Is Ladykiller by Katherine Wood inspired by The Talented Mr. Ripley? The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia is a classic 1950s psychological suspense story that has been adapted multiple times, included a recent Netflix version. I didn’t realize right away that Ladykiller might be a (loose) retelling. Let’s discuss!
Ladykiller by Katherine Wood: Jen’s Quick Take
- A psychological suspense missing person story that is incorporates a journal element
- Has Talented Mr. Ripley vibes
- More by this author: Ladykiller is the first book by Katherine Wood, which is a pen name of Katrine St. John, who has written The Vicious Circle, The Lion’s Den, and The Siren
- Publication date: July 9 2024 by Bantam; 368 pages
- Thanks to the publisher for the review copy, which I accepted under FTC guidelines
- Also by this author: Sunburned (2025)
Ladykiller by Katherine Wood: Review and Analysis
Ladykiller started out like one of those “rich friend, poor friend stories” like The Great Gatsby.
Main character Abby owes a lot to her friend Gia’s very wealthy family. Now grown-up and successful, Abby reluctantly agrees to a trip to Sweden with Gia and her brother Benny, whom Abby has always had a crush on. But when Abby and Benny arrive, Gia is nowhere to be found.
That narrative alternates with Gia’s journal, which is a possibly true, possibly exaggerated account of her life on her father’s Greek estate with her new husband, Garrett.
As I read the journal, I wondered if the free-spending Garrett was trying to kill (or swindle) poor innocent Gia, possibly with the help of glamorous hangers-on Emilia and Timeo? Did the husband do it? Is this a Gone Girl situation?
How much is Ladykiller like the Talented Mr. Ripley?
It’s been a while since I read (or watched) The Talented Mr. Ripley, a book that is referenced in Ladykiller. The two books do have a similar vibe and plots centered around rich people and those who take advantage of them.
The book is also referenced in the story, as Gia’s husband gives her a first edition of the book as an anniversary present. Then there’s at least one more fun reference.
If you are looking for a light, twisty book in a sunny Greek setting featuring scheming characters, I’d definitely give Ladykiller a try!