I really liked this book, but I do think it dragged a bit in the middle. I found the characters strong and compelling, even when I hated them. And while I was on the edge of my seat for the wrap up, I did find myself a little bit disappointed how things shook out.

just a few pages in, I was recommending this book to everybody! it's SO good. I did think the middle picked up the pace and was rushed very suddenly and it's the only reason this rating went from a 5 star to a 4. the humour in this is fantastic, and having the POV of each other as well as from each other really made this read amazing. we got to see how the 2 main characters, a married couple, act around each other, away from each other and in their own heads. and their brains are very much suited to each other.

it's funny when you imagine the background being somewhere familiar to you, it's described perfectly to where I spent ages 7-11, except the murder - of course, and I'll never think of it the same haha! and I find that incredible that someone's writing could do that.

I'll probably think on this review some more and tweak it. but please! go read this book, it's such an easy, funny read!

I really had high hopes for this book and it really fell flat for me. I liked the idea and Fran was fun to read about. Gareth's story dragged out for me. I loved the cat and dog in the story but it felt like something was missing.

I really enjoyed the concept for this book. I loved that while Fran is a killer, her husband Gareth, is a detective. They recently moved to a new neighborhood and shortly after, Fran impulsively murders their neighbor one day. Gareth then has an investigation opened for his disappearance.

While I did enjoy this book, I do think it is not without flaws. The pacing was off. The book started out fast and exciting with Fran committing the murder in the first chapter. The book then dragged before picking back up at the end. I also believe the concept for this book is the exact same as for the MindFuck series by S.T. Abby. Even down to the ending of both, which I loved in both books!

I also just didn’t really connect with either character like I did in the MindFuck series. I cared deeply about what happened and had happened to Lana and Logan while in Garbett’s book, I only became emotionally invested when Mep, the cat, got sick. 🐱

All in all, I would recommend this book, especially if you liked the MindFuck series! It’s a short read with a fun plot that I think is very surface level. For me, the book never gets too deep or serious, even when it comes to the murder and motivate. Perfect for some light summer reading! 🔪

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. I was interested by the title and had high hopes for a good read. I enjoyed reading about Fran, but would have liked more about her relationship with Angus and thir early years. Gareth , her husband was a very serious detective & again I felt we were missing something about his background. Each characters story was told from their own perspective & Fran's flowed better. She appeared to be a more interesting person. Gareth's story was a little tedious. I wasn't sure what to expect from the ending, but some how I was left feeling that it was rushed.
An original idea, that I not sure worked well.

Really enjoyed this one—such a good read. The writing flowed so well and the characters totally drew me in. I didn’t want to put it down! One of those books that stays with you after you’ve finished. Highly recommend.

I enjoyed this story, but not as much as I had expected from the title and description. We follow two points of view: Fran, the wife, who is indeed a serial killer (though she will remind you she is not a psychopath!), and her husband, Gareth, a homicide detective. Now, I don't think it is extremely smart to unalive your neighbour, especially if you are unsure if your husband is the 'I'll bring the shovel' kind of guy.

Fran's side of the story has some humour, and she is a likeable and interesting character. Gareth... not so much. His parts of the story felt much slower than hers, and I didn't really connect with him. Since we only witness some of the unaliving, I would have liked to see more of the investigation part. What was interesting in Gareth's story is that at the end, did he or didn't he....

Overall, a good story, but missing some drama and tension for me.

The title the little knife earring on the cover I was so ready to read this book!

It did not disappoint as a quick and fun read!

Gareth a detective ends up investigating his own wife’s killing spree and I loved the dual pov and the unhinged was of Fran (the wife)

It stays darkly humorous throughout and you will be dying to get to the end!

Thank you Netgally and Storm Publishing for my ARC copy.

Gareth is a cop. Fran is a serial killer. Oh—and she’s also his wife.

That premise alone was enough to hook me, and the book delivered on the promise of dark humor, sharp dialogue, and a twisted take on love and loyalty. There’s a satisfying mix of violence, snarky banter, and moments where characters go to extreme lengths to protect the people they care about.

That said, I closed the book feeling like something was missing. I would’ve loved more depth around Fran and Angus’s time in the children’s home—those glimpses into their past were intriguing but underdeveloped. The same goes for Edith. Exploring her backstory more fully could’ve added emotional weight and helped readers better understand her motivations. As it stands, some of those potentially powerful moments felt a bit glossed over.

The ending also felt rushed to me. After such a strong buildup, I was hoping for a more layered or satisfying conclusion.

Still, this was a thoroughly entertaining read. Some sections were so gripping I couldn’t put it down, and I appreciated the bold, unconventional approach. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely memorable.

This really took me a hot minute to get into. I don’t know what it was, but I wasn’t fully invested until about halfway through. Which is crazy, because the premise is so intriguing.

It might have been the characters. First of all, they have horrible names. Absolutely terrible names. Very hard for me to connect with characters that have those names. And they just felt overall a little flat? Not quite sure why.

Overall, the book wasn’t bad. It wasn’t my favorite, but it wasn’t bad either. I feel like the story could have used an extra little something but I couldn’t tell you what exactly that would be.

3.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

I was captivated from start to finish. Garbett weaves shocking moments with dark humor, creating an enjoyable reading experience. Fran is a chillingly pragmatic killer who operates within morally gray areas. Her husband, Gareth, a by-the-book detective, creates friction as his investigation leads him closer to his own wife. The dynamic between their clashing worlds is pure gold.

For readers who enjoy dark humor and unconventional thrillers, My Wife, The Serial Killer is an absolute must read. It's a wild ride that will have you laughing even as you gasp.

Thank you to Storm Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: June 17, 2025

This one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I absolutely loved the prologue — it hooked me right in and set up such an intriguing premise. I went in expecting a twisty, fast-paced ride. And while it had its moments, somewhere along the way it started to feel a little… repetitive. The plot kind of wobbled, like it couldn’t decide which direction to fully commit to. I found myself flipping pages more out of habit than suspense. By the time I reached the final stretch, I wasn’t as invested anymore — which is such a bummer because it had the potential to be something truly gripping. Maybe it’s just me being a picky reader again, but hey, not every book's meant to rock your world, right?

I cannot give real feedback on this book and thus did not post on my social channels. I found the writing very choppy and did not finish this novel. I apologize but I went to page 70 and abandonded this book.

This book is dark comedy at its finest! Honestly, I think the title should be how to fall in love with a serial killer (and her detective husband). Not only did I adore the characters of Fran and Gareth, I fell in love with Garbett's dry wit, humor, and pacing. I've never laughed so many times (when reading about murder) and I'm glad I wasn't drinking water while reading...because my iPad would be ruined.

Gareth, Fran & MEP (their cat)!!!!

Gareth is an investigator on a case where his wife killed someone…. And honestly i loved it😂 this was so wild and unhinged & so great hahahaah!

I loved that the narrator of the book aka pov is Fran because i was yelling at her the entire time!!!! GIRLYYYYY YOU HAD ME STRESSED.

Thanks NetGalley <333

Gareth is a cop. Fran is a serial killer. Fun fact: she's also his wife.

The premise lured me in right away. Overall, there was some violence, some witty banter, and characters that gp all out tp show they love one another.

However, I finished this feeling like something was missing. I think more back stories about the children's home and what Fran and Angus went through. I think maybe pulling out some stories about Edith would have made this pack more of a punch and help readers sympathize more with what she was doing. I also thought the end wrapped up too quickly and just felt rushed.

Overall, it was entertaining and several parts of the book we so riveting I could not put it down.

This is a dark thriller/ comedy! Very interesting and twisted. Not sure it was for me but I read it anyway.

3.5⭐️
My Wife, The Serial Killer follows detective Gareth and is murdering wife Fran who live in a quiet street with their elderly cat Mep. When their normal quiet life is turned upside down by the brutal murder of their elderly neighbour!

This is my first book by H.J. Garbett and I’m sure it won’t be my last, I like the writing style and found it a very quick and fast flowing read. I would have liked a few more twists and turns for this type of genre but would still recommend giving it a read if you’re looking for an easy fast paced read!

This was a book I was looking forward to reading and it didn’t disappoint!

My Wife The Serial Killer is written in a dual POV - one being Fran, a social worker and the other being her husband Gareth, a police detective.

The book starts with Fran murdering her elderly neighbour and covering up the crime but when her husband Gareth gets a call to do a welfare check on the neighbour, he soon suspects that something bad has happened. Without realising his wife is the culprit, he starts investigating a potential murder and soon he has to make a choice between justice and his wife.

This book is dark and funny and you are totally on Frans side - the neighbour deserved to die! Both main characters are really likeable for different reasons and I totally fell in love with their elderly cat Mep.

I really enjoyed the twists and turns as the murder investigation played out and seeing what decisions Fran and Gareth would make even if it comes at a cost.

I recommend this book as an easy read with a lot of humour! I’d definitely look out for more books from this author in the future.

thanks to netgallery for the opportunity to read the arc and give my honest review.
for me this was an okay read,this book is definitely different from any murder/serial and murder mystery books I have read.
I honestly had a hard time connecting with it from the beginning but that pushed me to continue reading more and see what is really pushing Fran with murder.
I enjoyed Fran as a character,I love her confidence in making sure she was really careful with everything, also how she knows that what she has done is wrong but acknowledge that she not gonna stop until she is done with making everyone pay for what happened to her sister. I love Gareth too,I love the way his interactions with Fran as a couple,with how they are doing their best with separating their work like from their domestic one.
I did expect Gareth to do the right thing once he finally figured out everything with the murder of Mr Gordon and Fran's past also I knew he would try his best to get her out of prison and I'm really glad him and Angus worked together to get her out.
With all that is going on this book,I seriously love how Fran handled or understand what she did to avenge herself and her little to the people who were trusted to do right by them,only to end up failing them.