This book ended up just ok for me. It started out really interesting, the middle dragged, and then the ending felt rushed. At the beginning it was reminding me of the Mindf*ck series, but the similarities didn’t continue. While I didn’t love it. I’d consider it a promising first book by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

👀 Phew, where do I begin? The second half was better than the first half in terms of the plot. The writing was good, there was certainly an intrigue in wanting to uncover how the story ends which kept me reading, along with an absurd craziness to the events that was fun in parts (in a messed up sort of way 😂).

Before I share my personal experience with this story and why it didn't work for me, I will say that objectively speaking, it's a good debut novel by this author - so if you like dark humour and this specific sub-genre - give it a go. The cover and blurb are very catchy. 2.25 or 2.5 might be a more accurate rating.

My Thoughts:

So here's the thing - I just don't have the stomach for getting into the dark twisted minds of murderers, especially when it gets into some gleeful descriptions of blood, gore and murderous euphoria. I disliked Fran's POV for that reason - it made me feel sick, and I just skipped over those sections. (That one SLY smile gave me the creepy chilllls 💀 Her internal dialogue is quite disturbing ☠️🤣).

More importantly, I didn't find her to be a sympathetic character. The motivation for why she commited the murders, wasn't as strong as I was expecting it to be (considering the degree of bloodlust she was displaying ☠️). Strangely, none of the characters were truly likeable, especially the women - and I didn't find anyone's motivations redeeming by the end.

I'm not a fan of crude jokes. The depictions of relationships, intimacy, and use of generally crude humour between characters, were not funny for me. This is the second time I have read a book with this kind of humour, and realised that I was correct in assuming that it was written by a male author.

On the whole, Fran was just too psyhchotic a character for me to root for ☠️ What I was rooting for though is her UTTER downfall 😂 That was fun for me, so I liked the direction the story started going in, mid-way through. There were a couple of twists with the ending, which were done well, but I was dissapointed with the conclusion. Gareth was semi-likeable, but his decisions by the end undid that. Ultimately, I am left with the opinion that ALL the characters in this story were unhinged in their own ways 🙊😂 (which the story intended to do).

Overall, I was expecting to read something more lighthearted and comedic in this space (similar to Dial A for Aunties), but this took me down a dark and twisted path. Now I desperately need a pallete cleanser 😅

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me complimentary e-arc of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thanks NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I wanted to love this book. It started off strong and really grabbed my attention, but then I found that things slowed down. The author also had a habit of adding details after things were happening, which I found harder to follow and made some actions seem very extreme. I ended up skimming to the end. This book was not for me, but was popular with others. Check it out for yourself when it’s released in June.

This was a fun read told through Fran and her cop husband‘s POV. I enjoyed it though I expected the end (one element) and was disappointed by another element. I’d definitely read more by this author though.

I read an advance digital copy of this book for review.

Thanks to storm publishing and NetGalley for this arc!

This is an excellent read! If you want a female Dexter with the sass of a desperate housewife, you’ll love the main character. The plot of this book was so good and funny too.

3.5* Predictable but who cares, it was a good read.

The book immediately opens with a murder – all described in grizzly technicolour. Fran seems to think that if you kill for a 'good reason', then you should get away with murder.

After such an excellent start the plot slowed down completely, I only continued reading due to Fran and Gareth's sparkly conversations and their dark sense of humour.

I really wanted a happy ending, but I'd long guessed how it would finish. My main worry was about Angus.

Well written with a good plot, the slow middle of the book influenced my low rating.

eARC generously supplied by Storm Publishing and NetGalley this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

4✨ Ahh this was such a fun, enjoyable book to read!! Really makes you question your moral 🙈 like should we be ok with them murdering someone that deserves it?? 😂 Fran was relatable (maybe not in the murder way) but with getting revenge and seek justice for those who could not. I liked Gareth he was a bit of a pushover and a people pleaser which annoyed me at times but his heart was in the right place. I loved their relationship the banter and their 60 seconds max talk they have about work and what not!! Overall I would highly recommend this book if you love a thriller, a good laugh and revenge

⭐️ 4.5/5
First person POV | Dual narrative
Linear timeline
FMC: Fran | MMC: Gareth
Meta-Mystery

The description of being a mix of “Schitt’s Creek” and “Dexter” is pretty spot on. There is a great combination of mystery, crime, gore, comedy, and a sprinkle of love (not spicy & not mushy romance—just love). It was cheeky and witty, while obviously having strong elements of crime and mystery.

The two main characters, Fran and Gareth, are both put in predicaments that challenge their morals and beliefs. Written in first person from both of their POVs, their commentary, self-awareness, and decision-making while sometimes breaking the fourth wall adds a smart, meta layer to the story.

I enjoyed the heartwarming and self-discovery moments, as well as the various, strong relationships Fran and Gareth have and the growth they experience with them. Intertwined with a suspenseful, sometimes gory, crime and mystery makes this an entertaining page turner!

Thank you Storm Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The premise of this book was so much fun! It was giving me Dexter meets Desperate Housewives and I just ate that shit up.
The fmc was so much fun I felt for her through her journey of revenge. But I also loved the mmc as he discovered that the law isn’t always black and white. Though I think the real star of the show was Mep. Love that cat with all my heart. I even cried at one point 😢

The writing of this book was so interesting. Some chapters would start out a certain way and then it was just a misinterpretation of the situation. I felt at one point Fran broke the fourth wall. I liked it though. This book to me screamed more RomCom then it did thriller. The pacing was really good but it time jumped too much at the end for me. It also reminded me of the Mindfuck series by S. T. Abbey in the best way.
Love a morally gray fmc and good guy mmc. The resolution of this book was very satisfying and I loved the epilogue from the neighbours pov.

Thank you to Netgalley & Storm Publishing for the e-arc of this book

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this advanced reader’s copy for an honest review.

I picked up My Wife the Serial Killer expecting a dark, intense thriller about a totally unhinged killer. The title and premise made me think I’d get a deep look inside the mind of a female serial killer. But honestly, it didn’t quite deliver on that.

At first, it seemed like it was going to be a suspenseful, psychological story, but by about a third of the way in, it felt less like a serial killer thriller and more like a pretty standard revenge story.

The pacing was slow. Sometimes that’s good for building suspense, but here it just dragged. Some plot twists tried to hit hard but mostly felt predictable or just meh. The ending wasn’t a big “wow” moment — more like, “oh, that’s it?”

That said, the writing was easy to read. I actually found some of the dark humor pretty funny, which made the book more enjoyable overall. As far as debuts go, this is one of the better ones.

If you want a quick read with a dark, funny female lead with satisfying revenge, this might be your jam. But if you’re after a truly dark, gripping thriller, you’ll be left wanting.

I love a good murder and mystery and when I saw the title of this book I knew it would be the perfect, thrilling read. This book was unhinged in the best ways having me laughing at certain parts and wondering what would happen next! If you're looking for a good thriller this summer let this be on the top of you TBR.

Gareth is a detective. Fran is his wife. They have a cat named Mep (who is on the brink of death 100% of the time but still somehow carries the plot).

Did I mention Fran is a secret serial killer? Their weird neighbor “mysteriously disappears"... except actually, Fran shanked him in the eye.

Meanwhile, Gareth is accidentally investigating his own wife’s murder case.

This book is batshit in the best way. I laughed. I gasped. I said “NO FRAN NO” out loud. it’s a murder mystery where the murderer is your narrator and somehow you still root for her. Like yeah she stabbed a man but also…he might’ve deserved it?? (He def deserved it).

3.5 stars

The STORY is iconic. Mep is top tier. The execution was lacking a bit. Still an entertaining read and I flew though it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
4.25 stars

Would recommend if you like:
🩸Dexter
🏘️ Desperate Housewives type setting
🕵️‍♂️ Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Fran is not your typical suburban house wifey… she has one thing on her mind, & that is vengeance. Gareth is her cinnamon roll, detective husband that wouldn't hurt a fly. What can go wrong?

You are not going to want to miss this debut novel! I was thoroughly entertained the whole time. It was the perfect mixture of an edge-of-your-seat thriller, with a bit of a mystery as well. The plot is very unique & clever, & I grew attached to the characters quickly.

I loved how the comedy in this is so subtle and natural, it really sneaks up on you! Like the type of humor where someone does something outlandish, & you think to yourself; “Typical Fran!”

What I liked: 🫡

-FMC black cat/MMC Golden retriever
-BINGABLE writing
-Love the combo of suburban thriller mixed w/ detective vibes. It makes the mystery easier to fly through

What I didn’t like: 🫢

-I love when books aren’t overly descriptive & this book fits that category for sure! I just wish that certain scenes were set just a bit more
-I thought the ending was a little bit predictable, but it was still satisfying nonetheless

Thank you so much to Netgalley & to Storm Publishing for the e-arc! 💗

Thank you H.J. Garbett and Storm Publishing for providing this ARC via NetGalley.

I was excited to read this book based off the title. There was some good banter between the main characters, which I enjoy. The FMC a who is considered a serial killer but I felt the amount of bodies only warrants her a murderer. The reasons behind why she does it though are slowly brought out into the story. The book started off very fast paced and exciting but then I felt a bit dragged on at times but I did enjoy the story.

A really great story, it has funny personality quirks and snigger worthy moments. The couple who find themselves completely turned upside down in a messy murder investigation with one party flaunting and the other upholding the law. Mad and addictive, loved it.

3.25 Stars

Dexter with a hint of Desperate Housewives. Gareth’s wife Fran kills people, but with a compelling reason. Gareth being the straight arrow cop he is investigates a missing neighbor. Will he or won’t he figure out what happened and turn her in?

I was invested in the subplot about fertility but felt it could have been used more effectively in the story as it didn’t feel resolved.

Thank you H.J. Garbett and Storm Publishing for providing this ARC via NetGalley. Comments and opinions above are my own.

#MyWifeTheSerialKiller #NetGalley

BOOK REVIEW 📚✨

My Wife, The Serial Killer by H J Garrett

Some things in life are pure coincidence. Or are they?

This story between a detective husband and a serial killer wife has all the makes of a good thriller.

The fast paced narrative bounces steadily from one party to the other so that readers can gain insight into the behaviour of the couple.

At some point, this was reading like a romance story because of the love they had for each other.

The book explores different societal matters—if murder can be justifiable and what grounds are there?

H. J. Garrett also employs the use of certain tips to engage the readers. Classifying serial killers into four, mentioning German words that have no equivalent to English Language.

It was engaging all through and I highly recommend.

Seventeen-year-old Jenna Ray has just been saved by the world's newest superhero, Blaze. And, in the eyes of the public, that means one thing: Jenna Ray has been cast as the Love Interest.

No. Not happening. Not if Jenna has anything to say about it (even if Blaze is actually quite sweet and cute).

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the E-ARC.

3.5 stars

I love reading about women serial killers and so this one felt right up my alley. Fran, our female killer, is married to Garreth, an honest police detective. She killed their neighbor, oops, and he is investigating.

I liked the development of the characters throughout the story. It was really well done and they all had their shining moments along with moments that they had to reconcile their own beliefs with what's right/wrong.

But something was missing. It just needed a push to put it over the edge and make it a truly great story. Fran talked a lot about being a serial killer, but not being a serial killer. Her reason for revenge was valid but was teased in a way that I was anticipating an even darker back story. If you've read female revenge thrillers before, then this one wasn't anything new.

What I did appreciate in the story was the humor. There were moments that felt lighter than they were because the character's were clever and snarky.

I'd recommend this one. It was good.

There's something deeply satisfying about a story with an unhinged, morally ambiguous female lead— and My Wife, The Serial Killer delivers that and more. This debut novel by H.J. Garbett is a wickedly sharp, darkly funny, and surprisingly heartfelt thriller that kept me hooked from the first page.

Meet Fran Donoghue: social worker, devoted wife, and... possibly a murderer. Her inner monologue is pure gold-equal parts chilling and hilarious. From the opening chapter, where she disposes of an elderly neighbor (who, trust me, had it coming), you realize you're in the hands of a narrator you shouldn't trust but can't help but root for. Her voice is unique, witty, and layered with just the right touch of Dexter-style detachment.

Her husband, Gareth, is a detective with golden retriever energy who starts to suspect something's off when their neighbor mysteriously vanishes. He's endearingly oblivious at first, but as the story unfolds and he begins to piece things together, his character evolves in ways I didn't expect. Watching him grapple with his suspicions, morality, and love for Fran added emotional depth and a satisfying complexity to the plot.

The novel moves at a medium pace, but it never drags. The writing flows effortlessly, balancing mystery and humor with clever dialogue and rich character development. The dual POV between Fran and Gareth offers a fascinating contrast-her calculating, sardonic perspective versus his dutiful, often clueless approach to life and work. And yes, there's a surprise POV at the end that brings everything full circle in the most delightful way.

Special shoutout to Mep, their grumpy old cat, who adds just the right amount of sass to an already chaotic household. He had purfect timing throughout the book! Other side characters like Beryl and her dog Tony - the noisy neighbor, and the hilariously awkward Angus, round out a cast that's equal parts quirky and unforgettable.

What really makes this book shine, though, is its ability to blend darkness with heart. Amid the murder and mayhem, Garbett also weaves in a touching storyline about Fran and Gareth's struggle with fertility and their dream of starting a family. It adds a layer of vulnerability that grounds the chaos and makes you care even more about the outcome.

While the title might suggest a bloodbath, this isn't just a thriller for shock value. It's smart, character-driven, and surprisingly moving. Yes, there's a twist—one that's both unexpected and emotionally satisfying. And yes, Fran is technically not a serial killer... but let's not get too hung up on the details.

If you're into thrillers that are equal parts tense and hilarious, with morally questionable characters you can't help but love, My Wife, The Serial Killer is your next must-read. H.J. Garbett absolutely delivered on her debut, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.