Well I was not expecting that !!!

What a read very fast paced .so many plot twists , my mind was racing,. I look at therapy in a whole new light !! Lol .and it is pretty Gory

Characters jess the main character I found so interesting I felt I needed to help watch her back at times like I was in the story .

The writing perfect honestly it's the first time an author pulled the carpet from under me and still laying on the floor recovering .

Honestly easy gripping 5 stars 🌟

The Serial Killer Support Group
By DB Stephens

This book follows Jess Pendle, a domestic abuse survivor. Jess makes the courageous decision to join a DV support group and meets a wonderful group of woman. After reporting all incidents to police and not getting any help, the females all realise that there’s a vigilante out there targeting their abusers.

💭Review💭
This book was thrilling, fast paced and addictive. With so many unexpected twists I just couldn’t put it down. I loved how the story was told from 3 POV’s: Jess (the survivor of DV), The Caretaker (the vigilante) and Detective Sophie Salam. I loved the relationship between Jess and the other survivors, what an incredible bunch of people. I also liked the relationship between Jess and Sophie and can’t wait to read more about them in the next book😊

Overall this was a brilliant, engaging read that had me rooting for the victims from the outset.

This was an OK read, but read like a young adult novel to me in both how the characters acted and the writing itself. It centers on Jess, who finally gets the nerve to leave her abusive boyfriend, then joins a support group for survivors. Around the same time, someone starts picking off the abusive exes of the women in the group, and you start to also get chapters told from the POV of the lead detective on the case. While it did highlight the fact that society needs to do more to protect women, it didn't do a lot for me personally.

There were a couple red herrings but I was able to figure out pretty early who "the Caretaker" was, and felt frustrated at the way the police were handling the investigation- it did not ring true at all. Some of the murder scenes were pretty violent, if you like that kind of stuff (I can go either way, as long as it's a good story). I also felt like the side story around the policewoman and her daughter was unnecessary and also not fully resolved.

Overall, this one wasn't really for me, but I did appreciate the fact that it sends a clear message that more needs to happen to protect abused partners. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me a chance to review!

Genre: Psychological Thriller / Contemporary Fiction
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

The Support Group is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that explores the complex aftermath of trauma and the unorthodox bonds forged in its wake. At its core, the story centers on a group of women brought together by a shared experience of surviving terrible crimes. What begins as a traditional therapy group quickly evolves into something far more unpredictable and raw when their therapist unexpectedly leaves.

The author deftly navigates the emotional terrain of recovery, grief, and empowerment. Each woman is portrayed with nuance and depth, offering unique perspectives on victimhood, resilience, and justice. As the formal structure of their therapy crumbles, the group must reimagine what support means—and how far they’re willing to go for one another.

The pacing is deliberate, giving space for character development while building an undercurrent of tension. Readers may find themselves questioning moral boundaries as the women’s bond grows stronger—and darker. The novel flirts with themes of vigilante justice, sisterhood, and the gray areas of healing, challenging the reader to consider what true support looks like when institutions fail.

While the ending may leave some wanting a bit more resolution, it’s in keeping with the novel’s exploration of ambiguity and emotional complexity. The Support Group isn’t just a story about surviving trauma—it’s about reclaiming power, even when the methods are messy and unorthodox.

Highly recommended for fans of Big Little Lies, Sharp Objects, or anyone interested in character-driven narratives that blend psychological depth with suspense.

I knew I was going to love this book after I’d read the first page.

The vigilante element i enjoyed so much as we got to slowly find out how they justified what they did and the reason why they started in the first place.

It was difficult to read at times as it describes in detail how the women from the support group have suffered and are still suffering now but the author writes about it in an emphatic way.

It also made me angry about how women are treated and dismissed, which I know so many women will relate to.

I’m excited to see how this story progresses as I think book 2 is in the works.

Serial Killer Support Group is a dark thriller. Jess and her friends all have chilling tales of domestic abuse, but fortunately for the women, “The Caretaker” is out there protecting them. Killing the men who have evaded justice, and exacting revenge of his own.

“The past always catches up with you, one way or another”

This was a really emotive book. It made me angry, sad and everything in between. The short and engaging chapters kept me turning the pages and I felt sympathy for the women in the group. It’s unusual to be on the side of the killer, and I did enjoy that spin.
As the mother of an autistic child, I felt Lottie was a nice bonus character, and the way she was depicted was accurate and well done.

I thought the way we found out who the caretaker was was a bit meh though. I felt that could’ve been a little better done and the book felt longer than I needed to be.

Apart from that, a good 4* read.

“It had been years since he had rested so well, and it told him that what he had done, the suffering he had caused, was justified. He slept like a baby because a bad man has finally faced justice for his crimes… Soon they would know this wasn’t an isolated murder. More would be killed before he was done”

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for my advanced copy.

☆ARC REVIEW☆
Publication date: Available now!


When I'm saying I could not put this one down, I mean I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!!

While tackling such an important topic, domestic violence, D.B. Stephens managed to make me sit on the edge of my seat, while dare I say it, rooting for the serial killer.

If you are a Dexter and Saw(without the gore) fan, I'd highly recommend this heart-pounding vigilante thriller!!

Thank you, NetGalley, D.B. Stephens and HarperCollins UK for an early copy in exchange for a review!!

4,5 stars rounded up to 5

Domestic abuse is a tough subject. I always feel drawn to it because there is so much injustice in the way it works, it is handled, and how people suffering from it are treated.
This book is excellent in his characterization. I truly loved getting to know Jess and the rest of the group. I found myself filled with compassion, with fear, with anger. If an author can make me feel the feels, I am grateful. In a world of tell instead of show, D.B. Stephens showed, and did it so very well.
I flew through the pages and had to pace myself, devouring each chapter and innocently thinking I had gotten things figured out easily. HAHA. No, I was so far off it is laughable.
But what do you do when the system in place fails you?
I loved the blurred lines, the fear changing side, the undercurrent of fear, not only coming from what abusers could so but also from the risks taken by a group of survivors ready to do what it takes.
Only the ending felt a little too much, too rushed, too light after all the risks taken and the processes to ensure no one could ever find out (although definitely, the targeting of those men would have to point at the group anyway!)

I liked this thriller; it was full of mayhem, vengeance & murders.

I really enjoyed the writing style and the atmosphere the author created.

I did guess quite early on who the “caretaker” was but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book!

I’d definitely read more from this author, especially a sequel!

The serial killer support group


A serial killer that stands up for the women who are abused and ignored? Talk about anti hero right? This story definitely has its triggers so be aware friends. I loved the camaraderie, the support, the friendships and the strength that these women showed. Now listen this isn't strength that any woman should have to show in the first place but life doesn't deal it's cards fairly. These women experienced horrible abuse and tried to do something about it. They reported it and tried to protect themselves and the law failed them. While this story is fictional, it brings up real world problems. Women that are abused. According to the statistics, in the US 3 women are murdered by their current or past partner every day. This story may be fictional but the call for change is real. There needs to be a change.

A quick read but not a happy subject matter. It didn’t feel original and there was very little detail into the characters. I was given intimate details of what happened to them but learned very little about who they were.

The cover and title caught my eye on this one as I was looking for new authors to read this spring. Thanks so much for the gifted copy of this one!

I’d seen a few reviews of this on Instagram and felt like I had to add it to my tbr, it didn’t stay there long and I raced through this once I started. It was fast paced, gritty, a little bit gruesome at times but touched on lots of raw and emotive subjects, mainly domestic violence and the survivors of this. Questions are raised as to if it’s right or wrong to punish those who are abusers and it makes you wonder what you’d do if you found yourself in this situation.

When you start reading this it feels like the killer is pretty obvious but I found myself wondering if it was too obvious and therefore could it really be who I thought it was?! As you go on this feeling progresses, and even when you get the reveal the story isn’t over and there are still twists and turns to come. I found myself hooked on this and wanting to reach for my kindle at any moment to read a bit more.

If you enjoy books by Jackie Kabler or Sam Holland you will enjoy this one - to be honest, if you like gritty, fast paced and attention grabbing thrillers then I would definitely recommend you get yourself a copy of this!

The writing style of this book is really basic — and how many times did we have to read the phrase "the serial killer support group?" The "twist" isn't necessarily a twist considering that the title is pretty much a spoiler for the entire book, I also felt like the ending was very rushed and there was no real resolution.

The Serial Killer Support Group
D B Stephens

This was fun escapism at its best. Propulsive plot line and engaging characters make this so easy to binge read.

Whilst there’s definitely complicated subject matters being discussed, it’s thought provoking and adds to the sakes.

Such a good book, i really enjoyed this, i would definitely read another book in the future.
I would have liked a little bit more but really good.

This was a nice fast paced read! The ending is abrupt and leaving some questions unanswered, I’d love if there was a sequel.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarpersCollins UK, One More Chapter for this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thanks for the ARC! The concept behind this one is sharp and original—what starts as group therapy quickly spirals into something darker. The pacing kept me turning pages, and the tension builds well. Some character motivations felt a bit underdeveloped, but the premise delivers on suspense. A solid read for fans of dark, twisty thrillers with a strong hook.

The Serial Killer Support Group is a gripping and emotionally intense thriller that follows Jess Pendle, a domestic violence survivor determined to break the cycle of abuse. When she joins a support group for women who escaped their abusive partners, the story takes a dark turn as a serial killer begins targeting the abusers. The novel tackles difficult themes like systemic failure, morality, and justice, forcing readers to confront the harsh realities survivors face. The bond between the women is powerful and raw, and the suspense keeps you hooked despite some predictable twists.

While the story’s premise is compelling and the subject matter important, the writing occasionally feels a bit one-dimensional, with some characters needing more depth. The ending is abrupt and leaves certain plotlines unresolved, possibly hinting at a sequel. Still, I commend D.B. Stephens for shining a light on domestic violence and the limits of the justice system. Overall, this is a dark, thought-provoking read that explores resilience and the desire to reclaim control in the face of trauma.

Special thanks to NetGalley and HarpersCollins UK, One More Chapter for this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Jess decides to join a support group for domestic abuse victims and she finds support amongst others who have also been ignored by police. Shortly after she joins the group, the men that have hurt these women start getting murdered. The group gets put on hold while police investigate and the women themselves try to figure out what is happening.
This book was a quick read, that discussed serious topics and portrayed female bonds and friendship. The twist was only mildly surprising, but the characters are loveable and I wanted to keep reading.