DNF at 14%
I was so interested in this book by its' synopsis but I did not connect with characters at all. It felt superficial to me.

Thank you for allowing me a preview of this title. I've tried on 3 occasions to read it and I just couldn't connect with it. It sounded right up my genre alley, but I just couldn't get engaged with the story. I'm so sorry, as I was really looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for letting me preview and while I couldn't connect I wish you all the success of millions of other readers connecting and loving this book.

I quite enjoyed this book. It was clever and engaging . The pacing kept me very engaged and I enjoyed the characters. I did see a lot of plot points and twists that seemed to have been taken from other books and that took me out of the story a bit. I look toward to seeing what the other comes up with next .

DNF at 14%
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine/Bantam for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review but this book is being DNF at 14%.
This story of a young couple, both killers, who have been domesticated into normalcy by the birth of their daughter suffers immediately by having two insufferable MC’s.
Does the world need right now another book about rich people looking down at and sneering at others for their lack of experience and culture due to financial restrictions? If you hate the miscommunication trope then avoid this book. I really wanted to give this book until at least 20% before deciding, but when the FMC pondered “I wonder if as well as being the only resident wife who’d killed before, I was also the only one to listen to rap music.” Due to her groundbreaking decision to listen to Dr. Dre.
I will not be recommending this book to anyone at any point in time.

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage
by Asia MacKay
Pub Date Jan.14, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Hazel and Fox are an ordinary married couple with a baby. Except for one small thing, they're ex-serial killers. But recently Hazel has started to feel that itch again. When she kills someone behind Fox's back and brings the police to their door, she must do anything she can to protect her family.

This could save their marriage - unless it kills them first.
Overall a good well paced book, but did slow down in the middle.

Wow, I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't this! This book was a surprise in the very best way. Loved it!

Marriage can be difficult, and nobody knows that better than Hazel and Fox Cabot who have hit a rough patch in their relationship, but they are an unusual couple. They are serial killers, or they used to be but not the bad kind. They only kill bad men- murderers, abusers, and rapists. But all that changed when Hazel got pregnant and for the sake of their child, they hung up their serial killer’s hat and settled down in the suburbs.

Hazel loves her child, Bibi, but she can’t help but think about her glory days- painting up a storm( she is a famous artist), traveling the world, and killing bad guys. Also, her marriage to Fox is not like it used to be. They used to have passionate sex, and they used to talk but not anymore. Hazel will do anything for her child, but it is hard not to want to kill. She won’t do it, or will she?

Fox has a lot on his plate. He is not making the money he used to at work, his parents know about his past of killing bad men and is basically trying to blackmail him to help them out, and Hazel and his relationship is not where he wants it to be. But he loves his wife, and he will be there for her no matter what as long as she keeps to their bargain and does not kill anyone.

A SERIAL KILLER’S GUIDE TO MARRIAGE is an entertaining book about the ups and downs of marriage and the feeling couples have after they have been married for years that things have just become too routine. Hazel needs the rush of their kills to create her art and since she can’t kill anyone, she hasn’t painted in years. Fox is a supportive husband with secrets of his own, but he tries really hard with Hazel.

The theme of marriage is set up in a unique way giving A SERIAL KILLER’S GUIDE TO MARRIAGE plenty of funny moments. Fox wants Hazel to make friends thinking that is all she needs, and he goes to AA meetings, even though he is not an alcoholic.

The plot of A SERIAL KILLER’S GUIDE TO MARRIAGE is a bit wacky but it is a well-written, fun, and unusual read that shows what happens when married couples stop talking to each other.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Jan. 14, 2025
Hazel and Fox are the seemingly perfect couple- wealthy, attractive and well-traveled, spending their time traveling to exotic locales and staying in five-star resorts. But things are not what they seem on the surface as Hazel and Fox also have a particular “hobby” that they share, they’re both serial killers, plotting and killing men who victimize women. When Hazel gets pregnant, she and Fox settle down in the suburbs, determined to make a stable and normal life for their child by giving up killing- for good. Until Hazel kills a man without Fox’s knowledge and accidentally brings the police right to their doorstep. Hazel needs to think quickly, and act quicker, in order to protect her family.
Asia McKay’s third novel, and first standalone, “A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage”, is fresh, clever and superbly written. “Marriage” will resonate with fans of “Dexter”, with vigilante serial killers taking out those who “deserve it”, while living a seemingly normal life.
Hazel is the primary narrator, although Fox takes a few turns, as well. It is mostly told in present day but there are a few segments, from both perspectives, that reveal a little bit about who the couple were before their daughter, and how they formed their serial killer bond.
I’m a fan of the recent uptick in novels that feature serial killer characters. The seemingly “normal” wife, mother, father or husband who lives a seemingly “normal” life, except for the quick trips to the grocery store where they murder someone on the way home. An entirely new genre seems to be developing and I’m all for it.
Hazel and Fox are, somehow, likable, which makes this novel all the more appealing. When they get, accidentally, embroiled with a police officer, the plot takes a suspenseful turn but McKay manages to bring it all to a solidly satisfying conclusion.
“Marriage” was one of those novels that made me late for appointments, made me stay up later than intended, made me procrastinate on chores (well, okay, I take responsibility for that one), as it was one of those stories I did not want to put down. The chapters are short but addicting, and I was desperate to find out how the ending would play out. McKay has hit a home run with “A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage”, and I look forward to reading more in this budding genre.

Funny, interesting and filled with intrigue; this was a delight to read!
Haze is a fabulus character, and other than the killing bits, I totally related to her.

Favourite line:
"Grit your teeth and get through it. If you're both still standing, high-fives all around. Then brace for the next round of shit, because hell yes-more will be coming."

Much love to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for my ARC!

I actually finished reading this book in church before the service began because I could not stop reading it. I know it's pretty ironic considering the premise. When I first read the title I did not know what to expect and I certainly did not think I was going to like it as much as I did.

The title actually does a great job explaining what the book is about Hazel, who is married with a small child. She also happens to be a serial killer. Her husband, Fox, is a serial killer as well. They work as a team to exert vigilante justice but only on men who really deserve it. When Hazel gets pregnant they both agree to put their killing ways aside only having a small child and changing their lifestyle has a big impact on their marriage. Both of them try to make a go at their new life. Fox, tries therapy, and Hazel makes a new mom friend. Both do their best but old habits are hard to break.

This was such a fun book and such a great read. The best part was so much of it was relatable, except for the killing part, obviously. If you have been married a long time or have kids you can relate to what Fox and Hazel go through. This was a fun escape and I highly recommend it!

Thank you to Bantam/Random House Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.

🔪 The Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage🔪

When Haze and Fox first met, they knew it was fate. Their immediate chemistry and shared passion for taking down bad men made them the perfect couple. After ten years of murder and wedded bliss, Haze becomes pregnant, and their killing spree comes to an abrupt end.

Now, despite their beautiful home and Fox’s seemingly endless trust fund, both are miserable and growing further apart. They begin hiding things from each other, and as the secrets pile up, Haze and Fox must figure out how to save their marriage before it dies a painful death, much like one of their victims.

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage takes a common challenge faced by first-time parents and adds a dark twist. Through alternating perspectives, the story reveals not only how Fox and Haze became serial killers, but also how they struggle to adapt to their new roles as parents. As they attempt to give up their shared, violent pastime, chaos inevitably ensues as they try to be “normal” for the sake of their daughter.

Normally, I’m not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope, but apparently, when the murder of misogynistic men is involved, I’m all in. Honestly, I got so wrapped up in the juicy drama and snarky commentary that I didn’t even realize that was the main plot device until the end of the book. Needless to say, it kept me hooked the entire time.

My only issue with the book was that at times, Haze’s materialism and vanity felt a bit excessive. While this was clearly meant to emphasize that money doesn’t solve everything and to highlight her growth by the end, there were moments when I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the cringiness of it.

Overall, I had a lot of fun with this book. If you're looking for a rom-com with no spice and a bit of vigilante murder thrown in, I highly recommend it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hazel and Fox are just your average married couple. They have money, a gorgeous home, an adorable baby- what's not to be envious of? When they decided to have their child, they discovered it might be time to give up the job they love the most- a tag team serial killing machine. Hazel discovers her art is majority fueled by bloodletting, and Fox decides to channel his forgotten extracurricular activities into some sketchy scenarios.
This book was so fun- I loved the snarkiness Hazel exhibited and the genuine care for and love for his family Fox showed. As a mother and wife, so much of this was relatable- even with the killing bits. It was so reminiscent of Mr. and Mrs. Smith but more nuanced and feminist. I especially enjoyed the way the author wrote- Haze was my favorite with her inner monologue and banter. Also- long live Jenny.
Thanks so much to the author and publisher for the eARC.

I really enjoyed this unique portrait of marriage and family. It is the story of two married ex serial killers trying to control their desire to kill to raise their daughter in a normal suburban life. The story was very interesting and fast paced and you really understood Hazel and Fox's motivations both in their life as serial killers and as parents. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC.

I was first drawn to this book by the title alone. I binged read this book and it was funny, unpredictable, action-packed adrenaline fueled read. Fox and Hazel were getting rid of one bad man at a time and they were good it! They decided to put the knives away and move to the suburbs once Hazel got pregnant.

Hazel is going stir crazy at home and bored and longs to get back to the life she had. The perfect marriage they had is starting to crumble. They are each keeping so many secrets.

I enjoyed the dual points of view and a surprise ending.

Sometimes a book comes along when it fits your need and your mood. Such was the case of A Serial Killer’s Guide To Marriage. When I cracked open a book about the metaphorical murder of bad men that was indeed my mood and the book did not disappoint.!

This book to me a while to get into. I like the concept and I liked Fix and found his character and backstory more intriguing than Haze's. While I liked aspects of her I was resistant to her too.

I liked the juxtaposition of his parents being wealthy and controlling while hers had led to her living in care. Despite different circumstances they were each damaged by their upbringing which led to an unconventional way of coping.

I really enjoyed Jenny though I wasn't sure what to make sure of her at first. She was unexpectant but not in the way I had figured her to be.

Despite my initial reservations, I enh=joyed the book and it had a strong finish. Will there be more?

So this book was nothing like I have read before but I loved it! A story of 2 serial killers who finally need to settle down due to the birth of their daughter but it leaves their marriage a bit lacking. The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is I felt it was a bit confusing at times although it all came together at the end. Really fun read!

This book was really quite fun, especially for a true-crime-podcast-loving gal like myself. The pacing was very good and the reveals took me by surprise. I would strongly recommend it for anyone looking for some lighthearted suspense, and more reasons to hate rich men.

A serial killer couple? Yes please! I loved this book. It was a super fun read and I had no idea what would unfold once the baby was born. I definitely recommend.

A quick-paced read that grabs you from word one. I would have given it 5 stars but the ending was too far fetched and it dragged on a bit.