Reviews

Amy Among the Serial Killers by Jincy Willett

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cassidyl's review

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Boring, convoluted, didn’t care about Carla or the murder vic

mehitabels's review

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4.0

Crushed that my local library doesn't have the first two books in the series!

Almost put down after first 40 pages, but stuck out for 50, and ended up loving it

AMY AMONG THE SERIAL KILLERS by Jincy Willett is the third book starring writing coach Amy Gallup. I have not read the previous books, and while this can be read as a standalone, I think it will be best enjoyed by fans of the series.

In this installment, a serial killer is terrorizing San Diego, and the killings are seemingly connected to Inspiration Point, the popular and profitable writing retreat operated by Carla Karolak, a former student of Amy Gallup.

I loved that this took place in my home town, and I did love the writing. It's funny, witty, and quick. But the story felt occasionally jumbled and a little drawn-out. There are multiple characters who are introduced quite late in the story who end up having larger roles than I anticipated (a bit odd to do that in a mystery/thriller, in my opinion). There's a mystery at the core of the story, but it's surrounded by a lot of character development and backstory, and long passages of short stories that the characters are writing. Since this is a book about writers, I think readers who write will appreciate it best.

CW: sexual abuse of a minor (described in flashbacks), narcissistic parent, parental death, descriptions of blood and gore.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this eARC. I've posted my review to Goodreads and will share the book on my Instagram (@mysterymanon) closer to its release date.

rebeccasreadingrambles's review

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Thank you to the publishers for a free copy of this book.

I loved the summary and the premise, but I had to DNF at 30% so I won't rate it. I will say, this is the first book I've read in this series so maybe that has something to do with it, but wow was this wayyyy too slow. There is so much stream of consciousness, random all over the place thoughts that it was hard to follow at times while the progress of the story seemed stalled. I've seem others say it picks up a bit, but I just cannot commit myself to keep reading as I've barely been able to pay attention as is.

marshaskrypuch's review

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4.0

If you like dark humor and quirky characters, this book is for you. A fun and fast read.
Thank you netgalley for the e-review edition of this book.

jchant's review

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This is a sequel to Amy Falls Down, which I read and really enjoyed a few years ago. Initially, I didn't think that this novel was nearly as good, but it grew on me and by the end it was quite compelling. Definitely recommended.

magnoliapigeonbookblurbs's review

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2.0

I love a good “who-done-it” murder mystery! Amy Among the Serial Killers had a great band of characters - but I couldn’t get into how Carla was written. It felt it was supposed to be a “New Girl” (tv show) vibe but just made me feel awkward. I loved the supporting characters and plot - but the MC just didn’t vibe for me. Some of the language used to describe the Neurodivergant community made me uncomfortable as well and that has played into my rating.

Side note: The narration was fantastic!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for the advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest review.