I tried so hard to enjoy this book but I just didn't. I don't know what's going on with me but I might be coming out of my living for dislikable female characters era? Which sucks because I love defending unhinged women and supporting women's rights AND wrongs, but I just couldn't do it, fam.

I didn't like anyone (except Python). I hated Cyra, Mira was fully a brat, Eli & Izzie were actually both the worst, the serial killer support group sucked. I'm frustrated because it was such a fascinating idea but it completely lacked follow through and the ending just made me roll my eyes so hard I think I saw my brain. Maybe I didn't get Cyra's obsession with Mira because I'm an only child and I don't understand sibling love and what one would do for your siblings.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great read. A support group for serial killers, an FMC who is determined AF to solve her sister’s murder and lots of tense, thrilling encounters kept me hooked throughout. I look forward to reading more from Saratoga Schaefer!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the e-ARC!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the digital version of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.

At the outset, the premise of this novel sounded absolutely amazing. I was digging the book at the start, but unfortunately, it lost me around halfway through. I was having trouble feeling motivated to pick the book up and was opting for other novels instead. For whatever reason, it was not holding my attention the way that I was hoping for.

In most novels, I enjoy alternating perspectives and points of view, but in this case I do feel like it contributed a bit to why I wasn't enjoying the book. The changes in perspectives weren't making a ton of sense to me- that being said- they did add dimension to the book and provide a change of pace.

My hope is this book will be enjoyed by many other NetGalley readers, for whatever reason, it just didn't work for me personally despite how much I was hoping to enjoy it.

I really enjoyed this one! It wasn't a literary masterpiece by any means, but it was a very entertaining cat and mouse/whodunnit. I enjoy dark thrillers, so this was completely up my alley. I thought the premise of a serial killer support group was really interesting and a fresh take on the genre. The pacing is really good and I enjoyed the POVs from Cyra and a POV for each of the serial killers. It added some depth to each of the killer characters. Cyra is an interesting, complex character, and she's not written to be particularly likable. The serial killers are a little stereotypical, but I wasn't expecting a deep dive on their characters in this story. A little additional background on each one could make the story a bit more interesting, but I think it was fine for the purposes of this story.

Thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and the author Saratoga Schaefer for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Serial Killer Support Group releases March 18th 2025!

Serial Killer Support Group is a goofy concept - it largely centers on a group of serial killers in NYC who have decided they want some form of social interaction with likeminded folks, and thus, a sociopathic support group is born!

Our MC, Cyra, infiltrates this group after becoming frustrated with the NYPD’s inability to solve her sister’s murder. Hijinks ensue?

If you accept the concept of the book at face value and also accept that the MC is not very likable, this has the potential to be a very fun read. I ended up really having a great time as I read, and I especially liked that Saratoga Schaefer seemed to not take herself/her characters too seriously (and I mean that in a positive way.) There are a few moments of reflection on the fears women face simply existing in the world, and there was some light commentary on how so much of true crime centers the killers while almost dehumanizing the victims, but this is not a book trying to make a big statement.

I enjoyed that each member of the support group had one short chapter or backstory, and that the backstory always made it clear that this person was pretty bad. I also enjoyed that Schaefer made zero attempts at making the killers seem good or humanized - it was clear we were not meant to cheer for them!

I definitely file this under unhinged female…well, not rage. Cyra really has very few emotions. So maybe just unhinged woman! Honestly, the more I write about the book, the more I’m deciding I liked it. Initially I was going to call it a 3.5, but just contemplating on it through this review is making me think it’s closer to a 4.

It’s goofy! But not in an annoying way! If you want something to escape into, it’s a good pick. I did guess the ending maybe 50% into the book but honestly who cares! The world is ending anyway, so I really need an unpredictable book!!??

Cyra, a fan of the recluse lifestyle whose sister has just been murdered, gets a tip that she could be the victim of a serial killer and decides to infiltrate a Serial Killer support group accessed by the dark web. When she succeeds, she is forced to explore why it was easier than she thought to gain access and fit in. While uncovering the mystery of her sister’s death, she uncovers so much more about the complex world of those who kill.

Is it wrong that I’m keen to try out the new stalking skills that I learnt from the support group? Not the murdering bits, obvs. This was definitely a recent favourite.

NetGalley ARC Educator 550497



Oh my goodness!!! This book was simply thrilling, amazing, and captured me from start to finish. Cyra is looking for her sister's killer. Her murder and the pose of her body leads the police to believe a serial killer murdered her. Cyra is on a mission to make certain the killer is caught. I do not want to write more or I will give this away. I can see this book becoming a television series or a blockbuster movie if they put in fresh and new actors. You will not regret reading this book. I do hope there will be a sequel as the writer leaves enough room for one.

Trigger warnings: Discussion of murder and violence

"Serial Killer Support Group" is a dark, twisted and witty debut novel for fans of "Butcher & Blackbird" and "My Sister, The Serial Killer".

After Crya'a sister is murdered, she is desperate for answers but is feeling let down my official channels (*do people actually think they are detectives 🔎 🤣). Using insider information, Crya infiltrates a support group for serial killers by taking on a persona of Mistletoe. As Crya/Mistletoe uncovers more truths about her sister's killer & she descends further into the deadly world of serial killers, who can she trust?

WARNING: This novel can be graffic at times (hello serial killers are 80% of the characters 🤪) so just proceed with caution.

Thank you Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.

There were so many plot holes in this book that I don't know what to say anymore. The selection process in the serial killer support group was ridiculous. I was really looking forward to the meetings, but I was thoroughly disappointed. The personalities of the serial killers were also very one-dimensional, and it felt like their characters were based on stereotypes about serial killers, like being emotionless, which is so inaccurate. I liked that each serial killer had chapters dedicated to them, but it would have been better if they had more depth, as they didn’t really contribute to the plot.

The storyline was unique, and I had high expectations, but it fell flat. The plot twist was surprising since I couldn't predict it, but it wasn’t extraordinary—nothing that made me say, “Holy shit, I didn’t expect that!” and sit there for an hour processing it. Also, the ending kind of ruined the plot twist as well as the book, in my opinion.

In the end, it wasn’t my cup of tea, but that’s just my opinion! It might be your next five-star read, so don’t let my thoughts stop you from trying it out. Happy reading!

Thank you Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

This was such and intriguing concept, and I was really excited at first to read it. But sadly it just never caught my interest or was as interesting as the title itself. The beginning really dragged for me and didn’t seem remotely plausible that the FBI knew about a “support group” for serial killers and did nothing but make a file. Cyra was a very flat character and I just could not make myself care about or like her & her story.

What would you be willing to do to find your sister’s killer? What if you found out there was a support group for serial killers , and one of them could have done it? This book is a suspenseful ride exploring the darker side of human nature with a great twist at the end. I couldn’t put it down.

Serial Killer Support Group by Saratoga Schaefer NetGalley Review
4/5 stars

Firstly I would like to say thank you to Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books and the author Saratoga Schaefer for allowing me to read this as an ARC. This dark dive into the mind of killers is being released on 18th March 2025 and is a must read!

This novel is a darkly inventive thriller that has tropes of a crime novel in a fun and twisted way. The novel has a unique concept of following a group of serial killers attending a support group to manage their “desires” and “impulses”. From the beginning of the novel it hook's readers with its blend of suspense, dark humor, and psychological insight into what makes these characters.
The writing is witty and razor-sharp, incorporating a good amount of humor to an otherwise dark subject. Each character is easily identifiable, from the cold-blooded and scheming to those with unexpected vulnerabilities, creating a unique group dynamic. The novel is very well paced with enough twists to keep readers engaged until the very end.

A favorite of mine is how the author is able to balance the gruesome and the comedic. This is not an easy feat to make readers laugh whilst talking about such dark topics, but I felt the author pulled this off brilliantly, often making me laugh. This book is definitely not for everyone, given the subject matter, and occasionally some moments might feel exaggerated but this is perfect for lovers of dark humor and psychological thrillers.

To conclude, this novel is a captivating and chilling read that really stands out in the crime genre. It is perfect for readers who enjoy thrillers with dark humor. This was a fantastic read that I highly recommend!.

Thank you again to NetGalley for allowing me to read this novel as an ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

serial killer support group's biggest strength for me is its unique premise. can't say for sure that it's never been done before but it was my first time reading something like it. as anyone can guess from the title alone, the main character gets into this support group setting, but only for serial killers!

i don't usually guess who's done what in mystery thrillers unless i'm really engaged and it's like super obvious to me. but this time, i couldn't guess because i couldn't tell the rest of the support group characters apart enough to care about them. every single person in this was horrible but it was interesting to see cyra's development.

thanks to netgalley for the advanced copy!

I loved this book!

A neat concept - a serial killer support group. Even though everyone in the group were killers I did appreciate and like all of their characters.

Some predictable twists, and some that I didn’t see coming!

I do however hate the relationship of the sisters, and the actions of the younger sister, but without it there would be no novel.

Pros: cool idea that was well executed, action packed, girl power!, and I love a female killer

Cons: the sisters relationship and the younger sisters behavior

A/4.5 ⭐️

Release: Mar 17, 2025
Publisher: Crooked Lane books

 
 
Rating:  3.75/5 ★ 
 
 
Serial Killers Support Group is a darkly humorous and thought-provoking thriller that offers a unique twist on the typical crime narrative. The story revolves around a group of individuals who meet in a support group setting, each grappling with their own dark pasts related to serial crimes. This unconventional premise allows Saratoga Schaefer to explore themes of morality, trauma, and the complexities of human behavior in a fresh way. 
Schaefer’s writing is sharp and engaging, with a clever blend of suspense and wit that keeps the reader invested. The characters are richly developed, each bringing their own backstory and perspective to the group dynamic. This creates a fascinating interplay between their shared experiences and individual struggles, making for a compelling character study. 
The pacing is well-structured, balancing moments of tension with introspective dialogue. As the plot unfolds, unexpected twists and revelations add depth to the narrative, challenging readers to question their perceptions of guilt and redemption. 
Overall, Serial Killers Support Group is a standout read that combines dark humor with psychological depth. It’s perfect for those who enjoy thrillers that provoke thought while keeping them entertained. Schaefer has crafted a memorable story that lingers long after the last page, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. 
 
Favorite Quote: 
 
"Sometimes, the scariest monsters are the ones we let into our lives willingly."

Serial Killer Support Group is a gripping and fast-paced thriller that delves into the depths of revenge, justice, and moral ambiguity. After Cyra Griffin’s sister is murdered by a serial killer, Cyra’s frustration with the stalled police investigation drives her to take matters into her own hands. Armed with insider knowledge, she infiltrates a support group for serial killers, pretending to be one of them, hoping to find her sister’s killer among them. But as Cyra gets deeper into this dark world, she finds herself balancing the pursuit of vengeance with the risk of losing her own humanity.

The story is both intense and thought-provoking, blending dark humor with a sharp exploration of women’s rage and the blurred lines between good and evil. The story’s unique premise and fast pacing held my attention from start to finish, making it difficult to put down. Serial Killer Support Group is an engaging read for those who enjoy thrillers with complex characters and morally gray themes.

The premise behind this book is so intriguing. A support group for serial killers. The book really took off at first but overall had some weird pacing issues. It felt like the beginning was happening so quickly but then nothing really happened again until almost 50% thru. I did like that there was a little bit of background on the killers.
Overall the ending seemed really obvious from the start. I wasn’t surprised about who killed Mira or the motivations and I wasn’t surprised at all about Cyra.

I likely did not connect due to repetition, it never really got off the ground for me but I loved the idea of it. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review - book publishes 3/18/25

This book was amazing!! I was pulled in immediately and flew through it. It is twisty and engaging. I was shocked at how much I loved the unlikable main character. I will be on the lookout to see what this author does next!

Not the darkly humorous book I thought it would be…

1.5 stars rounded up.

The book’s title, cover, and the support group rules at the beginning - and not least its description as a “biting” thriller - all had me thinking this was a deeply sarcastic and/or darkly humorous book (think “Dexter”, but in a support group setting). Well, it’s not.

The book takes itself extremely seriously, and while that still could have worked, just in a different way than I expected, its frankly ridiculous (albeit original and potentially fun) premise (that there would be such a thing as a support group for serial killers, who *of course* absolutely seem like the type to want to share their feelings, but then also - don’t, merely bicker?) and even more ridiculous, not at all tongue in cheek storyline (that a grieving, otherwise completely incapable sister who accesses the dark web from her home computer could get where the NYPD could not) were not the best starting points for an earnest - or thrilling - exploration of evil.

It doesn’t help that the descriptions of the serial killers in question are flat and the individuals (if you can even tell them apart) are, for the most part, pretty dumb (or don’t even technically belong in the group), and it’s a stretch to think most of them would have gone undiscovered for so long. But Cyra is honestly the worst character of all. She is just a horrible, deeply unlikeable person who becomes worse with every chapter, so much so that I found myself wishing one of her support group pals would just do us all a solid and end the suffering.

And finally, there is the absolutely weird “twist” at the end. I actually liked the idea, and it might have worked under any other circumstances. However, the execution was just so flawed - it was at complete odds with chapters upon chapters of previous internal dialogue (while also being predictable and honestly not at all surprising, given how horrible Cyra is being portrayed), and for that reason, made absolutely no sense. If you want to end on that note, please set it up properly - then it actually would have improved this book a bit.

I wish I could have liked this book more, but I found it neither witty nor especially thrilling, and I had a hard time getting through it after the first few somewhat promising chapters.

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

“Serial Killer Support Group” is slated to be released on March 18, 2025.