My Wife the Serial Killer by H.J. Garbett

Death is in the details…and sometimes the details not planned perfectly can be used to catch a killer.

What I liked:
* Fran: social worker, happily married to and loves Gareth, recently moved to their dream family home, had a difficult childhood, has a brother-not-brother, wants a family, is a killer
* Gareth: recently promoted to detective, working hard, trying to prove himself, difficult colleagues, wants a family, loves Fran, learns a lot about himself and develops gumption and spine by the end of the story
* Mep: rescue cat, difficult and complained about but loved by both Fran and Gareth
* Angus: Fran’s brother-not-brother, met Fran in a children’s home, a bit different, loving, supportive, a good man
* Finding out what the motivation was for Fran’s need to murder
* That the thoughts of both Fran and Gareth were shared so I knew what they were thinking and could understand their reasoning even when I didn’t go along with their choices
* Being able to smile from time to time even though the “humor” wasn’t always funny to me
* Reading a new-to-me author that created a different murder mystery for me to read


What I didn’t like:
* The three men in Fran’s sites and what put them there
* The police Gareth worked with – didn’t think any of them were worth their pay
* That I couldn’t relate to any of the characters even though I did understand them to a certain degree.

Did I like this book? For the most part
Would I read more by this author? If I liked the synopsis of the story

Thank you to NetGallen and Storm Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

(Belated) ARC Review-

My first book from H.J. Garber and certainly not my last! It was fast paced, gripping, humorous, and kept me interested until the very last page. I also loved that the epilogue was told from a completely different POV. Such a fun dynamic, she’s a serial killer, he’s a cop, they’re married.

I enjoyed the dual POV and how Fran spoke directly to the reader ("I'm not a psychopath, I promise", etc), and the author did a great job in making me root for Fran even though we knew from the start that she was, in fact, a serial killer. Mep the cat was a star. I wish that there had been a more fleshed out back story for Fran as the broad strokes were interesting, and the epilogue was unsatisfying - but if this gets a sequel, I will definitely read it!

Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC!

I’m a sucker for an unhinged female main character and this book definitely delivered that. I was fully engaged in the plot the whole time and very much appreciated the humor throughout the book. It was well written, clever, and kept me wanting to keep reading. I really enjoyed it!

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

This book was given to me as an arc in return of an honest review.

J. Garbett's debut novel, My Wife, The Serial Killer, delivers a dark, twisted domestic thriller about a marriage that has, at best questionable morals. The storyline cleverly unfolds through the dual perspectives of Fran, the seemingly unhinged wife who begins the book by calmly disposing of a neighbor's body, and Gareth, her simple yet calculating detective husband.

There were both strengths and weaknesses to this book :

Strengths:
* Brilliant storyline. The core idea of a detective investigating his own wife's potential crimes was gripping from the beginning and created tension throughout the book.
* Dual Perspectives: The contrasting viewpoints of Fran and Gareth were well-layed out offering different insights into the unfolding mystery that kept me turning pages.
* Dark Humor -The book shares moments of dark humor, particularly in the witty exchanges between Fran and Gareth, which help to balance the darker themes.
*Pacing: The plot, while at times predictable, is generally fast-paced and kept me engaged, particularly in the initial stages.

Weaknesses:
*Predictable Plot: While the ending provides a twist, some aspects of the plot may be foreseeable.
* Character Development: While Fran was initially presented as a compelling character, I felt she became less engaging as the story progressed.

Overall:
My Wife, The Serial Killer is a recommended read for fans of dark, witty, and twisted domestic thrillers. It's a quick, read that explores the complexities of marriage and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. While not without its flaws, the compelling premise, dark humor, and morally ambiguous characters make it an unforgettable debut. I can’t wait to discuss this with my reader friends.

3.5/5 Stars (rounded up) - Thank you NetGalley & Storm Publishing for the ALC of ‘My Wife, the Serial Killer’. The story kicks off with Fran Donoghue killing her neighbor—an act that quickly raises suspicions for her husband, Detective Gareth Donoghue. Told in alternating POVs between Fran and Gareth, this audiobook is a wild, twisted ride packed with dark humor and razor-sharp wit.

Unhinged and unexpectedly funny, this revenge-driven tale had me both laughing out loud and stunned by its audacity. The narrative is engaging and fast-paced, but I found myself wanting a deeper look into Fran’s backstory—what truly led her down the path to becoming a serial killer? This ultimately was explained but I just needed a bit more.

If you enjoy dark, dry humor mixed with a bit of chaos and murder, this one is worth a listen!

My Wife, The Serial Killer took me on such a wild ride. There was emotional trauma, murder (serial murder), quirky neighbors, a morally astute husband, and an unhinged wife!
Fran Donaughue and her husband are new to the neighborhood. Fran has just killed her neighbor, who might of deserved it. Fran's husband, Detective Donahue is assigned to perform a welfare check on his neighbor. As time goes on Fran’s husband becomes suspicious about the missing neighbor. What ensues is a story with an ending you don’t expect.
The book becomes a little slow in the middle but don’t let that keep you from reading it. Because if
you like dark comedic books with serial killers and secrets than you will love My Wife, The Serial Killer.
Thank you Storm Publishing for providing me with this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book—it completely pulled me in and kept me engaged from start to finish. I found myself flying through the pages because I just had to know what would happen next. The writing was smooth, and the pacing made it an easy, immersive read. That said, I do wish there had been a bit more depth when it came to Gareth’s character and some added development in the plot—especially more background or motivation to better understand the ‘why’ behind his actions. A few more layers there would have made the story even richer. Still, despite that, it was a fantastic read and one I’d definitely recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to honestly review.

A detective. A killer. How far would you go to see past things for the one you love?
Fran and Gareth and their cat Mep (icon) have recently moved to a new area and are going through their own personal battles with trying to start a family, but how well does Gareth really know his wife?
Really easygoing, medium paced read with excellent character development and a strong female severely unhinged but hilarious lead. Fran’s dark and dry humour as well as Gareth’s unwinding views and morals throughout make the book exciting, thrilling and leave you rooting for the characters.
For a debut novel, credit where it is due. I felt that the story could have had a couple more shocking twists and turns but the intended purpose of the book was felt and left you questioning what would you do if faced with similar decisions?

Great writing with shorter chapters (always a plus) from both main characters first hand perspectives.

Supporting characters felt a little predictable and a little bit rushed and would have liked a bit more of a build up of Fran’s life before Gareth and a bit more depth on that.
Overall, a great story which got me out of a reading slump as I was gripped with how it was going to end, initially drawn in by a memorable front cover. Will definitely be looking out for more of this authors books!

Thanks to the author H. J. Garbett, Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an arc of this book!

So, this was definitely an interesting read. I really like the plot and getting into it I was thoroughly gripped on what would happen next. I found the characters to be really interesting and had a fair bit of depth and the slow reveal of information was enough to keep me engaged.
That being said, I did expect it to have a bit more of a comedy aspect. It was definitely there at times and I liked the sharp snappy relationship but I found that as it got more into the book it got a bit less funny and more angsty. Which was all okay but I wasn't expecting it at all which threw me for a moment to readjust my expectations.
Overall, though, ignoring that there would definitely be some issues with the intricacies of policing if this was real, it was a good read and I enjoyed the drama.
Favourite Quote - Hmm, now, that was quite serial killer of me, wasn't it?
Favourite Character - Meb
3.5/5 stars

Thank you to H.J. Garbett, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. ♡

₊˚⊹⋆ first thoughts: first off the cover art is so cute, instantly caught my eye. i get the vibe this read is gonna be such a funny one with a few twists. fingers crossed!

₊˚⊹⋆ final thoughts: this was such an interesting story!! it took me a bit to actually start but once i did it was what i often came back to daily. i took my time to fully enjoy fran and gareth predicament and i must say the ending is quite satisfactory! def recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of My Wife the Serial Killer by HJ Garbatt
The book stands out by telling the story from the killer’s point of view—a rare and interesting choice that kept me engaged.
Fran and Gareth felt like a real couple. They were both likeable and frustrating at times, which made them more believable. Fran’s backstory touches on some political and moral issues, and I felt her frustrations with the system and corruption, and found myself rooting for her which surprised me a little!
Her relationship with Angus was really sweet. The love and respect he shows her by the end was touching. I do wish a certain other character had ended up taking the blame and being set up for a bit of justice.
The book was a quick, easy read—dark enough to hold my attention, but with just enough humor to keep things from getting too heavy.

First of all I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I think for a debut novel this was done really well and can see a lot of future potential for this author. It wasn’t the cover and title that had me wanting to request this book because I can’t say no to a female killer story.

There was a lot of dry and twisted humour which helped to add some depth and helps to add some light to heavy themes (not just murder). I didn’t expect the book to be a dual POV but it worked for the story it was trying to tell.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The plot centers around Fran, a social worker for foster children who has endured a traumatic and turbulent past. When she murders her neighbor—an act that is both premeditated and impulsive—it sets off a chain of events that slowly unravels her carefully maintained façade. Her husband, Gareth, a detective known for his unwavering moral compass, senses something isn’t right and initiates the investigation—unaware that his own wife is responsible for the crime. As Fran becomes fixated on another target—someone from her past who shaped her trauma—Gareth is caught in a conflict between his duty and his love for her.

The book immediately caught my attention—first with its striking cover and intriguing title, then with a synopsis that promised a gripping, twist-filled story. I was genuinely excited to dive in. However, I found the first half of the book difficult to get into. The pacing dragged, and more than once I found myself tempted to DNF (which is rare for me). That said, I always try to give a story a fair shot, and I’m glad I stuck with it.

The second half definitely picked up. The tension increased, the plot began to move at a better pace, and I found myself much more engaged. Still, even with the improvement, there were moments where the narrative stalled and I struggled to stay fully invested.

What kept me reading was the dynamic between Fran and Gareth. Their relationship—especially Gareth’s emotional vulnerability paired with his sense of moral duty—added depth to the story. It’s refreshing to see a male character who isn’t afraid to show emotion without it being portrayed as a weakness. Gareth did veer into “people pleaser” territory, a lot, but his motivations were understandable. Fran, on the other hand, was a compelling character in her own right: impulsive, morally complex, and clearly driven by both love and a twisted sense of responsibility. Her psychopathic tendencies contrasted sharply with Gareth’s inner compass, and that push-pull dynamic was a highlight.

Another standout character was Angus. His socially avoidant personality mixed with his quiet loyalty made him an unexpected favorite. The fact that he pushed himself out of his comfort zone for the sake of others added a layer of emotional nuance I didn’t expect.

Ultimately, while I wouldn’t call this a perfect read, it had enough strengths to make it worthwhile—especially if you're a fan of morally gray characters, slow-burn plots, and dark psychological tension. It gave me similar vibes to the Mindf*ck series, which I really enjoyed, so if you're into that blend of crime and romance, this may be your kind of book.

I’d recommend it if you enjoy:
• A strong female lead with dark edges
• Murder and morally gray choices
• A cat-and-mouse dynamic
• Police procedural elements
• Emotionally complex relationships

My Wife, The Serial Killer is a darkly clever, genre-blending debut that walks the tightrope between psychological thriller, domestic drama, and satirical black comedy. H. J. Garbett offers a unique voice and an offbeat narrative that’s as unsettling as it is entertaining.

Told through the alternating perspectives of Gareth—a weary, conflicted detective—and Fran—his enigmatic, vengeful wife—the novel explores a marriage under extreme strain, with secrets and suspicions lurking in every conversation. As Gareth begins to suspect that Fran might be more dangerous than he ever imagined, the story spirals into a twisted dance of love, deception, and moral ambiguity.

Fran’s morally grey choices and sharp, almost chilling logic make her both magnetic and terrifying, while Gareth’s internal conflict adds emotional weight. Their dynamic is compelling, even if their arcs don’t offer much in terms of growth—what’s fascinating is the slow unraveling of their bond and the descent into a kind of shared madness.

The tone shifts frequently, blending dry humor with bursts of psychological tension and eerie imagery. This stylistic choice adds flavor but may not work for every reader; at times, the shifts can feel jarring and uneven. The middle section, in particular, slows down and loses some momentum, though the narrative still delivers sharp lines and well-placed twists.

If you're looking for a fast-paced, high-action crime novel, this may not be it. But if you enjoy morally complex characters, an unusual tone, and thrillers that play with form and genre, this one is worth picking up. It may not land every punch, but it definitely leaves a mark.

My Wife the Serial Killer is a sharp blend of thriller, dark comedy, and emotional drama. From the opening pages, it’s gripping and full of clever twists. Told from both Gareth, a conflicted detective, and Fran, his vengeful wife, the story explores trust, trauma, and justice in a very unconventional marriage. Fran’s morally grey choices and Gareth’s internal conflict make for a compelling dynamic, even if things slow down a bit in the second half. There’s not a lot of growth in the characters—but that descent into darkness is oddly satisfying. A few issues could’ve been solved with better communication, but the blend of humour, suspense, and emotion kept me hooked. Definitely worth a read if you like your thrillers with a twist.

My Wife, the Serial Killer is a strange, darkly humorous ride that feels like it’s trying to balance thriller, satire, and domestic drama all at once—and sometimes it pulls it off, sometimes it doesn’t. The premise alone is enough to hook you: a husband realizing his wife may be far more dangerous than he ever imagined. There's something refreshing about the book’s offbeat voice and dry wit, and I did enjoy the morally murky vibe and slow spiral into madness.

But while the story had its moments—some sharp lines, eerie imagery, and a few well-paced reveals—I couldn’t help feeling like it was a bit uneven. Some sections dragged, especially in the middle, and the tone occasionally shifted so suddenly it pulled me out of the narrative. I didn’t always feel fully invested in the characters, which made the stakes feel a little muted despite the high-concept plot.

Still, it's an entertaining and unconventional read that doesn’t quite deliver a knockout punch but leaves an impression with its originality. A solid one for fans of quirky psychological fiction—just go in knowing it’s more of a slow burn than a blood-spattered thrill ride.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for granting the request for the ARC of this book. This one surprised me, and I really enjoyed it.

The novel is written from the perspectives of Gareth, a detective, and his wife, Fran, a social worker for children. When their next-door neighbour, O’Neill, goes missing, Gareth is tasked with investigating the disappearance. Gareth’s boss casually mentions that it should be a quick kill (pun intended) as deaths and disappearances of elderly people are not uncommon in the area. However, the investigation takes a dark turn when he discovers that O’Neill was murdered. What Gareth didn’t expect is his wife being the main suspect.

Fran has no regrets for taking matters into her own hands, as their neighbour was one of the people who caused a tragedy years ago without any remorse or accountability. I found Fran’s character compelling and found myself rooting for her when her reasons came to light.

The novel incorporates dark humour, with Fran repeatedly trying to convince the reader that she is not a psychopath. The early sections of the book are humorous, but the later part becomes emotionally charged as the plot unfolds. The author effectively balances the humour and emotional depth, creating a well-rounded and engaging read.

Overall, this is an entertaining and thought-provoking thriller that is definitely worth picking up.

Themes:
- Morally grey/unhinged female protagonist
- Secrets
- Detective husband
- Killer wife
- Dark humour

I was so intrigued with the title of the book that I just had to read it. I'm so thankful that I did because this was a type of romance novel that is a little out of the box. Following the marriage and love between a police constable and his serial killer wife, and all of the messy details which are bound to follow.

The pros in the novel were so hilarious and insightful into each of the main characters psyches that you really felt like you were looking through their eyes at the same problem in the center. Their perspectives were so very different, and yet they're constant desire to get back to each other was touching.

Will the police officer have the moral compass pointing towards his duties as an officer or as a husband? Will the serial killer wife be able to cover her tracks enough that she won't be a suspect?

Right from the very beginning you have so many questions as a reader. I got sucked right in
I will definitely be recommending this book to others who are looking for a interesting , entertaining and ultimately enjoyable read.

I had such high hopes for this book. I was disappointed that it reminded me of another book I read. Overall, the book was ok. The story follows Fran, who murders her next-door neighbor. Her husband, Gareth, is a detective who is trying to find out what happened to the missing neighbor. The story just seemed to bounce around.