What happens when a couple who once bonded over their shared love of murder tries to retire and live the suburban dream? Enter A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage, a darkly entertaining thriller that combines domestic drama with an irresistible dose of twister humour. This was my January book from my Goldsboro Crime Collective subscription and, once again, it had me hooked from start to finish.
What I Loved
- The Deliciously Dark Humour: This book is packed with sharp wit that had be grinning in even the bloodiest of moments. Haze’s snarky internal monologue is pure gold, especially when she’s wrestling with the absurdity of suburban mum life versus her far-from-ordinary past. The banter between Haze and her new friend Jenny was another highlight – their chalk-and-cheese dynamic brought some fantastic moments of comedy.
- A Compelling (if Unconventional) Couple: Haze and Fox are deeply flawed but strangely lovable. Their relationship is riddled with tension and resentment, yet there is this undeniable chemistry that makes you want to root for them. The fact that their bond was built on murder makes their struggles with everyday family life oddly relatable in a twisted way.
- The Pacing and Plot Twists: From the first chapter, the story rockets forward, blending past and present as Haze and Fox’s secrets unravel. The tension builds steadily, with just the right balance of humour and danger. Every time I thought I knew where things were heading, Mackay threw in a curveball that had me flipping pages faster than I’d planned.
My Reflections
What I found especially clever was how Mackay explored the impact of past trauma and identity through these characters. Haze’s frustration with her dull domestic life felt real, even if her murderous itch isn’t exactly common (thankfully!). The book plays with the idea of addiction – in this case, the thrill of the kill – and how leaving behind something that once defined you isn’t always so simple. While I adored Haze’s chaotic energy, Fox’s quieter, methodical nature added a great counterbalance.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of dark comedies or thrillers with twisted protagonists, this one’s for you. It’s fun, sharp, and just the right amount of messed-up. The family that slays together stays together…but only if they can survive each other first.
Books With Megz 