OH MY GOD. This book is not one you can put down easily. I stayed up all night reading this because I simply could not put it down. A sister’s love and need to find what happened in a time of crisis turns into a real deep seated love of…. murder? Incredible all around. Could not reccomend enough.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane books. I wanted to love this one but it just didn’t do it for me. I loved the idea of a serial killer support group, I found that to be an interesting idea. Unfortunately the characters were flat with little development. The serial killers lacked any real terror. Cyra was irritating from start to finish. The chapters were long, the actual story was bland. The only thing that did surprise me was Mira’s killer. I kept waiting for it to get better but it never really had that pizazz. It started off with some serious potential but the writing and the story got lost around 25% in, and never really picked back up. It’s a decent enough book to take a break from heavier thrillers. This was more of a cozy mystery than a thriller in my opinion.

When Cyra’s sister is murdered by a serial killer, she doesn’t trust the police to find the killer. Hearing rumors of a support group for local serial killers, she goes undercover to infiltrate the group and find her sister’s murderer.

The plot of this one is really genius and the content backed it up. At first I kept getting the killers mixed up but they became unique as I got to know them through their point of views. I loved the main character and how the reader learns more about her as time goes by. There are definitely a few twists coming so buckle up!

“This was a nest of monster; one she’d willingly climbed into.”

Serial Killer Support Group comes out 3/18.

OMG, like, okay, Serial Killer Support Group? I was so ready for something totally out there, and, like, wow, it delivered… sort of. So, Cyra Griffin is basically on this revenge mission after her sister, Mira, gets killed by a serial killer. But, like, instead of, IDK, letting the police handle it, she decides to infiltrate a support group for serial killers?!? Girl, what?

The premise is SO wild, right? I was, like, super intrigued. But here’s the thing: I wanted to love it. I really did. But the characters? Yawn. They felt so flat, even the serial killers, who should’ve been, like, super creepy or, IDK, interesting at least? But nope, they were more like “I live in my mom’s basement and pretend to be scary” vibes.

And Cyra? I mean, from page one, I was like, girl, no. She just didn’t click for me. Like, I’m all for a strong, revenge-driven FMC, but she just felt… bleh. But I’ll give credit where it’s due: the twist at the end? I was like, no way. That part? Totally surprising and actually made me keep going to the end.

So, yeah, while the book’s concept was like 👏 chef’s kiss 👏, the execution didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It was unique, for sure, and the dark, twisted humor had its moments, but if you’re expecting to be totally hooked, like, lower those expectations a bit, okay?

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐. I mean, it’s worth a read if you’re into weird and dark thrillers, but just don’t expect too much realism—because, hello, serial killers with snack time?

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

First, I wish to thank Netgalley, Publisher Crooked Lane Books and Author Saratoga Schaefer for providing me with an advanced reader copy.

A support group for serial killers?! Yes, count me in. This was the first thought I had when I discovered this title.

Cyra recently lost her sister Mira to a devastating murder, leading Cyra to search for her sister's killer. One day, she received a lead from a friend and runs with it. She discover a support for serial killers. Yes, serial killers...

The character development, not only for Cyra, the main character, but for all the bi-characters was fantastic. Their development was clear throughout the story and their parts, comments and personalities made the experience to the success it was.

Personally, this was a 5 star read for me from the beginning to end. It was an easy read, even when the plot was plotting and I understood what was going on. In true fashion, I thought I knew who the killer was at abt 40%, but when it all was revealed, I was surprised at how well build-up in the background had been.

I am excited for this book to come out on the marked and for others to experience the same joy I did! Again, thank you for the ARC!

Well, you can at least say the author is not playing hide the ball here. This is about…exactly what it says.

Cyra Griffin’s younger sister Mira was murdered by a serial killer (or so the police believe. She thinks. Which is problem number one, right off the bat. But wait. Because more to come.) Howevet, the police aren’t doing much to find him (because police always sit on their hands with serial murder), so Cyra, with her grand total of zero experience in anything useful takes on the investigation herself. As you would do.

Using insider information she obtains from a friend with access to the police files Cyra manages to infiltrate a support group for serial killers. Because, yeah, that strikes me as a group that would like to share feelings. And meet. With snacks. I kid you not. And the manner in which she gets in is so ridiculous that if you want to throw the book across the room at this point, please, feel free (only if it’s a real book, not if it’s on your phone or a tablet, though. I mean, if you break one of those, how are you going to access the dark web while you drink your morning coffee, because it is, apparently, very easy to do.)

Can Cyra stay alive and find Mira’s killer? Because, he would just HAVE to be in this group, right? Do you care? Are you secretly hoping Cyra gets killed by one of these killers because it’s no more than she deserves? Are all of these killers the worst killers ever? Aren’t they probably just losers who live in their mom’s basement who are cosplaying serial killers and then THEY are going to get killed by a serial killer?

Look, everyone involved in the mess is dumber than the last one, not quite as stupid as the next. I would be a better serial killer and detective and snack bringer than all of these people. I beg of you not to waste your precious time with this.

I was so intrigued by the concept here and really thought I would like it but I just could not get into the author's writing style at all. I've seen another reviewer compare it to Colleen Hoover, only she meant it in a positive way. To me it was also like Colleen Hoover - which I do not mean as a compliment. There are plot holes you could drive entire trains through,. You not only have to suspend your disbelief but you have to add several layers of extra chain to hold that suspension in place. And the characters are universally unlikable and manipulative - and while that is not necessarily a death knell for a novel, since many fabulous characters are deplorable, these felt stereotypical and one-dimensional and just not real or robust. All in all this was just not a good fit for me...

What the “you know what” did I just read?! Colleen Hoover is that you? Am I obsessed with her? Stay tuned to find out.

Would I hug this book? No, I kind of want to put it in a bucket of concrete, and throw it in the river. I have SUCH mixed feelings it’s crazy. First my rating, three stars because it is entertaining as all heck, but by the end I was almost cackling at the sheer insanity of it all. This book was a ROLLERCOASTER. I think the author knew exactly what they were doing and I’m here for it.

Back to the person I love to compare everything to, if you like Colleen Hoover and her antics, this book is for you. I couldn’t put it down. I feel the same way as I did after finishing “Verity”, I don’t like anyone, but I loved the ride. Sheer madness at its finest 🤌

I wanted to give this book 2 stars, but then people might not read it or worse, think it’s bad, and you should definitely read it. I’ll be healing by reading rom com for the foreseeable future.

I was given this ARC from Netgalley and Crooked lane publishing for a honest review.

I was this debut novel on Netgalley and it looked to be right up my alley! The author did such a good job with this one. They had so much going on that I wasn’t able to put down the book and read it within two days!

This story follows Cyra whose sister Mira was found unalive. After talking to the police and a friend Cyra finds out that her sister’s case is possibly linked to a serial unaliver after getting information that her body was staged. So what’s the next logically thing to do after finding that out? Letting the police do their job? No, the next logical thing to do next is join a secret serial killer support group from the dark web to try to infiltrate this group and see if someone from the group and their MO matches what happens to her sister. The only way to get into this group is obviously be a serial killer and you might have to do some shady things to prove your worth. From there on the story just goes and goes fast. Cyra has already been distant from relationships and friendships and even more so now. Her friends are trying to help her grieve but all she wants is revenge.

I’m telling you right now you won’t guess the twist and turns and everything else that happens. I was shocked reading. Because honestly, can you really trust a serial unaliver?? And is anyone really who they say they are??
Add this to your tbr! Coming out next year on March 18th, 2025!

Reviews have been posted on goodreads, instagram and a calendar reminder has been set to post review on Amazon during release day.

I was initially intrigued by the title of this book and the cover (which I absolutely love), I love a good thriller / psychological thriller and I thought from the description that I'd love it. The book took me a bit to get into, typically when I sit down to read a thriller I can finish it in one sitting, maybe two depending on when I start and this one took about 4 days to finish, but once I was about halfway through it really started to pick up. I think the characters could've used a bit more development, but it wasn't something I'd drop my rating for. Overall I enjoyed this book and I'd buy a physical copy when it comes out!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

With thanks to netgallery and crooked lane books for the ARC.

A unique premise which encouraged me to read the book. Overall, an entertaining read with a fast paced plot.

3 stars due to a lack of developed characters. All the characters seemed one dimensional which I feel could of easily been fixed in a book like this. Additionally, the plot at times seems overly covulted.

I was so intrigued just by the title …. I thought how interesting and brilliant of a story. It did not disappoint. Curs trying to solve her sisters murder at any cost was so thrilling and I loved every second of it !!! I loved getting to know the characters and their own personal stories . It was so good 4.5 stars from me !!! I will be recommending this book to everyone !!

Retailer review I will submit the day the book will be published.

Thank you Crooked Lane books and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange of an honest review

Rating: 4/5.

Tdlr:

Pros: this is one of the wildest books I have read in some time now. The title itself was shocking and intriguing that I was afraid the writing would be dudd. But boy was I wrong. The writing is great as is the plot, the characters are fleshed out well and the killers are outright creepy.

Cons: weirdly there are a few grammer mistakes and one continuity mistake that I found annoying but that did not outweigh the plot and writing. (Scroll down below to see them)

Long:

This book follows Cyra whose sister Mira has been killed purportedly by a serial killer. She reaches out to the Police and of course they do not give her the entire details because of the pending investigation. Eventually she stumbles on something called a serial killer support group which she herself calls a demented and sick version of AA.

The best parts of the book is the support group and majority of the book revolves around it like more than 75%

Now the mistakes:
1. "tossed the burrito in her basket and let the freezer door closed" it should be let the freezer door close.
2. During a fight scene Crya is said to fight like a Lion. Would have been better if it was written she fought like a Lioness because the entire book they kept humiliating her because she was the only girl in the serial killer support group. Seems a tad backwards to compare her with a Lion
3. When Cyra and Lamprey meet the first time she is not wearing disguise. They meet months later alone and she is wearing a disguise and Lamprey talks as if he hasn't ever seen hwr without a disguise.

I was thoroughly captivated by this book from start to finish! As soon as I came across the premise, I knew I had to read it. The storyline was incredibly engaging, pulling me in and keeping me hooked throughout. The narration flowed beautifully, making the experience all the more immersive.

Cyra, the main character, is such a complex figure—even if you consider her unreliable , she certainly brings a unique depth to the narrative that I found fascinating. Her journey is filled with unexpected turns, and I genuinely didn’t see some of those plot twists coming, which kept me on the edge of my seat.

As a lover of strong debuts, I have to say this one truly shines. It’s always exciting to discover a new author who delivers such a fresh and compelling story. This book definitely exceeded my expectations, and I can’t wait to see what the author does next!

I ATE THIS UP!!!!!!! I was drawn to this book because of the title, and it did not disappoint; left me wanting more!

Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books. Serial Killer Support Group follows Cyra who is looking for answers after the murder of her younger sister Mira in Prospect Park. To Cyra the NYPD seems to be dragging their feet on Mira’s case which is cooling off by the second; so manipulating a close friend of Mira’s in the NYPD’s record’s department Cyra learns her little sister may have been a victim of a serial killer that’s part of a support group that’s meets in the city. Cyra numbness causes her to put her own life at risk for a sister who only took advantage of her. This a portrait of a woman who life finally reflects what she’s always had which is nothing.

This was such a fun read! The plot was interesting and kept you interested throughout the book! The idea that even serial killers need to talk to someone is a really intriguing idea and the author fulfilled that task. I liked the fact that not everyone is as they seem and all are wearing their own mask. The main question is, do we really know a person?

The only reason I have given this a lower rating was because the ending was very predictable and I knew what was going to happen. However, that does not make this book any less fun and cool to read!

3.5 stars rounded up
I really enjoyed the premise of this book and had a lot of fun reading it! You definitely have to suspend reality a little to enjoy it, but fun nonetheless.
As much as I enjoyed getting some backstory of the characters, they all felt a little one dimensional to me. Cyrus, the main character, is depicted as good and closed off from her emotions, which I feel like just results in us not really getting to know or care much about her either. I would have loved to get to know characters better instead of jumping straight into the action.
That said, the action followed all the way through and had several nice twists at the end.

Publication date 3/18/25!

Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC!

This was such a unique story- I’ve never read anything like it!

We get a few POV’s, that of our FMC, Cyra (pronounced sigh-ra)- the dominant story line and that of each of the serials.

It’s hard to do a review justice without spoiling the story, but read the synopsis and head in with no true expectations- it’ll be fun. Also, that reveal comes out of nowhere, so be prepared 😩

4.5 🌟. I loved this book! I’m so used to reading books about groups of survivors of serial killers. But a support group FOR serial killers? Genius!! I loved the fight between light and dark within the characters. The MC (whose name I absolutely hated and kept saying differently throughout the whole book!!) found her darkness within her light. I thought the progression of her inner psyche was really interesting and was really pleased with the end.