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Bad Men
“Wickedly funny, with twists and turns . . . Bad Men is a damn good read .� � RED magazine
Meet the most irresistible serial killer of the year in this twisty feminist thriller that's as wickedly fun as it is lethal
Saffy Huntley-Oliver is an intelligent and glamorous socialite; she also happens to be a proficient serial killer. For the past fifteen years, she's hunted down and dispatched rapists, murderers, domestic abusers—bad men all. But leading a double life has left her lonely—dating’s tough when your boyfriend might turn out to be your next victim. Saffy thinks she's finally found a truly good man inJonathan Desrosiers, a true-crime podcaster who’s amassed legions of die-hard fans for cracking cold cases and bringing justice to victims.
When a decapitated body shows up on Jon's doorstep the morning after his wife leaves him, he becomes the chief suspect for a murder he insists he didn’t commit. Saffy’s crush becomes an obsession as she orchestrates a meet-cute and volunteers to help Jon clear his name, using every trick up her sleeve to find the real killer and get her man—no matter the cost.
Darkly comic and addictively readable, Bad Men is a wild romp of a feminist thriller that asks if even a serial killer can have a happily ever after.
Meet the most irresistible serial killer of the year in this twisty feminist thriller that's as wickedly fun as it is lethal
Saffy Huntley-Oliver is an intelligent and glamorous socialite; she also happens to be a proficient serial killer. For the past fifteen years, she's hunted down and dispatched rapists, murderers, domestic abusers—bad men all. But leading a double life has left her lonely—dating’s tough when your boyfriend might turn out to be your next victim. Saffy thinks she's finally found a truly good man inJonathan Desrosiers, a true-crime podcaster who’s amassed legions of die-hard fans for cracking cold cases and bringing justice to victims.
When a decapitated body shows up on Jon's doorstep the morning after his wife leaves him, he becomes the chief suspect for a murder he insists he didn’t commit. Saffy’s crush becomes an obsession as she orchestrates a meet-cute and volunteers to help Jon clear his name, using every trick up her sleeve to find the real killer and get her man—no matter the cost.
Darkly comic and addictively readable, Bad Men is a wild romp of a feminist thriller that asks if even a serial killer can have a happily ever after.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2023
346 people are currently reading
27.9k people want to read
About the author
Julie Mae Cohen
5books135followersI love talking with readers - for 1:1s and Book Club visits, find me on Skolay:
Julie Mae Cohen is the darker side of author Julie Cohen, a million-copy bestselling, award-winning author of book club fiction.
Her first thriller, BAD MEN, was a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick, and was shortlisted for the RNA Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.
She grew up in the USA and lives in the UK with her family and a terrier of dubious origin. Her Google search history is very weird.
Julie Mae Cohen is the darker side of author Julie Cohen, a million-copy bestselling, award-winning author of book club fiction.
Her first thriller, BAD MEN, was a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick, and was shortlisted for the RNA Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.
She grew up in the USA and lives in the UK with her family and a terrier of dubious origin. Her Google search history is very weird.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,172 reviews
July 12, 2024
writing: fine | plot: mia | ending: excuse moi?
my opinion
Ummm what the fuck was that? This is touted as a feminist thriller but Snooki writing that anon note to Sammi Sweetheart about Ron kissing 2 girls in the club was more feminist than anything that occurred in this book. Where was the killing? All I got was a whack ass love story with a Paw Patrol esque mystery subplot. This was more about the worst case scenarios of true crime podcasting than men being bad to women.
I think these feminist thrillers are hard to pull off being the FMCs are always deeply unlikeable but not in a fun, frenemy way. "The whole point is that she's a morally grey character" you may be thinking whilst reading this rambling review. Sure... but is she? Because being a killer is the morally grey part but she didn't really kill any bad men the entire book. Instead spent her time trying to prove a man—who ditched their date, whilst staying in her beautiful home for free, to stalk in his ex-wife—was innocent. And her motivations for helping said man? Well, she liked his podcast and he donated to charity which obviously proves he's a GOOD man. Except that Saffy, a confessed serial killer, also serves on multiple charity boards soooo?? Also, Saffy was allegedly some feminist icon fighting the good fight that waiters should pour wine for the women first if they order but didn't see anything wrong with judging her sister's eating habits. Essentially, Saffy just had a shite personality. Nothing morally grey about her.
Anyways. I'm not sure what the point of this book was other than men do in fact love "bitches" and dogs always know who's suss. Super disappointing since this was a highly anticipated read with a BANGING cover that I was fortunate enough to be gifted. Womp womp.
pros & cons
pros: beautiful cover, fun premise (belly flop execution though)
cons: weak and cliche characters, romance made zero sense, ending was undeserved, exceptionally predictable (not always a con, but since the book gave me nothing else, it felt like one more letdown), terrible execution of feminist themes
__
my opinion
Ummm what the fuck was that? This is touted as a feminist thriller but Snooki writing that anon note to Sammi Sweetheart about Ron kissing 2 girls in the club was more feminist than anything that occurred in this book. Where was the killing? All I got was a whack ass love story with a Paw Patrol esque mystery subplot. This was more about the worst case scenarios of true crime podcasting than men being bad to women.
I think these feminist thrillers are hard to pull off being the FMCs are always deeply unlikeable but not in a fun, frenemy way. "The whole point is that she's a morally grey character" you may be thinking whilst reading this rambling review. Sure... but is she? Because being a killer is the morally grey part but she didn't really kill any bad men the entire book. Instead spent her time trying to prove a man—who ditched their date, whilst staying in her beautiful home for free, to stalk in his ex-wife—was innocent. And her motivations for helping said man? Well, she liked his podcast and he donated to charity which obviously proves he's a GOOD man. Except that Saffy, a confessed serial killer, also serves on multiple charity boards soooo?? Also, Saffy was allegedly some feminist icon fighting the good fight that waiters should pour wine for the women first if they order but didn't see anything wrong with judging her sister's eating habits. Essentially, Saffy just had a shite personality. Nothing morally grey about her.
Anyways. I'm not sure what the point of this book was other than men do in fact love "bitches" and dogs always know who's suss. Super disappointing since this was a highly anticipated read with a BANGING cover that I was fortunate enough to be gifted. Womp womp.
pros & cons
pros: beautiful cover, fun premise (belly flop execution though)
cons: weak and cliche characters, romance made zero sense, ending was undeserved, exceptionally predictable (not always a con, but since the book gave me nothing else, it felt like one more letdown), terrible execution of feminist themes
__
October 26, 2024
Saffy Huntley-Oliver has it all, education, style, wealth, oh, and the guile and lethalness to murder any bad men she comes across, which you would think would be her big secret. Don't get me wrong nobody knows that she is serial killer, albeit of pretty bad male people; her secret is that she is hard crushing on an online famous semi-detective true crime podcaster. This delightful tongue-firmly-in-cheek, with first person always talking to the reader, was a joy to read, as it is written by an actual romance writer so we get real romance (of sorts :)), great plotting and most of all we get to see how the skills needed to kill a man would prove really handy to engage a relationship with man, because the result is the same, she gets her man :D
Easily the best of the dark comedic female serial killing bad dudes books out there, as the others all seem rushed to get on the bandwagon; and this one also has a far more believable first person narration. I loved Saffy daydreaming about ways to kill her sister's mostly deadbeat part-time lover.
Easily an 8 out of 12 Four Star read.
2024 read
Easily the best of the dark comedic female serial killing bad dudes books out there, as the others all seem rushed to get on the bandwagon; and this one also has a far more believable first person narration. I loved Saffy daydreaming about ways to kill her sister's mostly deadbeat part-time lover.
Easily an 8 out of 12 Four Star read.
2024 read
July 26, 2023
(Spoilers ahead but not until said so first few paragraphs are spoiler free)
Is the feminist serial killer we didn’t know we needed in the room with us now??
Great premise of a morally grey female MC killing off bad men but the execution of this? Awful.
Most of the book feels like our so called feminist serial killer Saffy is the secondary character with a great deal of the story revolving around John. John is so bland as a character and yet our supposedly amazing feminist cool character female mc becomes some love sick puppy for him? When the premise of the book is someone is killing off bad men you’d hope that would take centre stage of the book but no her lusting and crushing over one of the dullest men i’ve ever read is the focus. It almost becomes like a romance more than a thriller.
As for her character oh my goodness. If you were to create a bingo sheet for “things non feminists think feminists say/think/do� you’d have a completed sheet by 20%. Don’t get me wrong the sentiments do occasionally fit but some of the way the female MC talks feels so false and like the author went “what do feminists like to say� googled it and then shoehorned every cringy stereotype of female feminists in?
As a book that’s hailed as the a feminist book i don’t even think this book would pass the bechdel test? She only talks to her sister and i’m pretty sure most of their convo is either about John (male MC) or Felix (?)(sisters current partner). And for a feminist the way the main character talks about other women? Amy the ex of John just exists and Saffy considers killing her but doesn’t because she’s “such a good feminist she won’t consider killing womens?!?!?!??�
Also alof of this book is just cringy like the bay the MC talks generally and the fact that her and her sister refer to each other as name- san frequently (a couple of times is fine but all the time?). There is nothing even remotely likeable about Saffy as she comes off as a caricature of “strong feminist� without actually being one.
As for the thriller aspect of this book - it was soooo predictable
SPOILERS INCOMING!!!!!!!!
If you don’t want me to guess who the real killer is from page what 40? then don’t name a random character and never mention them again until oh look he’s the killer?! It was sooo obvious from the second you meet the actual killer that it’s gonna be him. And as for Saffys involvement in the crimes - well duh? You leave it until the very end to get her involved or doing anything or merit? it’s very clear she is going to be involved somehow.
I am so disappointed at this book. Having gone to reading uni i was hoping a book from one of our lectures would slap but alas� it failed to even remotely satisfy me. Even the killing of the one politician was dull.
If you promise me a serial killer feminist i actually expect a serial killer feminist.
Sorry ❤️
Is the feminist serial killer we didn’t know we needed in the room with us now??
Great premise of a morally grey female MC killing off bad men but the execution of this? Awful.
Most of the book feels like our so called feminist serial killer Saffy is the secondary character with a great deal of the story revolving around John. John is so bland as a character and yet our supposedly amazing feminist cool character female mc becomes some love sick puppy for him? When the premise of the book is someone is killing off bad men you’d hope that would take centre stage of the book but no her lusting and crushing over one of the dullest men i’ve ever read is the focus. It almost becomes like a romance more than a thriller.
As for her character oh my goodness. If you were to create a bingo sheet for “things non feminists think feminists say/think/do� you’d have a completed sheet by 20%. Don’t get me wrong the sentiments do occasionally fit but some of the way the female MC talks feels so false and like the author went “what do feminists like to say� googled it and then shoehorned every cringy stereotype of female feminists in?
As a book that’s hailed as the a feminist book i don’t even think this book would pass the bechdel test? She only talks to her sister and i’m pretty sure most of their convo is either about John (male MC) or Felix (?)(sisters current partner). And for a feminist the way the main character talks about other women? Amy the ex of John just exists and Saffy considers killing her but doesn’t because she’s “such a good feminist she won’t consider killing womens?!?!?!??�
Also alof of this book is just cringy like the bay the MC talks generally and the fact that her and her sister refer to each other as name- san frequently (a couple of times is fine but all the time?). There is nothing even remotely likeable about Saffy as she comes off as a caricature of “strong feminist� without actually being one.
As for the thriller aspect of this book - it was soooo predictable
SPOILERS INCOMING!!!!!!!!
If you don’t want me to guess who the real killer is from page what 40? then don’t name a random character and never mention them again until oh look he’s the killer?! It was sooo obvious from the second you meet the actual killer that it’s gonna be him. And as for Saffys involvement in the crimes - well duh? You leave it until the very end to get her involved or doing anything or merit? it’s very clear she is going to be involved somehow.
I am so disappointed at this book. Having gone to reading uni i was hoping a book from one of our lectures would slap but alas� it failed to even remotely satisfy me. Even the killing of the one politician was dull.
If you promise me a serial killer feminist i actually expect a serial killer feminist.
Sorry ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2024
4.0 Stars
Video Review
As someone who loves morally gray characters who make decisions based off their own personal codes.
This was an enjoyable if not familiar twist on the female serial character. As someone who only targeted ‘bad men� she was quite easy to like and cheer for. This story perhaps felt a bit longer than necessary given the simplicity of the plot but overall I had a good time with it.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Video Review
As someone who loves morally gray characters who make decisions based off their own personal codes.
This was an enjoyable if not familiar twist on the female serial character. As someone who only targeted ‘bad men� she was quite easy to like and cheer for. This story perhaps felt a bit longer than necessary given the simplicity of the plot but overall I had a good time with it.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
May 5, 2024
A glamorous female serial killer who only kills bad men. This sounded right up my alley. It's dubbed as "wicked fun" and "darkly comedic" and I did appreciate the sarcasm and wit in the book. Saffy is a serial killer looking for love. Dating can be hard enough, but try dating when you are not only trying to determine if this man is 'the one' or is he the next kill? But Saffy will not be deterred, she has her sights on a certain man......
Jonathan is a true crime podcaster who enjoys solving cold cases and bringing people to justice. When he becomes a suspect in a crime that he did not commit, he must clear his own name and Saffy is determined to help!
Readers are given both Saffy and Jonathan's POV. This book is a little bit of everything - romance, mystery, and thrills. It is not your usual book about serial killers. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a fabulous job bringing the book to life.
While I found this book to be enjoyable, it was just missing that little bit of something that would have elevated my rating. I wanted more of Saffy for starters. I also wanted a little more mystery as well. What I did enjoy is learning about Saffy's background and what was the catalyst of her killing bad men. I also enjoyed her struggles with dating and what happens when a man catches her attention.
If you are thinking of reading this book, I do recommend the audiobook as I thought the narrator did a fantastic job!
Thank you to RB Media | Recorded Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at 📖
December 9, 2023
Ok this was honestly so fun - very much in the same vein as They Never Learn or even My Husband. I will always love a woman serial killer MC <3
Bad Men is about Saffy, and unhinged but methodical socialite 20 something who is also a serial killer. She targets bad men and only kills if she has a reason she believes is legitimate - she's essentially a vigilante.
We also follow Jon, a true crime podcaster. Saffy becomes obsessed with Jon and decides she wants him to be her boyfriend, and she will go to any lengths to stage the perfect meet cute and jumpstart their relationship.
The story starts FAST and I read the first 50% in one sitting. I was so excited about the book at the beginning because of how quickly I was immersed. I do think the pacing slowed down quite a bit in the middle, but I also loved the last 20%.
I definitely think this will be one of the hot girl thrillers of 2024!! While it wasn't perfect and Saffy and Jon were both kinda insufferable at times, I couldn't put it down.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Bad Men is about Saffy, and unhinged but methodical socialite 20 something who is also a serial killer. She targets bad men and only kills if she has a reason she believes is legitimate - she's essentially a vigilante.
We also follow Jon, a true crime podcaster. Saffy becomes obsessed with Jon and decides she wants him to be her boyfriend, and she will go to any lengths to stage the perfect meet cute and jumpstart their relationship.
The story starts FAST and I read the first 50% in one sitting. I was so excited about the book at the beginning because of how quickly I was immersed. I do think the pacing slowed down quite a bit in the middle, but I also loved the last 20%.
I definitely think this will be one of the hot girl thrillers of 2024!! While it wasn't perfect and Saffy and Jon were both kinda insufferable at times, I couldn't put it down.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review*
May 14, 2024
Female serial killers are really having a moment in fiction right now, and joining the fray is Saffy Huntley-Oliver, a glamorous socialite who happens to be a vigilante serial killer on the side. Her specialty is killing bad men � but then she meets a good man, a true crime podcaster named Jonathan Desrosiers, and her crush on him swiftly becomes an obsession. While she’s busy orchestrating a meet-cute, Jonathan’s marriage is falling apart and he’s embroiled in a police investigation after finding a chopped-up body on his porch. Saffy is determined to make Jonathan fall in love with her, and if that means she has to clear his name, she’ll do it with no hesitation � and no matter who she has to kill.
Bad Men started off promising, with a prologue that made Saffy seem sympathetic and provided a plausible backstory for her future as a serial killer. I love rooting for an antihero, so I was ready to take a bloody journey right alongside her. Obviously, I didn’t expect her to be a good person, given the whole “serial killer� thing � but I didn’t expect her to be such a terrible human being either. In addition to murder, some of her favorite activities are stalking, gaslighting, animal abuse, and emotional abuse � and on top of all that, she’s insufferably obnoxious, entitled, and privileged. She doesn’t even seem to like other women, except her sister, so the idea that she kills on their behalf just doesn’t track. Julie Mae Cohen went to great lengths to make her inner monologue funny and feminist, but the tone just didn’t work for me. I didn’t love to hate her; I just straight-up hated her. Jonathan was likeable enough (and more than half of the book is written from his perspective, which I thought was a bit odd), but he was also pretty bland, and I’m not sure how he inspired Saffy’s vehement devotion.
Beyond Saffy herself, Bad Men has lots of problems. The pacing is weird, and all aspects of the whodunnit are incredibly predictable. And I find it hard to get behind an orchestrated romance that feels completely contradictory to Saffy’s allegedly “feminist� ideals. I loved the premise but the execution was way, way off for me. did a fabulous job reading the audiobook, which kept me entertained while listening and earned Bad Men an extra star from me. But for a better-executed take on a vigilante female killer, I recommend you read by Sascha Rothchild instead. Thank you to Recorded Books for the complimentary listening opportunity.
Bad Men started off promising, with a prologue that made Saffy seem sympathetic and provided a plausible backstory for her future as a serial killer. I love rooting for an antihero, so I was ready to take a bloody journey right alongside her. Obviously, I didn’t expect her to be a good person, given the whole “serial killer� thing � but I didn’t expect her to be such a terrible human being either. In addition to murder, some of her favorite activities are stalking, gaslighting, animal abuse, and emotional abuse � and on top of all that, she’s insufferably obnoxious, entitled, and privileged. She doesn’t even seem to like other women, except her sister, so the idea that she kills on their behalf just doesn’t track. Julie Mae Cohen went to great lengths to make her inner monologue funny and feminist, but the tone just didn’t work for me. I didn’t love to hate her; I just straight-up hated her. Jonathan was likeable enough (and more than half of the book is written from his perspective, which I thought was a bit odd), but he was also pretty bland, and I’m not sure how he inspired Saffy’s vehement devotion.
Beyond Saffy herself, Bad Men has lots of problems. The pacing is weird, and all aspects of the whodunnit are incredibly predictable. And I find it hard to get behind an orchestrated romance that feels completely contradictory to Saffy’s allegedly “feminist� ideals. I loved the premise but the execution was way, way off for me. did a fabulous job reading the audiobook, which kept me entertained while listening and earned Bad Men an extra star from me. But for a better-executed take on a vigilante female killer, I recommend you read by Sascha Rothchild instead. Thank you to Recorded Books for the complimentary listening opportunity.
November 15, 2023
a book about a female serial killer that is mostly from a man's perspective.....
April 25, 2024
This book's premise was ultra-intriguing:
An intelligent and glamorous female socialite kills "bad men" rapists, murderers, and domestic abusers.
"They Never Learn" by Layne Fargo had a similar premise and was a 5-star read for me.
Sadly, this book lacked the intrigue, pacing, and strong characterizations that I was seeking.
(Perhaps I kept comparing the two books?)
I listened to the audiobook read by Nathalie Buscombe, who did a superb job with the narration.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2023
Rating: 2.5⭐️ rounded to 3⭐️
Saffy Huntley-Oliver is a serial killer who targets bad men. She develops a crush on time crime podcaster and author Jonathan Desrosiers which interferes with her plotting her next murder. But Saffy knows how to get her man�
This book started with a lot of promise until it changed to be about Saffy’s crush which turns into an obsession which consumes her. This definitely read more like a romance than a thriller to me. The female main character went from being portrayed from a strong, independent women getting rid of bad men to being desperate for the attention of one man.
We didn’t hear much from Saffy in this book and she felt more like a side character than the main one. I would have loved to hear more from her because I liked her backstory and her motivation for her murders. We heard more from her crush Jonathan. I do wish that the POVs were more balanced so that we got to know them both equally. This book felt predictable and like the author wasn’t sure what direction to go in.
It felt fast paced, however at times, it was too fast paced because some things were concluded way too fast so didn’t make as much as an impact. I do wish that her carrying out murders played a more active part within this book. The ending felt rushed like it was trying to tie everything up fast.
⚠️ CWs: murder, cheating, alcohol use, blood, animal cruelty, derogatory language, profanity, sexual harassment, physical assault; mentions death, paedophilia, rape, suicide, sexual assault, drug use, domestic abuse, sex, arson, misogyny & animal murder ⚠️
* Thank you to NetGalley and Zaffre for the opportunity to read this book. *
Saffy Huntley-Oliver is a serial killer who targets bad men. She develops a crush on time crime podcaster and author Jonathan Desrosiers which interferes with her plotting her next murder. But Saffy knows how to get her man�
This book started with a lot of promise until it changed to be about Saffy’s crush which turns into an obsession which consumes her. This definitely read more like a romance than a thriller to me. The female main character went from being portrayed from a strong, independent women getting rid of bad men to being desperate for the attention of one man.
We didn’t hear much from Saffy in this book and she felt more like a side character than the main one. I would have loved to hear more from her because I liked her backstory and her motivation for her murders. We heard more from her crush Jonathan. I do wish that the POVs were more balanced so that we got to know them both equally. This book felt predictable and like the author wasn’t sure what direction to go in.
It felt fast paced, however at times, it was too fast paced because some things were concluded way too fast so didn’t make as much as an impact. I do wish that her carrying out murders played a more active part within this book. The ending felt rushed like it was trying to tie everything up fast.
⚠️ CWs: murder, cheating, alcohol use, blood, animal cruelty, derogatory language, profanity, sexual harassment, physical assault; mentions death, paedophilia, rape, suicide, sexual assault, drug use, domestic abuse, sex, arson, misogyny & animal murder ⚠️
* Thank you to NetGalley and Zaffre for the opportunity to read this book. *
May 4, 2024
I listened to the audiobook for this one and I thought the narrator did an excellent job. It’s unsurprising that her female narrator was slightly superior to the male narrator, but both characters were brought to life by her reading. I imagine I enjoyed the book more than I would have if I read it myself because of the narrator. I loved the premise for this book. Saffy is a beautiful, rich socialite and in her spare time she kills horrible men. As a hobby it’s a bit unique but possible to understand (even for those of us who don’t turn our hatred into murder). Saffy has a crush on a podcaster and author who does true crime, Jonathan. After ensuring she met him properly and formed a connection she is smitten. And can you imagine forming meaningful relationships when you think you may need to kill your boyfriend at any minute? Jonathan is different, he is a good man and they have overlapping interests. But Jonathan has a bit more on his plate than the beautiful woman he has just met, but Saffy is not one who will be ignored. I thought this was a fast paced story that was fun and wild ride. With saying that I didn’t find the twists to be very twisty (I don’t think there was one I didn’t see coming), but they were still fun.
May 19, 2024
A serial killer dates a true crime podcaster, what could possibly go wrong 🤣
While I wasn’t a huge fan of the plot (not really even sure what to plot was) I loved our fmc !!! Brilliantly twisted character!
This is the best ‘female serial killer memoir� style book I’ve read but overall though this had so much more potential�
While I wasn’t a huge fan of the plot (not really even sure what to plot was) I loved our fmc !!! Brilliantly twisted character!
This is the best ‘female serial killer memoir� style book I’ve read but overall though this had so much more potential�
May 9, 2024
I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook of "Bad Men", a gripping novel by Julie Mae Cohen. At the center of the story is Saffy, a serial killer who targets those who mistreat women. The pace of the story starts slowly, but after a few chapters, the plot picks up speed and becomes a thrilling ride.
One of the key characters in the book is John, a podcaster who solves crime mysteries. When someone leaves a bag of body parts at his doorstep, he becomes the prime suspect in the crime. The police list him as the number one suspect, and he must prove his innocence. John also struggles to let go of his ex-wife, which is where Saffy comes in. She has feelings for John, but she is unsure if he is over his ex-wife. Saffy is possessive and wants John all to herself. Will John become Saffy's next victim? Can she make him forget about his ex-wife and love her instead?
The audiobook is narrated exceptionally well, and the performance by the narrator adds depth to the story, making it a pleasure to listen to. Despite the slow start, I found "Bad Men" to be a captivating read and rate it four stars.
One of the key characters in the book is John, a podcaster who solves crime mysteries. When someone leaves a bag of body parts at his doorstep, he becomes the prime suspect in the crime. The police list him as the number one suspect, and he must prove his innocence. John also struggles to let go of his ex-wife, which is where Saffy comes in. She has feelings for John, but she is unsure if he is over his ex-wife. Saffy is possessive and wants John all to herself. Will John become Saffy's next victim? Can she make him forget about his ex-wife and love her instead?
The audiobook is narrated exceptionally well, and the performance by the narrator adds depth to the story, making it a pleasure to listen to. Despite the slow start, I found "Bad Men" to be a captivating read and rate it four stars.
May 3, 2024
TW: Child sexual abuse, gaslighting, grooming, death by suicide, death of parent, (almost) dog death, divorce, domestic abuse, anxiety, depression, drinking, toxic family relationships, panic attacks, sex
SPOILERS
About the book:
Saffy Huntley-Oliver is an intelligent and glamorous socialite; she also happens to be a proficient serial killer. For the past fifteen years, she's hunted down and dispatched rapists, murderers, domestic abusers—bad men all. But leading a double life has left her lonely—dating’s tough when your boyfriend might turn out to be your next victim. Saffy thinks she's finally found a truly good man in Jonathan Desrosiers, a true-crime podcaster who’s amassed legions of die-hard fans for cracking cold cases and bringing justice to victims.
When a decapitated body shows up on Jon's doorstep the morning after his wife leaves him, he becomes the chief suspect for a murder he insists he didn’t commit. Saffy’s crush becomes an obsession as she orchestrates a meet-cute and volunteers to help Jon clear his name, using every trick up her sleeve to find the real killer and get her man—no matter the cost.
Release Date: May 7th, 2024
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 320
Rating: �
What I Liked:
1. Cover is nice
2. I liked what the synopsis said this book was about
3. Writing isn't terrible
What I Didn't Like:
1. Saffy is terrible
2. Not a thriller it's a romance with elements of suspense
3. So boring - nothing happens
4. Characters horrible
5. So much pointless sex
Overall Thoughts:
{{Disclaimer: I write my review as I read}}
I find it hard to believe that a skinny 12 year girl is able to drown a man in a pool.
Jonathan finds a bag of trash on his porch so he opens it and finds a foot. It's not his wife which I had thought it was possible, but he called and she was with her mom.
Love that Saffy is a vegetarian but she's more than willing to throw the dog into a hole where it was close to drown. I guess the take away from this is if you are horny then throw a dog in a hole they can drown in so you can fake a rescue to meet a man you have a crush on.
Why is Saffy trying to be friends with Jonathan? Did I miss this? Ohhh she's trying to be in a relationship with him!
I found Saffy absolutely completely annoying. She keeps pushing herself onto Jonathan no matter how many times he tells her no.
I thought this was going to be a book about a serial killer but almost right from the beginning it turns into Saffy chasing after Johnathan to date him. I don't like being fooled into thinking a book is described as one way and ending up hoodwinked.
Johnathan is never allowed to tell Saffy no because she strong holds him and forces him to say yes. He mentions wanting to go to the police station but Saffy tells him she's going even when he says no. He says he doesn't want a dog and Saffy forces the dog on him. He says he doesn't want to stay in her home but she practically throws her keys at him.
Why is Johnathan a suspect when they have a man in prison who is being charged for the exact same crime that happened on his doorstep? Yeah the real killer isn't admitting to this murder but he's a murderer so why would the police believe him over Johnathan? Zero sense here!
Oh they explain it's because the victim had been sexually abused and the killer they arrested wasn't in his motivative.
Maybe I am a prude but talking with your sister about how horny you are and all the ways you're going to screw some dude is gross. Who has sex talks with a sibling and why?
Skipped some chapters and Saffy is still talking about wanting sex with Jonathan. Holy crap seriously!
Simon (the super fan from the beginning) is the killer. Oh I'm so shocked - nope. Terrible. He did it because he wanted a podcast and book for him.
Final Thoughts:
If you started this book thinking you were getting an action packed thriller of a woman seeking revenge and justice for other women, then you are mistaken. The characters are dreadful. Author seems to just be fixated on Jonathan's broken marriage and Saffy trying to sleep with him. Then throw in Saffy's younger sister Susie who's chasing after her crappie boyfriend and it all feels like a different book than the one described to us in the synopsis.
I wasn't having a good time at all. Actually I dreaded returning back to this book. In the end I had to dnf it around page 250 because it all has no substance and just horny grown-ups pining for one another.
There is a basic I guess mystery thrown in here that someone put a bag with a foot in Jonathan's porch but it was such an after thought to all the romance and lust. Look I requested this book for the mystery not the hookups.
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Thanks to Netgalley and The Overlook Press for an advance copy of the ebook. Also thanks to Recorded Books for the advanced audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SPOILERS
About the book:
Saffy Huntley-Oliver is an intelligent and glamorous socialite; she also happens to be a proficient serial killer. For the past fifteen years, she's hunted down and dispatched rapists, murderers, domestic abusers—bad men all. But leading a double life has left her lonely—dating’s tough when your boyfriend might turn out to be your next victim. Saffy thinks she's finally found a truly good man in Jonathan Desrosiers, a true-crime podcaster who’s amassed legions of die-hard fans for cracking cold cases and bringing justice to victims.
When a decapitated body shows up on Jon's doorstep the morning after his wife leaves him, he becomes the chief suspect for a murder he insists he didn’t commit. Saffy’s crush becomes an obsession as she orchestrates a meet-cute and volunteers to help Jon clear his name, using every trick up her sleeve to find the real killer and get her man—no matter the cost.
Release Date: May 7th, 2024
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 320
Rating: �
What I Liked:
1. Cover is nice
2. I liked what the synopsis said this book was about
3. Writing isn't terrible
What I Didn't Like:
1. Saffy is terrible
2. Not a thriller it's a romance with elements of suspense
3. So boring - nothing happens
4. Characters horrible
5. So much pointless sex
Overall Thoughts:
{{Disclaimer: I write my review as I read}}
I find it hard to believe that a skinny 12 year girl is able to drown a man in a pool.
Jonathan finds a bag of trash on his porch so he opens it and finds a foot. It's not his wife which I had thought it was possible, but he called and she was with her mom.
Love that Saffy is a vegetarian but she's more than willing to throw the dog into a hole where it was close to drown. I guess the take away from this is if you are horny then throw a dog in a hole they can drown in so you can fake a rescue to meet a man you have a crush on.
Why is Saffy trying to be friends with Jonathan? Did I miss this? Ohhh she's trying to be in a relationship with him!
I found Saffy absolutely completely annoying. She keeps pushing herself onto Jonathan no matter how many times he tells her no.
I thought this was going to be a book about a serial killer but almost right from the beginning it turns into Saffy chasing after Johnathan to date him. I don't like being fooled into thinking a book is described as one way and ending up hoodwinked.
Johnathan is never allowed to tell Saffy no because she strong holds him and forces him to say yes. He mentions wanting to go to the police station but Saffy tells him she's going even when he says no. He says he doesn't want a dog and Saffy forces the dog on him. He says he doesn't want to stay in her home but she practically throws her keys at him.
Why is Johnathan a suspect when they have a man in prison who is being charged for the exact same crime that happened on his doorstep? Yeah the real killer isn't admitting to this murder but he's a murderer so why would the police believe him over Johnathan? Zero sense here!
Oh they explain it's because the victim had been sexually abused and the killer they arrested wasn't in his motivative.
Maybe I am a prude but talking with your sister about how horny you are and all the ways you're going to screw some dude is gross. Who has sex talks with a sibling and why?
Skipped some chapters and Saffy is still talking about wanting sex with Jonathan. Holy crap seriously!
Simon (the super fan from the beginning) is the killer. Oh I'm so shocked - nope. Terrible. He did it because he wanted a podcast and book for him.
Final Thoughts:
If you started this book thinking you were getting an action packed thriller of a woman seeking revenge and justice for other women, then you are mistaken. The characters are dreadful. Author seems to just be fixated on Jonathan's broken marriage and Saffy trying to sleep with him. Then throw in Saffy's younger sister Susie who's chasing after her crappie boyfriend and it all feels like a different book than the one described to us in the synopsis.
I wasn't having a good time at all. Actually I dreaded returning back to this book. In the end I had to dnf it around page 250 because it all has no substance and just horny grown-ups pining for one another.
There is a basic I guess mystery thrown in here that someone put a bag with a foot in Jonathan's porch but it was such an after thought to all the romance and lust. Look I requested this book for the mystery not the hookups.
|
Thanks to Netgalley and The Overlook Press for an advance copy of the ebook. Also thanks to Recorded Books for the advanced audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 8, 2023
This was a fun and pretty light mystery about a female serial killer who targets bad men. I was expecting the story to be darker and more focused on the serial killer's aspect but it wasn't, which was okay. The female main character is a narcissistic socialite who has no remorse for getting rid of all these men. The male main character is a famous crime podcaster and after he finds a body on his doorstep, he meets and teams up with the fmc to find the killer. He doesn't know that the fmc is a serial killer and that she trying to be in a relationship with him, which was fun. In a lot of the book there's a lot of investigation, false accusations and romance. I felt like there wasn't much to the plot, and it wasn't as explosive as it could have been. I wish there had been more of the fmc pov because she was interesting and a bit strange lol. The mystery and the romance also wrapped up very nicely at the end. I did really like the writing and how fast paced the book was. Overall this was okay if you like mysteries and romance with morally grey female characters you should read this. Thank you Abrams book for this arc for an honest review.
CW: sexual assault of a minor, violence
Rating: 3.5/5
CW: sexual assault of a minor, violence
Rating: 3.5/5
June 17, 2024
"Bad Men" by Julie Mae Cohen presents a unique twist on the serial killer genre, featuring a morally complex female protagonist who follows her own code of ethics in choosing her victims—sort of like a female Dexter. The story is fast-paced and offers a fun, wild ride.
The book alternates between the perspectives of the two main characters, adding depth and variety to the storytelling. Although marketed as a thriller, the book leans more toward romance, with relatively few killings by the serial killer. This surprised me and might disappoint others expecting a darker, more intense exploration of the protagonist's lethal tendencies.
Cohen's novel includes feminist overtones, though some actions taken by characters seem to undermine these ideals. The protagonist is a morally gray (or rather, dark gray) character, driven by her personal code. While some characters come off as a bit cliché, the overall story is decent and enjoyable.
In summary, "Bad Men" is a good beach read. While not heavy on the thriller aspect, it is suspenseful and wraps up at the end. It’s an entertaining and engaging novel, though it may not fully satisfy those seeking a deep dive into the darker aspects of a serial killer’s psyche.
The book alternates between the perspectives of the two main characters, adding depth and variety to the storytelling. Although marketed as a thriller, the book leans more toward romance, with relatively few killings by the serial killer. This surprised me and might disappoint others expecting a darker, more intense exploration of the protagonist's lethal tendencies.
Cohen's novel includes feminist overtones, though some actions taken by characters seem to undermine these ideals. The protagonist is a morally gray (or rather, dark gray) character, driven by her personal code. While some characters come off as a bit cliché, the overall story is decent and enjoyable.
In summary, "Bad Men" is a good beach read. While not heavy on the thriller aspect, it is suspenseful and wraps up at the end. It’s an entertaining and engaging novel, though it may not fully satisfy those seeking a deep dive into the darker aspects of a serial killer’s psyche.
July 21, 2024
What happens when a female vigilante serial killer gets a serious crush on a true crime podcaster? Homicidal mayhem, that's what! Saffy Huntley-Oliver has been killing bad men since she was a tween and accidentally killed the stepfather who was sexually abusing her and planning to move on to her younger sister. She and her sister inherit wealth from their parents and stepfather, leaving Saffy free to pursue whatever interests her. After a murder or two, she realizes that murder is her primary interest in life and that there is definitely no shortage of men who deserve her attentions.
Saffy uses her stalker skills to “run in to" her crush, Jonathan Desrosiers, and neatly inserts herself into his life. Heck, she even gets him a dog. She's a little concerned about his attachment to his ex-wife, but that can be dealt with later. Her commentary is surprisingly humorous, as she plots and plans.
Cohen cleverly contrasts Saffy, the sophisticated, well groomed woman, with two male killers. Jonathan is surrounded by the kind of people that he podcasts about without being immediately aware of it. This seems to me to be a sly commentary on the whole true crime industry so prevalent in our society and on the fascination with serial killers.
If you enjoy (or anticipate enjoying) this book, I would also recommend or . If you don't want fictional true crime, consider and . If you want to read about obsessive investigators, consider and . In the former, you'll meet a law enforcement officer who has ruined multiple relationships by ignoring the people he loves. In the latter, the author's marriage was still hanging together when the book was published, but I predict it won't last based on his proclivities.
Saffy uses her stalker skills to “run in to" her crush, Jonathan Desrosiers, and neatly inserts herself into his life. Heck, she even gets him a dog. She's a little concerned about his attachment to his ex-wife, but that can be dealt with later. Her commentary is surprisingly humorous, as she plots and plans.
Cohen cleverly contrasts Saffy, the sophisticated, well groomed woman, with two male killers. Jonathan is surrounded by the kind of people that he podcasts about without being immediately aware of it. This seems to me to be a sly commentary on the whole true crime industry so prevalent in our society and on the fascination with serial killers.
If you enjoy (or anticipate enjoying) this book, I would also recommend or . If you don't want fictional true crime, consider and . If you want to read about obsessive investigators, consider and . In the former, you'll meet a law enforcement officer who has ruined multiple relationships by ignoring the people he loves. In the latter, the author's marriage was still hanging together when the book was published, but I predict it won't last based on his proclivities.
July 25, 2023
A wickedly dark and utterly addictive thriller which follows charismatic, serial killing socialite, Saffy Huntley-Oliver, who likes to punish bad men. It’s the one thing she’s most proud of—making the world a better (and far safer) place. But it sure does get lonely, so Saffy (after some casual teasing from her younger sister) decides to find herself a boyfriend and firmly sets her sights on true crime podcaster (and longtime crush), Jonathan Desrosiers. The only real snag to her plan: he happens to help the Police catch serial killers �
I haven’t binge read a book this quickly in AGES—I absolutely loved it! Part Rom-com and part feminist revenge thriller, Julie Mae Cohen expertly delves into issues and themes (such as Pedophilia, Rape, sexual assault and domestic abuse) that are soo rage inducingly relevant it wasn’t difficult understand Saffy’s (admittedly twisted) reasons for killing.
The opening chapters, which paint a heartbreakingly bleak backstory for Saffy, only endeared her to me more, and (despite her unrepentant, serial killing tendencies) actually had me rooting for her, which was definitely a surprise. And her dark sense of humour and Dexter-like quest for justice only made me like her more.
Her love interest, Jon was also a really compelling character whose own moral values and desire for justice stands in direct contrast to Saffy’s. His interactions with Saffy were interesting (if a little nerve wrecking at times) though I did enjoy them. I was actually quite surprised by how much time we get with him as a character but, the mystery he’s found himself tangled up in was super intriguing and gave us a glimpse into his own personal obsessions. Also, I can’t forget his dog, Girl who was an absolute sweetheart and who’s blatant side eyeing (mostly of Saffy) was simply perfect!
This is a dual POV story so we do alternate between Saffy and Jon’s POV (which I really enjoyed) but we also explore the struggles that being a public figure can entail, like the unhealthy and sometimes obsessive nature parasocial relationships can have, or the dangers that can arise from it � especially when said fandom revolves around unsolved murder cases and the glamorising of serial killers.
I would’ve liked to have seen a bit more of Saffy’s serial killing side, which we don’t get to explore nearly enough of, but we get plenty of (cleverly hidden) clues and foreshadowing throughout that does sort of make up for it. I also really enjoyed the ending which was soo plot twisty.
If you loved How To Kill Men and Get Away With It or Death of A Bookseller then you definitely don’t want to miss this—it’s phenomenal!
Also a huge thank you to CaseyAnn and Zaffre for the physical proof
I haven’t binge read a book this quickly in AGES—I absolutely loved it! Part Rom-com and part feminist revenge thriller, Julie Mae Cohen expertly delves into issues and themes (such as Pedophilia, Rape, sexual assault and domestic abuse) that are soo rage inducingly relevant it wasn’t difficult understand Saffy’s (admittedly twisted) reasons for killing.
The opening chapters, which paint a heartbreakingly bleak backstory for Saffy, only endeared her to me more, and (despite her unrepentant, serial killing tendencies) actually had me rooting for her, which was definitely a surprise. And her dark sense of humour and Dexter-like quest for justice only made me like her more.
Her love interest, Jon was also a really compelling character whose own moral values and desire for justice stands in direct contrast to Saffy’s. His interactions with Saffy were interesting (if a little nerve wrecking at times) though I did enjoy them. I was actually quite surprised by how much time we get with him as a character but, the mystery he’s found himself tangled up in was super intriguing and gave us a glimpse into his own personal obsessions. Also, I can’t forget his dog, Girl who was an absolute sweetheart and who’s blatant side eyeing (mostly of Saffy) was simply perfect!
This is a dual POV story so we do alternate between Saffy and Jon’s POV (which I really enjoyed) but we also explore the struggles that being a public figure can entail, like the unhealthy and sometimes obsessive nature parasocial relationships can have, or the dangers that can arise from it � especially when said fandom revolves around unsolved murder cases and the glamorising of serial killers.
I would’ve liked to have seen a bit more of Saffy’s serial killing side, which we don’t get to explore nearly enough of, but we get plenty of (cleverly hidden) clues and foreshadowing throughout that does sort of make up for it. I also really enjoyed the ending which was soo plot twisty.
If you loved How To Kill Men and Get Away With It or Death of A Bookseller then you definitely don’t want to miss this—it’s phenomenal!
Also a huge thank you to CaseyAnn and Zaffre for the physical proof
April 8, 2024
Saffy Huntley-Oliver and Jonathan Desrosiers are the two main characters in this book, and they are both complex, damaged, well-intentioned people needing someone new in their lives. Despite that, they are complete opposites�
Saffy is a serial killer, but the Dexter kind; as a feminist, she only kills men, and she only kills men who have done very bad things to women. The only person she truly loves is her little sister, Susie, having practically raised the girl after their parents died. They have a lot of family money, and Saffy is a socialite/philanthropist with a penchant for murder.
Jon is a true-crime podcaster who has helped the police solve several cold cases. He’s kind, thoughtful, sincere…and his wife has just left him for another man. He’s in a bad place when Saffy comes into his life, but this beautiful and sophisticated woman throws him off guard - what would she want with him, a man who profits from murder?
There is a serial killer in London who leaves body parts in garbage bags, and one morning, Jon finds himself the recipient of a foot. This lands him right in the middle of the investigation, and Saffy is there for him when the police start to question him. The only problem? Saffy is constantly worried that Jon will do something to make her have to kill him. Could it be, she’s falling in love?
I don’t like romance books, but this was more of a sarcastic thriller that just happened to have a twisted romance, so I didn’t mind that angle at all. This was darkly funny and suspenseful, and the ending came out of left field - I did NOT see that one coming! This book is a really fun read and I’d love for it to become a series. 4.5 stars.
(Thank you to The Overlook Press, Julie Mae Cohen and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released in North America on May 7, 2024.)
Saffy is a serial killer, but the Dexter kind; as a feminist, she only kills men, and she only kills men who have done very bad things to women. The only person she truly loves is her little sister, Susie, having practically raised the girl after their parents died. They have a lot of family money, and Saffy is a socialite/philanthropist with a penchant for murder.
Jon is a true-crime podcaster who has helped the police solve several cold cases. He’s kind, thoughtful, sincere…and his wife has just left him for another man. He’s in a bad place when Saffy comes into his life, but this beautiful and sophisticated woman throws him off guard - what would she want with him, a man who profits from murder?
There is a serial killer in London who leaves body parts in garbage bags, and one morning, Jon finds himself the recipient of a foot. This lands him right in the middle of the investigation, and Saffy is there for him when the police start to question him. The only problem? Saffy is constantly worried that Jon will do something to make her have to kill him. Could it be, she’s falling in love?
I don’t like romance books, but this was more of a sarcastic thriller that just happened to have a twisted romance, so I didn’t mind that angle at all. This was darkly funny and suspenseful, and the ending came out of left field - I did NOT see that one coming! This book is a really fun read and I’d love for it to become a series. 4.5 stars.
(Thank you to The Overlook Press, Julie Mae Cohen and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released in North America on May 7, 2024.)
Read
May 10, 2024DNF at 29%.
I was already having trouble following the story but when she adopted a dog from a shelter so that she could drop it down a well as a meet-cute with some guy...I was like...nope, I'm out.
I was already having trouble following the story but when she adopted a dog from a shelter so that she could drop it down a well as a meet-cute with some guy...I was like...nope, I'm out.
March 23, 2024
All attempts at quirk were actually very cringe. And someone tell the author that they don’t need to explain every joke.
May 9, 2024
Narrated by Nathalie Buscombe
Presented by RB Media
This was good fun!
A feminist novel about murder and mayhem - yes please!
The story sees serial killer Saffy taking a break to find love - and she'll do whatever it takes to bag him.
A truly intriguing premise, and I loved getting to know the characters. Saffy is smart and sassy, and makes some wise observations from the female viewpoint. Jon is an interesting fellow, and the two together make an interesting couple.
There are some clever, tongue-in-cheek moments, and a great blend of action, story and character development.
Narration was fantastic - Saffy's accent put me off at the start, but references to it in the text helped out a bit there. Otherwise it was lively and fun, and easy to differentiate between characters.
There's a fun crime story here, but the feminist stuff often caught me by surprise and actually boosted the story for me. It was quite subtle, but hit home when things came up. So bonus points there from me.
Delivery was excellent, and I think there'd be extra enjoyment in reading this one physically, just based on the structure at times. I really enjoyed the audio, but I think physical suits this book.
Highly recommend for crime fans looking for something a bit different!
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
Presented by RB Media
This was good fun!
A feminist novel about murder and mayhem - yes please!
The story sees serial killer Saffy taking a break to find love - and she'll do whatever it takes to bag him.
A truly intriguing premise, and I loved getting to know the characters. Saffy is smart and sassy, and makes some wise observations from the female viewpoint. Jon is an interesting fellow, and the two together make an interesting couple.
There are some clever, tongue-in-cheek moments, and a great blend of action, story and character development.
Narration was fantastic - Saffy's accent put me off at the start, but references to it in the text helped out a bit there. Otherwise it was lively and fun, and easy to differentiate between characters.
There's a fun crime story here, but the feminist stuff often caught me by surprise and actually boosted the story for me. It was quite subtle, but hit home when things came up. So bonus points there from me.
Delivery was excellent, and I think there'd be extra enjoyment in reading this one physically, just based on the structure at times. I really enjoyed the audio, but I think physical suits this book.
Highly recommend for crime fans looking for something a bit different!
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
May 10, 2024
The concept of this book had me excited. A feminist thriller with a female lead that’s a serial killer? Sign me up. The beginning pulled me in, but after the beginning of the book, I was lost. The FMC started off as a character who would be strong and independent, but she quickly turned into a sappy, whiny, borderline obsessed character who needed a man. We heard more from her love interest Jon that we did from Saffy, who was supposed to be this strong, feminist lead. This book was also labeled as a thriller, and it did not give thriller vibes to me at all. I did enjoy the narrator! Overall, this book missed multiple marks for me.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
April 28, 2024
Thank you to @netgalley and @overlookpress @abramsbooks for the ARC book and to NetGalley and @recordedbooks for the ALC.
This was a really crazy and twisty book. I really enjoyed this one! It was recommended that I request it from NetGalley from a fellow bookstagrammer and I’m so glad I did. The story follows Saffy a gorgeous socialite woman who doesn’t like men who do really bad things. She finds herself mixed up with Jon a true crime podcaster and a wild and crazy story ensues. I would rather not say too much about this book as this book is so exciting it’s better to go in blind. With that being said, please Check the trigger warnings before diving in to this book.
I am so glad that I was able to read and listen to this book because I think the audiobook made the book much more enjoyable and definitely helped to dial up the suspense in the novel. Nathalie Buscombe does a really good job and I really like how she did both American and British (Trans-Atlantic) accents. Her voice kind of reminded me of Miranda Raison’s who has narrated books such as Lessons in Chemistry and The Husbands. I would definitely listen to another book narrated by her in the future.
As far as my rating, I decided to give this book 4 ⭐️, due to the fact that some of the content was a little darker than I was expecting, and also I thought it would’ve been better if Jon’s part of the story had been narrated by a male audiobook narrator. However, some people might not care about this.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely consider reading another book by Julie Mae Cohen in the future! �
𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 - May 7, 2024
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 - Trume Crime podcasts, Finlay Donovan series
𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗧𝗢 𝗡𝗘𝗧𝗚𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗬 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪!
This was a really crazy and twisty book. I really enjoyed this one! It was recommended that I request it from NetGalley from a fellow bookstagrammer and I’m so glad I did. The story follows Saffy a gorgeous socialite woman who doesn’t like men who do really bad things. She finds herself mixed up with Jon a true crime podcaster and a wild and crazy story ensues. I would rather not say too much about this book as this book is so exciting it’s better to go in blind. With that being said, please Check the trigger warnings before diving in to this book.
I am so glad that I was able to read and listen to this book because I think the audiobook made the book much more enjoyable and definitely helped to dial up the suspense in the novel. Nathalie Buscombe does a really good job and I really like how she did both American and British (Trans-Atlantic) accents. Her voice kind of reminded me of Miranda Raison’s who has narrated books such as Lessons in Chemistry and The Husbands. I would definitely listen to another book narrated by her in the future.
As far as my rating, I decided to give this book 4 ⭐️, due to the fact that some of the content was a little darker than I was expecting, and also I thought it would’ve been better if Jon’s part of the story had been narrated by a male audiobook narrator. However, some people might not care about this.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely consider reading another book by Julie Mae Cohen in the future! �
𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 - May 7, 2024
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 - Trume Crime podcasts, Finlay Donovan series
𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗧𝗢 𝗡𝗘𝗧𝗚𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗬 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪!
May 8, 2024
Bad Men is a really entertaining read following a female serial killer who only kills men who hurt others. But she’s also a highly manipulative stalker who’s obsessed with a true crime podcast host. This book is a fast paced, sometimes funny, sometimes gruesome mystery thriller. The narrator was great but I do think the audiobook would have benefited from two narrators since the book had alternating point of views. I also thought the ending was a little predictable but I enjoyed it nonetheless, and would be interested in reading more by this author.
March 20, 2024
The answer to the question (that nobody asked), "what would Skuse's Sweetpea series look like if devoid of charm, humour and character development?"
You can't just slap the word "FEMINIST" on a book cover and use it as a free pass for a protagonist (well, I say "protagonist", much of it was told from the perspective of her dull love interest) to indulge in stalking, animal cruelty, emotional abuse...and that's before we even get to the, yer know, murders.
A good premise, a decent backstory, horrific execution. I can't believe I was actually expected to root for this character.
You can't just slap the word "FEMINIST" on a book cover and use it as a free pass for a protagonist (well, I say "protagonist", much of it was told from the perspective of her dull love interest) to indulge in stalking, animal cruelty, emotional abuse...and that's before we even get to the, yer know, murders.
A good premise, a decent backstory, horrific execution. I can't believe I was actually expected to root for this character.
May 4, 2024
I will stop trying books like this one day. I will eventually remember that they never end up working for me. I will no longer whisper “This one is going to be different!� to myself. I will finally know who I am.
Since that didn’t happen this time, here is my review:
I did feel like Bad Men started off well, but the enjoyable aspects were short lived. I appreciated Saffy’s backstory, as it provided a plausible catalyst to her life as a serial killer. Obviously, most individuals with similar childhood experiences will not take such a path, but it still allowed me to understand her state of mind.
I was also intrigued by what I thought was going to be a tense mystery involving the body Jonathan found and his desperate search for the real killer in an effort to prove his innocence.
But that’s not at all what this was.
In fact, the suspense aspect was over almost as quickly as it started. Oh, sure, it resurfaced quietly a little later in the story, but it was a background player. This was actually, I guess, a romcom. Perhaps the “meet-cute� phrasing in the synopsis should have clued me in, but I was excited about all of the details that preceded that.
I’m not incapable of switching gears mentally, though. Under the right circumstances, I might have rooted for Saffy and Jonathan’s romance. Jonathan did seem to be a decent fellow. Saffy� not so much.
Okay, I know she’s a serial killer. That’s definitely a strike against her character. But Dexter was likable. (Actually, I don’t know if Dexter of the books was likable, but Michael C. Hall certainly played a lovable murderer on screen.) Like Dexter, Saffy is killing bad people (specifically bad men, hence the title of the book) so that redeems her a bit, doesn’t it? I’m not saying that killing is the answer, but I will confess to finding a little satisfaction in fiction that doles out a bit of vigilante justice when, in real life, the system has failed and will continue to fail our gender.
But Saffy was loathsome. She was incredibly obnoxious, pushy, and shallow. I know it may seem hypocritical to add this criticism since I had no qualms about her murderous hobby when I started Bad Men, but animal cruelty, stalking, and gaslighting are not okay. While her homicidal tendencies *almost* seemed justified, her other actions did not.
It is also worth noting that, as a romcom, the comedy seemed to be absent. I laughed a few times early on, but the quirk quickly morphed into an unamusing disaster. Saffy was not funny, although I’m pretty sure the author was aiming for hilarity with her internal monologue.
Let me quickly circle back to the mystery element before I close this out. It was awful. The moment a certain character was introduced in this book, I suspected that character of foul play. I was not wrong. The author tried to build tension before her big reveal, but I’d known what was coming for almost the entirety of the novel. I was not surprised by anything that followed, not even the epilogue. I generally hate to call a book predictable, as I know we all carry in different experiences that affect how we perceive the information we are given, but I really will be stunned if most readers don’t see all of this coming, too.
I am immensely grateful to Recorded Books and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.
Since that didn’t happen this time, here is my review:
I did feel like Bad Men started off well, but the enjoyable aspects were short lived. I appreciated Saffy’s backstory, as it provided a plausible catalyst to her life as a serial killer. Obviously, most individuals with similar childhood experiences will not take such a path, but it still allowed me to understand her state of mind.
I was also intrigued by what I thought was going to be a tense mystery involving the body Jonathan found and his desperate search for the real killer in an effort to prove his innocence.
But that’s not at all what this was.
In fact, the suspense aspect was over almost as quickly as it started. Oh, sure, it resurfaced quietly a little later in the story, but it was a background player. This was actually, I guess, a romcom. Perhaps the “meet-cute� phrasing in the synopsis should have clued me in, but I was excited about all of the details that preceded that.
I’m not incapable of switching gears mentally, though. Under the right circumstances, I might have rooted for Saffy and Jonathan’s romance. Jonathan did seem to be a decent fellow. Saffy� not so much.
Okay, I know she’s a serial killer. That’s definitely a strike against her character. But Dexter was likable. (Actually, I don’t know if Dexter of the books was likable, but Michael C. Hall certainly played a lovable murderer on screen.) Like Dexter, Saffy is killing bad people (specifically bad men, hence the title of the book) so that redeems her a bit, doesn’t it? I’m not saying that killing is the answer, but I will confess to finding a little satisfaction in fiction that doles out a bit of vigilante justice when, in real life, the system has failed and will continue to fail our gender.
But Saffy was loathsome. She was incredibly obnoxious, pushy, and shallow. I know it may seem hypocritical to add this criticism since I had no qualms about her murderous hobby when I started Bad Men, but animal cruelty, stalking, and gaslighting are not okay. While her homicidal tendencies *almost* seemed justified, her other actions did not.
It is also worth noting that, as a romcom, the comedy seemed to be absent. I laughed a few times early on, but the quirk quickly morphed into an unamusing disaster. Saffy was not funny, although I’m pretty sure the author was aiming for hilarity with her internal monologue.
Let me quickly circle back to the mystery element before I close this out. It was awful. The moment a certain character was introduced in this book, I suspected that character of foul play. I was not wrong. The author tried to build tension before her big reveal, but I’d known what was coming for almost the entirety of the novel. I was not surprised by anything that followed, not even the epilogue. I generally hate to call a book predictable, as I know we all carry in different experiences that affect how we perceive the information we are given, but I really will be stunned if most readers don’t see all of this coming, too.
I am immensely grateful to Recorded Books and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.
June 9, 2024
is 's thriller debut and I loved that it focuses on a female serial killer. Saffy is a bit like a female Dexter (actually referenced in the book! 😍) and she goes around killing only bad men. I actually loved Saffy (minus a sad dog bit at the beginning where I thought I would have to be very upset) and she is a self-proclaimed sociopath who wears expensive clothes and knows just how to dress to make sure no one realizes she is a killer. I loved the way the book is written, where it feels as though she is speaking to the reader, and I enjoyed having Jon's perspective as well.
The audiobook has one narrator, but since we are mostly in Saffy's POV that didn't bother me. I loved Nathalie Buscombe's narration, and she totally nailed the vibe of the book and Saffy as well. I could have listened to her forever, and she made my listening experience incredibly enjoyable. Bad Men is a bingeable read that surprised me in the end, and I am so glad #BookstagramMadeMeDoIt! I will definitely have to keep my eyes peeled for more books from this author under this pen name, and I might just check out her other books as well. 😉
The audiobook has one narrator, but since we are mostly in Saffy's POV that didn't bother me. I loved Nathalie Buscombe's narration, and she totally nailed the vibe of the book and Saffy as well. I could have listened to her forever, and she made my listening experience incredibly enjoyable. Bad Men is a bingeable read that surprised me in the end, and I am so glad #BookstagramMadeMeDoIt! I will definitely have to keep my eyes peeled for more books from this author under this pen name, and I might just check out her other books as well. 😉
May 19, 2023
So, I was kindly sent an ARC of this book by ZaffreBooks about a week ago, and HOLY MOLI CANNOLI!
I kid you not when I say that I BINGED this book in a day or two. This has all the makings of an excellent thriller because I could not put it down. (Think Agatha Christie meets Dexter!). When I wasn't reading this book, it was on my mind constantly.
I'm not usually one for annotating my books, but I couldn't help it with this one! There were so many great lines, insights, so many thoughts bumbling through my head as I was reading, and SO many shocking twists that I had to note down my reactions as they happened � especially with THAT ending! I actually gasped out loud (more than once!)
I went into this book with no expectations, and came out thinking that it may be one of (if not THE best) books I have read all year.
I'm always in awe of somebody who can write from the perspective of a serial killer, because it's such an intricate mindset to have to get into, and I feel like it's hard to make it feel read. But Julie somehow managed it perfectly.
In between the edge-of-my-seat action and exposition, the thrill of will Saffy/won't Saffy get caught, the dark humour that had me both unnerved and amused, and the little trail of breadcrumbs Julie leaves for us to collect up at the end, I became utterly invested in this.
I can honestly say that if you're going to read anything this year, read this.
It's thrilling, twisted, sickly humorous, and an utterly encapsulating book from start to finish!
I kid you not when I say that I BINGED this book in a day or two. This has all the makings of an excellent thriller because I could not put it down. (Think Agatha Christie meets Dexter!). When I wasn't reading this book, it was on my mind constantly.
I'm not usually one for annotating my books, but I couldn't help it with this one! There were so many great lines, insights, so many thoughts bumbling through my head as I was reading, and SO many shocking twists that I had to note down my reactions as they happened � especially with THAT ending! I actually gasped out loud (more than once!)
I went into this book with no expectations, and came out thinking that it may be one of (if not THE best) books I have read all year.
I'm always in awe of somebody who can write from the perspective of a serial killer, because it's such an intricate mindset to have to get into, and I feel like it's hard to make it feel read. But Julie somehow managed it perfectly.
In between the edge-of-my-seat action and exposition, the thrill of will Saffy/won't Saffy get caught, the dark humour that had me both unnerved and amused, and the little trail of breadcrumbs Julie leaves for us to collect up at the end, I became utterly invested in this.
I can honestly say that if you're going to read anything this year, read this.
It's thrilling, twisted, sickly humorous, and an utterly encapsulating book from start to finish!
September 26, 2023
Oh my gosh, this book is legitimately impossible to put down. I read it in under 24 hours, and I truly did not expect HOW many twists and turns there were going to be in this book (but I will say I did expect what some of those twists were!!). Saffy is a confident, headstrong sociopath who kills men who commit evil acts, and Jon is simply a man living his life. Even though Saffy is an actual murderer, she is somehow written well in a way where readers feel empathy towards her and her killer tendencies? Which was a happy surprise for me. Saffy essentially entraps Jon and sets them on a path to be together, and you watch her plan unfold throughout Bad Men. I felt like this story was a romance with a sub plot of murder and manipulation honestly, because we hear more about Saffy’s obsessive infatuation with Jon more than her male-killer motives. And sometimes, Saffy rubbed me the wrong way when she spoke about food/other people’s habits of eating unhealthy foods.. like part of her personality is being “beautiful and brilliant� but she doesn’t give any grace to other females for eating junk food. BUT it could be argued that those thoughts just play into Saffy’s sociopathic tendencies. Overall, it was an entertaining read that I sped through.
Please note that there are brief mentions of pedophelia and sexual assault (no graphic scenes but they’re mentioned a few times). Also there are mentions of animal abuse and drugging.
I thought this was a very clever book - thank you to NetGalley and Overlook Press for the arc in exchange for my honest review!
Please note that there are brief mentions of pedophelia and sexual assault (no graphic scenes but they’re mentioned a few times). Also there are mentions of animal abuse and drugging.
I thought this was a very clever book - thank you to NetGalley and Overlook Press for the arc in exchange for my honest review!
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