2.5 stars rounded down
I really don't know where to start with reviewing this book. I guess I'll mention first that, in line with both how it ended, along with what I read in the afterword, even though it is not advertised as such, this is actually the start of a new series. Which would also answer the question as to why the author is writing it under a different name to the one he usually writes under. Now where I love Darren O'Sullivan's other books, and am a big fan of his as an author, this book just really didn't do it for me at all...
The blurb is quite misleading, as is the title and, when I got going, I also found other things included which duped me as a reader. All of which probably wouldn't be as much of a problem as it was, had the actual story being told not been as eye-rolly and contrived as I found it to be.
The premise was good. We started off well enough. With Jess trying to escape Lewis's clutches. All of which is extremely well written. I really can not praise the author enough for this aspect, especially wrt the way the law handles such things. However, it's after she joins the support group that things go a bit south for me. Especially wrt the parts written by The Caretaker... I rolled my eyes when I discovered the truth about all that, I can tell you.
So... I hear you ask... why, if it was irking me pretty much all the way through did I not just sack it off? Well... that's easy. Despite all the eye rolling, and irkesome stuff, I was actually invested in the story and really wanted to know how the author was going to end it all. Which was why when I got to the rather abrupt and inconclusive ending and subsequently read what I did about it being a series, it only irked me the more.
So... yeah... be warned about all the above. I think if I knew it was a series opener and that resolution would not be forthcoming I would have probably enjoyed the book much more than I did. As for whether I will continue with the series, well, the jury is still out there...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Firstly, wow. This book is incredible!

A support group for women who are victims of domestic abuse where the members find their abusers falling victim themselves to a vigilante serial killer.

This is a dark, heartbreaking but gripping read. Full of vigilante justice making up for a broken system that has let these women down. It's almost too close to reality in how our justice system works and will have you cheering the killer, raising the moral dilemma of are vigilantes good.

We follow Jess, our main female character, who navigates leaving her abusive boyfriend. Through her we get to know the other members of the support group, all with their own horrifying stories of the abuse they've endured. My heart broke for these women.

The killers POV is introduced, showing us his motives and how he carefully plans each attack. The author does such a good job of making us care about this character. It's hard to not side with, and root for him.

I was on the edge of my seat and could not stop turning the pages wanting more and more of this story. The twists hit me out of nowhere! I was not expecting it.

I did end the book feeling there were a few loose ends however I have learnt that this is the first in the secret vigilante series by this author so I'm excited to see if these get tied up in future books.

Thank you to One more chapter for this NetGalley advanced copy.

Well then!!!! I was pleasantly pleased with this book!
I’m a sucker for a book with a serial killer in it so I had to get this one. This kept me hooked from start to finish. It was suspenseful and filled with delicious tension. I loved how twisty it was, and I loved the characters and how morally gray they were. Gotta love a good revenge justice book.!!!

The Serial Killer Support Group follows a group of women who have suffered and survived domestic violence. Despite repeatedly seeking help from the police, justice was never served. They find comfort in each other by sharing their stories in a support group for victims. But when the mysterious Caretaker begins targeting the men who hurt them, the story takes a dark and vengeful turn.

Although the pacing felt slow at times, this is an engaging and thought-provoking tale of social injustice and revenge, told in a dark and graphic style.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the advance reader’s copy.

This was a great read, I couldn't put it down. I cannot wait for the next one. the story was addicting

I was expecting a bit more for this book. Some sections really drags, particularly for the genre. The domestic violence angle was well done and realistic. For a thriller, however, this book was lacking. There was a lot of repetition, and the twist was a bit lackluster. This book could definitely be triggering for some readers, so keep that in mind the topic.

If you love creepy, twisted, and sinister......READ THIS BOOK! I"m sure she never expected her support group to be like this one!

This is one of those books that dives deep into the murky space between right and wrong — where nothing is purely black or white, but gray doesn’t feel like the answer either. If that sounds confusing, that’s exactly why you should read it.

The story explores morally complex themes, especially around relationships, control, and personal boundaries. It touches on issues that may resonate — or unsettle — readers who have experienced emotional manipulation or abuse. That said, the author handles the subject with surprising restraint. While certain scenes are gritty and emotionally raw, the writing remains accessible and, at times, even light in tone. It's never gratuitous, and never splatter — just sharp, thoughtful, and haunting in its quiet moments.

Despite its heavy core, I found it to be a compelling and strangely easy read. It made me question my own perceptions more than once, and lingered with me long after I turned the last page.

If you enjoy fiction that makes you uncomfortable in the best way — by forcing you to think — this is well worth your time.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Rating: 3 Stars
Spice Rating: 0
Publish Date: May 8th 2025
Will I purchase a physical copy? Yes

The title of this book had me intrigued, reading the first few chapters had me angry and also interested with two separate stories you find out very early are intertwined. I felt that both sides were really well developed and that I was dying to know who the caretaker was.

I managed to bag this one as an ARC through @netgalley and I was really looking forward to it as it sounded like just my kind of thriller.
I really enjoyed it! The characters were interesting and I was totally invested in the themes that were dealt with throughout this book. I felt strongly supportive of these women. It was full of twists and turns and great relationship building. The ending was very open and it left me wanting a sequel - which I hope there will be!

When I picked up "The Serial Killer Support Group" by D.B. Stephens, I'll admit, the title alone hooked me. "Justice will be served… Therapy just got deadly." That's a tagline that promises something wild, and let me tell you, this book delivered and then some.
I couldn't put this book down. From the moment Jess Pendle, a victim of domestic violence, finds herself in a support group for women who've been through hell, I was completely invested. You feel for Jess, you understand her need for connection after everything she's endured with her awful partner, Lewis. The setup is brilliant – a group of women looking for understanding, only to find a far more... unconventional way to support each other once their therapist leaves.
The pace is absolutely breakneck. It’s fast, it’s gory (definitely not for the faint of heart!), and surprisingly, dare I say, empowering? Seeing these women find strength in each other, even in the darkest of circumstances, is compelling.
I have to talk about the Caretaker. I was bracing myself for a predictable reveal, already feeling that familiar twinge of "oh, it's *that* person." But I was so wrong. The twist surrounding the Caretaker completely floored me and launched the book into an explosive second half that I devoured.
Jess's friendship with Detective Sophie adds another layer of tension, especially as the exes of the support group members start dropping like flies. You can feel the noose tightening, and the thought of them getting too close to the truth kept me on the edge of my seat.
This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a dark, twisted, and utterly gripping thriller. It’s not just about the murders; it’s about the resilience of women who have been pushed too far. If you're looking for a book that will grab you by the throat and not let go until the very last page, "The Serial Killer Support Group" is it. Justice *is* served, but in a way you'll never expect. Absolutely brilliant.

When Jess Pendle finds herself trying to leave a violent relationship, she is given the details of a local support group. This is no ordinary support group though. The women of this group are being protected by "The Caretaker", who is willing to go to extreme lengths to make these women feel safe.

I love a book that makes you root for the serial killer, and this book certainly does that! The identity of the killer was a complete shock to me. The whole concept of the book I found really unique and engaging. The characters (well the female ones at least) are wonderful. I'm really excited to see where this series goes next.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a book that will grab your attention from the first page and keep you wanting to turn the pages. Domestic violence is a dark subject. The author does an excellent job of treating the subject matter as serious, but also incorporates it into a twisty, dark thriller that is totally engaging.

Jesse Pendle is a victim of domestic abuse. Her boyfriend, Lewis, is a horrible individual. Having had enough, Jesse files a police report and is given information about a support group. The real "healing" starts when the therapist leaves and the women run their own sessions. A killer known as the Caretaker (the name is the individual's choice) begins to kill the former partners of the support group member. Vigilante justice? The law isn't protecting these women, is it time to take the law into their own hands?

I enjoyed the book. I would have liked some more character development for some of the characters. The author gives us a satisfying conclusion, although a bit rushed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, for an ARC. The review is my own.

Thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for allowing me to read this eARC.

I have read a lot of thrillers in my time, and this one blew me away. If this book had a soundtrack I'm fully convinced it would be 'Who's Afraid of Little Old Me' by Taylor Swift.

The book deals with domestic abuse, and as a survivor of that myself, I was hesitant initially about reading it, but it's incredibly realistic, honest and highlights the ongoing hidden battles that survivors of DA face on the regular.

It follows a support group of domestic abuse survivors, who are continually failed, often blamed and not taken seriously by the police despite the heinous nature of the crimes.

At first it seemed so obvious who the killer was, even with the name. But it's not, the plot twists are magnificent and this is a book that I will be running to buy a physical copy of it once it's released on the 8th of May, this book is incredible, it's dark, harrowing and honestly healed a part of my soul.

This was certainly a different take on revenge. Women standing up for themselves and taking revenge on their male partners. An unusual concept that is not for the faint hearted.
Quite grisly in places
A good read, nevertheless

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

I really enjoyed this book and gave it four stars. The writing style was engaging and immersive, making it easy to get pulled into the story. The plot was well-paced and kept my interest throughout, and the twist was especially satisfying—it caught me off guard in the best way.

That said, one scene in particular was very gruesome and difficult to read. While I understand its purpose in the narrative, it felt a bit too intense for my comfort. I also want to give a clear trigger warning for domestic violence, as that content plays a significant role in the story and may be distressing for some readers.

Overall, this was a strong and compelling read, and I’d recommend it to those who enjoy dark twists and emotional depth—just be mindful of the sensitive content.

The Serial Killer Support Group tells the story of women who suffered from Assault at the hands of their partners and bravely share their stories in a support group. The book has 3 POVs Jess, The Caretaker (Serial Killer who is targeting the ex's from the women from the support group) and detective Sophie Salam, who is investigating The Caretaker.

I really enjoyed this book even though at points it was hard to read because of the reality portrayed in the book. Reading about real life statistics of assault was rough because knowing so many people, women and men, go through with their abusers and that most nothing happens to said abuser was heartbreaking. I liked the duality of having real life statistics and then showing how the women from the group, including Jess, fought to get their power back.

Overall, this was a great read I do love women empowering stories and I did love the ending, there is nothing better than enjoying a book and also liking how the book ends. I applaud the author for raising awareness on this subject and making such a great book.

Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED this book, it well and truly pulled me out of my reading slump and I read it in one sitting.

The Serial Killer Support Group by D.B. Stephens is a gritty, fast-paced thriller with a heart full of rage and resilience. Jess joins a support group for survivors, hoping for healing, but when their therapist leaves the room, the group turns to vengeance. What follows is messy, cathartic, and deeply human. Stephens balances dark humor, raw trauma, and moral tension in a way that makes you root for every unhinged choice. It’s therapy with a kill list, and I couldn’t look away.

A tough subject involving women who have suffered domestic abuse. . A man labelled The Caretaker is dealing with men who abuse women. But who is The Caretaker? As the victims of abuse , the women worry if they'll ever be safe.
A good read ,

First couple of chapters set the scene well. We immediately feel really strong concern for Jess, willing her to say the truth. And, obviously we are instantly enrage by Lewis. He deserves to have a taste of his own medicine.

When Jess speaks up, she is directed to a support group and this is where she meets a bunch of women who ultimately change her life. The majority of the story is told through the narrative of Jess, so we do get to know her well, and through her we then get to learn more about the women in the group.

Interspersed through the book is a mysterious point of view of The Caretaker, a secret identity. That first introduction is just wow, shocking. Whilst reading I was going along with it nicely, and then the incident happened. The eye for an eye and I just felt a bit unbalanced. Was what the caretaker did justified? I can't say much about The Caretaker in this review as obviously it will give away too much about the plot.

We also get anpther narrative. And that is from Sophie Salam, the detective who is leading the case that is embroiled in the story. We get to see a work life balance with Sophie, as she juggles being a detective and being a single mother to an autistic daughter. We are given tiny breadcrumbs of information that Sophie has a secret past.

This story does highlight domestic violence, and how even after speaking up. Sometimes justice isn't served. There is a whole moral debate going on, which I found myself changing my mind all the time with. Again, I can't say too much.



This is the first in a new series, which I didn't find out until the end and I found that a nice surprise as now I am wondering how far things can go? What is Sophies secret? What about the men in the support groups? Loads of questions that I hope will get answered. I have seen some reviews that state that they felt the ending was rushed. But, given its the first book in a series, I like the ending and it opens up for the next installment.