves her designer brands, her minimalist décor, and her Mayfair apartment. She loves all of these things but it’s the perfect alibi for her extracurricular activities. Under the cover of darkness, she likes to hunt out victims and slay them in rather imaginative ways. Camilla, the editor is a serial killer.
After reading Pretty Evil I have to say I kind of found myself lost for words. That doesn’t happen that often…the writing really brought this storyline to life. The inner monologue of Camilla was addictive to the point where I was completely on her side and hoping that she wouldn’t get caught. I often found myself trying to have a quiet word with myself and reminding myself that there’s a certain thing called morals. That’s how good the writing is that you fall into the spell of the apparent bad guy.
Camilla isn’t just any serial killer. Camilla is a serial killer with only vigilante justice in mind. She picks her victims by a strict moral code. She picks off men that are predators in society. Murderers, abusers, rapists, and paedophiles. Upon targeting Julian, a man that has a fetish for drugging and raping his tinder dates, Camilla decides to exact a little revenge. Think Editor with a crossbow (totally hobo with a crossbow came to mind.) She set him up artfully and she takes pride in her work. It’s messed up but her type of vigilante justice is always justified in her mind.
Every event that takes place leaves a wound. Camilla is broken from the events of her past, a past that has now seeped into her present. A past that has made her overconfident, and willing to take more risks which now has DCI Wheelan knocking at her door. The police are getting too close to discovering her murderous acts. Will it all blow over or will she be caught as she plans to do one last kill that has landed on her lap?
March 7, 2025
mc clearly thought this was Gotham & she was the female Batman seeking vengeance. idk what this was
heres my R A N T of what happened...
Camilla goes on a date knowing she was going to kill the guy after. leaves the body because no one could ever find the body right? they did.
"oooohhhh nooooo, someone found the body & police are investigating???! well I wore a wig so there's absolutely no way anyone could ever find out it was me"
drops her daily ootds which consists of 101 name brands from givenchy to alexander wang.
Cops are at my building? can't possibly be looking for me!
out with all my besties but i really hate them all. uh oh, a child predator walks into the bar we're at? time for me to obsess.
i shouldn't kill him the cops are already suspicious of me👉👈🥺...
I MUST GET VENGEANCE 😈😈
obsessing, name brands, sex, more name brands, more obsessing & then the end happens. The end.
1✨ because it pissed me awf & wasted my time.
heres my R A N T of what happened...
Camilla goes on a date knowing she was going to kill the guy after. leaves the body because no one could ever find the body right? they did.
"oooohhhh nooooo, someone found the body & police are investigating???! well I wore a wig so there's absolutely no way anyone could ever find out it was me"
drops her daily ootds which consists of 101 name brands from givenchy to alexander wang.
Cops are at my building? can't possibly be looking for me!
out with all my besties but i really hate them all. uh oh, a child predator walks into the bar we're at? time for me to obsess.
i shouldn't kill him the cops are already suspicious of me👉👈🥺...
I MUST GET VENGEANCE 😈😈
obsessing, name brands, sex, more name brands, more obsessing & then the end happens. The end.
1✨ because it pissed me awf & wasted my time.
October 29, 2020
It’s hard to believe “Predator” is Zoe Caldwell’s debut psychological thriller. Propulsive and addicting, but yet only 231 pages, it packs a wallop that you’ll still feel after you put it down. The main character, Camilla Black, is the femme fatale you can’t help but root for. She’s the standard twisted and depraved serial killer who thirsts for the next kill. Yet, she emerges as an anti-villain too, her own abusive childhood the impetus for murdering evil men who’ve abused women or children.
As the story begins, Camilla is out on a date with a man named Julian that she met through an online dating app. It’s no ordinary get-to-know you date, however. Camilla already knows enough about Julian’s past that she plans to kill him. A rapist who intends on making her next, Julian’s unaware that Camilla is watching him as he slips a drug into her drink — or that she slips him the same drug, reversing their roles as victim and predator.
With gory details of her kills and graphic descriptions of the sex she has with both her male and female lovers, “Predator” is not for the faint of heart — or the prudish of minds. The story doesn’t gloss over details of sexual and domestic abuse either.
Told in first person, Camilla is a complex character who bares all to the reader. Her euphoric attitude and lack of remorse over the murders contrast with her life as a refined, high brow fashion designer. The gruesomeness of each kill contrasts with her polished look and the top designer labels she wears to hide the depravity inside. Author Zoe Caldwell does a masterful job of illustrating Camilla’s psychopathy. Yet, Camilla’s abusive childhood and vigilantism make you wish that the psycho doesn’t get caught.
“Predator” picks up in pace and intensity throughout the novel. Longer chapters at the beginning give way to shorter ones as you near the breath-catching end. The final twist is one you’ll see coming a split second before it happens but, by that point, it’s too late to brace yourself. The question is, does Camilla see it in time?
Thank you to Zoe Caldwell for an complimentary eARC of “Predator” in exchange for an honest review.
As the story begins, Camilla is out on a date with a man named Julian that she met through an online dating app. It’s no ordinary get-to-know you date, however. Camilla already knows enough about Julian’s past that she plans to kill him. A rapist who intends on making her next, Julian’s unaware that Camilla is watching him as he slips a drug into her drink — or that she slips him the same drug, reversing their roles as victim and predator.
With gory details of her kills and graphic descriptions of the sex she has with both her male and female lovers, “Predator” is not for the faint of heart — or the prudish of minds. The story doesn’t gloss over details of sexual and domestic abuse either.
Told in first person, Camilla is a complex character who bares all to the reader. Her euphoric attitude and lack of remorse over the murders contrast with her life as a refined, high brow fashion designer. The gruesomeness of each kill contrasts with her polished look and the top designer labels she wears to hide the depravity inside. Author Zoe Caldwell does a masterful job of illustrating Camilla’s psychopathy. Yet, Camilla’s abusive childhood and vigilantism make you wish that the psycho doesn’t get caught.
“Predator” picks up in pace and intensity throughout the novel. Longer chapters at the beginning give way to shorter ones as you near the breath-catching end. The final twist is one you’ll see coming a split second before it happens but, by that point, it’s too late to brace yourself. The question is, does Camilla see it in time?
Thank you to Zoe Caldwell for an complimentary eARC of “Predator” in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2020
Predator is a stand-alone suspense thriller set in London, about one of my favourite tropes - a female vigilante serial killer. It’s dark, gritty, gruesome and twisted, with some foul language and graphic sex scenes - almost too much for me, but I stuck with it and was rewarded with a cleverly shocking ending that I should’ve seen coming but didn’t. This book would certainly not be for everyone though.
Camilla Black is the successful editor of a fashion magazine, with a stunning Mayfair flat, a popular social media presence, a collection of hot lovers and a wardrobe to die for. She’s also a serial killer. She justifies her blood lust with the knowledge that she only kills very bad men - rapists and paedophiles, and is confident that she’s too smart to ever get caught, but when she gets carried away on her latest execution, staging it to ressemble her favourite painting, she suddenly finds herself all over the media - has she finally gone too far?
This is told all in first person present, with a lot of flashbacks, so we learn a lot about Camilla upfront - there’s no mystery here - we know from the start what she’s up to. Her past and the events which turned her into a narcissistic psychopath are revealed more gradually. She doesn’t look for sympathy, but she feels righteous in her single-minded pursuit of those men she seems too wicked and dangerous to live. At the same time, part of her yearns for connection, family, love. Her arrogance, vanity and outrageous label-dropping make her impossible to like - but I still found myself cheering her on.
It’s a quick read - I finished it within a day, and well written, but it’s not the sort of book you “enjoy” - but it did get me thinking. Great cover image though. It’s darker than Dexter (which is referenced) but does have some sly humour running through it. Trigger warning for rape, violence against women, child abuse and paedophilic grooming. No animals are harmed. Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review.
Predator is published on November 2nd.
Camilla Black is the successful editor of a fashion magazine, with a stunning Mayfair flat, a popular social media presence, a collection of hot lovers and a wardrobe to die for. She’s also a serial killer. She justifies her blood lust with the knowledge that she only kills very bad men - rapists and paedophiles, and is confident that she’s too smart to ever get caught, but when she gets carried away on her latest execution, staging it to ressemble her favourite painting, she suddenly finds herself all over the media - has she finally gone too far?
This is told all in first person present, with a lot of flashbacks, so we learn a lot about Camilla upfront - there’s no mystery here - we know from the start what she’s up to. Her past and the events which turned her into a narcissistic psychopath are revealed more gradually. She doesn’t look for sympathy, but she feels righteous in her single-minded pursuit of those men she seems too wicked and dangerous to live. At the same time, part of her yearns for connection, family, love. Her arrogance, vanity and outrageous label-dropping make her impossible to like - but I still found myself cheering her on.
It’s a quick read - I finished it within a day, and well written, but it’s not the sort of book you “enjoy” - but it did get me thinking. Great cover image though. It’s darker than Dexter (which is referenced) but does have some sly humour running through it. Trigger warning for rape, violence against women, child abuse and paedophilic grooming. No animals are harmed. Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review.
Predator is published on November 2nd.
April 26, 2024
I LOVED THIS ONE SO MUCH!
The book hooks you immediately. The first chapter begins with this dude Julian trying to slip his date a date-rape drug, but he has no idea he’s about to become the victim.
Camilla is tired of men, especially those who like to abuse women and kids, she has made it her goal to try and kill as many of them as she can.
This book is a thriller but it’s also hilarious. I must have burst out laughing at least 50 times. It was fun to see the tables be turned on these men, finally getting exactly what they deserve.
The chapters are quite long but once you start reading you’ll fly through them. The writing takes you away and drags you straight into Camilla’s world. You won’t be able to put this one down.
The ultimate revenge story with Dexter-like vibes. I highly recommend this to every thriller reader.
Will def be reading her other thrillers now!
The book hooks you immediately. The first chapter begins with this dude Julian trying to slip his date a date-rape drug, but he has no idea he’s about to become the victim.
Camilla is tired of men, especially those who like to abuse women and kids, she has made it her goal to try and kill as many of them as she can.
This book is a thriller but it’s also hilarious. I must have burst out laughing at least 50 times. It was fun to see the tables be turned on these men, finally getting exactly what they deserve.
The chapters are quite long but once you start reading you’ll fly through them. The writing takes you away and drags you straight into Camilla’s world. You won’t be able to put this one down.
The ultimate revenge story with Dexter-like vibes. I highly recommend this to every thriller reader.
Will def be reading her other thrillers now!
January 18, 2024
Thank you to everyone who has reviewed Pretty Evil. I really hope you enjoyed it!
The novel means a huge amount to me. Camilla Black is a dark angel who has been living in my head for four years so I'm really happy she's now reaching readers (for the second time around!).
Writing about a vigilante serial killer of very bad men was very cathartic and fun to write, and I hope the book is equally enjoyable to read!
If anyone has questions about Pretty Evil, you can ask me on my Goodreads page. It would be great to interact with readers!
Also, if you've reviewed here, it would be a real help if you could post your review to Amazon too. It helps us authors out a lot!
Thank you,
Zoe
The novel means a huge amount to me. Camilla Black is a dark angel who has been living in my head for four years so I'm really happy she's now reaching readers (for the second time around!).
Writing about a vigilante serial killer of very bad men was very cathartic and fun to write, and I hope the book is equally enjoyable to read!
If anyone has questions about Pretty Evil, you can ask me on my Goodreads page. It would be great to interact with readers!
Also, if you've reviewed here, it would be a real help if you could post your review to Amazon too. It helps us authors out a lot!
Thank you,
Zoe
October 27, 2020
Holy heck. This is one hell of a story.
My first Zoe Caldwell book, but definitely not my last, this is a fast-paced, thriller told from the perspective of Camilla, a female serial killer. Think Dexter in stilettos. By day she is a glamorous fashion editor, by night she preys on rapists, murderers and child abusers. This story is graphic and sexual, but also wryly witty in places and Camilla is a fascinating character; broken, but arrogant, shallow, but passionate, and cold, yet relatable.
Seriously, give this book a go. It's easily one of my top reads this year and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
My first Zoe Caldwell book, but definitely not my last, this is a fast-paced, thriller told from the perspective of Camilla, a female serial killer. Think Dexter in stilettos. By day she is a glamorous fashion editor, by night she preys on rapists, murderers and child abusers. This story is graphic and sexual, but also wryly witty in places and Camilla is a fascinating character; broken, but arrogant, shallow, but passionate, and cold, yet relatable.
Seriously, give this book a go. It's easily one of my top reads this year and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
August 22, 2024
Oh man I loved this book. Female serial killer?? Yes please!! Gave me vibes of ST Abby’s Mindf$&ck series as well as AR Torre’s the Girl in 6E with its sexiness and ruthlessness and I lovvvvvvved it!
April 12, 2023
Camilla Black, a famous fashion editor seems to be anything but violent. but can you judge a book by its cover? in this case turns out NO! Camilla is a bloodthirsty serial killer who justifies her actions by killing only r.psts and pedos.
though the book was captivating and gripping, it sometimes gave me like TV-Show vibe? it's a super dark story, lots of violent but enjoyable to read :)) and I have to say Camilla reminded me of Dexter a lot, like sometimes I just pictured dexter as a elegant woman doing the deeds. :D
the story is strong and writhing is amazing, and what a powerful message :D be aware of women!!
thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy.
though the book was captivating and gripping, it sometimes gave me like TV-Show vibe? it's a super dark story, lots of violent but enjoyable to read :)) and I have to say Camilla reminded me of Dexter a lot, like sometimes I just pictured dexter as a elegant woman doing the deeds. :D
the story is strong and writhing is amazing, and what a powerful message :D be aware of women!!
thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy.
January 27, 2023
Ooooh my gosh I will never forget this book! This was a female Dexter!
Meet Camilla by day she’s a well respected fashion magazine editor, by night she’s a killer. Her victims are men who deserve to die like rapists and child predators. Camilla sees herself as a vigilante, by ridding the world of these men she’s saving others from becoming their victims.
The story starts off with Camilla going on a date with a man named Julian. She knows Julian was just in trouble for beating a woman, she makes an excuse to head to the bathroom and purposely leaves her drink. She sneaks out and by the front window she watches as he drops something in her drink. Angry she heads back and acts like nothing has happened, when he heads to the bar she sets her plan in motion. Dumps her drink and drops something in his, he drinks it. Drugged she leads him out to the bar and murders him. When Julian is found a detective Wheelan is on his case and determined to solve his murder. Will Camilla be able to stay one step ahead of Wheelan or will her dark secret be revealed? I do want to warn my fellow readers there are explicit sex scenes along with talk of rape and child abuse.
Meet Camilla by day she’s a well respected fashion magazine editor, by night she’s a killer. Her victims are men who deserve to die like rapists and child predators. Camilla sees herself as a vigilante, by ridding the world of these men she’s saving others from becoming their victims.
The story starts off with Camilla going on a date with a man named Julian. She knows Julian was just in trouble for beating a woman, she makes an excuse to head to the bathroom and purposely leaves her drink. She sneaks out and by the front window she watches as he drops something in her drink. Angry she heads back and acts like nothing has happened, when he heads to the bar she sets her plan in motion. Dumps her drink and drops something in his, he drinks it. Drugged she leads him out to the bar and murders him. When Julian is found a detective Wheelan is on his case and determined to solve his murder. Will Camilla be able to stay one step ahead of Wheelan or will her dark secret be revealed? I do want to warn my fellow readers there are explicit sex scenes along with talk of rape and child abuse.
November 8, 2020
I really can see why this book has been hailed as Dexter in Stilettos, Camilla the MC is just so kick-ass!! I found that I was hooked throughout this book, I lived vicariously through Camilla and her plight for getting justice against a certain type of men.
I love that this is a different kind of book that I needed to read. This a vigilante story, one that shows a strong woman enacting justice…maybe where she shouldn’t be but fricking glamourous at doing it.
Camilla is just so alive, when you meet her she doesn’t feel it. She feels like she is a void, but as an outsider, you feel like she is alive. She gets the thrill from doing something she absolutely shouldn’t be doing but I could not fault her reason and part of me was egging her to carry on. I wanted her to carry on her plan, I wanted her to get justice. I mean I could be an accomplice with the thoughts I had throughout the books.
There is something so charismatic about Camilla. Yes, she is aloof with her friends, and refer to the void comment above. Yet, I found I was enamoured by her. There really was something so fascinating about her and I was totally hooked by her. She knows what she wanted and was not afraid to embrace her darkness, there is a lot of darkness not only in her actions but her past. A connection, that is all that is needed. She provided us with a lot of sex, lust and gore but not all at the same time…..well…….
I have never read anything by Zoe Caldwell before but I know that the next time I see a book with her name on, I will be there with bells on if this was anything to go by. Her writing is like her characters, intoxicating, riveting and addictive. I didn’t want to put this book down but before I knew it was over. Gutted. I wanted more! LOL. I would love to see a sequel for sure!
I love that this is a different kind of book that I needed to read. This a vigilante story, one that shows a strong woman enacting justice…maybe where she shouldn’t be but fricking glamourous at doing it.
Camilla is just so alive, when you meet her she doesn’t feel it. She feels like she is a void, but as an outsider, you feel like she is alive. She gets the thrill from doing something she absolutely shouldn’t be doing but I could not fault her reason and part of me was egging her to carry on. I wanted her to carry on her plan, I wanted her to get justice. I mean I could be an accomplice with the thoughts I had throughout the books.
There is something so charismatic about Camilla. Yes, she is aloof with her friends, and refer to the void comment above. Yet, I found I was enamoured by her. There really was something so fascinating about her and I was totally hooked by her. She knows what she wanted and was not afraid to embrace her darkness, there is a lot of darkness not only in her actions but her past. A connection, that is all that is needed. She provided us with a lot of sex, lust and gore but not all at the same time…..well…….
I have never read anything by Zoe Caldwell before but I know that the next time I see a book with her name on, I will be there with bells on if this was anything to go by. Her writing is like her characters, intoxicating, riveting and addictive. I didn’t want to put this book down but before I knew it was over. Gutted. I wanted more! LOL. I would love to see a sequel for sure!
November 16, 2022
Zoe Rosi has combined sex and debauchery, murder and mayhem, evil manipulating men preying on women, evil predators preying on children, and finally revenge into an explicit and frightening story. Extremely hard to put down. A very well written novel with strong characters, startling twists and turns, and a surprising finale. Well worth five stars.
January 3, 2023
I do love a good female psychopath on the warpath against the vilest of male predators. Camilla Black is a fashion editor by day, donning impressive designer clothing but by night she hunts sexual predators. This book is cleverly written and well thought out and highly entertaining. If you loved Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone or the Mindf*ck series then you will love this! Do be aware that there are a few super steamy scenes in this story, we thriller readers don’t usually expect that, but you can choose to skip right over those without missing a beat. Thank you Netgalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is available for purchase on January 17, 2023
November 5, 2020
Predator by Zoe Caldwell is a gripping psychological serial killer thriller that lives up to it's description and title Also being described as Dexter in stillettos fits this easily. We meet Camilla Black, a thoroughly successful woman, the rich and glamourous editor of Couture fashion magazine. A woman who personifies success, fighting her way up the ladder. She wasn't always living the high life or experiencing all the good things life had to offer. Her life is one big lie, the pictures of her family, not real, a pretend family home and a different name is what gets her by.Well, along with hunting down paedophiles and rapists that is. She has her trophies from her previous kills and she revels in them. Her current kill was a piece de resistance, she thinks. The next thing she knows it is on the front page of the news and people are talking. The worst part is DCI Glen Wheelan is on the case and determined to find the killer. Will this man be Camilla's undoing or can she evade justice after all?
A story I enjoyed so much. Camilla is quite a cold calculating woman and we see her come alive when faced with a monster or when she feels the need for sex. If you are at all of a mild nature, be prepared, Camilla loves her sex and it isn't just skimmed over.
I do feel the ending could have been explored a little more, but then again...it IS Camilla!
Thank you to Zoe Caldwell and Bloodhound for my copy of the book for my review today, It was a pleasure. I hope to see Camilla again one day!
A story I enjoyed so much. Camilla is quite a cold calculating woman and we see her come alive when faced with a monster or when she feels the need for sex. If you are at all of a mild nature, be prepared, Camilla loves her sex and it isn't just skimmed over.
I do feel the ending could have been explored a little more, but then again...it IS Camilla!
Thank you to Zoe Caldwell and Bloodhound for my copy of the book for my review today, It was a pleasure. I hope to see Camilla again one day!
December 17, 2022
Based on the synopsis, I had high hopes for this book. It did not deliver at all.
I am a big fan of stories with women going absolutely feral, but Camilla is not a protagonist who can make you support her rights and wrongs.
I was unable to root for her, and I certainly wasn't able to find any big thrills in the novel. She is an unreliable narrator and a murderer who believes what she's doing is justified... and I absolutely love to read about that kind of psycho character... but unfortunately, Camilla just does not give me the thrill that such characters usually do.
There is absolutely no need for a grey character to be sympathetic, but (s)he should have at least something in her perspective, that a reader can connect with or understand his/her twisted logic (not accept but at least understand) but that simply wasn't present here... that je ne sais quoi that a character like this needs was not found in Camilla.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book
PS: the amount of name-drops for big brands in this book... way, way, way too much.
I am a big fan of stories with women going absolutely feral, but Camilla is not a protagonist who can make you support her rights and wrongs.
I was unable to root for her, and I certainly wasn't able to find any big thrills in the novel. She is an unreliable narrator and a murderer who believes what she's doing is justified... and I absolutely love to read about that kind of psycho character... but unfortunately, Camilla just does not give me the thrill that such characters usually do.
There is absolutely no need for a grey character to be sympathetic, but (s)he should have at least something in her perspective, that a reader can connect with or understand his/her twisted logic (not accept but at least understand) but that simply wasn't present here... that je ne sais quoi that a character like this needs was not found in Camilla.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book
PS: the amount of name-drops for big brands in this book... way, way, way too much.
December 19, 2020
Utterly terrible ending.
I feel this book didn’t know what it was. Is Camilla good or bad? Frankly I thought she was good, which makes the ending even more disappointing. By the blurb, I’d thought this was a book that was along the lines of ‘The Huntress’ books by Alexandra Sokolov, unfortunately that was not the case. Feel very dissatisfied!
I feel this book didn’t know what it was. Is Camilla good or bad? Frankly I thought she was good, which makes the ending even more disappointing. By the blurb, I’d thought this was a book that was along the lines of ‘The Huntress’ books by Alexandra Sokolov, unfortunately that was not the case. Feel very dissatisfied!
February 10, 2023
Pretty Evil by Zoe Rosi is a psychological Serial Killer Thriller and was so good. Full of twists and turns throughout and a great storyline. If You love the TV programme Dexter, this is a book for you - In this one Dexter wears high heels and dresses!!! etc.
So meet Meet Camilla.
She is a very successful and glamorous fashion magazine editor who has it all and lives it up in her beautiful Mayfair apartment.
Her glamorous life is all a lie!! She has a secret. A big secret! Underneath her poised exterior lurks a cold dark heart and an insatiable need to kill.
She is a murderer, a cold dark heart of a vigilante killer, a murderer hell-bent on wreaking vengeance upon bad men. and expects to get away with it She is always careful. And anyway, it’s worth the risk. She’s making the world a better place with each predator she kills. But when one of her victims’ bodies is unexpectedly found, their gruesome death is splashed all over the papers.
However, when Camilla murders Julian Taylor, she’s sure she can escape justice, but a new detective is given the case and is closing in.
Can Camilla get away with murder or has her luck finally run out?
I highly recommend this book. This book was called Predator when it first came out.
So meet Meet Camilla.
She is a very successful and glamorous fashion magazine editor who has it all and lives it up in her beautiful Mayfair apartment.
Her glamorous life is all a lie!! She has a secret. A big secret! Underneath her poised exterior lurks a cold dark heart and an insatiable need to kill.
She is a murderer, a cold dark heart of a vigilante killer, a murderer hell-bent on wreaking vengeance upon bad men. and expects to get away with it She is always careful. And anyway, it’s worth the risk. She’s making the world a better place with each predator she kills. But when one of her victims’ bodies is unexpectedly found, their gruesome death is splashed all over the papers.
However, when Camilla murders Julian Taylor, she’s sure she can escape justice, but a new detective is given the case and is closing in.
Can Camilla get away with murder or has her luck finally run out?
I highly recommend this book. This book was called Predator when it first came out.
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