Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Okay so I think this premise would work better as a mini series rather than a book. The pacing was good until the end and then it felt very rushed. I wish we spent more time learning about the people’s stories in the group.

Was this review helpful?

ARC review: The Serial Killer Support Group by D.B Stephens. This book was such a quick and fun (?!) read! Jess is the victim of domestic abuse, and she ends up breaking free of her partner and going to a support group of women who’ve been in a similar situation. Things take a bit more of a sinister turn and perhaps there’s more to this group than just supporting each other with hugs and soul baring conversations. This book is so easy to get drawn into, and I love the turn it took. Whilst perhaps a touch far fetched in places, I love when women take back their power and stand up for themselves. Definitely recommend!
4/5
Thankyou to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to view this book early in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

The Serial Killer Support Group by D.B. Stephens is a unique and darkly humorous psychological thriller that offers a fresh twist on the genre. The premise alone is intriguing—a support group for people who have been affected by serial killers—and Stephens does a fantastic job of balancing the suspense with moments of unexpected humor and insight into human nature.

The characters are well-developed, and each brings their own complex backstory to the group, making their interactions both gripping and, at times, unsettling. The writing is sharp and clever, with a touch of dark wit that keeps the story engaging. There are plenty of twists and surprises that will keep readers on their toes, and the pacing is spot-on, keeping the tension high throughout.

While the book is an entertaining and thrilling ride, there are moments where the plot could have been fleshed out a bit more, especially regarding the motivations behind some of the characters. Still, this minor flaw doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the story.

The Serial Killer Support Group is a thrilling, fast-paced read that is perfect for fans of psychological thrillers with a twist of dark humor. It’s a unique take on the genre that’s sure to keep you hooked until the very last page.

Was this review helpful?

Wow this was just brilliant from start to finish. I read it in 1 sitting.
Completely had me hooked. I kept thinking I knew what was going to happen and then being completely blindsided. Great writing, great characters that I had empathy with and brilliant villains. Such a good premise and so well executed. Loved it!

Was this review helpful?

2.5 ⭐️

The title & premise for this immediately sucked me in; the pacing throughout the majority of the book was good and I particularly enjoyed the chapters written from The Caretaker’s perspective.

However, the pacing towards the end of the book was super rushed, and the ending felt like an afterthought. However, the pacing towards the end of the book was super rushed, and the ending felt like an afterthought. I was also confused by some of the writing choices - the big ‘reveal’ halfway through that the support group were the serial killers didn’t have any shocking impact considering, ya know, the novel is literally called The Serial Killer Support Group 😅

I was really interested in the support group characters, but we didn’t get to spend enough time getting to know them, and as a result they came off as pretty one-dimensional. I would have loved for them to have more layers beyond being a domestic abuse survivor - it was a hugely important part of their character, but was not the only thing that mattered when it came to their personalities.

I think this would fare well as a series, and I’m hoping the author will write another instalment as I feel a few loose ends need to be tied up.

Was this review helpful?

This book is a heart-stopping thriller that captivates from the very first page. The plot is intricately woven with twisted narratives that keep you guessing at every turn. Stephens masterfully crafts an atmosphere that is both creepy and compelling, making it an intriguing read for fans of the genre. The pacing is fast, ensuring that I struggled to put the book down, as each chapter leaves you eager for more. Overall, this novel is amazing in its execution and gripping in its storytelling. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a thrilling read.

Was this review helpful?

Well paced, and hooks you in from the get go which I always look for in a thriller.
I thought the descriptions of the DV that Jess suffered was well handled and weren't just thrown in for shock value,
I would love more follow ups with the other girls in the group and their backstories too

Was this review helpful?

As Taylor Swift said “Don’t get sad, get even.”


4.5 Stars

As someone who is a big fan of thrillers and involved with supporting survivors of abuse I knew I was going to enjoy this book.

The story opens with us meeting Jess and her boyfriend Lewis, we learn quickly that Jess has been a victim of ongoing domestic violence at the hands of Lewis. Vowing to not repeat the same legacy as her mother, Jess courageously comes forward and asks for help. What unfolds from there is a found family in a twisted way, growth, healing and getting justice for those who were failed by the justice system.

Overall I enjoyed this novel, the depiction of the shortfall of law enforcement was written realistically, as well as the backstories of the secondary characters that Jess meets along the way. I do wish that some of their histories were more fleshed out, and explained; in some places they felt one dimensional. I liked the premise, but the last 15% felt a little rushed, and I wish we had gotten more of the women after things transpired.

I would love for there to be a second book that follows the women with an offshoot from things that are brought up in this first novel; I would absolutely read it!

I do think the novel needs some trigger warning added to the front, but I am sure that will be adjusted before publication.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins/One More Chapter for the much appreciated EPUB return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I really liked this book and thought it had a very interesting plot. I enjoyed all the characters in this story and I didn’t feel like the story dragged on. I think it tells the story of how girls feel after being in an abusive relationship. I really liked the support group and friendships formed afterwards.

Was this review helpful?

After experiencing domestic violence at the hands of her partner, Jess joins a support group for women who have been through similar things. Then the men who have hurt them start turning up dead. This is a fun and twisty book that makes for a quick read.

Was this review helpful?

Book review: the serial killer support group by D B Stephens @darrensully .
.
.
Overview of book:
Justice will be served…

Therapy just got deadly

When Jess Pendle agrees to attend a support group to meet other women who have lived similar experiences, she doesn’t expect much.
The group has been set up for like-minded women to come together, but when their therapist leaves, they close the blinds and find a new, and altogether more deadly way to support each other…

What a gripping read this one was , I was fully engrossed in the book and the characters. The characters , the plot was done to perfection , I will definitely be reading more by this author.
.
Thank you for @onemorechapterhc for the advance copy and also to @darrensully for fantastic writing and keeping me entertained.
.
.
.
#authorrsworks #bookworm #bookblogger #bookbloggers #bookish #bookaholic #bookshelf #booklove #bookstagramer

Was this review helpful?

This book is amazing, a highly recommended novel for any mystery, crime or thriller lover. Ive never read anything by this author before this but I will be now. The writing is so gripping that you'll struggle to put it down. I read it in one sitting! I wont give any spoilers away but if you're on the fence, dont be! This book is worth the read!

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, D B Stephens and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

Was this review helpful?

When Jess Pendle reluctantly agrees to attend a support group designed for women who have faced similar struggles, she doesn’t have high expectations. The group was established as a safe haven for individuals to share their stories and support one another. However, everything takes a dark turn when their therapist unexpectedly leaves. With the blinds drawn tightly, the atmosphere shifts as the women discover a new—and far more dangerous—way to empower each other.

Imagine being trapped in a dire situation where trust has become a liability, as someone you believed in continues to cause you pain. The authorities, who you hoped would help, seem indifferent to your plight, leaving you feeling vulnerable and isolated. In search of solace, you turn to a support group. As you navigate this new environment, you begin to wonder: how far would you go to reclaim your freedom and safety?

This gripping, fast-paced mystery delves into the complexities of fear and the lengths one might go to escape it. It raises poignant questions about loyalty, trust, and the pursuit of safety in a world that feels increasingly hostile. I found it to be an exhilarating ride, filled with unexpected twists, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone seeking a thrilling read.

Was this review helpful?

I was so excited to read this book that I got a bit of reading block and couldn’t start it as soon as I wanted to in fear it wouldn’t live up to my expectations! But oh boy it did!
I was hoping for a book that kept me up way later than I should be with my head buried in a book and it delivered.
I love love love the idea of the women flipping the script theirs something so satisfying about them giving back!
With twist after twist I found myself doing mental gymnastics trying to predict what would happen next but wasn’t able too.

Was this review helpful?

The title grabbed me from jump and the clever dialogue, perfect pacing and awesome characterizations all delivered. The premise is everything....a victim's support group that goes off the rails...in all the best ways. It's so, so good.

Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy. It is my pleasure to write an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I don’t tend to read a lot of thrillers and I picked this up on a bit of a whim but I’m so glad I did. The first half of this book was intriguing, I had so many questions and theories all of which were proven wrong.

I thought the author handled the topic of domestic abuse and violence against women very well and does a great job at helping you understand how women and men feel and what they go through.

I felt during the second half the book lost a little bit of its climax as some things are revealed however as I continued reading I came to really like the way everything had panned out.

I will absolutely be reading the next one in this series.

Was this review helpful?

This was such an incredible read and fun, despite the topic at hand. I was rooting for the Caretaker the entire time and am so happy how it played out.

Was this review helpful?

From the first chapter, the book hooks you with its sharp writing and intense pacing. The characters are distinct and flawed, making for an intriguing mix of personalities, and the group’s dynamic adds a fresh twist to the usual crime thriller formula. While the plot leans into action and tension, it also explores deeper themes of trauma, survival, and justice.
This book is sure to be a hit!

Was this review helpful?

When Jess finally finds the courage to leave her abusive partner, she knows she needs help and joins a support group, where she realises that it wasn't her fault. Her new friends welcome her into the group and share their stories. When their ex-partners are targeted they know that someone is on their side - but who? They say revenge is sweet and it doesn't get sweeter than this!

Loved this book - would love to say more but don't want to give the plot away.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review

Jess lives with a violent partner. Jess eventually ends up in hospital and decides to throw her violent partner out of the house. Jess is very scared because he continues to harass her. Jess joins a support group for battered women each with a violent partner and a sad story to tell. However this support group has got the “Caretaker “on their side and deals vigilante justice to the groups violent partners. The big question who is the” Caretaker” and who will he kill next . This is a well written taut thriller not for the feint hearted “ vengeance is mine “

Was this review helpful?