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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thought this book had a cool concept, and I found the main characters interesting - but something about the story didn’t click for me. The pacing of the story was very weird, and there didn’t seem to be an actual story arc, just a series of events. I’m also not really sure what genre this book was supposed to be.
Besides the main characters, who had some depth, all the other characters were very flat and stereotypical.
Besides the main characters, who had some depth, all the other characters were very flat and stereotypical.
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
🔪ARC Review: My Wife, the Serial Killer by H.J. Garbett
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
What do you do when your wife turns out to be a cold-blooded killer—and you're the detective trying to solve the murder? Welcome to the gloriously twisted domestic chaos of My Wife, the Serial Killer.
This thriller manages to sprinkle a little comedy on cozy mystery vibes. Fran, our unapologetically bold killer, offs the grumpy old codger next door. Meanwhile, her clueless husband, Gareth, is busy playing detective, completely oblivious that he might be sleeping next to a cold-blooded killer!
While I went in expecting something edgier, I still found this to be a quirky and entertaining ride. The pacing lagged in a few places. It was wordier than needed, but the ending hit with a twist that caught me off guard. A fresh voice worth keeping an eye on.
If you like your mysteries served with a dash of humor and a hefty helping of marital mayhem, give this one a go.
Thanks to the author and Storm Publishing for providing this gifted eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This was such a fun and surprisingly feel-good read for a book about… murder. My Wife, the Serial Killer isn’t exactly a mystery (we know who did it… hey Fran!), but it’s more about the chaos that unfolds after. The dual POVs worked perfectly, and both Fran and Gareth were hilarious and extremely likable. If you enjoy your mysteries with sharp humor and a little mess, this one’s for you.
💕 Thank you, Storm Publishing, for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the eARC.
This was funny, thought provoking and well paced. I liked the “is it domestic bliss or a marriage strained by secrets and issues?” vibe.
Fran’s internal monologues were hilarious but also provoked sympathy and understanding of her motives.
Gareth really tried to be both a good policeman and a good husband. He was the wild card.
I enjoyed the British pop culture references and mannerisms.
This a was really good debut. I finished the last third of the book with the audiobook in tandem and the narrators, Imogen Church and Matthew Biddulph, did an exceptional job bringing Fran and Gareth to life.
This was funny, thought provoking and well paced. I liked the “is it domestic bliss or a marriage strained by secrets and issues?” vibe.
Fran’s internal monologues were hilarious but also provoked sympathy and understanding of her motives.
Gareth really tried to be both a good policeman and a good husband. He was the wild card.
I enjoyed the British pop culture references and mannerisms.
This a was really good debut. I finished the last third of the book with the audiobook in tandem and the narrators, Imogen Church and Matthew Biddulph, did an exceptional job bringing Fran and Gareth to life.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A very cute read! The main characters in the book were so loveable you couldn’t help but root for them the whole time! I thought the pacing of the murder motivation was nice and the arc of the relationship was very satisfying. I think there was some overcrowding in this book with the fertility plot line but overall well balanced. This book was a comforting little read that had me a bit more emotional and choked up than I anticipated I would be!
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
I wish I could shout this from the rooftops: read this book! It has everything—biting dark humor, unapologetic flawed women, a rough-and-tumble upbringing, twisted family ties, crime, corruption, murder, court drama, ethical dilemmas, a gossipy neighbor, office politics… and the unforgettable Mep the Cat (a true icon). I laughed. I was concerned. I cried. I was mad. This book dragged me through the full emotional spectrum—and it did all that in just 321 pages! It’s bold, sharp, and brilliantly told from two gripping POVs that keep you hooked and constantly guessing. Just when you think you’ve figured it out… twist! The only downside? You won’t be able to put it down. Highly recommend!
dark
funny
I was captivated from start to finish. Garbett weaves shocking moments with dark humor, creating an enjoyable reading experience. Fran is a chillingly pragmatic killer who operates within morally gray areas. Her husband, Gareth, a by-the-book detective, creates friction as his investigation leads him closer to his own wife. The dynamic between their clashing worlds is pure gold.
For readers who enjoy dark humor and unconventional thrillers, My Wife, The Serial Killer is an absolute must read. It's a wild ride that will have you laughing even as you gasp.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: June 17, 2025
For readers who enjoy dark humor and unconventional thrillers, My Wife, The Serial Killer is an absolute must read. It's a wild ride that will have you laughing even as you gasp.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: June 17, 2025
medium-paced
MY WIFE, THE SERIAL KILLER - Interesting and funny, with good story lines and a variety of characters and kinks. I liked the way the way the officer helped his wife at the end of the book. An easy to read and immersing one sitter. Source: Netgalley. 4*