Thank you to #NetGalley and Bantam Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Hazel and Fox have been a serial killing couple who kills serial killers and any other bad men out there. But once Bibi, their daughter is born, Fox suggests they stop their hobby for the good and safety of their family. Hazel begrudgingly agrees, but she’s getting antsy, angry, and bored. Will these two be able to compromise before the other makes a mistake or even worse, kills the other partner?

I loved this book! It was so fun while also pointing out the things women have to give up when they become mothers. It was kind of feminist and I’m here for that!

There was a point where the storyline seemed to have sped up which made the story seem a little disjointed, but I also enjoyed the pacing of this book overall despite that bump.

The character background could have been a bit more thorough for Hazel specifically, but also Jenny. If done right, it may not have slowed down the pacing. Most of the characters could have had a more fleshed out background, but the author gives us just enough to be satisfied. Those and some problematic elements that are a bit of a spoiler were the reasons for my rating. All in all however, I loved it! I kinda hope there will be a spin-off about Jenny or even just a sequel. For a fast read about a serial killing couple and twists that keep coming, read this book!

Life could be messy, unpredictable, unfair and beautiful.


I absolutely fell in love with this fantastic book!

Meet Hazel (Haze) and Fox who used to kill "bad men" together. Not your average couple but they are the picture of perfection together. But when little baby Bibi comes along, it's time to hang up their knives and live a normal life.

This book is told in dual POV's from both Haze and Fox and both in past and present. This wasn't your typical thriller but it worked and the dark humor was excellent. This was my first time diving into a book with dark humor and I absolutely loved it, but I do think that is because the author did a bang up excellent job with writing this book.

I fell in love with both Haze AND Fox! I just loved their characters. This book didn't take me very long to read, because I just couldn't put it down. Yes! It's just that good.

This book will be published January 14th 2025.

My reviews can also be found on GoodReads: www.goodreads.com/brandisbooks.

As always, thank you to both Bantam and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

3.5 stars rounded up! ✨
You guyssss, this was so good! 🤩
A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage by @asia.mackay is releasing in FIVE DAYS! 🔪

When I saw this ARC on @netgalley from @randomhouse, I HAD to request it! The cover is eye-catching, and the synopsis had me hooked: “Hazel and Fox are an ordinary married couple with a baby. Except for one small thing—they’re murderers.” 😏

The story alternates between Hazel and Fox’s POVs, exploring their past and present as they navigate a pact to give up killing after becoming parents. But when Hazel breaks the pact and doesn’t tell Fox… 🫢

I loved how their suburban day-to-day lives intertwined with their dark personal secrets, building toward a conclusion I definitely didn’t expect! 🔪 If you enjoy twisted thrillers with moral ambiguity, relationship drama, and a splash of humor and sarcasm, this one’s for you. (Despite the grisly premise, it’s not a dark read!)

⚠️ Leans more political than I typically go for (I tend to avoid overt political agendas), but it was still easy to enjoy the story overall.
🌶️ Contains strong language, including f-words, but no spice. While sex is mentioned, it’s not detailed.

Releases January 14th, 2025!

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Will be sharing to IG this week on @cocos.book.nook

I think I hated these characters so much that I loved them. Haze was shallow and narcissistic, but such a good mom and willing to do (almost) anything for her daughter. We spent less time with Fox's POV but he was doing things behind the scenes that would have made this a more enjoyable book if we had known about it, I think. I felt like I missed a big chunk of the story. I was annoyed at the lack of communication between Haze and Fox, especially when we learned there was so much more that we didn't know.

I was glad when Haze made a friend and the lengths she went to to help her friend. Without giving too much away, I really like the ending and the future that the characters have planned.

Helga, Bibi, and Sausage were delightful.

Haze and Fox aren't your typical married couple... they're both serial killers. Only now they've had a baby together and need to slow things down a bit.
I really enjoyed this book and would love to see a sequel or two... or more.
The dynamic between the two and their relationships with each other and other people in their lives, like Hazes new best friend... who happens to be a police officer...are all gripping and loads of fun.

Between 2.5-3

I have mixed feelings about this book. I picked it out because the concept seemed fun and it isn't a book I would typically choose. I will say that it was a bit difficult to get into. Hazel's POV was extremely difficult to read because I frankly found her annoying. She was just a bit rude and off-putting, granted she is a serial killer. She luckily had some growth and it was eventually easier to read her POV. Fox on the other hand was super easy to read and he seemed a bit more likable.

The story was a bit slow in the beginning, but gradually picked up. The plot twists were good, but some of the writing felt lacking in the clarity department. I do understand though that this was an uncorrected proof. I don't know if I would read a story like this again, but I am becoming more open to trying new types of books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group.

This was a quick little read that had some good moments. A “light” and humorous at times thriller that felt like watching a little tv show. I enjoyed my time reading it very much!

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage combines the chaotic energy of Mr. and Mrs. Smith with the dark, methodical vibe of Dexter, resulting in an entertaining but somewhat familiar popcorn thriller. While the story doesn’t feel particularly fresh, it’s engaging enough for fans of fast-paced narratives.

The standout element for me was Hazel’s snarky sense of humor, which added much-needed personality and levity. Her chapters were far more enjoyable than Fox’s, whose perspective felt less dynamic by comparison. The inclusion of newspaper articles sprinkled throughout was a clever structural choice that added some texture to the story.

Though it may not break new ground, this book is a solid choice for fans of morally gray characters and readers looking for a quick read with a touch of dark humor.

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and PRH Audio for the ARC and ALC.

Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. I am upset because I was really looking forward to reading this book.

I did like the narrators for the audiobook though

A serial killer’s guide to Marriage will grab you from the first chapter.
Romance, money and a love for killing the bad guys!
What could go wrong?
How about secrets, marriage and a baby?
Can this couple go cold turkey and stop killing?
This is such a unique plot line and the character development is amazing.!
I will be recommending this book to all my mystery customers who like a little humor with their mystery.
Highly recommend

I loved this book!
It does nicely parallel a non- serial killer marriage arc as well, but the killer was a good twist.

I enjoy dark humor and this book checked that box for me. I also found both main characters, despite being killers, were very likeable, and I found myself rooting for them.

I flew through this book - engaging, humorous, and I liked the characters

4 ⭐️/B+

This book hooked me right from the start, the dual POV narrative alternates between their early relationship and the messy months leading up to a big moment, unraveling a story filled with chaos, questionable morals, and high-stakes drama.

Hazel is unhinged in the best way possible—which makes for a very entertaining read. While Fox drove me up the wall at times, he redeemed himself by the end. The depiction of female friendships was another highlight, showing how transformative and grounding they can be amidst the madness.

I loved how the author captured the frustration and agony in Hazel and Fox’s crumbling marriage, making their eventual redemption feel hard-earned. If you love morally gray characters, tense storytelling, and serial killer fiction, this one’s for you.

I enjoyed this book. This serial killer couple give up their traveling, partying, vigilanting life when their daughter is born. For Hazel, life as a stay-at-home mum is boring and unsatisfying. Hazel loves her daughter dearly and tries so hard to be normal so she won't lose. Hazel knows too well the foster care system. But after three years things start to break apart.
Asia Mackay creates an intriguing story taking Dexter to a new dimension: a married couple. This was an incredibly interesting dynamic and to see how each one dealt with not killing. There are great analogies that go into real life. How our addictions and obsessions transfer themselves into other people or activities. It also shows that most relationship issues can be solved with one thing: communication.
I had to dock a star because of the ending. The ending itself it's bad but it's rushed and there are parts I could no longer suspend disbelief. The resolution needed to slow down. I needed more time with Jenny. I needed less exposition and more action. I was invested in teh characters and wanted to see how it would go down and how they worked through their problems. The way it was done was just kinda cheating.
But over this was a great story.

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay is a darkly humorous domestic thriller that blends suburban monotony with a murderous twist.

Hazel and Fox are not your typical couple—they’re a team of serial killers who eliminate “bad men” while living a luxurious, globetrotting life. But when Hazel becomes pregnant, they trade their knives in for suburbia, with the desire and hope to raise their daughter, Bibi, in a “normal” environment. Unfortunately for Hazel & Fox… settling down isn’t as easy as they anticipated.

Hazel, stifled by the dull routine of suburban life and yearning for the adrenaline of her former life, begins secretly killing again….. and her actions draw police attention, her carefully presented suburban front starts to crack.

Meanwhile, Fox has his own secrets and struggles with the loss of their shared “hobby.” The story follows both Hazel and Fox in dual POVs, with flashbacks and creative snippets….

While the premise is clever and offers sharp humor (reminiscent of Dexter and Butcher & Blackbird - both I LOVED)

This isn’t a gritty, blood-soaked thriller read, but more of a lighter, satirical take on serial-killer tropes, making it a fun, quick read. Fans of dark humor, suburban drama, and unconventional protagonists will likely enjoy it.

Thank you NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine

The idea for the book is really interesting because it involves not one, but two serial killers! And they are married to each other! They have a kind of Mr. and Mrs. Smith thing going on.

I struggled for a little bit because I didn't really like Hazel's character. But she's not really someone you are supposed to like at first. She did grow on me a little bit though. The characters show growth as the story progresses which is always nice. The book contains text messages, news articles, and descriptions of Hazel's art.

If you want more like this I recommend checking out: This Girl's A Killer by Emma C. Wells and The Serial Killer Support Group by Saratoga Schaefer. Thank you to NetGalley, Asia Mackay, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam for the opportunity to read A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage. I have written this review voluntarily and honestly.

This story, I do not believe, was supposed to be funny, but having been married for so many years, I found myself chuckling a great deal at these characters. I could relate to them totally except for not being (emphasis on “not”) a serial killer. Having said that Hazel and Fox were a unique couple indeed. How so, you ask? If you’ve ever seen the hit show on Showtime called Dexter, then you may be familiar with the style of killing Haze and Fox would commit.

Everything about them was so typical as any other couple. They loved one another. Enjoyed having their daughter, Bibi, in their lives and they had the normal everyday ups and downs that most couples experience. But one thing neither of them could ever stand nor tolerate were bad people. When I say bad, I mean disgusting men who took advantage of women and people who were defenseless in a sense. They wanted the world to be a better place and they felt it was their duty to rid it of garbage. Haze was an artist and used her killings to fuel her creativity. Fox worked as an investment advisor and used his organizational skills to keep track of the kills they'd do and chronicle their every move so they could go undetected.

That is, until Haze, at the direction and guidance of Fox, advised her to find some friends and keep herself occupied since they gave up killing for sport since they became parents. After all, they wanted to set a great example for their young impressionable daughter and didn’t want her to ever find out what really lied beneath the surface of her parents.

So, Haze strikes up a friendship with another mom with her son about the same age as her daughter’s. The only problem was, out of all the people in the world for her to befriend, she would pick a police officer. Hmm? How does that work exactly? This is what Haze wanted to know. One rule Fox set for them is that no matter what, neither of them were to ever stray and make kills on his/her own. Haze was bored with being a mother and wanted more out of life. She missed the excitement she once shared with Fox. His life seemed to be moving on while hers was standing still. It got to the point that both began to wonder about the other and how they were each truly feeling about their current situation.

As time moved on, another murder happened in the community in which they lived, and the story takes off from there. Wow! I would have never guessed I would have loved a story like this but that’s why I love reading because you discover new things about yourself always. Mackay is an exceptional writer and she’s quite hilarious. Again, I’m not sure this story was meant to be funny, but those of us who have been in longstanding relationships will most definitely be able to relate to Haze and Fox.

This was a fun read and one I greatly enjoyed! I’m rating this with four stars!

I enjoyed how the author was able to convey the frustration and agony Haze and Fox felt in their marriage as each became more and more weighed down with their lies. I found myself becoming very annoyed with them also due to their decisions and actions.

I also appreciate the fact that the author was able to completely reverse my feelings towards Haze in a small amount of time. For most of the book, I despised her, her selfishness, and her lack of any emotions. But by the end of the book, that opinion changed!

I’d be delighted to see this turned into a trilogy or series. I’m interested in what other situations Haze and Fox might find themselves in and how their new-found teammate may help them!

Thank you NetGalley, Asia MacKay, and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the opportunity to read this ahead of the proposed release date in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage
Author: Asia Mackay
Source: NetGalley
Publication Date: January 14, 2025

Ms. Mackay has written a unique book with an original twist. I like that the two lead characters, Hazel and Fox, are likable and funny murderers. The premise is they only kill bad guys out of a sense of moral outrage and they are good at what they do. Fox comes from a very wealthy and privileged background but his life is a shit show and his parents are terrible. Hazel’s former life was even worse. Hazel’s Mom and Dad both have deadly addictions combined with being abused in foster homes (not talked about in detail in the book). These two crazy kids meet and find just the right soul mate in each other until Hazel has a child and they have to stop killing bad people. This is a smart book and not gruesome. I laughed at Fox trying to talk about his years of abuse at an AA meeting but the people misinterpreted what he was saying and when he told them that having so much money was just as bad as…well, you can imagine how the AA folks felt about that. This is a book worthy of purchasing and I swear you will get sucked into a good story. @netgalley @asia.mackay #ASerialKillersGuideToMurder #love #marriage #strangeHobby #killers #murder #badMen @penguinrandomhouse @bantambooksuk

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel.

#book #books #bookAddict #BooksOfInstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #reader #pbooklove #bookreviewer

Hazel and Fox are not your typical couple. They are married and in love, but they also share another love and that is they are both killers. They say they only kill the "bad guys" and never kill anyone that is innocent. I was getting Dexter vibes here. Once a baby arrives, they both realize they need to find another career. However, Hazel gets the itch. Well this is not going to end well for a couple who have always shared everything.

This book is definitely not one of my favorite books. I just could not get into this book like I thought I would be able to after reading the blurb. I really did not like Hazel. Fox was pretty cool (for a sociopath). However, I was expecting something a little different. Suffice it to say I did not despise it, but I also did not adore it. It seems I am in the minority because most people loved it. So give it a try. You may like it.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This fast-paced mystery/thriller was very intriguing to read! I loved the humor in A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage, it was one of the things that I loved about the book. I will say that this definitely gives Mr. & Mrs. Smith vibes, which I'm here for.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves humor, mystery/thriller, or a fun read.

Thank you NetGalley for my ARC copy!