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memoirsofabooklover's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
really enjoyed this, it was funny and loved that it was a fucked up female character and a good male character. her inner monologue was hilarious. the end was interesting because they kind of lived happily fucked up ever after, and we never know if he finds out what she does or what her plan is moving forward, whether she will keep on killing and if so, how she keeps it hidden from him . easy read and enjoyed the writing style.
Graphic: Blood, Stalking, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Incest, Mental illness, Torture, Kidnapping, and Gaslighting
Minor: Drug use, Gun violence, Rape, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
misssekundo's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.5
A fast read and a good story. Not what I was hoping it would be, though. The book turned into Jon story rather than Saffy focused.
And I could not get over the dog in the well scene , that was completely unnecessary.
Apart from that it was an enjoyable read.
And I could not get over
Apart from that it was an enjoyable read.
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Stalking, Death of parent, and Murder
natashaleighton_'s review
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A wickedly dark and utterly addictive thriller which follows charismatic, serial killing socialite, Saffy Huntley-Oliver, who likes to punish bad men. It’s the one thing she’s most proud of—making the world a better (and far safer) place. But it sure does get lonely, so Saffy (after some casual teasing from her younger sister) decides to find herself a boyfriend and firmly sets her sights on true crime podcaster (and longtime crush), Jonathan Desrosiers. The only real snag to her plan: he happens to help the Police catch serial killers …
I haven’t binge read a book this quickly in AGES—I absolutely loved it! Part Rom-com and part feminist revenge thriller, Julie Mae Cohen expertly delves into issues and themes (such as Pedophilia, Rape, sexual assault and domestic abuse) that are soo rage inducingly relevant it wasn’t difficult understand Saffy’s (admittedly twisted) reasons for killing.
The opening chapters, which paint a heartbreakingly bleak backstory for Saffy, only endeared her to me more, and (despite her unrepentant, serial killing tendencies) actually had me rooting for her, which was definitely a surprise. And her dark sense of humour and Dexter-like quest for justice only made me like her more.
Her love interest, Jon was also a really compelling character whose own moral values and desire for justice stands in direct contrast to Saffy’s. His interactions with Saffy were interesting (if a little nerve wrecking at times) though I did enjoy them. I was actually quite surprised by how much time we get with him as a character but, the mystery he’s found himself tangled up in was super intriguing and gave us a glimpse into his own personal obsessions. Also, I can’t forget his dog, Girl who was an absolute sweetheart and who’s blatant side eyeing (mostly of Saffy) was simply perfect!
This is a dual POV story so we do alternate between Saffy and Jon’s POV (which I really enjoyed) but we also explore the struggles that being a public figure can entail, like the unhealthy and sometimes obsessive nature parasocial relationships can have, or the dangers that can arise from it — especially when said fandom revolves around unsolved murder cases and the glamorising of serial killers.
I would’ve liked to have seen a bit more of Saffy’s serial killing side, which we don’t get to explore nearly enough of, but we get plenty of (cleverly hidden) clues and foreshadowing throughout that does sort of make up for it. I also really enjoyed the ending which was soo plot twisty.
If you loved How To Kill Men and Get Away With It or Death of A Bookseller then you definitely don’t want to miss this—it’s phenomenal!
Also a huge thank you to CaseyAnn and Zaffre for the physical proof
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Violence, Blood, Stalking, and Alcohol
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexism, Torture, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Rape, and Death of parent
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