Fast-paced, entertaining and slightly twisted, The Serial Killer Support Group is a great read. A fast-paced story with relatable characters makes this a real page-turner but there are deeper messages here too and questions raised about the morality of punishing those who deserve it most. Recommended.

This book is a solid 4 stars for me. I had to put it down and go to bed because it was so captivating.

It’s dark and twisted, but I enjoyed that aspect. It’s an eye for an eye, and there weren’t any major twists, which was fine by me. I did enjoy the one they did have. You really get behind the woman who joins the domestic violence support group. You feel for each of them. It’s not often you root for serial killers, but in this book, you definitely do!

The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is that the ending was just so abrupt. But I can’t wait for the sequel.

If you’re looking for an easy read that will keep your attention, this is definitely a book you want to read. Especially if you want strong female characters who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty!

The Serial Killer Support Group is a popcorn thriller in the best way possible. It was exactly the light hearted thriller that I needed to read!

One New Years Eve night, Jess’s boyfriend hit her across the face. As they are waiting in the emergency room and he’s coaching her what to say, she realizes this is the last time she will have a man touch her and she needs out. But when she tells the police and her ex still keeps showing up, she needs support in other ways.

She turns to a domestic abuse support group where other women have been in a similar situation. She realizes she looks forward to the group and it helps her in more ways than one.

Right from the begging I was captivated. I was invested in the domestic abuse and kept wanting to follow Jess story. Although there were no real shocking turns and it was predictable, I still enjoyed reading it. I think most people will like it and it sends a message so 5✨

What a ride. Definitely an intriguing read that had me turning the pages, but there was something… off? about it? I believe it was the pacing of the book, but then it felt almost incomplete by the end. There are some loose ends I definitely think should have been addressed, and I expected there to be a couple more chapters at least. However, it’s still a good read.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me early access to this book in exchange for an honest opinion!

ARC review
Publication date 8 May 2025
“Serial Killer Support Group” by D.B. Stephens is a mystery thriller. Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the advance reader digital copy of the book. Opinions from this review are completely my own.

The synopsis of the book made me interested in the story.
This is told through multiple perspectives.
Jess is a victim of domestic abuse that finds a support group after she goes to the police and leaves her boyfriend. Her story is told in 1st person present and it feels like we are in her “shoes” and we get the information that she has.
Other chapters are from “The Caretaker”’s perspective, written in third person present, so we “see” from the outside what is happening and have no personal information about the character. I liked the mystery from these chapters. Finally, we also have Sophie’s perspective. She is a detective and the mother of a daughter with autism. Her chapters are also in third person. The fact that we get information about her personal life and not just about the cases she is investigating make her more relatable.

I liked a lot the first part of the story, the mystery surrounding “The Caretaker” and the group of women from the support group. But I think that the revelation about the identity of “The Caretaker” was done a bit too early and I lost a bit of interest in the story after. Still, the twist was clever and I did not expect it.

The ending was a hit rushed. But it seems this will be a series so I look forward to the next book.

This book kept me on my feet- I want a second! It left off with an amazing cliff hanger! I love that this story is a thriller but also show the power of friendship, addresses children with autism, and domestic violence! I enjoyed that the book was told in multiple perspectives and how the perspectives sway your thoughts! Nothing like I thought and I’m happy that it wasn’t

This book took some twists within the writing with a trigger warning about DV. I can see where the author was coming from and it really helped give this subject a voice which was brilliant.
The characters within the book and their POV stood out and the character of the caretaker brilliantly put it had a feel of an 80’s character.
It has a sense of dark humour and bits of Gore very good book though at times a hard read as it was so honest.

This was a very enjoyable book. I really liked the characters and how they developed through the book. I thought the story line was original and kept me interested.

What I loved about this book was it got to the story from the first page, and it kept that momentum the entire time. The author tackled tough subjects so well and really made you think. As a thriller fan how can you not love the title? This was my first book by this author but it won’t be my last.

This was not what I was expecting but OH MY! I loved it, I laughed, I was mad, then happy and I needed to keep reading. This book had me hooked! Well Done D B Stephens… I loved the fact it was a twisty, dark read that didn’t follow convention and went against the norm of psychological thrillers.

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
The support group was intended to provide an opportunity for women with similar experiences to connect and receive therapy after the horrific crimes they endured. However, with the departure of their therapist, will they discover new ways to uplift one another?

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
I have to admit, I wasn't aware that this book was the first in a series when I requested it from NetGalley, but I’m so glad I did. What a fantastic way to kick off a series!
At first glance, the book seems like a straightforward psychological thriller, with the identity of the killer made pretty clear early on. However, as the story unfolds, it quickly evolves into something much more layered and intricate, keeping me hooked until the very last page. The plot deepens in unexpected ways, making it far more impressive than I initially anticipated.
The characters are one of the book's strongest points. They’re well-developed and multi-dimensional, and I found myself genuinely invested in their lives. As the story progressed, I couldn’t help but care about what happened to them, and that emotional connection made the experience all the more powerful.
The title itself intrigued me, and I was easily pulled in by the premise. However, I would advise future readers to check the trigger warnings before diving in, as the book deals with themes of domestic violence and other sensitive topics that could be triggering for some.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller with well-rounded characters and a plot that keeps you on your toes. I can't wait for the second book to come out.

Thank You @Netgalley and @HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for allowing me to review this ARC.

This was an interesting take on being a serial killer, it makes you question if there's ever a 'deserved' murder. I found it quite uncomfortable to read, not just the gruesome descriptions of the murders, but just how OK everyone seemed to be about the murders. It wasn't very believable either, like surely these women would know there was a flaw in their plans and how on earth they managed to do what they did without anyone seeing... I also think there would be tension within the group with some not wanting to continue with it or feeling too bad etc. I found it predictable and then the ending... well it was totally unfinished, as though the author ran out of time or words and just decided to wrap it up. There were many aspects not followed up on - is this likely to be part of a series? It reads like it but it also reads like a book with an ending which isn't satisfactory at all.

Jess decides that she can't take any more from her violent and abusive partner Lewis and moves away from him. It was in a hospital visit that she's given a leaflet for a support group for other victims of domestic abuse. She slowly starts to make friends with the other women but one by one their ex's are being murdered by someone known as The Caretaker and it wasn't who I thought it was!! Great fast paced and empowering book - with women taking back their power!

Wow, what an addictive book and better yet its the first book of what is promising to be a fabulous series.

I've only ever read one book before from this author, and I was pleasantly surprised to see it referenced in this one too. And it did remind me that I said even years ago that I needed to read more from them, so am glad I've rediscovered them.

What starts as a relatively straight forward psychological thriller with it being made very obvious who the killer is, soon becomes so much more involved and impressive story, with so many levels to it.

And with it comes a moral dilemma, and also brings one rather harrowing issue the forefront of readers minds, and makes me wonder how I would cope, or what I would be willing to do if I was in the same situation.

I loved the core group of women in this story, and Jess is very brave, but at the same time incredibly empathetic too.

I was totally hooked on this, and loved every second of it. And there is no way I could have guessed the ending, that was totally fabulous. Bring on the next book in this series.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Readers' Most Anticipated Books for Spring
Search books

Ghoul Von Horror
HomeMy Books
Browse ▾
Community ▾
Ghoul Von Horror's Reviews > Serial Killer Support Group
Serial Killer Support Group by Saratoga Schaefer
Serial Killer Support Group
by Saratoga Schaefer (Goodreads Author)
5948071
Ghoul Von Horror's reviewMar 26, 2025 · edit
did not like it
bookshelves: 1-star-hated-it, almost-dnfed, audio-book, forgettable, gay, netgalley, read-books-2025, stalkerish, started-great-ended-meh, thriller-s

TW/CW: Language, grieving, mourning, drinking, toxic family relationships, alcoholism, death of sibling, abusive relationship, child abandonment, cheating


*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
When Cyra Griffin’s younger sister is murdered by a serial killer, Cyra knows better than to expect justice from the hands of the police department. With the investigation already dying its own slow death, Cyra follows the blood trail and finds her own way forward.

Using insider information (don’t ask) Cyra infiltrates a support group for serial killers by pretending to be one herself in the hopes of finding the person who ended her sister’s life. Proving herself to them comes at a cost, but it’s one Cyra is willing to pay in the name of revenge.

Unfortunately, the dangerous men in the group aren’t the only obstacle in Cyra’s path for vengeance, and the further Cyra descends into the deadly world of serial killers, the harder it becomes to hold on to her own humanity.
Release Date: March 18th, 2025
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 320
Rating: ⭐

What I Liked:
1. Each killers story about themselves

What I Didn't Like:
1. Serial Killers are boring and bicker too much
2. Cyra not like other girls
3. Boring
4. Predictable
5. The ending

Final Thoughts:
I rolled my eyes so much reading this book. So stupid. I didn't know serial killers could be so boring. I just can't imagine serial killers getting together to NOT brag about their murders. They join the group and it's banned. Yeah, because serial killers listen.

So much happens in this book that makes little sense. Like a serial killer helping Cyra find the man that killed her sister.

I hated Cyra painted herself as this person out to save innocent people when she's out there killing people too.

I hated how it's beat over our heads that she's taken classes to fight when it's so obvious that it'll come up later and she'll need to fight someone. Of course she wins against this much bigger and stronger man.

The way everyone just throws names around is so comical. Jason gives up his name in like 2 seconds.

It's all so convenient that the group that's on the black web is right in the same area where all these killers live. Plus to get in was so unbelievably easy. It didn't make sense why the police (other than the one) didn't try to get into it more.

I did enjoy how the killers broke down their killing tendencies one by one.

This book did that thing that drives me insane in books;
Our character remembers something one way or forgets to mention it - acting dumb but when we get to the ending it's a reveled that they actually knew everything. It doesn't make any sense to withhold information from the main character in their own brain and no one does that in real life. She did it with PJ. She acted like she was remorseful and an accident when she hit him but at the end we find out that she did it on purpose and actually finished him off with a rock. It makes no sense to spin the inner narrative.

Was drawn in from the title of this book! It was quite the ride to go along, but I did truly enjoy the message. It’s such an important topic that is covered in this book and I think it was executed well. Will definitely be looking more into this author! Thank for for the ARC, as always!

When domestic violence survivor Jess Pendle reluctantly joins a support group, she hopes to find solace in shared experiences - but what she discovers is far more dangerous.

This book is an absolute page-turner, masterfully blending psychological suspense with themes of justice, empowerment, and moral ambiguity. A gripping and thought-provoking read, highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers that push the boundaries of right and wrong.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and author D.B. Stephens for the advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

D.B. Stephens' 'The Serial Killer Support Group' offers a darkly compelling premise that immediately hooks you. The concept itself is deliciously twisted, and the author crafts an intriguing plot that keeps you guessing. The characters, a motley crew of individuals with disturbingly unique 'talents,' are fascinating. I found myself wanting to know more about their backstories and motivations; a little more depth in their development would have elevated this to a solid five stars.

The idea of a 'caretaker' figure presiding over this bizarre group is particularly captivating. I found myself wishing there was a real-world equivalent, however unsettling that might be! The dynamics within the group are well-written, and the tension is palpable.

My only minor critique is that the red herring, while effective, felt a tad too obvious. A bit more subtlety would have made the final reveal even more impactful. However, this didn't detract significantly from my overall enjoyment.

Despite these minor quibbles, 'The Serial Killer Support Group' is a thoroughly engaging read. It's a dark, twisted, and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Recommended for fans of psychological thrillers with a macabre twist

This was a quick, punchy read with a killer premise — quite literally. A support group that turns into something much darker? I was intrigued right away. The story moves fast, and the characters definitely bring some wild energy.

That said, while it was entertaining, it didn’t feel super grounded. The way the group handles things felt more like a revenge fantasy than something that could actually happen in real life. It leaned heavy into the “feminine badass” vibe, which was fun, but at times a little over the top.

Still, if you’re in the mood for a twisty, slightly unhinged take on justice with a side of dark humor, it delivers. Just go in knowing it’s more thriller fantasy than gritty realism.

This was such a fun book! Chock full of twists and turns I did NOT see coming! Fun writing, I even laughed out loud a few times LOL. Kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the very last page!