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Under the Hammer
Jemma would kill to end the housing crisis – one landlord at a time…
Jemma has lost everything... Well, the very little she had. Her toxic boyfriend has run off with her best friend, leaving Jemma alone in their flat, and she can't afford the extortionate rent on her own. She's aimless, depressed and, above all, furious. Slowly but surely, her fury finds its landlords. If only something could be done about them...
When Jemma's landlord has a fatal accident while carrying out a property repair, she stumbles across her life's to punish as many landlords as possible. She begins targeting landlords who have appeared on her favourite binge-watch, a home-improvement TV show where their greed is laid bare. It's a messy job, but someone's got to do it.
Governed by her own rules, Jemma is convinced her actions are just – but how long before this vigilante turns villain?
Under the Hammer is a darkly comic and highly topical crime satire, perfect for fans of How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie, Sweetpea by CJ Skuse and I Want To Go Home But I'm Already There by Róisín Lanigan – it's as if Muriel Spark had written the TV series Dexter.
'Pitch-black perfection - Dooey-Miles is an evil genius' - KIRSTIN INNES, author of Scabby Queen
'Outrageously funny' - LAURA ELLIOTT, author of Awakened
READERS LOVE UNDER THE HAMMER...
'A fast-paced, gripping thriller that pulls you in and does not let go... Captivating and twisty' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Sharp, funny and utterly compelling... The twist on the revenge trope felt fresh and relevant, with just the right balance of social commentary and humour' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Gripping, funny and filled with dark humour... A fantastic read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'From the start, this book had me genuinely laughing out loud... Highly recommend for a fun, unhinged, hilarious murdery read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A fun, addictive story... Excited to see what the author does next' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This novel contains depictions of violence and emotional abuse.
Jemma has lost everything... Well, the very little she had. Her toxic boyfriend has run off with her best friend, leaving Jemma alone in their flat, and she can't afford the extortionate rent on her own. She's aimless, depressed and, above all, furious. Slowly but surely, her fury finds its landlords. If only something could be done about them...
When Jemma's landlord has a fatal accident while carrying out a property repair, she stumbles across her life's to punish as many landlords as possible. She begins targeting landlords who have appeared on her favourite binge-watch, a home-improvement TV show where their greed is laid bare. It's a messy job, but someone's got to do it.
Governed by her own rules, Jemma is convinced her actions are just – but how long before this vigilante turns villain?
Under the Hammer is a darkly comic and highly topical crime satire, perfect for fans of How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie, Sweetpea by CJ Skuse and I Want To Go Home But I'm Already There by Róisín Lanigan – it's as if Muriel Spark had written the TV series Dexter.
'Pitch-black perfection - Dooey-Miles is an evil genius' - KIRSTIN INNES, author of Scabby Queen
'Outrageously funny' - LAURA ELLIOTT, author of Awakened
READERS LOVE UNDER THE HAMMER...
'A fast-paced, gripping thriller that pulls you in and does not let go... Captivating and twisty' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Sharp, funny and utterly compelling... The twist on the revenge trope felt fresh and relevant, with just the right balance of social commentary and humour' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Gripping, funny and filled with dark humour... A fantastic read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'From the start, this book had me genuinely laughing out loud... Highly recommend for a fun, unhinged, hilarious murdery read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A fun, addictive story... Excited to see what the author does next' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This novel contains depictions of violence and emotional abuse.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2026
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45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 23, 2025
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book from Net Galley.
Under The Hammer is a witty debut novel by Samantha Dooey-Miles.
It follows the story of Jemma, who has been having a terrible time, and the series of events which stem from her best friend being evicted from her flat, and having to move in with Jemma and her boyfriend Nicol.
From the start, this book has me genuinely laughing out loud. The authors voice is really strong in this book, and it’s a funny one. I enjoyed Jemma as a character and being inside her head, even if her decision making is absolutely wild.
The plot is fast and you would be hard pressed to imagine where it’s going next, however i managed to suss out the direction of travel for a satisfying end. The book explores the property market, the housing crisis, renting and bad landlords, it is not subtle in it’s thoughts about this, but likewise it’s not so heavy handed that it gets tired or repetitive. I also really enjoyed the Scottish setting and the characters authentic dialogues, however some of this might get lost on non-Scots (to which i say suck it up x)
Really enjoyed every second of reading and highly recommend for a fun, unhinged, hilarious murdery read.
Under The Hammer is a witty debut novel by Samantha Dooey-Miles.
It follows the story of Jemma, who has been having a terrible time, and the series of events which stem from her best friend being evicted from her flat, and having to move in with Jemma and her boyfriend Nicol.
From the start, this book has me genuinely laughing out loud. The authors voice is really strong in this book, and it’s a funny one. I enjoyed Jemma as a character and being inside her head, even if her decision making is absolutely wild.
The plot is fast and you would be hard pressed to imagine where it’s going next, however i managed to suss out the direction of travel for a satisfying end. The book explores the property market, the housing crisis, renting and bad landlords, it is not subtle in it’s thoughts about this, but likewise it’s not so heavy handed that it gets tired or repetitive. I also really enjoyed the Scottish setting and the characters authentic dialogues, however some of this might get lost on non-Scots (to which i say suck it up x)
Really enjoyed every second of reading and highly recommend for a fun, unhinged, hilarious murdery read.
March 17, 2026
Jemma is sick of renting. She's sick of landlords taking the piss, of repairs not getting done, or sloppy jobs that barely pass. And with her long-term boyfriend suddenly out of the picture - after shacking up with her best friend, no less - something snaps. An unfortunate accident of her own landlord getting electrocuted sets her master plan in motion: she's going to punish landlords for being crap humans.
That's the plot of Under the Hammer, a brilliantly written darkly comic thriller with a protagonist you won't forget in a hurry. Dooey-Miles has grounded Jemma with a human, relatable voice that makes her instantly likeable - even if she does have a penchant for hitting people over the head with a hammer. It's reminiscent in style and tone to the Sweetpea series, so if you're a fan of that, make sure Under The Hammer is on your radar ASAP.
A large part of the plot is 'Fixer Uppers Go Under the Hammer', a daytime TV spoof of Homes Under the Hammer that Jemma is obsessed with. With scripts of episodes smattered through the book, it's a very nice touch - especially to anyone who happens to tune into BBC on a weekday lunchtime. The format has been nailed, down to the cheesy shots of empty houses, terrible puns and questionable use of music. I loved these sections, and only wish there was a few more of them! Jemma uses the landlords featured on the programme to pick out her next targets, and while her judgement might not always be the clearest, well, it's hard to fault her sometimes...
Under the Hammer is a fairly short and very entertaining read, one that I've thoroughly enjoyed. From Jemma's witty perspective to the odd bit of Scottish dialect dotted throughout, this is a unique and enjoyable book that I can't hesitate to recommend.
That's the plot of Under the Hammer, a brilliantly written darkly comic thriller with a protagonist you won't forget in a hurry. Dooey-Miles has grounded Jemma with a human, relatable voice that makes her instantly likeable - even if she does have a penchant for hitting people over the head with a hammer. It's reminiscent in style and tone to the Sweetpea series, so if you're a fan of that, make sure Under The Hammer is on your radar ASAP.
A large part of the plot is 'Fixer Uppers Go Under the Hammer', a daytime TV spoof of Homes Under the Hammer that Jemma is obsessed with. With scripts of episodes smattered through the book, it's a very nice touch - especially to anyone who happens to tune into BBC on a weekday lunchtime. The format has been nailed, down to the cheesy shots of empty houses, terrible puns and questionable use of music. I loved these sections, and only wish there was a few more of them! Jemma uses the landlords featured on the programme to pick out her next targets, and while her judgement might not always be the clearest, well, it's hard to fault her sometimes...
Under the Hammer is a fairly short and very entertaining read, one that I've thoroughly enjoyed. From Jemma's witty perspective to the odd bit of Scottish dialect dotted throughout, this is a unique and enjoyable book that I can't hesitate to recommend.
October 26, 2025
(Thanks to Netgalley and Verve Books for the ARC for review.)
Packed with heart, hilarity and fully fleshed-out characters, I was gripped from the start of Samantha Dooey-Miles' debut. Protagonist Jemma is at rock bottom: her smarmy boyfriend (oh, you know the type, right down to the facial hair and feminist slogan tote bag) has run off with her best friend, she has just lost her job and the only way she can envisage making the extortionate rent on the fixer-upper ex-council flat her landlord can't be bothered fixing the bathroom light on is selling feet pics to creeps online while she binge-watches her favourite reality TV show, Landlords are a quick and easy target for her rage, but an accidental taste of vigilante justice quickly spirals out of control...
Lazily file this next to the rest of your quirky Unlikable Female Characters Who Do Bad Things - your Bella Mackies and the like - sure; but what sets Samantha's writing apart is the strength of her narrative voice. Jemma's internal monologue sings like the group chat you feel safest bringing your worst self to and each of her bad decisions makes perfect sense in the circumstances, even as you feel yourself wanting to shake her. I finished this on a flight, speeding through the final few pages before the plane doors opened with my jaw on the floor. Extra points to the small town Scottish setting too, there's nothing like visiting a cafe for the first time then having it pop up in fiction two weeks later. I loved this book, and cannot wait to find out what Samantha's fiendish brain will take on next!
Packed with heart, hilarity and fully fleshed-out characters, I was gripped from the start of Samantha Dooey-Miles' debut. Protagonist Jemma is at rock bottom: her smarmy boyfriend (oh, you know the type, right down to the facial hair and feminist slogan tote bag) has run off with her best friend, she has just lost her job and the only way she can envisage making the extortionate rent on the fixer-upper ex-council flat her landlord can't be bothered fixing the bathroom light on is selling feet pics to creeps online while she binge-watches her favourite reality TV show, Landlords are a quick and easy target for her rage, but an accidental taste of vigilante justice quickly spirals out of control...
Lazily file this next to the rest of your quirky Unlikable Female Characters Who Do Bad Things - your Bella Mackies and the like - sure; but what sets Samantha's writing apart is the strength of her narrative voice. Jemma's internal monologue sings like the group chat you feel safest bringing your worst self to and each of her bad decisions makes perfect sense in the circumstances, even as you feel yourself wanting to shake her. I finished this on a flight, speeding through the final few pages before the plane doors opened with my jaw on the floor. Extra points to the small town Scottish setting too, there's nothing like visiting a cafe for the first time then having it pop up in fiction two weeks later. I loved this book, and cannot wait to find out what Samantha's fiendish brain will take on next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and VERVE for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I've read a few property-based thrillers recently, which seems bizarre given how niche it is, but I think it is a promising angle for thrillers going forward.
I loved Jemma. Sure she's a bit unhinged but I can't really blame her. I felt she stood for all of us, like so much of her was recognisable and we could all be in her situation - just with hopefully less violence. Some thrillers can focus too much on the action and forget about the characters, but Samantha has managed to balance both, so we get an exciting engaging story but also fully fleshed out characters. They aren't all particularly pleasant but they're all fun to follow.
She reminded me of characters such as Rhiannon from C.J Skuse's Sweetpea series, or the female protagonists of Bella Mackie's thrillers, and there's a lot to like about these kind of characters.
What I really enjoyed, and what set this apart is the way it's written. I generally prefer third person in thrillers but this is first person, and we get Jemma's inner monologue which helps bring the story closer to the reader and almost lets us in to a secret, like we're in her inner circle.
I rarely laugh out loud at books. I can find books funny but it's more of an inside laugher, but I found myself physically laughing at this. It's a dark, morbid humour and things that probably shouldn't be funny, but they were and I make no apologies for that.
It's a relatively short book, yes, but it's also fast paced and whizzes by. It's full of twists and turns and surprises but nothing feels too overwhelming.
It's set in Scotland which I liked because I love Scotland. There are bits in a Scottish dialect or inner jokes or language that are only known to Scots. It's not a negative because it didn't interfere with the enjoyment of the book, but just to make you aware. If anything, I think it helps bring us closer to the characters.
It's not subtle. It's all loud and very intense. I like reading books that are quiet, that you have to slowly unwrap, but I also like books that you don't have to work for and you can just enjoy them for what they are, and that is this. It's utterly fabulous and grim and morbid and vulgar and OTT and I loved it.
I believe this is Samantha's debut, and if so then it is very impressive and she's definitely a name to keep an eye out for.
Thanks to NetGalley and VERVE for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I've read a few property-based thrillers recently, which seems bizarre given how niche it is, but I think it is a promising angle for thrillers going forward.
I loved Jemma. Sure she's a bit unhinged but I can't really blame her. I felt she stood for all of us, like so much of her was recognisable and we could all be in her situation - just with hopefully less violence. Some thrillers can focus too much on the action and forget about the characters, but Samantha has managed to balance both, so we get an exciting engaging story but also fully fleshed out characters. They aren't all particularly pleasant but they're all fun to follow.
She reminded me of characters such as Rhiannon from C.J Skuse's Sweetpea series, or the female protagonists of Bella Mackie's thrillers, and there's a lot to like about these kind of characters.
What I really enjoyed, and what set this apart is the way it's written. I generally prefer third person in thrillers but this is first person, and we get Jemma's inner monologue which helps bring the story closer to the reader and almost lets us in to a secret, like we're in her inner circle.
I rarely laugh out loud at books. I can find books funny but it's more of an inside laugher, but I found myself physically laughing at this. It's a dark, morbid humour and things that probably shouldn't be funny, but they were and I make no apologies for that.
It's a relatively short book, yes, but it's also fast paced and whizzes by. It's full of twists and turns and surprises but nothing feels too overwhelming.
It's set in Scotland which I liked because I love Scotland. There are bits in a Scottish dialect or inner jokes or language that are only known to Scots. It's not a negative because it didn't interfere with the enjoyment of the book, but just to make you aware. If anything, I think it helps bring us closer to the characters.
It's not subtle. It's all loud and very intense. I like reading books that are quiet, that you have to slowly unwrap, but I also like books that you don't have to work for and you can just enjoy them for what they are, and that is this. It's utterly fabulous and grim and morbid and vulgar and OTT and I loved it.
I believe this is Samantha's debut, and if so then it is very impressive and she's definitely a name to keep an eye out for.
November 18, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley for the Arc and WHAT. A. ROMP! Like if Bridget Jones’ diary was Scottish, had a social conscience and loads of murders. So much fun!
October 3, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. From page one, I was immersed in Jemma’s voice. Dark comedies with morally grey female protagonists have been missing in my reading life ever since I finished the Sweet Pea series by C.J. Skuse, and this delivered.
Jemma has lost nearly everything. Her toxic boyfriend has run off with her best friend, leaving her alone in a flat she can't afford. Aimless, angry, and furious, she starts to take her vengeance out on exploitative landlords, particularly those featured on her favourite binge-watch, a home -improvement TV show where greed is laid bare. It’s messy, clever, and darkly funny, with just the right touch of social commentary. What really makes it stand out from other revenge crime books is how she targets these landlords from the show; it is a clever, playful twist on the trope that feels fresh and original.
One of my favourite parts was the inclusion of the script from the fictional TV show Fixer Uppers Go Under the Hammer. It perfectly captured the mid-2000s home improvement style - the music, the cuts, the language - and it gave the story an authentic, playful and clever edge.
Jemma’s spiral is believable and deeply felt. Her voice is sharp, funny, and compelling. The natural use of Scots language and her self-deprecating humour that changes as she does give the book a strong sense of place and authenticity. For me, a sign of a book that stays with me is one where I could happily just ‘listen’ to the character talk even without the plot, and Jemma definitely gave me that.
Fans of darkly comic crime novels like revenge mysteries, fans of Bella Mackie, Katy Brent or fresh Scottish voices will adore this book. Samantha Dooey Miles is an author I will be following closely, and I’m delighted to have discovered her work.
Thank you to the author, Netgalley and Verve books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Jemma has lost nearly everything. Her toxic boyfriend has run off with her best friend, leaving her alone in a flat she can't afford. Aimless, angry, and furious, she starts to take her vengeance out on exploitative landlords, particularly those featured on her favourite binge-watch, a home -improvement TV show where greed is laid bare. It’s messy, clever, and darkly funny, with just the right touch of social commentary. What really makes it stand out from other revenge crime books is how she targets these landlords from the show; it is a clever, playful twist on the trope that feels fresh and original.
One of my favourite parts was the inclusion of the script from the fictional TV show Fixer Uppers Go Under the Hammer. It perfectly captured the mid-2000s home improvement style - the music, the cuts, the language - and it gave the story an authentic, playful and clever edge.
Jemma’s spiral is believable and deeply felt. Her voice is sharp, funny, and compelling. The natural use of Scots language and her self-deprecating humour that changes as she does give the book a strong sense of place and authenticity. For me, a sign of a book that stays with me is one where I could happily just ‘listen’ to the character talk even without the plot, and Jemma definitely gave me that.
Fans of darkly comic crime novels like revenge mysteries, fans of Bella Mackie, Katy Brent or fresh Scottish voices will adore this book. Samantha Dooey Miles is an author I will be following closely, and I’m delighted to have discovered her work.
Thank you to the author, Netgalley and Verve books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 11, 2026
Thank you to both Netgalley and VERVE Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I must say I really thoroughly enjoyed this one. Jemma is so hilarious and unhinged and I just loved her. I always support women’s rights and wrongs and she was just an icon in her own right. I also couldn’t put this one down, I finished it in a single sitting!
The story follows Jemma, who has been having an absolutely terrible time after her boyfriend cheated on her with her best friend after she was evicted from her flat and had to stay with the pair. Jemma, now on her own and addicted to a show similar to that of Homes Under The Hammer, quickly comes to the conclusion that it’s the Landlord’s fault and the greedy capitalists all need to pay.
I can’t believe this was an authors debut novel, I had so much fun diving into Jemma and all of the other characters. The plot is incredibly fast paced and you have no time to get bored throughout the course of the book, it constantly keeps you on your toes without being too repetitive. This book had me truly laughing out loud at points! This was truly such a fun and hilarious read even if it was a little unhinged, but that’s how I love my books!
I must say I really thoroughly enjoyed this one. Jemma is so hilarious and unhinged and I just loved her. I always support women’s rights and wrongs and she was just an icon in her own right. I also couldn’t put this one down, I finished it in a single sitting!
The story follows Jemma, who has been having an absolutely terrible time after her boyfriend cheated on her with her best friend after she was evicted from her flat and had to stay with the pair. Jemma, now on her own and addicted to a show similar to that of Homes Under The Hammer, quickly comes to the conclusion that it’s the Landlord’s fault and the greedy capitalists all need to pay.
I can’t believe this was an authors debut novel, I had so much fun diving into Jemma and all of the other characters. The plot is incredibly fast paced and you have no time to get bored throughout the course of the book, it constantly keeps you on your toes without being too repetitive. This book had me truly laughing out loud at points! This was truly such a fun and hilarious read even if it was a little unhinged, but that’s how I love my books!
September 22, 2025
***Advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***
Jemma’s landlord dies in a tragic accident while fixing something in her flat, and that becomes the spark for her mission to punish bad landlords. Struggling with rent, toxic relationships, and desperation, she begins targeting landlords she’s seen on her favourite binge-watch show. What starts as outrage slowly turns into something darker, and as Jemma’s actions escalate, the question becomes how far she’ll go before she crosses a line.
I thought this was an okay read. The premise is sharp and timely—housing crisis as crime satire has plenty of potential. The early chapters grip with frustration and anger that feels real. But as it goes on, the execution doesn’t fully deliver. Some of the character motivations felt under-explored, and the momentum slips. The satire bites, but not always cleanly, and the ending didn’t land with quite the impact it promised.
If you enjoy darkly comic takes on crime and morally messy protagonists, this might appeal. Good comparisons would be My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite and How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie.
Jemma’s landlord dies in a tragic accident while fixing something in her flat, and that becomes the spark for her mission to punish bad landlords. Struggling with rent, toxic relationships, and desperation, she begins targeting landlords she’s seen on her favourite binge-watch show. What starts as outrage slowly turns into something darker, and as Jemma’s actions escalate, the question becomes how far she’ll go before she crosses a line.
I thought this was an okay read. The premise is sharp and timely—housing crisis as crime satire has plenty of potential. The early chapters grip with frustration and anger that feels real. But as it goes on, the execution doesn’t fully deliver. Some of the character motivations felt under-explored, and the momentum slips. The satire bites, but not always cleanly, and the ending didn’t land with quite the impact it promised.
If you enjoy darkly comic takes on crime and morally messy protagonists, this might appeal. Good comparisons would be My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite and How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie.
November 16, 2025
This was utterly gripping and a book I couldn’t put down. I was totally engrossed even though sometimes I was so tense reading this! I read an eARC of this book so thank you to the author and the publisher.
We have a main character who is fed up and down on her luck. Her boyfriend left her for her best friend. She just lost her job and she can’t afford her rent. Her life changes when her landlord comes to fix faulty wiring rather than hiring a professional. This leads to her deciding she’s on a crusade against dodgy, greedy and unscrupulous landlords. Her fixation comes from a to show she’s addicted to called Fixer Uppers Under The Hammer.
I was quite stressed reading this as Jemma starts to take more and more dramatic action and I was wondering how she was going to get away with it. I was completely gripped though and I read this book in one sitting. I didn’t agree with what she was doing, but I understand her rage and her frustration at how little was in place to protect tenants from exploitation by their landlords. I’d certainly recommend this book to others and read it again! It was an exciting and hard to put down book.
We have a main character who is fed up and down on her luck. Her boyfriend left her for her best friend. She just lost her job and she can’t afford her rent. Her life changes when her landlord comes to fix faulty wiring rather than hiring a professional. This leads to her deciding she’s on a crusade against dodgy, greedy and unscrupulous landlords. Her fixation comes from a to show she’s addicted to called Fixer Uppers Under The Hammer.
I was quite stressed reading this as Jemma starts to take more and more dramatic action and I was wondering how she was going to get away with it. I was completely gripped though and I read this book in one sitting. I didn’t agree with what she was doing, but I understand her rage and her frustration at how little was in place to protect tenants from exploitation by their landlords. I’d certainly recommend this book to others and read it again! It was an exciting and hard to put down book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I wanted to read this because I must admit I just love the tv program… It is really hilarious sometimes. And because there are lots of (interesting) differences between the way English homes are built and the way houses in the Netherlands are build, I’m sometimes in for a surprise. There are also differences regarding the rental market. Here, most rental homes are not on a short-term contract. The majority of the rental market is made up of rental homes where you can stay as long as you want (and pay the rent of course). There are also less people who share a house or a flat, except maybe during their time at university.
Anyway, I really loved the character of Jemma and especially because I liked her internal monologues. I could really understand why she was so mad and desperate. Mad both at her former boyfriend and her former friend who took off together, and mad because she discovered she’s paying a lot more rent than she should be. I also loved the descriptions of the shows, where the presenter stares at walls and declares most rooms ‘spacious’ although anybody can see there’s no room to swing a cat. And the copious amount of white paint that most buyers use to try and have the house better – and where you can see exactly where they painted over the leaks or cracks in the wall.
All in all, the story ran fast and smooth and I loved the writing style. I’m looking forward to more books by this author.
Thanks to VERVE books and Netgalley for this review copy.
Anyway, I really loved the character of Jemma and especially because I liked her internal monologues. I could really understand why she was so mad and desperate. Mad both at her former boyfriend and her former friend who took off together, and mad because she discovered she’s paying a lot more rent than she should be. I also loved the descriptions of the shows, where the presenter stares at walls and declares most rooms ‘spacious’ although anybody can see there’s no room to swing a cat. And the copious amount of white paint that most buyers use to try and have the house better – and where you can see exactly where they painted over the leaks or cracks in the wall.
All in all, the story ran fast and smooth and I loved the writing style. I’m looking forward to more books by this author.
Thanks to VERVE books and Netgalley for this review copy.
September 29, 2025
'Gripping, funny and filled with dark humour, this fantastic new novel by Samantha Dooey-Miles will have you 'Under the Hammer' from the first page till the last.
Following a redundancy from her receptionist job at a legal firm, and the recent betrayal by her (now ex) best friend and (now ex) boyfriend, Jemma spends her days watching old episodes of 'Fixer Uppers Under the Hammer' - a TV show where people buy properties at auction, and then either live, sell or rent out the properties once restored. For Jemma it isn't the first two that she has a problem with, but the latter, rental landlords.
It all begins when Jemma, recognising her landlord and current living quarters on the show one morning, decides that enough is enough and demands that somebody come round and fix the still faulty bathroom electrics. When the presenter returns to the property and Jemma realises that on top of the electrics that she is paying well over the odds for the recommended price for the "newly renovated" property, Jemma sets out to rid the world of these greedy, money-grabbing landlords.
I found the writing to be modern, clear and with a flow that kept me wanting to keep reading until the very end. I really liked the edgy language and references throughout, and I would recommend this book to anyone between 20 - 45. I would recommend this book for fans of light comedy thrillers, and those that dislike their landlords.
All-in-all a fantastic read.
Following a redundancy from her receptionist job at a legal firm, and the recent betrayal by her (now ex) best friend and (now ex) boyfriend, Jemma spends her days watching old episodes of 'Fixer Uppers Under the Hammer' - a TV show where people buy properties at auction, and then either live, sell or rent out the properties once restored. For Jemma it isn't the first two that she has a problem with, but the latter, rental landlords.
It all begins when Jemma, recognising her landlord and current living quarters on the show one morning, decides that enough is enough and demands that somebody come round and fix the still faulty bathroom electrics. When the presenter returns to the property and Jemma realises that on top of the electrics that she is paying well over the odds for the recommended price for the "newly renovated" property, Jemma sets out to rid the world of these greedy, money-grabbing landlords.
I found the writing to be modern, clear and with a flow that kept me wanting to keep reading until the very end. I really liked the edgy language and references throughout, and I would recommend this book to anyone between 20 - 45. I would recommend this book for fans of light comedy thrillers, and those that dislike their landlords.
All-in-all a fantastic read.
March 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
When you pick up a political crime book, you do not expect it to be so funny and raw; I literally laughed out loud more than once. This was brilliant. The character Jemma is brilliant and so is the Author. I was smiling throughout, which doesn't feel right when you're reading a book about murder, but it was very comical.
The only bit I didn't like was the script inserts (controversially as someone who used to be a Actress so has seen and read many scripts, and as a massive lover of mixed media). I felt like they really cut into the flow of what was otherwise a great read.
I wasn't expecting this to be plotted so well with so many twists (because it was so humorous), and overall it was just such a great read. Bravo.
When you pick up a political crime book, you do not expect it to be so funny and raw; I literally laughed out loud more than once. This was brilliant. The character Jemma is brilliant and so is the Author. I was smiling throughout, which doesn't feel right when you're reading a book about murder, but it was very comical.
The only bit I didn't like was the script inserts (controversially as someone who used to be a Actress so has seen and read many scripts, and as a massive lover of mixed media). I felt like they really cut into the flow of what was otherwise a great read.
I wasn't expecting this to be plotted so well with so many twists (because it was so humorous), and overall it was just such a great read. Bravo.
September 25, 2025
There has been a recent rash of female serial killer novels, many of which are worth reading and focus on the issue of female rage - understandable as it often is!
But this book has a slightly unusual (if equally understandable) focus for the protagonist's anger. Namely, the impossibility of finding affordable and decent housing whilst attempting to navigate through the designs of predatory landlords...
Darkly amusing, it will have resonance for many who have struggled with this issue. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But this book has a slightly unusual (if equally understandable) focus for the protagonist's anger. Namely, the impossibility of finding affordable and decent housing whilst attempting to navigate through the designs of predatory landlords...
Darkly amusing, it will have resonance for many who have struggled with this issue. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When your life implodes. Giving refuge to your best friend when they are evicted from their rental flat with yourself and your long term boyfriend only for them to move out together. Leaving you to find out when you return home after being made redundant.
Blaming landlords for the lack of decent affordable accommodation. Mission started to hold landlords accountable for unacceptable housing accommodation.
Gaining a new job at the local estate and rental agency means insider knowledge can be used.
Murderous intent and revenge is a foot.
Blaming landlords for the lack of decent affordable accommodation. Mission started to hold landlords accountable for unacceptable housing accommodation.
Gaining a new job at the local estate and rental agency means insider knowledge can be used.
Murderous intent and revenge is a foot.
March 16, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for approving this. 3.5. We follow Jemma who takes a vengeance against landlords after a serious of events caused Jemma to end up single and lost her best friend. The pace is slow and takes until chapter 10 to start building up. As the story progressed I felt for Jemma, she's hurt as losing her BFF and boyfriend, also her parents aren't the greatest support. The story continues but Jemma's action no longer had my support. I wasn't expecting the ending and the final chapter disappointed me.
March 24, 2026
Under The Hammer was a fantastic page turner. Ever thought what would happen if you gave in to those dangerous intrusive thoughts? If yes, this is the book for you. A fascinating and hilarious insight into the twisted mind of Jemma as she falls down the slippery slope of 'punishing' landlords. This is an incisive commentary and satire of the housing crisis wrapped up as a fast paced, tongue in cheek thriller. I was reminded of The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer in the best way. This debut was excellent, and I look forward to reading the author's next book!
September 15, 2025
Marketing blurb says "great for fans of Sweetpea", but if you enjoyed Sweetpea, don't bother with this as it feels like a cheap, knock-off version.
Jemma is distraught when she loses her job, her boyfriend and her best friend in one week. She has a plan of revenge, but weirdly not on them, on the creator of the disaster. It's all quite obvious and not all that gripping. It was good enough to pass the time on a short flight home.
Jemma is distraught when she loses her job, her boyfriend and her best friend in one week. She has a plan of revenge, but weirdly not on them, on the creator of the disaster. It's all quite obvious and not all that gripping. It was good enough to pass the time on a short flight home.
March 5, 2026
Loved the story of Jemma who is on a mission to punish landlords when her landlord decides to fix a problem himself rather than paying someone and then dies.
Jemma then starts to target landlords who are dodgy and greedy and so begins her vigilante to right the wrongs.
This is a fast and gripping story of a woman on a mission.
Would highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC.
Jemma then starts to target landlords who are dodgy and greedy and so begins her vigilante to right the wrongs.
This is a fast and gripping story of a woman on a mission.
Would highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC.
October 12, 2025
A fresh and interesting take on the 'righteous female serial killer' genre. Perfect for fans of Katy Brent Bella Mackie, and Sarah Bonner.
Netgalley ARC
Netgalley ARC
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I think this is my first dark humour thriller, and what a delight 😅
Firstly, the motive for murder is maybe a bit of a stretch, but then again, I guess unhinged people don't need much encouragement, and I found that hilarious.
I was fully rooting for Jemma at the start… and then as the story progressed, my loyalty started to fade. There was a little twist at the end I didn't see coming which is always a bonus!
What made it extra fun for me was the setting. It’s the first book I’ve read that’s set somewhere close to home, I recognised most of the locations… right down to the Asda 😅
Dark, twisted, and slightly chaotic but I really enjoyed this one.
It's worth mentioning this is Samantha's first book and I really liked her writing style. Easy to read and well paced.
Firstly, the motive for murder is maybe a bit of a stretch, but then again, I guess unhinged people don't need much encouragement, and I found that hilarious.
I was fully rooting for Jemma at the start… and then as the story progressed, my loyalty started to fade. There was a little twist at the end I didn't see coming which is always a bonus!
What made it extra fun for me was the setting. It’s the first book I’ve read that’s set somewhere close to home, I recognised most of the locations… right down to the Asda 😅
Dark, twisted, and slightly chaotic but I really enjoyed this one.
It's worth mentioning this is Samantha's first book and I really liked her writing style. Easy to read and well paced.
March 14, 2026
An interesting debut novel - very political in nature but well written and interesting. I would like to read more from the author
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