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Amber Jamison #1
Killing Me
Amber Jamison cannot believe she's about to become the latest victim of a serial killer-she's savvy and street smart, so when she gets pushed into, of all things, a white windowless van, she's more angry than afraid. Things get even weirder when she's miraculously saved by a mysterious woman...who promptly disappears. Who was she? And why is she hunting serial killers?
You'd think escaping one psychopath would be enough, but Amber's problems are just beginning. Her close call has law enforcement circling a past she's tried to outrun. So she flees across the country, ending up at a seedy motel in Las Vegas with a noir-obsessed manager and a sex worker as her unlikely companions...and danger right behind.
She's landed in the crosshairs of the world's most prolific killer, caught up in a deadly game that's been going on for years. To survive, she's forced to dust off her old playbook and partner with someone she can't trust. The odds are against her, but sometimes you just have to roll the dice.
You'd think escaping one psychopath would be enough, but Amber's problems are just beginning. Her close call has law enforcement circling a past she's tried to outrun. So she flees across the country, ending up at a seedy motel in Las Vegas with a noir-obsessed manager and a sex worker as her unlikely companions...and danger right behind.
She's landed in the crosshairs of the world's most prolific killer, caught up in a deadly game that's been going on for years. To survive, she's forced to dust off her old playbook and partner with someone she can't trust. The odds are against her, but sometimes you just have to roll the dice.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 16, 2023
223 people are currently reading
14683 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Gagnon
37 books727 followersMichelle Gagnon is a former modern dancer, bartender, dog walker, model, personal trainer, and Russian supper club performer. Her bestselling adult thrillers THE TUNNELS, BONEYARD, THE GATEKEEPER, and KIDNAP & RANSOM have been published in North America, France, Denmark, Spain, Argentina, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Australia. BONEYARD was a finalist for a 2009 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense.
The first book in her Young Adult PERSEFONE trilogy, DON'T TURN AROUND, was selected as one of the best books of 2012 by the American Library Association, Entertainment Weekly Magazine, and Kirkus. It was nominated for an ITW Thriller award, and was a Junior Library Guild and Indienext pick. Along with DON'T LOOK NOW and DON'T LET GO, the entire series received multiple starred reviews and state library awards.
UNEARTHLY THINGS is a modernized, deconstructed version of Jane Eyre set in the world of San Francisco high society. (SoHo Teen, 2017)
Her latest adult novel, KILLING ME, is a neo-noir thriller about unlikely heroines who hunt serial killers.
Michelle lives in Los Angeles, where she is currently attaining a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology.
Follow her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MichelleGagno...
or Twitter: @Michelle_Gagnon
The first book in her Young Adult PERSEFONE trilogy, DON'T TURN AROUND, was selected as one of the best books of 2012 by the American Library Association, Entertainment Weekly Magazine, and Kirkus. It was nominated for an ITW Thriller award, and was a Junior Library Guild and Indienext pick. Along with DON'T LOOK NOW and DON'T LET GO, the entire series received multiple starred reviews and state library awards.
UNEARTHLY THINGS is a modernized, deconstructed version of Jane Eyre set in the world of San Francisco high society. (SoHo Teen, 2017)
Her latest adult novel, KILLING ME, is a neo-noir thriller about unlikely heroines who hunt serial killers.
Michelle lives in Los Angeles, where she is currently attaining a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology.
Follow her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MichelleGagno...
or Twitter: @Michelle_Gagnon
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 1,355 reviews
July 30, 2024
This book is Mindhunter meets Pokerface with Fugitive vibes!
Wow! This fresh, sarcastic, smart, dark comedy meets psychological thriller is a big surprise for me! I didn't expect to enjoy it that much, but from the first chapter, I found myself drawn into the action-packed adventure and the witty, complex mind of Amber Jamison. She finds herself duct-taped, injected with sedatives, and kidnapped at the back of a van, which is probably being driven by the famous serial killer of Johnson City, Tennessee, who is preying on petite brunettes in their early twenties, just like her.
When she murmurs her last prayers, finding herself naked, duct-taped, with her head and eyebrows shaved on an operating table, hearing the killer in a Pokémon mask approaching, another person in a ski mask holding a cattle prod breaks into the cabinet to fight with the serial killer. A few minutes later, poor Amber feels a dead weight on her body: it's the dead body of the killer!
She realizes the person in the ski mask is a blonde woman in her early thirties who tracked down the man and accidentally killed him, planning to disappear without facing the authorities. They talk and part ways.
Amber has no intention of talking with officers either because of her past as a con woman who was raised by con artist parents. But she realizes the FBI has already found her connection with the crime scene, so she's forced to flee the state, heading to Sin City to sharpen her conning skills, which she's sworn not to use again, for starting fresh as a psychology student. Unfortunately, fate has other plans for her.
The woman who saved her life keeps sending her cryptic messages, leaving breadcrumbs to direct her to Las Vegas, where Amber's path crosses with the noir-obsessed hotel manager Dot, who is resourceful and connected with a rag-tag group of misfits, a kind of Las Vegas vigilantes, and sex worker Marcela, who has her own tricks to deceive the losers.
Amber realizes that, after getting saved from being another victim of brutal crime, she has gotten herself into a more dangerous situation by driving to the city where a psychopath is haunting young women to brutally kill them. She has to find a way to save those women and herself by teaming up with the person she cannot wholly trust.
Overall, Amber is an amazing, street-smart, quick-witted, funny, and likable character. The riveting crime story is captivating, full of surprises, and very entertaining. I'm looking forward to reading more works by the author.
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Wow! This fresh, sarcastic, smart, dark comedy meets psychological thriller is a big surprise for me! I didn't expect to enjoy it that much, but from the first chapter, I found myself drawn into the action-packed adventure and the witty, complex mind of Amber Jamison. She finds herself duct-taped, injected with sedatives, and kidnapped at the back of a van, which is probably being driven by the famous serial killer of Johnson City, Tennessee, who is preying on petite brunettes in their early twenties, just like her.
When she murmurs her last prayers, finding herself naked, duct-taped, with her head and eyebrows shaved on an operating table, hearing the killer in a Pokémon mask approaching, another person in a ski mask holding a cattle prod breaks into the cabinet to fight with the serial killer. A few minutes later, poor Amber feels a dead weight on her body: it's the dead body of the killer!
She realizes the person in the ski mask is a blonde woman in her early thirties who tracked down the man and accidentally killed him, planning to disappear without facing the authorities. They talk and part ways.
Amber has no intention of talking with officers either because of her past as a con woman who was raised by con artist parents. But she realizes the FBI has already found her connection with the crime scene, so she's forced to flee the state, heading to Sin City to sharpen her conning skills, which she's sworn not to use again, for starting fresh as a psychology student. Unfortunately, fate has other plans for her.
The woman who saved her life keeps sending her cryptic messages, leaving breadcrumbs to direct her to Las Vegas, where Amber's path crosses with the noir-obsessed hotel manager Dot, who is resourceful and connected with a rag-tag group of misfits, a kind of Las Vegas vigilantes, and sex worker Marcela, who has her own tricks to deceive the losers.
Amber realizes that, after getting saved from being another victim of brutal crime, she has gotten herself into a more dangerous situation by driving to the city where a psychopath is haunting young women to brutally kill them. She has to find a way to save those women and herself by teaming up with the person she cannot wholly trust.
Overall, Amber is an amazing, street-smart, quick-witted, funny, and likable character. The riveting crime story is captivating, full of surprises, and very entertaining. I'm looking forward to reading more works by the author.
medium.com
April 13, 2023
Killing Me is perfect for when you need a big dose of quirky humor along with your thriller.
Amber Jamison is about to be the sixth victim of the Pikachu killer. But then she’s saved by a mysterious woman. Amber has a past, one that she’s trying desperately to hide. So when the FBI call her she takes off, fleeing Tennessee even when she’s only two months away from graduating college.
She ends up in Vegas, drawn there by ads left on her windshield. Turns out, LV has its own serial killer. And she’s ended up in his cross hairs as well. But Amber isn’t about to give up easily. With the addition of some new friends she’s made, she decides to fight back.
This is great entertainment. No, it’s not at all believable. And the pacing is a tad uneven. But it’s still well thought out. Amber is a great MC - as a former con artist, she’s smart and cynical, but she’s also got her own moral code. And her new friends, Marcella and Dot, are equally engaging. Even Grace has her appeal. The book had a fun finish with a nice twist that caught me off guard.
I loved that Gagnon wrote that the idea for the book came from “the striking similarities between authors, therapists and con artists, in that they all earn a living off an ability to read people.” In her Notes, she also hints at a sequel.
My thanks to Netgalley and Putnam Books for an advance copy of this book.
Amber Jamison is about to be the sixth victim of the Pikachu killer. But then she’s saved by a mysterious woman. Amber has a past, one that she’s trying desperately to hide. So when the FBI call her she takes off, fleeing Tennessee even when she’s only two months away from graduating college.
She ends up in Vegas, drawn there by ads left on her windshield. Turns out, LV has its own serial killer. And she’s ended up in his cross hairs as well. But Amber isn’t about to give up easily. With the addition of some new friends she’s made, she decides to fight back.
This is great entertainment. No, it’s not at all believable. And the pacing is a tad uneven. But it’s still well thought out. Amber is a great MC - as a former con artist, she’s smart and cynical, but she’s also got her own moral code. And her new friends, Marcella and Dot, are equally engaging. Even Grace has her appeal. The book had a fun finish with a nice twist that caught me off guard.
I loved that Gagnon wrote that the idea for the book came from “the striking similarities between authors, therapists and con artists, in that they all earn a living off an ability to read people.” In her Notes, she also hints at a sequel.
My thanks to Netgalley and Putnam Books for an advance copy of this book.
July 4, 2023
4.25⭐
Genre ~ thriller
Publication date ~ May 16, 2023
Page Count ~ 335
Audio length ~ 9 hours 12 minutes
Narrator ~ Jaime Lamchick
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ serial killers, con artist
Imagine getting taken by a serial killer, getting rescued, going on the run from the FBI and then finding yourself trying to take down another serial killer. I was gripped from the get go with this funny, fast paced vigilante plot.
The story is mainly told by Amber, with some interlude chapters. There's a nice set of side characters that Amber meets along the way. Overall, this was quite a ride that I never wanted to end. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well. The narrator did a fine job.
*Thanks to Michelle Gagnon, Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Genre ~ thriller
Publication date ~ May 16, 2023
Page Count ~ 335
Audio length ~ 9 hours 12 minutes
Narrator ~ Jaime Lamchick
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ serial killers, con artist
Imagine getting taken by a serial killer, getting rescued, going on the run from the FBI and then finding yourself trying to take down another serial killer. I was gripped from the get go with this funny, fast paced vigilante plot.
The story is mainly told by Amber, with some interlude chapters. There's a nice set of side characters that Amber meets along the way. Overall, this was quite a ride that I never wanted to end. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well. The narrator did a fine job.
*Thanks to Michelle Gagnon, Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
May 17, 2023
Amber, a 24 year old college student and former grifter, wakes up to find herself bound and gagged in the back of a van. That's right, she's been abducted by a serial killer. Amber isn't scared though, she's pissed off. She likes to believe that she isn't the kind of woman that would get herself into this situation so she's really angry at herself for letting this happen.
Just when she thinks her life is inevitably coming to an end at the hands of a Pikachu loving madman a masked woman appears, saves her, and kills her abductor. Once she's finished she takes off leaving Amber to wonder who this woman is, where she came from, and how she found her.
Now the FBI is knocking on her dorm room door and Amber, with her sketchy past of conning people, needs to pack up and start afresh in a new city with a new identity.
What better place than Sin City, itself.
Here she befriends Dot, a motelier, and Marcella, a sex worker and life looks to be taking a turn for the better until her masked savior arrives informing her she's in danger again. Another serial killer has their eye on her and all these women must work together to take him down once and for all.
What a fun mad-cap adventure this was. The humor is on point and plentiful throughout. These characters are deeply flawed but so endearing at the same time. I loved them all. I definitely got Finlay Donovan vibes from this not only due to the zaniness of the situations they would find themselves in but because of the strong emphasis made on female friendship and supporting one another. Also props to the LGBTQ representation. These are women you will want to root for again and again and as luck would have it there looks to be a sequel in our future. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group - Putnam for my complimentary copy.
Just when she thinks her life is inevitably coming to an end at the hands of a Pikachu loving madman a masked woman appears, saves her, and kills her abductor. Once she's finished she takes off leaving Amber to wonder who this woman is, where she came from, and how she found her.
Now the FBI is knocking on her dorm room door and Amber, with her sketchy past of conning people, needs to pack up and start afresh in a new city with a new identity.
What better place than Sin City, itself.
Here she befriends Dot, a motelier, and Marcella, a sex worker and life looks to be taking a turn for the better until her masked savior arrives informing her she's in danger again. Another serial killer has their eye on her and all these women must work together to take him down once and for all.
What a fun mad-cap adventure this was. The humor is on point and plentiful throughout. These characters are deeply flawed but so endearing at the same time. I loved them all. I definitely got Finlay Donovan vibes from this not only due to the zaniness of the situations they would find themselves in but because of the strong emphasis made on female friendship and supporting one another. Also props to the LGBTQ representation. These are women you will want to root for again and again and as luck would have it there looks to be a sequel in our future. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group - Putnam for my complimentary copy.
May 16, 2023
A con-artist, prostitute, and a noir obsessed vigilante team up to catch a serial killer in this clever thriller.
Amber Jamison cannot believe that it actually happened to her. The former con-artist is abducted by a man in a white van. It’s a total cliche, but when she wakes up in his basement naked, shaved, and painted blue she realizes that she is the latest victim of the Pikachu serial killer.
Fortunately, a masked woman frees her before she can be murdered. Who is her savior? Is she really free?
When the FBI calls, Amber must pack up her belongings and start over somewhere else. She is afraid that they will ask about her sordid past as a con-artist.
She was so close to getting her college degree!
A road trip to Vegas leads to unlikely friendships, romance, and a plot to catch ANOTHER serial killer!
The first few chapters of this book are funny and I quickly became invested in Amber’s story. This is a wild adventure that will take some suspension of belief to enjoy. Unfortunately, the humor isn’t consistent throughout the book and left me wanting more comical situations.
While somewhat predictable, the book does contain a few decent twists and turns. Gagnon teases that it might be the start to a series, so watch out for more adventures!
Overall, Amber is a great LGBTQ character and I enjoyed her adventure. If you are a fan of the Finlay Donovan series, you will likely have fun with this thriller too.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Expected publication day: 5/16/23
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of Killing Me in exchange for an honest review.
Amber Jamison cannot believe that it actually happened to her. The former con-artist is abducted by a man in a white van. It’s a total cliche, but when she wakes up in his basement naked, shaved, and painted blue she realizes that she is the latest victim of the Pikachu serial killer.
Fortunately, a masked woman frees her before she can be murdered. Who is her savior? Is she really free?
When the FBI calls, Amber must pack up her belongings and start over somewhere else. She is afraid that they will ask about her sordid past as a con-artist.
She was so close to getting her college degree!
A road trip to Vegas leads to unlikely friendships, romance, and a plot to catch ANOTHER serial killer!
The first few chapters of this book are funny and I quickly became invested in Amber’s story. This is a wild adventure that will take some suspension of belief to enjoy. Unfortunately, the humor isn’t consistent throughout the book and left me wanting more comical situations.
While somewhat predictable, the book does contain a few decent twists and turns. Gagnon teases that it might be the start to a series, so watch out for more adventures!
Overall, Amber is a great LGBTQ character and I enjoyed her adventure. If you are a fan of the Finlay Donovan series, you will likely have fun with this thriller too.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Expected publication day: 5/16/23
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of Killing Me in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2023
Update 5/16/23: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!
Twenty-something Amber Johnson is about to become the latest victim of the “Pikachu Killer” when she is rescued by a woman who wears a ski mask and hunts serial killers. She may have survived this latest brush with death, but the attention from law enforcement risks her past coming to light, so Amber goes on the run. Soon she’s in Las Vegas meeting new people, which is great, but she’s also drawn into the path of an even more dangerous serial killer, which is less great. Good thing she already knows a serial killer-killer….
As you should expect from a book with an opening scene involving a serial killer who paints his victims to look like Pokémon characters, Killing Me is going for both laughs and thrills. The laughs often come from Amber’s cynical, sarcastic perspective on each scene, though the reader slowly learns the darker secrets in her past. But there’s also a solid mystery/thriller here as Amber is drawn into the murders taking place in Las Vegas, unsure of who she can trust. Dot, Marcella, and Grace are all good secondary characters. In fact, nearly every character in the novel is a woman—complicated and flawed, but redeemable.
The acknowledgments for Killing Me state that this book is the start of a series. The book certainly works as a stand-alone, and fully wraps up the story, though the ending is a bit bittersweet. Presumably the sequel would reunite the surviving characters to take down another killer in another fun story while also giving some of them a shot at a happier ending. All of that sounds good to me. Recommended. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
The worst part was that I felt stupid.Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for sending me an ARC of Killing Me in exchange for an honest review.
Well, that’s not entirely true. The real worst part was that I was tied up in the back of a van with a hood over my head, and based on recent news reports, something truly horrific was about to happen.
But feeling stupid was definitely second worst.
Twenty-something Amber Johnson is about to become the latest victim of the “Pikachu Killer” when she is rescued by a woman who wears a ski mask and hunts serial killers. She may have survived this latest brush with death, but the attention from law enforcement risks her past coming to light, so Amber goes on the run. Soon she’s in Las Vegas meeting new people, which is great, but she’s also drawn into the path of an even more dangerous serial killer, which is less great. Good thing she already knows a serial killer-killer….
As you should expect from a book with an opening scene involving a serial killer who paints his victims to look like Pokémon characters, Killing Me is going for both laughs and thrills. The laughs often come from Amber’s cynical, sarcastic perspective on each scene, though the reader slowly learns the darker secrets in her past. But there’s also a solid mystery/thriller here as Amber is drawn into the murders taking place in Las Vegas, unsure of who she can trust. Dot, Marcella, and Grace are all good secondary characters. In fact, nearly every character in the novel is a woman—complicated and flawed, but redeemable.
The acknowledgments for Killing Me state that this book is the start of a series. The book certainly works as a stand-alone, and fully wraps up the story, though the ending is a bit bittersweet. Presumably the sequel would reunite the surviving characters to take down another killer in another fun story while also giving some of them a shot at a happier ending. All of that sounds good to me. Recommended. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
June 3, 2023
4.5. An absolute romp!! Reminds me of Natasha Lyonne and Rian Johnson’s Poker Face but lesbian
May 13, 2025
Amber Jamison is a twenty-four year old psychology student with one semester left before she graduates with a full fledged honest degree that she has longed for and worked so hard to achieve with her future life all planned out and she is right now going to lose everything but most importantly she about to Die at the hands of a serial killer! How did this happen to her? Oh, no! She is lying naked on a steel table all tied up and painted blue and if the news reports are correct she will be bald as well. She is going to die any moment by the infamous Pikachu serial killer! "This can't be happening! "
Amber has always been ahead of the game with extra intuitive instincts and a sharp and cunning mind since she was raised by two grifters who made their way throughout life scamming, stealing, cheating anyone and everything using and teaching Amber all the tricks of their trade so she ended up with some of the best and most unusual survival skills that any young woman would be lucky or unlucky (depending on the situation) to own in her life's arsenal.
As luck would have it, Amber survives this unbelievable horror by a masked savior who she will be indebted to forever for saving her life. Now, the FBI are looking for Amber so she has to go on the run once again with her future career down the drain. She decides to travel to California and prays to make a new honest life again since she was given a second chance to truly be alive because she should have been dead just like the other victims of the Pikachu killer. Amber makes a stop in Las Vegas to earn some money along the way as she continues to receive helpful although mysterious text messages from an unknown number and thinks they're from her savior. Shortly after, she sets herself up in a cheap motel and once again finds herself the main target of another serial killer. How can this be humanly possible? Can anyone survive two serial killers back to back especially when the second one is deadlier than the first if that is even possible! This time Amber's luck is about to run out because anyone she befriends will now be in the killer's sights but she needs some serious help before her young lifetime is up.
What a terrific book that Michelle Gagnon has written! I can't believe how much I enjoyed and was entertained by this story. It was light, dark, comedic, dramatic, sassy, emotional and so much more! All the characters were wonderful, especially sassy Amber. The Vegas situations were just so atmospheric and picturesque through and through. I'm so happy I was given the chance to read "Killing Me" and I definitely plan to follow and read more of this author's books. I really think this book is perfect for horror and dark thriller readers as it does have quite a bit of violence, bloody, and dark situations but it was also fun with much frivolity thrown in.
I highly recommend this book! Just so, so good!
I want to thank the publisher "Penguin Group Putnam/ G.P. Putnam Son's" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 4 1/2 MESMERIZING AND UNPREDICTABLE 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
Amber has always been ahead of the game with extra intuitive instincts and a sharp and cunning mind since she was raised by two grifters who made their way throughout life scamming, stealing, cheating anyone and everything using and teaching Amber all the tricks of their trade so she ended up with some of the best and most unusual survival skills that any young woman would be lucky or unlucky (depending on the situation) to own in her life's arsenal.
As luck would have it, Amber survives this unbelievable horror by a masked savior who she will be indebted to forever for saving her life. Now, the FBI are looking for Amber so she has to go on the run once again with her future career down the drain. She decides to travel to California and prays to make a new honest life again since she was given a second chance to truly be alive because she should have been dead just like the other victims of the Pikachu killer. Amber makes a stop in Las Vegas to earn some money along the way as she continues to receive helpful although mysterious text messages from an unknown number and thinks they're from her savior. Shortly after, she sets herself up in a cheap motel and once again finds herself the main target of another serial killer. How can this be humanly possible? Can anyone survive two serial killers back to back especially when the second one is deadlier than the first if that is even possible! This time Amber's luck is about to run out because anyone she befriends will now be in the killer's sights but she needs some serious help before her young lifetime is up.
What a terrific book that Michelle Gagnon has written! I can't believe how much I enjoyed and was entertained by this story. It was light, dark, comedic, dramatic, sassy, emotional and so much more! All the characters were wonderful, especially sassy Amber. The Vegas situations were just so atmospheric and picturesque through and through. I'm so happy I was given the chance to read "Killing Me" and I definitely plan to follow and read more of this author's books. I really think this book is perfect for horror and dark thriller readers as it does have quite a bit of violence, bloody, and dark situations but it was also fun with much frivolity thrown in.
I highly recommend this book! Just so, so good!
I want to thank the publisher "Penguin Group Putnam/ G.P. Putnam Son's" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 4 1/2 MESMERIZING AND UNPREDICTABLE 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
May 7, 2023
The book summary is pretty vague and basically just describes the opening scene and first few chapters. What the book summary doesn’t reveal is that after Amber (not her real name) is rescued from the killing table of a deranged, serial killer by a strange, female, vigilante named Grace, who ends up accidentally killing the killer with a faulty cattle prod, Amber then becomes a person of interest in the serial killer’s death. So, she bolts from Tennessee and lands in Vegas a few days later where she starts grifting in order to support herself.
Having been raised by grifter parents, Amber discovered she was pretty good at the craft after her parents abandoned her when she was 15. However, she retired a few years ago (she’s 24) and went straight (except for the fake ID alias) in order to go to college. She was two months away from graduating when she was abducted.
In Vegas, she partners up with a street smart, prostitute, Marcella, and the owner, Dot, of the motel where she is staying. Dot, who also deals in fake ID’s, is part of a citizen’s group named Fatale Femmes, who are investigating some local murders. Seems Vegas has their own serial killer. Eventually, the Vegas serial killer, Gunnar (who is a homicidal psychopath), targets Amber in an effort to get to Grace, who is his twin sister. All this in just the first half of the story. Suffice it to say that there’s a lot going on.
In the second half of the story, Amber and Grace develop a plan to catch Gunnar and it’s going to take the help of Dot and Marcella as well as the Fatale Femmes and their boatload of contacts all over Vegas to execute the plan. The end comes pretty fast after that in a scary and intense scene for the women, including the Fatale Femmes.
This was another one of those books that I devoured in a few sittings and kept me up late the last two nights because I had a hard time putting it down. I also liked most of the characters too. The interactions and dialogue between the women were often amusing and entertaining. Who says crime and murder can’t be funny?😊 I want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
@NetGalley @ PenguinGroupPutnam @ G.P.Putnam'sSons @KillingMe
Having been raised by grifter parents, Amber discovered she was pretty good at the craft after her parents abandoned her when she was 15. However, she retired a few years ago (she’s 24) and went straight (except for the fake ID alias) in order to go to college. She was two months away from graduating when she was abducted.
In Vegas, she partners up with a street smart, prostitute, Marcella, and the owner, Dot, of the motel where she is staying. Dot, who also deals in fake ID’s, is part of a citizen’s group named Fatale Femmes, who are investigating some local murders. Seems Vegas has their own serial killer. Eventually, the Vegas serial killer, Gunnar (who is a homicidal psychopath), targets Amber in an effort to get to Grace, who is his twin sister. All this in just the first half of the story. Suffice it to say that there’s a lot going on.
In the second half of the story, Amber and Grace develop a plan to catch Gunnar and it’s going to take the help of Dot and Marcella as well as the Fatale Femmes and their boatload of contacts all over Vegas to execute the plan. The end comes pretty fast after that in a scary and intense scene for the women, including the Fatale Femmes.
This was another one of those books that I devoured in a few sittings and kept me up late the last two nights because I had a hard time putting it down. I also liked most of the characters too. The interactions and dialogue between the women were often amusing and entertaining. Who says crime and murder can’t be funny?😊 I want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
@NetGalley @ PenguinGroupPutnam @ G.P.Putnam'sSons @KillingMe
May 16, 2023
Talk about a FUN book! Who knew books about serial killers, revenge, and a Pokémon fetish would be so entertaining!? Michelle Gagnon, you’ve made a fan out of me and I expect nothing less from you ever again. 😂
KILLING ME starts off with a bang, or should I say a kidnapping, and that’s only the first part of the story. When Amber Jamison is abducted in the most laughable way, she knows her life is nearing its end. However, right before her demise, she is saved by a mystery woman who doesn’t explain what her motives are by being a serial killer vigilante. When Amber is left with her serial killer dead and no explanation, she is left wondering what her next move would be. She has a past of her own that she worries will destroy her now that she’s involved with the investigation. Once Amber decides to escape to Las Vegas, she befriends a motel owner and a sex worker, creating a unique trio that lands in the crosshairs of another serial killer—Amber just can’t catch a break!
This was one of the funniest books I’ve ever read. This laugh-out-loud thriller was an expected surprise after reading back-to-back meh stories, so it’s a very refreshing read for me to say the least. I can’t WAIT to see what Michelle Gagnon has next for readers—I’ll be waiting!
KILLING ME starts off with a bang, or should I say a kidnapping, and that’s only the first part of the story. When Amber Jamison is abducted in the most laughable way, she knows her life is nearing its end. However, right before her demise, she is saved by a mystery woman who doesn’t explain what her motives are by being a serial killer vigilante. When Amber is left with her serial killer dead and no explanation, she is left wondering what her next move would be. She has a past of her own that she worries will destroy her now that she’s involved with the investigation. Once Amber decides to escape to Las Vegas, she befriends a motel owner and a sex worker, creating a unique trio that lands in the crosshairs of another serial killer—Amber just can’t catch a break!
This was one of the funniest books I’ve ever read. This laugh-out-loud thriller was an expected surprise after reading back-to-back meh stories, so it’s a very refreshing read for me to say the least. I can’t WAIT to see what Michelle Gagnon has next for readers—I’ll be waiting!
June 21, 2023
The psychologist who recently came out and declared that "relaxing" by listening/watching/reading about true crime and violent stories may indicate that we (yes, we, us thrillerheads and true crime junkies) suffer from trauma and may need counseling.... ma'am, you need to read Killing Me.
Michelle Gagnon has written something special here. A fresh new take on the serial killer troupe. She made it snarky and, dare I say, fun? This was some of the most fun I've had reading a book all year.
Imagine waking up in a basement and realizing that you're about to become the latest victim of a serial killer. Bummer right? Well it's all the more embarrassing because it's not even a cool serial killer. It's the damn Pikachu Killer! What a way to go... but wait! Due to some strange events, she survives one serial killer only to get wrapped up in a game of cat and mouse with an even more sinister serial killer.
This one was wild. I loved the relationship and the banter between the two main female leads. The Las Vegas backdrop added to the perfect noir setting (read the acknowledgements for a noteworthy explanation on the author's inspiration).
Ultimately, there were a few aspects of the plot I didn't fully connect with keeping this from 5-stars, but it was pretty damn close. Believability towards the end can be tossed out the window. Feels like this needed another round of edits to push it into 5-star territory. But don't let that deter you. This was a really enjoyable read.
Cheers!
Michelle Gagnon has written something special here. A fresh new take on the serial killer troupe. She made it snarky and, dare I say, fun? This was some of the most fun I've had reading a book all year.
Imagine waking up in a basement and realizing that you're about to become the latest victim of a serial killer. Bummer right? Well it's all the more embarrassing because it's not even a cool serial killer. It's the damn Pikachu Killer! What a way to go... but wait! Due to some strange events, she survives one serial killer only to get wrapped up in a game of cat and mouse with an even more sinister serial killer.
This one was wild. I loved the relationship and the banter between the two main female leads. The Las Vegas backdrop added to the perfect noir setting (read the acknowledgements for a noteworthy explanation on the author's inspiration).
Ultimately, there were a few aspects of the plot I didn't fully connect with keeping this from 5-stars, but it was pretty damn close. Believability towards the end can be tossed out the window. Feels like this needed another round of edits to push it into 5-star territory. But don't let that deter you. This was a really enjoyable read.
Cheers!
March 22, 2023
KILLING ME by Michelle Gagnon was a fabulously intense read with not one, but a couple of serial killers. You are grabbed in the opening paragraph and the book won’t let go until the final page!
Fast-paced with great writing, it’s easy to get lost in the story and lose track of time. It’s definitely not a traditional serial killer book though. So don’t go in expecting a Silence of the Lambs —you’ll be sorely disappointed!
This story was unique, witty, and laugh out loud funny at moments. Strong characters, including our protagonist, Amber and vigilante, Grace, drive a distinctive and quirky plot. The chemistry slowly builds between these two women, making the book even better. But my favorite character by far was hotel owner, Dot! I just loved her! I want a friend like Dot! And the dialogue between and among characters is fabulous and really propels the story in directions you won’t see coming.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Michelle Gagnon, and Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for gifting me the ARC of this book! I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!! It was a privilege to be able to read KILLING ME before publication!
Publication date is May 16, 2023.
Fast-paced with great writing, it’s easy to get lost in the story and lose track of time. It’s definitely not a traditional serial killer book though. So don’t go in expecting a Silence of the Lambs —you’ll be sorely disappointed!
This story was unique, witty, and laugh out loud funny at moments. Strong characters, including our protagonist, Amber and vigilante, Grace, drive a distinctive and quirky plot. The chemistry slowly builds between these two women, making the book even better. But my favorite character by far was hotel owner, Dot! I just loved her! I want a friend like Dot! And the dialogue between and among characters is fabulous and really propels the story in directions you won’t see coming.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Michelle Gagnon, and Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for gifting me the ARC of this book! I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!! It was a privilege to be able to read KILLING ME before publication!
Publication date is May 16, 2023.
May 25, 2023
Amber Jamison, narrator and protagonist, has been captured by a a serial killer. “…the Pikachu Killer (yup, that’s what they called him) dumped the body somewhere weird—like a mall parking lot, or a high school football field—then sent local news networks a GPS link. Get it? Like they were playing Pokémon GO.” (Location 108 of 4704) He had already captured, tortured, and killed five other petite brunettes; Amber is number six, and she is angry. She has been drugged, and wakes to find he has prepared her body using his usual methods. There is only the final step left, but just before it’s about to happen, she is saved by a masked heroine in a ski mask, who accidentally kills him with a faulty cattle prod to the neck. She reluctantly drops the confused Amber off and promptly leaves her. But who was she, and why in the world is she hunting serial killers? Amber’s troubles are only getting started. After a too-close-for-comfort call from the law enforcement she’s been outrunning her whole life, she drives cross-country and ends up in the seedy Las Vegas motel she can afford. The owner is obsessed with noir and old films, and the only other friend she has is clearly a sex worker, but a new serial killer is on her trail. She is caught up in a twisted game, forced to partner with a person she really does not know and definitely doesn’t trust. Well, it’s Las Vegas, so it’s time to take a gamble…
This incredibly funny (plenty of dark humor) thriller (yes, I see the dichotomy) is truly an original, chock-full of colorful characters (and dialog), misadventures, unfortunate circumstances, and excitement! It’s twisted in the best possible way, and the reader cannot help but to tear through the pages to discover what (or who) will happen next. The fact that Amber is street-smart and aware leaves her more angry than afraid when she is forced into the white van and drugged (the first time). The tension builds, leads to relief that she is saved by “Ski Mask” as Amber called her anonymous savior, only to allow readers enough time to blink before the real drama (well, comedy/drama… Dramady? Comedma?) begins. I can say that the motel owner is a supportive, resourceful, and well-connected friend to have in your corner, and the reader will feel many emotions throughout, including finally being able to release the breath they didn’t know they were holding. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend this work to all fans of thrillers, noir, and comedy (if you can tolerate some murder scenes).
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Michelle Gagnon, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Publishing for the ability to read and review this ARC.
This incredibly funny (plenty of dark humor) thriller (yes, I see the dichotomy) is truly an original, chock-full of colorful characters (and dialog), misadventures, unfortunate circumstances, and excitement! It’s twisted in the best possible way, and the reader cannot help but to tear through the pages to discover what (or who) will happen next. The fact that Amber is street-smart and aware leaves her more angry than afraid when she is forced into the white van and drugged (the first time). The tension builds, leads to relief that she is saved by “Ski Mask” as Amber called her anonymous savior, only to allow readers enough time to blink before the real drama (well, comedy/drama… Dramady? Comedma?) begins. I can say that the motel owner is a supportive, resourceful, and well-connected friend to have in your corner, and the reader will feel many emotions throughout, including finally being able to release the breath they didn’t know they were holding. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend this work to all fans of thrillers, noir, and comedy (if you can tolerate some murder scenes).
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Michelle Gagnon, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Publishing for the ability to read and review this ARC.
October 9, 2023
I just took a second to look at the overall Goodreads’ rating along with my friends’ individual Star reactions to this one and it turns out I’m the naysayer of the bunch. You know what that means, right????
Ha! Just kidding. Everyone is aware that I’m usually the wrongreader. The main reason I didn’t vibe with this one was not because it was farfetched – I’m down for some fun with my thrillers – it was a combination of this supposed grifter type of conwoman being so easy to fool and a supposed “zany” thriller that really did not tickle my funny bone after the first couple of chapters.
I’m over 100 reviews behind for the year, so that’s all I have to say. Everyone else really liked it, so it was probably just wrong place/wrong time for me.
Ha! Just kidding. Everyone is aware that I’m usually the wrongreader. The main reason I didn’t vibe with this one was not because it was farfetched – I’m down for some fun with my thrillers – it was a combination of this supposed grifter type of conwoman being so easy to fool and a supposed “zany” thriller that really did not tickle my funny bone after the first couple of chapters.
I’m over 100 reviews behind for the year, so that’s all I have to say. Everyone else really liked it, so it was probably just wrong place/wrong time for me.
July 27, 2023
TL;DR: I was very much charmed by this debut from Gagnon, about the escaped victim of a serial killer who manages to catch the attention of another notorious (and even more dangerous) killer. The book is darkly humorous with a great cast of characters, a messy MC you can’t help but root for, and a final act showdown that I thought was really well-executed. Longer synopsis below, KILLING ME officially hits bookshelves tomorrow and definitely worth adding to your summer beach read list!
November 20, 2022
This may be the most hilarious serial killer book ever!
Lol, that was even funny to write. This book starts with Amber, a 20something who is running from her past. "eye's not rolling" We don't really know why but don't have time to guess anyway because by page ten she is abducted by a crazy serial killer. Of course she is! She's pretty much dead to rights before she is saved by a mysterious person who she just calls, "Ski Mask" Then she is just suddenly free. So she does what comes natural and goes on the run again to Vegas. Where, of course, she gets in the crosshairs of another serial killer. Then one is much worse and has killed hundreds of people.
So why so funny? It's because this book has sass and does it right. Amber is snarky and flat out hilarious. How many times have you read a book where the author tries to write a snarky character and it comes out just annoying? (I'm looking RIGHT at you almost every single Mr./Mrs/Ms/ Urban Fantasy author) The author of this one: Michelle Gagnon just nails it.
This book is just fun to read and Amber soon falls into a small group of great characters. The chemistry and prose between them is outstanding and unforgettable. Just "Fun" And this one has all my pluses: Short chapters that fly by and it's kept to close to 300 pages.
The only negative is that it is so snarky that you can't take it too seriously. And I wish there was more interaction with the serial killer throughout. But that may be by design and you may or may not get a chilling showdown. No spoilers, of course.
So very highly recommended and it looks like were getting a sequel so can't wait!
A very hearty thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for giving me the opportunity to read this book and it has a publication date of May 16, 2023.
Advance Reader Copy given for free for honest review.
Lol, that was even funny to write. This book starts with Amber, a 20something who is running from her past. "eye's not rolling" We don't really know why but don't have time to guess anyway because by page ten she is abducted by a crazy serial killer. Of course she is! She's pretty much dead to rights before she is saved by a mysterious person who she just calls, "Ski Mask" Then she is just suddenly free. So she does what comes natural and goes on the run again to Vegas. Where, of course, she gets in the crosshairs of another serial killer. Then one is much worse and has killed hundreds of people.
So why so funny? It's because this book has sass and does it right. Amber is snarky and flat out hilarious. How many times have you read a book where the author tries to write a snarky character and it comes out just annoying? (I'm looking RIGHT at you almost every single Mr./Mrs/Ms/ Urban Fantasy author) The author of this one: Michelle Gagnon just nails it.
This book is just fun to read and Amber soon falls into a small group of great characters. The chemistry and prose between them is outstanding and unforgettable. Just "Fun" And this one has all my pluses: Short chapters that fly by and it's kept to close to 300 pages.
The only negative is that it is so snarky that you can't take it too seriously. And I wish there was more interaction with the serial killer throughout. But that may be by design and you may or may not get a chilling showdown. No spoilers, of course.
So very highly recommended and it looks like were getting a sequel so can't wait!
A very hearty thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for giving me the opportunity to read this book and it has a publication date of May 16, 2023.
Advance Reader Copy given for free for honest review.
May 24, 2023
3.5 rounded up. I love tongue in cheek dark humor and this one starts off with a ton of it. The book opens in the middle of a serial killer kidnapping our main character and I couldn’t stop laughing. It was brilliant. The problem, of course, is that it didn’t stay at that level. Once the story got going it just became a typical serial killer chase
The story follows Amber who is kidnapped by a serial killer but then mysteriously saved by a woman in a ski mask. While she thinks this is the end of the story, it turns out that by being saved she has put herself in the crosshairs of yet another serial killer. Amber and her mystery savior race through Vegas to find the killer before it’s too late but they won’t be able to do it alone.
Despite it being about gruesome murders and horrible childhoods, this is a surprisingly light book. The friendships are fun, the climax is well done it just set the bar too high in the beginning.
The story follows Amber who is kidnapped by a serial killer but then mysteriously saved by a woman in a ski mask. While she thinks this is the end of the story, it turns out that by being saved she has put herself in the crosshairs of yet another serial killer. Amber and her mystery savior race through Vegas to find the killer before it’s too late but they won’t be able to do it alone.
Despite it being about gruesome murders and horrible childhoods, this is a surprisingly light book. The friendships are fun, the climax is well done it just set the bar too high in the beginning.
August 7, 2023
If you like some humor along with your mystery, you’ll love Killing Me. There are several strong female characters, including the main character, Amber, who tells the story. The whole thing reminded a bit of the Finlay Donovan and Stephanie Plum books - which is not a bad thing at all!
The book opens with a rather scary situation. Amber has been grabbed by a serial killer and she figures her short life is going to be over very soon. Of course, if that had happened, there wouldn’t be a whole book to read, so it’s not really a spoiler to say that she survives. When later an FBI agent shows up at her door, she figures her shady past has caught up with her and she runs - from her college in Tennessee to Las Vegas, where she hopes to buy a new identity.
In addition to Amber herself, we meet some great quirky female characters along the way, especially the women she meets in Las Vegas and a mysterious woman named Grace. We also get a realistic-seeming sapphic relationship.
Thank you to NetGalley and G P Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book, although I was late to it. I bounced between the ARC and the published audiobook, courtesy of my public library. The narrator, Jaime Lamchick, did a good job with the various voices and accents. All opinions are my own.
The book opens with a rather scary situation. Amber has been grabbed by a serial killer and she figures her short life is going to be over very soon. Of course, if that had happened, there wouldn’t be a whole book to read, so it’s not really a spoiler to say that she survives. When later an FBI agent shows up at her door, she figures her shady past has caught up with her and she runs - from her college in Tennessee to Las Vegas, where she hopes to buy a new identity.
In addition to Amber herself, we meet some great quirky female characters along the way, especially the women she meets in Las Vegas and a mysterious woman named Grace. We also get a realistic-seeming sapphic relationship.
Thank you to NetGalley and G P Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book, although I was late to it. I bounced between the ARC and the published audiobook, courtesy of my public library. The narrator, Jaime Lamchick, did a good job with the various voices and accents. All opinions are my own.
April 26, 2023
Wow! There were so many great aspects to this book. We have the sarcastic and savvy Amber that gathers a whole group of unexpected friends. The feel is more 'Ocean's 8' except to hunt down serial killers. I would have preferred more character development mixed with the snark, but after reading the authors note that she will see us in the sequel, I can see why she held off in certain areas.
June 8, 2023
Review coming soon.
May 16, 2023
Sometimes with thriller books that have a lot of darkly dramatic and suspenseful plot lines, I get annoyed by how implausible it all seems. This wasn’t written in a super serious manner though; it’s written from the viewpoint of a sarcastic and dark 24-year-old. The tone of the book made all of that work in this case, and made for a very interesting read!
The synopsis doesn’t tell us much for a reason - you want to go into this fresh. Amber was drugged and kidnapped by a serial killer (this is the opening scene in the book) and right as she’s ready, albeit pissed off, to die, a miracle happens. A strange woman in a ski mask comes in and saves the day, then disappears. Amber doesn’t go to the police because of “her past” (which is actually pretty compelling and fun to read about) so she decided leaving town was the right choice to make.
Eventually, for a variety of reasons, she finds herself driving to Las Vegas. Soon after arriving, she meets her two new best friends: the owner of a seedy motel, and a sex worker who lives there. Sex workers aren’t allowed to bring work home at this motel though, so most women go to a nearby even crappier motel to make their money. That motel becomes the scene of a murder, and that’s when things REALLY get crazy…
I’m dying to say more, but I can’t! This was super fast-paced and I thought the characters were well-written and at times, heartwarming. The story was suspenseful from page one, and I was going to give this a 4 or 4.5 star rating… then I got to the ending. There were tons of great twists, and the story was also wrapped up neatly for those who cared about the characters. The author hinted at a sequel in the epilogue, and I AM HERE FOR IT! Five stars.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Thank you to Penguin Group - Putnam, Michelle Gagnon, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on May 16, 2023.)
The synopsis doesn’t tell us much for a reason - you want to go into this fresh. Amber was drugged and kidnapped by a serial killer (this is the opening scene in the book) and right as she’s ready, albeit pissed off, to die, a miracle happens. A strange woman in a ski mask comes in and saves the day, then disappears. Amber doesn’t go to the police because of “her past” (which is actually pretty compelling and fun to read about) so she decided leaving town was the right choice to make.
Eventually, for a variety of reasons, she finds herself driving to Las Vegas. Soon after arriving, she meets her two new best friends: the owner of a seedy motel, and a sex worker who lives there. Sex workers aren’t allowed to bring work home at this motel though, so most women go to a nearby even crappier motel to make their money. That motel becomes the scene of a murder, and that’s when things REALLY get crazy…
I’m dying to say more, but I can’t! This was super fast-paced and I thought the characters were well-written and at times, heartwarming. The story was suspenseful from page one, and I was going to give this a 4 or 4.5 star rating… then I got to the ending. There were tons of great twists, and the story was also wrapped up neatly for those who cared about the characters. The author hinted at a sequel in the epilogue, and I AM HERE FOR IT! Five stars.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Thank you to Penguin Group - Putnam, Michelle Gagnon, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on May 16, 2023.)
March 7, 2023
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley.
Really good. The first part of the book is a little rough (hence the 4 stars) but once it gets going, it gets going. I do have to say the backstory on one of the characters (mysterious woman) in the book. We get an infodump about what happens next, but I rather we had flashbacks on that or something, it just didn't work. All in all, the book was very interesting, funny, and sad.
"Killing Me" follows 24 year old Amber Jamison. Amber is a street smart young woman, but somehow ends up abducted by a serial killer called the Pikachu Killer (do not ask). Amber though is saved before she is murdered and then switches the tables on her rescuer. She finds out the woman is out there hunting serial killers. When the FBI shows up trying to question Amber, Amber flees and heads for Vegas. Unfortunately she seems to be part of another serial killer's messed up game.
Amber was great. I liked her character and her backstory. At times she wears her heart on the sleeve (when it comes to the love interest she gets) but she does show that she's street smart with some rules of the road.
The other characters we get to know really come to life. Honestly I don't want to go into them because it would be spoiling it for readers, but I enjoyed everyone and I hated the death we do get with this motely messed up crew. The mysterious woman's backstory as I said above could have been dealt with a bit stronger in terms of the plot. It just felt rushed and hurried. And I legit at one point went, what in the world. But I liked it though it fed into the ridiculous.
The writing was very solid, but the flow was not great, as I said earlier, the first part of the book felt a bit rough before Amber starts to reveal more of herself to us readers. The humor in the book is there though and I loved Amber's ongoing verbal battles with mysterious woman.
The setting of Las Vegas really works in terms of the plot. I can't imagine any of this going down in any other city.
The ending kind of leaves things opened to maybe another book starring Amber. I would definitely pick that up.
Really good. The first part of the book is a little rough (hence the 4 stars) but once it gets going, it gets going. I do have to say the backstory on one of the characters (mysterious woman) in the book. We get an infodump about what happens next, but I rather we had flashbacks on that or something, it just didn't work. All in all, the book was very interesting, funny, and sad.
"Killing Me" follows 24 year old Amber Jamison. Amber is a street smart young woman, but somehow ends up abducted by a serial killer called the Pikachu Killer (do not ask). Amber though is saved before she is murdered and then switches the tables on her rescuer. She finds out the woman is out there hunting serial killers. When the FBI shows up trying to question Amber, Amber flees and heads for Vegas. Unfortunately she seems to be part of another serial killer's messed up game.
Amber was great. I liked her character and her backstory. At times she wears her heart on the sleeve (when it comes to the love interest she gets) but she does show that she's street smart with some rules of the road.
The other characters we get to know really come to life. Honestly I don't want to go into them because it would be spoiling it for readers, but I enjoyed everyone and I hated the death we do get with this motely messed up crew. The mysterious woman's backstory as I said above could have been dealt with a bit stronger in terms of the plot. It just felt rushed and hurried. And I legit at one point went, what in the world. But I liked it though it fed into the ridiculous.
The writing was very solid, but the flow was not great, as I said earlier, the first part of the book felt a bit rough before Amber starts to reveal more of herself to us readers. The humor in the book is there though and I loved Amber's ongoing verbal battles with mysterious woman.
The setting of Las Vegas really works in terms of the plot. I can't imagine any of this going down in any other city.
The ending kind of leaves things opened to maybe another book starring Amber. I would definitely pick that up.
July 4, 2023
Amber James is about to become the next victim of the Pikachu serial killer when she is miraculously saved by a mysterious woman named Grace who then disappears without an explanation. Given her questionable past, Amber chooses to flee to Las Vegas rather than meeting with the FBI to answer a bunch of questions. Once in Las Vegas, she ends up staying in a sleazy motel and befriending the hotel owner and a sex worker. Unfortunately for her, she’s also gets caught up in a deadly game with another serial killer.
Well, this was definitely a fun ride! The characters were great as was the premise, and I loved the location, added snark and dark humor which is always a bonus in thrillers for me. Amber has street-smarts and common sense which ultimately makes her a very likable protagonist. If you are someone who requires plausibility, this might not be for you, but if you can go with the flow and just have fun with it, I think you will enjoy this one. I am definitely looking forward to more books from this author. 4 stars.
Well, this was definitely a fun ride! The characters were great as was the premise, and I loved the location, added snark and dark humor which is always a bonus in thrillers for me. Amber has street-smarts and common sense which ultimately makes her a very likable protagonist. If you are someone who requires plausibility, this might not be for you, but if you can go with the flow and just have fun with it, I think you will enjoy this one. I am definitely looking forward to more books from this author. 4 stars.
August 6, 2023
Mostly one POV, but there are some flashbacks intertwined here and there. This book is humorous like the Finlay Donovan series, but with seedier topics (Vegas, sex work, serial killers, etc). I found myself laughing a lot, never wanting to stop reading, and always wanting to pick it back up! I’ve been in a reading slump and this book was everything I needed and more. The characters are all so likeable especially when they are bantering with each other. I really hope that she decides to write another book with this motley crew of characters. For being a dark humor novel, it still had moments of suspense and moments where I was thoroughly surprised! Needless to say - I will never look at a Pikachu the same again. I HIGHly recommend this book!!!
September 5, 2022
2.5/5⭐️ This book definitely started out with a bang and had some crazy twists! It starts with the main character getting kidnapped by a serial killer and almost murdered, but is somehow saved by somewhat of a serial killer hunter.
It the process of being saved by said hunter, she becomes the target of another serial killer who is linked to the serial killer hunter and wants to get back at her.
The ending was INTENSE and I loved the thrill of it, but there were a few things that didn’t quite add up for me. The book started off adding comical jabs, or extra thoughts that were funny, but it didn’t continue throughout the book. So it seemed a little disjointed. I also felt like they decided to make the main character a lesbian halfway through the book and it didn’t add anything to the novel.
Overall I liked the plot, but felt like it could have been refined a little more.
Thanks NetGalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review!
It the process of being saved by said hunter, she becomes the target of another serial killer who is linked to the serial killer hunter and wants to get back at her.
The ending was INTENSE and I loved the thrill of it, but there were a few things that didn’t quite add up for me. The book started off adding comical jabs, or extra thoughts that were funny, but it didn’t continue throughout the book. So it seemed a little disjointed. I also felt like they decided to make the main character a lesbian halfway through the book and it didn’t add anything to the novel.
Overall I liked the plot, but felt like it could have been refined a little more.
Thanks NetGalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review!
September 28, 2022
Killing Me
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Thriller
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 5/16/23
Author: Michelle Gagnon
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Pages: 336
GR: 4.25
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Amber Jamison cannot believe she’s about to become the latest victim of a serial killer—she’s savvy and street smart, so when she gets pushed into, of all things, a white windowless van, she's more angry than afraid. Then she’s saved by a mysterious woman…who promptly disappears. Her close call has law enforcement circling a past she’s tried to outrun. So she’s forced to flee, ending up at a seedy motel in Las Vegas with a noir-obsessed manager and a sex worker as her unlikely companions...and danger right behind. To survive, she's forced to dust off her old playbook and partner with someone she can’t trust. The odds are against her, but sometimes you just have to roll the dice.
My Thoughts: Who knew that an epic suspenseful thriller could be so darn funny? Gagnon does it so well and gracefully. Amber is a bad ass heroine that is funny, bold, sarcastic while being a kind person. The plot was set so brilliantly, you really did not know what character to trust or what events to believe. I do not want to give too much away to not spoil it for readers. Just know this book is funny, suspenseful, and fast paced! The characters were developed well with depth, humor, twisted, intriguing, and creatively woven throughout the story. The author’s writing style was complex, dark, suspenseful, funny, and just brilliant. If you love the Finlay Donovan series like I do, you will love this, so go preorder NOW! I can see this being a best-seller.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Thriller
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 5/16/23
Author: Michelle Gagnon
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Pages: 336
GR: 4.25
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Amber Jamison cannot believe she’s about to become the latest victim of a serial killer—she’s savvy and street smart, so when she gets pushed into, of all things, a white windowless van, she's more angry than afraid. Then she’s saved by a mysterious woman…who promptly disappears. Her close call has law enforcement circling a past she’s tried to outrun. So she’s forced to flee, ending up at a seedy motel in Las Vegas with a noir-obsessed manager and a sex worker as her unlikely companions...and danger right behind. To survive, she's forced to dust off her old playbook and partner with someone she can’t trust. The odds are against her, but sometimes you just have to roll the dice.
My Thoughts: Who knew that an epic suspenseful thriller could be so darn funny? Gagnon does it so well and gracefully. Amber is a bad ass heroine that is funny, bold, sarcastic while being a kind person. The plot was set so brilliantly, you really did not know what character to trust or what events to believe. I do not want to give too much away to not spoil it for readers. Just know this book is funny, suspenseful, and fast paced! The characters were developed well with depth, humor, twisted, intriguing, and creatively woven throughout the story. The author’s writing style was complex, dark, suspenseful, funny, and just brilliant. If you love the Finlay Donovan series like I do, you will love this, so go preorder NOW! I can see this being a best-seller.
May 1, 2023
Killing Me, killed it! The story, which is fast paced and funny is about a serial killer and the two women who admirably dislike one another trying to solve the mystery as to who the murderer could be since no one at the FBI seems to be able. Both women have different types of seedy pasts and both women are certainly type A personalities. What could go wrong?
College student Amber Jamison wakes up and discovers she is the next victim of a serial killer who has been killing girls in the area. How could she have been so stupid as to get herself into a mess like this? But just as he goes to end her life, a mysterious woman swoops in, kills the killer and tells Amber to forget she ever saw her and leaves. Just leaves.
But a visit from an FBI agent about the serial killer and her fingerprints being at the scene, something mystery girl was supposed to have taken care of (thanks!) leads Amber to have to flee. You see Amber’s past is not very legal so to say. So, she decides she can’t stick around and goes on the run.
She ends up in Las Vegas at a “motel” where she encounters a kind-hearted manager and a beautiful call girl. With no money she tries to survive under the radar, which goes out the window when someone leaves a mysterious envelope for her (under her given name) and it is filled with pictures of murdered women from Las Vegas motels. She has no idea why she would get this other than perhaps her ex-mysterious friend thinks she would be good at solving murders…not!
But then she gets a shocking visit from her nemesis and finds out she has been tracking her because she knows Amber is the next victim of the serial killer. Now the gruesome twosome must attempt to work together before he kills Amber or someone else. It seems her now partner has been playing cat and mouse with the killer for years. And with good reason.
Now, they have to somehow agree to a plan, make sure no one is injured, find him and kill him. Easy!
Kill Me was an absolutely enjoyable read which I did not want to end. The story was suspenseful, there were lovable characters, hilarious dialogue and great twists! I did read to the last sentence in the Acknowledgement and let me just say…I cannot wait!
Thank you #NetGalley #G.P.Putnam’sSons #KillingMe #MichelleGagnon for the advanced copy.
College student Amber Jamison wakes up and discovers she is the next victim of a serial killer who has been killing girls in the area. How could she have been so stupid as to get herself into a mess like this? But just as he goes to end her life, a mysterious woman swoops in, kills the killer and tells Amber to forget she ever saw her and leaves. Just leaves.
But a visit from an FBI agent about the serial killer and her fingerprints being at the scene, something mystery girl was supposed to have taken care of (thanks!) leads Amber to have to flee. You see Amber’s past is not very legal so to say. So, she decides she can’t stick around and goes on the run.
She ends up in Las Vegas at a “motel” where she encounters a kind-hearted manager and a beautiful call girl. With no money she tries to survive under the radar, which goes out the window when someone leaves a mysterious envelope for her (under her given name) and it is filled with pictures of murdered women from Las Vegas motels. She has no idea why she would get this other than perhaps her ex-mysterious friend thinks she would be good at solving murders…not!
But then she gets a shocking visit from her nemesis and finds out she has been tracking her because she knows Amber is the next victim of the serial killer. Now the gruesome twosome must attempt to work together before he kills Amber or someone else. It seems her now partner has been playing cat and mouse with the killer for years. And with good reason.
Now, they have to somehow agree to a plan, make sure no one is injured, find him and kill him. Easy!
Kill Me was an absolutely enjoyable read which I did not want to end. The story was suspenseful, there were lovable characters, hilarious dialogue and great twists! I did read to the last sentence in the Acknowledgement and let me just say…I cannot wait!
Thank you #NetGalley #G.P.Putnam’sSons #KillingMe #MichelleGagnon for the advanced copy.
January 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Killing Me.
I admit I was pretty stoked to read this.
It's got everything I look for in a novel; a plucky heroine, a serial killer, assorted quirky characters.
Count me in!
Was this entertaining? Yup.
Were the characters, including Amber, personable and likable? Sure.
Was the story just as unique as the characters? Ditto.
This was a female driven story led by Amber, an almost victim of a serial killer, saved by the sister of a serial killer, her own twin brother. Oh, and their dad was a notorious serial killer as well.
With me so far?
Yeah, you have to read it to get it.
Was it an exciting read? You betcha. Lots of stuff happening that makes you doubt who, exactly, is telling the truth. I love that!
Was it far fetched with plenty of moments of disbelief? Oh yeahhh.
You'll need to check your disbelief suspension at the door.
Were there familiar tropes and lucky breaks? Of course!
Like how Gunnar is a hottie serial killer and has killed hundreds and evaded authorities for this long.
The twins are trust fund babies (how fortunate) because how else can Grace fund her investigation?
Dot knows everyone in Vegas and can hook up copter rides and stays at motels and find people to stalk Gunnar like she's running her personal undercover operation.
Amber was raised by con artist parents and her quick mind is a result of her unorthodox upbringing
Was this still fun to read? Definitely.
I liked the writing style, the tone, Amber and Carrie, Dot and Marcella, and everyone involved, including Dot's man.
It was great to read a narrative that revolved around strong, independent, resourceful women who didn't need a man or was fighting over a man or getting revenge on a man who had wronged them.
This was just a fun (I can't believe that happened but I'll run with it) kind of read.
Just enjoy it for what it is.
The good guys win, the bad guys don't, and all is right with the world (for most of the characters, at least).
I admit I was pretty stoked to read this.
It's got everything I look for in a novel; a plucky heroine, a serial killer, assorted quirky characters.
Count me in!
Was this entertaining? Yup.
Were the characters, including Amber, personable and likable? Sure.
Was the story just as unique as the characters? Ditto.
This was a female driven story led by Amber, an almost victim of a serial killer, saved by the sister of a serial killer, her own twin brother. Oh, and their dad was a notorious serial killer as well.
With me so far?
Yeah, you have to read it to get it.
Was it an exciting read? You betcha. Lots of stuff happening that makes you doubt who, exactly, is telling the truth. I love that!
Was it far fetched with plenty of moments of disbelief? Oh yeahhh.
You'll need to check your disbelief suspension at the door.
Were there familiar tropes and lucky breaks? Of course!
Like how Gunnar is a hottie serial killer and has killed hundreds and evaded authorities for this long.
The twins are trust fund babies (how fortunate) because how else can Grace fund her investigation?
Dot knows everyone in Vegas and can hook up copter rides and stays at motels and find people to stalk Gunnar like she's running her personal undercover operation.
Amber was raised by con artist parents and her quick mind is a result of her unorthodox upbringing
Was this still fun to read? Definitely.
I liked the writing style, the tone, Amber and Carrie, Dot and Marcella, and everyone involved, including Dot's man.
It was great to read a narrative that revolved around strong, independent, resourceful women who didn't need a man or was fighting over a man or getting revenge on a man who had wronged them.
This was just a fun (I can't believe that happened but I'll run with it) kind of read.
Just enjoy it for what it is.
The good guys win, the bad guys don't, and all is right with the world (for most of the characters, at least).
July 29, 2022
what the fuck did i just read?????
this book was like insane. like whoah. i keep thinking: did this actually just happen? what am i reading? is this real?
this book is like the shit from my dreams. just epic.
i’m not sure if i’m supposed to curse so much in “professional” reviews, but i never claimed to be a professional so.
this book started off with our main character & heroine getting kidnapped, and i was laughing my ass off. and i know that sounds really weird but her thought process was the best, it’s exactly what i would be thinking in that same exact scenario. like did i really just get kidnapped???
our main character, amber, is the type of heroine i adore. she’s strong, sassy, BRAVE, funny, also a little bit of a softie, a lot of bit maybe, and she’s just straight up 100% herself no matter what. she has you worrying for her safety while also laughing out loud at the same time. i definitely think this book should have ended with her at a therapist office. like someone check on this girl sanity please and thank you.
picture this: you’re a reading a book about a very funny character who escapes a serial killer, ends up getting saved by a rando who’s kind of insane, you got this bizarre secret of you’re own that involves you running away, just to get chased by another serial killer in vegas of all places, and end up working with the rando (who’s a tad bit insane) that saved you. + add a motel owner & hooker. it sounds insane when you state it like that. even messy. but it’s GOLD.
like i don’t think i ever laughed so much during a murder mystery thriller. and maybe i shouldn’t because this does have heavy topics, but i couldn’t help myself.
5 absolute stars.
☆☆☆☆☆/☆☆☆☆☆
thank you netgalley & the publishing team for granting me access to this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
p.s. if i ever get kidnapped, remind me to act exactly like amber did. if i’m dying, i’m dying in style.
p.p.s. is it insane i wanted a certain duo to end up together? author this is your doing.
this book was like insane. like whoah. i keep thinking: did this actually just happen? what am i reading? is this real?
this book is like the shit from my dreams. just epic.
i’m not sure if i’m supposed to curse so much in “professional” reviews, but i never claimed to be a professional so.
this book started off with our main character & heroine getting kidnapped, and i was laughing my ass off. and i know that sounds really weird but her thought process was the best, it’s exactly what i would be thinking in that same exact scenario. like did i really just get kidnapped???
our main character, amber, is the type of heroine i adore. she’s strong, sassy, BRAVE, funny, also a little bit of a softie, a lot of bit maybe, and she’s just straight up 100% herself no matter what. she has you worrying for her safety while also laughing out loud at the same time. i definitely think this book should have ended with her at a therapist office. like someone check on this girl sanity please and thank you.
picture this: you’re a reading a book about a very funny character who escapes a serial killer, ends up getting saved by a rando who’s kind of insane, you got this bizarre secret of you’re own that involves you running away, just to get chased by another serial killer in vegas of all places, and end up working with the rando (who’s a tad bit insane) that saved you. + add a motel owner & hooker. it sounds insane when you state it like that. even messy. but it’s GOLD.
like i don’t think i ever laughed so much during a murder mystery thriller. and maybe i shouldn’t because this does have heavy topics, but i couldn’t help myself.
5 absolute stars.
☆☆☆☆☆/☆☆☆☆☆
thank you netgalley & the publishing team for granting me access to this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
p.s. if i ever get kidnapped, remind me to act exactly like amber did. if i’m dying, i’m dying in style.
p.p.s. is it insane i wanted a certain duo to end up together? author this is your doing.
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