Killer queens
Do not – we repeat, do not – get on the wrong side of these books’ Villanelle-esque characters…
HOW TO KILL YOUR FAMILY by Bella Mackie out July The lowdown:
In her first book, Jog On, Bella Mackie detailed how running helped her battle anxiety and depression. This is her first novel, about a woman called Grace, who’s killed six members of her family but languishes in jail for a murder that, ironically, she didn’t commit.
What’s the plot?
You’ll be gripped as Grace details all the ways in which she does away with her family members. Mackie drip-feeds the bleak tale of how Grace came to be so bitter, along with some on-the-nose social commentary about privilege and wealth. Some of the specifics might be a little far-fetched, but just wait for the twist.
The verdict:
5/5. Grace’s emotional detachment throughout will give you chills.
DANGEROUS WOMEN by Hope Adams out now The lowdown:
A murder-mystery set in the 19th century about a group of female convicts who are being transported to Tasmania by boat, and, erm, are sewing a quilt together. No, come back, this isn’t the dawning of “quilt lit”. It’s a feminist whodunnit inspired by a true story. Hope Adams is a pen name of Adèle Geras, who’s written 90+ books.
What’s the plot?
When one woman is stabbed, an investigation explores the motives of those on board, and the desperation and trauma that led each of them to offend. Adams disguises a social-history lesson on women’s rights as a gripping period drama.
The verdict:
4/5. Low on fashion inspiration and one-liners, but high on empathy and redemption.
ANIMAL by Lisa Taddeo out June The lowdown:
After Three Women, one of the hottest books of 2019, Taddeo is back – this time, using fiction to explore an even darker side of women’s sex lives and relationships.
What’s the plot?
When a married man Joan has been having an affair with shoots himself in front of her while she’s at dinner with another married man (keep up), she excavates her past to learn how it’s impacted her relationships with men. Looking at how the patriarchy and rape culture can drive women to extremes, this book asks: how responsible can a woman be for their rage in a world that discriminates against and abuses them?
The verdict:
2/5. Joan may commit so-called “evil” acts, but did a maledominated society make her that way?
OTHER PEOPLE’S CLOTHES by Calla Henkel
out July
The lowdown:
Playwright and artist Henkel’s debut novel is about a young American woman living in Berlin.
What’s the plot?
A student called Zoe rents an apartment with her best friend Hailey. So far, so normal. But when mysterious things start to happen, they suspect their landlord, Beatrice – a twisted crime writer – is playing tricks on them in a bid to inspire the plot of her next novel. Yeah, there are more layers to this than Rachel from Friends’ trifle, and it will seriously make you question everything. Thankfully, the relatable chat between the friends cuts through the intensity.
The verdict:
2/5. The story is thrilling, but you’ll still have some nails left by the end of it.
WATCH HER FALL by Erin Kelly out now The lowdown:
Cancel your plans and put the kettle on: bestselling crime author Kelly is back with her eighth addictive thriller, this time set in the cut-throat world of competitive ballet.
What’s the plot?
Prima ballerina Ava has reached the pinnacle of her career – she’s about to dance the lead role in Swan Lake, much to the envy of her fellow dancers at the company. But backstage, she starts to hear whispers suggesting she’s on her way out, making her fearful – someone wants to see Ava fall.
The verdict:
4/5. The story’s been described as “Black Swan meets Killing Eve”, and we can see why – it switches skilfully between perspectives, and there’s a clever twist that’ll make you gasp.