I enjoyed this book and the plot and the unexpected friendship between Haze and Jenny and the relationship between Fox and Haze but it felt too long. A bit like watching a film that could have done with being 30 minutes shorter. I'm glad I stuck with it though as I liked the ending. Thanks for my ARC.

I really tried with this book, I gave it to the 50% mark and that’s where I had to give up.
The characters aren’t likeable (seems a strange term for the storyline) and I thought it would be funnier.

I was drawn to this book by it's cover and title. It got off to a very promising start and I was hooked. Somewhere in the middle though it lost me and I almost gave up. A bit of speed reading and the ending was worth the wait. I think it could probably do with a bit more pruning but an enjoyable read and quite different from anything I've read before.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own

The premise for this one was really intriguing and I was definitely hooked in by the prologue.

Both Hazel and Fox were very well written. There were times I liked each of them, times I didn’t, and times when I could really see things from each of their perspectives. Jenny was the only side character who was really developed in any kind of way, and honestly she was also probably my favourite character. She was just so likeable and warm, and it was interesting to see how Hazel reacted to having this female suddenly become a part of her life.

This book relies so heavily on the miscommunication trope and that usually doesn’t work for me, but it worked so well for this story given the backgrounds of our two many characters. The story is really just about two very damaged, dysfunctional people trying to adjust to parenthood it the added element of them being “retired” serial killers made it a lot more fun.

My only complaint was the ending. It all felt like it resolved itself a little too tidily and then it just continued to drag on a bit. But overall this was still a really solid and enjoyable read.

It was an unusual way to meet your future spouse: two killers, one unsuspecting victim and a dark alleyway. Hazel and Fox definitely had one thing in common when their worlds collided and they realised that they were made for each other: a passion for ridding the world of bad people.

Fox's history in the US caused his parents to ship him off to Europe to make a fresh start and forget about the life he was escaping. As long as he kept his nose clean and didn't bring his parents squeaky clean image as corporate megastars into disrepute, they would say nothing. Hazel's background was far less glamorous: an addict for a mum left her in social services care, shipped from one foster family to the next and nobody giving a damn about her unless she was prepared to be the victim of their depraved fantasies. Haze was nobody's victim, and found her own ways to protect herself and those who found themselves in her position in life.

So, the serial killer dream team was formed: Haze and Fox against the world! Until they discovered they were to become parents. They agreed that things had to change and their jetset lifestyle whizzing around the posh playgrounds of Europe seeking their next victim had to stop. And so it did, until Haze felt that familiar yearning and by pure chance she found herself in the position of having gone against everything they'd agreed. With a dead body at her feet and nobody to help "cleanse" the scene of her involvement, can Haze get away with her first solo kill in years?

I really didn't like Haze in the first few chapters of this book. Her disdain of everything a "normal" family life comprises, her swift shift into boredom in everyday parenting situations (softplay, mother and toddler groups and the standard mix of new parents and their offspring) I found her criticisms quite patronising. But as the pages moved on, I began to understand her as she worked hard to fit into a mould she wasn't designed for.

The story takes an interesting change of direction when Haze realises she's made an unlikely friend at one of the parenting groups she's taken to frequenting. A friendship which she quickly realises could be her downfall - the other mum is a police detective, currently on maternity leave and under investigation herself for her involvement with a disgraced police officer. Things get even worse when she discovers the amount of effort her friend has been putting in to proving her detective skills, despite being on leave. This woman is getting dangerously close to Haze and Fox's truth.

The characters are an interesting mix in this book, and the challenges of being a new parent are explored. I think a lot of new mums would be able to relate to the feelings Haze goes through, especially when parenthood has arrived unplanned. The guilt at not feeling like an instinctive mum, not having the knowledge which seems to come naturally to all the other mums - before realising that actually, we're all just winging it! I found all this to be quite relatable (fortunately I've never felt the urge to kill someone to distract those thoughts, just for the record!).

Probably my only criticism of this book is that I would have liked to hear a stronger voice from Fox throughout the book. We do hear his views but I kind of lost his side of things as Haze's point of view takes the dominant line until later on in the story.

Overall I found this to be a quirky read, something different to the regular serial killer themed books we find on our shelves, and I have to say I love the ending. How can Haze and Fox keep their marriage alive when unaliving people is what keeps them together?

I was immediately interested in reading this book just because of the title!!!! The cover alone was enough to draw me in. It wasn't quite what I expected according to the title, but I was pleasantly surprised with the book and enjoyed the story. It was fun, entertaining and I will definitely be looking into more titles belonging to this author. I have a feeling book two could be on the way and I will definitely be reading it!! Thank you to netgalley for allowing me to review this book.

This was definitely a fun ride. And it had me hooked from the very beginning.
There's plenty of great dark humour and I liked the dynamic between the serial killing couple.
I also get why many got Mr and Mrs Smith vibes, in the very best way.
Parts of it did drag a little bit but the way it ended left it open for a sequel, which I would definitely be interested in picking up.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to enjoy this book. It's my kind of read!

But it was so slow. I even tried listening via audiobook. I like the narrator's.

I enjoyed their backstories and I guess the whole point of the book was that life was mundane for Haze but it also made the book incredibly mundane.

The ending was much faster but I'd given up on the book by then and just wanted it to end.

Am a little concerned how much I related to the serial killer wife in this book but let's overlook that. Haze and Fox are a couple of serial killers who met while carrying out a murder years ago and have since settled down in suburbia and neither of them are enjoying the retirement of their shared hobby while they raise their young daughter. There is a lot of family politics happening in the background with Fox's wealthy but estranged American family and Haze meets a new friend at a child group that gets gradually closer and closer. General relationship issues abound and how this is juggled with both members of a couple being a murderer and not trying to let their other half into their secrets until things finally unravel in a very dramatic stand off.

This is a fun satirical look at the issues of a married couple. Here it’s not philandering with others that is the issue between Hazel and Fox, nor boredom in the bedroom. No they are well suited, and have found bliss in themselves and their daughter. Fix is out in the financial world staying away from his family, and Hazel, an artist, is trying to fit into suburban life as a mother. Women friends isn’t really her thing but she’s trying. But something is missing, and they are struggling not to be unfaithful. Unfaithful to their agreement to put killing bad people behind them. That thrill is starting to itch, badly. Something is going to have to be done about, if only they didn’t have that married person’s problem of actually speaking to each other about their feelings. Let the itch burn, hell mend the consequences and their freedom from a life in jail. Thank you to Headline and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

A couple who kills together stays together!

A couple of ex-serial killers, Hazel and Fox are enjoying life and they have it all. Until they’re not - and Hazel gets the itch to kill again!

All a bit unbelievable and far fetched.
An easy read but not really my sort of thing. .

My first time reading @asia.mackay and it didn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed this book. A darkly funny, clever twisted story of marriage and murder.
I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down.
Hazel and Fox are ex serial killers trying to live the suburban life of marriage and parenting. The story is told through dual POV’s, with short chapters making it easy to read. I loved the authors unique writing style and the witty comments. Just brilliant.
I liked all the characters. Hazel was my favourite. I loved Hazel and Fox’s relationship and the bond between Jenny and Hazel.
Overall, a fun entertaining read. Definitely recommend this one. It’s well worth a read.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
With thanks to #NetGallery @headline #wildfire for an arc of #ASerialKillersGuideToMarriage in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 14 January 2025.

Enjoyed A Serial Killers Guide To Marriage by Asia Mackay! The story is about Hazel and Fox, a glam married couple who appear perfect to the outside world. But what the neighbours don’t know is that their previous jet setting lifestyle was a cover for their serial killer tendencies. But now that they’ve got a child, they’re having to curb their murderous urges. Or are they?

This story was quite a snowball and just kept spiralling! I really enjoyed the plot and it kept me guessing where it was going to end up! I couldn’t stop laughing at Fox’s ‘coping mechanisms’ and found him to be the most relatable character. I did find it a little slow-paced, and at times got frustrated with Hazel’s perfect image, but it picked up towards the end. Generally an enjoyable read!

I really enjoyed A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage it was a refreshing read and not too dissimilar to Mr & Mrs Smith! This is a witty read and at times had me laughing out loud. It was slow in parts, but on the whole kept me gripped. It’s not so much a murder mystery it’s more of a when and how will all the secrets come out as even serial killers keep secrets from one another!

Haze and Fox are a couple who lived by the rule, those who kill together stay together until Haze falls pregnant and Fox decides they must stop and focus on their new baby. But can Haze keep her desire to kill under control and a secret from Fox? Probably not but it was a funny read finding out!

Absolutely loved this book and it had me hooked from start to finish! Such a fun read, with lots of humour in it, but also lots of twists and turns where you just don’t know what will happen next!! I loved the dual narrators and despite their backgrounds, you could really empathise with them at times and what was going on.
A very fun and unique read - I’m hoping the open ending means we will see more from Haze and Fox in the future!!

This book introduces us to Hazel and Fox, an ordinary married couple with a baby. Except, they are serial killers. They killed men who harmed women all around Europe. Until Hazel falls pregnant and they give it up for a live in the Suburbs. Hazel starts to get the itch though and with Fox acting suspicious, will their marriage survive?

This was a good book which kept me intrigued. As we learn more about Hazel and Fox’s childhood, it makes it clearer why they are the way they are. It’s a dual POV book which allows us to see things from both perspectives and highlights our opinions are not always accurate! The ending did surprise me slightly but it has made me hope for a second book to see what happens next. Only giving this book 4 stars as it didn’t grip me instantly and felt it was slightly dragged out. I would still recommend this book though and like I said, hoping for a second one!

Delightfully messed up, twisty concept with a Dexter-like couple you can't hate.

Oohh this was so much fun! I love McKay's previous books on a similar theme (suburban family-murder mash up), and this time it's a twosome.

Living the 'suburban dream', wife Hazel is finding inspiration for her art is lacking following the birth of her daughter. Husband Fox is trying his best to provide for everyone (okay he has a trust fund too) and support his wife's emotional needs. Which are not the usual 'bored housewife' sort. Hazel's missing the regular murders she and her love used to commit - only bad men. But he's insisted they curtail their bloodlusts while their toddler grows up, encouraging his wife to convert her energies into motherhood, art and finding mum friends. All while he attends secret AA meetings to quell his own needs.

After meeting under less-than-meet-cute circumstances (not one they could describe to future grandchildren), Hazel and Fox appeared soulmates - both with a need to hurt, but channelled towards those hurting others. It was perfect - Fox had his parents' money and the freedom of a continent. Hazel had a pained background and the skills/will to inflict pain on those deserving it.

Now Hazel is stuck in soft play, making friends with a needy fellow mum and trying not to resent her husband. Fox's high paying job just isn't stretching as far... and both are feeling the effects of this life on their marriage.

And that's just the start. It was as clever and complex as previous stories, with hints throughout that you don't realise are helpful until the end. I won't go into intricacies of the plot, but I did love following both narrators through their marriage problems, their needs and how they deal with them, and how a few little accidents/incidents threaten the end of everything.

Some great characters here, though Hazel can be incredibly unlikeable at times and Fox with his privileged background comes close to being someone you can't identify with at all. Mum friend Jenny builds herself into a sympathetic person. And the ending was one of the most satisfying I've had the pleasure of reading in recent times.

Huge fun. Though definitely not one to take as a lesson in how to keep a marriage going... Trust me on that.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

Haze and Fox are living their perfect lives. They are a gorgeous couple who travel the world, living a life of luxury, killing bad men. Men who deserve everything they get. Until Haze falls pregnant and between them, they decide their lifestyle is not conducive to having a child. They need to stop what they're doing, settle down in the suburbs and give their daughter a stable, normal life.

All is going well until one evening when Haze is out for a run and she kills a bad man. But she can't tell Fox. They had a deal. He'll go mad.

Before long, we discover that Fox is also hiding things from Haze and we watch them grow further and further apart from each other. A million miles from the loving couple that they used to be.

The book loses its way a little in the middle but not for too long. There are some fun twists. Haze has a dry sense of humour which I enjoyed immensely

Hazel & Fox like to kill bad guys. That was until Hazel fell pregnant and Fox said that they had to say goodbye to that life!

After moving to the Suburbs, Hazel misses the buzz of killing. Can she keep the promise to her husband or will she ruin their lives forever?

A really addictive read, with laugh out loud moments, and a few twists along the way.

This was a fun entry into the ‘dysfunctional marriage’ ‘good serial killer’ genres. Asia McKay is a great writer, but this was just not as good as her spy series.