I was drawn to this book by the title and it didn’t disappoint.

Jess Pendle leaves her abusive boyfriend Lewis and finds a support group for victims of domestic violence. When the ex partners of several of the group are attacked the Police link them and Jess is left to question if she would want Lewis to be attacked by the vigilante ‘The Caretaker’

The author weaves some shocking statistics on domestic violence into the plot to help explain some of the characters actions.

I presumed the author was female due to the realistic way that the characters and their relationships with each other have been written. I was pleasantly surprised to find out the author is male.

The book leaves the reader pondering what they would do if they were in the same situation and if two wrongs make a right.

I was so excited when I reached the end to find out it is the first in a series and the can’t wait to catch up with the characters and see what happens next!

I really enjoyed this book. Didn’t think it would keep me hooked but I could not put this down. Will definitely keep an eye out for more books from this author. Thank you!

I have read a few of Darren's books over the last year or two, some of his older work and some of his newer releases and honestly I am yet to come across one that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed.

This story follows Jess who joins a domestic abuse support group in hope of helping her heal and cope with her ex's abuse. She becomes good friends with the other women in this group. Shortly after killings start by someone called 'The Caretaker'. The Caretaker is killing the other women's abusive exes.

This might possibly be my favourite read by Darren so far! This book was only released a few days ago and I really recommend it!

Jess has finally had enough. Her boyfriend has hit her and put her in the hospital for the last time. She decides to tell the police and her family about the abuse she's been subjected to. Unfortunately, the police are barely any help and she continues to be victimized and threatened by her boyfriend. Jess decides to reach out to a support group for victims of domestic violence. But there's something odd going on with this support group. Injury and death are occurring to the various partners and spouses who abused them, by someone known in the media as "The Caretaker." Is this group a blessing or a curse?

This was a really good book about women finding ways to take back their power when the system fails them. You really feel for the women and men suffering from domestic violence, and all the fight they go through to leave their partners and get help.

*** I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ***

This book offers a powerful and unsettling exploration of morality, systemic failure, and the limits of justice. It challenges readers to reconsider deeply held assumptions about what is right versus wrong, fair versus unjust, particularly within the context of domestic violence and institutional neglect.

The narrative presents a haunting question: What recourse does one have when they’ve followed every rule, made every “right” choice, and yet find themselves unprotected by the very systems meant to ensure their safety? In that sense, the book mirrors the psychological tension seen in films like 1st Joker, inviting readers to grapple with the uncomfortable gray area between victimhood and resistance.

Although I anticipated the ending, the journey there was compelling, emotionally charged, and worthy of continued discussion. This would be an excellent book club selection, as it naturally lends itself to thoughtful debate on ethics, resilience, and systemic accountability.

Trigger warning: The book deals with themes of domestic violence and murder.

Domestic violence is a crime with so many elements; the scars are deep and sometimes never heal. In THE SERIAL KILLER SUPPORT GROUP, a group of DV victims come together to work through their thoughts and feelings. They are victims, yet the men who abused them and the systems meant to keep them safe have failed them. The group gives them a safe space to vent. Then one of the abusers is killed, and then another. The group now has a "Caretaker" who is giving revenge as they all had wished at one time or another.
The characters here are developed so well that your heart breaks for them each time they are hurt. Their fear and despair when their abusers are not punished stirs anger and disbelief in a system meant to protect them. When the Caretaker starts meting out revenge, you find it hard not to cheer. There are several stories left unfinished at the end, a book #2 would find many readers ready to see what happens next.

It took me a but to get into it and then I enjoyed it. However, I did notice a change between the first half and the second. Whereas I could sympathise with all the women and their reasons to do what they were doing, there wasn't a single character I liked. I liked the fact that t they took it into their own hands to solve a problem we have in real life that is getting no solution. Overall, it was an entertaining read.

This was such a good book. As a survivor, myself, of domestic violence, I recognized myself while reading. The fear is real. The learning to do what is asked immediately or suffer immensely is real. This book took me right back to when I was in the thick of the abuse. I love that the hero became a legacy and that women's voices were heard. I will say, I didn't care for the open ending. I felt some things were left unsaid and unfinished. It was a nice twist at the end, but to give that twist and then just end the book? Not a fan. Overall the book was a gripping read and I'd recommend.

This book took a while to get started for me. the first chapter was great but it was a slow going book for a while. You piece together a couple peoples lives together through the view points of two characters switching back and forth. It's not your standard serial killer book and you see a lot of really great character development for very many characters. it also sheds light on issues surrounding domestic violence and the issues behind reporting them and what the abuser goes through trying to get away from their abuser. overall a good book

I love a good serial killer book and I wasn't disappointed with this one. This book deals with domestic violence, control and coercion so if this is a trigger, I would probably stay away.

Despite moments where it is a little slow in pace, "The Serial Killer Support Group" is a gripping and thought-provoking story of a group of resilient women, domestic violence survivors let down by the police, who find solace and support in their shared experiences. The story takes a dark turn as the mysterious Caretaker intervenes, seeking revenge on their abusers in rather graphic ways.

This is a powerful exploration of social injustice and the desire for revenge which, whilst the subject matter was difficult to read (but sadly all to familiar for thousands of women), I enjoyed it and was rooting for the women and the Caretaker. The major twist wasn't a surprise for me but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of this book and I am eager to find out where the next one takes us.

Many thanks to the author, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, the first book in a new series.

This psychological thriller is so dark and macabre!

Touching on heavy topics of domestic violence and the impact it takes on the victims was a bit hard to get through but it effectively conveyed the gravity of the issue. Jess and DS Salam added a compelling dynamic to the story that was greatly appreciated.

There are moments of graphic detail, but they didn't distract from the overall experience. If you enjoy thrillers and don't mind the darkness, then I suggest you give this a peek.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, Harper Collins, and One More Chapter for the ARC!

This thriller begins with Jess Pendle making the brave move to ask for help after ending up in the hospital getting stitches thanks to her abusive partner, but the police don't seem to be able (or even very willing) to take her complaints very seriously. The support group she joins is much more helpful, providing her with new friends who understand what she has gone through and help her regain her confidence. But when the abusive ex-partners of several group members are attacked, the police start to look harder at the group and the men around them. The story is told from several perspectives, mostly that of Jess and the detective in charge of the attacks, Sophie Salam, and I found myself in the awkward position of rooting for both sides. The author does a good job or providing the perspective and mindset of women who are victims of domestic violence, putting the reader in their head to understand why they stay in the relationship and the real fear they face if and when they try to leave. The author's note at the end suggests there will be another book with at least some of the same characters, and I will definitely be on the lookout for it.

Dark, daring, and absolutely gripping — Serial Killers’ Support Group is the kind of thriller that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. D.B. Stephens serves up a powerful, emotionally-charged page-turner that weaves vigilantism, trauma, and justice into a razor-wire-tight plot.

At its core, this is a story about women — survivors of abuse — and what happens when their abusers start turning up dead. The mysterious killer who begins offing these men doesn’t just leave bodies behind, but cryptic videos for the police, raising the stakes with every chilling message. It’s part murder mystery, part social reckoning, and entirely addictive.

Stephens masterfully balances suspense with heart, never sensationalizing the violence but instead giving weight to the experiences of the women at the center. The tension builds like a pressure cooker, and even when you think you’ve figured it out — trust me, you haven’t.

Clever, cathartic, and wickedly satisfying, this book earns every one of its five stars. Read it with the lights on — and maybe with a glass of wine ready for when you finish.

I really enjoyed this book, while the topic was quite heavy, domestic violence, the story moved quickly. Swapping between the main storyline about women who are victims of domestic violence and The Caretaker the book highlights the lack of support the women were receiving from the police when reporting what had happened to them. Whilst I thought I knew who The Caretaker was from the start, I was definitely on the wrong track and liked the twists the book had in it.

A unique and addictive thriller with just the right mix of tension and dark humor. The concept feels fresh, and the pacing keeps you hooked from start to finish. Clever twists and memorable characters make it a standout. A fun, unsettling ride.

I wasn’t sure where this was going at first but then it all made sense. Jess is in an abusive relationship and finally has enough and joins a support group for abused women. Exes start being attacked, and then one is killed. There’s obviously a connection to their group but what could it be?
I thought I knew but I was so wrong.
The book began a bit slowly, but it then picked up pace nicely. The story took an unexpected turn, and the ending was intriguing, though I had hoped for a different one.
I found the book well-written and easy to relate to the characters.
I received this book as a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

"Justice will be served..."

The Serial Killer Support Group by D B Stephens is a gripping and engaging psychological thriller that skillfully explores the themes of trauma, survival and healing.

When Jess Pendle arrives at the hospital one New Year's Eve, her boyfriend Lewis is right by her side, seemingly a caring partner to his injured girlfriend. When questioned what happened, Jess repeats the rehearsed lie for the doctor, "I tripped over the laundry basket". After her face is stitched up she is given a piece of paper for a women's support group. Jess doesn't have any intention of attending the group, but when Lewis starts harassing and stalking her she decides to give it a shot. Every Friday these women meet and share stories about how they are trying to survive an abusive relationship, often with no help from the police. Soon Jess starts to feel comfortable enough to share her story and is happily welcomed into the group. Meanwhile, a vigilante known as The Caretaker is going after men who are abusive towards their partners, attacking some, killing others, and sharing the reasons why online. When the ex-partners of several of the women in the group are targeted, suspicion shifts to one of the workers at the center where the group is held. As the police race to uncover the identity of The Caretaker, will Jess finally be free from Lewis's abuse?

First off, this book deals with domestic violence and the painful reality of being a victim. If this is triggering to you, just be aware of the heavy topics. This is a great book that is packed full of not just emotional depth but also some twists that pull the rug out from under you!! Told in three different POVs, Jess, Detective Salam who is investigating the case, and the elusive Caretaker. I don't want to go into too much detail, (no spoilers here!!) but take my word for it, check this book out!! Also it will be interesting to see if there is a sequel on the way?!?!

Thank you to NetGalley, D B Stephens, and One More Chapter for this ARC!! Publication date is May 8th 2025.

Thank you Harper Collins UK., One More Chapry and Netgalley for this ARC! When Jess finally has enough of being abused by her boyfriend, she finally asks for help and moves out, finding a support group was a big step forward and she finds a solace with the other women in her group. All of a sudden the abusers of the women are coming up beaten or dead. What is going on and who is the Caretaker taking responsibility for the deaths? A great page turner you won’t be able to put down with a lot of great twists and turns!

After Jess Pendle's boyfriend beats her so badly that he has to take her to the emergency room, Jess has finally had enough of his abusive behavior. When they slip her a paper for a women's support group, at first she has no intention of going. But after he continues to stalk her, she decides to give it a try. It is after group is over for the night, that the real work begins..... because these women have found a new, and altogether more deadly way to support each other…
This book was excellent. It was told in the viewpoints of the various members, as well as someone known as "the caretaker". You don't find out for sure who "the caretaker" is until over halfway through the book. I love the idea of vigilante justice, especially for abused women. Keep in mind, there are scenes of abuse in the book, if that is a trigger for you. The way the book ended, kind of left it open for the potential of a second book. I have my fingers crossed! If you love a good mystery/thriller, then you should definitely check this out.

The Serial Killer Support Group, by D. B. Stephens
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

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 🫶🏼