This one was just OK. A grieving sister joins a mysterious support group for serial killers. Throughout the story, we get to learn about each of the killer's backgrounds. It was generally unbelievable with the backstories also being very sterotypical.

Cyra’s sister, Mira, was brutally murdered and one of her friends believe it was the art of a serial killer. Cyra feels guilty after Mira’s death so she seeks justice herself by claiming she’s a killer to get into the very secret serial killer support group. What will happen when a woman joins a support group full of dangerous men?

I enjoyed the unique plot of this slow burn thriller, but I guessed the twists halfway through the book. Cyra is deemed a badass at the beginning of the book, but I didn’t care for her as a character. She was the dumbest person to solve the murder and her special skills that she talks about throughout the entire book weren’t defensive when taking on a dangerous person. I would’ve enjoyed the book more if all the characters were a little more intelligent, the chapters about the killers went into more depth, and for such a wild storyline I expected more thrill.

✨What to Read Wednesday: Review✨

For Fans of: Final Girl Support Group, A Talent for Murder
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕
Genre: 🔪Thriller
Violence: 🪓🪓🪓🪓
Spice: 🚫
TW: mention of suicide, domestic abuse, knives, guns, drowning

Premise: When her sister is killed by a serial killer who the cops have yet to catch, Cyra infiltrates a serial killer support group to exact her own justice.

Thoughts: How does a bereaved, guilt-ridden sister immerse herself in a circle of monsters, one of whom she believes responsible for her sister’s death, and not get caught? I imagine that is the question Schaefer challenged themselves to answer when structuring this story & crafting the main character. Cyra’s complexity—the product of guilt & rage over Mira’s murder, her mental health struggles, others' expectations of how her grief should manifest—makes her navigation of the situation believable. But the deep dive into her personality drives the action forward rather than causing it to plod. The novel’s structure likewise aids this momentum. I admire authors who are able to keep me in suspense while eliminating suspects. Schaefer succeeds in this aim, unfolding each killer’s backstory as the reader struggles with Cyra to identify the right culprit. My one nit, if I had to name one, is that I’m not yet sure if I find the end satisfying. I certainly find it believable. That indecision has left me pondering the book days after finishing. And that is one of the highest complements one can pay an author.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books & NetGalley for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Who's your top thriller author for character development?

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The title of Saratoga Schaefer’s novel immediately piqued my interest, and I found myself eager to dive into its pages. The premise hinted at something unique, yet unsettling—a narrative exploring individuals whose inner desires are fueled by violence and death. Schaefer skillfully delves into the psyche of each murderer, subtly revealing the small, often trivial traits that spark their compulsion to kill: eye color, gender, age, or social status. These seemingly insignificant details are what draw their attention and ultimately seal their victims' fate.

One of the most captivating aspects of the novel is the character of Cyra. Her inner turmoil is palpable, a complex mix of melancholy and stoicism, punctuated by moments of almost eerie excitement as she seeks vengeance for her sister’s death. This drive for revenge forms the core of Cyra's existence, but her actions transcend mere sisterly protection. Cyra has a history of confronting and punishing those who have wronged her younger sister, often crossing the line between protective sibling and dangerous vigilante.

What intrigued me most was the sense of ambiguity surrounding Cyra. While we can empathize with her, her motivations are elusive, adding a layer of tension and unease to the narrative. As the story unfolds, the reader is left to wonder: who exactly is Cyra, and what are the true depths of her dark desires?

I really love a serial killer story. This isn't anything new if you know me. In Serial Killer Support Group we follow Cyra Griffin following the death of her sister. When her sister's death is believed to be linked to an unknown serial killer, she learns of a support group for serial killers on the dark web. She's determined to get access to the group no matter the costs to avenge her sister's death.

I really enjoyed this novel. I found it compelling and didn't want to put it down. I liked that we learn about the past of all the members of the group. While the mystery at the center didn't surprise me, it didn't stop me from enjoying the novel overall. I'd read another book about the work of the serial killers prior to joining the group. Do other groups like this exist in other areas? While the center of the story is to find out who killed Cyra's sister, it's an examination on what makes these men do the things that they do. It was a fun debut and I'm intrigued to see what Saratoga will write in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for a copy in exchange for review consideration.

A quick, entertaining read that fans of suspense/thrillers might enjoy for a change of pace. The concept is different - imagine if serial killers met in the basement of churches. Elements of the characters and storyline were shallow and implausible but for a quick read, it's forgivable. The author seemed to have fun with this and the reader can to, suspending disbelief.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for ARC in exchange for my review.

#SerialKillerSupportGroup #NetGalley

I really enjoyed this one. It was unlike anything I’ve read before, and the concept of a serial killer support group was both ingenious and refreshingly creative. While the writing wasn’t perfect, especially for a debut, it was still an incredibly fun read.

The characters were wonderfully flawed, and I mean that in the best way. The female main character (FMC) is morally gray, and throughout the book, I found myself constantly questioning whether I should be rooting for her or not. It kept me on my toes and added layers of complexity to the story.

The mystery of who killed her friend was engaging and kept me hooked from start to finish. I loved watching the story unfold, as I was continually on the edge of my seat, thinking, "This is going to end terribly, isn’t it?" After all, what could possibly go right with a group of psychopaths?

I’m honestly not sure what type of reader I would recommend this book to. It’s incredibly unique, and I feel like it will spark polarizing opinions and reviews. The comparison to My Sister, the Serial Killer is quite accurate—it has a similar vibe. Much like that book, this one feels almost like a slice of life with a mystery woven in. It’s not quite what you’d expect, and I think some readers are really going to love it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this earc! This was one Captivating suspense novel! I’m excited to look into more of the authors work in the future.

I had high hopes for this book since this is my favorite trope. Unfortunately, this book fell flat. The characters in the support group were one dimensional and the main character was unlikable. I found myself forgetting I was reading this book and had to actively pick it up. The twist was predictable, and I feel like it needed more humor and needed to be less serious to lighten some of the heavy topics.

Thank you, Net Galley, the author, and the publisher, for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a solid three star thriller. You’re getting exactly what you sign up for, and in that way it’s comforting and perfect. I truly enjoyed the story, despite the FMC being a bit thick in spots.

A large highlight for me came from the dedicated serial killer POV chapters! The twist was predictable but enjoyable.

Overall, would recommend to the standard thriller reader. I enjoyed my time with the novel! Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC!

I thought this was such an interesting premise, but the characters fell too flat for me to enjoy it.

This book had some really good twists that I didn’t see coming! I loved the idea of this book and I really enjoyed reading it for the most part. It did kind of drag in spot but over all a good book.

The Serial Killer Support Group by Saratoga Schaefer is an intriguing and darkly humorous take on the psychological thriller genre, but it doesn’t quite live up to its full potential. The premise—a support group for individuals who have been affected by serial killers—immediately piques interest, blending elements of crime fiction with a unique twist on the traditional thriller. The concept is fresh, and Schaefer’s ability to create tension in a narrative that mixes suspense with moments of dark comedy is commendable.

The characters are well-drawn, each with their own tragic backstory tied to serial killers. Their interactions within the support group provide a fascinating exploration of trauma, guilt, and healing. Schaefer does a great job of showcasing the emotional weight each character carries, and their complex personalities keep the reader invested. There’s an interesting dynamic between them, and the back-and-forth exchanges often offer moments of unexpected wit and insight.

However, while the concept is unique, the execution feels a bit uneven. The pacing falters at times, with sections of the story feeling slow or bogged down by too much introspection or unnecessary detail. The suspense doesn’t build as effectively as it could have, and some of the twists feel a bit predictable or forced. The tone of the book also fluctuates between serious and comedic, which sometimes undermines the emotional gravity of certain moments, leaving the reader unsure of whether to take the plot's darker elements seriously.

The plot itself, while engaging, could have been more tightly structured. There are moments of tension and intrigue, but they don’t always lead to satisfying resolutions. The ending, in particular, felt a bit rushed and left several questions unresolved, making the overall experience feel a bit incomplete.

Overall, The Serial Killer Support Group is a 3/5 star read—an intriguing concept with moments of dark humor and emotional depth, but it doesn't fully deliver on its potential. Fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy a quirky twist may still find it entertaining, but those looking for a more tightly plotted, suspense-driven story might be left wanting more. It's a decent read, but not a standout in the genre. I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review.

I received a free copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review

Unfortunately, I found this Predictable. I guessed exactly where every plot twist was going.

There’s an underlying recurrence with the main character that I honestly just wonder why the story didn’t go full in on it from the start. It doesn’t really address factors such as evidence or you know any actual fear regarding being discovered. All we know about the victim is that they were a spoiled brat, the people around them are flat and the serial killers are creepy serial killers [though that one is to be expected] and..that’s it.

This book was definitely interesting and had a good premise . I found some things to not be so believable and with the names and nicknames I found myself forgetting who was who. The main character was not very likeable.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5. I loved this book. The beginning started a little slow, but once Cyra found the serial killer support group, I was all in. The story was psychologically tense, and there was a good amount of action at the end. I would read another book about Cyra if one becomes available in the future. I received a free copy from NetGalley and the publisher. I voluntarily wrote this review.

This was an easy, fun read.

While the concept of a support group for serial killers might seem far-fetched, it’s surprisingly entertaining — and who’s to say it couldn’t happen? The characters weren’t ones I loved or hated, but I enjoyed getting to know them.

It’s the kind of book you can read in one sitting or come back to at your own pace, making it the perfect companion for those looking for a quick escape into something unconventional and unexpectedly engaging.

From “It’s funny the things our minds can look past when we don’t know exactly what we are looking for” to “This guy was ridiculous attractive, and Cyra mistrusted him immediately”, Serial Killer Support Group had me.

Okay but why did I have so much fun with this book?
The premise is, unfortunately, right up my alley. An AA meeting for serial killers to air their petty grievances? Gorgene.

I had to remind myself at times not to feel sorry for these men, because as the name suggests, they are serial killers. But there’s just something about a man’s baked goods being rejected that really hit me in the feels.

This book won’t be for everyone. And if I critically reviewed books rather than reviewed for the vibes, I might have a different opinion, but alas I am who I am and I will be recommending this to friends.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc 💫🔪

This book was so unique it earns points for that alone, the title gives it away, however I do wish the execution (excuse the pun) had been better.
Our main character Cyra is a bit of an emotional dud, so when her sister Mira is murdered and the police suspect it is the work of a serial killer, Cyra hears rumours of a supposed serial killer support group which she plans to infiltrate. With her own unique characteristics Cyra pulls of the charade and infiltrates the group putting herself in extreme danger and at the mercy of New York's current active serial killers.
We learn about each one slowly, their back story, what made them tick and Cyra slowly starts to feel like her true self is actually the mask she puts on for the group.
With no guarantee of success, her mission is very high stakes which keeps you at the edge of your seat.
I really enjoyed the premise of the book, however I think the pace could have been improved had we not had this back and forth going on right in the middle of the chapters. One thing is have a dual time line before and after so we see the backstory building up in conjunction to the present, however this is not how it was done. Right in the middle of the chapter you will get no warning and it will spiral off into a memory completely throwing you off track.
I would also like to point out the short chapters of the individual killers were highly entertaining and would have loved if we had got perhaps 2 chapters for each one instead of just the one.

All in all a book with a lot of potential, perhaps the premise is a bit too unbelievable but I like to suspense my disbelief and go for the ride!

Many thanks to Crooked Lane books for providing me with the book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I liked it but didn’t love it. An easy to follow page turner that will keep you guessing. I found the serial killers really interesting, but there also wasn’t enough on them. I do really like that the chapters were short and it was also really interesting the chapters in the others POV.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley.