This was a fun read! I was instantly drawn in by Jack and Dodi—their banter was sharp, dark, and genuinely hilarious. I won’t discuss plot details to avoid spoilers, but the story was unpredictable, heartwarming, and an absolute delight. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

This book was really interesting and not at all what I was expecting based off of the title. The characters had a lot more layers to them and while once I got into it there were a few things that were predictable, I really wanted to read through to the end to see what happened for each of them.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this!

I didn't pay attention to the genre and was expecting a lot more serial killer shenanigans and actual deaths but with a fun romance twist. Instead it was more romance, but oh my GOD I really enjoyed it anyway. It was such a fun ride with characters I absolutely love and cherish and its delightful.

I genuinely never knew where this story was going at any time, and I was so impressed at how this all unfolded. I went into this book expecting a straightforward true-crime-like romance that focused on a serial killer and fanatic. What I did not expect was this darkly humorous yet super heartfelt tale that delved into family, identity, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams.

This book had such a unique narrative voice that drew me in immediately. Both Dolores and Jake had such distinct inner monologues, and I really appreciated how the style morphed throughout the novel. At first, it feels like both are pretty unreliable narrators and they feel very ambiguous, but they find themselves more and more grounded as the book progresses-- both in detail and in voice. Just when I thought I knew what was happening or I guessed something about each, I was proven wrong. They also had such a delightfully bizarre dynamic together and a twistedly delightful style of banter. It was so perfectly dark yet full of levity. The side characters were also just as engaging, and they were all so unabashedly unique in their own twisted ways. Half the fun of this book is the surprise factor, so I will leave it at that...

And finally, that ending just totally shocked me with how emotional I felt and how heartfelt it ended up being. Again, it was all so surprising (but all the twists still felt believable, which I really appreciated), and I was entertained from cover to cover. Posey did a phenomenal job of keeping the characters and specificities hazy and amorphous to create the tone, but then she grounded it all in a way that made me care so deeply for each character by the end. This was such an easy book to get lost in, and I just wanted to read on and unfold more of the puzzle with each page and revelation.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the chance to read this ARC. It was such an adventure of a book, and I absolutely loved it!

The plot for Serial Killer Games had so many twists and turns that I was left guessing as to how it was going to end until the last few chapters. If you love banter as much as I do, this book delivers! Highly recommend reading!

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an ARC of this book for my honest review.

If I could give this more than five stars, I would! I absolutely LOVED this book. With fun murder banter about killers in the workplace, a great storyline keeping you guessing, and a well-rounded ending, this book had it all. It wasn’t exactly what I was expecting and was more of a romcom with a side of suspense and murder, but it was exactly what I needed and I was happy and sad at finishing the story because I loved the closure it gave but needed to read more Jake and Dodi!

I would highly recommend adding this to your TBR for when it comes out. Great for a laugh, some heartfelt moments, and murder talk, keeping you in an awesome suspense the first half.

#netgalley #serialkillergames

Thanks to the publisher guy the opportunity to read this. However, it's very similar to a book I read earlier this year (It Had to Be You) and I'm finding it hard to not make comparisons and feel like I'm reading a fresh take on the killers-falling-in-love premise. This is just making me want to read the other book.

3.5/3.75 🌟

I thought this was a super fun unique read. I enjoyed the nod to true crime and the way it’s become an obsession in our culture. There were also some fantastic misleads and innuendos and it was fun figuring out where this was going

Sometimes it just got a little too convoluted and confusing. And some of the relationship stuff I thought could have been fleshed out more.

Overall I enjoyed it, and I think being a debut it’s going to get a lot of love. Would recommend

Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey offers a gripping and suspenseful narrative that blends elements of psychological thriller with crime fiction. The premise, centered around a dangerous game involving serial killers, is intriguing and keeps the tension high throughout the story. However, at times the pacing feels uneven, with certain scenes dragging on while others feel rushed, making it harder to maintain a steady sense of suspense. The characters, while interesting, could benefit from deeper development, as some motivations and backstories remain underexplored, leaving them feeling a bit one-dimensional. Despite these flaws, Serial Killer Games is an engaging, fast-paced read that will appeal to fans of thrillers, offering plenty of twists and turns to keep readers hooked.

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.