I like reading about strong and smart women, but the main character here may not be the smartest. Luckily, someone else steps up. The plot is interesting, and the story is entertaining if you want to waste a few hours, as the book would be much better at half the length.

Millie helps women in need to distance themselves from creepy men through her Message M hotline. But her past and deep hatred of the man who hurt her sister push her over the edge to do more than help.

I believe that this a debut for this author and I think the plot was fantastic. I will likely pick up more of her books in the future. I think that although the plot was good it was too long. Almost 400 pages for a thriller is a bit much in my opinion. The chapters felt long too, so maybe the 400 pages wouldn’t have if they were shorter chapters.

I really loved the dynamic between the two friends in this book. Everyone hopes to have a friendship like that. I did feel that the main character was supposed to be a girl’s girl and that was harder to fathom at times because she seemed kind of judgmental of the other women in the book. I also felt like there were a few things the main character wouldn’t have done or waited to do after you know how deeply she felt for her sister and friend. I also wasn’t a fan of the ending. But, I think it was a solid debut and can’t wait to see what the author writes in the future. *3.5 stars*

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for the advanced copy of this book!

I mean, the title of this book alone is worth 5 stars. It’s what sold me on it immediately. I LOVED this book…. But I am also A Weirdo.

It’s about a chick who has taken it upon herself to be a vigilante protecting women who feel threatened by men. Like, if you’re out at a bar and someone won’t leave you alone, you call her and she picks you up and takes you home.

And then one of the men kinda-accidentally dies. And this serves as inspiration for her ever-escalating vengeance.

I am so glad this book lived up to the title in terms of the dark-black humor in it. It was so fun and psychotic and, frankly, just My Ideal Read.

Got this early from NetGalley and there were annoying formatting issues and typos but it didn’t take away from the whole thing. Hope it gets buzz when it’s released. I’ll be re-reading it for sure.

The way things got wrapped up is a bit far-fetched… but I stand by this being a (pitch black) dark comedy and so it doesn’t have to be all that realistic.

Thanks to Avon and Net Galley for the ARC! The graphic cover and eye catching title of this book hooked me in! An entertaining and enjoyable read but rated 3 stars because I felt it could have had more depth in believability and in maturity of writing/structure and I’m not sure I’ll remember the book long after finishing. That being said, a 3 star read is still a really solid read, I’d recommend to friends.

When the first line of the book is “the first man I ever killed was my father”, you genuinely want to keep reading. At least I did. Millie is the typical angry, bitter millenial. Its borderline annoying but it kind of lures you in. If you were one of the people wondering if ‘Promising Young Woman’ was based on a book; it could very easily be this book. Therefore its a bit predictable, but even so you want to keep reading. Its really psycho, pretty triggering (csa, rape), and really addictive. First 5 star read this year!

I’m struggling to find the words to review this book. I did not like it feels too simplistic but explaining why makes me think I may come across in the wrong way. Let’s see. Looking at the cover I thought this would have humour, remind me of ‘How to Kill Your Family’ or something like that, but it didn’t. This novel’s dealing with similar themes but in a darker more serious way.

The main character was frustrating. I felt for her, emphasised with the experiences but then she came across as selfish and just a horrible person. Almost like her experiences meant the person she becomes is inevitable - there was no hope that I could see. Don’t get me wrong, her experiences justify anger and pain, however, I’m not sure I was prepared for the selfishness that followed.

The side characters weren’t fleshed out enough in my opinion. I’m not sure if this was deliberate, keeping them at arms length for the reader in the same way the main character does throughout. I guess I felt disconnected from the characters and was not expecting that going in.

I became angry reading this book. Funny as I always want a visceral reaction as it means a novel has impacted but, anger? It’s difficult to explain. A lot of reviews note the men deserved violence, and believe me when I say that I agree with that. However, I just could not justify the ending with the violence that came before. Two wrongs don’t make a right? But an eye for an eye and all that. See, I’m torn as to why it made me angry. Is it because I can’t imagine being that that man who incurs such wrath? Or is it the ending that leaves such a sour taste in my mouth. The main character makes strange decisions and, as the side characters aren’t fleshed out, it just doesn’t seem logical to me.

Ultimately, while the book was well written and I understand why it’s getting such great reviews, I did not like it. I couldn’t find the ‘dark humour’ but maybe I’m not the target audience? This novel felt dark and sad to me, not humorous at all. With that, it’s a 2-star read.

There were some elements of this novel that I really loved! It was a super quick, easily bingeable novel. I think I read it in less than 24 hours. I didn't want to put it down once I started it. I love all characters named Millie, and this one did not let me down. She was fun but sometimes a bit annoying. Overall, I would recommend to anyone who wants a quick read.

Feeling uneasy on a date? Dealing with a persistent stranger at the bar? Concerned about being followed home? Enter Message M.

After numerous harrowing encounters, Millie Masters establishes a hotline for women walking alone at night: Message M. Yet, as she receives calls, Millie discovers that mere intervention isn't enough. The cycle of harassment persists night after night.

When her own sister falls victim to an assault, the temptation to take matters into her own hands becomes irresistible.

Because M can also stand for murder…

This dive into the female serial killer genre, marked by dark humor, immediately grabbed my attention. Millie's Message M hotline, initially a safety net for women, takes a sinister turn. Despite Millie's occasional frustrations, the author skillfully portrays her likability, earning my support for her journey. The dynamics within her friend group and her relationship with sister Katie enrich the storyline. Gratitude to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this compelling read!

"A drunk, a mother and a serial killer walk into a bar ..... "

Millie runs 'Message M', a help-line for vulnerable women on nights out after her younger sister was raped on New Years Eve. But the more she helps and the deeper she dives into the lives of twisted men, she slowly becomes entangled.

Mille is out for revenge for her sister Katie and she won't stop until she gets it, steering her towards a path of hell-bent obsessive murder. That only seems to get increasingly unhinged as the plot thickens.

From the first sentence it is very clear that this book is primarily focused around killing and heavy subjects, but Kellman has done a great job at addressing these with light-heartedness and a pinch of humour. I was hooked from the get go and thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. With such an action filled plot and a couple of 'accidents', there was never a dull moment. It is fast-paced and filled to the brim with murder, revenge and a little bit of love.

I loved the character progression of Millie, and the slow unravel into her past containing the shadows that turned her into 'Message M'. It was a delight to get to know this character and I would love to read about her future life after the events of this novel.

A massive thank you to Kellman and her publishers for the ARC, it was a pleasure to read!

read this with my friend, really enjoyed the storyline. The title caught my eye and i’m so glad i read, she a girlies girl 😭 definitely recommend. thank you netgalley!

This synopsis is EXTREMELY misleading; it seems like it's all about the message M hotline and getting revenge for people who call the hotline, but it's a very minor plot point. The book is actually about a terrible, judgmental, and unlikable character named Millie and her mission to find the man who raped her sister.
I'm all for a badass female taking matters into her own hands, but this wasn't it. Millie was AWFUL. The rude and judmental things that came out of her mouth made me cringe in second hand embarrassment and hate her more and more with every comment. The comments about tattoos and body modifications were so out of left field and disgusting, just as an example.
The way she treated her boss, Rick, was also absolutely terrible. He was never anything but nice and respectful to her, and she took it and spit on it. This is his business, his entire life, and she had no remorse for being a terrible employee "It's not my fault I had a late night and couldn't get up in the morning!" Um... yes, it literally is.

The events of the book are because Millie's sister was attacked, but all she really does is go visit her sometimes? If she had put even a small percentage of the energy she used trying to find her attacker on truly trying to find Katie help, she could have started making improvements shortly after the attack happened. I know everyone is different, but why didn't anyone try harder to get Katie to therapy or something? It seemed like they just let her retreat to her room and fall deeper into depression.
The "twist" was so predictable that I had it figured out from the beginning. I don't know how anyone, especially Millie, couldn't have seen it coming.
With all of this said, I was going to give the book two or maybe even three stars anyway, but then the ending happened. I'm so disgusted by the ending that I wish I had never even picked the book up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC,

Millie has a hotline for women who feel unsafe, and does her best to get them out of bad situations. But she couldn't save her sister, who was raped several months ago and has only spiralled since. Frustrated and feeling powerless, an accident leads to a series of events that Millie could never have anticipated... Or could she?

Wow. This book grips and builds and thrills and excites, and I couldn't put it down. Such a winner!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

After one too many terrifying encounters, Millie Masters sets up a hotline for women who feel unsafe walking home alone at night: Message M.

This was a lot of fun. The very definition of "good for her." Loved it!

The cover got me in this book. Giant pink letters will do that. The title got me too, and then the book got me. It was hook, line, and sinker for this one. We read so much about male killers, I know that killing is bad, but I'm sorry this was a refreshing read LOL.

Plus, she's more of a vigilante? First few chapters were a little difficult to get into, but ultimately, I ended really liking this book.

Millie starts a hotline to save women from bad dates or from nights out with men. She's a woman who takes care of other women, even if that means killing a guy.

I can't say I have ever rooted for the 'bad guy' in the book more lol.

Like a really messy female Dexter. This was a really quick easy read. Reading about a female serial killer was an interesting change. It was stressful to watch the FMC spiral making mistake after mistake. Who doesn't love a killer with a moral compass?
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"A drunk, a mother and a serial killer walk into a bar, and the barman says, 'What can I get you ladies?' And they all sit down to discuss the fourth member of the group, the grieving lawyer."

A sharply dark story about one women’s journey of revenge after her sisters assault and an imagination of what would happen if we gave into the feminine rage we all feel at times.

Millie was a complicated character — not exactly likeable, definitely unhinged and violent, but there was something about her morbid humour and casual cynicism I liked and I found her intense awareness of her continuing a cycle of violence completely intriguing. But despite moments I did feel for her I just found the narration very jarring and jumping, her voice switching between a readable, friendly casual tone and overly formal which was a little baffling to read.

I really wanted the hotline to feature more, but it was a good plot point and way to make the point that, and honestly I was really hoping for something based on the homage it’s named after - so don’t expect any fun references to How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days. I loved the concept but the things I thought would made this stand out weren’t there so it felt remarkably similar to the other women killer stories out there, especially with the potential police love interest.

Although there were some things that didn’t do it for me, I still thought this was a gripping and bloody revenge tale with a fair bit of excitement and it had a painfully authentic portrayal of the havoc caused by rapists and abusers, highlighting not only the loss but the anger and the fear in a very insightful and honest way.

If you were obsessed with Bad Men or How To Kill Your Family and you’re looking for your next fix of feminine rage and murder - give this a try.

A fabulous, fast-paced addition to the feminist crime thriller genre! The balance between funny, dark and (unfortunately) relatable situations that the characters find themselves in made it an addictive read and I loved M's no nonsense narrative throughout. I flew through it and I'm sure others will too!

There is a lot books with this sort of theme out presently. I'd say this is one of the stronger ones while there is a lot humour and a sense of removal from reality the underlaying more serious message doesn't get lost. I did find the plot lost its self towards the end but other than that I found this book a good read it's dark and not very nice in places but it's handle with care. Millie is a good character full of wit and sass. The author makes some great true observations and it does make you think about how society hasn't really changed that much post the #me2 movement. I particularly liked how she showed it was all too easy to be found online( running app) and the difference in perspectives on this from men and woman.

Really loved this book. 5 stars! I thought it was funny, sharp, witty and to the point exactly like Millie who doesn't trust men or their intentions and with good reason, after all the book begins with her talking about how the first man she ever killed was her father! Although it feels like you shouldn't I really liked Millie and how nonchalant she is about a bit of serial killing.... When her sister is hurt she feels she the law doesn't protect the people that need protecting and decides to do it herself. Enjoyed the characters, plot and most of all the writing. I will be recommending and looking out for more from Eve

4.5 stars rounded up.

I support women's rights, and more importantly women's wrongs (she did nothing wrong).

I really enjoyed the jovial writing style, and each reveal of information was well done. Whilst some things were predictable and some silly actions, it was relatively realistic and didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. I enjoyed the relationships in the book, especially the "I'd do anything for you" type of love outside of a romantic relationship. Every character had a purpose, even if very minor, and the ending tied everything up well. I thoroughly enjoyed this and would love to read more like it. Thank you to netgalley for the arc.