This was such a fun, twisted concept and was drawn in by the title, I mean, how could I resist that title? It’s darkly funny, clever, and full of wicked little twists that kept me hooked. The voice is sharp and playful, and I loved the way it balanced the outrageous with just enough heart to make me care. Every now and then it leaned a bit too much into the silliness for me, which is why it’s not quite a five, but honestly I had a blast reading it. Perfect for fans of Oyinkan Braithwaite’s My Sister, the Serial Killer or Bella Mackie’s How to Kill Your Family

a fun and fast paced read with dark comedy and suspense, a bit like Butcher and Blackbird or a darker Mr and Mrs Smith! it's funny, dark and keeps you turning the pages

I thought this was great. I can really see it being turned in to a film and have seen other reviews suggest the same which I fully agree with. I thought it was very funny and engaging. I likes the story from both sides too. A great beachy holiday read now that we are in the summer holidays!

Haze and her husband Fox were a serial killer team murdering bad men across Europe. They have very opposite backgrounds, Haze is a Brit, grew up in care under multiple abusive foster families. Fox is American, born into privilege until his parents discovered his first kill and exiled him to England.

Both agreed to retire when they had daughter Bibi but Haze in particular is struggling. She's mostly a stay at home mum - she's also a successful artist but her main inspiration was their kills - which leaves her time to dwell. Fox seems to be having a successful business career but both are hiding things.

I loved the characters and I thought it was brilliantly written but I do wish it had come to that big climax a little bit sooner. I certainly hope that there's a sequel though!

Perfect form of escapism. A fast paced story of a couple who have the obvious-from-the-title unusual marriage. Snappy chapters and great characters will keep you page turning. Whilst I loved Fox it was Hazel who shone. A female vigilante with strength and morals. Come on! It IS fiction. Great read.

The idea for this book was very appealing and it started off well.

Haze and Fox are the perfect married couple who bond over their passion for killing bad people (like Dexter), but once they have a child they decide that it would be too risky to continue this lifestyle.

The book then goes through the breakdown on their marriage as they start to keep secrets and mask their frustration.

I felt the book was a little too long and could have lost 50-70 pages I think - the ending was a little far-fetched but overall it was a fun holiday read.

This would be a 3.5 out of 5

Darkly funny, sharp, and utterly gripping. Mackay serves up a killer mix of suspense and wit that keeps you hooked from start to finish. This twisted take on love and murder is refreshingly original, with characters you’ll never forget and plot twists that hit just right.

For anyone who loves their thrillers with a wicked sense of humour!

#SerialKillersGuideToMarriage #AsiaMackay #FiveStarRead #DarkHumour #ThrillerReads #BookstagramUK #MustReadThriller

I felt like this book could have done with more action and less of the day to day stuff - because of this I found it quite hard to get through and read.

Thank you Netgalley and Headline for my ARC copy.

I loved this book, frol the moment I read the blurb I knew it would be my kind of book, and it did not disappoint. I was hooked from the first few chapters and ended up buying a copy for my Sister and best friend when it was released, who both also loved this . I will 100% be recommending this to any of my thriller loving friends.

A nice easy read, the banter was enjoyable, the premise was fun, but I just couldn't warm to the FMC, it felt very much like a my diamond shoes are too tight problem.
Serial killers but make it fun, fast and fashionable, a great Holiday read for the Summer.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Author for this lovely ARC

Fast-paced and darkly funny story about a romantic duo who are also serial-killers. They attempt to give up their glamourous lives for supposed normality in the suburbs with their newborn baby. But you can't change the nature of these beasts. A brilliant read.

A strong concept, but a very ‘woe is me’ lead character put me off and I struggled to enjoy the book.

Now when I read the blurb I was very intrigued I love a good crime/thriller add in a sprinkle of comedic writing and chaos, and it didn't disappoint. With a serial killer couple who are living a "normal" life for them, spending time with family and friends... what happens when the itch to return to the life they had and trying to keep the secrets they hold out of the light expect a lot of Chaos!

I don't want to say too much or I'll end up giving spoilers! But if you are a fan of Dexter then this will be right up your street!

This book was so much FUN. A murderous couple giving up their tendencies to grow their family.. what can go wrong.

This was a great lighthearted yet still darker read. Perfect to use as a palette cleanser. I was obsessed with Fox and Hazel and didn’t want their story to end.

Asia Mackay’s "A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage" is a brilliantly crafted blend of dark humour, romance, and suspense that offers a fresh take on the complexities of love and commitment. The novel follows the life of the protagonist, a hitwoman who navigates the challenges of marriage while balancing her deadly profession. This unique premise sets the stage for a captivating exploration of relationships, identity, and the lengths one will go to for love.

Mackay’s writing is sharp and witty, filled with clever observations that resonate with anyone who has ever grappled with the ups and downs of marriage. The protagonist’s voice is both relatable and engaging, allowing readers to connect with her struggles as she juggles her dual life. The humour is dark yet delightful, providing a perfect counterbalance to the more serious themes of the story.

The character development in "A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage" is particularly noteworthy. The protagonist is well-rounded and complex, showcasing a blend of vulnerability and strength that makes her journey compelling. The supporting characters, including her husband and colleagues, are equally well-developed, adding depth to the narrative and highlighting the intricacies of relationships in both personal and professional spheres.

Mackay expertly weaves tension and suspense throughout the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the protagonist navigates various challenges. The pacing is generally well-balanced, though there are moments where the plot could benefit from a tighter focus. Some subplots feel slightly underdeveloped, leaving readers wanting more resolution in certain areas.

One of the standout aspects of the novel is its exploration of the themes of loyalty, trust, and the moral dilemmas that arise in both marriage and a life of crime. Mackay raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of love and the sacrifices we make for those we care about, all while maintaining a lighthearted tone that makes the story enjoyable.

In conclusion, "A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage" is a clever and entertaining read that combines humour, romance, and suspense in a unique package. Asia Mackay has crafted a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking, making it a standout in the genre. With its memorable characters and sharp writing, this book earns a solid four-star rating and is sure to resonate with readers looking for a fresh and unconventional take on love and marriage.

Very similar vibes to movies you may have seen about ex spies who settled down and had a family. Very much Mr and Mrs Smith vibes but instead of spies they were both serial killers of bad men. So same but different as this adds in the element of blood lust I suppose.

Loved the different viewpoints of Haze and Fox and from different time points to give us a depth to both their characters and how each is coping or not coping with their ‘new normal’

It was a really fun read, fast paced and easy to get into, tried together with f*ck the patriarchy that appeals to many- all while never being too dark

Two former serial killers trying to hide their past, Hazel and Fox are new parents to daughter Bibi, living in suburbia and trying to adapt to life without their murderous games.

Very much Mr and Mrs Smith vibes in this book but done excellently. I loved the storyline and the alternate viewpoints from Haze and Fox. I liked the twists and turns and the history of their relationship. It was a really fun read, fast paced and easy to get into.

This was equal parts fun and serious- within the punchy storyline is a necessary and current criticism of the patriarchy that appeals to many- all while never becoming too serious or dark. This captured the craze if funny, entertaining and witty characters succumbing to the darker side. This could be read as both a palate-cleansing thriller or a punchy and wild ride, the bingeability is high and is a real page turner.. An enjoyable twist on the serial killer thriller!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

ARC Review

This was very different to my normal style of read, but I really enjoyed it.

There is fantastic tension building with some great surprises in the plot. Fox & Haze’s characters are also well developed and I absolutely loved BiBi and the humour she brought to the story.

Themes/Tropes:
Thriller / Romance?, Good vs Evil, Dark Secret, Emotional Scars, Billionaire, Morally Grey, Kidnapping, Mental Health Rep & Multi POV.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

1/5 🌶

Dark humour, serial killers, serial killer's wedding. I had a lot of fun and liked the solid plot and the storytleling
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine