I’m half and half on this one. I like it because the commentary was fun and witty. But I didn’t like it because it ended up feeling more like an odd rom com, which isn’t my usual cup of tea. The dialogue kept me reading more.

I say weird because it's not your typical meet cute, Hallmark. This is darker and more morbid. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but can be off-putting when you first start. But if the reader continues through it. They might actually find it interesting.

Overall, I rate this novel 3 out of 5 stars.

Dark, gripping, and impossible to put down, this thriller drags you deep into a web of lies and betrayal. Every chapter tightens the noose, building unbearable tension. The ending hits like a silent scream—sudden, brutal, unforgettable.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC! In exchange, I have my honest review.

I can easily say that this was the strangest romance I've ever read. We're introduced to our main characters right off the bat, and in the most interesting way. Both characters are introduced to be both secretive and seductive. They exude a critical way of thinking, and seem to be drawn towards each other constantly.

It's a dual POV story with our first narrator being Jake Ripper. Jake is a very interesting man who enjoys over analyzing everyone he sees. He likes to see his coworkers from a critical eye, and then proceed to think the strangest things. His mind is constantly running and has the workings of a serial killer.

The only person that's stranger than our MMC is the stories FMC. Dolly, Doli, or Dolores is the perfect match for our obscure MMC, and they hit it off immediately. She's a very mysterious woman who isn't easy to track down. Dolly is not some everyday woman and she has many secrets of her own. It was interesting to see the author tie together the harder parts of Dolly, while also showing us her insecurities.

When it comes to their relationship, I couldn't imagine a better pairing. These characters are so odd, both of them being obsessed with the inner workings of a serial killer, and having their speech and actions resemble that of one. The chemistry was undeniable and as they got to know each other, they just got closer to one another. If there's one thing I can say about the story, it's that this couple was made to be together.

For my personal opinion, I'm not a fan of the intense serial killer side of things, and I assumed this would have more humour to it, which was completely my fault. The only reason I'm taking off two stars is because it was so strange. Although, I can safely say that I never guessed what was going to happen next, and this read kept me on my toes.

I would recommend this to someone who is interested in serial killers and wants something different and engaging.

This book was such a fun mix of slightly creepy and funny. It follows Dolores, who’s super into true crime and starts to suspect the new office temp, Jake Ripper, might be a serial killer. The two of them go back and forth trying to figure each other out, and it’s honestly hilarious at times but also kind of intense.

The story switches between their points of view, so you get to see both sides. There’s some flirting, some stalking (or just both characters heavily observing the other..), and a lot of moments where you're not sure who to trust. It’s fast-paced and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it really entertaining.

If you like thrillers with dark humor, a little romance, and some weirdly fun tension, you’ll probably enjoy this one. It’s a quick read and totally different from anything I’ve read before.

I LOVED THIS SO MUCH! Subvert all the tropes! Give me a killer! Amazing character development and I needed more when I finished. Already recommended to all my friends.

DNF :(

Thank you Berkley Books for the advanced reading copy!

Unfortunately I just could not get into this one. I tried reading the ARC first and found it intriguing to begin, but it quickly started to feel corny and uninteresting. I then switched to the audiobook (thank you PRH Audio!) and still couldn't get hooked. Just not for me, unfortunately.

What a fun and entertaining read this was! I kinda have been reading a lots of serial killers books actually… no judgement! I loved the banter between Jake and Dolores and all the funny moments! Definitely a unique take on your typical rom com!

**Many thanks to Berkley and Kate Posey for an ARC of this book provided via NetGalley!**

Like a hand in a flame, it's a dangerous game...

Dolores de la Cruz might ACTUALLY be addicted to true crime podcasts...but what's the harm in that? Aside from pulling her from the mundane everyday of office life, this obsession has led to ANOTHER obsession: she thinks she can scope out a killer ANYWHERE. So when new temp Jake Ripper (yep, that's actually his name...probably!) starts at her office, she starts seeing all of the signs. Jake's smooth, effortless charisma, his creepy 'strangler' gloves...the way he keeps to himself...all signs point towards KILLER, and Dolores' guard is up. Though he hasn't struck yet, she couldn't help but wonder (thanks Carrie Bradshaw!) if those 'killer' good looks could be obscuring a criminal mastermind.

But Dolores isn't the only one with obsessive tendencies and burgeoning curiosity...Jake ALSO can't keep his eyes off of Dolores. From her tattoo adorned body and overall gothic Dita Von Teese vibes, he is instantly enraptured by her in every way. When their office banter and flirting goes to another level, however, will each player keep upping the ante? WHO truly has murderous intentions...or is it all in jest? And when the stakes get raised yet AGAIN with talks of hiding bodies...and even MARRIAGE (!)...do Dolores and Jake truly BELONG with each other? Or will one of them stop at NOTHING to 'win' these twisted - and maybe even deadly - Serial Killer Games?

I've struggled a bit with how to even start reviewing this book, because it's one of those reads where I felt so unsettled the entire time that it's hard to define the feelings. This is the sort of book where even the marketing team didn't quite know how to present it: while the cartoon-y cover points to contemporary romance or cozy, the title could easily tip it into thriller category...or perhaps the sort of black humor associated with My Sister, The Serial Killer.

And all of THAT confusion hit me BEFORE I even read page one...by about 30% of the way through, I felt like I'd been whipped around more than a ping pong ball in an Olympic tournament.

(Yes, it is an Olympic sport - look it up if you don't believe me!)

What started as a bit of a dark romance with snappy banter and a bunch of 'gotcha' chapter endings quickly morphed into something bizarre...let's just say there is mention of inflatable 'dolls' of sorts, so if even reading about that in jest is a bit much for you, you're in for a LONG ride. As much as I felt I might initially 'get' both of these MCs with their shared dark sense of humor and obsession with the macabre, "My Lovely Wife" this was not. Once family members got involved, I'll be honest...it just got a bit ODD. I had a hard time finding either the thrill OR the romance at this point, and the author sort of veered into trying to make this a more 'traditional' contemporary romance, replete with family conflict and past drama, and even more bizarrely a 'will-they-won't-they' scenario with VERY high stakes for two people who couldn't decide if the other was a murderer 20 pages ago.

Not only did this loss in focus sort of suck all of the fun out of the read for me, I started losing the humor itself too....and the thrills were all but gone. At one point I honestly even questioned if I was reading the same book I had started with: it was just BIZARRE. I know the romance girlies may be disappointed that this one is a bit lacking in the spice department, but I'd argue that ANY and all romance is dead LONG before the book is over, so gratuitous steamy scenes would probably have felt out of place anyway. With such a dramatic shift to keeping secrets and fooling everyone, I kind of felt like these characters aged down about 10 years...but not in a good, fun way. And unfortunately, the epilogue is so saccharine and predictable, I felt like I could have called it BEFORE even finishing the book, which is truly disappointing after such a scintillating start.

And let's just say that the song at the beginning of this review, "Dangerous Game" from the Jekyll and Hyde musical seemed truly fitting: I started this read thinking I'd get Jekyll, and instead all I wanted to do was Hyde.

3.5 stars

I’m not sure what to make of this one. The description makes it out to be a thriller or mystery and maybe it started out this way but it quickly changes into something completely different – part satire, part romance, and almost no mention of serial killers or murder at all. That’s not to say it wasn’t good – it had its moments – but it wasn’t what it was described as and it’s a little off-putting that way. It is a weird, quirky love story with found family and heartwarming moments and it’s humorous at times but there’s also some confusing parts and because of this, it’s difficult to get fully immersed into the story.

This book drew me right in and held on tight. A fun, fast read that is utterly unpredictable and completely refreshing. it's wickedly clever romp through the shadowy corners of office life, obsession, and unexpected romance. Take Dolores dela Cruz, a sharp-tongued office worker with an unusual hobby: spotting serial killers in the wild (I mean, we all kind of think we are this person, right??). When Jake, a suspiciously charming temp with the perfect murdery vibes, joins her workplace, Dolores is convinced she’s found exactly what she's been looking for.. What starts as a morbid guessing game quickly spirals into a flirtatious, high-stakes dance between two people who might be playing with fire—or with something much darker. Highly recommend!

When I first started reading this book I didn't know what to think, but it quickly hooked me. It's a twisted and darkly hilarious novel that will keep you on you guessing. The story centers around Dolores, a quirky, sharp-witted office worker with a fascination for spotting serial killers. When the mysterious temp, Jake, catches Dolores attention and the weird begins.

The author takes readers on a roller coaster ride in this fast-paced and witty read, If you like dark rom-coms with eccentric characters, morbid humor, and unexpected twists, this book is for you.

I received this advance review copy from NetGalley & the publisher for my honest review.

This had me at the title! How could it not? The cover and title are fabulous and just a part of why I love this book.

The characters are sassy. In every aspect of that word. It takes a bit for the main two to come out of their shells, and as they are, I was gripped.

Dolores and Jake. The pov changes and it really needs to. Jake is left with so many questions about her, and she for him. Without that back and forth the story may have gotten stale.

Sadly, I cannot say much more becausethis story is so easy to spoil! Around the 50% point the story almost started losing me. Not bad but I'm glad I still had some questions to find the answers to. About 80% it really kicked into gear again.

It's worth finishing, that's for sure. There were a few twists, most I figured out but I was just as delighted by the end as I was by the beginning.

Thank you publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to review.

This book was weird af. I don’t know even know what was going on. It was so much weird lol I don’t even know what it was that was going on. I legit spent most of this confused lol

Ok so if you’re wondering, there isn’t anyone that’s actually a serial k!ller in there lol Which was disappointing. And yeah I know that sounds crazy as hell but whatever. This was basically a book that had a lot of weird jokes lol And let me just say, it felt a lot like me. I always use humor to make myself feel better, and that’s the type of jokes this held. The weird dark, cringe like humor. The writing style in this was weird.

There are a lot of twists and turns in this tho. Like the reason why he was so set on making sure that things stayed the way they did was because of an actual big thing. One I wasn’t expected. And all these extra characters that kept popping up because of Dolores….. It was a lot. Idk I don’t think this one was for me, but then again I also thought it was???

This is a weird book. As it went on it grew on me, but I can honestly say this isn’t exactly something that’s for everyone. If you pick it up and read it, let me know what you think. I’m interested in how everyone else will come to this.

This was…something. I don’t know if I had the incorrect premise or if this was really as bad as I think but this was horrible. Pretentious writing, terrible execution and even worse messaging. This was just not for me

This was an interesting story and I have mixed feelings about it.

I'd say it's more women's fiction - dare I say men's fiction maybe?? - more so than a romance or even a mystery. (I enjoyed the male/female points-of-view)

It wasn't what I expected and to be honest, I'm not sure WHAT I expected from this story.

At times it seemed like info-dumping and then other times like it was set in a Dexter universe, but in the end - spoiler alert!! - nobody was even a serial killer. I'm still confused if our male lead even killed anybody??

Even with all that, I stuck with the story and in the end it turned out very nice.

This is a great book for readers looking for something completely out of the box.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an e-copy of SERIAL KILLER GAMES to review.

I rate SERIAL KILLER GAMES three out of five stars.

I am completely delighted by the different and unexpected writing style presented by Kate Posey. The first quarter of the book was a complete fever dream, and I loved it! The continuing mysteries and little hints of discovery were endlessly intriguing. The discussions of death, grief, and loneliness, combined with the idea of feeling like a stray, and finding your own family, were fantastically illuminating.

The moments of unconventional justice were entirely satisfying. "Serial Killer Games" is dark and grim and hilarious and sweet, and I loved every minute of it. I'll be looking forward to more from Kate Posey.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey is a book you didn't know you needed to read until you do. While it starts of slow, the main characters bring so much banter and laughter. I was giggling while reading this book. Our MMC and FMC are perfect together! Who knew a workplace romance with "serial killers" could be this entertaining! I enjoyed this author's writing style and look forward to more from her.

Minimal Spoilers
To be fair I was in a slight reader’s slump and had finals due, so it took a while to read this, through no fault of the author of the book Kate Posey. I requested this book via NetGalley and they promptly allowed me to read this gem of a book. The title of the book (Serial Killer Games)and description pulled me in while the witty chapter titles made me stay. It follows two coworkers who have a fascination with serial killers. Though for different reasons. The book is dual POV of the characters Dolores and Jack. It’s a low spice romance book. The pacing and descriptions were great. The realistic comedy of joking about murder made the story feel realistic, at least to those of us who binge watch/listen to true crime.

The two coworkers are Dolores Dela Cruz and Jack Ripper. Dolores is a mysterious businesswoman who grabs the attention of Jack Ripper. Dolores is a fascinating woman who appears sharp around the edges, but a softy at heart. While Jack Ripper is a loner who is actually quite strong-willed. They slowly get to know each other and fall in love. It’s sort of a quirky office romance that is way more than meets the eye.

The book was really good. I enjoyed reading it. The pacing and descriptions were good. The story was realistic. I recommend getting this book. It is out now, so be sure to get it.

Debut novel!? Are you kidding me, Kate Posey!?

I am in love with this novel. It felt completely unique, heartfelt and macabre, all at the same time, and happened to be a sensational fit for my tastes. I went through every emotion over the course of this story, predicting I would cry, and I certainly did. I mean, just a little, but still, that's a big deal for me.

This story follows Dolores dela Cruz and Jake Ripper, who meet in a fairly common place, the office. Jake is there as a temp, but makes an impression on Dolores, in that she thinks he's sus as heck. With his odd behavior and distrustful good looks, she's pretty sure he's a serial killer. In a way, she has a right to be suspicious, because Jake has definitely taken a special interest in her. Her F-all-the-way off, combative attitude is incredibly intriguing for Jake.

When their mutual interest in one another blossoms into a dark flirtation, both parties are left with a lot of questions. Is this love, or something much more sinister?

For the first 40% of this novel, I had no clue where it was going. I wasn't sure how much was going to be Romance, how much Mystery, or Thriller. I know now, and there's no way I'm spoiling it for you. I feel like this is so smartly-constructed. It snuck up on me, completely capturing my heart and attention. For me, Posey took this in an unexpected direction, and I appreciated all the different levels she delivered with this narrative.

I know this won't be for every oen. Marketed as Romance, I feel like there's an expectation recently for A LOT of steam and this doesn't have it. There's a little, but not to the level many might desire. I think that lack may make certain Readers walk away feeling unfulfilled. For my personal tastes, and maybe you're the same, that actually works in its favor. There's so much more time for character development. I much prefer pining, 'will they won't they', and slow burn vibes of characters actually living life, and getting to know each other in a real way.

Unpopular opinion, I know.

I also feel this was the perfect fit for me in regards to the macabre nature of these MCs. I got them. The way their minds work. It's no secret, Horror is my favorite genre. I could see my own inner dialogue displayed in both MC's perspectives. It was so fun and refreshing to see. I wouldn't call this a Dark Romance though, because it's really not. It's not psychopaths pushing limits, it's two people struggling to be seen and understood in a world that doesn't necessarily make it easy for them to fit.

I would highly recommend this to Readers like me; who prefer Dark Fiction, but like to add in a Romance, or Contemporary story, every once in while, maybe to feel something different, or to switch things up. Overall, I really enjoyed how the author developed this story with such care. You think you are getting one thing, and then as it evolves, it's just so compelling.

It's also much, much deeper than I anticipated, but not in an irritating, ooey-gooey way that generally annoys the piss out of me. It was just so enjoyable. I felt like I was actually in it with these characters. I felt everything they were feeling, for better or worse, and the plot was just enthralling to me.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I cannot wait to read more from Kate Posey. I feel like we're gonna have a long and beautiful friendship.

“Are you a coffin sleeper of do you hang by your toes from the rod in the closet”

“I usually just spin a web in the corner”

This book was a different twist on a workplace romance. Jake’s the new office temp and Delores isn’t your typical office robot. It was weird, quirky and definitely not what you’re expecting!

There were multiple times I was laughing aloud!

**Disclaimer**
I will say that if you’re looking for a serial killer/thriller vibe this book definitely puts more emphasis on the games/quirky aspect. This is definitely lighter and fluffier, not a dark book.

Thank you Berkley for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!