Title: Killing Me Softly
Author: Sandie Jones
Publication Date: March 31, 2026
Publisher: Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Press)
Format Read: Kindle e-ARC
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
I’m not the pickiest of readers when it comes to choosing what to read. My reasons for picking up Killing Me Softly by Sandie Jones, for instance, were as simple as seeing a mention of London and the genre mystery & thriller. There’s just something about this genre and setting that I really love. This book ended up being no exception.
Freya and Charlie are basically an “It” couple in their circles. Freya raises funds for a charity, and Charlie is a chef to watch and, if lucky, eat his creations. Their marriage is picture perfect still after three years. Until one dinner party, where too much drink is had and accusations are thrown. The next morning they wake to police at their door telling them their car was involved in a hit and run and that a man is critically injured.
There is some character depth, but you won’t find it in the sense of deeply analyzing their psychology or knowing each and every one of their decisions. You’ll discover it as new things about each of them come to light. You’ll find that what appears clear actually isn’t. You’ll wonder, “How could he/she do this?” only to later realize what they did wasn’t as bad as it looked. Jones is an expert at playing with her readers’ natural biases and perceptions. I did guess “it” before the end, but I was a lot closer than I would have liked to have been when I did.
Jones writes in a style that is frequently conversational and introspective. The prose leans heavily into the narrator’s personal reflections and insecurities. It’s a lot like sitting in his/her thoughts. The quiet tension is palpable, building through social dynamics rather than action for most of the story, with emphasis on reputation, relationships, and perception. It reads quickly with clear, straightforward sentences rather than dense literary language. That’s typical of psychological and domestic thrillers. Themes include the difficulties of marriage, protecting those you love, and alcohol abuse. Nobody is who you think they are at the beginning of the book.
I had a blast reading Killing Me Softly. I basically read it in three sittings, which is no small feat with a young child at home. Ms. Jones has even managed to twist the twists. I’ve read a couple of reviews where readers didn’t like the ending. I loved the ending. Easily the best part, in my opinion. It all feels unresolved, but that’s the point, trust me. I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy psychological and domestic thrillers. It’s great for fans of Clare Mackintosh and Freida McFadden. You’ll be giving your own motivations and decisions second guesses by the time you’re finished.
Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓🤓🤓— Twist-filled domestic thriller
Let’s Discuss
Do you enjoy thrillers where the tension comes more from social dynamics and shifting perceptions than from action?
Find out more about the book and author here.
I read a digital copy made available by Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Press) through NetGalley, and this review reflects my honest opinion.