The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson is widely praised for its intricate plot and unexpected twists, keeping readers on edge. Critics appreciate Swanson's narrative style and character development. However, some find the plot's violence gratuitous and certain twists implausible. Overall, it is a gripping psychological thriller that polarizes its audience.

Readers who relish psychological thrillers with intricate plots and morally complex characters will be captivated by Peter Swanson's The Kind Worth Killing. Fans of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley will find this book's twists and suspense particularly engaging.

The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson follows Ted Severson, who meets Lily Kintner in an airport bar and is convinced by her to murder his unfaithful wife, Miranda. As plans unfold, the story delves into themes like moral ambiguity and manipulation. Through complex backstories, it explores power dynamics and trauma's lasting effects. Sensitive topics include sexual assault and molestation of a minor.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Unnerving / Challenging

- The Kind Worth Killing was partly inspired by Patricia Highsmith's Strangers on a Train, echoing its theme of morally ambiguous characters and murder plots.
- The novel examines the concept of truth and deception, with its clever narrative twists actively engaging the reader in a game of guessing motives and outcomes.
- Author Peter Swanson has crafted a variety of standalone noir thrillers, and The Kind Worth Killing is notable for its intricate plotting and psychological depth, which have drawn comparisons to the works of Gillian Flynn and Ruth Ware.

**Lily Kintner**  
A complex and enigmatic woman with striking red hair and green eyes, who grows up in Connecticut and later moves to London and Maine. She works as an archivist at Winslow College and becomes involved in a plot for revenge.

**Henry Kimball**  
A young detective working on the Severson case, known for his dedication to justice and an unexpected interest in Lily. He enjoys writing limericks in his spare time and is determined to solve the case.

**Miranda Severson**  
A manipulative and cunning woman with a penchant for using people to achieve her own goals. She changes her appearance and identity to suit her purposes, showcasing a duplicitous nature.

**Ted Severson**  
A wealthy man who made his fortune by selling internet companies at a young age. He experiences personal betrayal and becomes entangled with Lily through shared desires and secrets.

Peter Swanson

Adult

Novel

Henry Kimball

Fiction

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Rules of Airport Bars”

Part 1, Chapters 1-8

The Kind Worth Killing Part 1, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-15

The Kind Worth Killing Part 1, Chapters 9-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Half-Finished House”

Part 2, Chapters 16-21

The Kind Worth Killing Part 2, Chapters 16-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 22-26

The Kind Worth Killing Part 2, Chapters 22-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Hide the Bodies Well”

Part 3 The Kind Worth Killing Part 3 Summary & Analysis

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The Kind Worth Killing Character Analysis

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The Kind Worth Killing: A Novel

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