How to Slay at Work

How to Slay #1

by Sarah Bonner

When your boss is at a conference in a city where there's a suspicious death, it's unlucky.

If it happens twice, it's odd.

But when she's in the same city at the same time as a third unexplained death . . .

Could she be a stone-cold killer?

Millie's always known her boss Freya is a psycho – the demanding and ever-changing coffee orders, the cryptic instructions, the apparently expected mind reading and don't even start on the insistence that Millie wears heels . . . All. The. Time.

But it only extends as far as exacting office standards. Right?

As Freya's assistant, Millie has privileged access to her diary and travel history and when a pattern emerges of men (who seem to have no connection to each other) dying in cities where Freya is travelling, Millie is determined to figure out what's going on.

After all, a stone-cold killer could be exactly what Millie needs . . .

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Contemporary, Adult

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Sarah Bonner "slayed" the beginning of "How to Slay at Work".

The book's early chapters were well-written, witty, engaging, and character-driven.

I was instantly hooked.

Unfortunately, at 50%, the author lost control of the narrative.
😭😥😭

Too many characters were added and the book quickly veered into "absurd" and "over the top" territory.

The premise of an accomplished female professional who also happens to be a serial killer is not new and, unfortunately, this book was not the "best of the best" of this genre.

This is my third Sarah Bonner book.

"How to Slay at Work" was very, very different than her earlier releases and I applaud the author for testing new waters. (The author has a terrific sense of humor!)

I listened to the audiobook read by Antonia Beamish and Gemma Lawrence.

Although both narrators did a superb job with the narration, the book would have benefited from additional narrators since it unfolded from more than two POVs.

[ReneeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this book was so fun. I was not prepared for where this story was going. I really hated Freya at first and that is obviously the point but after a while I grew to like her. She is definitely a strong personality! This one was sinfully twisty and unexpected. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more by this author!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 9/24/24

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

And you thought you had a bad boss.. Millie’s boss is a serial killer!!

Millie gets an unexpected promotion, no pay rise but extra work and travelling with Freya, the boss from hell. On her first day she finds herself in Paris on a work trip, when she sees her boss dressed all in black and scaling up the outside of the hotel they are staying at. The best day a man is found dead. Millie stars to invest and finds it is the first time a dead body is found while her boss has been away,

This was a darkly humorous story that had me turning the pages into the night. I loved The Perfect Twin by this author and this was up there with it. So fun to read, it had me laughing when really I shouldn’t have been. Freya was a truly awful character but I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. It is twisty, shocking and emotional.

Thanks so much to Boldwood Books for the advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on September 24th. A must read.

[Holly in Bookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn! This was so good. Millie works for a bitch boss, Freya. When she starts traveling with her, one night she sees Freya doing something suspicious. From there she gets anonymous messages saying to dig deeper. Millie finds something more than she was expecting. From there, we are sent on a wild ride. Secrets and murder are revealed by Millie and Freya as they tell us their story. This will keep you guessing and I loved every minute of it!

[Grace Quan · Rating 2 out of 5]

She came, she saw, she murdered some men, nothing that special.

2/5 stars

pre-read:

At the end of the day, I also come back to my lovely female serial killers. Sometimes it’s so hard seeing others live out your dreams 😭😭

[Claire Bailey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh my God! Am I even reading the same book as everyone else?

After seeing all the five star reviews I had high expectations that this book could be an excellent mix of Sex and the City versus Sweetpea. In reality it’s just a constant flow of mindless, endless, drivel … The story is long and meandering and absolutely mind numbingly dull. It’s so far down chick lane that I’m not quite sure what category actually fits into

The boss, Freya, is an almost direct lift of the devil wears Prada Miranda Priestley!! Followed very closely by Millie who is our little mouse of an assistant, wannabe big-time player. I’d love to say that it started with a bit of a bang and then lost its way but really this boat never set sale and all the constant references to money and fashion and lifestyle just don’t really sit right with what they’re trying to achieve in creating a serial killer boss.

Neither as the characters are particularly likable or even well constructed from either persons point of view they change when the narrative flips to the first person. I felt that this inconsistency of character also added to my lack of interest with the narrative. If you’re going to be horrid, be horrid to the end don’t have any kind of emotional sympathy. Miranda Priestley wouldn’t have. All in all a thoroughly disappointing read and one I really wouldn’t recommend picking up. I don’t know who the people are that gave it anything above three stars but in my opinion they must’ve been paid or persuaded to give that vote because I can’t see anything about this book that would merit higher than what I’ve given it.

Thank you to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review my thoughts and opinions are my own.

[NrsKelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to Slay at work…….felt very much like the devil wears Prada if only Miranda Priestly had been a serial killer. Which in and of itself is not necessarily a bad thing. The evil boss thing is a classic for a reason.
I found the dual POV didn’t really work in this case. Millie’s viewpoint starts the book and goes until chapter 11 when Freya takes over. It alternates like that with long stretches of one view vs the other before suddenly Sam takes at chapter 41……..
The ending I felt needed more explanation whereas the rest of the book gave a bit much. It was like oh I did this bad thing but no reason why it was done.
Overall a lackluster read for me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a pretty fun read, and I never quite knew where the story was going to lead! I initially thought that Freya’s motivation for murder was very strong, and the author wove an interesting web when Millicent’s backstory was introduced.

Sadly, I think that there were too many plates spinning by the end of the book, and the conclusions weren’t fully developed. The twist of Freya being revealed as Verity’s attempted killer was never explained - this needed to be brought in sooner so that the reader could understand why she did it. I also thought that Kieran’s character was rather two-dimensional and his contribution to the story ended up being lacklustre at best.

Nevertheless, this was an engaging read and would be a great recommendation for people new to this genre.

[Lata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Millie's boss Freya is a NIGHTMARE. She's rude, insulting, abrupt, unreasonably demanding, delivering often cryptic and contradictory commands and refusing to allow Millie to ever catch a breath.

Millie has taken over the job of Freya's assistant after the previous person, Samantha, left abruptly, and left no way for Millie to contact her for advice.

On one hastily arranged business trip, Millie catches sight of Freya doing something unbelievable, and thinks it's freaky, but later, upon hearing of a man dying not far from where the women were staying, begins to wonder if Freya had something to do with this.

Reviewing Freya's work diary, travel and expense records and cross-referencing with news reports of dead men dying unexpectedly in every city Freya has visited, Millie is even more convinced that her boss is responsible. To ensure she doesn't sound batty, Millie runs it by her best friend and roommate, Lissa, and Lissa is equally convinced. Millie persists in her research, even as she and Freya continue to travel for more unexpected client meetings, and another dead man is found.

MIllie and Freya have a confrontation, and we begin to understand more of the situation. Including MIllie's own background, which is bound up intimately with the cosmetics company they both work for. Author Sarah Bonner gives us both Millie's perspective, as she researches Freya, and Freya's perspective, as she watches Millie, and relates her backstory.

The chapters are short, the story moves fast, and I was enjoying this story, then at around the 60-70% point, I found the silliness of the whole concept just became a little too much.

I did appreciate the commentary on perceptions of and expectations placed on professional women, and the very hard glass ceiling, and how few companies around the world have diverse upper management.

Despite finding the last third of the book increasingly melodramatic and a more than a little silly, this is a light, mostly humorous, fast read.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Linnea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC.

Millies boss is a bitch. But she’s also an icon. She literally slays.
When Millie gets promoted she now has to work closely with her extremely demanding boss. Things starts out as she would have thought, a lot of work and a lot of stress, but everything changes when she sees Freya acting very suspicious at a work trip. As Millie starts to unravel Freyas secrets she uncovers something she never thought could be true. She knows her boss is a stone cold bitch but could she really be a stone cold killer as well?

Now this is how you write an entertaining thriller with lots of twists and turns. Did I think the book would end how it did? No, not really.

At first I was a bit disappointed in how we never got any backstory’s of the characters but in the end I totally get why. The author did a great job letting us readers guess what could be going on at all times before delivering a conclusion that really exceeded my expectations.

The chapters are short and fast paced which makes it almost difficult to put down. Love it.

This was right up my alley and I will definitely keep my eye out for more that the author puts out.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Slay at Work is the wild, new novel from Sarah Bonner

"Millie discovers a strange coincidence with her psycho, demanding boss. Men are being murdered in the cities she has been in for 'work'. Is her boss a serial killer? Who does she tell?
Because a killer is what Millie needs..."

This is not a story where every male is awful and should be killed, although there are plenty of unlikable, untrustworthy men here. Bonner leads you on with this story and then BOOM! The twists start coming - all the way to the end. Lots of surprises, lots of dark humor and a wild ending.

Wildly entertaining book from Bonner.

[Karly · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3.5 rounded up, ate it up but lacked a bit in the ending for me!!

Do you have a bad boss?? Someone who is on your arse 24/7, demanding and rude? Well how about all that and shes a serial killer!!!

I went for this one when I wouldn’t normally because I had hoped the style would be similar to Hope This Finds you Well which I loved. That one is not a thriller/mystery or whatever you want to call this one but the writing style is kind of similar (different author though just to be clear).

I liked that each POV was telling the story and they were talking to me throughout as well… it was like I was along for the ride with them and if done poorly its a nightmare but done well and I find it really enhances a story like this.

I don’t think there were too many surprises in this one I think there were supposed to be a few twists which I clocked early on but thats ok cause I was really into it.. I liked finding out about Millie and Freya and the ultimate what would happen…

I ripped through it so its super easy to read the only real complaint I have is that by about 70% it gets really silly and I know its supposed to be that way but if it had kind of stuck to the same trajectory it was on I think it could have slid into a real 5 star winner… but for me it got just a little bit too silly and the ending kind of felt rushed.

That’s really the only reason I deducted a star (and a half) I wanted more of what was in the first half and less of how it ended up. I just felt a little let down.

I think people will love this - my prediction is it will be a mainstream hit and I hope it is… it’s really very clever I am just a bit nit-picky and I did just have a 5 star book prior so my hopes were even higher, is that unfair, maybe. Is it too bad… yep 🤣

[Lynsey (To read or not to read… definitely read!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a brilliant and unusual read!

This was a fun and quirky story, written from mainly two perspectives, with a little mystery thrown in.

Millie finds herself unexpectedly promoted, after her colleague goes missing suddenly. She throws herself into the demands of her new role with her exceptionally unlikeable and nasty boss, Freya.

Millie travels with Freya to Paris and sees suspicious behavior from Freya. She then receives anonymous texts hinting at suspicious goings on and she really starts to suspect that her boss is, in fact, a serial killer.

As the story develops, more questions arrive and Millie and her friend Lissa, start to become more involved in the investigation and events as they unfurl. There is much travel and Millie finds herself becoming closer to events then she ever imagined.

This was such a unique, fun story, with quite a lot of dark humour. For most of the story there was an element of unpredictability which made it quite refreshing. The characters were well written, Millie and Freya were very creditable and believable. Freya particularly, I found myself loathing her, and immediately feeling relieved that she wasn’t my own killer boss!

There was much content included here, with particular showcase of how women are viewed in the workplace and how their careers are affected. It was wonderful to see this highlighted in so many ways.

I would thoroughly recommend this book and gave it 4 stars. It lost a star due to a small disconnect when changing perspectives and believability. That being said, I really enjoyed the book and will look to read more from the author.

[Jasmine Y · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I am inclined to agree with other readers here. The first half was reviting and highly engaging. But everything fell apart by the second half. Characters suddenly appear to have different motivations and in an attempt to justify it, the author adds events from the past that throws the reader off. Whilst these are intended to shock or surprise the reader, it felt like a disjointed narrative.

[Shira Magat · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like mystery and are looking for a unique story - this is the book for you! What a creative, fun and dark story.

I usually can predict endings, and this book had so many twists! The ending was really good, as throughout the story I found myself really wanting more character background and was happy to learn more at the end.

Quick summary: Millie has to work for a cold heart bitch boss, but she has to if she wants to climb the corporate ladder. On a work trip Millie sees her boss scale a building and learns of a death the following morning. Investigation leads to more questions and without spoilers, it’s definitely not what you think….

Overall this is a great quick read, with different POVs (which I personally, love)


Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing this ARC!

[Farnham68 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, and give it 5 out of 5 stars. It had all the elements I look for in a 5 star rating. Story originality, page turner, great editing. The story line was a little far fetched, but it wasn’t totally unbelievable so it worked for me. It was a fun story that had me rooting for the protagonist even though what she was doing wasn’t exactly ethical. The story was entertaining and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next, and really that all I want, is to be entertained. I definitely recommend this book. It’s a little slow to start, but once it picks up you won’t be able to put it down:

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

How To Slay At Work by Sarah Bonner millie works for make up company Serendipity and until recently she worked under Sam and their boss Freya. When she shows up at work however and Sam isn’t there she has no time to process it because Freya says they’re going on a business trip to France. It seems as if Millie has gotten a promotion she quickly runs home packs a bag gets her passport and leaves a note for her roommate Alyssa. Everything seems normal until they check into their hotel in Millie sees Freya behind the hotel dressed in black. Millie thinks she’s up to no good but doesn’t know what. She is on the phone with Alyssa who she grew up in an orphanage with and is closer to her then anyone else in the world, this is why when she sees Freya returning to the hotel she gives Alyssa a blow by blow account but really is finding it hard to find the words. This is just the beginning of the strange events because Millie starts receiving anonymous disappearing notes on WhatsApp that lead her to believe Freya is a serial killer. It is only when freya confirms it that things get out of control. There was a lot in this book which made it hard to give a good summary and there’s lots of twists and turns and not just at the end of the book but a trail throughout the novel. I do want to say I was so disappointed with Lucas because I really believed what he wanted Millie to believe I was totally astounded with that whole twist. I wish there was a chat group so I could discuss this book because I have many thoughts and questions but it was so good and although it was long I thought it was well put together well written and would love to read another mystery with Milly Alyssa and Sam is the amateur sleuths. I know that’s not going to happen just putting it out there. #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks, #SarahBonner, #HowToSlayAtWork,

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

PSA: this is not a practical guide in any way shape or form about bumping off your work colleagues or how to outperform in the office. I know this will disappoint many given the title so I think getting it out there as a starter to manage expectations!!

That said … it is a tale about bumping people off and a woman dropped in it by an unexpected departure and having to make the best of a bad situation. A bad situation that leads her into the dark world of unexplained deaths with a tenuous link, her boss Freya!

Getting into my main characters’ head made for interesting reading. Millie is great, she had to hit the ground running, stepping into her predecessor Sam’s shoes so quickly. But then her tenacity kicks in, she comes into her own.

Freya is a formidable boss but one not to be messed with. I’m so glad my boss is relatively laid back and not a cowbag like Freya. She is something else!!

I gobbled up How To Slay At Work – recently finishing a full book within 2 days is unheard of for me but Sarah Bonner’s writing just drew me in. I thought I knew where I was heading but then halfway through a curveball hit me square between the eyes and sent off on a totally unexpected trajectory. That change in direction was on that truly left me reeling and flummoxed where I was headed!!

I can see why this book is being likened to offerings from authors such as Bella Mackie and Katy Brent. I’ve sampled both authors and loved their books. I’d not heard of Bonner prior to reading this but I’ll be looking her up for more. Brilliant read!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

i have been quite happy with the handful of books i’ve read this year featuring a female serial killer, and i’m adding this one to that list!

in this story, the main character, Millie, discovers an unusual pattern of deaths that seem to coincide with trips taken by her boss, Freya. is it possible that she is responsible? what a leap to take, right? i mean, when my boss leaves for hours at a time i don’t automatically think to look up any deaths, suspicious or otherwise, that have occurred on that day…🤔

in any case, this was an entertaining and another more-than-meets-the-eye sort of tale that gave me pause to consider what justifies the reason people do things (aka, murder). Freya is a complicated character and i felt sympathy for her at times. it was enjoyable getting to know her and Millie, both having secrets and past experiences that made them more alike than they initially imagined! overall, this was a fun, suspenseful read with dark and witty humor that i couldn’t put down!! loved it!😊 ✨

[Kitty McIntosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie’s boss is a nightmare. She’s demanding to the extreme and would put Miranda Priestly to shame. When on a business trip together, a man dies in the same hotel. It’s not the first time it has happened though. When there are three deaths where Freya has been each time, Millie decides there’s more to it than coincidence. As she begins to look into the matter, things become dangerous. Can Millie find the truth before anyone else dies?

This is a funny, twisty mystery, with plenty of surprises. Millie had to be careful, as she didn’t know for sure what Freya was capable of. With some help, she went down a scary rabbit hole. Who could she trust? Why were all these men dying? It wasn’t a simple answer and I didn’t see it coming. The story was clever and surprising and a total revelation.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Millie believes her boss is a serial killer. The story started off very entertaining and I was immediately pulled in to the story. I loved the premise.

About mid way the story took an implausible turn. I found the second half of the book to be less interesting. It felt like it dragged at times even though there were several twists. Also, I’m not sure what I missed but I definitely wouldn't describe this book as funny or fun as the blurb suggested and many other reviewers indicated. It does tackle some heavy topics.

I feel like this book had great potential but for me it fell a bit flat in places. However, if you are a fan of cosy mysteries I think one is worth checking out.

[Jill McGill · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Slay at Work was such a fun and unpredictable read! It has a little bit of everything... drama, thriller, humor, and a whole lot of twists and turns you don't see coming.
The story is told from two POVs, Millie and her demanding boss Freya. What I loved the most was how we are able to get deep inside their minds and how the two POVs blend together, telling a very dark and unexpected story.

*Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC on this one. I had such a great time with Freya, Millie, Lissa, Kieran and Sam. Such hilarious but also serious characters. I loved their interactions and the sleuthing of course. The twists kept on coming - always at the right moment.
The story kept me awake at night and on the edge of my seat during the day when i had time to read.
Sarah Bonner absolutely slayed this! So fun.

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐ rounded up.
Bravo! So many unexpected twists (a few expected), but overall this novel was an exhilarating ride. Loved the Devil Wears Prada angle to this story, but I wish the comparison was a little less obvious. Such a fun read though!

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Natalie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

November 2024
Kindle edition

I read this one yesterday, and am struggling to remember it today. Split between Freya, Millie and Sam, they tell the story of what seems like revenge. Kinda gutted about Lucas. I had hope until his confrontation with Sam. Freya was convincing with her story. I'm glad Millie's friends were there to save her from herself.

[Jessica Huntley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It took a complicated and twisted turn towards the end but absolutely addictive and quite funny.

Millie was very likeable too. And there were several twists I didn't see coming. Hugely enjoyable and perfect for a funny, light hearted thrilling read.

[Beverly Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. How to Slay at Work is every entrepreneur's bad dream. It's an entertaining read for us.
I thoroughly enjoyed the witty dialogue and the devious doings of Freya and Millie.
The ending was a mind-blower in the best kind of way.
#HowToSlayAtWork
#SarahBonner
#Boldwood
#Netgalley

[Staci · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine—interesting enough, but it didn’t really grab me. I think if I hadn’t just come off two amazing five-star thrillers, I might have enjoyed it more. The story was engaging at times, but it didn’t have the impact I was hoping for. It’s not a bad read, just not particularly memorable for me. Others might connect with it more.

[Girija Bhonsle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty solid workplace mystery with a few good twists but overall nothing that blew my mind.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

very similar concept to the mindf*ck series. some parts dragged but a quick and easy read!