Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for an advanced copy to honestly review.

Asia Mackay’s A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage is a wickedly fun, darkly comedic thriller that brilliantly balances domestic life with deadly instincts. With sharp wit and razor-edged tension, Mackay delivers a refreshingly twisted take on marriage, parenthood, and the ever-present itch for something more—especially when that “something more” involves murder.

At the heart of the novel are Hazel and Fox, a seemingly ordinary suburban couple adjusting to life with a baby. Once skilled assassins, they’ve traded in their thrilling, blood-soaked nights for playdates and diaper changes. While Fox embraces fatherhood with meticulous precision, Hazel finds herself struggling with the monotony of suburban life. The contrast between their past and present makes for a compelling, often hilarious exploration of identity, partnership, and the lengths one might go to keep the spark alive.

Mackay’s writing is razor-sharp, seamlessly blending humor with high-stakes suspense. Hazel’s internal conflict—her longing for the past and her desperate attempt to maintain her carefully constructed new life—adds depth to the novel, making her a protagonist readers will root for despite her morally gray nature. And when one impulsive kill threatens to unravel everything, the tension skyrockets, keeping the pages turning at a breakneck pace.

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage is a deliciously clever and wildly entertaining read, perfect for fans of dark humor, domestic thrillers, and unconventional love stories. Mackay masterfully crafts a narrative that is equal parts heart-pounding and laugh-out-loud funny, proving that marriage—and murder—require careful planning, trust, and the occasional well-timed cover-up.

A Serial Killers Guide to Marriage was a fun read and kinda reminded me of Dexter. Haze and Fox have a whirlwind courtship and end up married and eventually have their daughter where then the stop killing bad guys. There’s a little bit of everything here, definitely laughed out loud a few times . Hoping for more of Haze and Fox and BIBIs story!

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage is the perfect novel for movie lovers of American Psycho and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Asia Mackay's concept is creative and allows the audience to fully experience the main couple's desires and concerns without getting their own hands dirty.

Haze and Fox are individually serious killers who both have decided to take on "Robin Hood"-esque mentalities and rid the world of a certain type of clientele. Men who physically hurt people or whose behavior is so abhorrent, the world is simply better off without them. All is well until the two fall in love, get married, and find themselves settling down in the suburbs with a new little one. Is it possible the couple who stops killing together can still live a fully satisfying life together? Some days may be harder than others.

My one complaint with this novel is the pacing of the story. At times I couldn't wait to read another page and see where the plot was progressing, However there was just as many moments when I found myself rolling my eyes as the plot dragged along and the writing became redundant. Overall, I am happy I read this book and would suggest it to others for purchase but it certainly helped I could flat out skip over multiple chapters while still being able to follow the plot.

Thank you to Bantam Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story.

Hazel (aka Haze) is artistic, beautiful and passionate about killing straight, white men who mistreat women. Fox is handsome, American, wealthy and also enjoys killing bad men. The two met right as Haze was killing a man in an alley, and the connection was immediate. They became a serial killing couple, and life was great…until they had a baby and moved to the suburbs.

When Bibi was born, Fox made Hazel promise that they were done with the murderous lifestyle to which they were accustomed. There would be no more trips around Europe, killing predators. There would be no more waiting outside of clubs, looking for men who are looking for trouble. They have a child now, they are both well-respected in their work, and he wants to retire from the killing business. This leaves Haze incredibly bored and frustrated, so Fox suggests she find a friend.

Jenny is a single mom that Haze meets at the park, and while she’s not used to having friends - especially female friends - Haze realizes after awhile that she really likes this woman. It’s nice to have someone to talk to about motherhood, to go get coffee with, to have play dates with. Then her world comes crumbling down when she realizes her new best friend is a detective who has been investigating cold case killings while on maternity leave. When Haze kills a man in the heat of the moment, she has a big problem: she has to keep this murder a secret not only from her best friend, but her husband.

This book was a lot of fun, with good characters and an interesting plot. The dark humor is there, even as Haze and Fox’s marriage begins to fall apart, and it continues through to the ending, which was perfect! There were also some side stories, which I usually think detract from the main story, but in this case, it added layers that made the book better. If you like suspenseful thrillers with a dash of humor and quite a few twists, this one is for you! 4.5 stars.

(Thank you to Random House - Ballantine, Asia Mackay and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my review.)

Thank you to Netgalley, Asia Mackay, and Random House Publishing for gifting this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to read this book and it did not disappoint. I had so much fun reading this! I really liked both characters and their journey together.

Haze and Fox are “retired” serial killers after getting married and having their first baby. They spent years living their best lives, helping each other feed their hunger for the kill ridding the world of the worst men; and now, navigating marriage with a young child has had its challenges. They both fight urges and find ways to soothe and repress those feelings. But sometimes marriage is hard, even if you and your partner share the same deep dark secret. Haze is bored with her new life in the suburbs and Fox seems like he is living his best life. New secrets start to come between them and make them question their trust for each other, especially when Haze kills a man and doesn’t tell Fox about it.

I loved reading about Haze and Fox’s relationship and their journey to discovering their true selves. Even though they are both extremely independent, they do have a codependency that you realize as you’re reading through the book. Their dedication to each other is enduring, even at the times when they’re fighting.

How did I find a book about husband and wife serial killers absolutely charming!? Haze and Fox are married serial killer with some serious communication problems but can their marriage be saved?

I thought this book was an absolute trip!! Haze had me cackling all the time. I enjoyed how we got to switch perspectives throughout the book! Here’s hoping we get a sequel!!

This was a totally unexpected and fun to read thriller.

Snarky humor about a husband and wife serial killer duo who is feeling some pangs when they put their bloody murder adventures on hold after getting married and having a baby. They don’t find the quiet suburban life anything as expected. Their outlet is gone and it all seems like their passion and joy went away. They miss hunting down the bad men and killing them. What to do?

I enjoyed this far more than expected and it was a nice change of pace. The story is told in a then and now format with both Fox and Haze narrating their before and present day lives. Even though by most standards neither are good people, the way they approach their new parenthood and now really boring grind is humorous and relatable. Typically I’m not a fan of vigilantism regardless of reason, but the author does a good job of making these killers almost sympathetic.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. I enjoyed the female and male narrators who brought the story to life and gave such great inflection and drama to the production. It definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

Cover: Intriguing enough to pick up at a book store to read the back

What I liked the most about the book: I enjoyed the variety of themes within the book. Depression, sexual assault, and privilege further enriched the story, adding depth and relatability that kept me invested. This book had aspects that can relate with many readers.

What I liked least about the book: The character driven story line. It was more complex then I would have liked. Some parts of the book felt like they were to in depth, and I found myself asking "why do I care about this?"

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Hazel and Fox use to be killers but when Hazel got pregnant everything changed now they are like everyone else. Hazel soon becomes bored of her new way of life, she loves her family but she just needs more. Meanwhile Fox has taken to fatherhood like a duck to water. He is always on top of everything and he is enjoying his new title of dad. Hazel decides one more kill won't hurt and Fox never needs to know. That becomes a problem when the cops show up at their door. Hazel knows she has messed up an needs to figure out not only how to keep her family safe but together.

Double Lives, Dark Humor, and a Killer Marriage

Written by Asia Mackay, A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage follows retired killers Hazel and Fox as they navigate marriage, parenthood, and their shared dark past. Bound by a pact never to kill again—for the sake of their daughter—the couple struggles with urges that refuse to die. For Hazel, resisting the call of her former life is a daily battle, one that strains their marriage to its limits. And then, one day… the pact is broken.

This book had me laughing out loud! It was equal parts tense, hilarious, and oddly relatable. Beneath the serial-killer premise lies a sharp and witty exploration of marriage. Hazel and Fox go through the same struggles as any couple—miscommunication, distance, and the slow drift into routine. Mackay masterfully tackles these themes with humor and depth, making heavy topics feel light and engaging.

Hazel, in particular, was a standout. A fierce, resilient, and deeply layered character, she wrestles with the sacrifices of motherhood in a way that felt incredibly real. As a mom, I connected with her struggles—how easy it is to lose parts of yourself while trying to be everything for your child. Fox, on the other hand, is a devoted husband and father, though both he and Hazel still carry the darkness of their pasts. But their targets? Always the truly evil.

With a well-paced narrative, a gripping dual POV, and some killer quotes at the start of each section, this book kept me hooked. And the ending? Completely unexpected! If you love dark humor, thrillers, romance, and satire, A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage is a must-read!

This is a genuine review, and all opinions expressed are my own. A big thank you to Asia Mackay and NetGalley for the opportunity to explore these characters ahead of time!

Haze and Fox are serial killers who travel the world together killing bad men with money. They ultimately marry, but decide to hang up their knives and settle down in the suburbs once they have a daughter. The bulk of the novel explores how difficult it is for the two of them to make it in suburbia without the bloody hobby that kept their relationship exciting.

The novel is darkly funny, and the characters are well drawn. My only criticism has to do with pacing, which is particularly slow in the middle of the novel. Overall, however, I found the novel to be entertaining, and well worth the read.

Thanks to Bantam/Penguin Random House for providing me with a complimentary advance copy of this book.

I loved it! The story fascinated me, and I read it in one sitting. The way the couple's buried secrets and intricate plans unfolded was not just entertaining, but it also reminded me of the chemistry and suspense of *Mr. and Mrs. Smith*. It's a well written comedy and romance with a clever twist.

The story revolves around a husband and wife, both former serial killers, who are trying to escape the shadows of their respective pasts. Their efforts to create a new life and raise a family in a peaceful suburban setting creates a humorous and entertaining plotline.

A different take on a love story for sure! When two troubled people become serial killers and find each other then fall in love, what could go wrong? In this Dexterish love story they love to kill together, but don't worry, they only hunt bad guys. Everything is going swimmingly well until having a baby makes them rethink their killing ways. They have to stop so as not to put the baby at risk of losing a parent, but how will this affect their marriage? Can killers stop and be happy? Find out in this killer story.

This book fell flat for me the characters were dull and did not communicate with each other , I didn’t feel it was engaging but the premise was interesting.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book and the storyline of two serial killers being married and trying to not be serial killers for the sake of their child. I really enjoyed their book and hearing from both the husband's and wife's perspective.

A serial killers guide to marriage is a mixture between mr and mrs smith and dexter. Fox and Haze are a couple who meet in a murderous setting, becoming a married couple and going cold turkey on their murders once haze finds out she’s pregnant.

i enjoyed this read, it just wasn’t my favorite. the dark humor from haze’s POV was witty and kept me engaged throughout the book. i feel like the book delivered in the last quarter of it. there was very little passion between haze and fox, although i feel like that’s what the author was going for, i was just losing interest. the scenes where haze and fox are killing together we’re exhilarating and you could feel their love for each other. overall, the book was a nice read, i just wish it went into fox and hazes true relationship more.


thank you to netgalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and asia mackay for this eARC 💓🌟📖

"We all had secrets, so who was I to judge? Especially as my secrets were fourteen dead men."

Hazel and Fox were a match made in heaven—or hell, considering they’re both serial killers. Or at least they <i>were</i>, before Hazel got pregnant and they decided to retire. The problem is that suburban life just doesn’t suit Hazel, and she’s itching to kill again. When Hazel finally snaps and kills again without telling Fox, it sets off a ripple of consequences that just might spell the end for their little family.

This is an interesting premise and a fine enough plot. It just wasn’t for me. I have to admit I didn’t like either of the main characters much, which might have been partially influenced by my previous months’ reads, which featured unlikeable but nonetheless interesting characters. Hazel and Fox were neither likable nor interesting to me. They just seemed underdeveloped and bland to me, and even when they had their moments, it was immediately smothered by either paragraphs of whinging or pacing issues. Sorry, but being a serial killer does not replace an actual personality. There are a million of these vigilante, Dexter-esque serial killer characters these days, and they just seem to disappoint half the time. I’m tired of these morally gray Dexter knockoffs with cardboard personalities.

As a fair warning, most of the plot comes from miscommunication. And, well, here’s a confession: nine times out of ten, I hate the miscommunication trope. This was not an exception. The amount of miscommunication here, from a couple who were supposedly madly in love and understood each other perfectly, was infuriating. The overall plot, though, of serial killers trying to go straight, was the sole redeeming factor. The pacing was bad, which made this a slog, but the ending was fun. I just don’t know that it was worth the time I spent reading this.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

3/5 stars

This book had a good pace and interesting premise, but I found pretty much every character to be extremely unlikeable. Everyone needs to go to therapy, and the ending was so unrealistic it made me mad.

thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

2.5⭐️, rounded down

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the ARC of this book! It was 4.5 stars for me. I thought this was a funny, sharp (no pun intended!) not-quite-rom-com. Anyone who’s been in a relationship for a while can relate to Fox and Haze. Sort of.

Quick rundown of the story: Fox and Haze and their daughter, Bibi, live a normal suburban life. Like many new moms, Haze loves Bibi but misses their how things used to be with Fox before she came along. Their jet set lifestyle and unique…extracurriculars. Hilarity ensues as Haze tries to have it all.

I enjoyed the role reversal of Fox and Haze, where she is the one with cabin fever and unsatisfied with domestic life. The scenes in the book where Fox and Haze made plans to interact with their neighbors, and Haze’s attempts to get out of hanging out were funny. Without giving anything away, I love that the one friend she ends up with is the one friend she shouldn’t have.

On that same note, that friendship goes a bit too far and I don’t think the ending was believable. (Was any of the book believable?? No, but the ending was really not believable.) Two people can maybe keep a secret but three – no way.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was an entertaining book that drew me in right from the start and had me flipping the pages late into the night. The banter was witty, and the twists were good. Also, I don’t want to live near Fox and Haze.

Thank you @prhaudio for this #gifted audiobook, @randomhouse for the physical book and Ballantine for the eBook.

Serial killers Haze and Fox settle into married suburban life with their baby—vowing never to kill again. But with this agreement in place, their marriage begins to suffer. As they both keep secrets and drift apart they question whether their marriage will survive.

I love the book covers - (the UK version is pictured in my graphic) and the audiobook was fantastic. Both narrators portrayed the characters exactly how I imagined and their accents were on point. Georgia Tennant played Haze perfectly - great casting and not to be missed.*

Through dual POV, we learn how they met and where they both came from. At the same time, the couple starts to grow apart. This is about when the pace slowed right down. I was craving some kickass serial killing (like Haze), but husband Fox was having none of it.

This was definitely more domestic than dark, but still entertaining. We didn’t get as much Fox as we did Haze, and I was okay with that—she’s definitely one of my favorite characters. Her droll wit was such fun, and her brand of feminism was fantastic! I also really enjoyed BFF Jenny, who grew on me a lot. Thanks to Haze, she evolved which I love to see in a book.

I loved the reveals, twists, and the direction of the ending. But I wanted more—their finale was so thrilling that I wish we’d got more of that and less of Haze and Fox’s domestic issues - don’t mind me, I’ll be over here manifesting a sequel ✨🧘‍♀️