Six Strikes by Antonia Grave review – A raw and emotional thriller

Six Strikes by Antonia Grave: The review

Bold, dark and utterly captivating, Six Strikes by Antonia Grave doesn’t pull any punches. Feminist, raw and full of rage, it’s the story of Maddie. Flitting between different timelines, our knowledge of Maddie is fragmented at first, but as you read, you’ll understand more about her – and you’ll sympathise with almost every decision she makes.

You see, Maddie is a serial killer. By definition, at least. But the way she sees it (and the way you’ll likely see it too), she’s offering a service to the world, and to women in particular: she murders what she calls ‘fleas’. Abusive men. Men who prey on vulnerable women. Leacherous men. Men without a shred of common decency.

Turns out there’s a good reason for Maddie’s intense desire to help her fellow women, and her backstory is heartbreaking. It’s something I longed to know more about, but Six Strikes only gives us enough detail to progress the story forward. It’s enough to fully understand Maddie, however, and it paints enough of a picture of the terrible things this young woman has gone through.

The two timelines we are privy to reveal Maddie in prison, caught for her murders, and an earlier Maddie, as she’s hunting down someone known as the ‘Manchester Maniac’. Following his crimes and learning about the victims makes Six Strikes feel a little like a whodunnit; you’ll be trying to figure out the Maniac’s identity alongside Maddie, and with plenty of twists along the way, it’s a novel that will certainly keep you guessing.

I’ve listened to the audio of Six Strikes and found this to be an excellent way to engage with the story. Narrated by Charlie Sanderson, Maddie is brought to life with character and vivre, with Sanderson doing a fantastic job of portraying emotions. Being a story filled with anger and sadness, emotions are ripe, but they’re pulled off perfectly.

Well written, thrilling, angry and surprisingly emotional, Six Strikes stands out thanks to not being afraid to be loud, bold and different. It’s a novel that thriller fans are going to love, and one so powerful it’s going to stay with you for a while.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for providing an advanced digital copy.