How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates is a debut novel for Shailee Thompson and what a story! Having spent most of my adult life choosing romance over gore in both the book world and in film, I was surprised to find myself keen to read this as soon as I read the blurb.
The book begins by setting up the quirky dynamic between two friends and over the course of the book it continues with this theme and the love they have for each other. Whilst there is a romance element to the overall story, it is this relationship that resonated deeper with me. You soon learn that the leading lady, Jamie, is quite literally obsessed with films – the sheer volume of film quotes and story comparisons within the pages of the book will appeal to all film buffs out there! I loved that each chapter begin with a famous film quote which has been adapted to suit the theme of the book, my favourite being: “I’m scared of walking out of this room and never killing the rest of my whole life the way I kill when I’m with you.” And then a “Not Dirty Dancing” tag line! (I’m almost tempted to go back and read the book again to see how closely related the chosen phrases were to the chapter itself!)
After the first few chapters when the author had very quickly set the scene – speed dating in an old club that had originally been a factory (think of a maze like space with lots of different levels and corridors) – it was so creepy before it even began and I have to admit it crossed my mind that I may not have the stomach for it as any horror film I have ever watched is with me behind a pillow. It very quickly gets into the thick of the main story and a slasher-fest cat and mouse game commences! It was a compulsive page-turner, and I found myself reading on and on long into the night (albeit safely upstairs with my husband snoring beside me, in case the slasher got me!)
The depth of characters really helped to amplify the book, you are routing for the love story that develops throughout and despite the death and gore, it is amazing how well she got that balance right. Overall, I am so glad that I got to read this book – it was a lot of fun, like laugh out loud fun, and as unhinged as it sounds, it absolutely worked. The pace was relentless; the tension was palpable and the killer a mystery until it was finally revealed. It was a masterpiece in modern day writing and so different to other books out there. I predict big things for this Author and will be looking out for any future books she writes.
With thanks to Dawn Hynes from our review team for this fabulous write up and the publisher for an early sample copy of the book. How To Kill a Guy in Ten Dates publishes on 12th February 2026 in Hardback.
About the Book
When Jamie’s best friend drags her to a speed-dating event, she knows what to expect . . . mediocre men and the opportunity to eat her feelings later. She’s not expecting a blackout and for her date to be gruesomely killed at their table. After the lights come back on, Jamie sees more bodies on the floor. Knowing there’s strength in numbers, she pulls together a band of would-be survivors to escape.
Armed with makeshift weapons and Jamie’s extensive knowledge of what NOT to do in a slasher movie – starting with not splitting up – the group try to find a way out whilst the killer stalks them. But is he simply picking them off or is he playing some sick game to woo one of the daters and turn them into his real-life Final Girl?
Nothing speeds up love like fighting for your life and Jamie somehow finds herself in a love triangle despite the potentially deadly consequences. Has she finally found true love or does the prospect of death via machete-wielding psychopath mean she’s already met her match?
About The Author
Shailee Thompson is a writer and educator based in Brisbane, Australia. She’s always had a penchant for women with smart mouths, soft hearts, and strong wills going up against extraordinary odds. How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates is her debut novel. Photograph: Britt Spring.
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