Once I got through the beginning, I did find I wanted to figure out how it ended. While this isn’t my favorite suspense book, it was a book I wanted to complete. I felt invested in the characters, and as a married woman, I could understand the dynamics and emotions marriage brings about. Being a new parent is hard, but being a new parent, a stay at home mom that’s given it all up for her baby, and a serial killer is a complex web of responsibilities.

The frustration Haze feels leads her to make some not so great decisions and her ever loving supportive husband doesn’t feel so supportive anymore.

This book is a mix of suspense and a bit of couples therapy. While wondering what will happen with the serial killer aspect you find yourself yelling at the characters to just “COMMUNICATE!!!”

Overall, I enjoyed the book and the original take on the difficulties and rewards of marriage and family life and the fundamental changes that occur as you transition from the version of you before to the you after.

I loved this slightly off kilter rom com, With two former serial killers as the hero and heroin. I should not have loved this one as much as I did.

Oh this book was so fun. I feel like I haven’t read a book like this before so it was a nice change of pace. The plot was so good and the writing was right up my alley. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.

Well I'm not really sure how I feel about this one. I got it as an ARC because it sounded interesting. Two serial killers who kill "bad men" fall in love get married and then have a child that they both love. One of them is organized and one of them is spontaneous and they work well as a team but now they are forced to stop for the safety of their child. Hazel hates being still and not able to kill but befriends another mother while Fox is distant. Honestly I struggled to finish this book but the ending was completely unexpected which is why I gave it 3 stars instead of 2.

"A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage" by Asia Mackay is a darkly comedic thriller set to be released on January 14, 2025. This novel offers a fresh and wickedly entertaining take on the challenges of marriage, parenthood, and the struggle to leave behind a life of crime.

The story follows Hazel and Fox, a married couple with a young daughter who have given up their former lives as serial killers for a mundane existence in the London suburbs. Mackay's sharp wit and clever writing shine as she explores the couple's attempts to maintain their relationship without the thrill of their shared murderous pastime

Mackay's narrative skillfully balances humor with tension, creating a psychologically astute portrayal of a couple grappling with their new identities. The author's crisp dialogue and vivid descriptive passages bring both the violence of their past and the banality of their current domestic life to the forefront.

The novel is primarily told from Hazel's perspective, with occasional insights into Fox's thoughts, allowing readers to understand both sides of this unusual marriage. Hazel's struggle to adapt to suburban life and motherhood is particularly well-drawn, with her dry, sarcastic observations providing much of the book's dark humor

While the premise might seem outlandish, Mackay grounds the story in relatable marital and parental challenges. The introduction of Jenny, a potential friend and police detective, adds another layer of complexity and tension to the plot.

Critics have praised Mackay's ability to maintain suspense while developing character relationships, and her deft handling of dark humor that lightens even the grimmest moments. The novel has been compared to works like "Dexter" and "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," appealing to readers who enjoy stories of seemingly normal people leading secret, dangerous lives

However, it's worth noting that the book deals with heavy themes, including murder, suicide, and abuse, which may not be suitable for all readers

In conclusion, "A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage" offers a unique blend of domestic comedy and thriller, with Mackay's sharp writing and dark humor making it a standout in the genre. For those who enjoy their comedy with a sinister edge, this novel promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking read

This was a darkly funny, original rom-com/thriller combo! Hazel and Fox are a former set of serial killers who, like Dexter in the Showtime series, channel their violent impulses into only ridding the world of men who harm others (rapists, child abusers, etc....). So in that regard, they view themselves as life-savers rather than life-takers. Then, marriage and a baby happens, and Fox decides it's too risky and settles contentedly into a life of fatherhood and domestic responsibilities. It's not so easy for Hazel, who craves the purpose and excitement of their vigilante days. She breaks her promise to Fox, and ends up acting on her urges against a "very bad man". She unwittingly befriends another mom who is in the position of possibly discovering the truth about both Fox's past and Hazel's present, and she feels desperate to keep it hidden and keep her family together. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

This story would make a great movie. It was very entertaining. It had some twists and some humor. Two serial killers are in retirement in the suburbs raising their daughter. They miss their old life of murder.

A really fun, fast paced read! Two serial killers meet, marry, and have a kid. Think Mr and Mrs Smith meets Finlay Donovan.

I wanted more from this book. The plot just wasn’t there. Not much happening. Too slow pace for me. I may give this author a try at a later date.

I enjoyed this so much. What happens when 2 serial killers decide to stop killing and create a better life to raise their daughter? Hazel becomes bored with suburban life. Will there marriage survive or will anyone else? Family drama, murder, suburban moms (one of which is a detective). It was great fun and very easily readable.

A little too domestic for me, not really a pulse pounding thriller. Not a cozy either, it's kinda like My Lovely Wife meets Desperate Housewives and pretty much any domestic comedy.

Asia MacKay’s A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage is an exhilarating blend of domestic noir, dark comedy, and psychological thriller, delivering an irresistibly sharp take on love, routine, and the itch for something…deadly. With its unique premise—a former vigilante couple struggling with suburban monotony—MacKay crafts a fresh, witty, and dangerously addictive read that masterfully balances thrills, humor, and marital tension.

At the heart of the novel is Hazel, a woman who once thrived in the art of murder, ridding the world of terrible men alongside her equally lethal husband, Fox. Their partnership was a dream for the morally flexible—a glamorous life of travel, luxury, and carefully executed justice. But then Hazel got pregnant. And suddenly, the adrenaline-fueled nights of stealth and execution were replaced with midnight feedings, playdates, and nursery rhymes.

This is where MacKay’s genius shines—taking the classic themes of domestic boredom and marital strain and injecting them with an unexpected, deliciously sinister twist. Hazel's restlessness, her itch for the kill, is painted with an almost comedic realism; she isn’t just missing her past life—she’s desperately suffocating in the mundane. The conversations with other moms, the small talk about baby food brands, the predictable safety of it all—it’s soul-crushing to someone who once thrived on the thrill of danger.

Fox, on the other hand, is thriving in domesticity. Once the calculated mastermind behind their assassinations, he now finds his satisfaction in meticulously planning their baby’s schedule, navigating fatherhood with the same level of precision he once applied to eliminating targets. He understands Hazel’s need for one last kill—after all, their entire relationship was built on mutual bloodlust. But when Hazel acts without consulting him, killing someone on impulse, the carefully constructed balance of their world shatters.

From that moment, the tension escalates at a relentless pace. The arrival of the police at their doorstep forces Hazel into survival mode—but not in the way she’s used to. She’s no longer the predator; she’s now playing the role of a mother protecting her family, and the stakes are higher than ever. Can she outmaneuver the authorities while keeping her marriage intact? Or has she finally crossed a line that even Fox won’t tolerate?

What makes A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage so compelling is its razor-sharp prose and darkly comedic tone. MacKay’s writing is fast-paced, laced with biting with, and offers an insightful commentary on the contradictions of modern motherhood. It’s a thriller that doesn’t take itself too seriously yet manages to deliver genuine tension, unexpected twists, and deeply engaging characters. Hazel and Fox’s dynamic is particularly fascinating—equal parts twisted and tender, their marriage is a testament to both unbreakable partnership and the fine line between devotion and destruction.

The novel is not just about murder—it’s about identity, compromise, and the sacrifices one makes for family. Hazel is caught between who he was, who she is, and who she’s supposed to be, and MacKay explores this struggle with both psychological depth and razor-edged humor. The suburban setting serves as the perfect ironic contrast to Hazel’s bloodstained past, amplifying the absurdity of a former assassin navigating mommy groups and school fundraisers while suppressing her killer instincts.

By the time the novel reaches its explosive climax, readers will be breathless, flipping pages at a breakneck speed to see if Hazel can truly have it all—a loving husband, a stable home, and just a little bit of murder on the side.

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage is a wildly entertaining, darkly comic thriller that blends domestic suspense with an unconventional love story. With its sharp dialogue, unpredictable twists, and a protagonist unlike any other, this novel is a must-read for fans of Gillian Flynn, My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing, and Dexter’s twisted sense of justice. A killer read—literally.

This book is an exciting thriller the whole way through! The book tells the story of married serial killers who give up their "fun" when they become parents. They are both keeping secrets and they begin to quickly unravel. This book was not your typical one spouse kills the other thriller. It did remind me a bit of My Lovely Wife, but was different enough. I found some parts repetitive such as Haze's repeated mentioning of how she didn't regret having her daughter, even though her actions contradicted it.

Fox and Haze have a past…a past that many wouldn’t quite understand. After the birth of their daughter, Fox has turned over a new leaf, a leaf that Haze is having trouble with. She was perfectly fine with their past life, a life that could end up with either or both in prison. When Haze meets a new friend in a play group, she’s not eager to continue the friendship, but Jenny is persistent. Haze is feeling trapped, Fox has secrets and now she has blood on her hands again, but this time it was self defense. Keeping her secret from Fox, Haze shares more than she should with Jenny (the last person she should be sharing with). Things escalate from there and this fast paced book had me hooked from start to finish. Well done! Thank you to Doubleday Canada and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

What a fun ride!! This was filled with Mr. And Mrs. Smith vibes and as someone who has been a burned out suburban mom, this was a fun escape! Fast paced and perfect for anyone who wants to drown out the outside world and current events. I sat down and didnt look up for hours, I was completely engrossed. WIll definitely recommend to my friends who are looking to read to escape!

A Serial Killers Guide to Marriage is about a relationship built on a mutual bond of killing brings a baby in their marriage changing everything. Unlike normal relationships they were trying to find a balance in pausing their serial killer instincts and creating a safe normal life for their family. Between new friends, dealing with parents, lies, and deceit will their marriage survive?

This book is a 3 out of 5 for me. The story line was very realistic (outside of the serial killer part haha) and had a few good twists that were unexpected that kept me wanting to read more to see what happen to Hazel and Fox in the end. Unfortunately the ending seemed very unrealistic for me with Hazels friend Jenny who is honest and had a hard time trying to take positive steps for herself and her kid to then go against her moral code.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for the Arc in exchange for my honest review!

Omg!!! I love an unhinged female characters and this one is so much fun! It’s dark, twisted in the best way and very entertaining!! I’ve been waiting for release of this books sometime from last October and was so happy NetGalley approved ARC!! Thank you 🙏🏽 loved this one!!

3.5 Stars

This was a fun read about a couple who kills together.

Hazel gets antsy and finds the need to do so without Fox and things get a bit complicated. Seeing both POVs over the past & present was interesting and decently done.

I never knew what I needed to read was a story of a married couple who used to be assassins until I read this book. Hazel gave up her life of murder when they had a baby but she misses the rush of killing until one day she does end up killing. Such a good description of how you feel in the monotonous day to day routine of everyday life. Even though Hazel and her husband are murderers, so much of their lives are relatable in that suburban life. I enjoyed reading this book and read through it in a matter of days. Recommend this for anyone looking to break up the monotony in their reading! Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed the whole premise of this book, I've read some other murderous couple type stories that weren't as well written. I think both of our main characters found ways to grow and change without alerting the other, yet they somehow worked it all out in the end. I enjoyed how they ended up satisfying their need to hurt people in a vigilante type of way.