Kill for Me, Kill for You

Title: Kill for Me, Kill for You

Author: Steve Cavanagh

Published in: 2023

Date read: 16th May 2024

Score: 4/5

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Psychological

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Kill for Me, Kill for You" by Steve Cavanagh is a standalone psychological thriller, published in 2023. Unlike his popular Eddie Flynn series which features a con-artist-turned-lawyer, this novel steps into a darker, more intricate world of revenge and manipulation.

The core of the story revolves around a dangerous pact made between two strangers, Amanda and Wendy, who meet by chance in New York City. Both women are consumed by grief and a burning desire for revenge against men who have brutally destroyed their lives and families, and who have seemingly escaped justice through the legal system.

Over drinks, they hatch what they believe to be the perfect plan: a murder swap. If Amanda kills for Wendy, and Wendy kills for Amanda, neither will be the obvious suspect in their respective targets' deaths, providing each other with what they hope will be airtight alibis. This premise immediately evokes a modern "Strangers on a Train" scenario, but Cavanagh takes it in a fresh, highly twisted direction.

The book quickly introduces other perspectives, creating multiple narrative threads that readers must piece together:

Amanda is a grieving mother whose young daughter, Jess, was brutally murdered. The killer is known to her, but the police lack sufficient evidence to prosecute him. Amanda's life has imploded in pain and rage, driving her to extreme measures.

Wendy (later revealed to be named Naomi) also shares a story of profound loss, her daughter having met a similarly horrific end. She presents a cool, calculated demeanour, seemingly the architect of their deadly pact.

Ruth is a seemingly unconnected character whose life is shattered when she is brutally attacked in her own home by a man with piercing blue eyes. Her husband, Scott, is also deeply affected by the incident. Ruth's struggle with PTSD and her desperate need to feel safe again become a parallel narrative.

Detective Farrow is the police officer involved in some of these cases, trying to make sense of the escalating violence and the seemingly unrelated tragedies.

As the women begin to put their plan into motion, the intricate plot unfolds with numerous twists and turns. The reader is constantly challenged to question who is truly trustworthy, what the real motives are, and whether everything is as it seems. The act of revenge proves to be far more complicated and less satisfying than anticipated, leading to further violence and unforeseen consequences.

The story delves into themes of grief, justice, vigilantism, and the psychological toll of trauma and revenge. It explores how far ordinary people can be pushed when the system fails them and how such dark desires can spiral out of control.

The genius of "Kill for Me, Kill for You" lies in its intricate plotting and shocking revelations, particularly in the latter half of the book. Cavanagh masterfully manipulates perspective and information, leading to a conclusion that is designed to be both surprising and unsettling, bringing all the disparate threads together in a truly unexpected way. It's a dark, unputdownable thriller that keeps readers guessing until the very last page.

Comments:
I read this at the same time as a friend, the World's smallest book club. I really enjoyed it even though it did not go in the exact direction that I was expecting. Always like to expand my list of good authors.

Books that we've read by Steve Cavanagh (1):
Kill for Me, Kill for You (2023)