How to Get Away with Murder Book Review

27 November 2024

I have recently discovered that I am eight reviews away from reaching my NetGalley 100 reviews badge. I have submitted requests for eight books and waiting for approval. I was happy to see this book was available to read and jumped right into it.

How to Get Away with Murder is a deliciously dark, humorous dive into true crime obsession, with a protagonist whose unreliable narration makes every page bristle with tension. This is a novel that revels in its ambiguity, keeping you on edge while blending humour, intrigue, and outright creepiness.

From the start, the protagonist’s voice is magnetic. Her fascination with true crime feels unsettlingly relatable—what crime junkie hasn’t wondered about the logistics of the perfect crime? But Barnett takes this obsession a step further, crafting a character whose genuine motives remain tantalizingly unclear. Is she a curious bystander caught up in a local murder spree, or is there something far more sinister lurking beneath her sarcastic, self-aware exterior? The doubt keeps you guessing until the end.

The plot itself is a slow burn but in the best way. The blend of small-town paranoia, escalating tension and cleverly placed red herrings makes for an enjoyable reading experience. The local murders feel close, personal and terrifying, but Barnett injects a mocking edge to the narrative, poking fun at the commercialization of true crime culture. It’s as much a commentary on our obsession with violence as it is a gripping read.

The side characters amplify the mystery. Neighbours, friends and even fleeting acquaintances are sketched in a way that makes everyone a suspect. The protagonist’s interactions with them add layers of suspicion and, often, biting humour that keeps the tone from becoming too grim.

The ending is where Barnett truly shines. Without giving anything away, it’s one of those rare finales that feels both shocking and inevitable. Every breadcrumb laid throughout the story connects in a way that feels satisfying, even if it leaves you questioning just how much of the narrative you can trust. 

My only criticism would be that at times, the protagonist’s monologue can feel repetitive, particularly when reflecting on her true crime obsession. While this deepens her character, it occasionally slows down the pace.

How to Get Away with Murder is a cleverly constructed thriller with a wicked sense of humour and a narrator who will live rent-free in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page. I recommend adding this one to your TBR, it’s a quick fun read that’s sure to leave you smiling. This one is expected to be released on 27 January 2025