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 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.

 

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Published Oct 4, 2016

320 pages

Average rating: 7.56

426 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Collwaney
Jul 10, 2025
8/10 stars
Lily is fascinating. Maybe slightly unrealistic plot but kept reader engaged. A page turner
Anne-Marie Eberhardt
Jul 02, 2025
10/10 stars
Really good!
Sunita the reader 📖🌻🦋
Jun 30, 2025
8/10 stars
Two strangers meet on an airplane and shares one too many drinks which turns into a game of truths. Ted shares how he believes his wife is cheating on him and how he wants to kill her. Without sharing her truth, Lily chimes informs Ted that she can help him with his little issue. Liars and cheaters are the kind worth killing. I had so many “holy shit” moments while reading this. It started a bit slow, but once it picked up I got into it. I couldn’t figure out where the story was going. It had so many plot twist that I couldn’t actually form a theory from beginning to end. While I enjoyed it, I feel like it left me on a cliffhanger. The ending is implied, but if I’m following the theme of the story then what I truly think is not right.
Channn.2
Feb 25, 2025
10/10 stars
So many plot twist I absolutely loved this book I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next
Mrshrl
Feb 06, 2025
9/10 stars
Great original story, characters, everything. You just can't expect where this one goes.

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