A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay

About this book

(blurb from Exclusive Books) 

Hazel and Fox are an ordinary married couple with a baby. Except for one small thing: they’re murderers. Well, they used to be. They had it all. An enviable London lifestyle, five-star travels, and plenty of bad men to rid from the world. Then Hazel got pregnant.

Now, they’re just another mom-and-dad-and-baby. They gave up vigilante justice for life in the suburbs: arranged play dates instead of body disposals, diapers over daggers, mommy conversations instead of the sweet seduction right before a kill. Hazel finds her new life terribly dull. And the more she forces herself to play her monotonous, predictable role, the more she begins to feel that murderous itch again.

Meanwhile, Fox has really taken to being a father. Always the planner, he loves being five steps ahead of everyone and knowing exactly what’s coming around the bend. Plus, if anyone can understand Hazel needing one more kill, it’s Fox. But then Hazel kills someone without telling Fox. And when police show up at their door, Hazel realizes it will take everything she has to keep her family together.

EAN: 9781035419678
PUBLISHED BY: Headline Publishing Group
GENRE: FICTION / Romance / Contemporary, FICTION / Romance / Suspense, FICTION / Thrillers / General

My Thoughts

In “A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage”, Asia Mackay presents a darkly humorous and intriguing tale of Hazel (Haze) and Fox, two serial killers who have decided to hang up their deadly tools to raise their daughter, Bibi, in suburban tranquillity. The couple, once united by their shared love of eliminating bad men, now finds themselves navigating the complexities of parenthood and domestic life. Hazel struggles with her newfound role as a mother, missing the thrill of the kill, while Fox tries to maintain a sense of normalcy and protect his family. The novel is filled with twists and turns as the couple’s past catches up with them, leading to secrets, miscommunication, and the ever-present question: will they get caught or will they get away?

“Maybe the whole trouble was that I had been expecting too much of him. After all, he was a man.”

Themes

• Domestic Struggles and Parenthood: The novel delves into the challenges of adapting to a new life as parents and the tensions that arise from leaving behind a dangerous, adrenaline-fueled lifestyle.
• Secrets and Miscommunication: The story heavily features the miscommunication trope, with both Hazel and Fox keeping secrets from each other, adding to the tension and intrigue.
• Identity and Transformation: The characters grapple with their identities as former serial killers trying to fit into suburban life, raising questions about change and self-acceptance.
• Dark Humour: The novel is infused with dark humour, balancing the macabre subject matter with witty and dry tones.
• Morally Ambiguous Characters: Hazel and Fox are portrayed as morally ambiguous characters, making readers question the nature of right and wrong.

“This was new for me. Helping women with words, not weapons.
The PG-13 version of revenge. Yawn.”

What Worked for the Book

• Unique Premise: The concept of two serial killers attempting to live a normal life in suburbia is both unique and compelling, drawing readers in with its originality.
• Character Development: The characters, particularly Hazel and Fox, are well-developed and relatable despite their dark pasts. Their struggles with parenthood and their relationship add depth to the story.
• Engaging Writing Style: Mackay’s writing is witty and dry, making the dark humour and the characters’ frustrations stand out.
• Twists and Turns: The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
• Emotional Resonance: Despite the dark subject matter, the novel manages to evoke a range of emotions, from laughter to tears.

“They didn’t know fear, as they’d never had to face it.
The world was theirs for the taking. Women were the ones who had to be careful— to not put our safety at risk, to not take up too much room, to not make our voices too loud.”

Who May Enjoy This Book

• Fans of dark humour and morally ambiguous characters.
• Readers who enjoy fast-paced, character-driven novels with unique premises.
• Anyone looking for a blend of thriller, domestic drama, and dark comedy.
• Fans of “Dexter” and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” that explore the intersection of crime and domestic life.

“I still wasn’t totally sure how we’d ended up here. I didn’t know what I wanted. I just knew it couldn’t carry on like it was. He didn’t get to let me down so spectacularly and not tell me the truth about why.”

Conclusion

“A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage” by Asia Mackay is a darkly humorous and captivating novel that explores the complexities of parenthood and domestic life through the lens of two former serial killers. With its unique premise, well-developed characters, and engaging writing style, the book offers a thrilling and thought-provoking reading experience. While the heavy use of the miscommunication trope may be frustrating for some, the novel’s twists and turns and emotional resonance make it a worthwhile read. This is a book that will keep you entertained and intrigued from start to finish, and it’s sure to leave you reflecting on the nature of identity, change, and the darkly comedic aspects of life.

Thank you to Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book.

About the author

Asia Mackay | Penguin Random House

@roelia_reads Bookmail day! I am thrilled to be able to add these reads to my reading list! Pearl by Siân Hughes A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay Open When… by Dr Julie Smith Thank you @Exclusive Books – #EBRecommends all the way! #RoeliaReads #ExclusiveBooks #SianHughes #AsiaMacKay #DrJulieSmith @Jonathan Ball Publishers @Penguin Random House SA ♬ Lost in a Book – Outer Circle