When I was editing my novel, Peter Miles Has to Die, I would often play “Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks on repeat. The dark humor of the song was a juxtaposition to the more serious undertones of my own revenge thriller, but the draw was the same. Because, whether it be through books, TV shows, films, or music, seeing women reclaim their power and, in some cases, get revenge can be incredibly satisfying. Perhaps it’s because these stories provide safe outlets for expressing anger or frustration. Or perhaps it’s just fun to watch a good ol’ female-driven tale of revenge unfold.
If these six novels prove anything, it’s that vengeance can come in many forms—sometimes it’s subtle, sometimes not so much—but there’s always a sense of satisfaction at seeing women take control.
Kirino’s fantastic novel is centered around four women living in Tokyo who work the night shift at a box lunch factory. When one of them murders her abusive husband, she turns to the rest for help covering up the crime. What follows is a gritty tale about female friendship, misogyny in Japanese culture, and the lengths women go to for some semblance of control over their own lives. One of my favorite aspects of the book is its portrayal of violence inflicted by women instead of against them. It flips gender stereotypes in a way that is both shocking and unforgettable.
The Wife opens at thirty-five thousand feet with a couple on their way to Helsinki to collect a prestigious literary award. He’s had the literary career most can only dream of, while she, the wife, has sacrificed her writing aspirations to help him succeed. From there, a slow-burn tale of quiet rebellion begins to unfold. Too often women are expected to give up on their ambitions, but at what point does one say enough? Wolitzer skillfully explores what it means for a woman to reclaim her agency within the confines of a decades-long marriage.
The Husbands by Chandler Baker
Traditionally, women do more domestic labor than men—often juggling full-time careers with cooking, cleaning, and childcare. But not at Dynasty Ranch, an exclusive suburban estate where the women can focus on their high-powered jobs while their husbands take care of, well, everything else. Part domestic suspense, part horror, this novel tackles some heavy themes with satisfying (and at times darkly humorous) aplomb.
“Reader, I murdered him.” So begins Lindsay Faye’s retelling of the beloved classic Jane Eyre, only with a bit more blood, murder and, well, vengeance. You don’t want to get on the wrong side of Jane, the protagonist, because the only thing sharper than her wits is her knife (and she’s not afraid to use it). She may be a serial killer, but she believes every death is warranted and by the end you may just end up believing it too. Even with her somewhat questionable motivations and actions, you’ll be hard-pressed not to root for a satisfying happy ending for Jane. (And if you haven’t read Jane Eyre, add it to your TBR list too, it’s brilliant!)
Sweat is one of my favorite 2025 releases and a cathartic read for anyone who has ever dreamt of turning the tables on a toxic ex. This novel cleverly intertwines two timelines: one set in the present day where a woman exacts slow revenge on her now visually impaired ex-boyfriend, and the other in the past where we witness the horrific abuse she endured throughout their relationship. This is a tale of revenge where minor acts build up to an explosive finale. Sweat is bound to make you uncomfortable (dare I say, maybe even sweat a little?) but you won’t be able to stop thinking about it once you’re done.
A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf
Admittedly, this isn’t a story about revenge, but it is a sharp analysis of the role women play in fiction and in writing it. Woolf based her novel on two lectures she gave at Cambridge in 1928. In it, she deploys a series of fictional women, all bearing the name Mary, to explore the disparities that have traditionally made artistic spaces more easily accessible to and predominantly dominated by men. While some things have changed for the better — more opportunities for women, growth of intersectional feminism, less fear of speaking out — there are many themes that still ring true today. Don’t be fooled by the beautiful language and mild-mannered tone, A Room of One’s Own is a scream of rage against the patriarchy.
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