Oh, my. The deeper I got into this story the more bonkers it became. Wackadoodle crazy! I loved it. That's all I'm going to say.

Dolores de la Cruz has a lower-mid-level job in an office. Jake Ripper is the new office temp. Dolores has a hobby of looking for serial killers 'in the wild.' Jake, with his smooth good looks, sense of danger, and 'serial killer gloves' might just be Dolores' find.

The pair begin some intense cat-and-mouse flirting and things begin to get more and more serious. Until one of them asks the other for help disposing of a body. Like an iceberg, what a person hides about themselves might be much more interesting than what we see.

As someone who loves to read and who enjoys listening to a few true crime podcasts, I was really excited to read this first book by new author Kate Posey.

I really got into this book early on. The unreliable narrator, the back-and-forth actions of both Dolores and Jake, and the anticipation of where this will all lead - really builds a tense excitement. But for me, this tension and excitement drops quickly. I can almost pinpoint the moment that the book changes and becomes far less interesting. Las Vegas.

Early on we get that strong sense that there's probably going to be some romance here. Dolores and Jake act like middle-schoolers at times - remember the idea that if a boy was pulling on a girl's pigtails it probably meant he liked her? That's often the feeling here. But for the most part, it's the weird almost-romance that is most enjoyable.

But once things get more serious (or do they?) the romance is no longer interesting and the whole serial killer aspect gets muddled.

Looking for a good book? Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey has a great concept, an exciting set-up, but neither the romance nor the thrill is sustained through to the end.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I honestly thought this book was going to take me a completely different route than it did, but I wasn't too upset about where we ended up. Dolores and Jake make a cute couple and I enjoyed their dark sense of humor. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the secrets these two have and slowly open themselves up to each other. I also love that in the background there IS in fact a serial killer that could literally be anyone. I would recommend it for that aspect alone!

unique well written humorous love hate affair between two coworkers who could both be serial killers or are they, there was a surprising depth to the story as well as the chemistry came across better than many others of this type I enjoyed it and would recommend if you would like a different take on will they or won't they

Murder, Romance, and Office Politics: A Deliciously Dark Debut

Kate Posey's Serial Killer Games is the office romance we never knew we needed – where the meet-cute involves pepper spray and the water cooler chat centers on unsolved murders.

Our heroine, Dolores de la Cruz, spends her days binging true-crime podcasts and side-eyeing her new coworker, Jake Ripper (yes, really). She's convinced he might be the Paper Pusher – a local killer with a thing for tossing victims off downtown rooftops. The problem? Jake's also annoyingly charming, and their shared obsession with true crime keeps pulling them together.

Posey nails the sweet spot between dark comedy and genuine suspense. She turns mundane office life into a playground of paranoia, where every coffee break could be a clue and every team-building exercise feels like a twisted game of cat and mouse. The chemistry between Dolores and Jake crackles with tension – both the "Is he going to kill me?" and "Why is he so hot?" varieties.

The story occasionally meanders through office drama, but even these detours serve a purpose, building tension for a finale that manages to surprise even the most genre-savvy readers. Posey plays with our expectations like a cat with a mouse, using our own assumptions to lead us down false trails.

This is a story about finding connections in the weirdest places – even if that place happens to be mutual suspicion and shared theories about rooftop murders. It's fresh, funny, and just disturbing enough to keep you guessing.

3.5/5 stars. Recommended for anyone who's ever wondered if their cute coworker might be hiding bodies in the supply closet. Maybe save this one until after you've settled into your new job.

Every time I thought I had this book figured out, I was wrong. And I loved it.

Kate Posey keeps the reader in the dark about just exactly who and what our main characters are through the whole book, slowly revealing the details as Dolores and Jake learn them about each other. It's surprisingly emotional and soft at times only to catch me off guard with its irreverence at others. Overall, this book was not what I was expecting at all, but in a way that I really loved.

Don't go into it expecting Butcher and Blackbird, but do give it a try if you like character-driven stories with some found family, healing of generational trauma, and dark humor.

Such a hilarious , dark, twisted novel. I loved this one from start to finish.. this wouldn't be a book I would normally have read, but received it in exchange for a review from bookbrowse and I am so glad I did! I hope to see more from this author in the future!

The book has a very slow pace which after a while gets a little difficult to keep reading, but the story itself is very good. There are lots of twists and turns - some I guessed, some I didn't. I had specific people I thought of for the characters which helped me play the whole thing out in my head.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Great debut!
Serial Killer Games quickly grabbed me and it didn’t let go. This book wasn’t at all what I expected it to be but I think that’s what made me like it all the more. It had the chemistry and banter you expect in a romcom but it was more about the darker thriller side to the story. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by Kate Posey.

3.5 stars.

This is one of the oddest books I’ve read in a while, but that’s okay because overall, it works.

When I started this book, I kept expecting certain events to take place and the author kept throwing twists in. About a third of the way through, I started to figure out and anticipate the twists, which actually made the reading experience really fun.

This book was not at all what I expected it to be. I didn’t enjoy the sort of weird insta-love between Dodi and Jake, but I ended up really loving their found family. I also really liked the Paper Pusher storyline.

If you’re looking for a unique love story, probably unlike anything you’ve read before, full of dark humor, this is the book for you! It releases on 29 April 2025.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley for a free eARC in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars
I was expecting a light hearted rom-com and I got this emotional funny story that I loved. It was so good, please pick this one up when it comes out!

Kate Posey’s debut novel had me hooked from the start and desperate to know what would happen next; subsequently I read the entire book in less than 24 hours.

Jake Ripper (yes, that is his name) is a new temp employee at Dolores de la Cruz’s job and from their very first encounter they are both fascinated with and wary of each other. They try to resist, but soon begin a tantalizing game of cat and mouse full of ridiculous misunderstandings (which were for once not frustrating), inappropriate pranks, and flirtatious banter.

Serial Killer Games is a dark romance, but it’s also a book about grief, yearning for human connections, and love. It made me laugh out loud and tear up. It was macabre at times yet heartwarming. It was unlike anything I’ve read before and I loved it.

"The entire premise of dating as a straight woman is being alone with men who are potential murderers." "That's very insulting. Potential?"

This was not what I thought it would be, but I'm not upset about it! I think the only reason this isn't rated higher from me is truly a me problem, because I went in thinking it would give Buther & Blackbird vibes, and that was the wrong way to go. It's the perfect mix of fluffy and dark rom-com. I was literally laughing out loud so many times. The shower scene was perfection. IYKYK.

"What do you think of my tattoos?" "You're going to make a very gaudy lampshade."

Dolores and Jack are a pair made in f*cked up heaven. Their dark and morbid senses of humor and ways of communicating with each other was so fun to read. Definitely a nice change of pace from most romance tropes out there. Give me more couples talking casually about murder with each other, please. And cinnamon roll domesticated men who give a girl a haunted Barbie dream house and leave Christmas wrapped Ken doll parts hidden in plain sight as a "gift."

"A true serial killer has the good manners to keep it personal. A good firm stranglehold and then eye contact till the end." "Don't threaten me with a good time."

I will say, I feel like the story kind of lost me halfway through when things were being revealed, and it seemed like the story really took a 180. I absolutely adored the ending, though. Cat and Laura are so cute I could picture them in my head so clearly. Honestly, this book would make a great movie. True 'cult classic' potential. This being a debut novel is so promising, and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this author in the future!

Just finished *Serial Killer Games* by Kate Posey, and WOW – what a ride! 😱 If you loved the Butcher and Blackbird series, this one is definitely for you. I dove into this one without any expectations, and it did not disappoint. I read it in one sitting because I *had* to know what happened next. The twists and turns kept me on edge, and I was constantly questioning who was “good” and who was “evil.” The serial killer angle was intense, but it had me hooked the entire time.

The book felt like two stories in one: one part was the budding, teased at romance between Dodi and Jake, with a slow-burn “will they or won’t they?” vibe. The second part dives into themes of found family, grief, and- of course- murder.

That being said, the pace did feel a bit slower at times, and there were moments where I wasn’t sure what the plot was building toward. It almost felt like I was watching the characters just live their lives, without a clear direction toward a big moment. While everything definitely comes together by the end, this isn’t a heavy, emotional read—it’s more of a steady journey with a solid payoff.

There were a few side characters who didn’t quite fit into the main story, and I kept wondering why they were included. But honestly, it didn’t take away from the overall plot, just left me a little confused at times.

Definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in, and if you're not a fan of dark humor, this might not be the one for you.

Oh, and did I mention Kate Posey is Canadian? 🇨🇦 Love supporting homegrown talent!

Not quite sure how I feel about this one...
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Posey, and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Plot:
Dolores and Jake both work in the same office. Dolores has a sneaking suspicion that Jake is actually a serial killer. Meanwhile, Jake thinks Dolores is the most interesting "vampire" he's ever met.

My Thoughts:
I kept the plot so short because it was difficult for me to summarize what is happening in this book. I think the actual summary is a bit misleading. I thought this book would be more of a comedy between two killers like the popular Butcher and Blackbird series, but this was not even close. Was it a romance? Maybe? Was it a comedy? Kind of. Was it a book about serial killers at all? Barely.

The writing in the book was great. The author creates great tone and immersion and I did read through this book pretty quick even though I had no idea what was going on most of the time. She gave just enough information to keep me reading to see what was going to happen next.

I found the FMC to be unlikable as the story progressed and I leaned more toward the FMC, but I still couldn't get a read on either of them until the last five chapters.

I think this author would do great with a thriller or mystery. I didn't see any of the twists or turns coming, but I am so glad they did. The last five chapters of this book are what brought in those last few puzzle pieces.

Overall, great writing, great potential. It just took too long for me to understand what this book was actually trying to be.

4.5⭐ rounding up

A surprise filled debut! The cover and title fit the content after reading, but prior to picking this up, glancing at it brought up a thousand possibilities and nothing my mind turned over was even close to the plot. I loved being along for the ride!

Dolores dela Cruz works in an office, but her guilty pleasure is tuning in to true crime podcasts. She often gazes around at her fellow office drones and wonders if she could spot a serial killer trying to blend in.

Meanwhile, Dolores has her own reasons for flying under the radar.

Jake Ripper (could he have a better name) is a temp always on the move from job to job and compiling lists. When Dolores crosses his path, she grabs his attention with her direct argumentative manner.

Are those leather gloves he's so fond of wearing a clue to his extracurricular activities?

The story is told in dual POVs which was a great move. I liked both of these characters and getting to understand their personal lives outside of their interactions with each other added to the overall experience. The layout seems simple. Right? Wrong. The road to a relationship is riddled with unusual detours. So much so that the romance seemed secondary to the big picture which I liked because like it or not, life is a million unique working parts.

It would've been so simple to use a tried-and-true template for a romance and instead the author went in another direction giving readers a refreshing take. My favorite aspect was the uncommon turns the plot threads took. I also enjoyed that the tropes didn't feel "tropey" they felt like a natural progression in the story.

I would recommend this to those who appreciate dark humor with enough heart to balance it without becoming sickly sweet.

Kudos on this debut, Kate Posey!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an Advanced Reading Copy for review. All opinions are my own.

This was a quirky, sometimes twisted, dark rom-com with a splash of thriller. I was originally expecting more of a thriller simply because of the title but I didn’t mind the romance! The banter was fun and there ended up being some deep emotions expressed from both MC’s that I wasn’t expecting but that warmed my heart nonetheless. Jake and Dolores had a lot of chemistry for two people who think the other could be a serial killer 🤣 I’d almost (lightly) describe this as if Dexter had been a rom-com and Dexter had actually been able to feel any emotions (which we know he couldn’t if you watched the show)
Overall entertaining and unexpected read!

Dolores is concerned that the temp in her office is acting like a serial killer in Kate Posey's Serial Killer Games. Jake's bland good looks, sketchy behavior and interest in Delores strays from her desire to remain anonymous at her job. His name even fits the part: Jake Ripper. What follows is a game of cat and mouse, tit-for-tat, a mild (albeit with a twisted bent) flirtation and a dash of romance.

The story drew me in as did Posey's evocative, melodious prose. While the book does seem to change genres a bit halfway through it still holds up its charm. There was a bit of dragging in the middle, but nevertheless I really enjoyed the characters of Dolores and Jake and the twisted bond that grew between them. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and feedback.

This book is darkly, richly, and sweetly delicious. What a gem! I think if you read the blurb and are intrigued then you need to snatch this one up and make plans for an excellent reading experience. This will keep you intrigued and laughing and and holding your breath and addicted to turning the pages until you reach the satisfying conclusion. It is especially fabulous if you go in not knowing details beyond the book blurb. I loved this book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I think dark romcoms are my new favourite subgenre. I love dark humour, and boy, did this book deliver on that front and satisfy my inner goth.

Serial Killer Games is everything that I wanted from Love in the Time of Serial Killers. This book is what I imagine an office romcom featuring a (slightly more normal) adult Wednesday Addams and Dexter Morgan would be like.

Jake Ripper (yes, that's actually his name LOL) is a mysterious temp who makes it his business to lurk in the shadows and observe everyone around him. He immediately takes notice of another mysterious office worker who appears to be a lot like him – someone who remains unnoticed around the office and is similarly interested in the news about the local serial killer, “the Paper Pusher”. Meanwhile, Dolores de la Cruz, a Filipina true-crime fanatic who’s been keeping a low-profile at work, does not appreciate being noticed and is fully convinced that Jake is a serial killer.

This romcom was wickedly unhinged and morbidly funny. I was completely hooked from the first chapter, and if the excerpt below (from the first chapter) isn’t enough to convince you to read this, I don’t know what will.

"You’re following me."
“No. This is my car.” I lean against the car next to hers.
She considers the sleek car and weighs it against my temp uniform. "That’s definitely not your car."
"It is."
"Prove it. Open up the trunk and show me your latest strangle victim."
I don’t move.
She twists sinuously on the spot and flicks her eyes up and down from my head to my toes. "You’re a creep," she says, and I can’t tell if it’s an insult or praise. She hops in her car and I watch as she drives off. She flips me the bird as she vanishes around a cement pillar.
I stare after her, my thoughts twisting this way and that. There was something about how she looked at me and really saw me – the faceless office temp who no one normally sees, who no one is supposed to notice. It feels risky, and exhilarating.
I fish out my keys out of my pocket and pop the trunk. There’s a rolled-up rug inside, blond hair spilling out one end.
I could have shown her. Wouldn’t that have been hilarious.


I adored the dark, witty and flirty banter between Dolores and Jake (I mean, who knew half joking about serial killers could have such flirty undertones?!). Their slow-burn chemistry was off the charts and I was rooting for them to get together from the get go. Although told in alternating first person POVs, both characters maintain an air of mystery leaving me scrambling to read the next chapter to learn more about whatever secrets they may be hiding.

I absolutely loved Jake and Dolores. They’re both sharp-witted and lethally funny loners who are weirdly perfect for each other and who get each other on a deeper level #relationshipgoals.

I also loved that there were many unexpected and delightful twists that I didn’t see coming. This book appropriately balanced humour with slightly heavier and more emotional themes of mortality, family, and love. I was also pleasantly surprised that nearly everything that happened in this book still fell within the realm of possibility and wasn’t too wild or farfetched (unlike other thriller romcoms such as Finlay Donovan). What I loved the most though, was the story of two individuals with strangely unique interests and an odd sense of humour finding each other.

Finally, this phenomenal debut novel features a long list of my favourite tropes (which I won’t list so as not to spoil the book). I will say that I am a sucker for the found family trope, which was the cherry on top of the cake and really cemented my love for this book.