The Kind Worth Killing: A Novel

Peter Swanson

Sep 2020 · Henry Kimball Book 1 · HarperAudio · Narrated by Johnny Heller, Karen White, Kathleen Early, and Keith Szarabajka

About this audiobook

A devious tale of psychological suspense so irresistible that it prompts Entertainment Weekly to ask, “Is The Kind Worth Killing the next Gone Girl?” From one of the hottest new thriller writers, Peter Swanson, a name you may not know yet (but soon will), this is his breakout novel in the bestselling tradition of Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train—now a major movie directed by Agnieszka Holland.

In a tantalizing set-up reminiscent of Patricia Highsmith’s classic Strangers on a Train... On a night flight from London to Boston, Ted Severson meets the stunning and mysterious Lily Kintner. Sharing one too many martinis, the strangers begin to play a game of truth, revealing very intimate details about themselves. Ted talks about his marriage that’s going stale and his wife Miranda, who he’s sure is cheating on him. Ted and his wife were a mismatch from the start—he the rich businessman, she the artistic free spirit—a contrast that once inflamed their passion, but has now become a cliché.

But their game turns a little darker when Ted jokes that he could kill Miranda for what she’s done. Lily, without missing a beat, says calmly, “I’d like to help.” After all, some people are the kind worth killing, like a lying, stinking, cheating spouse. . . .

Back in Boston, Ted and Lily’s twisted bond grows stronger as they begin to plot Miranda's demise. But there are a few things about Lily’s past that she hasn’t shared with Ted, namely her experience in the art and craft of murder, a journey that began in her very precocious youth.

Suddenly these co-conspirators are embroiled in a chilling game of cat-and-mouse, one they both cannot survive . . . with a shrewd and very determined detective on their tail.

Ratings and reviews

Bravo!! An ending that resolved yet still left you to your own imagination...beautifully done! Kept me wide awake and, metaphorically, flipping pages! Great character development, brilliant story, only one teeny issue with the reveal of who Ted's wife is/was...there was no foreshadowing,that I could find, so the reader never had a chance to guess the truth. That's ok though because it was kind of a no brainer anyway. So,yes,slightly predictable but not completely! 5 stars...I won't take any away for the teeny issue...😊 because over all I enjoyed this book immensely!❤

This was the first Peter Swanson novel that I read and it was honestly one of the best thriller books that I have read since Gone Girl. I have read some of his other books since then and am equally impressed. In this particular novel, the twists and turns are endless, and the characters are all so well-rounded and well-written. The narrators of the audiobook made the reading experience even better. This is a must for thriller fans.

One of my favourite thrillers that I've listened to this year. so many plot twists. I loved it! The narrators made it even better. Highly recommended listening !

About the author

Peter Swanson is the New York Times bestselling author of The Kind Worth Killing, winner of the New England Society Book Award and finalist for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger; Her Every Fear, an NPR book of the year; and Eight Perfect Murders, a New York Times bestseller, among others. His books have been translated into 30 languages, and his stories, poetry, and features have appeared in Asimov’s Science Fiction, The Atlantic Monthly, Measure, The Guardian, The Strand Magazine, and Yankee Magazine. He lives on the North Shore of Massachusetts, where he is at work on his next novel.