The Kind Worth Killing: A Dark and Suspenseful Journey into the Mind of a Killer

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—and is soon to be a major movie directed by Agnieszka Holland.

In a tantalizing set-up with a twisted plot 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 in this dark domestic thriller, 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.

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Published Oct 4, 2016

320 pages

Average rating: 7.56

523 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

What Bookclubbers are saying about this book

✨ Summarized by Bookclubs AI

Readers say *The Kind Worth Killing* is a gripping, dark psychological thriller praised for its suspenseful pacing, complex characters like Lily Kintn...

Sue Dix
Mar 14, 2026
10/10 stars
Holy cow! I know I shouldn’t adore the serial killer(?), but how can you not? This is such a morally ambiguous, twisty little tale and the ending made me groan out loud, “oh no.” I already have the next book on deck and I will probably start it immediately. Lily Kintner is one of the most interesting characters I’ve encountered.
nfmgirl
Mar 08, 2026
10/10 stars
Ted has a fortuitous meeting with Lily on a long plane flight. By the end of the flight, they are plotting the murder of his wife Miranda.

My final word: This book is written in the style of Gone Girl, switching narratives between characters, so it gives you that interesting perspective of seeing both sides. First you see one side of the story and perhaps sympathize with the narrator. Then you see the other side and sympathize with that narrator. Or maybe you see things through one set of eyes and think the other person is benign, but when you see things through their eyes you realize how malicious they really are. The switching of perspectives was handled really well. Great character development, smooth writing. Then there is a plot twist that had our whole book club gasping with surprise! This was my first novel by author Peter Swanson, but I have a feeling it won't be my last!

4.5 stars
doubleokay
Feb 22, 2026
8/10 stars
4.5
Sahil Makhijani
Jan 17, 2026
8/10 stars
A bit male gaze-y, but enough suspense & surprises that I was thoroughly entertained
sfea
Nov 01, 2025
9/10 stars
This was reallyyyyyy good. Definitely one of those books you can sit and finish in a couple sittings. Everyone is saying it started off slow, but to me it picked up immediately. Ted knew from day one he wanted to off his wife. I loved the ending and how unpredictable it was. What makes a good thriller is not being able to guess what happens next, and this book held up to that. Am I crazy for sympathizing with Lily? I felt bad for her.

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