This is a delightfully fun, darkly entertaining thrill ride, with shades of the film Mr and Mrs Smith, from Asia Mackay featuring beautiful married couple Hazel (Haze) and Fox who now live in the suburbs with their baby, Bibi. They might appear to be like any other ordinary couple, except for the fact they had previously lived a thrillingly glamorous life as serial killers, getting away with murder, but you might possibly feel for them, as their targets were bad people, perhaps even be viewed as providing a public service? Haze is now struggling with her new life, it's not easy to give up what she used to do, handling the mundane current aspects, so she is feeling the itch, killing someone without telling Fox, and now the police are at their home. What to do?

In a well paced, clear, and engaging story with Haze willing to do whatever it takes to protect her family. There is a dual timeline, past and present, narrative, it is delivered through the perspectives of both Haze and Fox, the nature of their marriage, the misunderstandings, and what it will take to keep them together. Many of the marital issues and being a mother faced are likely to resonate with many readers, perhaps not the need to kill so much. Catching my attention are the well created main characters, the complexities, and their developments, although to be honest it is the offbeat Haze who irresistibly dominates the picture, people who want to do good in the world, in their own way.

There are twists and turns in what is a surprisingly light read given the dark subject matters. Marriage, pregnancy, the suburbs, and being a mother will inevitably bring changes which it has been well documented that so many find difficult to adjust to, and posing a challenge to a person's sense of identity. A great read likely to appeal to many readers. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

“A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage” is an entertaining, fast-paced novel that blends dark humor, thriller elements, and heartfelt moments into a gripping story. It follows the lives of a married couple, Hazel and Fox, who have transitioned from a nomadic existence filled with murder to settling down in the quiet suburbs with a baby. The story is told through dual POV, though the narrative leans more heavily on Hazel’s perspective, allowing readers to dive deeply into her thoughts and motivations.

From the very first page, I was hooked. The couple’s chemistry and personalities are so incredibly likable that it’s impossible not to root for them, even given their dark past. What’s especially captivating is how the novel explores their attempt to quit their murderous habits cold turkey. The way each of them handles this drastic life change is both hilarious and surprisingly relatable. The miscommunications between them, while typical of any relationship, are cleverly heightened by their unique circumstances and provide plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

The novel’s quirky tone and offbeat humor make it stand out. While it’s thrilling and at times suspenseful, it also manages to be light-hearted, which is no easy feat for a story about former killers. I found myself rooting for Hazel to somehow find a way to balance her dark urges with the demands of suburban motherhood. Her character is endlessly intriguing—a fierce, unapologetic woman who is navigating life in a new and unfamiliar way.

Fox, on the other hand, is a refreshing take on the “book boyfriend” trope. He’s caring, supportive, funny, and has a genuine softness that contrasts with their past life of crime. He’s the type of partner many readers will fall in love with. But for me, Hazel steals the show. She’s eccentric, loud, and utterly confident. Despite her limited social circle, she’s a “girl’s girl” through and through, and her unapologetic nature makes her an unforgettable character.

Overall, I would highly recommend “A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage” to just about anyone. It’s a perfect mix of quirky humor, thrilling tension, and relatable relationship dynamics. Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the thrill, or the character dynamics, this book has something for everyone. It’s a wildly entertaining ride from start to finish!

Hazel and Fox are a handsome couple, married with a baby girl. Hazel and Fox are not your normal married couple as they are ex serial killer’s. Before the baby they had a 5 star lifestyle, and plenty of bad men to kill.

When Hazel fell pregnant they gave up murder for life in the suburbs and dinner parties with friends. But Hazel is bored and getting g the itch to kill so when she murders someone behind Fox’s back and the Police come knocking she has to protect her family at all costs. Will this save her marriage or kill it off for good.

Oh this had me intrigued from the off. It felt to me like a bit of Dexter with desperate housewives thrown in and I absolutely loved it. The main characters were likeable and it was just a fun read. The ending was brilliant and I’m hoping that there will be a sequel 🤞

This book was so much more than I was expecting! A really brilliant 5 star read! Highly recommended.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

After leaving their London lifestyle, and five-star travels, 2 serial killers (Haze and Fox) are trying to settle into a ‘normal’ life after moving to suburbia with their daughter. Fox has decided that they will give up their old lives so as not to risk their daughter growing up alone. What follows is a tale of struggling to meet ‘normal’ standards and Haze’s increasing feeling of isolation, whilst thinking that her husband Fox is adapting easily into their new life. This is a unique, dark and fun read. A very enjoyable read, expertly written, with female friendship at it’s heart.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for the ARC.

Awful!
Terrible, unlikeable characters (apart from the toddler daughter, she seemed cute) with an even worse plot.and storyline.
The phrase bad man was used so frequently it became laughable. Surely there was another term that they could think of instead?!

The couple that kills together, stays together. Or do they? That's pretty much the premise of A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage. Meet Fox and Haze Cabot, a beautiful young couple living the suburban dream with their young daughter, Bibi. All is not as it seems however, as the couple have a secret; they are serial killers. 🗡🗡
I've seen this book likened to the film Mr. and Mrs. Smith. For me, it brought to mind my favourite serial killer (if one can have such a thing), Dexter Morgan, if Dexter had a wife who helped him with his kills. 🗡🗡
This was a fun read, darkly humourous and very entertaining. Told from the POV'S of Haze and Fox, the story unfolds along dual timelines, past and present. There isn't an overabundance of characters to confuse the narrative, and the story moves along at a steady pace.
I enjoyed it immensely. 🗡🗡
Thanks to Headline Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

Dexter on steroids! 🖤 A perfectly balanced combo of grit and humor.
Characters that come alive on pages that turn themselves.
Unique, entertaining, engaging.
🤌

Prepare to be both terrified and utterly charmed by Asia Mackay's latest masterpiece, A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage. This thriller dives deep into the twisted yet strangely romantic world of a couple who redefine the concept of marital bliss with a deadly twist.

Both Fox and Haze are former serial killers who decided to hang up their murderous ways when they welcomed their child into the world. Now, they're trying to navigate a more wholesome life, but old habits die hard. Their dynamic is captivating and complex. Their shared past creates a bond that is both dark and unbreakable. Mackay's brilliant writing captures the tension and dark humour in their attempt to lead a normal life. The story delves into their struggles as they grapple with their instincts and the desire to provide a stable environment for their child.

What sets this thriller apart is its unique perspective on the classic cat-and-mouse game. Instead of fleeing from the law. Fox and Haze are two steps ahead, crafting alibis and dodging suspicion with an ease that's as thrilling as it is chilling.

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage* is a rollercoaster ride of emotions with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Haze and Fox are serial killers who met through their shared work passion and got married. They are the dream killing team until their daughter Bibi is born and the whole dynamic changes. Fox is insistent that they have to leave their old lives behind and start afresh for the sake of their daughter. Haze reluctantly agrees but finds it harder than she thought to stay away from her old career. When she accidentally strays into her old lifestyle, she has to find a way to stop Fox from learning about it. But, once you've started to kill again you just can't stop. Great book, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I found the premise of this book intriguing, making me think back to my time rooting for Dexter in the tv series.

Written from a dual perspective, I enjoyed this novel. However, I wasn’t quite as gripped as I’d hoped and found the ending satisfactory at best.

(I did laugh out load at the Champagne delivery, as this has happened to me)

Haze and Fox are serial killers who have got away with it. They meet in Paris when Haze is attacked and Fox saves her. The meeting of great minds takes them around Europe of a killing spree of bad men.
When they decide to settle in England with their baby daughter to become normal, life is hard for them to settle without killing.
When Haze befriends a fellow Mum she has no idea she is a Police Officer on maternity leave.
Will they make it?
Read the book as its well worth seeing the ups and downs of their marriage as well as wondering will they get caught?

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage tells the story of married couple, Hazel and Fox, but they are no ordinary couple - they both used to be serial killers. They gave up their 'hobby' when Hazel became pregnant and find themselves moving to the suburbs and trying to fit in. Before long, Hazel starts to miss it and finds herself killing alone. Can she keep the secret from her husband and avoid the police finding out?

This was such a unique storyline, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was well written and easy to read with lots of funny parts. I found myself really liking both of the main characters and I very much enjoyed going along for the wild ride.

My thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.

I can totallyyyyyyyy see this being turned into a limited series for TV/streamers, like the humour + the plot would lend itself so well to a well-written script! I really enjoyed the multiple POVs from both Haze + Fox and got sucked into their world immediately and found myself thinking about where the story was going when I wasn’t reading. I think this book will be huge when released so I’m so grateful to Headline + Wildfire for the opportunity to read this ahead of time!

A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage Is out on 14th January 2025 #ASerialKillersGuideToMarriage #NetGalley

For lovers of mr and Mrs smith but wanting it with a dark twist. This book is so unique and entertaining. The dual timeline kept me gripped throughout. Fox and hazel are ex serial killers who gave up that life when hazel became pregnant. But the itch to go back to that life is there and they can’t help but scratch it

The character Haze is well written .Some of the chapters felt dragged and could have been cut short. Overall I found this to be an alright quick read with a little bit of tension that gave me the vibe of Mr and Mrs Smith. I thank net galley and headline books for the eARC copy.

Such a different take having a married couple as serial killers, loved the difference in their characters and how they joined forces, a real twist in the end.

Smart, darkly funny and brilliantly conceived. This is brilliant little gem is well worth a read. I enjoyed this immensely.

good fun, with some unexpected twists! I found the ending a bit abrupt and I was looking for something else to round it off but nothing dramatically awful. Still recommend it.

I really enjoyed A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage (kindle edition) romantic suspense by Asia Mackay
A dark funny serial killer/superhero rolled into one. Jenny and Fox remind me of the movie Mr and Mrs Smith who kept their marriage alive by working as assaassins. Release date 14th January 2025.

Jenny and Fox and their toddler Bibi lead an affluent lifestyle but they are both getting bored with their marriage and crave for the time before they had Bibi when they were both serial killers which gave them the oomph in their marriage and they still kept their box of disguises locked up for the time being.

They enjoyed killing only bad men who were badly misbehaving and to make the world a safer place for their little girl Bibi.