“A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage” is by Asia Mackay. This books follows married couple, Hazel and Fox, as they have hit a lull in their marriage - things are “okay” in their relationship (focus mainly on their child), but the spark just isn’t, well, sparking as much as it had in the past. In the beginning, I really liked this book - watching as Hazel struggled to balance who she was (an artist) with who she is now (a Mum) was interesting. But as the book progressed, I found myself becoming - for lack of a better word - bored because it felt like the story was dragging. I do think a few chapters could have been combined for a tighter and faster paced story - or maybe a few of the chapters regarding the past excised. I did like the different POVs. I also really like the cover of this book. I do wish that the two main characters had communicated better with each other, but the miscommunication trope is not my favorite.

Thanks NetGalley and Random House for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. There are so many more of these humourous mysteries lately, and I am absolutely here for them. I get caught up in the characters and wondering what will happen next. I was not prepared for this ending. Love how the author took us in a whole different direction and made us see people differently. I would definitely recommend this book. Worth checking out when it’s published in January. A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫read for me.

Two serial killers married to each other! This book shed a lot on some pretty typical marital problems, with two not-so-typical protagonists. We got to hear narratives from both sides. It was an enjoyable book!

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage is very Dexter meets Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

I was lucky to read an ARC from NetGalley and Random House. This novel had me laughing so many times. I crushed it in two sittings and stayed up way too late because I just wanted to know what came next.

Haze and Fox are goals, and Haze’s “words of advice” at the start of each part had me cackling. So real and honest.

I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley. The cover is beautifully eye-catching as well as the title. The story of how Fox and Hazel both became serial killers and met was very interesting and believable. I enjoyed reading this book as the characters and the writing pulled me in. I couldn't guess the ending so that made it all the more appealing. A different kinda of read although I could definitely feel Hazel's tribulations as a SAHM.

Asia Mackay’s A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage brings a wildly inventive premise to life, blending sharp humor, suspense, and domestic drama into an irresistible thriller. When I picked this book up, the intriguing title alone had me curious, but the story inside offers much more than just the novelty of its name. It’s an engaging, clever read that manages to poke fun at the complexities of marriage while delivering a gripping narrative.

The protagonist, Hazel, is unlike your typical heroine. She’s a former assassin who’s settled into a life of suburban normalcy, complete with a loving husband and kids. However, life as a wife and mother hasn’t erased Hazel’s deadly past. As she tries to juggle her dual existence—taking care of her family while dodging old enemies—she's pulled back into a world of danger, secrets, and, of course, murder. The stakes rise as her personal and professional worlds begin to collide, threatening both her life and her marriage.

What really sets this book apart is the way Mackay writes Hazel. She’s both fierce and relatable, a lethal assassin who deals with the same mundane challenges many wives and mothers face—laundry, school runs, and trying to keep her marriage strong. Hazel’s voice is sharp and witty, and her inner monologue is full of humor that keeps the reader entertained even during tense or dangerous moments. The contrast between her normal domestic life and her deadly side gig adds a lot of the book’s charm and humor.

One of the strongest aspects of A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage is Mackay’s ability to balance the book’s darker themes with humor. The novel is full of amusing moments where Hazel’s lethal skills collide with the ordinary problems of family life. For example, she’s just as likely to be plotting how to eliminate a target as she is thinking about what to make for dinner. This contrast makes the book feel fresh and keeps the story moving at a lively pace.

However, there’s still plenty of tension to keep readers on edge. Mackay expertly builds suspense, especially as Hazel’s old life as a killer catches up with her and starts threatening the stability of her family. The action scenes are well-written and adrenaline-filled, creating moments of real excitement and danger. Hazel’s complex feelings about her past and present life add depth to the story, making her more than just an action heroine.

The novel also touches on the theme of identity—how much of our past selves we can truly leave behind. Hazel’s struggle to maintain her new life while reconciling with her old one adds an emotional layer to the book that makes it more than just a fun thriller. Her marriage, too, is at the heart of the story, and while her husband could have been explored in greater depth, the relationship dynamics offer plenty of intrigue.

That said, one of the book’s minor flaws is that some of the supporting characters, including Hazel’s husband, could have used a bit more development. While Hazel is a fully realized, multifaceted character, the rest of the cast sometimes feel like they’re playing supporting roles to her journey. But for a story as action-driven as this, it’s a small gripe.

Overall, A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage is a fast-paced, darkly funny novel that blends thrills with real heart. Mackay has created a unique character in Hazel—an assassin who’s trying to keep her family intact while navigating her dangerous past. The mix of humor, action, and emotional depth makes this book a fresh take on the thriller genre and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

3.5/5

Being rich and white is a heck of an alibi, almost like you can get away with murder.

Hazel & Fox are your perfect suburban couple with a perfect daughter. After spending 10 years in the honeymoon phase of their marriage, it all comes to an abrupt halt thanks to the birth of their daughter. Then Hazel breaks their pact and kills, but he deserved it, so it's fine. This book follows past and present Fox & Hazel navigating their relationships, hardships, and what makes them the way they are.

This book is outside my norm and felt a little more romance/relationship than thriller, but it did have a few nice twists my oblivious self didn't see coming.

A Serial Killers Guide to Marriage was great! I’d call it a romantic suspense. Perfect for fans of Killing Eve!

This book was amazing! Cute and funny, a great addition to murder and comedy collections (if that is a thing)

This was a lot of fun! It is a fast-paced, dark, absurd (a compliment!), and also hilarious story.

Two serial killers, married to one another and once deeply in love, now find themselves living in the suburbs and raising a child. Hazel and Fox promised they wouldn't kill anymore - or at least that's what Fox suggested and Hazel begrudgingly accepted. When Hazel breaks her promise, she begins to spiral as she tries to conceal her secret from Fox.

The premise is great and I appreciated how we got a lot of insight into Hazel and less so into Fox, even with dual perspectives. I think the ending softens the overall story and the characters but I still enjoyed the read. 3.5 stars. Recommended to anyone looking for a creative and thrilling take on a marital drama.

Thank you very much to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Unputdownable fast-paced read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Haze and Fox had me eagerly flipping pages curious to see what kind of fiasco they would get into next.

This storyline is a Domestic Thriller Rom-Com mashup and honestly it worked really well. There are heavy and twisted moments, comical moments and really heart warming moments as well.

This is a new to me author and I can't wait to read more from her in the future. I'd definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR.

Thank you Asia Mackay, Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for providing me with an ARC of this book!

This was super interesting to read and to get an insight into the minds of married serial killers! What a wild story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I was laughing and then stunned at other moments.

A Serial Killers Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay is an exciting and yet somewhat dark story of a couple that has grown up on different sides of the social spectrum and yet have the same underlying issues. Hazel and Fox both find an outlet in their desire for ridding the world of awful men who take advantage of women. But when they find themselves unexpectedly in the throes of family life, their personalities morph and they lose sight of who they are and what their marriage means to them. The story comes to a beautiful ending that is unexpected and refreshing.

Asia Mackay wove this story beautifully! I loved the relationship between Hazel and Fox. While the story and details themselves are dark and sometimes left me questioning my morals, I oddly found it relatable and kept agreeing with many of the relationship issues they were dealing with (albeit not the killing someone part!). Jenny was a great character who surprised me at every turn!

There were a few details missing that kind of got swept under the rug, but they didn’t detract too much from the story itself.

I give this story a 4/5 for the heartbreaking stories told and for a wonderful ending. I just found it to be missing details.

I am so thankful to Asia Mackay, Bantam Books, Penguin Random House, and NetGalley for this ARC.

oh boy. a strong setup but to what end? i think that the choice of having the two protags be true adults was good, but this is a case where the story would have been well served if hazel and fox were both nonwhite. killing in the exclusive demographic of bad straight white men doesn't hit when the husband is literally 3/4 of those things. and let's not pretend that final 1/4 couldn't easily be reached for him. i dunno. maybe i'm alone thinking this.

4 stars- loved this! the author kept me laughing and i can't wait to read more of their work. thanks netgalley + the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Great thriller novel involving two married serial killers, and they kill Dexter-style! So much fun and win would definitely read more from this author

Trigger Warning: Suicide, depression, abuse, domestic abuse, sex trafficking, rape, and assault.

So two serial killers fall in love but put their murdering spree on hold because they end up getting pregnant.

If that doesn't spark your interest then I do not know what will. I think that this book spoke to me because of the motherhood aspect. For me of who you are before and after kids and how having kids just changes you dramatically speaks to me deeply. You want to be who you were but with kids...it's just never going to go back to what it was. Now I'm not going around killing people but finding your new normal post birth and still being able to engage in your hobbies is an easy concept for me to get behind. And, quite honestly, the men had it coming so I am all for this hobby/obsession.

I enjoyed seeing the FMC and the MMC grow and realize that even through their issues they were still trying to look out for one another and to protect each other. And even along the way the FMC found friendship and a way to be herself and still be a good mom. They had some great growth throughout the book from spoiled housewife to caring friend. I love that for the FMC.

I think this is a fantastic vacation book. Super easy to read and not too complicated that you get caught up in details.

I will leave you with my favorite quote of the book. "That's what every woman who's been let down wants. To be told it's all her fault. That they are overreacting."

If the murdering couple didn't reel you in, I hope that does!

I love a book where the characters are morally grey! We follow a pair of serial killers that get married and decide to settle down with their baby in the suburbs. As you can imagine the transition isn't a smooth one and the past doesn't stay buried for long. There is a lot of miscommunication, so if you're not a fan of that, then you won't enjoy this. But this was a quick read and the dynamics between Hazel and Fox were interesting,

Shades of "Dexter", in the best way, as our happily married serial killer couple weather having a baby, play dates, meddling dysfunctional parents, and work through giving up their "hobby" to fit in suburbia. Flashbacks to when they met and early days blend well with the current. Dark and some chuckles, maybe blood now and then - highly entertaining!

This was such a fun mystery/thriller.

The book focuses on a married couple Haze and Fox. They recently had a baby named Bibi who completely changed their life. You're probably thinking "yeah that's what a baby does" but it changed their life in a different way. Fox insisted that they put a hold on their eventful life of killing bad men to raise their child.

Haze isn't too fond of this idea and throughout the book we see her struggle in life by not scratching her murderous itch.

I found it amusing how the challenges in their relationship are so relatable when they are far from the normal couple.

Highly recommend this!