3.5 A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay is a fun and fast-paced read with surprising depth beneath its quirky premise. With vibes reminiscent of Mr. and Mrs. Smith (the TV version, because #TeamJennifer), it balances the relatable struggles of a couple losing their connection with the high-stakes intrigue of, well, serial killers.

The story is an entertaining mix of humor, tension, and heartfelt moments, making the wild concept feel unexpectedly grounded. However, some of the ending reveals left me feeling a bit icky, and certain beats started to feel repetitive as the story progressed. Still, it’s an enjoyable ride for fans of dark humor and unconventional romance.

What a fun book! Haze is not very likeable but she grows on you. We all know someone like that and her new best friend sees that in her too. Her husband is acting pretty shady though. Or is that a miscommunication trope I see? Either way, besides some of the repetitive internal monologue, this was a super fun book about vigilantes and marriage!

This was my first read by this author, and I received this advanced copy from NetGalley. From the start, the enticing prologue and engaging, conversational writing style effortlessly drew me in. I devoured the dark humor and sardonic tone, which brilliantly lightened the tale of two ex-serial killers battling their murderous urges. "When the worst had happened repeatedly, it was hard to expect goodness in people." While the character-driven storyline might not resonate with everyone, I found the complexities of Hazel and Fox's strained marriage refreshingly raw and realistic. Additional themes of loss, depression, sexual assault, and privilege further enriched the story, adding depth and relatability that kept me invested. The only drawback was that the deep dive into both characters led to a relatively mundane start and some concepts being rehashed a few times. This all shifts around halfway, with several twists and turns escalating the tension in the story. It became increasingly hard to put this book down as I was eager to see how the story would be wrapped up. Sadly, the ending was a bit of a stretch, offering a resolution that was more convenient than believable. Still, it tied up the story nicely enough, so I won't complain too much.
"Familiarity breeds contempt." The main characters, Hazel and Fox, are impressively well-crafted, with rich backstories that greatly influence their actions and growth. Even Hazel, who I did not find likable or relatable due to her snide, manipulative, and fiery nature, remained interesting because of her troubled past and authentic struggles as a mother, wife, and friend. I also found myself rooting for Fox because of his toxic family dynamics and his efforts to mend his relationship with Hazel. The narrators, Georgia Tennant and Kyle Soller, brilliantly brought these characters to life and enriched the listening experience with natural, emotive vocal variety, along with sound effects. Other characters nicely drive various aspects of the storyline but did not stand out to me beyond this, as they felt one-dimensional.

Some books are so good, they make you wish you could break the rating scale—and this is one of them. Smartly written with a sharp sense of humor, this story delivers fully fleshed-out characters. I found myself rooting for them, and wishing I could befriend them in real life.

From start to finish, this book was a delight. So much so, I deliberately slowed down my reading pace, knowing that whatever I picked up next wouldn’t live up to it. It’s rare to find a book that leaves you with a genuine hangover, but this one does just that. The whole experience was perfection, and the ending? Absolute chef’s kiss—the perfect cherry on top.

The best part? I’ve now discovered a new author to add to my auto-read list. I cannot wait to see what they write next!

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, and for giving me the chance to fall in love with this incredible book and author.

This was definitely fun and a good palette cleanser, but just entertaining, nothing really special to me. A married serial killer couple settled into domestic life, can’t go wrong.

A DIFFERENT TYPE OF MARRIAGE

Hazel and Fox believed they had the ideal marriage, and in their eyes, it was. They were highly compatible, very much in love, and passionate about one thing: ridding the world of evil men. They had taken this passion to the level of serial killing. They were methodical, and Fox kept meticulous records so that they would not get careless and commit murders in the same manner or leave the bodies in the same condition. One thing they always made sure of was that their victims suffered a slow and excruciating death. They traveled the world and lived a high life until a complication occurred. They had a child, and they made a vow that their killing spree must stop. Fox turned into the ideal Dad. Hazel loved their daughter but missed the thrill of the kill and began to resent their no-kill agreement. Can their marriage be saved? At what lengths will each of them go to save their family? This novel is an interesting read. It is on the dark side. I found the language to be very offensive. The author chose to use one four-letter word repeatedly, and it does not add anything to the story.

Bantam and NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. However, my opinions are entirely my own and uninfluenced.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book and read it in one sitting! I absolutely could not put it down! I loved the characters and the storyline. I would definitely recommend this book.

Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay is such a fun, dark, and clever read. If you love suspenseful thrillers with a touch of humor, this book is for you. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys stories that dive into the darker side of love and relationships with plenty of twists along the way."

They say having a baby changes you, but what about if you're a serial killer?

I think this story has good examples of what marriage is like. How secrets can effect your bond with your spouse. It was interesting getting to see both their perspectives on what they were going through, although throwing in the flashbacks sometimes made the timeline go a little wonky. I did enjoy the book and besides a couple times where the flashback threw me, I didn't have a problem following along.

Really enjoyed this book the whole way through. Such an easy read that kept me intrigued for its entirety. It’s a serious topic obviously, but the book still had some light hearted moments. Really loved it, and appreciate the ARC!

I enjoyed this book so much that instead of flying through it I took my time reading to fully immerse myself in story. There’s a saying that There’s Somebody for Everybody and this rings true when by chance 2 serial killers meet, gets married and starts a family which is unconventional. However there are conventional elements once the family moves to the suburbs with the complexities of married life. There was a lot I was able to relate to when it came to one of the main characters Haze and her unfulfillment with her current life. My one only big critique is I wished the murders were fleshed out and more descriptive. Overall this was a modern take on a Bonnie and Clyde type couple once the honeymoon stage vanishes and what’s left is a rich, couple trying to find thier way back to the beginning of their love and happiness.

REVIEW CONTAINS BOOK DETAILS:

“A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage” is a stunningly accurate portrayal of the complex emotions that come with mourning your past self while embracing the joy and challenges of building a future with a child. The author masterfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of identity, parenthood, and the shifting dynamics of relationships.

The story alternates between the husband’s and wife’s perspectives, adding a layer of intrigue and mystery. The husband’s viewpoint, in particular, leaves the reader piecing together details, as his narrative remains deliberately incomplete. This dual perspective enriches the story, offering insight into both characters’ experiences and emotions.

One of the book’s standout qualities is its honest depiction of the struggles parents face—making new friends, maintaining old friendships, and navigating feelings of resentment toward life changes, all while cherishing the gift of a child. The author captures this duality with remarkable sensitivity and depth.

The plot’s metaphor of killing as an addiction was another creative and engaging element, adding a darkly fascinating edge to the story. It was a fun and thought-provoking read, blending relatable struggles with a unique and unexpected premise.

If there’s a drawback, it’s that the alternating points of view, combined with flashbacks, can occasionally be confusing. The shifts in perspective and timeline require focus to follow, which may pull some readers out of the flow.

Overall, “A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage” is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that deftly balances mystery, emotion, and creativity. It’s a read I’d recommend to anyone looking for a unique exploration of relationships and personal transformation.

Hazel and Fox are serial killers. Well, they were until they had a baby. Now, they are living dull lives in the suburbs. Hazel is bored. Fox is stressed. Hazel eventually kills someone, but thinks she can keep it from Fox.

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage uses dual points of view, so the reader gets Hazel and Fox’s viewpoints. Hazel misses their old lives, and wants more excitement. She’s an artist. She’s passionate and impulsive. Fox is a business man. He’s organized and the one responsible for planning their kills. When Hazel kills behind Fox’s back, she’s trying to keep that hidden, but Fox is hiding his own secrets. Oh, and Hazel’s new bestie is a police officer, which does complicate things a bit.

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage is a fun and entertaining thriller. Dark humor, secrets, and serial killers.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Meeting in a dark, back alley isn’t how couples usually meet, but Fox and Haz aren’t your typical couple. They are serial killers who love what they do. To all appearances they’re just regular people. They’ve been married ten years when their much adored Bibi is born and their life together changes drastically.
A riveting novel about marriage and the secrets we keep. With alternating points of view, we’re privy to the thoughts and feelings of both Fox and Haz. It’s a different story with its married serial killers who appear to be perfectly normal except for their urge to kill reprobate men. Their coping mechanisms for tamping down that urge are interesting as are their family backgrounds. Fox and Haz are great characters though there were a few times when I just wanted to shake Haz to bring her back to her senses. I found it to be an entertaining and suspenseful read. 4.5 stars

If you are a fan of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, I think you'll like this.

The characters were funny, and I enjoyed the way this book delved into how relationships can fall apart when the couple isn't truthfully. The focus on the relationship between Hazel and Jenny and how important having female friends as a woman was great. I think this book would hit harder if I was married and had children, but I still really appreciated it.

One star was lost due to the surface level feminism. I just don't vibe with the "I am woman, hear me roar" type of feminism.

Thank you to Random House for the ARC!

OMG! LOVED THIS BOOK! A SERIAL KILLER’S GUIDE TO MARRIAGE by Asia Mackay had me on the edge of my seat but chuckling throughout.

When Hazel Matthews and Nathaniel Foxton Cabot II (why II and not Jr. I don’t know) met 13 years ago, they were both ridding the world of bad men. When Hazel gets pregnant, they mutually decide to leave that life behind them and become regular parents. While Fox takes to being a parent to their daughter Sabina, Hazel finds the humdrum world of motherhood to be too much. She becomes bored, disillusioned and friendless until one day she meets single mother, Jenny and has finally found a friend to coffee klatch with and share stories of their lives. Then, Hazel ‘cheats’ on Fox and rather than being able to discuss it with him, she does what she can to cover up her indiscretion. And just who is Fox seeing when he disappears with no explanation? Fox, who has had no relationship with his parents for 15 years is contacted by them to thwart a hostile takeover of their company. They want Fox to come home to America and help them fight.

When they both start receiving threatening messages and are being followed, they each begin to wonder if their past is coming back to haunt them. When the police show up at their door, Hazel and Fox find themselves covering for each other. Then Jenny reveals information about her former job that sends Hazel into a tail spin. Can they keep the wolf at the door?

I loved this book from start to finish. The writing was clear and concise and had me laughing at times. The tension ratcheted higher with each turn of the page. My pulse was pounding when they were found out but it was so good to get to the climax.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Books for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

In a “Dexter” meets Bonnie and Clyde novel, husband and wife duo, Hazel and Fox, are serial “unalivers” that go from riding the world of corrupt, bad men, to hanging the hat- or knives- up after finding out that Hazel is pregnant. Fast forward 2 or so years to a perfect, domestic life with a toddler, living in the suburbs with Fox having a stable job and Hazel being the stay at home mum, and yet all is far from perfect! They’ve lost their spark, and start to resent each other until one of them breaks their own cardinal rule…no more killing.

I found this book overall entertaining, but also anxiety inducing! The questions of “will they get caught?” “Why aren’t they communicating?” “What are they hiding?!” haunted me, but ultimately was satisfied with the ending.

I loved Hazel’s fire, and Fox’s devotion to his little family, but also had a hard time with their miscommunications! But if you’re a fan of morally ambiguous characters, getting revenge on corruption and smashing the patriarchy, then this book is for you!

I was given an e-ARC of this book thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Serial killers guide to marriage by Asia McKay was so funny was so dark was so unbelievably enjoyable I highly recommend reading this this book will absolutely suck you in as a reader you I devoured every single page this was a great experience and pleasure reading this

Hazel and Fox have an enviable life together--both beautiful, wealthy, sexy, and serial killers. But when Hazel gets pregnant, they decide (or mainly Fox decides) that murder is not compatible with raising a child. So Fox gets a job and Haze becomes a stay at home mom/artist. But her mummy lifestyle is less than inspiring and her art suffers for it. While she struggles to fit in, he struggles to make a living. He's far better at being a trust-fund baby, but his parents are looking to end that as well.

When Haze encounters a bad man on her evening run, she takes care of him the only way she knows how, but the problem is Fox was always much better at removing the evidence. And when her new friend, former detective Jenny, opines that maybe Fox is a serial killer, Haze panics and tries to not only cover her tracks but totally divert Jenny's attention.

Okay, so serial killer parents might seem a little outrageous, and a lot of this book is outrageous (deliberately so) and quite humorous. And anyone who has suffered through dinner parties with pretentious upper-middle class suburbanites will understand the compulsion to kill. #ASerialKillersGuidetoMarriage #NetGalley

3.25 stars

I'm not sure if this book was actually a 3.25 or if I've just read so many similar premises lately that I burnt myself out on secret serial killers living mundane lives. Which would be quite sad, because normally I eat that up. In this iteration, we're following Haze and Fox, parents of a toddler living in the UK. Haze is a stay at home mom, and Fox works in finance, but before this, they both were serial killers. They've agreed to stop killing for the sake of their daughter, but the more time that goes by, the harder it is to resist. 

I will say that one of my least favorite microtropes in serial killer stories is "they only kill bad guys" which is present here, so bleh. But I did really like Haze in this and her voice was a lot of fun. Fox can go kick rocks, though. This was dual POV, but mostly in Haze's POV, thankfully. She was hilarious and insightful while documenting her attempts to integrate herself with the other town moms. The ending of this though felt rushed and off to me, though. And I was really over Fox by the end, I can't reiterate enough. So I'd say this is a fun time but I've read similar books I liked better recently, like "Sweetpea". Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.