𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘒𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 is the first revenge thriller from Lucy Roth, the pen name of author Lucy Nichols.

The title plays on the classic rom-com, but the cover makes it clear that this is one gone rogue.

The first 20% or so focuses on Sally's dating history, whilst not my usual style, the humour and Sally's brilliant character kept me engaged. After that, strap in, because we’re firmly in feminist thriller territory. Oh yes!

Sally, is a single Brit living in NYC with her housemate, Priya. It is gradually revealed why she left London and also what has bonded the two so closely. Venturing back into the dating scene, Sally meets Harry. He seems perfect and she’s doing her best not to catch or give into feelings. He’s perfect – until he’s not. One morning, Sally wakes with a raging headache, realising she has been spiked and her bank account emptied. It isn't a rom-com Sally is in after all, it's a rom-con.

This leads Sally to befriending a wide range of women. This is a group that wouldn't necessarily usually hang out together – we have women of all ages, backgrounds, faith etc. However their unlikely friendship is forged by the fact they have all been wronged by bad men. Together, they form a clandestine group, meeting under the alias of the Thursday Feminist Book Club.

"𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯."

You’ll be rooting for them and as the book progresses, we get a real insight into what drives Sally. Funny, thrilling and full of great song choices!

Many thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for providing this free copy in return for an honest review]

Dark but extremely funny! Sally has been badly treated by men since childhood and it has made her streetwise and definitely not easily fooled. She goes out with men for one night only because she is so wary of getting involved – until she meets Harry! Sally sees Harry as being different from the rest. He is charming and empathetic and Sally goes out with him several times until he spikes her drink and steals all her money. However, he chose the wrong woman to mess with and Sally is determined to get her revenge. She gets together with a group of women who have all been abused and one by one they get their own back on all the men who have treated them badly. The last one to be revenged is Harry and Sally has had to work hard to track him down and deal with him. Great characters, great story and great humour! Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this funny book.

1⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for an advanced copy of When Sally Killed Harry.

Sally has recently moved to New York City and she is looking for love. She goes on some dates but then meets a man named Harry who seems wonderful. They have a few dates but she finds out he is a con man. Then she finds out she is not his only victim. His victims form a group and plan their revenge.

This could have been such a good book but it was just not at all. The characters were not likable and the plot fit more ridiculous as the book went on. I was not a fan.

2.5 ⭐️

This started off slow and it took a bit for me to get the motivation to read it, once the story picked up I was able to read faster but I definitely didn't enjoy reading. There were times when I was engaged but for good chunks it was a bit flat and I felt like I was just going through the motions.

The title and description gave me high hopes but it just didn't deliver on its promises. Where the 'rom-com' in this story was I don't know. Not sure how Sally can feel such a connection to a man she barely knows, I mean 4 dates is not a lot.

I felt like we could understand more of our main characters motivations if key details were revealed sooner. Her past is a devicive plot point and we find this out very late on. Also our FMC goes above and beyond in her bid for revenge and basically becomes a serial killer at this point. All of our vigilante women conveniently get off Scott free which would certainly not happen in the real world.

Unfortunately I didn't connect with the characters or feel invested in the story but there are lots more positive reviews out there so you might disagree with me.

Great characters good storyline. Hooked from the first chapter. Thanks for letting me review. Would continue the series

So I did unfortunately DNF this book. I felt that the title was alluding that there would be some When Harry Met Sally connections but there wasn’t. Also I know this isn’t a straight up romcom, but it says a romcom gone rogue and there wasn’t really any rom and not any com I personally enjoyed.

The MC sense of humor wasn’t for me personally. And even though I enjoy a man getting what’s coming to him, I do not enjoy the hating of all men trope. I could see where some people would really enjoy this book, but it wasn’t for me and I couldn’t finish it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for the opportunity to read this book!

Londoner Sally is a survivor. Now living in New York, she's seen her share of the damage caused by some men and is wise to their moves. When she meets Harry on a dating app, it's all going so well. Until after the third date, when she wakes up realising she's been spiked and all her savings are gone.

Not one to take this lying down, she is determined to get payback. To not only get her money back but to make sure Harry doesn't pull this on anyone again.

While the main story is about title characters Sally and Harry, they're a catalyst for other women taking back control of their narratives. Along the way, Sally ends up forming a group with other wronged women waiting to reclaim their own lives and deal out justice that has long evaded the men causing the damage. Seeing the strength that the women gain from opening up to each other and sharing their stories makes the novel an enjoyable read. Each of the women are from different backgrounds, but find a commonality in how they've been treated, and as a reader, it's easy to root for all of them.

I don't know if Sally would normally be a character I could relate to. She's bold and brash and uncompromising and outwardly confident; sassy and snarky, occasionally reckless. As Roth peels back the layers, we see begin to see why she is the way she is, making her more likeable than she maybe ought to be. Roth is excellent at writing flawed characters with heart; no one is perfect and we're all fighting unknown battles, and shouldn't be judged for them.

What I did like was Sally's empathy. She's focussed on taking her own revenge, but in forming the support group, she doesn't take over as "Leader" prioritising her own problems. Sally's confidence and determination to get even is contagious, emboldening the others in the group to take their own futures in their hands and to no longer be defined by the things done to them.

If you read this, and I hope you do, try to be around soft, unbreakable things because some of the women's experiences will make you want to scream and throw things. It's even worse because nothing the women in the novel have gone through is far-fetched. It's all too believable and relatable. And even when the media focusses on these types of stories, the focus is often on the male perpetrators. As Roth notes, "Like, we're nobody in our own stories". Sally knows this has to change and she's determined to be the one to spark this change.

This is a sharp, brilliantly written, addictive revenge thriller that is so easy to get hooked on.

Thank you to the author, the publisher Avon and NetGalley for an advance copy of this novel for review.

I do love a book about female rage and women taking back their power, so I knew this one was going to be a hit.

It wasn’t super pacy, but that worked for the plot. The mystery surrounding Sally’s past was a great way to keep the intrigue going through the book and I thought that was going to be the only big reveal…

**** spoiler alert! ****
Did I suspect there was something up with Priya? Not until nearer the end, but I did think hmm there’s more to this Steve story than meets the eye.

I liked how the women each represented different kinds of abuse, it really shows that it’s not just about the physical harm people can cause.

Overall, thoroughly enjoyed and will defo recommend! Especially to fans of Katy Brent’s How to Kill Men and Get Away With It and Eve Kellman’s How to Kill a Guy in 10 Ways.

Loved it (rounded up)

Okay, I'm not quite sure how to write this review. There was a lot I liked and some I didn't, so I think I'll just break it down that way.

What I liked:
-Never underestimate a group of women with a central cause. All of the women in this story have been wronged by men in some way and band together to get revenge on their man together. They work together and while not all of their revenge tactics work out the way they hope, they don't back down or stop trying. Women looking out for women and supporting other women is always great.
-The internal monologue and banter/dry wit of Sally the FMC. She keeps chalking it up to being British, but, honestly, I'm the same way and I'm not British. So, that kind of dry humor is right in the sweet spot for me. I found the book to be quite hilarious.
-How each of the women didn't just "lie down and take it." They did something about it. Granted, I don't condone some of the things they did, but knowing your worth and realizing you don't have to stand by and be a doormat for anyone while also realizing it's not weakness to ask for help from those around you is great.

What I didn't like:
-If you're going to use a title like this, then there *𝓱𝓪𝓼* to be some sort of WHMS-ness to the book. There's literally 1 line when Harry and Sally are on their first date where they have a laugh about it and that's it!
-How obsessive Sally was with Harry. I mean, he conned her and and got her revenge but even after she got back what he took from her, she was like a dog with a bone and kept at him. She also kept coming back to this 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓃𝑒𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 that they had, when she was just a mark and he was just a con. One night of good sex a connection does not make.

Thank you, Lucy Roth and Netgalley for the ARC.

There was so much anger in this book--I mean, yes, I'd be angry if I was screwed over like this. But to live your life just to punish a person and hating all men? I went in realizing that it was a book of revenge but I thought it was going to be funny. No HAHA here.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary ARC. This opinion is my own and not coerced in any way.

We have all had dates go poorly, but this is a bit extreme. Or is it? I introduce you to Sally and the support group of women who meet at the church. What could be more innocent? This dark tale of revenge provided a cathartic way for each of these women to deal with the toxic men in their lives.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Hilariously funny and far too true for anyone who has experienced online dating. Revenge at its funniest.

I was lured in by the title and cover, but it did not live up to my expectations. It was a quick read, but I felt my time could have been spent better elsewhere

I knew enough not to expect a rom-com, but there wasn’t romance or comedy in this one at all. You kind of only kept reading because you wanted awful men to get their comeuppance. It reminded me of the movie Promising Young Woman, but that movie hit the high notes better and more poignantly.

On a side note - I felt like the actual crimes described in this novel were a bit sloppy/easy to solve but everyone got away with them every time?

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I struggled to get into this one a bit. It was definitely different. Wasn't entirely what I was expecting.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“When Sally Killed Harry” by Lucy Roth is a wild ride that catches you off guard right from the get-go! Imagine waking up in a city as vibrant as New York with a splitting headache, an empty wallet, and a sense of despair that makes you question every decision you've ever made. That’s exactly where Sally, our protagonist, finds herself after a night she’s all too eager to forget. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, she finds herself at the centre of a revenge plot that veers ever so gloriously off the rails.
Sally is relatable, flawed, and deeply human—the kind of character you root for even when you’re cringing in disbelief at her choices. After being charmed and swindled by the deliciously phoney Harry, I couldn’t help but get invested in her quest for revenge. Harry is the epitome of the term "dreamboat" turned nightmare. His charisma is irresistible, but it becomes clear that he’s a master manipulator with a long history of deceiving women. Through Sally's eyes, you feel that painful mixture of anger, betrayal, and a completely understandable desire for some serious payback.
As Sally rallies a group of women who have also fallen prey to the likes of men like Harry, the narrative shifts into high gear—these women are fighting back, and their determination is both empowering and thrilling. The formation of their group, “Some Women,” is a brilliant touch. It’s a weird but captivating support group that meets weekly in a church hall to pool resources and share their experiences of being wronged. As their vengeance becomes increasingly severe, it’s fascinating to watch how the dynamic between them evolves while they navigate their traumas together.
Admittedly, the pacing can be a bit jarring at times. It all escalates quickly, and while the revenge theme is compelling, I found myself wishing for more depth regarding the other women. Each has a rich backstory that pretty much gets left in the shadows as the plot barrels forward. I think the narrative's decision to focus on Sally's experience makes the story feel somewhat one-dimensional at points, especially since we only scratch the surface of their collective pain.
What truly captivated me, though, was Sally’s complex relationship with Harry. Even after everything he inflicted upon her, there’s an undeniable pull between them. It’s a perplexing and intriguing component of the story, as it calls into question how we can unwittingly cling to those who’ve hurt us. I personally found the exploration of Sally's past trauma to be straightforward, almost too simplistic, and I wondered if sprinkling in more mystery about her history might have added a richer layer to the narrative.
One of my biggest critiques is the lack of humour. I was expecting a rom-com gone rogue to possess a sarcastic bite or dark wit. Instead, the tone skews more seriously and lacks that levity that could have made the revenge even sweeter. Yet, even without the laughs, I couldn’t put the book down. There’s an addictive quality to the plot; it’s a revenge thriller that kept my heart racing, even if the ending felt a bit too neatly tied up.
“When Sally Killed Harry” is a thrilling read that dares to tread where few romances do. It’s not just a story of revenge but also a testament to the strength of female bonds in the face of trauma. If you’re looking for a narrative that fuses empowerment with suspense in a refreshing way, this one’s for you. Just prepare yourself—you might end up accidentally rooting for a bunch of wannabe serial killers!

This book is an absolute gem its funny, emotional, and so gripping. At its heart, it’s a revenge story that really taps into the anger and frustration many women feel when dealing with men who think they can do whatever they want without facing any consequences. It’s the perfect mix of thriller and dark humour, showing how revenge can bring women together and help them form real connections as they heal from shared experiences.
From the very first page, I was hooked by Sally’s voice. She’s witty, relatable, and instantly likable. But as the story unfolds, it’s a shock to see just how far she’s willing to go to get her revenge. Her backstory, which is heartbreaking and a little haunting, is revealed bit by bit, and by the end, you really feel for everything she’s been through. Her journey from being cynical and angry to finding strength is both tough and empowering.
What I loved most about this book is how it blends humour with real, raw emotion. It’s funny, but it’s also deeply sad at times, especially when we hear the stories of the other women. Each of them is carrying their own hurt, but together, they find strength in each other. The side characters are just as interesting as Sally, and I found myself just as invested in their journeys of revenge and healing.
The way the story is told makes you feel like you’re right inside Sally’s head, experiencing everything with her. It’s a fun, fierce, and totally unforgettable ride. If you’re looking for something that’s both light-hearted and deeply moving, this is must-read.

This was unlike most thrillers- I wasn’t sure of our protagonist’s motivation until almost halfway through the story, and once it was revealed the story really picked up. I loved the vigilante theme throughout- and I loved the strong women characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon books for the arc!

I wanted to love this one. It's such a cute name and a fun premise, but ultimately the characters all fell a bit flat for me and it just tried to do too much. Instead of nailing the femme fatale storyline, it tried to blend strangers on a train and promising young woman and cat and mouse....just too much and everything wrapped too neatly and quickly to get to the next bit. There were some fun scenes and a great deal of enjoyable elements, but overall it did not work for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I'm not sure whether to love or hate this book so I've gone for "like". I liked this book.

The beginning I must admit I struggled with. Just wasn't really on board with the MC. She's incredibly whiny and annoying. However, as we got into the middle of the book and Harry showed his true colours I began to enjoy it more. A lot more.

A big twist at the end took me by surprise but is it just me or were there a lot of skips in the book? As in ... it felt like huge portions were left out so it seemed super rushed.

Overall, I did enjoy this. Who doesn't like a bit of female rage but there was just something a bit lacking for me. However I'd still recommend to those who enjoy female rage and revenge stories.