A great psychological thriller.
Lily, a confused woman in as much as she has been brought up by her mother in a single-parent family. But why can’t she remember her dad?
The discovery that she has the killer gene starts to make sense of her more disturbing dreams.
A lustful relationship with a strong-minded journalist, but is she ultimately just after Lily’s story?
And what is Lily’s story?
That is revealed in her flashbacks and dreams.
The mix of past and present is masterfully used in this book.
What stopped me from giving it 5 stars.
For me, and it is just my opinion, the end is telegraphed early on. I would have liked a bit more suspense.

loved this mystery about fining out the killer gene and there being some moments of not remembering childhood. interesting mystery

I’ve enjoyed other books by this author and this was another good read. Not as gripping as the serial killers wife but still worth a read, I enjoyed the twists and how the write lt details the mother daughter relationship

The Serial Killer Gene by Alice Hunter

Another great book by this author which takes you along a great path of fast paced , gripping with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the last page , where you find The ending so so far from what you are expecting .
It also has the added bonus of the great relationship between mother and daughter , and you feel it's them against the world although it gets dark at times and leaves you wondering about family dymanics .

After a traumatic childhood, Lily struggles with a lot of issues as an adult, including confusion over what lay behind her single parent mother's decision to move them constantly from one place to another, and fragmented memories that don't make sense but are frightening to her. All this hits another level altogether when Lily discovers that she supposedly carries the serial killer gene.

Her mother, who has always been her rock, assures her that this is not something she should worry about, that such tests are notoriously off the mark, a form of junk science, but Lily cannot shake off her apprehension. She has always felt that her mother is hiding things from her, but surely she would not brush off something so serious?

Alice Hunter often delivers gripping stories and this one is no exception. But the ending was a little uneven, and one character's motivations remained unclear in one rather important instance. Overall, a twisty, entertaining read.

Another great read in this series but with a really different vibe,fast paced, dark, disturbing,twists and turns a plenty and at times shocking!
Lily the main character has had an interesting childhood to say the least but throughout all the changes, moves etc the relationship with her one true constant her mum Eva has remained strong and essential for her well being! This relationship is tested to the max as the story develops and adds another layer of intrigue.
Lily the main character living an ordinary life takes a DNA tests that totally changes the trajectory of her whole life when it reveals she may have the serial killer gene! The implications of this and how it will shape lily’s future and how it has affected her since childhood and the far reaching ramifications make for a tense chilling psychological thriller.
Thank you NetGalley for this early read

A cleverly written psychological thriller based round a gene that supposedly could make you a serial killer. Lily finding out she could have the gene, starts to spiral which I think anyone would. With many twists and turns this is a must read in my opinion.

The Serial Killer Gene is an engaging novel with an interesting premise and keeps the reader guessing nicely. I really enjoyed this book fast paced a real page turner with many twists and turns with a surprising ending. It’s gripping, twisty psychological suspense with a strong emotional core—perfect for readers who enjoy domestic noir that probes the darker corners of family loyalty and inherited fear. The final chapters land with a satisfying, stomach‑dropping inevitability, leaving you questioning how much of ourselves is truly ours. Overall a good read, there’s not a lot I can say without spoiling it but I will say it’s a plot twist you won’t see coming.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley.

The Serial Killer Gene is a dark, compulsive spiral of a novel—one that starts with a single, unsettling question and slowly tightens its grip until you’re no longer sure where fear ends and truth begins. Lily’s life, so ordinary on the surface, fractures the moment a DNA test suggests she carries a so‑called “serial killer gene.” What follows is a beautifully tense exploration of identity, inherited trauma, and the stories we tell ourselves to feel safe.

The early chapters hum with quiet dread as Lily’s certainty about who she is begins to erode. Her decision to flee her engagement and retreat to her mother’s home feels both impulsive and heartbreakingly human. There’s a tenderness to her relationship with Eva—warm, protective, almost too perfect—that makes the cracks, when they appear, all the more chilling.

The novel’s middle stretch is where it truly sharpens. Lily’s intoxicating new relationship with a charismatic journalist is written with a kind of feverish momentum, the kind that makes you want to reach into the page and pull her back before she falls too far. Their obsession is messy, magnetic, and threaded with danger, and as Lily’s past resurfaces, the line between nature and nurture blurs in increasingly unsettling ways.
What elevates the story is the slow, deliberate unravelling of Eva’s secrets. The mother–daughter dynamic becomes the book’s beating heart—tender, claustrophobic, and ultimately devastating. When a sudden murder forces Lily to confront everything she’s been running from, the question isn’t just whether she could be capable of violence, but whether the people who shaped her ever told her the truth.

It’s gripping, twisty psychological suspense with a strong emotional core—perfect for readers who enjoy domestic noir that probes the darker corners of family loyalty and inherited fear. The final chapters land with a satisfying, stomach‑dropping inevitability, leaving you questioning how much of ourselves is truly ours.

with thanks to Alice Hunter, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

Really enjoyed this! Very fast paced thriller and although I guessed part of the twist there were still enough surprises to keep my attention all the way through.

This psychological thriller by author Alice Hunter is a wild ride. Lily takes a DNA test that reveals she has the “Warrior gene” aka Serial Killer gene. She breaks up with her fiancé and meets a new woman, Margo. She starts to see problems with their relationship when Margo starts to isolate her from her friends and supportive mother. There are lots of twists and turns that keeps the reader engaged. Past timelines add to the mystery of Lilys past and the disturbing, fragmented memories she has of being a child and why her and her Mother kept moving. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but the twists keep coming to the very end of the book. It was a quick read and enjoyable.

This is a fast paced psychological thriller that draws you in from the get go when lily finds out she has the warrior gene.

The book had me feeling sorry for lily, her life being turned upside down by a simple test and her constant confusion over her nightmares.

Overall a good read, there’s not a lot I can say without spoiling it but I will say it’s a plot twist you won’t see coming.

This was an intersting and coplex story. Lily has taken the DNA test and is concerned about her result and the dream/flashbacks she keeps getting.I found it confusing in parts as it changed who was being the active person mid chapter in places. There were many red herrings and although the ending was very sharp I did enjoy the book.

Another good novel from this intriguing series. Lily does a DNA test and finds she has the Warrior Gene - linked to serial killers. Incidents in her life make her wonder who and what she is, and her mother won't answer her questions. What secrets is she hiding?

A number of incidents form Lily's past are recounted as flashbacks and the reader begins to build up a picture. But there are several twists before the eventual reveals that give us the answers. The Serial Killer Gene is an engaging novel with an interesting [remise and keeps the reader guessing nicely.

Lily is worried that she has inherited a 'serial killer gene', I was intrigued by this concept and raced through the novel. The twists and flashbacks were confusing at times but overall this is a gripping, dark and tense psychological thriller.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review

The Serial Killer Gene is a fast paced psychological thriller built around a provocative premise "what if a genetic test suggested you might be a serial killer?" Lily does a DNA test and her life unravels when it is suggested she may carry that gene., she leaves her Fiancée and goes home to live with her Mum who has always looked out for her ..Her Life begins to unravel when she begins a passionate affair with a journalist .I really enjoyed this book fast paced a real page turner with many twists and turns with a surprising ending .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

An interesting psychological thriller but i found i really had to keep on the ball with this one.
With red herrings and twists galore plus going back and forth in time.
Of course in the end everything made sense but i felt exhausted by the time i had finished.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

Twisty and emotional - complex mystery with plenty of secrets and red herrings that will keep you guessing and gasping at the surprises in store. The end was a bit of a letdown, at least for me, but not that big of a deal ...

After reading the other books in the series I was dubious as to whether this one would be as good. Alice did not disappoint! Just as thrilling and gripping as the others in the series and I would highly recommend. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.

Twisty and emotional - complex mystery with plenty of secrets and red herrings that will keep you guessing and gasping at the surprises in store. The end was a bit of a letdown, at least for me, but not that big of a deal ...

This book was absolutely fantastic. I did not want to put it down once I started reading. Easily able to give this book five stars.

I’ve enjoyed other books by this author, and this one was another solid read. While it didn’t grip me quite as much as some of her other work, it was still worth the time. I appreciated the twists and how well the author portrayed the mother-daughter relationship and the themes of childhood trauma and lost memories.

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. I really enjoyed reading this tense and gripping psychological thriller. It was very fast paced and had an intriguing concept of a serial killer gene. The story was intense with great depth of characters. A great addition to the serial killer series.

This book from Alice Hunter is deliciously dark! The characters are brilliant as is the plot. There was a few times when the choices lily made irritated me but overall I loved it.

A few twists and turns in this cleverly written psychological thriller. Lily has taken a DNA test that reveals she has a 'killer gene'. The memories she has from childhood start to slowly emerge.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the advance copy of this book.

Honestly this was one of the best thrillers I have read in a while. I loved that it felt mature when reading it. The author had really good experience and was able to write in a way that made me feel as if I was ready a really good book written for adults.

The subject matter adds a new layer of interest, because it is almost as if this could happen. I love the idea that we could use science to determine traits in personality. I feel like that made it more real and interesting.

The characters were likeable and it felt as though they were not trying to hard to make a story!

This is a fast past psychological thriller that keeps you guessing from the start!

Really intriguing and full of twists that you wont see coming!

Loved the concept of the serial killer gene too! A fresh angle for a great thriller!

What a good book! I really enjoyed this one !
Was completely packed with suspense I was on edge a lot the twists just wow!! The characters were so well written and interesting!
I liked the paced it kept me interested and engrossed
.

I want to start this review with a thank you for allowing me access to the arc.

I have read a number of Alice Hunters Thrillers and they never disappoint and this book is no different.

This story had me gripped from the first page, with twists and turns which make putting the book down almost impossible.

The writing helps you to fall in love with the characters even if they may not be as they seem, and leads you to believe you have it all figured out, until you don't.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend giving it a read.

This had my heart in my mouth and my head spinning. The Serial Killer Gene is a wickedly slow-burn thriller that cleverly connects characters across years and shifting timelines.

The narrative is intricate, weaving past and present with confidence and energy. The inclusion of evidence, reports, and archived documents lends an almost “escape room” quality to the reading experience, scattering clues for the reader to piece together as the story unfolds. At the centre of it all,

Lily remains an intriguing and elusive figure.
It took some time to fully unravel the relationship between Lily and her mother, but this only deepened the emotional impact of the story. Readers who enjoy dark, character-driven thrillers will find plenty to savour here.

The Serial Killer Gene by Alice Hunter was another great read that kept me hooked throughout. The ending wasn’t quite what I expected—I was hoping for a little more—but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. I really liked the concept of a gene that could put someone at risk of becoming a serial killer. It added an intriguing psychological edge to the story, especially as Lily discovers she might carry it herself. From that moment on, you can feel her sense of control begin to unravel, which makes her journey all the more gripping and emotional. The book is packed with suspense, full of twists and turns that keep you guessing, and it moves at a fast pace, making it a quick and engaging read. The mystery is layered and complex, adding depth to the story without slowing it down.
Overall, it’s a strong addition to the series—tense, thought-provoking, and thoroughly entertaining.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for the Arc.

Rounded up from 3.5 stars.

This dark, spiraling psychological suspense delivers exactly what fans of domestic thrillers crave: secrets, obsession, and the unsettling question of whether we can ever truly outrun our past. The premise alone—a woman discovering she may carry a “serial killer gene”—is instantly gripping, and the book leans hard into that paranoia and emotional unraveling.

Lily is a compelling protagonist precisely because she’s so unsure of herself. Her fear of what she might be capable of, combined with the intoxicating pull of a new relationship, creates a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere. The dynamic with her mother, Eva, is one of the book’s strongest elements—protective, loving, and increasingly suspicious as cracks begin to show. Their bond becomes the emotional core of the story, especially as long‑buried secrets start to surface.

Where the novel stumbles is in its pacing. The middle section drags in places, with some scenes lingering longer than necessary and certain twists telegraphed a bit early. The tension is there, but it ebbs and flows unevenly, which occasionally pulls you out of the otherwise gripping narrative.

Still, the final act delivers. The murder, the unraveling of truth, and the chilling revelations about Eva give the story the jolt it needs, tying together the themes of compulsion, inherited fear, and the dangerous lengths people go to protect the ones they love.

Overall, it’s a twisty, atmospheric read with strong psychological depth—imperfect in pacing, but undeniably intriguing and hard to put down once the secrets start to spill.

I looooooove a psychological thriller. This was such a good read and was unique! I had such a fun time with this one. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing team for this ARC!

3.5 rounded up.

Lily’s father walked out on her and her mum when she was a child. Always running away, her mum has been her only family. Now, Lily takes a DNA test to learn more about where she comes from, only to find she has the warrior gene - also known as the serial killer gene!

Scared of passing the gene on, she breaks up with her boyfriend and moves back in with her mum. But soon she starts a whirlwind romance with fascinating journalist Margo.

Soon their obsessive relationship turns toxic, whilst Lily’s traumatic and confused past starts to resurface and Lily worries she really could be dangerous. She has no choice but to turn to her mum for support - but is her mum everything she thought she was?

I did enjoy The Serial Killer Gene, but felt it wasn’t quite as good as Alice Hunter’s other books I’ve read so far. For me, the first half was really gripping and suspenseful but then this dropped in the second half when we moved from Lily’s POV to her mum Eva’s. It got a little repetitive going over some of the same conversations and talking about the serial killer gene!

But I did love the first half where Lily meets Margo, and the tension of their relationship building so quickly that Lily feels suffocated and out of control. And the twists towards the end were unexpected and fun!

Overall I would recommend it but it hasn’t been my favourite of Alice’s books.

A chilling psychological thriller built on a disturbing premise.... what if violence could be inherited? Hunter blends forensic detail with emotional tension as the story explores nature versus nurture through a gripping investigation. Dark, fast-paced, and unsettling, it keeps the stakes high while slowly peeling back layers of family history and buried truth. A compelling read for fans of twisty, high-concept crime fiction.

Wow… I did not expect to be this hooked!
The whole idea of discovering you might carry a “serial killer gene” is so wild, but it’s executed in such a clever, believable way. Watching Lily’s world slowly unravel after that revelation had me questioning everything right along with her.
One of the standout parts for me was the relationship between Lily and her mum, Eva. There’s so much tension, emotion, and buried secrets there, it really adds another layer to the story.
And Margo? Genuinely unsettling. That controlling, toxic energy she brings made every scene she was in feel uncomfortable in the best way!
The pacing is spot on too,short chapters, dual timelines, and constant twists made this impossible to put down!
If you’re into psychological thrillers that mess with your head and keep you guessing, this one is definitely worth picking up. Thank you to netgalley and Avon books for this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Lily takes a DNA test, more so to check her past and family ties, as everything in her past is blurry and secretive. She discovers she carries the serial killer gene. She is adamant knowing this wont change her, and then she finds herself in a toxic relationship, where sparks certainly fly.

I have read all of this authors work, and this one was more of a slow burn, and really pepped up around 50% in. We read from the perspectives of Lily, and Lily's mum, Eva, and we read through past and present. I did find the second half far easier to read, and far more of a page turner that im used to from this author. The characters were ok, I really liked Eva, but Lily did feel very weak and not as independent as you would expect an adult to be. The story was quite well written, and did have some twists, but I totally saw the ending and guessed who fitted where in the mystery.

This one was a little bit of a slow start, but once it picked up it was difficult to stop! We follow the story of Lily as she dives into her family tree through a DNA service after a traumatic childhood. Normal, right? Sure, until she realizes that her results carry a different kind of information...she carries a gene that makes her more likely to exhibit impulsive, violent behavior.

To start, I loved the character development - I really enjoyed Lily's character and loved the dynamic between her and her mom! Despite everything they had been through, they were a force to be reckoned with! I usually like alternating timelines, but this one felt a little confusing at times, requiring me to go back and re-read some parts to make sure I had an accurate understanding. The ending also felt a little unfinished in some areas, but it had plenty of twists to build excitement. Anyone who loves "popcorn" thrillers would really enjoy this, and I can definitely see it being a Booktok favorite upon its release next month. Thanks so much for the ARC!

Release: May 7, 2026
Author: Alice Hunter
Publisher: Avon Books

Rating: 4★ 

Thoughts:
The serial killer gene is a dark and twisted psychological thriller that explores the chilling idea of whether compulsion and violent tendencies are inherited. Lily, the protagonist, has always considered herself ordinary until a DNA test reveals a shocking possibility: she carries the "serial killer gene." Terrified by the thought of passing this on to her future children, she breaks off her engagement and moves back home with her protective mother, Eva. But the story takes a turn when Lily becomes entangled in a toxic and obsessive relationship with a charismatic journalist. As the romance spirals into a darker place, Lily is forced to confront her past, her fears, and whether she truly has the potential for violence running through her veins.
The psychological tension in this story is palpable, especially as Lily grapples with her fear of inheriting dangerous tendencies and the trauma that keeps resurfacing. The twists keep coming, and as the novel builds, it becomes clear that the people closest to Lily are hiding their own secrets. The theme of inherited violence is chilling, and the final twists are both unexpected and satisfying.

This book suits someone in the mood for: tense, mysterious, dark
Pace: medium
Plot or Character Driven?: a mix
Strong Character Development?: Yes
Loveable Characters?: It's complicated
Diverse Cast?: no
Are Character Flaws a Main Focus?: Yes
Main Themes / Tropes:
Inherited violence, family secrets, psychological manipulation, obsession, toxic relationships, the fear of becoming one's parents, betrayal.

Synopsis:
Lily's world unravels when a DNA test suggests she carries the "serial killer gene." Fearing for her future, she breaks off her engagement and moves back in with her mother. But as Lily embarks on a wild romance with a journalist, her past resurfaces, and she is forced to confront whether she could truly become the monster she fears. When a murder occurs, she must turn to her mother for help—but Eva is hiding deadly secrets of her own.

Favorite Quote:
“What if murder is in your blood?”

A good tense and intriguing thriller read from one of my go to authors. It was well written with good characters a good page turner from the very first page.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Publishers for this thrilling ARC which I can thoroughly recommend.

The Serial Killer Gene is a psychological thriller thats very intriguing read nad somewhat unsetling. I was hooked and just could not stop reading. There is tension, secret and twist that will keep you invested to the end. Alice has done it again with this one. Well done, I recommend.



Thanks to the Publisher Avon Book Uk and NetGalley.

Firstly thank you for my opportunity to read and review this book .
I have loved all of Alice’s previous books and seeing the tv adaptation!
I read this travelling back from Scotland so was perfect companion.
Really fascinating subject and characters.
Complex and gritty plot .
The truth begins to unravel and people’s true sides are bared .
Twists and turns aplenty in this gripping suspenseful psychological thriller ..

The Serial Killer Gene was such an intriguing and unsettling read. Alice Hunter takes a chilling premise and builds it into a psychological thriller that feels both creepy and thought-provoking. The concept alone hooked me, but it was the tension, secrets, and moral complexity that kept me turning the pages.

What I enjoyed most was how the story explored fear, identity, and the question of whether people are shaped more by biology or choice. That added an extra layer to the suspense and made the book feel more than just a standard thriller. There was a steady sense of unease throughout, and I kept wanting to know where the story was headed.

The pacing was strong, and the reveals were timed well enough to keep me engaged without giving too much away too soon. I also appreciated that the book leaned into psychological tension rather than relying only on action or shock.

Overall, The Serial Killer Gene is a dark, gripping, and original thriller with an interesting central idea and enough suspense to keep thriller fans invested. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to the publishers, author and Net Galley for this Advance Reader Copy of The Serial Killer Gene.

I didn't know what to expect going into this book, but I was pleasantly surprised.

I read through it super fast and couldn't put it down.

I recommend this book to anyone who needs a good book to get into.

The Serial Killer Gene by Alice Hunter is everything I love about a psychological thriller and then some. This was an absolute four star read that had me completely hooked from start to finish.

The premise at the heart of this book is so clever and unlike anything I have read before. A DNA test revealing a so-called serial killer gene sounds wild but Hunter pulls it off brilliantly. The way this single discovery unravels Lily's entire sense of self is so incredibly compelling. It makes you feel like you are right there alongside her, questioning everything she thought she knew about herself and her past.

Lily and Eva remain one of my absolute favorite mother-daughter dynamics I have encountered in fiction. Their relationship brings so much depth and emotional weight to the story and the slow unraveling of its secrets kept me completely on edge.

Margo was a fantastic and unsettling addition to the story. The toxic and controlling dynamic she brings to Lily's life is so well drawn and I found myself completely absorbed in watching how it all played out.

The twists kept coming throughout and the ending completely caught me off guard in the best possible way. The dual timelines and shifting perspectives made this very much a one more chapter read that kept me up way too late.

A gripping and thought-provoking thriller exploring nature versus nurture in a way that feels genuinely fresh. Highly recommend!

Pub Day: May 7, 2026
Categories: LGBTQIAP+, General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers

Huge Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC.

I've enjoyed other books from this author and this one did not disappoint. Twists and turns at the right times and fast paced mystery!

At its core, The Serial Killer Gene explores identity and the fragile sense of control we have over who we believe ourselves to be.

The story follows Lily, whose life begins to unravel after a DNA test reveals she may carry a genetic marker linked to violent behavior. What begins as an unsettling discovery quickly evolves into a deeper psychological conflict, as Lily is forced to question her past, her instincts, and her sense of self. The premise is immediately gripping, but what makes it compelling is how it lingers in uncertainty rather than offering easy answers.

The novel leans into the tension between nature and nurture, allowing that question to remain unresolved in a way that feels intentional. Lily’s growing paranoia feels believable, as each memory and relationship becomes something to reexamine. Her perspective creates a sense of unease that builds steadily throughout the narrative.

The dual timelines and shifting viewpoints, particularly between Lily and her mother Eva, add depth to the story. Eva is a particularly intriguing character, offering both comfort and quiet suspicion. Their relationship grounds the novel emotionally while also raising questions about trust and hidden truths.

Lily’s relationship with Margo introduces a darker, more intimate tension. The portrayal of control and emotional dependence is unsettling and well drawn, reinforcing the broader themes of influence and vulnerability.

The pacing remains strong, keeping the story engaging and difficult to put down. While some elements may feel familiar within the genre, the central concept gives the novel a distinctive edge. I did find myself wanting a deeper exploration of the ethical implications behind the genetic premise, as it opens the door to thought-provoking questions that are only partially explored.

The final twist is surprising and effective, though I would have welcomed a stronger emotional resolution to fully match its impact.

Overall, this is an engaging and psychologically driven thriller that combines a unique premise with steady tension. Alice Hunter continues to deliver compelling, character focused suspense. A solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ read that will appeal to fans of thrillers.

Lily’s relationship with Caleb ends when she discovers she has the serial killer gene. She asks her mum but her mum dismisses it. Lily then meets Margo and her happiness is short-lived. What’s her mum hiding?

This fast-paced book focuses on Lily’s point of view and then drops in her mum’s breadcrumbs of the past to keep you guessing.

Thank you NetGalley for the early release in exchange for an honest review

This wasn’t my favorite of the serial killer series but it was definitely interesting. There were many twists and turns and a big part of the ending was completely unexpected to me! Great series!

A tense, twisty psychological thriller with a killer hook: literally. Hunter plays with nature vs nurture in a way that feels fresh and unsettling, and the slow drip of secrets keeps the tension simmering.