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Tenkill
A lawyer on the run from her own firm and a trail of corruption that has shaped generations
In TENKILL, Greta Vinet Seville, E-Discovery Counsel and Deputy General Counsel at the international law firm of Coarse & Cotton, finds herself on the run from her own firm. Using a thin argument that she is authorized to investigate suspected corruption and possible high crimes amongst the named partners, Greta absconds with firm data to conduct her investigation—holing up at a former client’s off-the grid farm to figure out her next move—that is until the firm tracks her down, claiming to have only her safety in mind, forcing her to flee again, this time enlisting a diverse cast of characters to help her comb through the mountains of data she’s taken from the firm.
This off-the-books, rag-tag legal team includes a genius litigation technology professional, a possibly psychopathic (but effective) summer associate, an AP investigative reporter, a classical painting art restorer, Greta’s philosophy professor brother, and Greta’s love interest, a compliance attorney at Tenkill. Romance, action, technology law, corruption are all explored, and married with Greta’s personal backstory about a renegade, vigilante aunt who’s been on the run for decades and fighting her own politically-charged battles.
They create a make-shift war room in a historic Salem, Massachusetts home, and their pursuit of more evidence leads them in action-packed chases around Boston…and a massive hospital—Tenkill—that is at the center of the corruption. But this investigation is like no other Greta has ever conducted, as people who have millions to lose and careers to ruin have and will kill to keep what she seeks to uncover secret.
A surrealist thriller for fans of early John Grisham, with an all-female-led cast, and a secret at the end that will shake you to your core.
In TENKILL, Greta Vinet Seville, E-Discovery Counsel and Deputy General Counsel at the international law firm of Coarse & Cotton, finds herself on the run from her own firm. Using a thin argument that she is authorized to investigate suspected corruption and possible high crimes amongst the named partners, Greta absconds with firm data to conduct her investigation—holing up at a former client’s off-the grid farm to figure out her next move—that is until the firm tracks her down, claiming to have only her safety in mind, forcing her to flee again, this time enlisting a diverse cast of characters to help her comb through the mountains of data she’s taken from the firm.
This off-the-books, rag-tag legal team includes a genius litigation technology professional, a possibly psychopathic (but effective) summer associate, an AP investigative reporter, a classical painting art restorer, Greta’s philosophy professor brother, and Greta’s love interest, a compliance attorney at Tenkill. Romance, action, technology law, corruption are all explored, and married with Greta’s personal backstory about a renegade, vigilante aunt who’s been on the run for decades and fighting her own politically-charged battles.
They create a make-shift war room in a historic Salem, Massachusetts home, and their pursuit of more evidence leads them in action-packed chases around Boston…and a massive hospital—Tenkill—that is at the center of the corruption. But this investigation is like no other Greta has ever conducted, as people who have millions to lose and careers to ruin have and will kill to keep what she seeks to uncover secret.
A surrealist thriller for fans of early John Grisham, with an all-female-led cast, and a secret at the end that will shake you to your core.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 11, 2023
4 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Kirk
18 books440 followersMy top 14 books of all time are as follows, in the following order--as in, if I was allowed only 14 books to bring to a deserted island where I was marooned for the rest of my life, these are what I would pack:
1. Love in the Time of Cholera (Gabo)
2. Orphan Master's Son (Adam Johnson)
3. The Mummy Market (Nancy Brelis), tragically out of print, which makes ZERO sense because it's a classic
4. The Incarnations (Susan Barker) AMAZING
5. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
6. Night Circus (Erin Morgenstern)
7. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
8. Swamplandia, and every single word ever written by: (Karen Russell)
9. Everything is Illuminated (Jonathan Safran Foer)
10. The Keep, Jennifer Egan
11. The Sea (John Banville)
12. Someone Else's Love Story, Joshilyn Jackson.
13. Kiss the Girls (Patterson)
14. The Great Alone, Kristin Hannah
Further to my literary likes, I consider Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Charles Dickens to be actual, literal geniuses; if we had brain scans of their brains, we wouldn't understand what we're seeing. I prefer more prose than dialogue; prefer poetry over intricate plot, but love if I can have both (hence, Love in the Time of Cholera being #1 and Orphan Master's Son #2).
But I'm never really consistent with this anyway. If I'm pulled to keep reading the book, I'll keep reading the book.
My reviews are all and will only ever be of books I love. I do not finish books I don't like, so it's not fair for me to review them.
1. Love in the Time of Cholera (Gabo)
2. Orphan Master's Son (Adam Johnson)
3. The Mummy Market (Nancy Brelis), tragically out of print, which makes ZERO sense because it's a classic
4. The Incarnations (Susan Barker) AMAZING
5. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
6. Night Circus (Erin Morgenstern)
7. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
8. Swamplandia, and every single word ever written by: (Karen Russell)
9. Everything is Illuminated (Jonathan Safran Foer)
10. The Keep, Jennifer Egan
11. The Sea (John Banville)
12. Someone Else's Love Story, Joshilyn Jackson.
13. Kiss the Girls (Patterson)
14. The Great Alone, Kristin Hannah
Further to my literary likes, I consider Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Charles Dickens to be actual, literal geniuses; if we had brain scans of their brains, we wouldn't understand what we're seeing. I prefer more prose than dialogue; prefer poetry over intricate plot, but love if I can have both (hence, Love in the Time of Cholera being #1 and Orphan Master's Son #2).
But I'm never really consistent with this anyway. If I'm pulled to keep reading the book, I'll keep reading the book.
My reviews are all and will only ever be of books I love. I do not finish books I don't like, so it's not fair for me to review them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 20, 2023
I wrote it. It’s my baby. And I’m giving it five stars.
November 9, 2022
Tenkill proves once again that Shannon Kirk is the ultimate literary chameleon. Her new surrealist thriller is far removed from any of her previous works which range from dark and downright creepy to uplifting and sublime. Despite subverting reader expectations by shifting to another genre, Kirk loses none of her engaging storytelling magic and that addictive, distinctive writing style.
This was clearly a passion project for the author who incorporates her real-life law career into an action packed, tension filled, roller-coaster ride of a legal thriller.
The lead character's quest to expose corruption in her firm almost feels like an impossible task but her stop at nothing attitude is addictive and I couldn't wait to find out if she and her rag-tag team of professionals would succeed in their dangerous mission.
While the action scenes kept the excitement levels up, the numerous emotional back stories kept me engaged and their resolution gave me as much of a thrill as the explosive twist at the end.
An excellent read that is as fun as it is intelligent! Highly recommended.
Tenkill is released on 17th January 2023. Thanks to the author for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was clearly a passion project for the author who incorporates her real-life law career into an action packed, tension filled, roller-coaster ride of a legal thriller.
The lead character's quest to expose corruption in her firm almost feels like an impossible task but her stop at nothing attitude is addictive and I couldn't wait to find out if she and her rag-tag team of professionals would succeed in their dangerous mission.
While the action scenes kept the excitement levels up, the numerous emotional back stories kept me engaged and their resolution gave me as much of a thrill as the explosive twist at the end.
An excellent read that is as fun as it is intelligent! Highly recommended.
Tenkill is released on 17th January 2023. Thanks to the author for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2022
I’m not sure I can adequately express how much I loved this book. It’s a legal thriller, sure, but also so much more. I loved this cast of characters, the plot moves at a delicious breathtaking pace, and yet everything is so richly drawn and emotional. It’s been compared to The Firm, which I also loved, but I think it’s better. I’d read the hell out of a sequel, or whatever else Shannon writes.
November 18, 2022
I can’t find enough superlatives to properly share how FANTASTIC Tenkill is. I couldn’t put it down AND yet I didn’t want it to end! Shannon is a masterful writer and creator and what I loved about Tenkill is that I could feel her brilliant brain through the pages. The characters are compelling, the tale is exciting, and you find yourself just rooting for Greta and her team. I wanted to meet Greta, L.R., and Lena. As an attorney myself, I also loved that aspect of the book. Thank you Shannon for sharing your gifts with us!
November 16, 2023
This is the feminist legal thriller we all need! Pro-human rights and pro-kicking ass, I adored it despite that it gave me stress dreams. Then again, stress dreams are my measure of a good thriller. As a practicing attorney, Shannon gets deep into the legal system, but she's also a master of wild characterization.
September 23, 2023
I absolutely love all of the female power in this book. Every single page had my attention. They explain all of the legal jargon without confusing you. Such a great read! Would also love a sequel to see what Violet is up to!
March 17, 2023
Amazing, whiplash rollercoaster ride. Funny, harrowing and 100% unique. These lawyers are a genius team. Loved it.
April 29, 2023
This book was a revelation. I hope there will be more stories with Greta and her amazing team.
January 10, 2023
Having read and re-read this thriller, I hope Shannon is already working on a sequel or a prequel! I found myself lost in the pages of this legal thriller and into the lives of the characters - who they are, how they intersect. Shannon does an excellent job of balancing the legal elements (explaining but not over explaining) while keeping the plot thick and suspenseful. I particularly enjoyed spotting her homage to her other books, which to us Kirk fans surely puts a smile on our face.
October 25, 2022
Shannon Kirk, an e-discovery expert herself, takes readers on a thrill ride of 21st-century lawyering that left me breathless all the way until the explosive end. The novel is a thriller, yes, but it’s textured with gothic and lyrical elements that never get in the way of the plot’s propulsive motion but somehow make the story add up to something bigger than you think it will be.
Maybe it’s because her one-of-a-kind heroine, Greta Vinet Seville, is so mega-smart, down-to-earth, shrewd, funny, tender, and gloriously ALIVE that you’ll wish you could hang out with her forever. (Hint to author: we need a sequel fast.) And Greta’s gang of helpers—each one a unique personality with a special vital skill to contribute to the mission—make every scene sparkle with wit and fearlessness. As if that isn’t enough, there’s Kirk’s writing style. Those who know her earlier books know she’s in a class by herself. She writes with razor-sharp mental clarity and a ruthless emotional passion that ends up being strangely gorgeous and spellbinding. You’ll see what I mean if you read this book, which I strongly recommend you do. (I received an advance copy from the pub in exchange for an honest review.)
Maybe it’s because her one-of-a-kind heroine, Greta Vinet Seville, is so mega-smart, down-to-earth, shrewd, funny, tender, and gloriously ALIVE that you’ll wish you could hang out with her forever. (Hint to author: we need a sequel fast.) And Greta’s gang of helpers—each one a unique personality with a special vital skill to contribute to the mission—make every scene sparkle with wit and fearlessness. As if that isn’t enough, there’s Kirk’s writing style. Those who know her earlier books know she’s in a class by herself. She writes with razor-sharp mental clarity and a ruthless emotional passion that ends up being strangely gorgeous and spellbinding. You’ll see what I mean if you read this book, which I strongly recommend you do. (I received an advance copy from the pub in exchange for an honest review.)
May 12, 2023
Literally picked this up because I liked the cover and because it was set in Boston. Lots of characters, unsubtle political overtones. Lots of chases and bad guys. I skimmed the last 50 pages because I just did not care what happened. Could have used a better proofreader! Last rites, not last rights. Savile Row, not Sevil Row.
May 16, 2023
This Legal Thriller has teeth and combines a beguiling flawed female attorney URN with propulsive plotting and pace, and tone that ricochets from contemplative to foreboding to sexy to urgent and heart-pounding as the action increases and plot points gel together. This is an ensemble piece, a posse really, whose leader is our main CH Greta who works for a major Boston (national) law firm as the partner in charge of their Litigation Technology and Compliance. The other CHs are gradually brought on board and all are terrific individuals, the possible cliched transform as Kirk paints them on the page in vibrant and unique hues. Even the bad guys. Truly a journey you want to experience as the reader by reading the novel, I will just tell you that after the first few chapters that seemed stifled because of the legalese formality, Kirk falls into a groove and gives Greta a compelling and unique voice. I came to enjoy her “legal” departures and nomenclature as she uses them as metaphors for figuring out the puzzle—a very bad puzzle that Greta uncovers and is therefore forced to go on the run, amassing a retinue as she absconds by river to car to train to boat and hides in Western MA, Boston, Salem, NYC and RI. Nails Boston and Salem for sure. Kirk’s descriptions of the T (176-8) is worth picking up the book alone—hilarious and spot on. Greta as our narrator is conflicted, humorous, neurotic, earnest and has had her share of heart-break and tragedy at an early age. Themes and plot points mesh together as she uncovers issues relating to Dark Money, immigration, medical ethics, political PACs, and politics and the dance the legal and journalistic fields have to do in order to right grievous wrongs. This ride is also educational—I learned about litigation technology, legal spoilage, ediscovery while also being entertained with marvelous legal theatre and the strategies of savvy lawyers. RED FLAGS include graphic violence and vulgar language. Truly a treat and reminds me of a more contemporary version of early Grisham and Turow. Other authors I can suggest are James Grippando, John T. Lescroart, and Hank Phillipi Ryan’s The Murder List.
September 15, 2025
Shannon Kirk’s Tenkill is an exhilarating mix of legal thriller, sharp social commentary, and character-driven drama that kept me hooked from page one. Greta Seville, a whip-smart attorney, stumbles upon a web of corruption festering within her own firm. Rather than stepping aside, she fearlessly takes matters into her own hands—armed with stolen emails, relentless determination, and a ragtag group of unlikely allies. The stakes are high, the odds nearly impossible, and every chapter crackles with tension.
The prose is biting and clever, the dialogue rings with wit, and the narrative never loses its momentum. Greta herself is a fascinating protagonist—flawed, brave, unapologetic—someone you root for even as the danger mounts. The cast surrounding her is equally memorable, from her philosopher brother to the unnervingly unpredictable summer associate.
This isn’t just a legal thriller; it’s a story about conviction, risk, and the messy, often perilous act of doing what’s right. Tenkill balances action with emotional depth, delivering both pulse-pounding twists and heartfelt backstories. Highly intelligent and addictively entertaining, Tenkill was so much fun 4
Thank you so much, Shannon, for sending me a copy—I absolutely loved this ride.
The prose is biting and clever, the dialogue rings with wit, and the narrative never loses its momentum. Greta herself is a fascinating protagonist—flawed, brave, unapologetic—someone you root for even as the danger mounts. The cast surrounding her is equally memorable, from her philosopher brother to the unnervingly unpredictable summer associate.
This isn’t just a legal thriller; it’s a story about conviction, risk, and the messy, often perilous act of doing what’s right. Tenkill balances action with emotional depth, delivering both pulse-pounding twists and heartfelt backstories. Highly intelligent and addictively entertaining, Tenkill was so much fun 4
Thank you so much, Shannon, for sending me a copy—I absolutely loved this ride.
July 30, 2025
Tenkill is one of those rare novels that feels at once high-octane and deeply thoughtful. Greta Seville, a brilliantly complex attorney, discovers a web of corruption within her own law firm and doesn’t quietly walk away—she ignites a fire. With nothing but stolen emails and a burning sense of justice, she assembles an unlikely cast of allies and sets her sights on a scandal centered around a hospital ironically named Tenkill.
Shannon Kirk’s prose is quick, clever, and full of bite. The dialogue sparkles, the pacing is fierce, and every character feels singular and alive—from Greta’s philosopher brother to the unnerving summer associate who may or may not be a psychopath. What elevates the story, though, is Greta herself: flawed, unapologetic, and relentlessly brave.
This is more than just a legal drama—it’s a story about conviction, risk, and the messy art of doing what’s right. Tenkill will appeal to fans of sharp female leads, morally grey battles, and thrillers that make you think while keeping your heart pounding.
With thanks to Shannon Kirk, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Shannon Kirk’s prose is quick, clever, and full of bite. The dialogue sparkles, the pacing is fierce, and every character feels singular and alive—from Greta’s philosopher brother to the unnerving summer associate who may or may not be a psychopath. What elevates the story, though, is Greta herself: flawed, unapologetic, and relentlessly brave.
This is more than just a legal drama—it’s a story about conviction, risk, and the messy art of doing what’s right. Tenkill will appeal to fans of sharp female leads, morally grey battles, and thrillers that make you think while keeping your heart pounding.
With thanks to Shannon Kirk, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
August 11, 2025
Tenkill is a complex and compelling legal thriller that is difficult to put down. There was a lot of thought, passion that was poured into this novel by the author and you could feel it through the pages. I felt the knowledge of the author (she has a law career in real life) and I really appreciated that. Especially for someone like me that doesn't know much about the legal system and how it works on the inside. The dialogues in this book were very well done and truly engaging. The settings were all well described and vivid.
The characters are highly colorful and unique. They are all described very well and easy to feel for them. The reader is constantly thrown into action which keeps the pace steady and the storyline flowing. I also loved the romance that was added in, it was well done.
Overall, this was a very interesting legal thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is out of my comfort zone and I am very glad I gave it a shot !
✨ ️ Thank you to @daturabooks & @shannonkirk for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are highly colorful and unique. They are all described very well and easy to feel for them. The reader is constantly thrown into action which keeps the pace steady and the storyline flowing. I also loved the romance that was added in, it was well done.
Overall, this was a very interesting legal thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is out of my comfort zone and I am very glad I gave it a shot !
✨ ️ Thank you to @daturabooks & @shannonkirk for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2025
A smart, sassy legal thriller with a killer team and enough twists that kept me hooked.
If you love a good legal thriller but want something with way more personality and flair, Tenkill is your new obsession.
Greta Vinet Seville is the kind of badass lawyer you want on your side. Brilliant, stubborn, and on the run from her own firm while uncovering corruption that could bring down giants.
The ragtag team she assembles? Absolute gold.
From a tech genius to a possibly psychotic summer associate (who’s also kind of amazing), the banter and chemistry kept me smiling through the chaos.
The setting! Spooky Salem meets gritty Boston adds the perfect vibe for this fast paced, action packed investigation.
Throw in a sprinkle of romance, some jaw dropping secrets, and a whole lot of “oh no they didn’t,” and you’ve got a thriller that’s as clever as it is thrilling.
Highly recommend if you want your legal drama with a side of sass.
If you love a good legal thriller but want something with way more personality and flair, Tenkill is your new obsession.
Greta Vinet Seville is the kind of badass lawyer you want on your side. Brilliant, stubborn, and on the run from her own firm while uncovering corruption that could bring down giants.
The ragtag team she assembles? Absolute gold.
From a tech genius to a possibly psychotic summer associate (who’s also kind of amazing), the banter and chemistry kept me smiling through the chaos.
The setting! Spooky Salem meets gritty Boston adds the perfect vibe for this fast paced, action packed investigation.
Throw in a sprinkle of romance, some jaw dropping secrets, and a whole lot of “oh no they didn’t,” and you’ve got a thriller that’s as clever as it is thrilling.
Highly recommend if you want your legal drama with a side of sass.
April 23, 2023
With Method 15/33, Shannon Kirk earned in me a devoted fan, and in each of her subsequent books, she had never disappointed me.
This legal thriller hits the ground running and doesn't let up. Her writing is brilliant, her plots ambitious (without being inaccessible or pretentious), and her characters imperfectly perfect.
Long-time readers of Kirk’s books will delight in the easter eggs she hides in Tenkill, but don’t worry: if this is your first Kirk book, you’ll be in good hands. And if you have a vacation coming up or a lengthy plane/train ride, here’s the book that will keep you company.
This legal thriller hits the ground running and doesn't let up. Her writing is brilliant, her plots ambitious (without being inaccessible or pretentious), and her characters imperfectly perfect.
Long-time readers of Kirk’s books will delight in the easter eggs she hides in Tenkill, but don’t worry: if this is your first Kirk book, you’ll be in good hands. And if you have a vacation coming up or a lengthy plane/train ride, here’s the book that will keep you company.
September 27, 2023
I was lucky to receive an advance copy of the novel from the author, and having read Shannon Kirk’s previous works, I expected a wild ride, packed with originality, humanity, and energy. Tenkill delivers on all counts. Kirk is an experienced attorney at law, and the legal authenticity of the novel rings as clear as a bell throughout her surreal and thrilling narrative. She manages her complex plot with facility and counterbalances moments of terror with perfectly judged humour or pathos. Add in a fast-paced delivery, smart, individualistic, snarky, funny characters, and you have a thriller that won’t let go until you turn the last page.
July 30, 2023
Agree with all the other enthusiastic reviews! Great plot, fast pacing, colorful characters, humor, romance, suspense...what else could a reader ask for?
For me, the book desperately lacked a thorough proofreading. Errors including misspellings, punctuation errors, and usage inconsistencies too often interrupted the flow of this gripping story. I'd love to read more of this genre from this talented writer. But please hire a proofreader next time!
Five stars for the story, one star for the lack of proofing.
For me, the book desperately lacked a thorough proofreading. Errors including misspellings, punctuation errors, and usage inconsistencies too often interrupted the flow of this gripping story. I'd love to read more of this genre from this talented writer. But please hire a proofreader next time!
Five stars for the story, one star for the lack of proofing.
June 16, 2023
Wow!
You hear people say I couldn't put it down. This book is one of those. Finished in little over a day and delayed going to dinner last night to make sure I would be done before leaving. I have never read any other of Ms Kirk's works and will see if others may be of interest. This book grabs you early and doesn't let go. I would love to see a sequel of some sort with this same crew or maybe centering on Aunt Violet.
You hear people say I couldn't put it down. This book is one of those. Finished in little over a day and delayed going to dinner last night to make sure I would be done before leaving. I have never read any other of Ms Kirk's works and will see if others may be of interest. This book grabs you early and doesn't let go. I would love to see a sequel of some sort with this same crew or maybe centering on Aunt Violet.
October 18, 2025
This book is so original and and is a fantastic read. In my experience most espionage thrillers are based around men as the main character but this one is a woman, Gretta Her and her crack team of helpers help her uncover the corruption and conspiracy (no spoilers).
A gripping story line with high suspense and multiple twists and turns. It had me gripped from the first chapter.
I'd highly recommend.
A gripping story line with high suspense and multiple twists and turns. It had me gripped from the first chapter.
I'd highly recommend.
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August 9, 2023DNF at page 58. I thought the explanations of legal terminology were way too drawn out. this is coming from someone who works in the legal field though so someone who doesn’t spend all day drafting discovery may not get as bored lol. I think less precision and letting the reader figure out some of it on their own (or not) would have been better.
March 9, 2023
Thrilling read!
Wow, what an amazing book! It was hard to put it down. I wanted to keep reading! This was my first book from this author. I can’t wait to read more!
Wow, what an amazing book! It was hard to put it down. I wanted to keep reading! This was my first book from this author. I can’t wait to read more!
April 24, 2023
A legal thriller that is face paced and a page turner. Always fun to read a book set in familiar places.
June 14, 2023
A fun and exciting legal thriller with a cinematic crew and Greater Boston venue. Tenkill seems destined to be turned into a movie and to spawn serial successors.
June 15, 2023
4.5 stars - I really enjoyed this legal thriller- way better than John Grisham’s stuff. Explains a lot about laws too. And it kept me on the edge of my seat.
June 28, 2023
Art as activism! Shannon Kirk has written a poignant and timely thriller, one that will open eyes and hearts to the reality of malevolence! Bravo!!!
August 14, 2023
This is not your ordinary legal thriller! Shannon, I hope you are working on the sequel!!
August 22, 2023
Not a bad book, but pretty middle of the road for me. I kind of lost interest by the end but I did finish it. Some parts were exciting, others underwhelming or too unbelievable.
December 1, 2023
3.5 star listen
Pretty good crime thriller
I liked the fmc and her friends and family
Most characters were well thought out
I’ll read this author again.
Pretty good crime thriller
I liked the fmc and her friends and family
Most characters were well thought out
I’ll read this author again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews