When Jess ends up in hospital due to the domestic violence from her partner, Lewis, she manages to let a doctor know that it was him who caused her injuries. The doctor hands her a leaflet for a local support group and the police arrest Lewis.

When she starts attending the group, she soon finds out that someone is attacking members of the support groups ex partners.

Someone called The Caretaker has attacked and then moved on to killing these men who have abused their exes. Just who is The Caretaker?

An interesting concept, that left me thinking long and hard about revenge. I couldn’t help but cheer on whoever The Caretaker was, but then questioned myself on right and wrong.

I did work out quickly what was going on and who The Caretaker was, but this didn’t take away any enjoyment from the book.

My heart went out to the women, hearing stories of abuse at their partner’s hands is never easy to read or know about, whether it’s fact or fiction.

My thanks to Harper Collins/One More Chapter for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Arc provided by Netgalley for an honest review!

The tiitle certainly was eye catching, and unfortunately the rest of the book failed to grab me in the same way. As a mystery and crime novel lover, I was really excited about this book, but it left something to be desired. There were definitely good parts that were really good, and even some of the dark comedy landed quite well. I just felt disengaged with the main plot and felt it was a bit one dimensional at times. It did pull several genuine emotional reactions out of me, and during those parts I felt all in, I just wish I could say the same about the entire book.
I encourage others to pick this up though! What doesn't work for me, very well may work for you.
I'd give it a 3.5 stars if I could

I think the first half was really good but when it got to the plot twist. I just couldn’t help but wonder how the killer would get away with it all. I mean if all the perpetrators of this domestic violence support group are all dying, isn’t it too obvious?

However, what the protagonist went through in terms of reporting DV and the lack of police help and resources are all too real. Her ex-boyfriend was still able to stalk her, wander around her house, and leave notes and messages tormenting her and the police acted like she was a bother!!!

I didn’t like the lacklustre ending and how it was just setting us up for the sequel tho.

This book started off really strong! There were twists I did expect.
I wish everything everything was answered though. There were hints to Detective Salam's past that were left unsatisfied and I found myself a bit disappointed.
Very difficult subject matter, please take care.

I chose to read a free eARC of The Serial Killer Support Group but that has in no way influenced my review.

When Jess Pendle arrives at A&E with her boyfriend, Lewis, by her side she realises that they, as a couple, have reached a new low. Lewis has gradually become aggressive, domineering and violent over the course of their relationship, finally hurting her so badly that she needs have her face stitched back together. The well trained hospital staff read between the lines and offer Jess help. She's unsure at first, fearing the repercussions, terrified she'll never be able to escape Lewis's clutches. But she soon comes to realise that if she doesn't report Lewis to the police, the next time he could kill her. Returning to her flat, Jess makes the decision to not let Lewis and his intimidating ways win so she reaches out to a local support group for survivors of domestic violence. Unsure what to expect, she arrives late and flustered but the group members are warm and welcoming. Jess comes to rely on the other woman in the group, and looks forward to seeing them every Friday, and in return they take her into their confidence. Because this support group is like no other. This support group take matters in their own hands. Dishing out their own deadly version of revenge...

The Serial Killer Support Group is an engaging, revenge-filled thriller that really makes you think. It made for uncomfortable reading at times and rightly so. Not enough is done for the survivors of domestic abuse and here, the author shines a light on the limited resources put into a DV investigation, with victim blaming rife and very few legal restrictions put on the perpetrators. There was also a strong lack of empathy from some of the investigating officers which made my blood boil. I really felt for Jess. The opening chapters are harrowing and upsetting. My heart broke for her as she was led into the hospital whilst being forced to repeat to her bully of a boyfriend the story HE had come up with for her injuries. I willed the medical staff to see through the lie and act, which thankfully they do. However, the system that should be supporting Jess almost immediately lets her down. Days later Lewis is outside her house, threatening her, intimidating her and making empty promises to change. She doesn't feel safe, she can't bring herself to leave the house, which is where the support group comes in.

Alongside Jess's point of view we also hear from DS Sophie Salam. Before long a concerning pattern is noticed. The abusers of the support group women, their husbands, boyfriends and ex's, are meeting horrible maimings and even death. Horrible, grisly, violent deaths. Sophie is part of the team who initially make the link back to the support group but the police are blinkered. There is a lot of time spent focussing on Sophie's home life. How she is torn between being the best mother she can be to her young autistic daughter, whilst also doing her demanding job to the best of her ability. My heart again broke for the character. It's impossible to get the balance right when your child isn't on the spectrum, so this look into life with an autistic child and their complex needs really highlighted how tough life is for Salam. Particularly with Salam's own mother, Daya, struggling to cope with Lottie's sudden changes in mood.

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. The Serial Killer Support Group is a compelling tale. I enjoyed watching Jess change over the course of the book and go from fearful to fearless (well, not quite fearless but she does change and gain a confidence that isn't there at the start of the book). Lewis's character was written so well. He gave me the creeps with his multiple ways of intimidating Jess. The things he does are just abhorrent. Chills all over. The other members of the Support Group are interesting but I would have liked to get to know them a little more. Again, I'm hoping this is something the author will build upon in the next book. As a serial killer thriller fan, I thought the ways the Caretaker dispatched of his victims was imaginative, really quite ingenious! Some scenes within the book are quite gory but not excessively so. There is a lot of rage, anger and fury. Revenge is a dish best served... Full stop. Hot or cold, it doesn't really matter. All in all, I enjoyed the first outing of the Secret Vigilante series and look forward to reading more in the future. An emotional thriller that's full of rage and violent, unflinching revenge. The perfect book club read as it raises so many interesting questions. Recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of The Serial Killer Support Group. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Review will be published on 8th May 2025]

DNF at 50%.
In theory it was a nice concept, in practice it was oh so boring and repetitive; there wasn't anything that made me want to keep reading or kept me interested. Chapters alternate between the killer and the women of the support group, but always following the same scheme, resulting in predictable and uninteresting chapters.

What a gripping book! I wasn't sure what I expected but definitely not a dive into domestic violence. The book has it all, the suspense, brilliant characters, and gripping storyline. I loved the concept of vigilante in the book and can't help myself from cheering from all these women. I like the pace of the book, it keeps you on the edge of your seat and I loved how things are revealed throughout the story. Some of the twists were surprising for me. Thank you NetGalley for the book!

Jess Pendle is a victim of domestic violence at the hands of her boyfriend, Lewis, but he police have done nothing to help. One day, a flyer is thrust into her hands and she sees that it is about a support group for women just like herself. She isn't expecting to gain much from the group, but nevertheless, decides to give it a go - what more does she have to lose?
And so begins a story of friendship, understanding, overcoming fear, and ...... murder.

A serial killer dubbed 'The Caretaker' is targetting men who have committed violence against women. Women who are members of the support group. Who can the culprit be? Someone is obviously gaining knowledege about the group member's partners. These men who have done them wrong, must pay for their crimes.

What a fantastic book! I can't recommend it enough. I loved every page, and was thrilled once I realised who 'The Caretaker' was.
I am looking forward to reading more from Jess and her new friends.

The Serial Killer Support Group by D.B. Stevens is a wildly original and darkly entertaining thrill ride that hooked me from the first chapter and never let go. Imagine Dexter meets Fight Club with a dash of deadpan humor—and somehow even more unhinged in the best possible way.

The concept alone is genius, but Stevens elevates it with razor-sharp writing, morally murky characters you can’t help but be fascinated by, and plot twists that sneak up on you like a shadow in a dark alley. It’s fast-paced, gritty, and surprisingly thought-provoking, balancing the macabre with moments of genuine heart.

It’s rare to find a thriller that feels this fresh and fearless. If you like your suspense with a side of pitch-black comedy and aren’t afraid to root for the "bad guys," this one’s for you.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC—I’ll be thinking about this book (and its brilliant ending) for a long time. More, please!

What happens when women in a domestic violence survivors' group take protection from and punishment of their abusers into their own hands.
Lots of on-page serial killer attacks and murders as well as commentary on the legal options available to domestic violence survivors.
Ideal for readers who enjoy vigilante justice stories told in a straightforward narrative style.

With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.

Upon publication, I will post this review on my blog.

Jess Pendle is a victim of domestic violence. When she leaves her partner, she joins a group for people who have also left their abusive partners. However, the group find themselves also having the support of "The Caretaker" - an anonymous dispenser of justice seeking revenge on the partners of the women in the group.

This was a thrilling read! The action begins right from the first chapter. I liked Jess's character and I couldn't wait for her to pluck up the courage to leave her abusive partner, Lewis. When she joins the support group, she finds herself in the company of other women who have been in similar relationships. They are a likeable bunch, but their abusive ex's are still causing problems for them all. However, the mysterious Caretaker is targeting each of the ex's and giving out their own form of justice. The storyline is told from different perspectives, and you are kept in suspense a good way through the book when trying to work out who the Caretaker is.

The storyline is quite dark because of the subject matter, but it's a well paced story which grabs your attention right from the beginning. There's a little bit of humour to lighten the load, and there's plenty of mystery, twists and turns to keep you thinking as you read. The ending is a little bit open-ended, so I'm assuming there is another book to follow! Would definitely recommend.

3.5⭐️ The premise grabbed me from the start - survivors of DV, a support group and a serial killer. First of all I appreciate how much this book really drives home the lack of support for survivors and accountability for abuses.

The first half of the book you are thinking along the lines as the police investigation as to who The Caretaker is (unless you remember the title of the book). When it becomes clear who The Caretaker isn’t, the story really shifts. The pace is really consistent throughout which makes it an easy read.

I saw another reviewer comment about how some things seemed unresolved or left open and I agree. I’m hopeful there will be a sequel because I think there’s a lot left in the overall story.

Potential spoilers ahead.

I really enjoyed this book, the subject matter is heavy. I found myself really cringing away from the violence against women but that it the reality of the world and reality of being a women.

The one the chapter POVs were written was really clever between the investigation, the crimes and the support group. I would’ve liked to see some more scenes at the end my maybe there will be more. I would’ve liked have loved to see the detectives story play out and maybe see her go to the caretaker and have her ex taken care of.

In conclusion, I loved it!!!

Oh my. This book was wicked! I was hooked by the title alone but once I started reading I could not stop. What a topic. A group of women who have been subjected to domestic violence from their partners form the Serial Killer Support Group and boy does the story just run from there. It’s a very clever and devious story but I absolutely loved it. The partners of these men start being bashed or murdered by someone who calls himself The Caretaker. Right from the start the signs point to a person who works where the support group meets, but then in a clever twist the real Caretaker is exposed and you follow his journey as he gets revenge for the women of the group. As well as the detective who knows that people are involved but cannot prove it. .No spoilers but the ending….. and this only being the first in this series is super exciting and I cannot wait for the next instalment. One of the best books I have read in a while and if I could give it ten stars I would!
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing a copy of this book for my honest feedback. When the book is released make sure you grab a copy. You won’t be disappointed.

My first ever book by @darrensully and what a rollercoaster! Straight into the action from Chapter 1 and twists and turns the whole way through. I was convinced I knew the villain in the first half of the book and then was promptly proved wrong. A story that will keep you guessing the whole way throughout whilst tackling some tricky subjects in a sensitive but challenging way. 10/10 recommended read- now off to go explore Sullivan’s backlist of titles!

The Serial Killer Support Group by D B Stephens

The first in a series , and what a series this book promises to be.
I was totally engrossed in the book from the first chapter , loved the fact It was quite female led characters and was really rooting for Jess . Loved her.
A great plot , introducing all the key characters for future books in the series.
Thrilling , suspense , twists and,at times edge of your seat. What more could you want ?
Brilliant.

I loved this book so much. I thought I had it completely figured out....and then I didn't and then I didn't see the end coming and I am praying that this is the first of a series because I need more answers!!

This was a wild ride, trigger warnings all over the place for DV, physical assault and more. This bin didn't go in the direction I expected AT ALL and in the lighter moments it was a lot of fun!

This is one your need to read for yourself, can't say too much about the plot as it will give the twists away but this is one just to dive into!

Ahhh so I am a HUGE Freida McFadden fan, and if you like her style of thrillers, this one is 100% for you 🙊

What a ride! I read this book in less than 24hours, I didn't want to put it down! What a great plot, and the author did so well writing in the twists and turns! Also some absolutely bada*s female characters absolutely dominated this book! It was a total girl power thriller book with really strong female leads 😍

This is my first time reading this Author, and I cannot wait to read more of his books down the track!

As soon as I was granted this ARC I couldn't wait to read it. Half way through there is a twist that I never saw coming. The book is about Jess, she has an abusive partner and enough is enough. She gets help from the Domestic Abuse group and this is where the story begins.

Some areas are a little gory but very believable.

I'm very happy that this will be part of a series. I cannot wait to read the future books.

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I cannot wait for book 2!