A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage

A very fun story about the difficulties of marriage and serial killing! I read it in one sitting and was totally engrossed for the whole time. Although it is definitely a story about getting away with murder, Mackay also talks about the difficulties of losing sense of yourself in long term relationships and adjusting to parenthood.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for this eagerly anticipated ARC.

Haze and Fox are married ex-serial killers. When they had their daughter Bibi, Fox made them quit their dangerous life and move to the suburbs. Haze is not happy about it. She loves her daughter but is not cut out for normal life. She misses her old life and also still grieves for her best friend Matty who committed suicide many years ago. She and Fox have only ever killed bad men, so really, they were doing society a favour, whilst leading a life full of thrills, without an inkling of remorse.

"Hunt, kill, hold hands. That was our love language, and we knew exactly how to keep the passion burning bright."

Now she is forced to make friends with other mothers like nervous wreck Jenny who, shock horror, turns out to be a police officer on maternity leave, and very interested in serial killers like the Backpacking Butcher, the name the police gave Haze and Fox because they believe it's only one man.

"They thought we were a couple to die for; they’d never guess we were a couple to die from."

One night, Haze slips up and sets in motion a series of events that threatens everything she and Fox hold dear. Meanwhile, Fox is having his own battles to fight involving his horrible parents and his own desire for the old thrills, that lead him to AA meetings as a means of coping.

Wow, what a book. This is such smart and clever writing, done in very short chapters using two POVs with flashbacks to happier times. I enjoyed every tense minute and read this in one sitting. I'm not sure what it says about me that I rooted for Haze and her murdering ways all through the book but she is such a great character. You can feel her rage about all the bad men she's no longer allowed to kill while she plays happy housewife, and you get it. Her marriage seems to be going down the pan with both of them withholding things from each other, and I just wanted for them to be ok again.

The book contains dark humour but it's not as funny as I thought it might be. Instead we get the brutal but entertaining dissection of a marriage, that, apart from the killing, could be a fairly typical union that goes from the honeymoon phase to a more boring suburban life containing pooping kids and bin juice.

The action speeds up towards the end as everything seems to come together in a thrilling, rain-soaked finale.

"I always knew our life together would involve bloodshed. I just never thought it would be ours."

The ending is total perfection - absolute chef's kiss and exactly what I wanted to happen. This book will be a sensation when it comes out next January and I feel privileged to have received such an early copy.

I would like to thank Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is addictive! 4*

When I first picked this book up, I immediately thought of the film Mr and Mrs Smith (2005) - not the 2024 version, thank you very much. I don't know what I expected from Mackay's novel as this is my first time I've read anything of hers. I felt suffocated, perhaps that's not the best word to use but it was extremely tense at some points and I loved every moment of this book. Have you ever read a book where you need to read on but also scared about what happens next? This is that book for me. I was crippled by the unpredictability by it.

How was that achieved? Simply, the characters. Well-thought out and complex people. I normally dislike two POVs but I do really love Haze and Fox. I naturally prefer Hazel but how she describes married life and life as a mother in modern suburban Britain honestly speaks to me. Although I am both childless and single, I completely understood the expectations and difficulties regarding this. I think if you are either married or married with child(ren) then this book will speak to you. The complaints and difficulties spoke of in this book are things I hear regularly from my married friends. Fox - in my head - is an attractive American and elite but I can't hate him not after what life threw at him. However, Hazel will always have my heart. She's witty, hilarious and just true to herself. Life has been an absolute disaster for her but she's the most authentic character I've ever read in a while. She's not two-dimensional. Hazel is at the heart of this novel.

The structure of this book is clever. I loved the whole idea of it of how a marriage is structured; from honeymoon to hiatus, this book was exceptionally clever.

I will be recommending this book when it is finally released in January 2025.

What a fantastic read this is. Once you start reading you cannot stop. Somehow it quickly seems 'normal' that a couple should be serial killers, especially when they get rid of the 'bad guys'. However, things change when their daughter is born.

Beautifully written, amusing and highly recommended. I definitely want to read her other books.

Fox and Haze are a normal couple living a completely normal life with their daughter Bibi. But they have a dark history, brought together by murder - and they're both feeling the itch again...

This is such a unique and engaging read! I thoroughly enjoyed the way it was written and loved both Fox and Haze. And that ending was not something I saw coming! I will be keeping an eye out for the next thing that Asia Mackay writes!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Fox and Haze are the proverbial couple goals. He’s an investment banker, she’s an artist. They have an adorable baby daughter. But the relationship has become stale, lately. Since they agreed to stop serial killing domestic abusers, paedophiles and gropers. Who’s gonna crack first?

As you’ll have noticed, this is a darkly comic, hands over the eyes, read. But look a little deeply and you’ll see this a metaphor for several things: relationships, raising children, family, intimacy, creative block…

And the main characters are so well-written, you’ll find yourself cheering each kill. Yes, you will. The humour is some of the most deadpan I’ve read recently. Such as, Fox meeting Haze in Paris. When she’s having trouble finishing off a murder. Mackay is always in control of the narrative and keeps it both funny and thrilling with two great twists midway through the book.

Judging by the praise from actors; I think it’s a matter of time before you see this on a screen. Plus, the book ends on an open note. We may not have seen the last of Haze and Fox’s bloody/hilarious adventures. It’s published by Headline on January 14th, 2025 and I thank them for a preview copy. #aserialkillersguidetomarriage.

A dark humoured romp - serial killers attempting to be model partners and parents to the world and to each other. Things start going awry and the reader, as well as the characters, tries to work out who is being good, bad and committing murder.
Top summer read

I'm not sure If I should be worried or not that I love dark, comical books regarding serial offers (sorry, serial offers in semi retirement, my bad) but here we are 🫠

There was alot I enjoyed about this book. Haze in particular had very dry wit which I am a fan of and her inner dialogue at times had me lolinnnn.
The prologue had me VERY excited for what was to come and whilst I found the beginning very slow, as the book progressed I found myself more invested. I liked the fact that while there were serious, darker topics throughout, there was also some lighter humour to help balance it out.

My one issue was what I've also seen mentioned by others and thats the missing letters and typos. I know this is an ARC but it made it quite difficult to read at times. For example, Coffee was coee and it took me awhile to realise the letter F in particular was missing alot and it wasn't just some drink I'd never heard of 🤦‍♀️😂 Anyway. It was a good read but would probably have been better if it wasn't for that!

A brilliant book with an original storyline and laugh out loud moments. What happens when 2 serial killers meet, fall in love, marry and have a baby? They conform into society and try to blend into suburbia. With one spouse seemingly more happy with their lot than the other, A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage entertains from the first page to the last.

Hazel(Haze) and her husband Fox are trying to lead as normal a life as possible with their baby daughter Bibi the only issue is they are serial killers and its really hard leaving the past behind them.
Haze has never been one to make friends due to her past, but Fox thinks it would help her to try.At a children's playgroup, she meets Jenny, and a friendship grows against her better judgement.
When Haze does something, she shouldn't, and Jenny makes a revelation that knocks her for six she doesn't know where to turn.
This is a witty,clever, and original read with an ending that you won't expect.
I'll be looking out for more from this author,there's definitely more scope for another outing involving the main characters.
Recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Headline Books for the Arc.

There are books on everything these days, rather than the plot or the nuance, the idea captivates me and the writing. Adapting a dark humour writing style can be so difficult and the author seamlessly fits in a novel idea with great writing. The book isn’t focused too much on plotting of murders etc, it’s about Haze and Fox’s marriage and it does justice to that. I loved it, the writing, the pace it was brilliant and I didn’t want to put the book down, read it one sitting!

Thank you to Netgalley and Asia Mackay for the ARC of this book.
This was something a bit different for me and I really enjoyed it. Haze & Fox felt very Mr & Mrs Smith, they had a dark and deadly past that they hid in their "boring" suburban lifestyles whilst fitting in with their neighbours and the locals.
I found the dual timeline and the storyline really gripping, I wanted to know what had happened because I was hooked by the prologue alone.
There weren't many characters in this book, but the ones that were in it fit like a glove and I particularly liked Jenny.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm confident it won't be the last. I would recommend this book and would happily read it again, once it's out in paperback.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the ARC

I had a blast reading this. I was so engrossed in the story and read the entire book in a day. I couldn't put it down. It explored the struggles of marriage and motherhood in the suburbs 0f London but did it with an edge of dark humor. Then there was the killing part, loved it. It was told in short, snappy chapters (my favorite) and switched between two POVs and two timelines. I was just as interested in both of them

I want a sequel! Fox, Haze, Bibi and Jenny all need a sequel!
Having read various thrillers about serial killers, this book was like Desperate Housewives meets Dexter.
I even enjoyed Helga who kept all the secrets in the house. Highly recommend as it’s a great, thrilling, comedic at parts read!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest and unbiased opinion.

This book is the epitome of chaos, in the best possible way.

It feels like the series You, but with many laugh out loud moments as you realise how much you actually dislike the main characters. Normally this would put me off, but it is written very well. You aren’t supposed to like them - they’re obnoxious and arrogant, and seeing them in a certain predicament was almost hilarious.

I did guess most of the twists and character revelations, but I enjoyed it nevertheless.

A fun, blood soaked romp!

Believe the hype! Unputdownable, twisty, deftly written thrill ride. Fox and Haze have IT, glamour, wealth and looks, but what if IT also means an insatiable bloodlust? But what do you do when your suddenly trapped in suburbia living.a life you feel is choking you to death...?

A brilliant rollercoaster of a novel

Great read a unique story about an unconventional marriage … Haze & Fox met when they bonded over their unique hobby ‘murder’ … hunting down the bad men both separately killed and once they met turned into a serial killer team . Marriage and their beloved daughter Bibi changes things and they make a pact to retire from their hobby but not scratching an itch is not always easy as they find .
Loved this book great characters and a unique storyline with good twists … ready for the next in the series which surely must be on the cards !!

Really enjoyed this different take on a murder story. It was funny yet scary in parts and the ending was difficult to predict. A good read.

Really grateful to netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ahead of publication. It's due to be published on 14/01/25

Im not really sure what I expected going in but this is brilliant!! It's a serial killer thriller type of affair but I actually found it quite funny.

Fox and Haze are not your Fred and Rose types so if you think that's what you're going to get then you'd be very wrong.

There's a lot going on in the book and so many little twists and turns that they need to manoeuvre in the crazy world of commited relationships and bringing up children. I think most of us find that parenthood can be a juggle when it's all new and you're working to a whole routine with a little person...but trying to fit their sort of extracurricular activities in adds a whole other level of exhaustion.

I think I spent most of the book feeling sorry for Haze which feels a little odd (read it and you'll see why) however, all's well that ends well. I really enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone looking for a quirky book where there just happens to be a murder or two 😊💜

Haze and Fox are not your typical married couple. They are serial killers, or they used to be. Now they have settled down and live a quiet life, but lately Hazel has the urge to kill. Will she do it without telling Fox? A funny enjoyable read I found had to put down.

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.

This book was as addictive to me as killing is to Fox and Haze. Comedic and cleverly written, it’s bound to be a hit for 2025!

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.

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.

When Hazel and Fox have to give up serial killing for the sake of having had baby Bibi their whole world changes. It seems especially challenging for Hazel not to be able to carry on with her addiction but is Fox struggling too? And when Hazel accidentally befriends a detective things become even more complicated. Can they really carry on living this 'normal' life?
When I first started reading this book I found the story quite Dexter like and I was worried that it was going to copy the same formula. I needn't have worried. I absolutely LOVED this book. It was suspenseful, humorous and completely engaging. Well done Asia Mackay you have created a spectacular book here!! I think it would also do well adapted for the screen. Brilliant.

I adored the concept of this story - Hazel and Fox are serial killers who decide to hang up their knives in order to raise a family. But settling into suburban life is not so easy when you are itching to continue your very particular hobby, Such an original premise and great fun to read.

I devoured this one in a couple of days!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is proper funny and engaging. I really liked the main characters, Fox and Haze, and our supporting female Jenny. (She was actually my favourite. Althoiugh she might have to share that crown with the nanny....)
I do like a book which introduces us to vigilanties / serial killers who kill very bad men. I have had a bit of a run on them lately and it is cheering me up at a time when I am very worried about a very bad man potentially getting reelected to the most powerful job in thew world. (Now there is an idea for a book...)
With sensitive moments and some good dark humour, this is a gripping tale that you won'rt have to take too seriously. I wasn't sure how it would finish - but the ending was perfect and pushed the book up from a 4.5 to a 5 star review from me. I am so pleased I got to read and review it.

Haze and Fox are a the perfect couple with it all, money, good jobs, nice house, lavish lifestyle and are totally in love with each other. Oh and one more thing, they are both serial killers who love nothing more then killing bad guys. However, when they have baby Bibi they give it all up for a perfect family life in the country. Can they live happily ever after without killing or will they kill their marriage and family? Really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and written from both the perspective of both characters. Found them both relatable and could get behind them. Fantastic twist at the end. Would recommend this book.
Thanks to Asia Mackay, Wildfire and NetGalley for the ARC.

I was intrigued by the title of this book and wasn’t sure what to expect but I really enjoyed it. It was well written, nicely paced and the characters were interesting. I enjoyed the story immensely. I would love there to be a sequel to this book. Five stars from me.

A brilliant story which was such a journey. This was fun as well as being serious! Thoroughly enjoyed every moment and then the twist at the end....

This book is fantastic, the minute I read the synopsis for this one, I had a feeling I was going to love it - and I did. The Serial Killer’s Guide To Marriage is going to be THE book you want to read for 2025, I’m not even kidding.

Haze and Fox are two of the most fantastic characters I have ever read - they are two serial killers who meet and get married and carry on killing … until they have Bibi. They decide to pack away their serial killing tools forever, which turns out to be a lot trickier than either anticipated and the result is wild.

I loved this. Never again will I be able to read about a marriage falling apart because of oh, dirty dishes or mucky clothes, no no no it must be serial killer related. Asia Mackay has ruined me for all books about marriages and I now have rather wild ideas of a new hobby for Graham and I! …I’m just kidding, aren’t I? 😉

This was so good. SO GOOD. I can’t even put into words how much I loved this book because I’m just brimming with the joy of it - which is weird because you know we do see a lot of issues Haze and Fox face and we do see their marriage start to struggle but the book was so unashamed about what it was that I loved it.

I will be pre-ordering a keeper copy for my shelf as this was outstanding. Bravo Asia, bravo!

In A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage, Asia Mackay delivers a darkly humorous and gripping tale that explores the unconventional lives of Hazel and Fox, a seemingly ordinary couple who share a not-so-ordinary past: they are ex-serial killers.

Once enjoying a glamorous London lifestyle filled with five-star travels and the thrill of disposing of bad men, their world turns upside down when Hazel becomes pregnant. They trade their high-stakes lifestyle for the suburban life, complete with dinner parties and nursery duties. However, the lure of their former lives begins to resurface for Hazel, igniting a dangerous itch she can't ignore.

When Hazel kills someone behind Fox's back, their carefully constructed life begins to unravel, and the police are soon at their doorstep. In a desperate bid to protect her family, Hazel must navigate the complexities of her past and present, leading to a tension-filled narrative that poses the question: can this act of violence save their marriage, or will it lead to their ultimate downfall?

Mackay's use of a dual timeline adds an engaging layer to the story, drawing readers in from the very first prologue. The characters may be few, but they are well-crafted and memorable, with Hazel and Fox at the centre of a tale that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. I found myself particularly fond of Jenny, whose presence added a unique dynamic to the narrative.

Overall, A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage is a compelling blend of dark comedy and suspense, making it a captivating read that keeps you hooked until the very last page.

Read more at The Secret Bookreview.

I was truly gripped by this story. I loved how romance and love had been found in the unlikeliest of scenarios and actually encapsulates it. The twists at the end of the story just brings it together nicely.

**A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage** by Asia Mackay is a darkly humorous and thrilling novel that cleverly blends domestic life with a sharp, murderous twist. Mackay crafts a unique narrative centered around a protagonist juggling the everyday challenges of marriage with a secret life as a killer, creating a story filled with tension, wit, and unexpected twists. The novel explores the complexities of relationships, trust, and the fine line between love and danger, all while keeping readers on the edge of their seats. With its blend of humor, suspense, and dark intrigue, **A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage** is a refreshingly original and entertaining read, perfect for fans of unconventional thrillers with a dash of wit.

I really enjoyed this story. A very humourous take on marriage and how lies can be the undoing of a relationship with a fantastic twist at the end. Loved it and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a lighthearted crime read.

The book introduces two main characters Hazel and Fox.

Hazel, in her mid thirties has recently become a mum and is struggling with the suburban life. She feels unfulfilled in her new role, missing her true passions of art and murder.

Fox, in his early forties works in finance and is trying to be the best dad he can be, whilst also denying his passion for murder.

They made a pact when their daughter was born to stop killing to prevent jeopardising their family's safety. Two serial killers trying to live a quiet, suburban life. What could possibly go wrong?

I really enjoyed this book, it's my first by Asia Mackay and I can't wait to read more. It was thrilling, twisty, funny and incredibly hard to put down.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun story.
Underneath the humour and talk of serial killing you get a real sense of the loss of self when marrying and having a child. I can see this being made into a mini series!

If a book can be called light hearted when the main characters are serial killers then this is it. Fox and Haze are the married couple who have everything money can buy. A glamorous lifestyle that only the very wealthy enjoy. They don’t get their kicks from private jets and fabulous parties, although they are partial to these too, no, they thrive on murder. Travelling through Europe leaving death and no evidence in their wake. Until Haze becomes pregnant. Fox insists their risky life has to change for the sake of their child. As with most new parents, stresses take their toll but in this marriage it is the inability to scratch the murderous itch. A page turner that somehow never really gets gruesome or frightening but unexpectedly has the reader absolutely rooting for serial killers. A unique story that had me gripped with its clever plot and interesting main characters who were chalk and cheese. An excellent read that delivered something different.