This debut is twisted, a little morbid and kinky, and definitely darkly humorous—Serial Killer Games is not your typical love story. It follows Jake Ripper and Dolores dela Cruz, two wildly offbeat characters whose flirtation dances on the edge of something much more dangerous. Think “rom-com meets true crime” with a dose of pepper spray.

To be honest, this one wasn’t quite for me. The characters and the story were hard to connect with, and there were more than a few points where I considered giving up. But what saved the experience for me was the audiobook. The dual narration? Absolutely fantastic—it really brought the characters to life and made the unsettling tone a lot more engaging.

While I didn’t personally enjoy the plot or characters, I can definitely see this book hitting the mark for readers who love an off-kilter romance full of suspense, dark humor, and morally gray vibes.

This was unique! It’s a workplace romance between two people with a similarly dark sense of humor who are both hiding a lot of secrets. Jake is enamored with Dolores, though she has more reservations which I always love when he falls first.

It started off strong for me but unfortunately fell apart for me along the way. I had some trouble following the plot. I’m guessing it was supposed to be twisty and turny but mostly I was just confused about what was happening.

It was nice to read a fresh voice and something unique, but overall not a true winner for me. I did about half eARC half ALC, and did enjoy both narrators.

If you like your romance books mixed with a little morbid humor, then Serial Killer Games is the novel for you. For me, it was a mixed bag. I think my expectations of what the book was going to be about didn't line up to the actual story, plus I was a bit perplexed with the writing style. So much so I almost gave up. The second half of the book was more enjoyable. Maybe I let go of expectations, adjusted to the writing style, or it just was coming together, but the second half did boost the novel.

My best one line summary - a cat and mouse mystery that turns into a bit of a love story?

Highlights:
Dual POV
Unique plot
Funny moments

Lowlights:
Confusing narrative
Pacing issues

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review honestly an advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own

Let me start by saying that this is absolutely not what I was expecting, but in the best way.

I highly enjoyed the twists that I didn't see coming towards the end.

The chemistry between Jake and Dodi was everything!

Their little banter and word games had me chuckling at times, and I just loved them together.

There was a point in the story I was very worried about how we would get a HEA and started to get sad, but luckily I stuck to it and was happy I did.

I think even though this takes place around Christmastime, that a Halloween re-read will be in order.

I highly enjoyed this book and am surprised it's a debut. I'll have to keep an eye out for Kate Posey and her future releases. I highly recommend this read to all my true crime loving friends.

Kate Posey went all out in this, her first novel. It is a combo of mystery, romance and comedy.

I found this title to be quirky and unique. It was not my usual kind of read but I applaud what the author was able to accomplish.

Okay. I started off thinking I didn't know if I was going to be able to get into this one. The characters were dark and twisty and I thought I wasn't dark and twisty enough to follow their dialogue. However, I am so glad I kept going. This story was, in fact, dark and twisty, and the humor was dry but the story was also so beautiful. Add in a little thrilling mystery and this book seriously checked so many boxes for me. Not only did I love Dodi and Jake (a true caregiver who loves a dark and demanding woman), but I truly want to be Cat when I grow up. She was such a cool, confident little girl and the perfect side character for this story.
I loved the way this story tied itself together at the end and I truly can't wait to read anything that Kate Posey cooks up in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Kate Posey for an eARC of this story.

4.25

It’s not what you think!

This book was heading for a big fat DNF. Why was I thinking this was a romcom?

I’m sure I read the summary before I requested this, but I don’t think I can do it. This is morbid and mischief is one thing, but serial killers? I’m a fairweather true-crime podcast listener. I’d saved it until the very end and not in a best-for-last scenario. I promised to read this advanced copy and review it though, so I kept going.

There’s no way to alay your fears without spoiling the whole thing. Even saying that is a little cruel of me. I’m doing it not just for the Me’s of yesterday, but for the future fans who wouldn’t even pick it in this alternate-reality timeline.

Don’t get me wrong. There is some messed up bleep in there, so the freaks among you should still enjoy it, but—and I’m the first to admit that I didn’t see this coming—it’s a heartwarming story about family. It’s also a well-woven series of surprises, especially for a debut novel. Even though brief, I loved the acknowledgments and the discussion questions, which she apparently wrote herself, at the end. They provide an even better glimpse of her talent and humor. I don’t have a discussion buddy, but they are food for thought (Note: I’d love to see what kind of bookclub reads this or the looks on on their face when a member presents this pick for the coming month).

My only real complaint is the initial vibe with the title, and summary. It really does fit—though not as rudimentarily as it implies—but may deter some people. Embrace your inner (hopefully minor) psycho. It will pay off. No, this isn’t classic literature material and, despite the excellent messages, you need a pretty open mind and ability to see the bigger picture (or at least appreciate what the alternative could have been).

This seems to happen. I save a book to the bottom of the pile with low expectations and it ends up being the sleeper hit of the month. Instead of wading through half of a book waiting for my clinically severe-ADHD mind to engage, I was quickly engaged by whitty mental banter, trying not to feed the literal serial-killer nightmares I anticipated (Spoiler: no nightmares induced and patience rewarded).

Not five stars just because of the subject matter and a bit of brain overload story-wise, but a solid rating for me.

Thank you to Kate Posey (such an angelic name for a devious mind—like prim Alice-band wearing Cat on Santa’s lap), NetGalley, and Berkeley Publishing Group for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book for my unbiased review.

#SerialKillerGames #NetGalley #bookreview #ADHDreader #freaks #morbid #foundfamily #differentisgood

I wasn't sure who was the serial killer, it was confusing to me. Oddly I found it entertaining that I was confused and just kept on reading to see what happened. I'm not going to give anything away, but by the time I got to the end it seemed to me like a rom-com with a HEA. It did take a bit to get into the story, but I did enjoy it by the end.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

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Links:
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https://bookcle.substack.com/p/book-feature-serial-killer-games?r=3xp9tw

Review:
When I started "Serial Killer Games" by Kate Posey, I thought I knew what I was getting into but I was DEAD wrong.

On the surface, it’s a morbidly charming workplace romcom…with murder. Dolores dela Cruz suspects her new coworker might just be a serial killer, and unfortunately (or fortunately?) she’s really into it. What unfolds is a bizarre yet deeply touching slow-burn entanglement between two people who see each other more clearly than anyone else ever has—right down to the bones. And when things take a turn from “will they/won’t they” to “help me hide the body,” you know you're in for a ride.

This book completely caught me off guard in the best way. It’s the rare kind of story that refuses to be boxed into a single genre. It’s quirky and funny, yes, but it’s also profound and deep. I sobbed at one point which was not on my bingo card. There’s a glossy, playful serial killer aesthetic overlaying a story about connection, grief, and love—and remember, not all things are what they appear. Underneath the dark humor is a tender reminder that everyone is carrying something behind the scenes and Posey’s characters prove just that—they are silly, dark, and flawed like real life.

I was struck by the powerful themes and life lessons expertly sewn in. Posey explores vulnerability with such finesse as her characters face the terrifying act of letting their guard down—and how life-changing that can be when someone embraces the real you, the dark underbelly and all. There’s also a powerful thread about bullying and the quiet bravery of standing up for others (and yourself), and no longer accepting mistreatment.

Serial Killer Games is the dark, twisted, emotionally resonant, and oddly wholesome book you didn’t know you needed. What a wildly delightful descent into darkness...and HOPE.

Thank you to Kate Posey, Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley, & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my authentic review.

It took a little getting used to at first but once I found the rhythm, I ended up really enjoying it. Despite the title, this was a surprisingly cute romance with a fun twist. The chemistry between the characters kept me turning pages, and the unique premise made it stand out. All in all, a quirky, charming read worth picking up!

People have been “falling” off of roof tops all over the city. Suicides or a Serial Killer? Dolores dela Cruz enjoys listening to TRUE CRIME podcasts, and she thinks it’s the latter.

In fact, she thinks the new office temp, Jake Ripper could be a suspect.

Some women are attracted to DANGER ‼️

Jake Ripper finds his combative new coworker, Dolores, to be quite intriguing. And, it’s not just the fact that she wears all black with a just slash of red lipstick 💋 for color.

As they begin to play what they call “Serial Killer games” their relationship evolves into something flirty and darker.

Has he met his match?

The Negatives-the story is a bit kinky and a lot weird-and at 30% I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to continue reading but I found myself curious.

The Positives-it is unique and it was constantly surprising me.

🧂 Take this review with a grain of salt!
Not my favorite but my friends have all loved it, so if you’re intrigued-give it a try!

Expected publication date: April 29, 2025

Thank You to Berkley for the gifted ARC and the invitation to read it! As always, these are my candid thoughts!

This was not at all what I was expecting to read based on the title. I often felt confused with what was happening as things seemed to jump around a lot plot-wise. There were way too many tropes and the writing style was a bit too wordy for me. I was intrigued enough to finish the book but was definitely skimming after 60%. Was hoping for some spicy scenes but there was very little. I don’t need the spice but feel like there were missed opportunities here.

Serial Killer Games was different than what I was expecting. I didn’t read the synopsis before starting this one, but I was drawn to the book because of the cover and the title. I thought this was going to be about rival serial killers who end up working together in an office environment. That’s not what this was. I did enjoy it, though, even if it wasn’t what I expected. This was a quirky rom-com filled with morbid humor, a little mystery, and some really heartwarming moments.

I thought the romance between the two main characters was interesting, and I loved the witty banter between them and the whole enemies-to-lovers dynamic. The writing was unique and funny, and I especially liked the way the author wrote the main characters’ dialogue.

Some parts of the story were a little predictable, but there were also some unexpected surprises, and I really enjoyed the ending.

Overall, this was an entertaining read that I think lovers of quirky rom-coms and dark humor will enjoy.

3.5⭐️

Dark and twisted meet humorous and sweet. Usually mutually exclusive, these conflicting themes are what make SERIAL KILLER GAMES compulsively readable.

Jake and Dolores first encounter each other in the elevator of the high rise where they work; him as a temp and her as an employee existing on the fringes of the organization. They immediately sense something dark and mysterious in the other which propels them into a cat-and-mouse flirtation. Their banter is top tier and cuts like a knife. Their shared fixation on true crime and murder forms the basis of a very *interesting* relationship.

Beyond this dark facade is significant emotional depth. The story takes an unexpected turn that I will not spoil. Suffice to say, things are not always what they seem. Kate Posey has written a fun, surprising debut that will appeal to fans of Dexter and Butcher & Blackbird (without the intense steam).

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

⚠️ Triggers: Loneliness, bullying, being misunderstood, death, and quirky characters.

A fiery, spicier take on The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, Serial Killer Games cranks up the heat and twists the tension into a thrilling, dangerous dance. In The Hating Game, Lucy often jokes about Josh's "serial killer eyes," and at times, she imagines he might actually kill her. Even during foreplay, Lucy enjoys the roughness, wrapping her hands around Josh's throat. Yet, just when you think the book might go there, it consistently stays on the safe side of spice. And let’s not even start on “the staring game”…

Enter, Serial Killer Games,; a bolder, darker rom-com that’s not afraid to push boundaries. This debut novel is all about venturing into the unknown, where every turn blurs the lines between truth, danger, and reality.

We first meet Jake, an aspiring serial killer who craves invisibility. He wants to seamlessly blend into the background, becoming the unassuming temp who observes, gets rid of bodies for his roommate, and remains unnoticed. But his carefully crafted anonymity is shattered when Dolly notices him. Jake feels exposed, as though she can see every killer thought running through his mind. For Jake, Dolly becomes his killer soulmate; the only one who truly see him,. But Jake carries a dark, deadly secret he keepshidden, even from his family and friend.

Then, there’s Dolores, aka Dolly, or Dodi to her friends. Dolly is intrigued by Jake and begins a dangerous cat-and-mouse game, sensing his potential. Though she tries to resist, she feels inexorably curious about him. Dolly, who finds most people dull and uninteresting, is captivated by Jake. Their shared moments, strange and intriguing, leave her anything but bored. She quickly realizes Jake is not someone to underestimate.

Now, let’s talk about those 9 deaths by falling from 9 different buildings? Coincidence, or is there a serial killer lurking in the shadows? And if so, is one of them is the killer...or could it be both?

Although marketed as a dark rom-com, don’t be misled as it carries surprising emotional depth. Amidst the chaos and danger, the story poses a profound question: can someone truly accept us when we lower our guard and reveal our most vulnerable selves?

Admittedly, I struggled to get into the book at first. I wasn’t fully invested in the main characters until around the 40% mark. Then, everything shifted. The wild, bizarre dark flirtation between the protagonists took on a serious and dramatic tone, unveiling a heartbreaking truth. As their masks came off, they revealed raw and vulnerable sides of themselves, and it was utterly devastating. In that moment, I realized this debut novel wasn’t just quirky and dark, it had heart. Suddenly, everything clicked, and the story’s deeper meaning emerged.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a delight to read! Dark, twisty, comical, and surprisingly sweet.

So many things I thought I had figured out while reading this book was wrong and I love that for me! I love being surprised by a book. I have consumed my fair share of true crime books, podcasts, and documentaries so I thought a book where the main characters seem sus and revolve around some criminal behaviors including an obsession with a serial killer called “The Paper Pusher”, I’d be able to figure out most things, but I was wrong. (I did correctly figure out who the Paper Pusher is but that’s like the least mysterious thing about this book).

Told in an office setting in Canada, Jake is a temp and Dolores (aka Dolly aka Dodi) is a mysterious employee who works in a secluded office away from all other coworkers. They see something in each other, something similar, and that similar thing is dark. What unfolds is a cat-and-mouse exchange, with witty banter and multiple misunderstandings and surprises along the way. Plus, there’s a delicious slow burn and I’d give this a medium spice rating.

Add this to your TBR if you:
-Loved Dexter especially season 1 and the ice truck killer
-Like genre-bending books. This is a thriller but has romance elements. I did not expect to be giggling and kicking my feet while reading this but it happened
-Want to be surprised and don’t mind misdirections
-Are a fan of true crime and true love

Serial Killer Games is a unique creative story. I wasn't quite sure where it was going, and I didn't quite get it at the beginning but am so glad I stayed with it. On its surface, it's a darkly humorous book. I was not quite sure what to make of these characters. As the story continued, this book evolved into a story about human connection, found family and my heart literally grew while reading.

I will say it wasn't quite as funny as I was expecting and it started off so oddly, I almost didn't finish. Around the halfway point I was glad I stayed with it.

Serial Killer Games was a lot of fun and a quick read!

I never knew whether or not these characters were joking or serious. It’s part of what makes it hilarious because it’s got some morbid humor. I didn’t understand if there was actual subtext or if they were literal. I think the characters also had the same issue. They didn’t quite know what each other was talking about. Things start to come to light, and you understand.

Dolores is a character who really threw me. I could not gauge where or what she was coming from. Eventually, things come to light, and things fall into place. I was thrown by Jake, too. I don’t want to spoil anything about whether or not he’s a serial killer. I thought they did so well playing games and toeing the line.

I did not expect this book to go the way it did. It’s a light and fun romance for most of the book but takes a more serious tone. It’s so interesting how life just finds a way to sneak in and throw you off balance. I loved how the relationship between Dolores and Jake grew. They had some great banter and a very slow-burn romance.

Overall, this was a lot of fun! It wasn’t your typical romance, and that was nice. It does take a more serious tone, but all the jokes and games help keep it from getting too intense. There’s some wonderful found family!

Thank you, Berkley, for the e-arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

This is was such a unique read. It blends dark humor, romance and a bit of mystery.

The story is about Dolores “Dodi” and Jake. Dodi is an office worker with a fascination for true crime, and she’s convinced Jake, the new temp, is a serial killer.

This isn’t a bad thing, but I initially didn’t know what was going on and where the story was going. Was Jake really a serial killer? Was Dodi? Both characters were odd with macabre interests and their dynamic was strange. It was told via alternating POV’s, and I loved their sharp and witty banter. The story was entertaining and my curiosity of what was really going on kept me wanting to read. Despite the title, this isn’t a thriller. There were strong themes of loneliness and found family, and it was filled with dark humor. I ended up really enjoying it! If you are looking for a unconventional romance check this one out!

3.5-4 stars

Delightfully dark and funny book about two very observant people trying to outwit the other during a cat and mouse game, but these games turn flirtatious and leave you to wonder if they are really playing serial killer games or if this is actually real life.

Jake Ripper, he's an everyman who easily blends into the crowd. You see him and immediately forget about him. He’s an extra in a movie, a background person used only for filler. He works as a temp but he studies his victims and learns their everymove. He keeps quiet, knows who everyone is but doesn’t let anything get close to him until her ....Dolores.

Dolores works in a corner office, dresses in all black and has a morbid sense of humor. She also stays under the radar and is just as observant as he is. As a true crime aficionado, she knows what to look for in killers and she thinks she's found one in her office…Jake.

Filled with dark innuendos and misdirections this was a cutely worded story about two enemies falling for each other and just how far they are taking the serial killer joke or are they really joking after all?

I liked the misdirections the author placed into the story. She did a good job of putting a “fact” into the story and then I found out later on that I assumed the fact and it wasn’t 100% accurate. Very clever.

It threw you into the story very quickly but did take an unexpected turn into domestic bliss a little over halfway but it was not an unwelcome turn. It really helped to explain more about the characters and why they act like they do. These two started as frenemies but quickly moved into mutual respect and understating and eventually the desires between them won out.

The romance was a little choppy. It started with flirting and I enjoyed the back and forth at the start but as more of the backgrounds were exposed, I felt that it started to bounce around a little too much and I lost that connection with the two main characters.

Overall I enjoyed this book and I would classify this as a morbid romcom that was a stabbing success!

Thanks for the opportunity to read this book! I am a small reviewer on Instagram where I have 245 followers. Although my following is small, I give honest and thorough feedback on all books I read. I also post my reviews to Goodreads, StoryGraph and Amazon.