*“A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage” is a darkly humorous and surprisingly heartfelt exploration of love, secrets, and the lengths people will go to for those they care about. The show masterfully balances its macabre premise with genuine emotional depth, creating a story that’s as chilling as it is compelling. The characters are complex and well-developed, particularly the dynamic between the protagonist and their spouse, which is both unsettling and oddly endearing. While some plot points feel slightly rushed, the clever writing and sharp dialogue more than make up for it. Overall, it’s a unique and gripping series that leaves a lasting impression.

This was a fun read! I would have finished it faster if it weren’t for the holidays!

Fox and Hazel are your average British suburban couple. They attend cookouts, they take their daughter to daycare and the park, and they’re so blissfully in love. But appearances aren’t what they seem, and this perfect couple has plenty of dirty laundry that could be aired out at any moment.

Together, they’re the serial killer dubbed as “The Backpacking Butcher,” going after terrible, evil men. In their eyes they’re cleaning up society, since the law won’t do it. After the birth of their daughter, however, Fox decides that they should hang up their hats. For Bibi’s sake. Much to Hazel’s chagrin, she agrees, but abstaining from her favorite pastime is like giving up her favorite vice. Now that the source of all her inspiration for art is dry, her life seems monotonous.

But things don’t remain that way for long. As more and more secrets begin to come out, can the happy couple stay loyal to their vows, for better and for worse?

Hazel and Fox are both deeply flawed protagonists. Neither one of them were saints, which i honestly found refreshing.

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay is a delightful blend of dark humor, romance, and thriller elements, offering a unique premise that's both wildly entertaining and surprisingly heartwarming. The story revolves around Hazel and Fox, a married couple who once made their living as serial killers but have now settled into suburban life with a baby. Their past may be buried, but as Hazel starts to feel the itch to kill again, their carefully constructed world begins to unravel.

The novel alternates between the perspectives of Hazel and Fox, allowing readers to see the story from both sides. This shift between voices adds depth and complexity to the narrative, showcasing their differing thoughts, emotions, and sometimes, their complete failure to communicate with each other. It's a testament to Mackay's skill that these moments of miscommunication, while frustrating at times, also add an unexpected layer of humor. Watching them try to navigate their marriage, family life, and their dangerous history was both hilarious and tense.

The mix of dark comedy and suspense gives the book a Dexter-meets-romcom feel, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Mackay strikes a fine balance between lighthearted moments and the darker aspects of their past, making it an engaging and refreshing read. There were moments when I just wanted to scream at the characters to talk to each other, but it only heightened the tension and humor. In the end, the book manages to be both thrilling and oddly relatable, as the characters struggle to preserve their family and their love while also contending with their dangerous instincts.

While the premise is quirky, the novel's ability to combine suspense with humor made it an unforgettable read. Asia Mackay's voice is unique and promising, and I’m excited to see what she has in store for readers in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What starts as a couple’s thrilling international life of killing the bad guys for the better good of humanity (at least in their eyes it’s morally acceptable violence) to having a traditional domestic life with a child, and a promise to do no more killing. What could possibly go wrong?
The story is narrated from two points of view. Fox the husband (a white, privileged trust funder, with a history of killing that’s been covered up by his elite parents) and Hazel the wife (raised in the foster care system, a victim of mistreatment and full of rage). You go back and forth between their past lives to their present situations of trying to keep the family together and safe. As you can imagine, all things lead to lies, secrets and eventually mistrust as things spiral out of control. I mean really, how long can serial killers go without killing? How hard can it really be? You soon find out just how hard it is for this couple.
While Hazel tries to adjust to a normal life of a stay at home mother she meets another mom/Jenny. Although she seems needy and the father is a monster, their kids get along beautifully so they meet up often. Hazel starts finding another way to help women from bad men through the legal system by helping Jenny fight for child support. It’s not the thrill of killing that releases her passion for painting, but it feels like the right thing at the moment. Eventually, Hazel finds out what it means to have another friend after the heartbreak of losing her first and only other friend/Matty.
Fox in the mean time starts finding his replacement for kill thrill through high stakes gambling along with attending AA meetings pretending his addiction is alcohol. He starts staying out late on the pretense of working while meeting up with people we haven’t met in the book. What’s going on? Has he found out about Hazel’s unfortunate break with their promise? Yes, it was inevitable that one of them would. Thus unfolds the second guessing on both their parts. They stop trusting each other and their secrets only tear their relationship apart.
In conclusion: An interesting concept for a story. The middle was a bit drawn out and the ending was not what I thought it would be. It felt a tad unrealistic-yet justified. Overall I did enjoy the concept of fighting the good fight as a public service.

Hazel and her husband, Fox, seemingly have it. A good marriage, financial freedom, and little “hobby”(killing bad guys). However, once their sweet baby girl arrives, just like most married couples, they need to adjust to their new life(big house in the suburbs, mommy and me classes, neighborhood parties and a nanny). In a quest to be “normal” Hazel does something she has never done before, make a friend. Unfortunately for Hazel and Fox, this friend is also a cop. Can Hazel and Fox adjust to the new normal or will it destroy this once very happy couple?
This is not your typical Rom-com, but if you liked Leather and Lark or My Lovely Wife, you’ll enjoy this one.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC. #netgalley
#aserialkillersguidetomarrige

What a super fun book! It's not my typical genre, as I tend to read darker books, but this worked well as a palate cleanser for me.

Hazel and her husband, Fox, have been going through some marriage problems.

Hazel grew up hard and fast. Her coping methods are a bit more violent than most...ok a lot more violent. She channels her anger into killing bad men and creating art.

Fox seems like the perfect man for her... He enjoys the same extracurricular activities as she does, but is cautious and methodical. They're a match made in bad guys' nightmares. They are happy together, living the bloody dream.

And then she gets pregnant. And he decides their safety and ability to be there for their daughter is of utmost importance and they will do nothing to put it at risk. His decision weighs heavy on Hazel, as do many aspects of suburbia.

We hear both Hazel and Fox's points of view. And one of the things I enjoyed most about this novel was when I reading Hazel's perspective (especially during the first half), I whole heartedly understood her and agreed with her. But then I would read Fox's POV and I would see where he was coming from and I agreed with him too. I was on both of their sides\rooting for them as a team.

As other stressors are applied, secrets pile up and life begins spiraling out of control, they start questioning whether their new(ish) normal can work. Towards the late middle of the book, Hazel did start to try my patience with her complaining. And personally, I found the ending a bit unbelievable, but all in all, this was a satisfying read and I've already checked out this author's backlist.

Favorite Quote:
...when my time came, I’d look him straight in the eye and say, “What? What’s your problem with anything that I’ve done? This world was filled with so many shitheads, I couldn’t just sit around and wait for you to smite them all with lightning. I’ve been a good soldier, I’ve worked hard. Now give me a fucking halo and let me enjoy my retirement.”

Thank you to Bantam, Netgalley and author for the ARC!
Pub date: 1-14!

First book of 2025 done! Haze and Fox are a serial killer couple who are forced into retirement after having their daughter Bibi. They give up killing to pursue a peaceful suburban life, but it begins to strain their marriage. Haze isn't able to keep her urges at bay and does everything in her power to protect her family after killing a man.

This was super fun and entertaining and I loved the banter between Haze and Fox. Serial killer couples and vigilante justice are both tropes I love and this delivered on all aspects. I loved how this story touched on the struggles of motherhood and the difficulties of feeling disconnected from your child and losing your identity outside of being a mom.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the e-arc.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy. A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage follows Haze and Fox as they navigate married life with a toddler. To the public eye, they are a normal family in the suburbs. There is one thing that separates them and that is the fact that they are serial killers. I thought that it was an okay story. I found myself struggling to be interested in the beginning, but once I got further in, I didn’t want to put the book down. I did like the ending of the book.

I would honestly say a 2.5 on this one for me. I loved idea of it & the reasoning behind the killings, but for whatever reason I was not drawn into the story. There's huge miscommunication all throughout the book and the characters are not extremely likeable. Maybe Jenny...she's like the one character. It also feels very whiny. Overall, it just felt meh. The last 10% of the book was the best and I actually really enjoyed those pages. A book focused on the trio's activities would probably be pretty good.

"A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage" was an interesting twist on your not so typical serial killer story. I was very excited to read this book because it seemed different. In your normal serial killer book, most people attempt to make the "killer" mysterious, shrouded even. In this book, you are looking at the actual people and delving into their thoughts, feelings and daily lives while they try valiantly to keep their pasts buried and their marriage alive. It was a an interesting perspective and I will read more by Asia Mackay!

The story of two serial killers, who fall in love, have a baby and stop their killer hobby... but do they? 🤭

Absolutely loved this book - a must read! I will be recommending this book to everyone. 🤣

There was a lot going on. Dual POV and timelines, but very easy to follow! Very short chapters - love it!! I felt like the characters when reading this, and I throughly enjoyed the storyline.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the Advance Reader's Copy.

If you're looking for a comical novel about serial killers, this is it! Hazel and Fox find love through killing bad guys, but after they have a baby, they decide to put a pause in their murderous hobby. But will that be enough? I had loads of fun reading this one and would definitely read a sequel (should there be one).

Haze and Fox are your average serial killers trying to adjust to their new lives as parents. They made a promise to each other that they would not kill without one another. Will someone break that promise? Who will it be?

I thought it was interesting that they met and decided to kill together. It was in a way a knock off version of Chucky and Tiffany from the movie The Bride of Chucky but these guys aren't as sadistic. I did think that Fox was kind of a controlling jerk. I could see where he was coming from, but I just felt like he thought he was better than Haze. Haze didn't strike me as the mom type at first but eventually I could see that she loved her daughter. I think some of the plot could have been better, but I didn't hate it.

Hazel and Fox once had a hobby of taking out dangerous men together. However, when Hazel became pregnant, they decided to leave behind their violent past and settle into a quiet, respectable life in the suburbs. Yet, Hazel finds it hard to control her inner rage without an outlet, and she ends up secretly resuming her old habits … killing behind Fox’s back. Her actions soon lead to the police knocking on their door, forcing Hazel to find a way to protect her loved ones. The story is told from both Hazel and Fox's POV, covering both past and present. If you’re a fan of movies like “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” or “Keeping Up with the Joneses”, this book will be right up your alley!

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay is about a couple who worked together killing bad men. Once Hazel and Fox discovered they were pregnant, they decided to halt their killing ways to provide a good home for their daughter. That pledge proves to be challenging for both of them and their marriage.

This book turned out to be not what I expected. It was a fast read and I enjoyed some of the wit and humor. However the plot was a miss for me. I think I would have enjoyed if it started about 3/4 through and then continued along in that vein.

Hazel's childhood was less than ideal, memorable for all the wrong reasons. She finds an escape through her art, but her inspiration comes from an unusual source. Her chance meeting with a handsome American whose protective instincts lean towards violence sets her life off on an entirely unexpected path.

Hazel and Fox are blissfully happy for a time, living a life of glamour, luxury, and acclaim. And then came Bibi.

To be sure, the birth of a child changes life for everyone. But change has always been an Achilles heel for Hazel. Not only the changes in her body, her routines, and her life, but Fox insists their killer ways will have to stop, as well, to keep their daughter safe.

Sinking deeper into despair, boredom, and resentment, Hazel hates her life in the London suburbs. Her art has suffered, and Fox insists she makes some mommy friends to help her cope. Unfortunately for Hazel, her choice of a new friend may be the thing that hurts her family the most.

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage is written with biting wit, dark humor, and sharp turns of phrase. The narrative is instantly engaging but quickly becomes repetitive, which I found frustrating. However, I'm glad I kept reading. Hazel's thought processes made me smirk and snicker more than once, and I thoroughly enjoyed her character.

Asia Mackay weaves romance, revenge, drama, and comedy into a story with surprising plot turns and an exceedingly satisfying conclusion. (3.5 stars!)

Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam for the free ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

Asia Mackay’s A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage is a sharp, compulsive, and darkly hilarious exploration of suburban monotony colliding with the deadly allure of old habits. Hazel and Fox’s struggle to balance baby bottles with buried bodies delivers an addictive blend of tension and humor, offering a fresh take on domestic thrillers. Mackay masterfully crafts the characters' inner conflicts—Hazel's restlessness and Fox's calculated devotion—making their marriage feel terrifyingly relatable and wildly entertaining. With its razor-sharp wit and shocking twists, this novel is a clever, compelling ride that will leave you questioning the skeletons in anyone’s closet.

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage delivers a darkly comedic take on suburban monotony, with former vigilante killers Hazel and Fox navigating parenthood and the struggle to suppress their lethal instincts. The sharp writing captures Hazel’s restless dissatisfaction and Fox’s meticulous adaptation to dad life, creating a messy, relatable dynamic amidst the chaos. While the plot occasionally drags and leans heavily on miscommunication, the blend of satire, suspense, and dysfunctional humor makes for a uniquely entertaining read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my gosh, I loved this book! Recently, my reading preferences were referred to as "murderous merriment," and I can't think of a better way to describe this book. It was a delightful mix of suspense and humor, full of plot twists and laughs. This was such a fun and fast-paced book that I absolutely flew through it. Truly an unputdownable page-turner. I need a sequel ASAP!! I just had so much fun with this book, and I can't recommend it enough!

Fox and Hazel meet under some murderous circumstances and discover a soulmate within one another. Their chemistry sizzles and life is nothing but an adventure. Unfortunately, that adventure comes at the cost of killing dastardly men.

When Hazel finds out she's pregnant Fox is over the moon with joy. Hazel has the baby and though she loves her daughter more than life itself and would do anything for her she struggles with her new role in life. She misses the excitement of their life before but she has promised to put all that killing behind her in an effort to keep their family safe.

What happens when Hazel breaks the no-killing rule behind Foxs' back? You'll have to read this to find out.

Female vigilantes have become all the rage lately in the thriller genre. I have read so many books of this type and, honestly, I think I'm just getting a bit bored with this particular storyline. I liked the start of this book and found myself entertained with the snarky humor and amusing anecdotes. Around a 1/3 of the way in my interest started to wane. While I liked Fox as a character I can't say I enjoyed Hazel much. What started as humorous became a poor me pity party. You have a faithful husband that loves you, a healthy child, money, a beautiful spacious home, and let's not forget the designer wardrobe - these are things other people don't have so it got really tedious listening to all her woe-as-me crap. I just couldn't muster any sympathy for her selfishness.

Also, beware, this entire book is based on the miscommunication trope. For two people that were soulmates and so madly in love I find it hard to believe that Hazel didn't come clean to Fox. The man attacked her and I'm sure Fox would have forgiven her (or gone after the dude himself) given the circumstances but then this book wouldn't exist.

I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. 3 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Ballantine for my complimentary copy.