Served Him Right

Author: Lisa Unger
Genre: Psychological Thriller
384 pages
Publisher: Park Row Books, March 2026

Synopsis
Ana Blacksmith has gathered her closest friends and sister Vera for a brunch to celebrate her recent breakup from her boyfriend Paul. But when shocking news about Paul arrives, all eyes are on Ana, the angry ex with a bad reputation. Suspicions only intensify when Ana’s best friend falls deathly ill after the brunch.

But Ana is not the only one who had a score to settle with Paul. As the investigation unfolds, rumors of a secret network that uses ancient methods to obtain justice begin to emerge. Vengeance is sweet, but it can also be deadly. Ana and Vera are determined to find the truth before Ana takes the fall and their own long-buried history comes to light.

My review
Served Him Right by Lisa Unger is a dynamic, women-centered psychological thriller that hooked me from the first page. This was my first time reading Unger, and I was immediately drawn in by her smooth, engaging writing style. For me, strong storytelling and well-built characters always come first, and I was pleased to find both here. This is a wickedly fun book and a pleasure to read!

At the heart of the novel are sisters Ana and Vera, whose bond runs deeper than most after losing their parents at a young age. Ana has just broken up with her boyfriend, Paul, and decides to host an “ex-communication” party at Vera’s house with her girlfriends. By mid-celebration, Ana receives shocking news. Paul has been killed under suspicious circumstances. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Paul had no shortage of enemies, and Ana isn’t the only one with motive.

What follows is a fast-moving, chaotic, and thoroughly entertaining narrative. I especially enjoyed the unique twist of the women belonging to a Wiccan tribe of herbalists. Unger clearly did her homework. The herbal knowledge woven throughout the story adds depth and an extra layer of intrigue. The alternating POVs kept the tension high, and I did not see the ending coming.

There’s also a mysterious organization lurking in the background, tied to the sisters’ past and playing a role in the present-day murder mystery. Alongside Ana and Vera, several secondary characters help flesh out the women’s history and motives, making it clear why more than a few people might have wanted Paul dead.

My only criticism is that I found it hard to believe a detective investigating the murder would so easily disregard what he learned at the end because he had a fling with one of the women involved, or because Paul was such an awful person that justice didn’t matter. Psychological thrillers are always a little far-fetched but this stretched believability a little too far.

Served Him Write delivers a clever, women-driven revenge thriller packed with suspense, herbal lore, and dark humor. If you like multiple POVs, plenty of characters, and clever storytelling, it’s a quick, fun read that’s thoroughly entertaining. I’ll definitely be picking up more from Lisa Unger in the future.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Park Row Books, and Lisa Unger for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

My recommendation: definitely worth the read!