Thank you to NetGalley, HJ Garbett, and Storm Publishing for the eARC. I absolutely loved this book—it was quirky, dark, and unexpectedly funny all at once. The unique characters and their distinct narratives kept me hooked. A wonderfully offbeat must-read!

I was instantly intrigued by the concept of this book. It’s a fun read (despite the serial killer theme!) full of dark, twisty humour. The first half is such a quick read as the plot is fast paced and twisty. It slows down in the second half, and I would have liked a bit more about Frans history to keep me intrigued.

Overall, a quick, enjoyable read, perfect for a holiday

This book was so much fun! It seems strange to say that about a story of a serial killer, but it's true. The book has been described as a blend of Dexter meets Schitt's Creek and that is spot on.

Fran and Gareth are the perfect couple. She has a meaningful job helping children in foster care, making sure that others don't suffer the same way she did. Gareth is a determined detective. In a new home, trying for their first child, everything is right in their world, until a neighbor goes missing.

Gareth's detective instincts tell him something isn't as cut and dried as an old man wandering off but he has no clue that his wife has killed the neighbor and disposed of his remains.

Fran can't stop killing and Gareth can't stop following his gut to find out what's going on. Obviously, this can't end well.

My Wife, the Serial Killer is dark, twisty, and I laughed out loud multiple times. The snark and sarcasm of the main characters is strong and perfection. Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC.

While the concept of this book was super interesting I had a little bit of trouble starting out as it almost felt a little “and then this happened and then this” but i will say i struggle a little with world building so I stuck it out and I’m so glad I did!
Dark humour, unapologetically flawed mc, murder and so much more awaits you.
They had it coming and she doesn’t let the fact it’s dangerous stop her

3.5 stars!

This cover caught my eye right away!

Fran Donoghue has killed her neighbor, and most would say he deserved it. Her husband, Detective Gareth Donoghue, starts to worry when he discovers the neighbor is missing. As the story unfolds, it becomes a darkly humorous tale about love, marriage, and murder, leading to an unexpected conclusion that surprises Gareth.

I was all set for a fun and quirky murder mystery, and the first half of the book certainly delivered—keeping me thoroughly engaged. However, the second half felt a bit drawn out, and I found my interest waning.

In the beginning, Fran was a fantastic character, full of life and confidence. But as the story progressed, she became somewhat confused and lost her spark, making her less compelling.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, though a bit inconsistent and, dare I say, predictable at times. But let’s be honest: that cover is a showstopper, and the concept of a villain cohabitating with a law-abiding citizen? Now that’s a recipe for delicious chaos! While the execution may have fallen short of its potential, it doesn’t mean it won’t resonate with you. So, give this book a chance!

If you’re a fan of morally ambiguous characters, closet serial killers, and tantalizing murder mysteries, this one might just pique your interest. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Thank you, Storm Publishing, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

My Wife, The Serial Killer by H.J. Garbett is a thriller that combines dark humor with a fast-paced narrative. The story follows a husband uncovering his wife’s secrets, presenting an intriguing premise with concise prose. While the plot can be predictable at times, Garbett's character dynamics and plot twists add interest. It is suitable for readers of psychological thrillers. Rating: 3.5/5 stars. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

My Wife the Serial Killer by H. J. Garbett is exactly what the title promises—and yet it still manages to keep you on the edge of your seat. Even though you know who the killer is, the suspense builds in clever ways, and the twists kept me guessing. The ending genuinely caught me off guard. That said, if you’re squeamish, be warned: the murder scenes are very descriptive and not for the faint of heart. A dark, gritty, and gripping thriller with a sharp edge.

Gripping from the first page, this thriller hurtles forward with relentless tension and razor-sharp twists. Every character hides a secret, and just when you think you've figured it out, the truth shatters everything. It's a masterclass in suspense that leaves your pulse pounding until the final line.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Immensely readable and perfect for the summer - there is some seriousness, but it is countered by a lot of humor, the action flows, the main characters are very likeable. It's a very fun why-dunnit. I only have minor quibbles with the final stretch, but overall, a great read.

If you love dark humor and chaotic domestic suspense—think “Dead to Me” or the Finlay Donovan series—this one’s for you. The story follows a husband and wife duo; Gareth is detective thrown into a murder investigation… while his wife, Fran, (unknowingly to him) may have a few deadly secrets of her own. 👀

The writing is sharp, funny, and totally addictive. Every time I sit down to read, I find myself reaching for my Kindle and devouring as much as I can. Who would’ve thought a book about a serial killer spouse could be described as silly—but here we are, and I’m loving it.

It’s been the perfect read to snap me out of my reading rut! 📚🖤🔪

This book totally caught me off guard—in the best way. My Wife, the Serial Killer is a smart, darkly funny take on marriage, murder, and moral gray areas. It kicks off with Fran killing her neighbor, and from there, things spiral in the most entertaining way, especially since her husband, Gareth, is a detective… and completely clueless.

The story flips between Fran’s sarcastic, often hilarious inner thoughts and Gareth’s more grounded, methodical POV. It’s not a traditional thriller with constant action or a long trail of bodies. Instead, it leans into character tension and emotional stakes. Fran is one of those characters you know you shouldn’t root for, but somehow you do.

It’s fast-paced, easy to read, and has a strong voice throughout. I flew through it in a day. That said, a few parts dragged a little, and some of the supporting characters felt a bit thin. But overall, this was such a fun and twisted ride.

If you like your crime fiction with a sense of humor, emotional weight, and morally questionable leads, this one’s worth picking up!

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC.

I am struggling with how to rate this one. It took me awhile to get into the book and the characters made it difficult for me to really connect. It was not a bad book, but was not my favorite.

My Wife, The Serial Killer is a dark and intriguing read that cleverly blends suspense with dark humor. The story offers a fresh take on the domestic thriller genre, with a protagonist whose unsettling secrets keep you guessing throughout. Garbett’s writing keeps the tone sharp and engaging, and the plot twists are genuinely surprising without feeling forced. I did find some parts a bit quick or surface level, which is why I couldn’t give it a full five stars, but overall, it’s a gripping and inventive story. Perfect for anyone who enjoys psychological suspense with a twisted edge.

This novel centers around Francesca, also known as Fran, a dedicated social worker in child protection, and her husband, Gareth, a detective. Recently settled into their new home, this happily married couple has been trying to start a family for a few years.
The story takes a turn when their neighbor, Mr. O'Neill, mysteriously disappears. While Gareth's boss dismisses it as a cut and dried case pointing out that elderly individuals often go missing .Gareth senses that something isn't quite right. As the investigation unfolds, unexpected revelations emerge. Is Gareth truly aware of what his wife , is there more to the story? Or what is she hiding?
To discover the full tale, be sure to read the book.
This novel is a captivating mix of dark humor, sarcasm, murder mystery, thriller, love, marriage, and family dynamics.
The witty exchanges between the protagonists are delightful. Fran's internal monologues are extraordinary. The sibling bond is portrayed beautifully. The twist at the end is completely unexpected.
Overall, it's a well-crafted book that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Sehr sehr unterhaltsam! In dem grossen Teich der "killing - how funny" ein wirklich lustiger Inhalt. Oh wie süss-naiv die Hauptfigur ihre Taten schönredet und dabei aufpassen muss, nicht vor ihrem Polizei-Gatten aufzufliegen. Sehr lustig!

3.5 stars

I thought this book had a cool concept, and I found the main characters interesting - but something about the story didn’t click for me. The pacing of the story was very weird, and there didn’t seem to be an actual story arc, just a series of events.

I’m also not really sure what genre this book was supposed to be. It is being marketed as being hilarious but I didn’t not find it very funny or comedic.

Besides the main characters, who had some depth, all the other characters were very flat and stereotypical.

An excellent read in the vein of the Emma Donohue series and Benjamin Stevenson's Everyone in my family has killed someone.


A police detective with a serial killer wife.....what could go wrong? This debut takes readers along for a wild ride as the characters keep the story racing from one house to the next, from one grave to the next. Some of the most entertaining reading I've had lately.

This is a darkly funny, fast-moving read that pulled me in from the start. Fran is completely unhinged in the best way—she’s sharp, unpredictable, and has a talent for getting herself (and everyone around her) into chaos. You never quite know what she’s going to do next—and honestly, I don’t think she does either. Gareth, her strait-laced detective husband, is her total opposite. Raised Catholic, allergic to lying, and always trying to do the right thing, he’s constantly trying to clean up the mess without losing his mind. Their dynamic is hilarious, tense, and super compelling to follow.

This book does a great job blending heavier themes like marriage, infertility, and grief with dry humor and a twisty murder mystery. It never gets overly graphic or gory, but still brings the suspense when it counts.

If you like crime fiction that’s sharp, witty, and a little offbeat, this is definitely one to check out.

3.75***
My Wife, the Serial Killer is a twisted and surprisingly funny novel that grabs you at the beginning and doesn't let go. It was described as Dexter meets Schitt's Creek and I completely agree, sometimes it can be a little far fetched, but it worked! It centers around married couple Fran and her police detective husband, Gareth. Gareth, never being a rule breaker, begins to suspect that foul play was at hand when his neighbor goes missing, and he slowly begins to speculate that Fran is responsible. This is a great blend of psychological suspense and offbeat humor, told through both Gareth and Fran points of view. And through it all, they are barely keeping it together.

I enjoyed the banter as well as the constant changes between the FMC and MMC. HJ did a good job of showing how things wore down on each of them, conveyed the "concern" about being caught or catching the person as well as how to...resolve.

I had many times of actually laughing out loud and a couple gasping moments as well.

Overall a fun and decently quick read!