When I Kill You

Author: B. A. Paris
Genre: Psychological Thriller
304 pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, 2026

Synopsis
Nell Masters is certain someone is following her. The hairs on the back of her neck rise when she travels to and from work, there are silent calls to her office, and a huge bouquet of flowers arrives without a card. And Nell has a reason to be looking over her shoulder, because she has a secret that she’s hiding from everyone in her life, including her new partner, Alex. But Alex also has secrets of his own.

Fourteen years earlier, when Nell went by the name Elle Nugent, she witnessed a student, Bryony Sanders, getting into a stranger’s car. When Bryony was found murdered, Elle became obsessed with finding the person responsible. She was convinced she knew who it was and her fixation with Brett Parker, the man she accused, led her down a dangerous path . . .

Now, Nell tries to convince herself that this unnerving feeling of being watched is all in her mind. Has someone from her past discovered her new identity? Has the stalker become the stalked? Or is there something even more deadly at play?

My review
When I Kill You by B.A. Paris is a quick, entertaining read that’s perfect for an afternoon escape. At just over 300 pages, it’s easy to finish in one sitting, and the straightforward writing and simple plot make it ideal for travel or a relaxed day at your favorite coffee shop. This isn’t a heavy psychological thriller. You don’t have to keep track of endless twists or complicated clues to enjoy it.

The story opens with Nell Masters, who’s convinced someone is watching her. As strange, anonymous deliveries begin to arrive, her anxiety escalates. Nell carries a secret she hasn’t told anyone, not even her boyfriend, Alex. But Alex, it turns out, has secrets of his own.

Told through dual timelines from Nell’s perspective, the novel touches on themes of obsession, trauma, and secrecy. Paris does a solid job portraying Nell’s growing paranoia and the tension of feeling constantly observed. The short, fast-paced chapters keep the pages turning even when not much actually happens plot-wise.

Personally, I found the past timeline more engaging since it offered more insight into Nell’s choices (even when those choices made me shake my head!). The stalker’s chapters, while suspenseful at first, grew repetitive and didn’t dig very deep into the stalker’s motives or psychology. The ending was fine, nothing shocking, but it wrapped things up neatly.

Overall, When I Kill You is a light, easy-to-follow thriller that delivers a few chills without demanding too much attention. If you’re looking for something quick, fast-paced, and uncomplicated – perfect for a flight or a lazy afternoon – it fits the bill. Think of it as a Lifetime-style thriller in book form: entertaining, light, and just right for a one-sitting read.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and B.A. Paris for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

My recommendation: recommended as a light read while traveling, or enjoying an afternoon in your local coffee shop!