Member Reviews
I think if I hadn’t been such a fan of the TV show, I wouldn’t have persevered with this book. There are moments of excitement in Vilanelle’s actions and between her and Eve, however the writing style doesn’t work for me and I found myself skim reading large chunks. |
I adored this book. The fast, pacey and thilling writing makes this a breeze to read. Seeing Eve and Villanelle circling each other and slowly moving into the same orbit was exciting and nervewracking experience. The beauty of Villanelle is that she's so incredibly unpredictable so it's impossible to guess at the twists the story will take. My only criticism of this book is that at times Niko felt more like comic relief. I think Eve's complex character is best when she's pressed between loving a stoic, caring and kind man and exciting but dangerous Villanelle. So reducing Niko chipped away at my interest in Eve slightly. But overall, I LOVED IT. |
Natalie B, Reviewer
Great pacing, great plot and who doesn't love Villanelle?! I absolutely adore the constantly shifting dynamics between Eve and Villanelle and the plot twist at the end is fantastic! |
Loved it, such a fab book. I loved the series too but the book has so much more to offer. I could not put this down. |
Have seen the series and loved this book also, great characters and great story with loads of mystery attached x |
I like the first book, but this one is in a whole different class. We pick up the tug of war between Eve and Vilanelle in Venice, where the latter is on an assignment. Things escalate from there while Eve is closing in on Vilanelle. the ending is spectacular and the book portrays a very different character in Vilanelle than the series. This Vilanelle is not flippant, but an ice cold killer that developed an inexplicable obsession with Englishwoman. I thoroughly enjoyed that one and will be staying away from the series - the books are much more fun. |
Gemma K, Reviewer
I have watched series 2 of Killing Eve on BBC so thought I would give the book a go and just loved it. I knew what I was getting and I got it and more. Fast paced and exciting drama! Bravo. |
Although I love the TV series I couldn't get into the books on Villanelle at all. Such a shame, just found them too complex to wade through. |
Enjoyed this follow up - not quite as good as the tv adaptation but decent crime drama with interesting characters and different to the usual. |
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book though very different to the tv series killing eve...it does not take away from the fact this is a very enjoyable book and is well written with characters that you really like... will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works |
Firstly I have to give thanks to John Murray Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I watched the first series of Killing Eve and thoroughly enjoyed it so when I got the opportunity to read one of the books, I jumped at the chance. Luke Jennings has created two very fabulous characters in Eve and Villanelle, they compliment each other perfectly and entertain the reader throughout. I found this novel to be absorbing and funny, particularly the telling of one of the assassinations. It took me a while to read but that was no fault of the story, it was due to me being unwell halfway through reading. |
Another great read. I have watched the series so it was nice to get more freedom for my imagination from reading |
I have to say this one hard for me to read I had to put it down half way it’s not easy to read and exciting as the first. I’ve kinda of forgot what’s happening as I read it. I will be watching the third season of show as I find it better |
Another wonderful book with Villanelle and Eve. Excellent character development, a page turner. Makes me want more! |
A wonderful piece of craziness! I'm so happy to see Villanelle and Eve back! This novel has a well-balanced mix of action and character detail. The characters themselves were quirky and funny, I loved them both even though I'm pretty sure I shouldn't be rooting for an assassin, ever. Brilliant, fast-paced and clever, the perfect quick read! Thanks to NetGalley & John Murray Press for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The sequel to Codename Villanelle picks up with Eve on the trail of a female serial killer, after identifying a Senior MI5 Officer who is in the pay of the 'twelve'. If you've seen the TV show, this storyline is part of the first series. Split over two books, it could feel like this has been dragged out. We only actually get the name 'Villanelle' more than halfway through this book. While the TV show has been hailed as a feminist phenomenon, the book leads something to be desired, with some descriptors and interactions written very much with a male gaze. Alongside this the plot is left lacking, with very little actually developing until the very end of the book. So while the book is full of the drama and intrigue you expect from these characters, it does fall somewhat short this time. While I was aware the first book didn't live up to its adaptation, I enjoyed the it enough to keep going, but after this instalment I'm inclined to call it a day on the series and stick to the TV show. |
Similar to the first in the series, this felt like a lot of short stories put together without too much thought to the overarching plot. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. |
Another fast-paced thriller based around these two brilliant characters. The relationship between Eve and Villanelle is superb and makes it another excellent read. |
Lara O, Reviewer
Very enjoyable read. Thanks to Net Galley for an ARC even though it took my ages to read it 🙈 I wanted to read this because I watched Killing Eve. Storyline is a little different but even though I haven’t read the first book - still managed to really get into it. Villanelle has even more depth in the books and we get to really plumb her machinations and mindset. Makes me have even more respect for Jodie Comer in being able to portray that so brilliantly. Luke Jennings is a gifted writer and brings the world of espionage to life. I think you can read this standalone and still enjoy it even if you don’t know the back story. |
Wonderful. I love the tv series, I love this book more.. Villinelle is captivatingly enthralling. A must read. |




