The Serial Killer Support Group, by D. B. Stephens
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Happy pub day !!

I requested this book solely for the title, because how could a thriller lover resist?!
The book follows a group of domestic abuse survivors who are trying to find comfort and move forward through attending a support group. The mysterious and elusive “Caretaker” starts to seek out their abusive ex-partners - attacking them, killing them, and sharing about their abusive nature online.
This was easy to immerse myself in and had my interest from page one. Short chapters, multiple points of view, suspicious side characters, emotional topics and dark vibes. Reading about such a serious, heavy subject really left you rooting for the ‘bad guy’ to do some vigilante shit.
There’s a reason that all the reviews popping up have been great!! I’m excited to see where this series will go after this, as I was pretty invested in these characters. More Sophie Salam would only be a good thing IMO??

Thank you netgalley and onemorechapterhc for the ARC 🫶🏼

I was drawn by the synopsis of The Serial Killer Support Group and it started off well. It begins with a focus on Jess, a victim of domestic violence, who, when she is failed by the justice system joins a support group for those impacted by domestic violence. I found the parts of the novel that focused on Jess and the other women well written and insightful, However when the narrative switched to the ‘Caretakers’ point of view I felt the novel lost focus and impact.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

Thank you so much to the publisher/author for this ARC!
I tried to start this one and just could not get into it enough to stay interested. The cover and title were both very intriguing so I’m disappointed that I was a bit uninterested in the story once I got into it. I will likely try to pick it up again maybe in the future, but for now I would say that I wouldn’t recommend.

Thank you for letting me read and review this book on Netgalley.

Rating: 2.5 Stars
Genre: Thriller
POV: Multi-POV

Thoughts: I really wanted to like this book but something was missing. I struggled to continue reading this book even though the premise was really interesting but it didn't work for me. I can't quite pinpoint what it was as I normally love books like this.

As the first book in a series, it introduces the characters and how they become involved in the support group. Insightfully written, it focuses on survivors of domestic violence and highlights the inadequacies of legal retribution and the need for justice. The issues explored are contemporarily relevant and disturbing, but the book is immersive and makes you question the right thing to do. I invested in the characters and their emotions and motivations.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

75% of abusers don't get charged. After being beaten, Jess dares to report her boyfriend to the hospital. Instead of it being a relief and closure, he starts stalking her and making threats. The nightmare is far from over. To cope with what happens, she starts attending a support group for abused women. One by one, the men who hurt the members and escaped justice start being punished by a 'caretaker'.
Such a fast-paced thriller, it gave me chills, and I finished it in one sitting. I can't recommend this enough, it deserves more popularity.

This book tackles heavy subject matter such as domestic violence, survivor trauma, and the failure of institutional justice systems, with admirable boldness. For a large part of the book, it succeeds. The emotional impact of the women’s stories is raw and powerful, and the vigilante setup taps into something deeply cathartic, even if the moral lines are deliberately blurred.

The twist surrounding the Caretaker is clever and surprising, but for me, it also marked the point where the novel began to unravel slightly. The emotional focus gives way to a more familiar cat-and-mouse thriller structure that feels less compelling than the themes the first half promised. The truth about the Caretaker drifts into near-superhero territory, which is a stretch that doesn’t quite align with the grounded, trauma-informed setup. It weakens the overall believability of the narrative.

Jess, the protagonist, is one of the more convincing characters, and her arc is strong in the first sections of this book. It's Jess that best displays the emotional strength of this book, probably because her story is first person POV and fresh in the eye of the reader. But her shift into darker territory felt abrupt. I had expected her to take on a more complex role—perhaps trying to expose or challenge the group from within—and was surprised when that nuance was lost.

The book raises important questions about justice, survival, and systemic failure. Even though it doesn’t always explore these themes deeply enough, I don't know if the needs to accept that role. I'm on the fence with that. However, I do feel that the portrayal of law enforcement often feels a little too surface-level, missing the opportunity to show why the system fails and how it could be challenged or improved. I also felt the police were written as very hands off on the investigation, something almost alien in feel compared to how police would normally react to crimes such as explored in the story.

This is a hard book to review because criticizing its structure or tone risks seeming dismissive of the painful realities it represents. But stories that tackle serious topics still deserve the same narrative scrutiny as any other genre. And while this book is emotionally striking and timely, it struggles to maintain its initial momentum and leaves behind some of its most interesting ethical and psychological questions.

I appreciate the difficulty an author faces when writing this type of story, trying to find the correct tone and balance, and trying to write with care and empathy.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

D.B. Stephens delivers a tension-filled, darkly humorous ride in "The Serial Killer Support Group," expertly weaving a narrative that grips the reader from the very first page. The premise sparks intrigue: a support group for women who have survived the horrors inflicted by serial killers. Jess Pendle, our central character, sets out to find common ground with others who have faced unimaginable trauma, but what begins as a healing journey quickly spirals into something sinister.

The book's premise is both compelling and unsettling. As Jess and her newfound companions turn to unconventional methods of support after their therapist departs, the narrative takes a sharp turn into the macabre. The transformation from a therapeutic environment to a deadly pact raises questions about morality, revenge, and the lengths one will go to assert control over their own narrative. This blend of psychological depth and thriller elements keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly flipping pages to discover what comes next.

Stephens excels in character development, breathing life into each member of the support group. Jess is relatable and raw, allowing readers to connect with her struggles and anxieties. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of the other women provide rich layers to the story, as they each bring their own complexities to the table. The bonds they form, forged in trauma and marred by bloodshed, create an interesting dynamic that keeps the reader invested in their fate.

The writing style is sharp and engaging, with dialogue that feels authentic and reveals the tension simmering beneath the surface. Stephens deftly balances moments of levity with darker themes, offering readers a chance to catch their breath before plunging back into the intense narrative. The pacing is well-executed, propelling the story forward while allowing for moments of reflection that delve into the psychological impact of their shared experiences.

However, "The Serial Killer Support Group" is not without its flaws. At times, the plot veers into predictability, with several twists that seasoned thriller readers may see coming a mile away. Additionally, some readers may find the premise hard to swallow, as it blurs the lines between comedy and horror in a way that may not resonate with everyone. Nevertheless, Stephens manages to keep the tone balanced enough to retain the story's gripping nature.

In conclusion, "The Serial Killer Support Group" is a thrilling exploration of trauma, survival, and the often darkly humorous paths we take to heal. D.B. Stephens has crafted a unique and engaging narrative that challenges societal perceptions of victimhood and empowerment. For fans of psychological thrillers with a twist of dark comedy, this book is definitely worth picking up. Justice may be served, but the journey to get there is one that readers won't soon forget.

This book was absolutely amazing. Five stars! I need a moment to simply gather my thoughts and to figure out how to word my review because it was that good! It got me out of my comfort zone of romance and sooooooo good.

4⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an advanced copy of The Serial Killer Support Group.

Jess has been in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend Lewis for too long and one night in the ER she is approached by staff who want to help her and she admits to what he has been doing to her. They give her the card to a support group and she goes and meets the other members of the group. She is still being stalked and harassed by Lewis and the police seem to be doing nothing about it. She leans on the other members of the group for strength. When members of the groups abusers are being attacked a vigilante named The Caretaker takes responsibility because the police failed to get justice for the women so The Caretaker decided to get justice for the women.

This was a good thriller/suspense read. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. I would check your trigger warnings before reading.

Wow, I went into this book blindly. I'm so glad I was accepted as a reviewer of this book because it did not disappoint. I felt bad for Jess and all the women and men who were dealing with the domestic violence, but once the caretaker came in I felt like the women were at least getting some justice for what they had gone through. This book honestly is a good representation of what it's like to be dealing with domestic violence because most of the times the police don't do anything until it's too late or someone almost dies or does die.

This book was amazingly written and kept me wanting more, I didn't want the caretaker to disappear.

Thankyou to NetGalley and One More Chapter/HarperCollinsUK for giving me the opportunity to read The Serial Killer Support Group.

The title instantly drew me in and it did not disappoint. I went into this book without finding out too much what it was about which kept me hooked from start to finish. The chapters are mainly short which I love as you always have time for one more chapter. Just when you think you have figured out what the twist is, I was surprised to learn that I was completely wrong. A well written suspenseful thriller.

I would recommend everyone to read this book as it highlights what struggles many people today are still having to face with the justice system failing them. I want to praise the author for managing to bring awareness to domestic violence and the changes that still need to happen.

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My thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Serial Killer Support Group’ written by D B Stephens in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

After suffering abuse from her boyfriend Lewis culminating in a visit to A&E on New Year’s Eve, Jess reports him to the police and plucks up the courage to attend a support group where she meets similar-minded women. One by one the women’s abusive partners are targeted by The Caretaker, a vigilante who believes in an eye for an eye, and rather than being repeatedly pulled in for questioning by DS Sophie Salam, the group is closed and Jess, Hannah, Madison and Kelly meet up at one of their homes to continue supporting each other.

‘The Serial Killer Support Group’ is an outstanding thriller of domestic abuse and those suffering at the hands of a partner. As soon as I opened my Kindle I knew I was going to love it, especially as it’s written by Darren O’Sullivan whose books I always enjoy, and the further I read the more I was supporting The Caretaker as I couldn’t help but want him to succeed in meting out retribution on the men who think it’s okay to abuse their partners. As I continued reading there was a huge twist that I didn’t see coming that completely changed the direction of the story but by then I was unable to stop reading as I had to know who The Caretaker was and who he was going to choose next. This thriller is cleverly thought-out and fully deserving of five stars and I hope I’m right in thinking this is only the first in a brand new series ‘Secret Vigilante’ in which case I’m so looking forward to reading book two.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Jess has been abused by her boyfriend and finally gets the support group help she needs to walk away from the abusive relationship. Jess finally feels like there is a chance of normal life. But it does not come easy and fast because abusers never want to be wrong and don't let go easily. The only way how to stop them is to kill them...

This was a fast-paced, action thriller with short chapters and a satisfying ending. I loved how after their therapist left, the women of the support group close the blinds and found a new, and altogether more deadly way to support each other. Revenge is definitely sweet for this group! I loved the characters and the overall theme of abuse against women not being tolerated. Definitely a wild read with a very satisfying conclusion!

Jess attends a support group for women who have gone through domestic abuse like her and is determined to get past it all. But soon the support group takes a darker turn when someone called The Caretaker takes justice into their own hands.

The title of this one intrigued me and I knew I had to read it. This ended up being a really quick, fun read and is one of those books that is best to go straight into, without knowing too much beforehand. I really liked the premise of it being focused around a support group and the message that the author tries to convey. The story is told in different voices and I especially liked the chapters told by The Caretaker. Even though at times this felt far fetched, it ended up being an easy to read, dark, entertaining thriller. I would like to see what the author comes up with next. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

After Lewis has attacked Jess Pendle in their home so badly, she has to go to hospital to have her injuries looked at. Whilst there, the doctor gives Jess a leaflet for a support group. Jess joins the group and finds support from the other women. Soon afterwards, there are mysterious attacks on the exes that have ties to the women within the group. The police become involved and they begin to investigate who could be doing these incidents. I loved how the women interacted with each other and how strong they were. The story is told using multiple points of view. It was dark in places with a few moments of hiding behind a pillow case, and lots of tension, which led to a dramatic ending.

3.5 stars! This was a great read if you are looking for a revenge justice moment! It kept me hooked majority of the time, but there were moments I found it not as gripping for me. With that said, it definitely was a good book but I was expecting a bit more.

Insightful take on domestic violence and the aftermath; the mentions of the cost on victims (paying for ubers, etc) was well done. A tale of how far people will go to escape and in particular when the systems around them don't protect them.

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From the moment I started The Serial Killer Support Group, I was hooked! 🪝 D.B. Stephens delivers a gripping narrative that holds your attention and keeps you guessing.

Stephens cleverly weaves multiple points of view into the narrative making it feel fresh and dynamic. The pacing is propulsive; I found myself racing through the chapters like a like a bowl of popcorn! 🍿

The way the book tackles such a tough subject is impressive, it’s both thought-provoking and engaging.

“𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮, 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴: 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴.”

The descriptive writing is top-notch—you can almost feel the protagonist’s anxiety radiating off the pages. I found myself holding my breath during tense moments, which is quite the feat when you’re trying to read while sipping coffee. 😳 Spoiler alert: coffee and anxiety don’t mix!

Overall, this well-crafted thriller combines clever storytelling with great pacing. If you’re looking for an entertaining and mind-bending read, this one’s for you! Just be ready to clear your schedule; you won’t want to put it down!

Thank you Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review. 🙏🏽

The premise of this was really good, but the execution wasn’t fantastic. I found myself getting bored in parts and came quite close to DNFing a few times.