Serial Killer Support Group by Saratoga Schaefer caught my eye because of its interesting premise, a young woman who goes undercover to infiltrate a group of serial killers in order to find her sister's killer, but unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as I hoped to. While I don't mind suspending my disbelief if I am enjoying a book, the less I like the book the more likely I am to find flaws and in this case I struggled quite a bit. I don't mind unlikeable or unreliable narrators, but if you do, this book is definitely not for you. Cyra, the protagonist has few redeeming features and seems willing to go to any lengths to achieve her aims. The various serial killers who are part of the group that she infiltrates are very one dimensional, there is no depth to any of them beyond the tropes associated with such characters in the media. The ending was well telegraphed in advance so did not come as a surprise to me. Good idea but the execution was not what I was hoping for.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

I really wanted to like this book. The synopsis really hooked me! Sadly, the book did not and I had to give up about halfway after trying for the 3rd time to get into it. Every character felt bland and although the plot started quickly, I felt like I was trudging through it. Maybe i’ll be willing to give this another chance in the future but for now, I’m leaving it unfinished.

The book had a very unique premise. The idea of a serial killer support group is kind of wild and not something there actually is and I have never read another book that had the same idea. I felt like the characters fell a little flat they weren’t my favorite, the beginning of the book started with the ball rolling, it got me hooked and then just fell flat. The ending wasn’t really that great either. Not my favorite book.

The concept of a support group for serial killers seems goofy on the surface, but what debut novelist Saratoga Schaefer was able to accomplish with Serial Killer Support Group was twisted and unexpected.

After her sister is murdered, a woman infiltrates a support group for serial killers in this biting queer feminist debut thriller, perfect for fans of The Final Girl Support Group and My Sister, the Serial Killer. When Cyra Griffin’s younger sister is murdered by a serial killer, Cyra knows better than to expect justice from the hands of the police department. With the investigation already dying its own slow death, Cyra follows the blood trail and finds her own way forward.

Using insider information (don’t ask), Cyra infiltrates a support group for serial killers by pretending to be one herself in the hopes of finding the person who ended her sister’s life. Proving herself to them comes at a cost, but it’s one Cyra is willing to pay in the name of revenge. But the dangerous men in the group aren’t the only obstacle in Cyra’s path for vengeance, and the further Cyra descends into the deadly world of serial killers, the harder it becomes to hold on to her own humanity.

I didn't expect much when opening the first page of Serial Killer Support Group. That is not because of it being a debut novel for Saratoga Schaefer, but more so because it seemed like a similar (yet different) trope I have read before. However, Schaefer crafts a novel that set itself apart from others in the genre with an intricate plot, shocking twists and an ending that I didn't see coming.

The characters, from our main protagonist Cyra to each and every serial killer from the support group, are well development and artfully crafted. While the main story is a murder mystery with Cyra trying to hunt down her sister's killer we get a deeper understanding of each serial killer attending their meetings along the way. The breakup of the main storyline to dive deeper into the serial killer background was a nice change of pace and allowed for more in-depth knowledge of each character.

Schaefer does a wonderful job of using humor as both a copying mechanism for Cyra and a satirical lens through which societal issues are examined. The juxtaposition of such grim subject matter with playful dialogue creates a unique narrative tension. This provided moments of levity amid a suspenseful plot while keeping me on edge from cover to cover. It's this balance between horror and humor that makes Schaefer’s voice standout in the vast genre.

The fun, suspense and mystery within the pages of Serial Killer Support Group was a fun and exhilarating journey all wrapped up in a nice bow with a culmination that fit perfectly. A good book is only as good as its ending and the author was able to finish strong in this debut novel. Each twist, turn and story within the pages was all made worth it by a stellar ending.

Serial Killer Support Group is a gripping tale that lures you in with its bizarre premise and keeps you hooked with its unexpected twists. While the concept might sound whimsical at first—a therapeutic circle for those who live outside society's moral code—but Saratoga Schaefer deftly turns it into an intense journey. Serial Killer Support Group gives me reason to read more from Schaefer in the future and that is all you can hope for in the end.

Ever wonder if serial killers get together and workshop new ideas? If you have, you are the perfect reader for this book. And if you have, you’ve probably also wondered, “How would that even work? Wouldn’t they eventually turn on each other? Who coordinates everything? Where do they meet? How do they protect themselves?” Schaefer has an answer for every question, and builds up an insanely intense plot in between the explanations.
I really enjoyed this book! We follow Cyra, a woman in her late twenties, as she decides to avenge her murdered sister, Mira. After piecing together information, Cyra learns about a serial killer support group that could include the killer. So Cyra infiltrates the group and sets about determining which one of the six killed Mira. But as she gets closer to an answer, the group starts to fall apart.
I loved the premise of the book and how Schaefer wrote the six serial killers and Cyra. We get one chapter with each killer, and a mini snapshot of their life. But the majority of the time is spent with Cyra, switching between serial killers and Mira’s friends, with neither group fully satisfied with her actions. I enjoyed the twists at the end, but overall, the ending left me feeling a little underwhelmed.
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

This was a slow starter and I was tempted to DNF @35% but the second half picked up and it was a wild ride.

Cyra, the FMC, is unlikeable but you do root for her to get her revenge.

Glad I kept going and followed Cyras transformation....

Thanks to netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for this eARC.

3.5 stars rounded down for the slow beginning.

This book fell a little flat to me. The serial killers seemed to be uninteresting. Nothing super severe or intriguing. Could have been a more provoking plot in my opinion. I finished it but it was just too slow for me.

This was different from anything I've read before and I loved it! I loved Cyra as she isn't your typical main character. She's one of those characters that will stick with you for a while after reading this one, or at least it has for me. I loved that we had a main character that wanted justice for her sister's murder and goes into one of the craziest places...a room filled with serial killers that no one knows exist due to them being good at what they do. The story does give you a little chapter here and there giving a bit of background on these killers but the majority of the story is about Cyra and her plan to get justice. I also really enjoyed the dynamic between Cyra and Lamprey as it kept things sort of fun and interesting. Once the story got going with her finding out about the group, I couldn't put this one down. It's one that I will recommend to anyone who is interested in a good thriller and wants something a bit different.

I tried so hard to enjoy this book but I just didn't. I don't know what's going on with me but I might be coming out of my living for dislikable female characters era? Which sucks because I love defending unhinged women and supporting women's rights AND wrongs, but I just couldn't do it, fam.

I didn't like anyone (except Python). I hated Cyra, Mira was fully a brat, Eli & Izzie were actually both the worst, the serial killer support group sucked. I'm frustrated because it was such a fascinating idea but it completely lacked follow through and the ending just made me roll my eyes so hard I think I saw my brain. Maybe I didn't get Cyra's obsession with Mira because I'm an only child and I don't understand sibling love and what one would do for your siblings.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great read. A support group for serial killers, an FMC who is determined AF to solve her sister’s murder and lots of tense, thrilling encounters kept me hooked throughout. I look forward to reading more from Saratoga Schaefer!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the e-ARC!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the digital version of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.

At the outset, the premise of this novel sounded absolutely amazing. I was digging the book at the start, but unfortunately, it lost me around halfway through. I was having trouble feeling motivated to pick the book up and was opting for other novels instead. For whatever reason, it was not holding my attention the way that I was hoping for.

In most novels, I enjoy alternating perspectives and points of view, but in this case I do feel like it contributed a bit to why I wasn't enjoying the book. The changes in perspectives weren't making a ton of sense to me- that being said- they did add dimension to the book and provide a change of pace.

My hope is this book will be enjoyed by many other NetGalley readers, for whatever reason, it just didn't work for me personally despite how much I was hoping to enjoy it.

I really enjoyed this one! It wasn't a literary masterpiece by any means, but it was a very entertaining cat and mouse/whodunnit. I enjoy dark thrillers, so this was completely up my alley. I thought the premise of a serial killer support group was really interesting and a fresh take on the genre. The pacing is really good and I enjoyed the POVs from Cyra and a POV for each of the serial killers. It added some depth to each of the killer characters. Cyra is an interesting, complex character, and she's not written to be particularly likable. The serial killers are a little stereotypical, but I wasn't expecting a deep dive on their characters in this story. A little additional background on each one could make the story a bit more interesting, but I think it was fine for the purposes of this story.

Thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and the author Saratoga Schaefer for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Serial Killer Support Group releases March 18th 2025!

Serial Killer Support Group is a goofy concept - it largely centers on a group of serial killers in NYC who have decided they want some form of social interaction with likeminded folks, and thus, a sociopathic support group is born!

Our MC, Cyra, infiltrates this group after becoming frustrated with the NYPD’s inability to solve her sister’s murder. Hijinks ensue?

If you accept the concept of the book at face value and also accept that the MC is not very likable, this has the potential to be a very fun read. I ended up really having a great time as I read, and I especially liked that Saratoga Schaefer seemed to not take herself/her characters too seriously (and I mean that in a positive way.) There are a few moments of reflection on the fears women face simply existing in the world, and there was some light commentary on how so much of true crime centers the killers while almost dehumanizing the victims, but this is not a book trying to make a big statement.

I enjoyed that each member of the support group had one short chapter or backstory, and that the backstory always made it clear that this person was pretty bad. I also enjoyed that Schaefer made zero attempts at making the killers seem good or humanized - it was clear we were not meant to cheer for them!

I definitely file this under unhinged female…well, not rage. Cyra really has very few emotions. So maybe just unhinged woman! Honestly, the more I write about the book, the more I’m deciding I liked it. Initially I was going to call it a 3.5, but just contemplating on it through this review is making me think it’s closer to a 4.

It’s goofy! But not in an annoying way! If you want something to escape into, it’s a good pick. I did guess the ending maybe 50% into the book but honestly who cares! The world is ending anyway, so I really need an unpredictable book!!??

Cyra, a fan of the recluse lifestyle whose sister has just been murdered, gets a tip that she could be the victim of a serial killer and decides to infiltrate a Serial Killer support group accessed by the dark web. When she succeeds, she is forced to explore why it was easier than she thought to gain access and fit in. While uncovering the mystery of her sister’s death, she uncovers so much more about the complex world of those who kill.

Is it wrong that I’m keen to try out the new stalking skills that I learnt from the support group? Not the murdering bits, obvs. This was definitely a recent favourite.

NetGalley ARC Educator 550497



Oh my goodness!!! This book was simply thrilling, amazing, and captured me from start to finish. Cyra is looking for her sister's killer. Her murder and the pose of her body leads the police to believe a serial killer murdered her. Cyra is on a mission to make certain the killer is caught. I do not want to write more or I will give this away. I can see this book becoming a television series or a blockbuster movie if they put in fresh and new actors. You will not regret reading this book. I do hope there will be a sequel as the writer leaves enough room for one.

Trigger warnings: Discussion of murder and violence

"Serial Killer Support Group" is a dark, twisted and witty debut novel for fans of "Butcher & Blackbird" and "My Sister, The Serial Killer".

After Crya'a sister is murdered, she is desperate for answers but is feeling let down my official channels (*do people actually think they are detectives 🔎 🤣). Using insider information, Crya infiltrates a support group for serial killers by taking on a persona of Mistletoe. As Crya/Mistletoe uncovers more truths about her sister's killer & she descends further into the deadly world of serial killers, who can she trust?

WARNING: This novel can be graffic at times (hello serial killers are 80% of the characters 🤪) so just proceed with caution.

Thank you Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.

There were so many plot holes in this book that I don't know what to say anymore. The selection process in the serial killer support group was ridiculous. I was really looking forward to the meetings, but I was thoroughly disappointed. The personalities of the serial killers were also very one-dimensional, and it felt like their characters were based on stereotypes about serial killers, like being emotionless, which is so inaccurate. I liked that each serial killer had chapters dedicated to them, but it would have been better if they had more depth, as they didn’t really contribute to the plot.

The storyline was unique, and I had high expectations, but it fell flat. The plot twist was surprising since I couldn't predict it, but it wasn’t extraordinary—nothing that made me say, “Holy shit, I didn’t expect that!” and sit there for an hour processing it. Also, the ending kind of ruined the plot twist as well as the book, in my opinion.

In the end, it wasn’t my cup of tea, but that’s just my opinion! It might be your next five-star read, so don’t let my thoughts stop you from trying it out. Happy reading!

Thank you Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

This was such and intriguing concept, and I was really excited at first to read it. But sadly it just never caught my interest or was as interesting as the title itself. The beginning really dragged for me and didn’t seem remotely plausible that the FBI knew about a “support group” for serial killers and did nothing but make a file. Cyra was a very flat character and I just could not make myself care about or like her & her story.

What would you be willing to do to find your sister’s killer? What if you found out there was a support group for serial killers , and one of them could have done it? This book is a suspenseful ride exploring the darker side of human nature with a great twist at the end. I couldn’t put it down.

Serial Killer Support Group by Saratoga Schaefer NetGalley Review
4/5 stars

Firstly I would like to say thank you to Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books and the author Saratoga Schaefer for allowing me to read this as an ARC. This dark dive into the mind of killers is being released on 18th March 2025 and is a must read!

This novel is a darkly inventive thriller that has tropes of a crime novel in a fun and twisted way. The novel has a unique concept of following a group of serial killers attending a support group to manage their “desires” and “impulses”. From the beginning of the novel it hook's readers with its blend of suspense, dark humor, and psychological insight into what makes these characters.
The writing is witty and razor-sharp, incorporating a good amount of humor to an otherwise dark subject. Each character is easily identifiable, from the cold-blooded and scheming to those with unexpected vulnerabilities, creating a unique group dynamic. The novel is very well paced with enough twists to keep readers engaged until the very end.

A favorite of mine is how the author is able to balance the gruesome and the comedic. This is not an easy feat to make readers laugh whilst talking about such dark topics, but I felt the author pulled this off brilliantly, often making me laugh. This book is definitely not for everyone, given the subject matter, and occasionally some moments might feel exaggerated but this is perfect for lovers of dark humor and psychological thrillers.

To conclude, this novel is a captivating and chilling read that really stands out in the crime genre. It is perfect for readers who enjoy thrillers with dark humor. This was a fantastic read that I highly recommend!.

Thank you again to NetGalley for allowing me to read this novel as an ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinion.