Synopsis
Villanelle (a codename, of course) is one of the world's most skilled assassins. A catlike psychopath whose love for the creature comforts of her luxurious lifestyle is second only to her love of the game, she specializes in murdering the world's richest and most powerful. But when she murders an influential Russian politician, she draws a relentless foe to her tail.
Eve Polastri (not a codename) is a former MI6 operative hired by the national security services for a singular task: to find and capture or kill the assassin responsible, and those who have aided her. Eve, whose quiet and otherwise unextraordinary life belies her quick wit and keen intellect, accepts the mission.
The ensuing chase will lead them on a trail around the world, intersecting with corrupt governments and powerful criminal organizations, all leading towards a final confrontation from which neither will emerge unscathed.

I loved the BBC series Killing Eve so thought I'd give this a go. The plot and characters are slightly different to the TV adaptation but I still enjoyed it. I'd recommend to watch the BBC series first before reading the book. Looking forward to reading the next one. 4*
Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review

I found this a fairly quick and easy read. As it is the first in series I do feel that I am left without a conclusion but it wasn’t a full on wow read for me so I would only continue with these if I can get them from the library.

This is a book which is easy to read in a fun way. It’s a collection of separate plots within an overal theme. Unfortunately the plots give the impression of being a collection of short stories. Overall the title is recommended.

I was sent a copy of Codename Villanelle by Luke Jennings to read and review by NetGalley.
After seeing the wonderful television series Killing Eve that was based on this book I was interested to see whether it had been a faithful adaptation. The novel, of course, can go much deeper into the emotions and backgrounds of the characters but the TV series had an immediacy about it. I was pleased in one way to have seen the adaptation first as I thought the casting of Villanelle was perfect and this meant that I could visualise her and her idiosyncrasies whilst reading about her. As to the book itself, the premise of the story is the same but much of the content is very different and really quite explicit in places. I enjoyed the novel in its own right and when finished had no hesitation in moving straight in to its sequel No Tomorrow.

This is a satisfying spy novel but a disaster when it comes to dealing with LGBTQ+ characters which I was disappointed by because I picked this up partly because of the representation. Unfortunately it is exasperatingly common in this genre to add in characters that aren't straight or cis just to make the story seem somehow more seedy or edgy. (At first I thought it wasn't going to be too bad, as the bisexual main character is decently if a little clumsily written. However, about half way through the book one of the side characters gets all the worst transphobic clichés and slurs thrown at her. Sigh.)

Overall, it's a fun enough spy romp, but if you are specifically looking for a queer spy novel this falls short of the mark.

Despite having seen the TV version and LOVED it the book offers a much more nuanced and in depth view of Villanelle. Although it is episodic the characters are clear, clean and beautifully drawn. And any lovers of Le Carre or Len Deighton will feel the pull of the main idea of an anonymous and apparently normal member of society on the outside being a psychopathic and machine-like operative when the right buttons are pressed This book runs along at a cracking pace and is in so many ways an advance on the film (lets face it poor film makers are in a straightjacket so comparisons are odious.) that it is almost unfair to put them side by side. I loved Villanelle but would not want to meet her on a dark night unless she was working for ME. The differences in the story-line vis-a-vis film to book are understandable, some of V's expoilts would frighten the horses let alone a TV audience. I can't wait for more. Great stuff.

Is it bad to say I prefer the TV series? She's an amazing character but it still seems to be clearly through the male's view of women. Still, enjoyed it.

I'm definitely a Villanele fan now. Two great female leads that complement each other so well. Well balanced mixture of out and out action with compelling character driven plot - really enjoyed it.

I was entranced by the recent TV show, Killing Eve so I knew I had to read this. I found it hard to read in parts, however this was due to the changes made between the show and the book, so not to do with the actual novel. Overall I enjoyed Codename Villanelle and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.

If you loved Killing Eve, you will love Codename Villanelle by Luke Jennings. It may of been a short book but I so want to read for from this brilliant author.

I would like to thank the Luke Jennings, the Publishers, NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.

Villanelle, steps from the page, delicate, ferocious, terrifying and fascinating. He life is a fast paced, violent storm of action. The novel gradually reveals her history, the back story that makes her who she is today, then introduces Eve, brilliant and determined to track her down, using the unlikely tools at her disposal.

A fantastic yet believable story, very different (satisfyingly so) in detail to the TV series Killing Eve.

I do not normally read crime thrillers, but i had watched Sandra Oh in Greys anatomy and was intrigued by the tv show, watched it and loved it, so i took this book to see how different it was from the tv series.

I am glad i watched the show 1st because not only could i imagine the characters more clearly, but i was thrilled to find that it was different from the show in parts, like all books really, it is more detailed and descriptive

That said i think Sandra Oh makes the tv show something that transcends thrillers, because she captivated me and i couldnt take my eyes off her, she was so good in it, and whilst i would read the sequel to this, if i was given a choice i would choose the tv show, this is not a reflection on the author or his work, just that i thought the tv adaptation and Sandra Oh were exceptional.

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.

Fast paced and addictive, this is a must for fans of Killing Eve. The characters are subtly different and the description goes above and beyond your usual thriller.

Villanelle is a Russian orphan who was sentenced to death after killing her father’s killers, she is saved from the death sentence by a man known only as Konstantin but the people calling the shots are a group that call themselves The Twelve, obviously they have not done this for any altruistic reasons, they believe that as a sociopath Villanelle will make an excellent assassin.
Eve is the MI5 agent assigned to bring in Villanelle at all costs.
This is not a novel but a three short stories that are the basis for the t.v series Killing Eve, I am glad that I watched the series before reading the book because based on this I wouldn’t have watched it.
The characters are one dimensional, especially the MI5 agents, you don’t care if they live or die, and Villanelle doesn’t convince as a sociopath, she comes across as a spoiled wilful child.

Codename Villanelle and its' sequel No Tomorrow are the source material for the amazing Killing Eve tv show. The book is stylishly written and very enjoyable. Villanelle is like a vampire sociopath. She cannot go long without a kill or a perfunctory sexual encounter. Eve Polastri the spy is dogged in pursuit of Villanelle, and becomes obsessed with chasing her down. Life is more interesting for Eve with Villanelle in it, albeit much more dangerous.

I was so happy to be given the opportunity to read the book behind the brilliant tv drama! It was not a disappointment, with this book providing an excellent insight into the workings of the show, whilst providing an even richer narrative. I didn't think that was possible, so thank you for providing me this read

I read this after seeing the television adaption, so couldn’t help compare the two different versions. Jennings’ book is a solid enough tome, but the tv adaption is a thing of beauty. What this book shows is just how good the script writing of Waller - Bridge is and how something normal and average can become transcended.

I was a massive fan of the TV series Killing Eve which aired this year in the UK and can't wait for the second series. This book was great to have an insight into the inspiration for such a brilliant show.

I loved the Tv show and the book was every bit as thrilling! Eve & Villanelle's relationship is the best female pairing I've seen in adult thrillers. I can't wait to dive into the sequel!

I watched the to series back to back over a couple of evenings and was transfixed by a dark, gripping and incredibly complex crime thriller with a difference. It's packed with characters who ark argent than life, but plausible. An MI5 head who's gone to the dark side, perhaps? A couple of double agents, a dead beat and a central psychopathic assassin. Scenes of comic genius alongside a truly gripping psychosocial thriller. Who are the good/bad guys and who may be trusted. It made compelling viewing and it's very different. I was prompted to read the book to find out more.

It's not easy to pull off a comic thriller. But Jennings has developed idiosyncratic characters and the dark humour of their relationships is light relief for some very dark and brutal moments. The book really adds to the Killing Eve to drama and I relished it all. Can't wait for the follow up.