I was lucky enough to win an eARC of SERIAL KILLER GAMES by Kate Posey through a Shelf Awareness giveaway. Thanks for the early look, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

If you like The Hating Game and true crime podcasts this one's probably for you!!
Jacob and Dodi's banter and chaos had me cackling from the very beginning and plot twists in this one had me surprised several times, when nothing is as it seems.
This rom-com is witty and full of dark humor and “dead bodies.”

Serial Killer Games is a standalone novel written by Kate Posey.

*Office romance
*Dismembered sex dolls
*Vegas marriage of convenience

I LOVED this book! It is very rare to find a debut author that can write romance and comedy, while adding in thriller vibes. Kate Posey did it and she did it well!

Debut novel for this author with the estimated release date of April 29, 2025. I truly enjoyed reading this book, it was one of the funniest and most well written books that I have read this year!

From chapter one you can tell that the main characters are end game, their connection was insane, yet completely believable.

My favorite character by far was Cat, readers will understand once they get to her chapters! The scene with Santa/Satan was to die for!! 🤣🤣🤣

No OM/OW drama and no third act breakup. Just an adorable found family with their serial killer vibes getting their HEA!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this title!

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Romantic suspense
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️
Characters: Dolores “Dodi” (FMC) & Jake (MMC)

Ooohhhh this one pulled me in from the beginning. I could not stop reading. Perfectly paced thriller!

This one started off and I really didn't know what was going on, but I was hooked! I couldn't put this one down. I laughed so hard at moments and when I thought something was coming it twisted and I got another good laugh. Such a delightful read that I really didn't expect!

I was sucked into the story right away. Kate Posey’s story and characters kept me hooked. I am eager for more of her work.

ARC Review: Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey

Serial Killer Games took me on a twisted, darkly funny, and surprisingly heartfelt journey. Told from both Jake and Dolly’s perspectives, the story follows Jake, a temp in a corporate office who becomes fixated on his gloomy, enigmatic coworker, Dolly. He’s intrigued by her morbid personality and sense of mystery, while Dolly is equally suspicious of Jake’s own dark vibes. Together, they create a strange, magnetic dynamic that’s both eerie and impossible to ignore.

Overview: Jake and Dolly’s dual perspectives reveal a lot about their characters, each bringing depth and humor. Dolly’s gothy, Jessica Jones-like persona is complemented by Jake’s dark charm, making for a chemistry that’s undeniably electric. They’re both deeply damaged in their own ways, which brings a unique vulnerability to their growing connection. The dual POVs give insight into their mutual fascination and darkly romantic flirtation, capturing the humor and complexity of two people who are both strangely suited for each other.

Character Dynamics: Their growing connection is layered with both humor and tragedy. Dolly’s backstory, from her late husband to her dedication to her daughter Cat (not a pet, but her actual child), adds unexpected emotion and depth. Meanwhile, Jake’s revelations about his family, including a misdiagnosed illness and a secret about his true parentage, provide insight into why he’s guarded and careful about opening up. Both characters have been used to being alone, and through their dual perspectives, we see how they both cautiously lower their defenses around each other.

Plot and Pacing: The story doesn’t unfold as a straightforward thriller. Though the title hints at a murder mystery, the narrative shifts focus onto the lives, secrets, and emotional baggage of Jake and Dolly. What starts as a potential “whodunit” becomes an exploration of their relationship and the people in their lives. While unexpected, this shift felt refreshing; the characters remained at the heart of the story, with plenty of twists to keep the pace lively and unpredictable. The alternating viewpoints kept me deeply engaged, rooting for these two strange, lovable characters.

Unexpected Twists: The dual perspectives highlight the surprise twists even more—especially the family secrets, health scares, and the emotional journey around Christmas with Cat, Jake’s aunt, and Bill, Jake's thought to be grandfather. The storyline about Jake’s actual parentage and Dolly’s life as a single mom brings the found-family theme to the forefront in a way that feels chaotic yet emotionally rewarding.

Humor and Tone: The morbid humor is on point, balancing out the heavy themes with a mix of suspense, romance, and dark comedy. Dolly and Jake’s shared sense of humor brings a lightness to the story, with their weird, twisted personalities offering moments that are both laugh-out-loud funny and oddly tender. Jake’s strange friendship with his roommate, Grant—who has an attachment to lifelike dolls—adds another layer of dark humor, even serving as an unofficial first date for Dolly and Jake. Fans of offbeat characters will appreciate how these two grapple with grief, illness, and loneliness, yet find unexpected joy in each other’s quirks.

Overall: Serial Killer Games is a darkly funny, character-driven romance that thrives on chaos and humor. It’s less about solving a mystery and more about understanding two complex, unconventional people. If you enjoy quirky characters, dual perspectives, and dark humor, this book will likely be a standout. I was invested in Jake and Dolly’s strange love story from start to finish, laughing, gasping, and cheering them on.

Rating: 4.75/5
Spice Rating: Mild, about a 2/5

I was initially drawn to this book by its intriguing title, description, and cover. Like our FMC, Dolly, I have a deep love for true crime podcasts, shows, and lore. The first half of the book is morbidly dark, ironically hilarious, and brimming with suspense. However, the second half almost felt like an entirely different story—slowing down to a heartfelt pace and losing the tension that initially captivated me.

Our MMC, Jake, is a fascinating character, though my feelings about him are hard to pin down. I think I like him, but he's complex enough to leave me uncertain.

Despite the book's clever plot, it's worth noting that there are no actual serial killers, which was a bit disappointing given the initial setup. The description and the story don't quite align, which left me feeling a bit misled.

That said, I genuinely enjoyed getting to know the characters. Kate did a fantastic job making them 4-dimensional—complex, full of feelings, and bursting with personality. Every character, chapter, and twist served a purpose; there were no unnecessary fillers or drawn-out moments.

While this is labeled a romance, it's not what you might expect. It's more of a cat-and-mouse game, filled with obsession and understanding. The relationship unfolds in the unsaid words and subtle gestures rather than traditional romantic moments.

AMAZING. Here I was thinking this was going to just be a book about serial killers but it was so much more. Family, love, grief... I certainly didn't think I would need my tissues with it but I did! I was so pleasantly surprised by this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

This fast-paced, Christmas-themed thriller offers a darkly compelling exploration of intrigue and suspicion as Dolores Dela Cruz, a sharp and observant protagonist, grows increasingly convinced that her new coworker, Jake Ripper, is hiding a murderous secret. Jake, with his unsettling charm, strangler gloves, and an almost-too-perfect demeanor, seems to fit the classic profile Dolores has always imagined for a serial killer. Her curiosity soon becomes an all-consuming obsession, pulling her into a dangerously close examination of Jake’s motives and intentions.

The connection between Dolores and Jake is tense and electric, making each interaction unpredictable and intense. Dolores' blunt, unfiltered approach contrasts with Jake’s calculated charm, creating an atmosphere thick with suspense as she probes deeper into who he really is. Her suspicions are met with Jake's fascination; he recognizes in Dolores someone who might finally understand the secrets he keeps hidden, making each of their exchanges fraught with unspoken tension.

The novel’s Christmas backdrop adds a brilliant layer of irony, painting the unfolding drama in stark contrast to the season’s warmth and festivity. The holiday decorations and cheery office atmosphere feel almost ominous as Dolores edges closer to the truth about Jake. The suspense heightens when Dolores, surprisingly, requests Jake's assistance in disposing of a body, turning their strange connection into a shared, dark alliance that leaves readers wondering just how far each will go.

For readers craving a brisk, suspenseful story layered with tension, dark humor, and holiday irony, this thriller offers a uniquely twisted, unforgettable connection between two characters bound by secrets and suspicion.

Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey is a thrilling and chilling ride that combines elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological intrigue. The story revolves around a group of friends who become embroiled in a deadly game involving serial killers, blurring the lines between reality and a twisted game of survival. Posey's writing is fast-paced and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns that keep readers hooked. The book delves into the psychology of both the characters and the killers they face, offering a dark, suspenseful atmosphere. While some of the scenarios may stretch believability, Serial Killer Games is a captivating, edge-of-your-seat read for fans of thrillers and horror with a psychological twist.

Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey is a dark rom-com with unexpectedly feel-good vibes. I laughed out loud at absurd moments and found myself flipping back to catch details I might have missed as the story took strange, surprising turns.

Dolores dela Cruz & Jake Ripper (I kid you not with this name) both work at the same office building. Where Dolores is dark and moody, Jake is gray and un-noticeable. They end up in the same elevator one day and Dolores is convinced that Jake is a serial killer. He is a temp who blends into the scenery. Dolores is the scary, prickly gal who wears black and no one approaches. As they are walking to their cars together, Jake's gloves are the first thing that Dolores notices and instantly pegs Jake as a serial killer. When she asks him to open his trunk to prove the car in question is his, they begin an interesting back and forth.

Dolores has a corner office in a remote area of the building and no one questions what she does all day so this makes Jake curious. They have an interesting cat and mouse game, breaking into each other's things. What starts as suspicion on both ends, ends up bringing these two loners closer together, as they start a dark romantic flirtation.

The humor is twisted, the interactions are unpredictable, and there’s a twist that caught me off guard—I had to reread parts to fully process it. I’m still not sure if the author is a comedic genius or just a bit unhinged (in a good way). If you’re into romance with a side of morbid humor, this obscure gem will definitely entertain you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this darkly humorous rom-com eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions!

I was really excited to get this ARC and the plot/summary was something I typically enjoy. The writing itself was good, but I wasn't the biggest fan of the plot itself. I felt myself not really caring and liking either MC; I know that given their "professions," they aren't supposed to be very likable, but I typically can still find qualities that I like about them, which I wasn't really able to in this book. It's totally possible that someone else could love this book, but it just wasn't for me.

Major thanks to NetGalley & Berkley for this advanced copy!

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. This book has all the tropes rolled into one !! I loved the dark humor through the whole story . Two co workers who start off as enemies build a strong relationship together. I would say it is a witty dark rom com with great characters . I gave it 4 stars and will be recommending this to my friends .

it immediately sucked me in and i just didnt want to put it down for anything. i think this is a phenomenal debut and i really look forward to checking out what kate releases in the future

This one wasn't for me. I was on board with the dark humor and the concept of it all, but I had trouble figuring out what this wanted to be. There was a dissonance between the macabre tone, the "serial killer" dynamic of the characters, and the emotional resonance of what they were both personally experiencing. As a result, the story was never was able to mesh into a seamlessness.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for my review.

A serial killer in the making or a weird set of skills to maintain relationships. Dodi and Jake are unlikely partners, but keep finding themselves drawn to one another. Heartfelt, emotional and funny, these two find a way to show that no matter how opposed you are to love no amount of "crime" can stop it!

Rating: 2.5

I was intrigued by the title and the cover. I read the summary and could not request fast enough. The first chapter I was laughing out loud and thought I was in for a great read.

Unfortunately, that is not what happened. I had a hard time getting into and keeping up with the story. The POV changes each chapter between Dolores and Jake.

Aunt the mortician, Uncle the Catholic School Principal and rich roommate are Jake’s closest relationships, that is until Dolores.

As the unorthodox relationship between Dolores and Jake all sort of things come to light. It is a wild ride with unexpected twists and turns. There are poignant themes mixed in.

Through the craziness that occurred there was a sweetness that came though. I would be curious how Cat turned out as a teen.

A talented writer, an unexpected story, just maybe not for me.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Berkeley for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.

Happy Reading!

3.5 ✨ rounded up because it kept me engaged.

Received this book as an ARC, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!

This book is labeled as a “suspense” and “thriller,” but definitely doesn’t live up to those categories. It is a romance, definitely a mystery to figure out how all of the pieces fit and who the serial killer it, but about 30% of the way into the book you realize it’s not what you would expect. That’s fine, I guess, unless you were expecting it to be what the blurb and title suggest. It’s a romance. Expect a romance.

Characters were likeable, Aunt Laura was my favorite, a lot of chosen family moments that I also enjoyed. Fast read but also a few random moments that took forever to get through (like the MMC making dinner for a million pages). A good amount of twists that I didn’t expect, a few reveals at the end that felt well supported but not too obvious.

Mostly just disappointed that it took such a sharp turn and wasn’t really a thriller like I expected. I think that if you want to read a book about 2 characters who connect over serial killers briefly and then just fall in love over their quirks, you’d enjoy it, possibly.

It was cute and entertaining but it was really hard for me to get into the actual story, it seemed like it was trying to hard to be funny and sarcastic and have the banter most of the books like this have.