A Killer Getaway
- Judith D Collins
- Oct 4
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 6
By: Sienna Sharpe
Narrator: Justis Bolding
RB Media
ISBN: 9781464242809
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Publication Date: 08/12/2025
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 4 Stars (ARC)
No one in Lily Lennox's life can understand why, for each of the past five summers, she has left her successful business behind to work a lifeguarding job at the exclusive Riovan Wellness Resort on a sun-soaked Caribbean Island.
Fortunately for her, they also aren't aware of the mysterious deaths that occur on the island every time she's there. You see, Lily has a secret. She's determined to make toxic people pay for the damage they do – and she's very good at getting away with it.
But this summer, there's a problem in the form of a very attractive guest, Daniel Black, who is asking a few too many inconvenient questions. Hoping to lead him off her trail, Lily decides to keep her enemy close, but as their attraction grows into something much deeper, Lily's plans start to unravel. Because Daniel is set on finding the murderer – and Lily plans to get away with it - no matter what.
Praise
"A brilliant mix of romance and revenge."
― Jennifer Holdich, author of Julie Tudor is Not a Psychopath
"A twisty, smart and multi-layered thriller with an unforgettable anti-heroine that I couldn’t help but root for. In A Killer Getaway Sienna Sharpe masterfully blends a gripping mystery with a captivating romance."
― Veronika Dapunt, author of Death and Other Occupational Hazards
"A riveting thriller…I ended up questioning everything I know about love, justice, grief, the ethics of killing, and the predatory nature of the "wellness" industry. From the first page, Sienna Sharpe grabbed me and didn't let go."
― Katie Ruggle, author of The Scenic Route
"For fans of Emily Henry’s feel-good nature and Jeneva Rose’s twisted thrills, who will be uncovering its mysteries until the very end."
― firstCLUE
My Review
In Sienna Sharpe's gripping novel, A KILLER GETAWAY, we meet Lily Lennox, a wealthy businesswoman who has cleverly disguised herself as a lifeguard at the exclusive Riovan Wellness Resort in the Caribbean for the past five summers.
However, beneath this facade lies a dark vigilante mission: she seeks revenge on the toxic individuals she holds responsible for her fiancé Jessica's tragic death, orchestrating their demise with calculated precision.
What to expect...
Prepare yourself for a sharp satire of wellness culture that offers a refreshing twist on the traditional "woman serial killer" trope.
The novel delves deep into themes of grief, healing, and the possibility of second chances. Sharpe skillfully intertwines suspense with profound emotional resonance, crafting a complex, thought-provoking, and irresistibly engaging read that will leave you reflecting long after the final page.
About...
~The Premise:
Lily Lennox serves as a lifeguard at Riovan, an opulent wellness resort, yet her true mission extends far beyond her job. Driven by the tragic loss of her girlfriend, who battled an eating disorder and mental health struggles exacerbated by the resort's practices, Lily is on a quest for retribution.
~The Setting:
The exclusive Caribbean location enables Lily's vengeful murders, while the resort's history is the foundation of her motive. Setting the stage for murder
~Revenge Plot:
What remains hidden from the world is that Lily’s annual visits to the resort are not merely for leisure; they are part of a calculated vigilante operation aimed at exacting justice. In her eyes, eliminating those she deems "toxic" is a necessary step toward achieving the justice her girlfriend never received.
~Criteria:
Lily meticulously selects her targets, identifying individuals she believes are culpable for their toxic behavior. Her mission is to hold them accountable, and she intends to do so by orchestrating their demise during her summer stays.
~The Mission:
For five years, Lily has been skillfully executing her plan, orchestrating the deaths of those she views as harmful, all while maintaining the façade of a devoted lifeguard. The exclusivity of the resort allows her to mask these incidents as unfortunate accidents, avoiding any scrutiny.
~The Victims:
Her criteria for selection are based on an individual's "toxicity" and the detrimental impact they have on others. Utilizing the resort's secluded setting and the advantage of surprise, Lily discreetly carries out her plans.
~The Complication:
However, this summer poses a significant challenge to her carefully laid plans. Daniel Black, an intriguing and charismatic journalist, begins to investigate the suspicious fatalities, inching closer to uncovering Lily’s closely guarded secret.
~The Distraction & Romance:
To deflect Daniel’s scrutiny and safeguard her covert operations, Lily cleverly decides to keep him close, leading to an unexpected romance that blossoms between them. Genuine feelings begin to surface, complicating her original intentions.
~The Conflict:
As their relationship deepens, Lily finds herself at a crossroads, forced to reassess her relentless pursuit of revenge, her interpretation of justice, and whether she can proceed with her next move.
My thoughts...
A total blast!
Let’s dive into the captivating world of A KILLER GETAWAY, a vacation thriller that seamlessly weaves together romance, revenge, and unexpected twists. This novel is a delightful blend of clever humor and spicy intrigue, guaranteed to keep you engaged from start to finish.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Caribbean, this narrative takes you on a thrilling roller-coaster journey filled with murder, mystery, and the potential for redemption. With its array of WOW factors, you're in for an exhilarating ride.
This genre-defying novel presents an intoxicating mix of murder, wit, wellness satire, and a slasher domestic thriller, all while exploring the theme of second chances in love.
As summer unfolds, we witness Lily's carefully laid plans begin to unravel, forcing her to confront a pivotal choice: will she pursue her secret vendetta, or will she open her heart to the possibility of something real with Daniel?
The relationship between Lily and Daniel adds an intriguing layer of complexity. Their blossoming romance complicates her mission, creating a central tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Will Lily follow through with her deadly intentions, and will Daniel uncover the truth behind her secret?
The novel thoughtfully delves into profound themes of grief, revenge, forgiveness, and the intricate nature of justice. It also shines a light on the harmful aspects of diet culture and body image, exploring the ethical dilemmas surrounding Lily’s choices as her personal quest for vengeance blurs the lines between justice and murder.
Lily emerges as a compelling anti-heroine, her motivations relatable yet her actions crossing moral boundaries. The narrative invites readers to grapple with the ethical questions surrounding her decisions, all while rooting for her journey.
Recs... Here we go....
Imagine a mesmerizing cat-and-mouse romance that transitions from enemies to lovers, reminiscent of Katherine Center's enchanting storytelling.
Now, blend in the unexpected, razor-sharp twists that define a gripping Jenova Rose thriller. Infuse this narrative with Kaira Rouda's keen wit and dark humor, delving into themes of revenge that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Next, add Emma Rosenblum's unique touch of satirical storytelling, effortlessly intertwining dark comedy and murder while providing incisive critiques of elite social circles and the privileges enjoyed by the wealthy. Picture a dangerous collision course inspired by Blake Crouch's "Good Behavior", where the two protagonists find themselves entangled in a seductive relationship.
Finally, mix in the mischievous, exhilarating, heartfelt, and fun mystery adventures for which Elle Cosimano is renowned, and you have the captivating experience that is A KILLER GETAWAY!
Special thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for sending me a gifted paperback copy and fun swag in exchange for my honest opinion. I love being introduced to newfound authors.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 12, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
About the Author
Jenna Satterthwaite grew up in Spain, lived briefly in France, and is now happily settled in Chicago with her husband and three kids. Jenna studied classical guitar at the Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Zaragoza and earned her BAs in English Lit and French at Indiana University. She works a 9-5 style office job where she types many emails while drinking many cups of excellent coffee. Once upon a time, Jenna moonlighted as a singer-songwriter in folk band Thornfield.
In the winter, you can find Jenna obsessively and cozily pounding out novels on her laptop by the fireplace. In the summer, you can find her getting sunburned at the pool with her kids, vaguely wondering how a novel is even written.
She loves sushi, reading in her natural habitat (aka her bed), and women taking back their power.
She wrote her autobiography at age six. This is what she had to say about herself on Page 1:
“I love myself very much. If I did not have myself I would not be alive! Isn’t that so amazing! Life is so so so so so so so so so so so amazing! I like life. I like living. I really don’t enjoy candy as much as other people do. I love crystal balls. They are so cool. I love them.”
Minus the crystal balls, all these things still hold true. WEBSITE
