DNF at 20%.

This one just wasn’t for me. It could very possibly be right up your alley, but I couldn’t connect to the main character at all, and I didn’t vibe with the writing style.

I’m an outlier--most of the reviews I’ve read so far didn’t really like this book and were annoyed by the characters. I can’t help it, I love a messy MC with a true crime-related plot.

I’m fascinated by people who crush on murderers. I try to sympathize with them the same way I do with cult members. What headspace are they in that causes them to desire a sense of belonging and acceptance that the person/cult gives them so much so that they are able to ignore the glaring red flags?

Tasha Coryell takes this idea and channels it into Hannah, a young woman who becomes obsessed with a case and consequentially the accused murderer. I read this like a parody. It’s absurd but so engaging as she writes letters and falls into a void of obsession. But then the accused murderer is acquitted and released... did he kill those women and wrongly get released and if he didn’t do it, who did?

I see what many of the Goodreads reviews are saying-- Hannah is far from likable and she's self-destructive. She makes choices that seem unrealistic yet we know from accounts of people in the prison that people like her do exist. The other characters we encounter aren't much better. I also agree with reviews that said figuring out the mystery was easy, but I really didn't go into this as a mystery that needed to be solved and focused more on the development of the character. Spoiler: the character remains unlikeable and self-destructive. I bumped this up from a 4-star to a 5-star read because I couldn't put this book down. I finished it over two days but less than 24 hours.

I really enjoyed this one, despite predicting the twist from pretty early on. Not sure if this was intentional, but I view this story as a parody for how we tend to seek out destruction at times in our youth and as we come of age. While I never dated a serial killer (that I know of), I certainly knowingly dated some serious duds that dragged me down. While Hannah was quite frustrating, I kept this in mind and really enjoyed the story.

“As much as I want to deny it, there is a kind of pleasure that comes from being tied up with a knife against my throat.”

Love Letters to a Serial Killer comes out 6/25.

This one is a bit difficult to categorize and to evaluate. It's not particularly suspenseful (as thrillers go) but it was a decent ride. The main character is absolutely clueless and insufferable (but sort of self aware of both of these things?) which is what made her fun. The writing was good, especially in terms of humor and awareness of the kind of people (those obsessed with true crime) it was making fun of. We'll very likely stock this book, but I'll be careful about who to recommend it to, as I think it will appeal to a very specific taste.

What a debut! This is a fun thriller/contemporary fiction about Hannah, a lost 30-something woman who is disappointed with how her life and relationships (love, family, and friends) are turning out and becomes obsessed with 4 missing and murdered girls. This obsession leads to Hannah to beginning to write letters to the accused killer of the women, and ultimately becomes an obsession with him and if he’s really a murderer or not.

I liked this book a lot! Hannah was an interesting character because she did absolutely crazy things and made bonkers decisions, but based on how disappointed and sad she was about her life, you as the reader could somehow see or understand at least a little how she ended up in this situation. I always appreciate a writer who can make me root for a totally unlikeable or ridiculous character, and the author had me doing that for a few characters in this book. It was interesting to read about Hannah’s obsession and where it led her, and also how she was almost unwilling to give up the drama of being with a murderer as the story progressed. The interactions with the accused killer’s family were super interesting too.

I did predict the ending, or at least most of it, a bit over half way through, but it was still an enjoyable read! Hannah’s observations about dating and relationships especially were insightful and relatable, especially in this day and age. This was such a solid debut and I definitely recommend it to thriller and contemporary fictions lovers out there! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a wild ride! Its not your normal thriller. I think this would be a best starter thriller especially if you are interested in a semi-psychological thriller.

I enjoyed when it would switch from the present timeline to the past and the twist at the end was fun. The pacing of the book at times seemed slightly off but I still enjoyed this book in the end.

Definitely a good debut novel! Excited to see what else this author releases in the forever.

Thank you to Tasha Coryell, Berkley, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book definitely caught me off guard, but in a great kind of way. Drawn by its enticing cover, I opened the pages not sure what to anticipate. Even though she was sometimes difficult to relate to, the main character gave the plot more depth and improved the storytelling experience.

The book successfully handles the complexities of a small-town trial and its aftermath. It is part romance, part thriller. Even though I guessed the primary plot twist early on, I was still interested in the unexpected turns that came up. Still, I found the tale to be engaging and found it easy to turn the pages.

I appreciated how the book explored the complexities of trust and redemption, particularly in the context of a relationship with someone once accused of heinous crimes. The author adeptly weaved through the trial proceedings and their lingering effects, painting a vivid picture of the characters' journeys.

I have been thinking about why I actually liked this book, and it's hard to pinpoint. I would say this is a good fluff of book, ideal vacation read. Not really suspenseful, but it keeps you going. Yes, main character is pretty dumb, but she kind of knows it so somehow it works?

It’s hard to admit but Lover Letters to a Serial Killer is literally the most relatable fiction I have read this year. The main character strongly identifies with the drowning millennial in all of us. There were moments when I would stop reading and think, " OMG, that is so me." While I don’t think anyone would say they wish to go as far as falling in love with a serial killer, all Hannah really wants is individuality, purpose, connection, and love when beginning a penpal relationship with William Thompson, a convicted serial killer. I love the down to earth way this story is written and the comedy had me laughing out loud at times. The thriller element had me reading quickly as well. This was one of my favorites of 2024.

Wow what a ride!

This is definitely a very unique idea for a book, that’s for sure. The entire book is told from the POV of Hannah…a 30 year old white woman from Minneapolis. Hannah desperately wants a man to love her, to the point where she instantly attaches herself to any man who shows her attention. It’s clear from the beginning that Hannah might not have the soundest of minds, and it becomes even more evident when she develops an obsession with a string of murdered women in Atlanta…and obsessed with the accused serial killer.

Hannah begins writing to the accused killer, and it quickly takes over her life. When she loses her job she makes the decision to temporarily move to Atlanta for the trial and to “be in a relationship” with William, the accused killer. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Hannah isn’t so much attracted to William, but instead to the possibility that he could kill her.

It was fairly easy to figure out if William actually committed the murders or not, but whewwwwww the entire time I was reading this book I kept muttering “she needs therapy. Intensive, in patient therapy.” This was an easy, but engaging read, great for anyone interested in true crime and psychology!

Thank you, Net Galley and Berkley for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Every book is not for everyone. This book certainly is not for me. DNF at 27% because I find the FMC insufferable.

Thank you Berkley Romance for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Going deep inside the mind of Hannah was wild.
This story reminded me of the women who would/still write letters to Ted Bundy and other serial killers. It's such an interesting take on your normal thriller read. I enjoyed every moment of this book!

3.5 stars - Our main character Hannah's life is in shambles, and she finds herself lacking the desire and motivation to hop back onto the path everyone expects her to be on. It seems that no one lives up to her expectations, let alone herself, so when young women start being brutally murdered, she becomes enthralled with an online forum surrounding the murders and the eventual suspect William. Hannah becomes quite literally obsessed with William (think Joe from 'You') and decides it's a splendid idea to write him a letter while he's in jail awaiting trial. Nothing could possibly go wrong, could it? He's in jail and she's far away tucked safely in society. As they begin corresponding the letters move from curiosity to something far more.

While I enjoyed reading the book, I didn't find myself particularly liking any of the characters on their own, and honestly found Hannah to be quite annoying. She was starved for attention and continuously liked anyone who showed her the smallest amount of attention. That said, the storyline was interesting and compelling and the head shaking moments kept me engaged until the very end. Also, I have to say - while pretty simple in design this book cover is perfect and was what really caught my eye!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for providing me with an advanced readers copy via NetGalley.

This was a very addicting read — as a psych major, I love reading/analyzing unstable/curious minded characters. Hannah is an interesting read because her love interest would be considered “taboo”.

Definitely not a MC that I felt connected to, but I was still very intrigued with her actions and mind.

A great fall read :)

This book was a real intriguing read! I recommend this book if you want to question your feelings about the inexplicable nature of feelings during heightened times.

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for giving me the chance to read an advance copy!!

This is one of those books that I think would have been better if I read it audio form. This story is very unique but straight-up wild in some parts. Even though I did enjoy it, while reading, I noticed I would take a few days away from the book then remind myself I had to finish it. I am glad I finished because the end was bonkers! It was a solid read, but I wish I had tried a different format.

Well this was certainly something… I’m not sure what I was expecting from this but it wasn’t this. The ending made my jaw drop though. 🤷🏼‍♀️

This was delightfully deranged in the best way! A unique take on serial killer stories and its own kind of thriller, LOVE LETTERS TO A SERIAL KILLER pulled me in from page one. The voice was fabulous and stayed so throughout. A genuinely entertaining read, which is no small feat for a novel about a woman who becomes obsessed with a serial killer!

[I share books I love on Instagram @asjouhanneau].

Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell
Narrator: Andi Arndt
Rating: 3.5 stars
Pub date: 6/25

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing for my early copy and to PRH Audio for my complimentary audiobook.

Hannah is struggling in every aspect of her life. She’s been dumped by the guy she’s in love with and fired from her job, and her best friend is getting married and has forgotten she exists. When four women are murdered, and a very handsome lawyer named William becomes the suspect, Hannah takes to an online forum about the killings to do some investigating. In a moment of weakness, she writes a letter to William in prison, telling him how his actions have affected her life. In a surprise twist she didn’t see coming, he writes her back.

I wasn’t sure what to think of this book at first. I went into this one mostly blind, and I’m glad that I did. The story started off slow, as we get to know Hannah and her love for true crime, but part two picks up considerably as Hannah attends William’s trial and we learn more facts about the case.

The story is told from Hannah’s POV and she is insufferable. Her character is undeniably broken and neurotic and her decision-making skills are highly questionable. While this makes her hard to root for, it also provides a raw, unfiltered look into a deeply flawed psyche. She’s exactly the type of woman who would write to, and fall in love with, a serial killer.
The equally dysfunctional supporting cast adds to the novel's chaotic and intense atmosphere. Surprisingly, William, the accused killer, appears as the most well-adjusted character, highlighting the profound dysfunction surrounding Hannah.
Though the book lacks the intricate twists I was hoping for and features a cast of unlikeable, mentally unstable characters, it pulled me in. Fans of true-crime thrillers with a unique premise will find it intriguing despite its predictability.

The crux of this story lies with the reader feeling uncomfortable. The central character is arguably suffering from a mental health crisis/is morally ambiguous, aligning and devoting her entire life and perceived happiness around an alleged serial killer. Despite the dark subject matter, the story itself is somewhat lighthearted -- like a dark comedy that is a commentary on the rise of true crime interest and podcasts, especially amongst women.

While the story was wild in itself -- and often prompted me to wish the main character would cut bait and leave for safety -- the plot itself moved quite slowly until the final quarter and the final twist felt somewhat obvious throughout. Many scenes felt unnecessary or confusing, perhaps adding to the main character's mental instability.

Overall, it's strange to label this type of dark comedy as a "light read" given the context and relative subject matter. Ultimately, I'd recommend for fans of horror/darker material.