Making A Killing by Bonnie Espie

When I first picked up Making A Killing, I expected an intriguing mystery—but what I got was a wickedly dark, laugh-out-loud, murderously fun ride through small-town secrets and questionable life choices. Bonnie Espie has crafted a debut that is sharp, clever, and utterly unhinged in the best possible way.

Plot Summary

Winifred, bookish and reserved, flees to a quiet village in search of peace (and perhaps to escape the shadows of her past). But her plans take an unexpected turn when she meets Sylvie, a whirlwind of personality who convinces her to open The Novel Eatery, a charming bookshop-café.

Everything seems set for a cozy existence until—well—a dead customer turns up. And when the two realise that solving problems (including disposal of inconvenient ones) comes rather naturally to them, their bookshop-café transforms into something far more dangerous, yet undeniably entertaining.

What follows is a brilliantly dark comedy of errors, where Winifred and Sylvie navigate the messy consequences of their decisions while trying to keep their business afloat—and their secrets buried.

Themes

At its core, Making A Killing is a deliciously macabre blend of murder, friendship, and survival.

• Morality vs. Necessity – Winifred and Sylvie don’t exactly make the best decisions, but Espie expertly explores how desperation and circumstance can push people to unexpected places.
• Female Friendship & Loyalty – The dynamic between Winifred and Sylvie is one of the novel’s strongest elements—contrasting personalities that somehow work together perfectly in their own messy way.
• Dark Humour & Social Satire – Espie delivers sharp, witty commentary on small-town life, gossip culture, and the lengths people go to in order to protect their own interests.

What Worked in the Book

Bonnie Espie’s writing is energetic, witty, and utterly absorbing. From the very first page, her voice demands attention—not just in how she builds suspense but in how she laces humour into even the darkest moments.

The characters are gloriously imperfect, and that’s what makes them shine. Winifred is anxious yet oddly adaptable, while Sylvie is chaotic but somehow always in control. Their dynamic is pure gold, full of snappy dialogue and unexpected moments that had me laughing out loud.

And let’s talk about the plot twists — Espie masterfully keeps readers on edge, balancing dark comedy with genuine tension, ensuring that nothing ever goes quite as expected.

Who Might Enjoy This Book?

If you love quirky, unconventional murder mysteries, this book is an absolute must-read. Readers with a dark sense of humour will adore the absurdity of Sylvie and Winifred’s escapades, while fans of small-town dramas will appreciate the richly detailed setting and its nosy, delightful residents.

Conclusion

Espie’s debut is a breath of fresh air in the crime genre — darkly funny, sharp, and deliciously unhinged. The ending? Sublime, leaving just enough space for more chaos to come. I, for one, cannot wait to see what Sylvie and Winifred cook up next.

Thank you to NB Publishers / Kwela for the opportunity to read this book.

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