Until I Kill You

by Delia Balmer
Until I Kill You cover
Good Books rating 4.42
True Crime
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Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
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  • ID: 2751
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781529933970
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2024-11-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Until I Kill You is the gripping memoir of Delia Balmer, who unknowingly entered into a relationship with John Sweeney, a serial killer. Initially charming, Sweeney's true nature soon revealed itself as he became increasingly violent and controlling, subjecting Delia to torture and confinement. The book delves into the psychological trauma and fear Delia endured, especially after Sweeney confessed to murdering his previous girlfriend. After a brutal attack left her near death, Sweeney fled, and it took the police six years to capture and convict him of multiple murders./n/nThis memoir offers a chilling account of Delia's harrowing experience, providing a firsthand look into the mind of a serial killer and the resilience of a survivor. The book is set to be adapted into an ITV drama, further highlighting its compelling and disturbing narrative.

Reviews
Apple Books · 2025-02-07
Gripping 4.75

The book is beautifully written and completely gripping. It's a harrowing yet essential read that highlights the flaws in the justice system.

The reviewer praises the book for its beautiful writing and gripping narrative, making it a harrowing yet essential read. They highlight the book's ability to keep the reader engaged while also shedding light on the flaws in the justice system. The reviewer also notes that the book is a powerful and important account of the author's experiences, making it a must-read for those interested in true crime and survivor stories.

Quick quotes

    Could not put it down.

    Beautifully written, a harrowing yet completely gripping read.

    I sincerely hope the justice system, at all levels, has improved.

Den of Geek · 2024-11-04
Compelling 4.00

The drama is a compelling true crime story that captures the author's fury and frustration. It's a gripping account of a victim caught in a Catch-22 situation.

The reviewer finds the drama to be a compelling true crime story that effectively captures the author's fury and frustration. They note that the narrative is gripping and highlights the Catch-22 situation the author finds herself in, making it a powerful and engaging watch. The reviewer also appreciates the raw emotion and honesty portrayed in the drama, which adds to its impact.

Quick quotes

    Delia Balmer is rarely lost for words in true crime drama Until I Kill You.

    Balmer expects no help from the psychiatrist, and so is stunned.

    The drama is a powerful and engaging watch.

The Guardian · 2024-11-03
Harrowing 4.50

The memoir is a powerful portrayal of survivors' suffering without sensationalism. It's a harrowing yet respectful account of the author's experiences.

The reviewer highlights the memoir's extraordinary depiction of survivors' suffering, noting that it avoids sensationalism. They appreciate the depth and respect with which the author's experiences are presented, making it a harrowing yet necessary read. The reviewer also commends the memoir for its honest portrayal of the psychological impact of such trauma, providing a raw and unfiltered look into the author's journey.

Quick quotes

    Until I Kill You is an extraordinary portrait of survivors' suffering.

    But there is no scurrying after sensationalism.

    The worst episodes are handled with a grim determination to tell the truth.

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