Dolores has always liked true crime and was dying to spot a serial killer in the wild, until she actually does. She’s convinced the new office temp is a serial killer.

The banter and snark between the two main
characters really made the book. I did not particular like either of them but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story. The beginning hooked me and while it did slow down at times, it hooked me again.

“Predators understand how to play the long game, how to front, how to employ theory of mind. Predators are artists.”

Serial Killer Games comes out 4/29.

I LOVE this book! I have read over 100 books the past 2 years and this was one of my top 5 books for sure. I know it will not be for everyone but for me personally it was everything I wanted and more. Kate Posey’s Serial Killer Games is an absolute gem, twisted, hilarious, tender, and totally unforgettable. This book doesn’t just toe the line between romantic comedy and psychological thriller, it gleefully dances on it in stilettos, leaving bloody footprints and love notes in its wake.

Dolores dela Cruz is the kind of protagonist you root for immediately: morbidly curious, razor-sharp, and achingly human. (I love her vampire look) When she suspects her charming new coworker Jake Ripper might be a serial killer (yes, how great is that name), what unfolds is less a whodunit and more of a do-I-want-to-kiss-him-or-run scenario that’s as hilarious as it is heart-pounding.

Posey’s writing is electric—witty, stylish, and wickedly smart. The chemistry between Dolores and Jake crackles with slow-burn intensity, and somehow, against all odds, she makes you believe in a love story blooming in the shadow of murder suspicions and bizarre workplace bonding. Also the BANTER is phenomenal in this book. It is written like Divine Rivals but in a dark, hilarious, and unexpectedly romantic way.
What makes this novel shine isn’t just its unique premise or pitch-perfect dark humor—it's the emotional depth simmering just beneath the absurd. Dolores and Jake aren’t one dimensional; they’re wounded, weird, and wonderful people trying to find connection in a world that feels increasingly off-kilter. And honestly? It’s beautiful. I never cry when reading a book but this made me actually tear up.

Serial Killer Games is a five-star stunner, sharp as a knife and warm as a hug from someone who might have a body in their freezer. An irresistible, oddly romantic, and gleefully macabre must-read. I loved every twisted minute.

PS. I also am obsessed with the cover. Temp marry kill ( be still my millennial heart). It's giving You meets The Office, with a heart.

Thank you, NetGalley, the author, and the publisher, for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was quirky and weird and not at all what I was expecting.

There’s a lot of humor in this book, but it’s definitely on the darker and dryer side. I’d also say the same for the romance plot: kinda dark, a little morbid, but done in an almost playful and funny kind of way (I was reminded of Mr. and Mrs. Smith while reading this). I definitely don’t think this kind of vibe will be for everyone, but I found it to be more middle of the road for me.

I will say I think the plot pacing was kind of all over the place. There were areas where things moved along pretty quickly, and then others where I was losing interest. I also think that the “thriller” label isn’t quite accurate here, as I’d say the romance takes center stage, which is great if you like romance (which I do), I was just expecting a different kind of book going into it. Aside from that, I do think this was an interesting book and unlike any I’ve recently read.

Serial Killer Games - Katy Posey
Pub Date - 4/29/25
Rating - 2/5 - DNF
Thoughts - Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this gifted advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. Although the title and premise seemed interesting to me, I couldn't get into this book. I stopped about 25% into it when I found myself zoning out and not paying attention to the story. Just wasn't the book for me.

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

“Ted Bundy,” she says. I blink. “My name is—”
“Your Halloween costume,” she says. “You’re dressed as Ted Bundy.”
"I’m not wearing a costume."

“Murder is a very difficult thing to do. Especially when it’s the right thing to do. It’s easier for people who are doing it for the wrong reasons.”

“You don’t need blood relation to justify a family."

From the start, the devilishly hilarious, Serial Killer Games, by uniquely clever debut author Kate Posey, is hard to define, but very easy to enjoy.

When Delores Dela Cruz meets the handsome, somewhat aloof, new office temp Jake Ripper, yes that's his name, she's sure of one thing...he's definitely a serial killer.

What starts off as a somewhat combative relationship soon becomes weirdly flirtatious; which could prove dangerous to them both and their secrets.

It was my first time listening to voice actor Christian Leatherman and he was a delicious delight as his truth and vulnerability came to light. Voice actress Dominique Salvacion was brilliant as a take no prisoners single woman...until you see the cracks in her act, and hear the grief in her voice.

The twists in this genre-defying story went from laugh out loud comedic genius to gut wrenching to a beautifully crafted emotional found family plot twist ending. Serial Killer Games is a winning twisted dark romance.

I received a free copy of this book/audiobook from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair & honest review. Opinions are my own.

Oh how I loved this book. It was not the story I thought it was going to be in such a much better way. Taking place in an office setting, Jake Ripper is the newest office temp and Dolores (Dodi) dela Cruz is an employee who tries to stay undetected on a floor where everyone has been laid off. Perhaps an oversight, she lays low to keep those checks coming with no real work to be done. She’s described as an alt girl with tattoos, black clothing, and the love for crime podcasts. Jake, who is a loner in real life with no real family but a roommate who basically pays him to get rid of his “girlfriends” with a place to stay. Jake spots Dodi and sets up his office on the same floor, as he is also trying to go undetected all while wearing black gloves and being mysterious. Dodi is bothered that she has caught his eye when she’s trying to lay low. They have little interactions and one day after overhearing one of Dodi’s podcast about a serial chopping body pieces, he decides to gift her a piece of a Barbie wrapped in a box (Oh did I forget to mention it’s Christmas time?!). This doesn’t scare her, but in fact starts a game of cat and mouse between them. Convinced he is a serial himself, she asks for his help in getting rid of something (sorry I’m trying to not get shadow banned with certain words).

The title is clever because it’s a play on their relationship. This is a book for thriller readers who also enjoy their main characters finding family and love. There is an understanding between them and respect. It’s really a story of two people who are alone, with complicated or sad pasts, and end up finding family within some of the people they meet along the way. There are so many surprises throughout, and this is why this book ended up being something different than I thought it would be.

Serial Killer Games is a book I was heavily looking forward to reading, as a lover of true crime. I fully was invested in the beginning BUT as the book continued, I felt the writing to be repetitive and dragging with some parts that led me to zone out. Sadly, this zoning out led me to not finishing the book as I felt I may have missed some plot details but didn't have enough of an interest to go back and reread.

3⭐️ 1.5🌶️

This was such an odd book and I dont necessarily mean that in a bad way. I just constantly felt like I didn’t know what was going on and at the same time I was so certain about a few things.

The MCs were so odd, and I do mean this is a good way. Maybe quirky is a better word. Both Dodi and Jack had a fascination with serial killers. Combine that with their reluctant fascination with each other and we get a quirky enemies to lovers romcom with several bodies to be disposed of.

I loved their ridiculous and antagonistic banter. It made me laugh out loud several times. But the way their stories was told left me in a bit of a daze. The pacing and story telling of the first half of the book felt so different from the second half. It was in the second half where everything really hit its wonderfully bizarre stride.

While I can’t say that this wash favorite book, it was certainly an entertaining one. One I will be thinking about for quite a while.

This book did not go where I thought it was going and I didn’t find it engaging enough to enjoy where it ended up.

Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey is one of the most unique and strange books I’ve read in a while—but in the best way. It’s dark, weird, funny, and somehow also full of heart. The story follows Dolores, a true crime-obsessed single mom who suspects the new office temp, Jake, might be a serial killer. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry is intense, and the mystery that unfolds is both creepy and unexpected.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to think. Dodi came off a bit harsh, and the plot felt a little chaotic. But as I learned more about her past and saw the softer side of Jake, I really got invested. There’s a strange kind of romance that sneaks up on you, and the mystery of the Paper Pusher kept me guessing. If you’re into quirky, dark thrillers with heart and humor, this is definitely worth checking out!

I was so excited to read this book from reading the description. But I was very disappointed to find out that this book did not match up to the description. The first few chapters were promising and it kept me engaged. I enjoyed the banter between the main characters. Then the shift happened and it was slow, boring and confusing and kind of all over the place?? I had to force myself to finish this book. Sadly this one wasn’t for me.

Thank you to Berkley Pub and NetGalley for the free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love these two little creepy weirdos so much!!!!!

"But I've never been afraid of her sharp edges. When I lean into them, my own jagged edges line up with hers. I give way where she needs me to, and the gaps missing from her contour draw me out into my own authentic shape, too."

This book was not at ALL what I was expecting. From the blurb it seemed like a tamer Butcher & Blackbird type story, a morbid rom com. And it absolutely was morbid, and hilarious, and swoonworthy. But I did not expect the depth, the found family, the cutest, creepiest love story I've ever read. I genuinely thought that both main characters were serial killers at the beginning. Upon finding out about Jake's body disposal habits, I was thinking "what in the heck is this book?" but kept reading as I was intrigued. Then once Dodi's secret past was revealed, I was in tears and absolutely HOOKED.

The FMC Dodi was admittedly not my cup of tea at first. She was so mean to Jake and I didn't understand. However, once finding out more about her past and the soft spot she had for her daughter and how hardworking she was, it really won me over. Jake was lovable all around, such a golden retriever (if a little bit, okay SUPER odd)... and really intentional on taking care of those around him.

The ending, in my opinion, was perfect. Jake was not terminally ill, Andrew was out of the picture, and the whole family got to coexist in their weird Addams family style home. I did see the mystery of the Paper Pusher's identity coming, but felt that things wrapped up nicely.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

This was such a fun, unexpected read. I was hook from the very first line. There were so many reveals and twists that led into bursts of of laughter. You've got to read this!

This felt like a mashup between mash-up of Butcher and Blackbird and Love Letters to a Serial Killer, but unfortunately I didn’t like either of those books. 🫣 This book was just so confusing. There wasn’t nearly enough backstory at the beginning and we are just thrown into an office setting where the MMC is a temp and (seemingly) a serial killer, and the FMC is a true-crime obsessed weirdo. I didn’t know this was going to lean so heavily on the dark romance side (even though it is closed door), and it just didn’t work for me plot wise. The dialogue was so stunted and one dimensional. These characters didn’t feel like real people at all. Initially it was kind of funny but as more time went on the more bizarre and apparent it became that it was not the right book for me. I love the cover but I just couldn’t get through this one.

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

This was a fascinating story full of witty banter with dark undertones. I was a little disappointed that the blurb did not accurately portray the real story, but it was still worth the time to read it.

The weird chemistry between the main characters was evident even as they were trying to figure the other one out.

I bumped up my 3.5 stars to 4 because the writer did keep my interest as I read through the pages. The name of the male main character was a hoot, especially considering what Dodi thinks he is. Just don't read the blurb, and I think you will enjoy the book more.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

DNF at about 10% in

This was my first book by this author and I really struggled with the writing style. I think this is just a case of this author isn't for me and life is too short to try and push your way through books that aren't working for you.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this amazing book!

It's not too often that I start a book thinking it will be one thing and then finding something else that is completely unexpected and absolutely amazing. What a wonderful debut! Jake and Dodi are such colorful, fleshed out characters. They consistently surprised me with their humor and actions. They felt so real, and I totally empathized with Dodi. Kate Posey is wonderfully talented and has a way of keeping readers on their toes. I'm looking forward to her future work!

This was such an interesting dark rom-com filled with twists and turns and dual POVs. There were parts where I truly did not know what was happening but I was along for the ride. It had a cat and mouse, "Catch Me If You Can" vibes but with serial killer aficionados and all the dark innuendos. I definitely cackled at some of the banter and quirky nods to infamous murders (the MMC 's name is Jacob Ripper after all).

I think this story is perfect for fans of true crime and murder podcasts who want a little romance and suspenseful "wtf is happening" moments complete with banter.

Overall, I give this 3.5-3.75 ⭐. The first and second halves of the book seemed like two different stories and didn't mesh completely but overall an enjoyable read. I feel like I need to go back and re-read just to pick up on some more of the clues. I'm intrigued to see if there will be more to this story!

Thank you so much to Berkley for the advanced copy! 🖤

Wow. This books summary does not do it justice, but I do feel like that is a bit on purpose. This book was a great genre bending debut. The repartee between Dolores and Jake was fantastic and hilarious. There was also a seriousness to the book that was unexpected but felt just right.

yeah so I'm pretty sure I liked this book lol I enjoyed the way the two main characters bantered with one another, and the set up for the reveal I believe should've come more like 75% of the way through the book? Halfway through the book just felt too quick. Which is kind of funny because the book also felt really long? I didn't have an emotional attachment to either of the main characters even though I liked them. I guess I really didn't have much of an attachment to anybody in this book. But because it was well written, I am definitely willing to give the author a try every time she publishes a novel. All in all decent for debut novel considering how many just flat out awful books there are right now.