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

By Peter Swanson

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

546 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.
Sahil Makhijani
Jan 17, 2026
8/10 stars
A bit male gaze-y, but enough suspense & surprises that I was thoroughly entertained
Melissa Miranda Mahl
Aug 02, 2026
7/10 stars
I really enjoyed The Kind Worth Killing, especially the way the story is narrated by different characters. It allows you to understand each person’s motivations and see the events from multiple points of view, which makes the twists even more interesting. The narrative style reminded me of Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney, particularly in the way each character gradually reveals new information. I liked the ending and understood what was implied would happen next, but it still felt a little abrupt. I wasn’t expecting the book to end at that exact moment, and I think the final events could have been developed a bit more before wrapping up. Overall, it was an engaging and suspenseful read that kept me guessing.
tbr_and_chaos
Jul 07, 2026
8/10 stars
Two strangers meet at an airport bar, share some martinis, and casually agree to commit murder together. It sounds unhinged, and it absolutely is. The multiple perspectives keep you second-guessing everyone, and just when you think you have it figured out, the whole thing flips on you in the most satisfying way. Lily alone is worth the price of admission. A little convenient in spots toward the end, but by that point I was too hooked to care. Perfect audiobook fodder for anyone who wants a fast, genuinely surprising thriller.
Sara
Apr 06, 2026
4/10 stars
The book starts off strong and kind of fizzles out half way through. The concept is good the story starts off good, but then starts getting very soap opera like. Pros its easy to read, ending is kind of funny, cons it looses steam halfway through.

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