*This was an ARC provided to me free of charge for an honest review of the book*

The description of this book had me really intrigued. From that alone you knew this was going to be one of those page turners that you can just breeze your way through. The issue with this was the main character…Haze. Morally grey in the truest sense of the word. A wife and mother, but also a serial killer. She’s raising a toddler, but she still has the thirst for killing, even though her and her husband made a pact agreeing to put the killings on hold now that they are parents. The issue is, she just isn’t really likable. I don’t know how to describe it…she just rubbed me the wrong way. All of her problems in the book could have been solved by just having a conversation with him. Her husband, Fox was definitely more likable.

One issue I had with this was that it teased the twist too much. It made it seem like you were reading for a twist, and not to see what happens next, or because you gave a crap about the characters.

This wasn’t a bad book by any means. It was a quick read, and was really entertaining. It dragged a little in the last third, but everything was tied together nicely, and the twist was there, and the story landed.

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 out of 5

#ASerialKillersGuidetoMarriage #NetGalley

This book was awesome!! I loved the badass duo of Haze and Fox. Jenny just tipped me over the edge. It was such an engaging read, I loved every minute of it! I was so entertained and didn’t see any of the plot coming. I love when I can’t tell what will happen , it’s so rare. Great story, great author!

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage is a darkly brilliant, addictive read that twists the thriller genre with humor, suspense, and an unconventional take on marriage! Mackay creates a unique blend of wit and tension, bringing to life a protagonist who is as dangerous as she is relatable. The storyline is full of unexpected turns, exploring the complexities of love and loyalty in the most unexpected of circumstances.

The writing is sharp, the pacing flawless, and the dark humor gives the book an edge that makes it hard to put down. For readers looking for a fresh, thrilling experience, this book is an absolute must-read. Five stars!

Hazel and Fox is your typical couple…. Except they kill for fun. When the birth of their child brings a cessation to their murdering spree, Hazel accidentally betrays their pact to stop killing when she stabs a man in self-defense. Hazel has to come up with a plan to cover her murder from the cops…. But also from her husband. The sneaking around in response causes more of a rift between the couple. But what Hazel doesn’t know is that Fox knows more than he is letting on.

This book was slightly confusing and hard for me to continue to read. While I did enjoy the comedic writing of the the book, it took me forever to finish reading it, as I could not get into the storyline.

Although I would classify this as a rom/com, and normally would not choose books from this genre, when offered to review it, I decided to give it a chance and was glad when I did. It's lighthearted, kind of a Dexter in Heels, and the protagonists have a good thing going in their attempts to make the world a better place. Also, they are devoted parents, and everyone should be so attentive. Not to say they are helicopter parents, but balance their childcare with their instincts. All that being said, having read this, it will be a long time before I dip my toe into anything similar since if I do, I may need an insulin shot.

After reading a dark horror novel previously, I needed something with some lighthearted humor. This book fit that description. I thoroughly enjoyed the timeline this book took me through in the lives of Hazel and Fox, retired (kind of) serial killers now forced to live a normal married but mediocre existence out of the best interest for their small daughter Bibi. I really enjoyed the dual timeline back and forth between the past and present as well as the dual points of view from both characters. While in the end I was entertained with the book overall, it was a bit of a slow burn for me but really picked up at about the halfway point and then things got entertaining. That being said, I enjoyed the lightheartedness and entertainment of this book ultimately in the end and I would recommend to a friend, I really enjoyed the shocking plot twists and turns.

The novel follows Fox and Haze as they navigate the complexities of marriage and parenthood while leading double lives as serial killers. This book was an entertaining read, featuring excellent character development and a light, creative tone that made it quite enjoyable.

The narrative suggests potential for continuation, and I’m eager to see if more stories will follow these characters. However, one aspect that felt lacking was the integration of Fox’s family into the storyline; their inclusion seemed necessary but somewhat underdeveloped, almost like an afterthought. Overall, it’s a fun and inventive book that takes an unconventional look at marital and familial dynamics.

I was excited to read this book but ultimately the characters felt flat to me - the writing is good but why is it so hard for authors to make characters even a little bit likeable? I don't need to agree with every decision a character makes, but it was really hard to listen to the lamenting of "not making friends with women" when all you do is judge and belittle the ones surrounding you. And not to mention just basically hating everything in your life because you can't just do whatever you want all the time? I wanted a little more growth from the characters, but that's a me wish. I also think maybe these serial killer but-make-them-good-serial killers (because they only kill men who deserve it) seem like odd anti heroes to root for. I really struggled with this one and I wanted to like it so much more!

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage is a fun ride. The dual POV really added to this book and I also liked the twist towards the end both of these things made this book enjoyable for me. What happens when you have the itch to go back to something you have given up for domestic life? A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage is the answer.

I adored this book. A couple who murder together?! This would be an epic TV series plot. For sure a winner. However, none of the characters felt likeable. Which is ok with me but something other readers should be aware of.

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage has a great premise and starts off really strong before it simply peters out. So much of the narrative is character introspection and backstory, and for most of the book, the pace is glacially slow. Though it is well written with some relatable insights into the realities of marriage and parenthood, I often found myself bored, wishing something interesting would happen and unable to read more than a few chapters at a time. It finally picked up in last 15% and felt more like a thriller, with a few good twists and big reveals, but overall, I would not put this book in that category.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC.

This is an exceptionally well-written blend of dark comedy, romance, and smart thriller. Mackay's unique take on love and crime had me giggling, shifting in my seat, and fully invested in this messy, murder-filled marriage. If you’re looking for a thrilling and heartwarming story, this one is a must-read

Such a good book! The book had me guessing until the end. This book definitely fits into the thriller genre. Especially at the end, I kept thinking I knew what was going to happen and I was wrong every time. Definitely didn’t see the ending coming, but it was a great ending that felt fully finished. All the main characters were extremely likable and I loved the bond Haze and Jenny had!

ok mr. and mrs smith on crack. I loved this I gave it 5 stars and i wish i could give it more tbh. I love this secret killers story with a side of parenthood.

Fox and Hazel are serial killers, very active serial killers. In their minds they are doing the world a service because they only kill those who ‘deserve it’, the criminals, the thieves, the rapists, the spouse abusers, and they only kill men. They were working separately until they happened upon each other mid-kill in Europe and were totally smitten. They married and carried on with their activities until they became parents and decided it best to halt their activities to protect their baby daughter. But Hazel is getting antsy, and during a nighttime run she kills a mugger who comes after her in self defense. She tries to hide this kill from Fox while also realizing one of her new suburban mommy friends is a police detective on maternity leave. And that detective is fascinated by the trail of bodies Hazel and Fox have left behind and anxious to solve that case. So Hazel is boxed in and is desperately trying to figure out what to do.

Serial Killers Marriage Guide is not your average book. It does at times get a little bogged down but it always keeps you guessing, and that will always keep you reading.

Such a fun frolicking read! I loved the back and forth pov and the quotes at the beginning of sections. Haze and Fox are very likable and characters that seem fully developed. This was a quick read but one I’ll remember for the original plot.

Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher, #bantambooks for this ebook to read. All opinions are my own.

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage has a Mr and Mrs Smith or Dexter vibe to it, with a lot more twists and turns! It was a fun and fast read. I really enjoyed it!
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley the E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
#ASerialKillersGuideToMarriage #NetGalley

As I began this book, I was impressed with this author’s writing style. It was easy to read without excess verbiage or descriptions of weather, landscape, room decor, etc. That stuff often drives me nuts. However, I became disappointed as I got further into the book. Haze’s emotional self-talk became so repetitive that I began to lose interest and started skimming. Thankfully, things picked up later on. And, I liked the ending, although I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit that. Those of you who read it will know what I mean. :)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this ARC.

I have mixed feelings about this one. The beginning was good, the concept was interesting, two serial killers, married and trying to adjust to a life without thrills and purpose binding them together. The ending was good, but a lot of the book, was slow, boring , missing the high tension/suspense I wanted from this kind of book. 3.5

This is a "fun" book about two serial killers with a 2-year-old daughter. Hazel and Fox initially meet at a bar where she kills a guy in the alley; they marry, kill together...until she gets pregnant. And that's where the book begins! Vacillating between "now" and "then," the novel reveals how they "compete" and how they deal with married life as competition sneaks in...and what will they do with baby, Bibi? It's a fascinating look at love and all of its crazy dimensions. It's both demented and often funny as the couple deal with jealousy, childrearing, and all of the repercussions of a relationship based on killing and loving!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!