Well this was all kinds of fun. The ending was a little clunky (a lot clunky at the very end) but it did not really matter -- I enjoyed getting there so much that I was feeling forgiving. I am not much of a thriller reader, and I really dislike most modern thrillers where violence against women is described in microscopic detail. This is much more Laura Lipmann circa the Tess Monaghan series than Karin Slaughter or Riley Sagar. If you are looking for good violent fun where attacks on women occur but where wounds are not not described in gleeful detail this may just work for you. (I don't want to beat up on Karin Slaughter. I lived in DeKalb County GA for 15 years and her philanthropic work for the DeKalb County Library made it one of the very best library systems I have had access to, and I have lived in a lot of metropolitan areas. I am grateful to her. She seems like a lovely person, and though I don't like her books I am glad the vast majority of people do and DeKalb County wins.)

I listened to this, and the narration by Jaime Lamchick was great ( )

Okay - if you're looking for a completely unexpected plot, a lead character that will have you laughing - even as she's trying to escape a serial killer. And a lovable cadre of supporting characters that you'll adore. (mostly) Yes?
Then you need to pick up a copy of Michelle Gagnon's new book - Killing Me.

There's more to Amber Jamison, our protagonist, than meets the eye. She has her own 'shadowy' background. I loved her snappy inner dialogue. The supporting players' tongues are just as quick. They're a mixed bag of personalities. I had a soft spot for Dot, the motel owner. The support amongst this group was heart warming.

The plotting is unexpected and fresh. I read a lot of crime fiction and really appreciated being surprised by the direction Gagnon's book takes.

Now there's lots of humor, but there is a serial killer on the loose (or maybe two), so there is some darker bits. People do die and I wasn't always happy with who did.

Gagnon's author notes hints at a follow-up book to Killing Me. Yes please - fingers crossed! ( )

Amber Jamison has endured a lot in her life. The grifting lifestyle of her parents, abandonment by them as a teen, eventually turning her life around, so close to earning her degree. But finding herself abducted by a possible serial killer takes the cake.

Killing Me by Michelle Gagnon is a crazy ride from start to finish. Both funny and dark with wonderful companion characters, this was a really fun read with tension and action ramping up toward the end. I look forward to more antics from these characters in the next book of this series. 3.5/5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this complimentary ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ( )

"The worst part was that I felt stupid.

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."

I was really excited when I started this book, I love black humor. But the comedy in this was kind of lacking and the mystery never completely grabbed me. There were some good moments sprinkled in but then I would be bored for huge chunks of the story.

It just wasn't for me, unfortunately.

Thank you netgalley and penguin group Dutton for giving me an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ( )