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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
DNF @ 31%
Honestly, this book is not what I'd expected it to be - from what the blurb said, I thought it would be a thriller but it's more of a dark romance which is not my kind of thing. I found both of the MC so unlikeable and unhinged that it put me off wanted to continue.
Honestly, this book is not what I'd expected it to be - from what the blurb said, I thought it would be a thriller but it's more of a dark romance which is not my kind of thing. I found both of the MC so unlikeable and unhinged that it put me off wanted to continue.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Kate Posey’s debut novel had me hooked from the start and desperate to know what would happen next; subsequently I read the entire book in less than 24 hours.
Jake Ripper (yes, that is his name) is a new temp employee at Dolores de la Cruz’s job and from their very first encounter they are both fascinated with and wary of each other. They try to resist, but soon begin a tantalizing game of cat and mouse full of ridiculous misunderstandings (which were for once not frustrating), inappropriate pranks, and flirtatious banter.
Serial Killer Games is a dark romance, but it’s also a book about grief, yearning for human connections, and love. It made me laugh out loud and tear up. It was macabre at times yet heartwarming. It was unlike anything I’ve read before and I loved it.
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Thank you Berkley for the free book!
Just finished *Serial Killer Games* by Kate Posey, and WOW – what a ride! 😱 If you loved the Butcher and Blackbird series, this one is definitely for you. I dove into this one without any expectations, and it did not disappoint. I read it in one sitting because I *had* to know what happened next. The twists and turns kept me on edge, and I was constantly questioning who was “good” and who was “evil.” The serial killer angle was intense, but it had me hooked the entire time.
Just finished *Serial Killer Games* by Kate Posey, and WOW – what a ride! 😱 If you loved the Butcher and Blackbird series, this one is definitely for you. I dove into this one without any expectations, and it did not disappoint. I read it in one sitting because I *had* to know what happened next. The twists and turns kept me on edge, and I was constantly questioning who was “good” and who was “evil.” The serial killer angle was intense, but it had me hooked the entire time.
The book felt like two stories in one: one part was the budding, teased at romance between Dodi and Jake, with a slow-burn “will they or won’t they?” vibe. The second part dives into themes of found family, grief, and- of course- murder.
That being said, the pace did feel a bit slower at times, and there were moments where I wasn’t sure what the plot was building toward. It almost felt like I was watching the characters just live their lives, without a clear direction toward a big moment. While everything definitely comes together by the end, this isn’t a heavy, emotional read—it’s more of a steady journey with a solid payoff.
There were a few side characters who didn’t quite fit into the main story, and I kept wondering why they were included. But honestly, it didn’t take away from the overall plot, just left me a little confused at times.
Definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in, and if you're not a fan of dark humor, this might not be the one for you.
Oh, and did I mention Kate Posey is Canadian? 🇨🇦 Love supporting homegrown talent!
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Many thanks to Berkley | Penguin Random House for a chance to read this book in advance!
Serial Killer Games is like Dexter in the form of a Rom-Com. Kate Posey is an author who will be one to watch in the future. Her debut novel is delightfully unpredictable and morbidly sarcastic. As she states in her author’s note, she wrote each of the tropes she wanted to read herself; albeit in one twisty, turny novel! There’s forced proximity, a found family, enemies to lovers, and friends to lovers — to name a few. The quippy lines had me cackling: “Are these your Boomers?”
Serial Killer Games is full of macabre misunderstandings between Dolores and Jake, but will warm even the blackest hearts by the end. This is a literary launch to make Wednesday Addams proud. Undoubtedly a five-star favorite!
Serial Killer Games is like Dexter in the form of a Rom-Com. Kate Posey is an author who will be one to watch in the future. Her debut novel is delightfully unpredictable and morbidly sarcastic. As she states in her author’s note, she wrote each of the tropes she wanted to read herself; albeit in one twisty, turny novel! There’s forced proximity, a found family, enemies to lovers, and friends to lovers — to name a few. The quippy lines had me cackling: “Are these your Boomers?”
Serial Killer Games is full of macabre misunderstandings between Dolores and Jake, but will warm even the blackest hearts by the end. This is a literary launch to make Wednesday Addams proud. Undoubtedly a five-star favorite!
How do you tell who’s more diabolical when there’s two potential murderers who start to to date each other. Does anyone survive?
This book is for the weirdos like me. I have no idea what genre it is, and I’ve never read anything like it. Then the weird becomes beautiful and wonderful. It starts with quirky and hard to relate to characters. Much like real life, the more you get to know someone results in characters becoming people. People you get invested in.
This book was so odd, I loved it. Need a trophy copy for my shelf!
Big bonus- the authors Canadian for those who want to support local!
This book is for the weirdos like me. I have no idea what genre it is, and I’ve never read anything like it. Then the weird becomes beautiful and wonderful. It starts with quirky and hard to relate to characters. Much like real life, the more you get to know someone results in characters becoming people. People you get invested in.
This book was so odd, I loved it. Need a trophy copy for my shelf!
Big bonus- the authors Canadian for those who want to support local!
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think dark romcoms is my new favourite subgenre. I love dark humour, and boy, did this book deliver and satisfy my inner goth.
Serial Killer Games is everything that I wanted from Love in the Time of Serial Killers. This book is what I imagine an office romcom featuring a (slightly more normal) adult Wednesday Addams and Dexter Morgan would be like.
Jake Ripper (yes, that's actually his name LOL) is a mysterious temp who makes it his business to lurk in the shadows and observe everyone around him. He immediately takes notice of another mysterious office worker who appears to be a lot like him – someone who remains unnoticed around the office and is similarly interested in the news about the local serial killer, “the Paper Pusher”. Meanwhile, Dolores de la Cruz, a Filipina true-crime fanatic who’s been keeping a low-profile at work, does not appreciate being noticed and is fully convinced that Jake is a serial killer.
This romcom was wickedly unhinged and morbidly funny. I was completely hooked from the first chapter, and if the excerpt below (from the first chapter) isn’t enough to convince you to read this, I don’t know what will.
Serial Killer Games is everything that I wanted from Love in the Time of Serial Killers. This book is what I imagine an office romcom featuring a (slightly more normal) adult Wednesday Addams and Dexter Morgan would be like.
Jake Ripper (yes, that's actually his name LOL) is a mysterious temp who makes it his business to lurk in the shadows and observe everyone around him. He immediately takes notice of another mysterious office worker who appears to be a lot like him – someone who remains unnoticed around the office and is similarly interested in the news about the local serial killer, “the Paper Pusher”. Meanwhile, Dolores de la Cruz, a Filipina true-crime fanatic who’s been keeping a low-profile at work, does not appreciate being noticed and is fully convinced that Jake is a serial killer.
This romcom was wickedly unhinged and morbidly funny. I was completely hooked from the first chapter, and if the excerpt below (from the first chapter) isn’t enough to convince you to read this, I don’t know what will.
"You’re following me."
“No. This is my car.” I lean against the car next to hers.
She considers the sleek car and weighs it against my temp uniform. "That’s definitely not your car."
"It is."
"Prove it. Open up the trunk and show me your latest strangle victim."
I don’t move.
She twists sinuously on the spot and flicks her eyes up and down from my head to my toes. "You’re a creep," she says, and I can’t tell if it’s an insult or praise. She hops in her car and I watch as she drives off. She flips me the bird as she vanishes around a cement pillar.
I stare after her, my thoughts twisting this way and that. There was something about how she looked at me and really saw me – the faceless office temp who no one normally sees, who no one is supposed to notice. It feels risky, and exhilarating.
I fish out my keys out of my pocket and pop the trunk. There’s a rolled-up rug inside, blond hair spilling out one end.
I could have shown her. Wouldn’t that have been hilarious.
I adored the banter dark, witty and flirty banter between Dolores and Jake (I mean, who knew half joking about serial killers could have such flirty undertones?!). Their slow-burn chemistry was off the charts and I was rooting for them to get together from the get go. Although told in alternating first person POVs, both characters maintain an air of mystery leaving me scrambling to read the next chapter to learn more about whatever secrets they may be hiding.
Three things occur to me. First, he’s been watching me. I made the mistake of drawing his attention. A couple of jokes in an elevator and now he’s like a pale, fluttering night bug that glimpses a flash of light and won’t go away. Or maybe a mosquito that’s sniffed blood and circles around lazily, waiting for its opportunity. Second, a crooked little part of me likes that he’s been watching me. My life’s come to a pretty pass when I’m lonely enough to be flattered by the attention of a man who wants to carve my face from my skull and wear it. And finally, this is bad. Nobody is supposed to notice me.
I absolutely loved Jake and Dolores. They’re both wickedly sharp and lethally funny loners who are weirdly perfect for each other and who get each other on a deeper level #relationshipgoals.
I also loved that there were many unexpected and delightful twists that I didn’t see coming. This book appropriately balanced humour with slightly heavier and more emotional themes of mortality, family, and love. I was also pleasantly surprised that nearly everything that happened in this book still fell within the realm of possibility and wasn’t too wild or farfetched. What I loved the most though, was the story of two individuals with strangely unique interests and an odd sense of humour finding each other.
Finally, this phenomenal debut novel features a long list of my favourite tropes (which I won’t list so as not to spoil the book). I will say that I am a sucker for the found family trope, which was the cherry on top of the cake and really cemented my love for this book.
*All quotes are taken from an Advanced Readers Copy and may change prior to the release of the final copy.*
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Books for this ARC.
One day, Dolores de la Cruz, or Dodi, notices a new male temp at her office. His name is, I kid you not, Jake Ripper, and Dodi who is very into true crime, think he's the epitome of a serial killer. He notices her too, and they start a love/hate relationship.
I don't even know where to begin with this book because the blurb is entirely misleading and the title just gives you the wrong impression what the story is about. It is a romance but with dark vibes, and those serial killers never really materialise until the end when the identity of the Paper Pusher is revealed. The first few chapters confusingly are from Jake's POV which I didn't realise at first. After that the two POVs alternate with names given.
There are tons of romantic tropes which the author lists at the end. I won't repeat them as most of them are plot spoilers. How can you spoiler a romance plot, aren't they predictable? Not when they at the same time contain tons of twists and turns about the main character's past and present lives.
Every person in this book is interesting in a twisted way, from Jake's rich housemate Grant who is into sex dolls, Laura the undertaker and Grandad Billy. Even dog Princess is a personality, oh and there's a Cat also. Uncle Andrew however is infuriatingly awful and traumatising for his entire family.
This is a romance between two very damaged characters trying to come to terms with trauma, that waits until the last minute for a HEA. But fear not, it comes, and in the sweetest way. There is a lot of dark humour, especially when Dodi tries to lose her money in Las Vegas casinos and fails spectacularly, or when dismembered sex dolls spark frantic theories by a cop that are entirely true, but no one believes him.
This is a bizarre, darkly funny, twisty read about characters you learn to love and care for. Just don't expect too much about serial killers! Considering this is a debut novel, this is assuredly written with a lot to say about corporate culture but you go in with false expectations so maybe a different title and blurb would have been advisable.
One day, Dolores de la Cruz, or Dodi, notices a new male temp at her office. His name is, I kid you not, Jake Ripper, and Dodi who is very into true crime, think he's the epitome of a serial killer. He notices her too, and they start a love/hate relationship.
I don't even know where to begin with this book because the blurb is entirely misleading and the title just gives you the wrong impression what the story is about. It is a romance but with dark vibes, and those serial killers never really materialise until the end when the identity of the Paper Pusher is revealed. The first few chapters confusingly are from Jake's POV which I didn't realise at first. After that the two POVs alternate with names given.
There are tons of romantic tropes which the author lists at the end. I won't repeat them as most of them are plot spoilers. How can you spoiler a romance plot, aren't they predictable? Not when they at the same time contain tons of twists and turns about the main character's past and present lives.
Every person in this book is interesting in a twisted way, from Jake's rich housemate Grant who is into sex dolls, Laura the undertaker and Grandad Billy. Even dog Princess is a personality, oh and there's a Cat also. Uncle Andrew however is infuriatingly awful and traumatising for his entire family.
This is a romance between two very damaged characters trying to come to terms with trauma, that waits until the last minute for a HEA. But fear not, it comes, and in the sweetest way. There is a lot of dark humour, especially when Dodi tries to lose her money in Las Vegas casinos and fails spectacularly, or when dismembered sex dolls spark frantic theories by a cop that are entirely true, but no one believes him.
This is a bizarre, darkly funny, twisty read about characters you learn to love and care for. Just don't expect too much about serial killers! Considering this is a debut novel, this is assuredly written with a lot to say about corporate culture but you go in with false expectations so maybe a different title and blurb would have been advisable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I'm a little unsure on how to rate this book. First this book was labeled as suspense and thriller which is neither. It would be more of a romance book in my mind but not even that entirely. This book is not what I expected, but it was decent. I felt like it was overall a faster read, although there were parts that took time to try to trudge through. I was mostly disappointed that it wasn't a thriller like it had been labeled. I'm a huge mood reader and it just took me about. If you're into reading a book about 2 characters who connect over serial killers briefly, then this may be a book you'd enjoy. but its romance not a thriller or suspenseful book at all.
Thank you Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy for my honest opinion.
Thank you Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy for my honest opinion.
Rating: 2.5
I was intrigued by the title and the cover. I read the summary and could not request fast enough. The first chapter I was laughing out loud and thought I was in for a great read.
Unfortunately, that is not what happened. I had a hard time getting into and keeping up with the story. The POV changes each chapter between Dolores and Jake.
Aunt the mortician, Uncle the Catholic School Principal and rich roommate are Jake’s closest relationships, that is until Dolores.
As the unorthodox relationship between Dolores and Jake all sort of things come to light. It is a wild ride with unexpected twists and turns. There are poignant themes mixed in.
Through the craziness that occurred there was a sweetness that came though. I would be curious how Cat turned out as a teen.
A talented writer, an unexpected story, just maybe not for me.
Thank you to #NetGalley and Berkeley for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!
I was intrigued by the title and the cover. I read the summary and could not request fast enough. The first chapter I was laughing out loud and thought I was in for a great read.
Unfortunately, that is not what happened. I had a hard time getting into and keeping up with the story. The POV changes each chapter between Dolores and Jake.
Aunt the mortician, Uncle the Catholic School Principal and rich roommate are Jake’s closest relationships, that is until Dolores.
As the unorthodox relationship between Dolores and Jake all sort of things come to light. It is a wild ride with unexpected twists and turns. There are poignant themes mixed in.
Through the craziness that occurred there was a sweetness that came though. I would be curious how Cat turned out as a teen.
A talented writer, an unexpected story, just maybe not for me.
Thank you to #NetGalley and Berkeley for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was very lucky to be approved for an ARC of this via Netgalley.
I had originally seen a reel on instagram advertising this book and was instantly intrigued, so when I saw it listed on netgalley I just had to request it.
I will be honest, this was a slow start and I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the writing style, for example here is a very small excerpt from the first page "THERE’S BEEN ANOTHER MURDER. “It was a hundred-foot drop,” Kara-from-Accounts says as she presses the door close button at the end of the day. “One fifty, at least,” says Stanley-from-IT." luckily this was resolved very quickly and it is explained that the MMC Jake uses this kind of processing pattern to catalogue information about his colleagues.
There were quite a few twists and turns throughout this novel, some of which I predicted very early on such as the identity of The Paper Pusher, the identity of another male character and a medical condition.
However whilst I did predict them I did enjoy the way the twists were revealed to the characters and the audience throughout the novel.
This wasn't what I was expecting when I saw the description "What would you do if you thought your coworker was getting away with murder—literally?
Dolores dela Cruz has been dying to spot one in the wild, and he fits the mold strangler gloves, calculated charm, dashing good looks that give a leg up in any field . . . including fields of unmarked graves.
The new office temp is definitely a serial killer.
Jake Ripper finds a welcome distraction in his combative and enigmatic new coworker. He hasn’t come across anyone as interesting as Dolores in a long time. But when mere curiosity evolves into a darkly romantic flirtation, Jake can’t help but wonder if, finally, he’s found someone who really sees him, skeletons in the closet and all.
Until Dolores asks Jake’s help to dispose of a body . . ."
I was expecting something darker but I was pleasantly surprised, it does have dark undertones to it, characters isolating themselves in order to protect themselves and others, a serial killer, an emotionally abusive partner, dismembered body parts, but there is also a levity and hopefulness throughout topped off with found family, this really is worth a read.
I wouldn't class this a dark romance, maybe moderate thriller comedy with romance.
On the topic of romance, this isn't a spicy novel, there is one scene with mild sexual content, however there is an undercurrent of wanting and desire throughout the novel- a "will they, won't they?" Situation
This is Kate Poseys debut novel and if this is anything to go by I am looking forward to seeing what else she has for readers.
I had originally seen a reel on instagram advertising this book and was instantly intrigued, so when I saw it listed on netgalley I just had to request it.
I will be honest, this was a slow start and I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the writing style, for example here is a very small excerpt from the first page "THERE’S BEEN ANOTHER MURDER. “It was a hundred-foot drop,” Kara-from-Accounts says as she presses the door close button at the end of the day. “One fifty, at least,” says Stanley-from-IT." luckily this was resolved very quickly and it is explained that the MMC Jake uses this kind of processing pattern to catalogue information about his colleagues.
There were quite a few twists and turns throughout this novel, some of which I predicted very early on such as the identity of The Paper Pusher, the identity of another male character and a medical condition.
However whilst I did predict them I did enjoy the way the twists were revealed to the characters and the audience throughout the novel.
This wasn't what I was expecting when I saw the description "What would you do if you thought your coworker was getting away with murder—literally?
Dolores dela Cruz has been dying to spot one in the wild, and he fits the mold strangler gloves, calculated charm, dashing good looks that give a leg up in any field . . . including fields of unmarked graves.
The new office temp is definitely a serial killer.
Jake Ripper finds a welcome distraction in his combative and enigmatic new coworker. He hasn’t come across anyone as interesting as Dolores in a long time. But when mere curiosity evolves into a darkly romantic flirtation, Jake can’t help but wonder if, finally, he’s found someone who really sees him, skeletons in the closet and all.
Until Dolores asks Jake’s help to dispose of a body . . ."
I was expecting something darker but I was pleasantly surprised, it does have dark undertones to it, characters isolating themselves in order to protect themselves and others, a serial killer, an emotionally abusive partner, dismembered body parts, but there is also a levity and hopefulness throughout topped off with found family, this really is worth a read.
I wouldn't class this a dark romance, maybe moderate thriller comedy with romance.
On the topic of romance, this isn't a spicy novel, there is one scene with mild sexual content, however there is an undercurrent of wanting and desire throughout the novel- a "will they, won't they?" Situation
This is Kate Poseys debut novel and if this is anything to go by I am looking forward to seeing what else she has for readers.