Cute.

Haze and Fox have come from completely different backgrounds. Haze was taken away from her alcoholic mother when she was only 8 years old. She then lived with her grandmother before she died 3 months later. Then she bounced around from foster home to foster home, getting mistreated by the "fathers." She aged out of the system at 18 and attended art school where she excelled. That's also when she discovered that she had a hunger for hurting men who prey on innocent women.

Fox grew up in NY to an entitled, wealthy family. But his parents were not big on affection nor showing emotions. They thrived on controlling his life. Fox needed to get back some of his control, and the only way how was protecting the innocent. His parents, finally fed up with cleaning up his messes, gave him early access to his trust fund and banished him to Europe.

That's where he met Haze. She was in an alley in Paris and a drunk man tried to attack her. But Haze surprised Fox by fighting back on her own, killing the guy. It was love at first sight. They were married 6 months later and traveled throughout Europe getting rid of evil men. When Haze realizes that she's pregnant, Fox immediately stops their side job.

Haze loves her daughter, but she misses the thrill of the hunt and kill. She befriends a new mom, Jenny, who happens to be a cop without her knowing it. Now she has to convince Jenny that neither she nor Fox are the famous serial killer who used to run around Europe several years ago.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Hazel and Fox tell this story of what happened after they stopped killing bad men. After Bibi was born and they moved to the suburbs where Hazel finds herself seething and unable to paint. What a pair! He's the scion of an uberwealthy (and loathsome) American family who exiled himself to Europe and she's a survivor of the British foster system who has only ever had one friend, now, sadly dead. And then she meets the irreverent Jenny who has her own interesting and relevant back story. Although Fox made Hazel swear they would not kill anyone until Bibi turns 18, Hazel's struggling and then, well, she breaks. Hazel and Fox find themselves trying to outgame one another, with Hazel trying to hide what she's done and Fox doing the same (although he's done something else). There's some pointed commentary about the art world, the mommy group, and life in general. There's also some very good twists (no spoilers from me). The storytelling carries the day and will keep you turning the pages. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was quite the ride! I read the majority of this in one sitting, as the short chapters kept me going. I absolutely loved the tongue-in-cheek humor that the author uses to personify the characters that have their own dark hobbies. I have been loving books that are written with this sort of dark humor and this book is no exception. I did not see the end coming at all which surprised me, and I was satisfied with the ending. Giving this one 4 stars because there were parts in the middle that seemed to drag just a bit. Overall though, this is a great and fun read that I would recommend.

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay is a really wonderfully written story.
It was a super quick read for me because I just could not put it down I had to now what was going to happen next.
The characters are wonderfully written and the storytelling is just amazing.
This was a fabulously fun crime read.

I really enjoyed this surprisingly cute read about two serial killers who stumble across one another, fall in love, and get married. Hazel and Fox and are doing their best to leave their former lifestyle behind, bit after the birth of their baby Hazel especially feels lost and searching for identity. It felt like a sequel to Mrs. and Mrs. Smith.

I rate this book five stars. It was funny and easy to read.

The story is told with multiple perspectives which helps the reader know both main characters well.

I enjoy a story that takes a character out of their comfort zone and sees how they react. Watching how the main characters try to move on from the life they had is fascinating.

This book has themes around marriage and finding yourself after giving up your passion. It is dark but funny at the same time.

Thanks to @netgalley and @randomhouse for the advanced reader copy.

#aserialkillersguidetomarriage #asiamackay #ballatinebooks

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage
by Asia Mackay
Pub Date: Jan 14 2025

The story unfolds from the POV’s of both Hazel and Fox, in the past and the present, This is a fast, entertaining read, I read it in one sitting! If you've ever seen the movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith, this is sorta what I thought of while reading this book! A very entertaining read.

Synopsis: Two former serial killers trying to keep their past buried realize that old habits die hard in this “wildly original, razor-sharp thriller”. Hazel and Fox are an ordinary married couple with a baby. Except for one small thing: they're murderers. Well, they used to be. They had it all. An enviable London lifestyle, five-star travels, and plenty of bad men to rid from the world. Then Hazel got pregnant.

Many thanks to #ASerialKillersGuidetoMarriage #NetGalley and #RandomHousePublishing for providing me with an E-ARC of this very entertaining read!

This was such a fun read! I loved the idea of two serial killers trying to live a normal life with their baby (but of course can't), and this absolutely lived up to my expectations! There were so many great twists. I really enjoyed it!

“Life isn’t a fairy tale. A happy ending is a story that hasn’t finished. We’re all going to die. That’s the real end, and it’s not very happy is it? Living with the same person for decades is wholly unhealthy. They’re going to annoy the hell out of you. But with any luck, there’ll be some good bits too. Do what you can so that when your time comes (and it will) you both look back and go ‘yep I did okay-I spent a lifetime with that man and I didn’t kill him.’”
After absolutely devouring Butcher & Blackbird and then seeing this be compared to that, I was excited when I got sent a widget for this book. This one is different from that in that there is no sex scenes but it does have multi-dimensional characters and a highly entertaining story.
Hazel is an artist with a troubled childhood. She’s struggling now to keep the monotony of her suburban life satisfying as she has made a promise to her husband, Fox, not to return to her old ways-those old ways being killing bad men that hurt women. Hazel and Fix met in an alleyway when Hazel took care of a man harassing women in a pub but Fox wants all that to be behind them now that they are parents to young Bibi. She eventually befriends Jenny, the mom of a kid in her mommy and me class, who is also desperate for a friend-but there is more to Jenny’s story than meets the eye. Jenny is a police officer who is on leave and she also has an abusive ex, which intrigues Hazel because for once she has a female friend, but she also wants to save Jenny from her ex. There’s more than just protecting her and her husband from getting caught as Hazel has to work towards fixing her marriage as well because something is going on with Fox too.
If you’re a fan of My Lovely Wife, you’ll likely be sucked into this one.

This book is perfect for anyone who loves the Dexter TV show. Two serial killers married to each other, trying to live a normal life - what could go wrong! This book was fast-paced and tense, and I found myself rooting for the main characters at every secret, lie, and miscommunication. This book really showcases the ups and downs of married life, in a very real and raw way, just with a little extra crime thrown in. This is definitely going to be one of my favorite reads of the year, and part of me secretly hopes that we get a sequel one day!

Thank you to NetGalley & Random house publishing Group for the chance to read this book.

I originally wanted a chance at this book because I thought it would be close enough to my normal Genre of book to catch my attention and keep me interested the whole time, but also be funny at the same time. Although, I didn't end up finding it very funny, I surprisingly wasn't disappointed at all!
I had NO trouble staying interested in this book, If anything I had trouble with everything else I was supposed to do yesterday, because after the first chapter of this book I was not putting it down for anything in the world!! I absolutely loved every sentence in this book!!! From start to finish I was captivated in Haze & Fox's story, loved having both of their POVs on some things, wasn't complicated to go back and forth at all, I was actually wanting more of Fox's POV sometimes with certain things happening in the story. Was really happy with all the twists and the ending was so good, It was exactly the ending I wanted to happen!!! If the other possibilities were to happen, I would have been so upset, but I felt there was no other way for the story to end properly! I'll leave you with this from the author herself:

"Finally, to anyone who read this all the way through to this very last sentence- Did you know that every time you rate a book five stars on any public forum rainbows light up the sky, fluffy bunnies leap with Joy, and a writer ecstatically cries how it was all worth it?!"

GO FORTH RAINBOWS AND BUNNIES! LEAP WITH ALL THE ECSTATIC JOY YOU CAN !
This five star rating was highly deserved! <3
Thank you so much for the awesome experience of getting to read this book!

Hazel and Fox are average married parents, except for the fact that they used to be murderers. Until Hazel got pregnant, they were vigilante killers, but Hazel finds suburban motherhood to be very dull. Fox, however, is loving this new stage of life. So when Hazel returns to killing without telling Fox first, things start to unravel. And with the police on her trail, they need to deal their past coming to light.

This was a fun story, but some parts dragged on a bit too much for me. It was my first book by this author and I will absolutely read more.

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book.

What to say about this book... I was really looking forward to reading it because the premise is very intriguing, and I really wanted to like it, but it was just kind of meh. It wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't great, either. It was right in the middle, hence the meh reaction. There were parts I really enjoyed, like the history between Hazel and Fox, and their life together before their move to suburbia. It was exciting and fun, and I really enjoyed reading about it. Then they had a baby and bought a house in a small-ish suburban town where Fox went off to work every day, and Hazel was left to take care of the baby and try to fit in with the other moms at her baby and me classes. There was waaaaayyy too much time spent on how uncomfortable and unhappy Hazel was. And then there was the murder and I thought the pace would pick up again and it would become interesting, but somehow it just didn't. Then there was Fox, who was rather unlikeable and boring. By the time I got to the ending, which granted had some surprises, I didn't much care. I'm giving this book 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 for the fun and exciting, albeit short, parts, and for the interesting premise., but this book just wasn't for me.

3/5 stars.

*** I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam, and Asia Mackay for the opportunity to read and review A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage.

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Murder
Asia Mackay
reviewed by Lou Jacobs


readersremains.com | Goodreads


Asia Mackay’s latest novel is the ultimate guilty pleasure for those who enjoy dark, twisty tales of vigilante justice mixed with romance, dark humor, and escalating suspense. In this gripping narrative, Haze and Fox are not your typical couple—they live by a unique and chilling code: their targets are society’s worst offenders, the predators who evade justice. Their story unfolds with a mix of thrilling action, complex morality, and emotional depth.

The story begins with an unforgettable meeting in a Paris alley where Fox stumbles upon Haze dispatching her would-be attacker in a tableau of blood and fury. For Fox, it’s love at first sight. A scion of a wealthy New England family, Fox has a history of exacting his own brand of justice across Europe, operating with meticulous planning and precision to avoid capture. Haze, on the other hand, carries the scars of a traumatic childhood and channels her dark tendencies into her art, incorporating elements of each kill into her macabre but sought-after paintings.

Within six months of their fateful meeting, the two are married, forming a deadly duo who roam Europe, gleefully dispatching the worst of humanity. However, their murderous escapades come to an abrupt halt when Haze becomes pregnant. Fox convinces her to set aside their deadly lifestyle for the sake of their child. For Haze, this transition is anything but easy. Suburban life in a quiet London neighborhood feels stifling, and her once-boundless creativity has dried up.

Mackay skillfully delves into Haze’s internal conflict as she struggles to suppress her dark urges while raising a toddler. Her attempts to fit in with the neighborhood mothers are fraught with tension, and her only solace comes in the form of an unlikely friendship with Jenny, a suspended detective dealing with her own struggles, including an abusive husband. This friendship introduces complications that add to Haze’s already precarious situation.

When a run in the park leads to an attack by a predator, Haze’s long-repressed instincts take over, and she kills her assailant. Though she convinces herself it was self-defense, the event sets off a chain reaction that threatens to unravel her life and marriage.

Mackay masterfully interweaves dual timelines, exploring the exhilarating early years of Haze and Fox’s partnership alongside their present-day struggles. The shifting narrative adds depth to the characters and enhances the suspense, as readers are drawn into their world of moral ambiguity, love, and miscommunication. Themes of marriage, identity, and the cost of justice are explored with sharp wit and escalating tension, culminating in a surprising and satisfying conclusion.

This novel is a darkly entertaining exploration of what happens when a killer’s instincts collide with suburban domesticity. Mackay’s vivid storytelling and deft characterization make this a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers with a bloody twist. The dynamic between Haze and Fox is captivating, and their story leaves readers eager to see what misadventures might lie ahead.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.

Sadly, I did not finish this book. It seemed to drag on with obvious mounting suspense. However, the catastrophic event never seemed to come. I got tired of waiting for it. Too much detailed angst within the marriage, that I started to get annoyed with the characters. Was really looking forward to this book, and am now slightly let down.

This was a wild ride. I really enjoyed the story but actually found it a bit predictable. I had figured out a big twist towards the beginning of the book but a few others kept me on my toes. Overall a solid read.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage.

What happens when two former serial killers settle down and have a baby?

Probably not what you think. OK, it's definitely not what you think. It's not what I thought.

Hazel and Fox are a married couple living an ordinary life in an affluent suburb with their adorable daughter, Bibi.

But they used to be a happy couple who murdered together until baby made three and they relinquished their murderous pasts.

Now Hazel is fighting the boredom of marriage and a monotonous life and Fox is dealing with the pressures of providing for his family.

It's hard to escape the 7 year itch, but what happens when the itch turns to murder?

I love the title but I expected a lot more murdering going on. I was hoping for more suspense, more drama and yes, more deaths.

This is really a narrative about marriage as Hazel mourns her youth and what she gave up when Bibi came along.

I wasn't a fan of the miscommunication between Hazel and Fox; it came of as silly and YA-ish.

You know you're reading a book when almost everyone is attractive, but especially the main characters. Fox is a super hottie and Hazel is 'exotic.'

The explanations about what Fox was doing came out of nowhere and though I liked the ending, Jenny and all those sudden twists made it very difficult to suspend disbelief for.

I wanted to like Hazel and Fox, but I didn't; I didn't dislike them. I just didn't care which is worse.

It didn't help that there was no chemistry between them; they seemed more like roommates than mates.

I guess that's what marriage is for some people.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc! 3.75/5. This was very fun! It did take me awhile to get through and some parts dragged on. The ending was satisfying but then it started to also drag once I thought we were to the point. I did find myself skimming some sections but when I was in I was in! I wish Fox was more likable and maybe I would’ve been excited for his POVs but Haze’s POV was so much more fun to read!

ARC Review!
Thank you to NetGalley!!

This was such a fun read, the way it starts off is actually a little closer to the ending and then it takes you to where it all began and how exactly the characters got there! I love when shows/books/movies start that way. Has more of an appeal to me personally because such a rocky start makes me want to know where it went wrong. The book follows Hazel and Fox as they have settled into domestic life with a child in the suburbs. After having such an adventurous life as serial killers to now setting down and feeling bored. The concept of the book is amazing! I love how the characters are portrayed and both are obviously having a hard time with the transition but it's so obvious to Hazel and Fox acts as if he's dealing with it when in reality he's not.
Let me preface this by saying I haven't been married but am in a long time relationship since teen years and I have feared the way we grow in our relationship and possibly apart. The way that it's shown in this book is so good! Hazel and Fox start keeping secrets from each other and you can see where they start to pull apart.
This book had a little bit of everything! It was so good, such a fun read!
4 Stars!!!

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage follows Haze and Fox on their journey as a married couple and as former serial killers. Haze and Fox after having their daughter Bibi, decide to give up their knives and try to become a regular couple, however things are hard specially for Haze who feels like she needs to kill bad men as it is her calling.

Let me start by saying I hate miscommunication tropes and Haze and Fox had a lot of miscommunication but I think in this book it worked, it truly helped move the story along and show the reader Haze and Fox's true personalities. I loved the friendship between Haze and Jenny, they were so different and similar at the same time and I liked watching their friendship grow.

I really liked the ending, the twist was very well incorporated, everything was tied in a nice bow but I would not be opposed to a sequel.

Giving this book 4.5 stars, I rounded up as this site does not have half stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange an honest review.