Thank you to NetGalley, Tasha Coryell & Berkley for a digital galley of Love Letters to a Serial Killer in exchange for an honest review.

Tasha Coryell was not previously an author I was familiar with, but the cover & title of this book grabbed my attention immediately & then once I read the synopsis, I knew I had to give it a go.

My initial thoughts were that it made me think of Love in the Times of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson, which I loved, so here we go!

It was definitely not the same as Alicia's book, which in a way is good, because I love originality.

Hannah, bored & unhappy with her current life seeks something lacking from her life and joins a true-crime forum dedicated to solving the murders of four women. Hannah then begins to write letters to the man, attractive attorney William, who was arrested for the murders. Then William begins to write back. Hannah becomes obsessed with this case & William. She leaves her job and life and travels to Georgia to attend trials and to become a true part of the true-crime obsessed community.

A fifth victim is found murdered while William is in prison and on trial and since he couldn't have possibly done it, the jury finds him not guilty. William and Hannah immediately begin a relationship have fabulous, ordinary, happy relationship. Except, Hannah is still investigating William to make sure he is not truly a serial killer.

I will admit that I'm not a true crime junkie, but I enjoy reading books with characters who are. I'm from Arkansas and a similar situation happened her with the story of the West Memphis Three when Damien Echols was wrongfully convicted & on death row (released in 2011) and his now wife, Lorri Davis, began writing to him while he was incarcerated. They struck up a relationship in married in 1999. So, I know that things like the plot of this story truly do happen in real life.

Then there is the fact that William is very attractive and not who you would look at and think "he's a serial killer" - (cough cough) Ted Bundy.

This story really pulled me in and I could not put it down. I think a lot of that was because I did identify a lot of aspects from real life and that I could see this being a non-fiction book just as much as fiction.

Coryell did a wonderful job of making this feel like something I could flip on the news to see right this very minute. While I was rooting for William & Hannah, like Hannah, I couldn't rest easy until I knew the whole truth about William, because we all know that just because someone is imprisoned, doesn't mean they can't get someone else to commit a murder for them, especially at a time when it would be crucial to their release.

Not everything worked out the way I or Hannah thought it would, but that's not a bad thing.

This story has stuck with me & I'm still thinking about it long after finishing the book, and for me, that says a lot. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves true crime, suspense, mystery, thriller, even romance. And I can't wait for Coryell's next book!

Who are these people giving this book anything other than 5 stars?!?! This is one of the best books I've read in the last year, and I've read around 50. It's also incredibly fucked up, in the most delicious way.

Hannah's life is boring, meaningless, and lonely. Her boyfriend has dumped her, her best friend is engaged, and her job is unfulfilling. Then she becomes obsessed with a serial killer and starts writing him letters, and her life finally has meaning. It also spirals out of control as she loses her job and goes to Georgia for the trial. Society's obsession with true crime is so well done.

I don't want to give too much away, but this book has some great twists. However, what I loved most was how Hannah is constantly worrying if the men in her life to find her attractive and if they love her, even when she's afraid one may kill her (but does he think she's hot? Does her breath smell bad? Will her corpse at least be attractive?) I also loved how the danger turns her on.

I started to read this book more slowly as it went on, because I didn't want it to end. I plan to go back and read it again. It was that good.

Love Letters to a Serial Killer is a good attempt at a serial killer thriller but Tasha Coryell fails to exceed past other thrillers but just makes it ok.

This book is def darker than it seems from the cover and description, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing! I couldn’t put it down.

I don't know what to say about this one. I figured out the twist pretty early on but I still couldn't put it down. I wanted to scream the characters but I miss them now that it's over. This one is a unique take on our cultural obsession with true crime that will have you second-guessing your interest in the subject.

QOTD: Do you read the book blurb before diving in? Or do you go in blind?

Hannah loves true crime and takes to writing a handsome lawyer arrested for killing four women.

Things are going well for Hannah until William, the lawyer, writes back.

The writing soon becomes an obsession. When William is found not guilty, he calls Hannah and the two quickly fall into domestic bliss. Except Hannah can’t quite shake a lingering feeling that William might be guilty.

The synopsis of this book certainly drew me in and had me intrigued. A woman who writes a potential serial killer while he’s on trial then moves in with him once he’s acquitted.

This book wasn’t exactly your normal thriller. For me it was a rather light read, not one that you can really take seriously at all. I found Hannah to be whiny and a bit insufferable, and well, rather unlikeable. I wish she would have had some more redeeming qualities so I could have been drawn into the story more, though, she did seem exactly like the type to be drawn towards a (potential) serial killer.

I found the pacing of this book to be a tad uneven which was frustrating. The last third or so of the book did fly by and the pace quickened up, however when the “twist” was revealed I was disappointed. I’m not one to guess, or want to guess, the twist, so I was saddened to realize that this one played out exactly as I thought it would.

I do think for a debut novel this book has a lot of promise and it will be interesting to see what this author comes up with next!

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group @BerkleyPub and Netgalley @Netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.

3.5 stars from me

#berkleypub #loveletterstoaserialkiller #netgalleyarc #berkleybooks #lightthriller #serialkillerbooks #booksaboutserialkillers

First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley for the ARC of this book. Although the book comes off almost as some type of fanfic, it was entertaining, and I did read it in one sitting. I kind of think it was meant to not be taken seriously, or at least I hope that’s the case! The female protagonist is not very likable, very whiny, and ended up getting on my nerves almost to the point where I wish her demise had been brought about! Not much of a plot twist- not much detail, not overly believable… but despite all that, it was reasonably entertaining..

Love Letters to a Serial Killer is a truly masterful debut novel by Tasha Coryell. For those of us who love true crime, have you ever thought you could solve the case better than those crime experts on TV? This book allows the reader the opportunity to become fully immersed in the Who, where, and why of it all by placing the reader right in to the case along with Hannah. Engaging and masterfully written!

This book was definitely different from other books I’ve read about serial killers. A lot of the twists were predictable though, especially if you read a lot of mystery and thriller books. The main character, Hannah, seemed like a good representation of the type of women who fall in love with strangers in jail or prison. Overall, this book was pretty good and definitely entertaining but a little predictable.

This is a fictionalized version of a woman drawn to a serial killer and what possibly can be going on in her head at the time. To say the protagonist, Hannah, is unlikable is putting it lightly. She may just be more unstable than the killer. The story was interesting but slow going at times. As it got more interesting, it became a little more outlandish to me. The "twist" was not so much a twist. Overall, this was an okay read, just not my personal style. Three stars.

Thank you, Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group, for this ARC.

I’m probably in the minority here but I just couldn’t get into this one. So I DNFed it. I wasn’t a fan of the main character and really thought this was going to be more of a mystery thriller. I wasn’t a fan of the writing. I’m sure others who are more fans of romance books will like this one. It just wasn’t for me. All opinions are solely my own. Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!

The characters are unlikeable and odd. Who writes to a serial killer and then decides to be with them when they get out of jail!? But if that sort of thing is something you find appealing (like me), then this book is for you. This is what happens when a women watches and listens to too many true crime series. The book is a quick, weird read.

This was such a fun book! I had a great time reading it, I absolutely adore the cover and can’t wait to order it and have it on my shelf.

This was a journey in reading knowing the main character was out for self-destruction. I'm not a big mystery/thriller reader, so I'd love to read more and then compare, but for now, I'm still mentally reeling from the whiplash this story provided.

Hannah is not a character who is likable, kind or even has much of an inner life. She feels things for sure, but she doesn't know why others have things she doesn't and doesn't actually care about improving herself or finding out why. This is clearly a device of the book BUT was so hard to read. She was truly a hopeless and aimless sort of character.

Longtime readers will probably catch the surprise/twist ahead of time. And phew that ending. What a ride...

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

I have a confession to make…

I am obsessed and I mean obsessed with serial killers. Why are so many of us obsessed with such awful creatures who have stolen so many lives.

I can’t answer that. Maybe it’s because it seems just so far removed from reality that we are beyond curious as to why they do what they do and we are begging to understand it and cure the crazed!

I spend my evenings either reading thrillers or glued to the TV marathon watching ID Discovery.

I
JUST
CANT
GET
ENOUGH

so when I come across a book that combines my love for serial killers and reading, you know I’m all over it.

This book is absolutely incredible and will blow your mind, Love Letters to a Serial Killer.

Well, that just about knocked my socks off and I’m here for it. After I picked my jaw off the floor I had to sit for a minute to reflect back on what I just read and all I can say is, WOW!

Tasha Coryell, has hit the ground running and can not be stopped.

Check out this teaser :

An aimless young woman starts writing to an accused serial killer while he awaits trial and then, once he’s acquitted, decides to move in with him and take the investigation into her own hands in this dark and irresistibly compelling debut thriller.

Recently ghosted and sick of watching her friends fade into the suburbs, thirty-something Hannah finds community in a true-crime forum that’s on a mission to solve the murders of four women in Atlanta. After William, a handsome lawyer, is arrested for the killings, Hannah begins writing him letters. It’s the perfect outlet for her pent-up frustration and rage. The exercise empowers her, and even feels healthy at first.

Until William writes back.

Hannah’s interest in the case goes from curiosity to obsession, leaving space for nothing else as her life implodes around her. After she loses her job, she heads to Georgia to attend the trial and befriends other true-crime junkies like herself. When a fifth woman is discovered murdered, the jury has no choice but to find William not guilty, and Hannah is the first person he calls upon his release. The two of them quickly fall into a routine of domestic bliss.

Well, as blissful as one can feel while secretly investigating their partner for serial murder…

Big thank you to Berkley, Tasha Coryell and NetGalley for allowing me to read this stunner prior to the big release (June 25, 2024) in exchange for an honest review. My review/post will go live one June 20 @thrillbythepage_

This was an interesting story. It is hard for me to wrap my head around the obsession with serial killers. I was intrigued with this story and felt like it covered the topic well.

Title: "Love Letters to a Serial Killer" - A Messy, Feral Thriller with Dark Intricacies

Tasha Coryell's debut thriller, "Love Letters to a Serial Killer," takes readers on a twisted journey into the mind of an aimless young woman named Hannah, who, in a quest for meaning, starts writing to an accused serial killer. The story unfolds as she immerses herself in a true-crime forum, finding a community determined to solve the murders of four women in Atlanta. The narrative twists when the accused killer, William, is acquitted, and Hannah decides to move in with him, taking the investigation into her own hands.

The blurb, unfortunately, reveals major spoilers that may dampen the curiosity of readers. The unforeseen twist in the final third adds an element of surprise, but the synopsis could be improved by leaving readers to discover the full scope of the mystery.

Hannah, the protagonist, may not be everyone's cup of tea, but her motives offer a unique perspective on the concept of attraction to serial killers. The exploration of "hybristophilia" is a courageous dive into a thought-provoking and contentious real-life topic.

The novel's pacing may falter during the trial segments, but the author successfully picks up the momentum in the last third, concluding with a bizarre resolution that keeps readers on their toes. The blurred lines between the mental states of Hannah and William contribute to the novel's intrigue, leaving readers questioning which character is more disturbed.

Coryell's writing, while not adhering to a basic style, injects a messy, feral energy into the narrative that aligns with recent literary trends. The book, with its dark humor and controversial themes, raises questions about the intentions behind its satire. Is it meant to be funny, self-deprecating, sneering, celebratory, or critical? The reader is left to decide, and the ambiguity may leave some with an uncomfortable feeling.

"Love Letters to a Serial Killer" stands out as an enjoyable debut thriller that offers a different flavor. While it may not appeal to those who prefer a basic writing style, its unique energy and exploration of true crime obsession make it a distinctive addition to the genre. If you're open to a narrative that diverges from the conventional, this debut novel is worth a read, offering a fresh perspective that lingers long after the last page.

I quite liked this. Hannah is feeling rudderless. Not going anywhere in her job, her best friend is getting married, her ex has moved on, & Hannah feels like she’s going nowhere. One day at work, she becomes engrossed in a story about a murder in Georgia. Soon this becomes an obsession with not only the murders, but the man supposedly responsible for them. After she gets fired, she decides to go to the trial. After months of correspondence with the convict, she finally sees him in person. This story becomes about a woman who falls in love with the idea of being involved with someone & wanting one thing, but in fact becomes something different. Not any likable characters, but this was very entertaining.

Hannah is feeling unsatisfied with her life- no boyfriend, no luck dating, and no career to speak of. She finds herself drawn in and fascinated with a true crime serial murder case. When the murderer is captured, she writes him an angry letter without expecting a response. Instead, she finds herself enthralled and falling for the mysterious accused killer.

I loved this unique thriller! Although Hannah isn’t especially likable, you can see through her thoughts and narration how she is drawn into the case and becomes obsessed with William. She’s lonely and doesn’t see herself or the world realistically, and she’s certainly a fascinating narrator. I loved how the book was written in parts and skips around a bit in time to tell the story. There are some excellent plot twists and red herrings along the way to the exciting final chapters. I’d encourage readers to go in blind so nothing is spoiled and the wild ride can be enjoyed.

Thank you to Tasha Coryell, Berkley, and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.