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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the Netgalley eARC š
āFran Donoghue has just killed her neighbour. Donāt worry, youāll agree, he deserved it.
Detective Gareth Donoghue has a terrible feeling about his missing neighbour.
By the time this is over, that will be the least of his worriesā¦ā
I loved the premise of this story - a detective unknowingly hunting down his serial killer wife? Yes please šŖ, but I would have liked to see a bit more of a backstory to the situation because I didn't feel like I was really committed to the deaths of these men.
Reading this book was fun and I laughed out loud at certain parts. Mep the cat was incredible and really could've carried his own character arc. I found Fran to be sarcastic and strong-willed, I flew through her chapters. Gareth's plot twist threw me and I felt like he couldn't get his personality on right. I think a bit more backstory and more explanation about where the pieces all fit together and *some* communication between Gareth & Fran would've bumped this up for me.
I really enjoyed this read and I am looking forward to reading more of H.J Garbett's work! The humour is top-notch and the side drama of the characters was really immersive, I felt like I was watching this book unfold like a movie.
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
This book is delightfully deranged in all the best way, and I devoured every page. My Wife, the Serial Killer is dark, hilarious, and wildly addictive. Fran and Garethās relationship is the kind of beautifully twisted mess that feels almost too real. The humor is razor-sharp, the characters are gloriously messed up, and just when you think you've found your footing, Garbett yanks the floorboards out from beneath you.
A brilliant, bold debut thatās as shocking as it is entertaining. If you like your fiction dark, funny, and a little morally bankrupt, this oneās for you. Canāt wait to see what Garbett does next!
Thank you to Storm Publishing for gifting me this ARC via #Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
A brilliant, bold debut thatās as shocking as it is entertaining. If you like your fiction dark, funny, and a little morally bankrupt, this oneās for you. Canāt wait to see what Garbett does next!
Thank you to Storm Publishing for gifting me this ARC via #Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Marriage is hard, but sometimes it is harder when the wife is a serial killer in denial and the husband is an upstanding detective. When Gareth is assigned to the case of their missing neighbor, Fran must hope she hid the evidence of her deeds. Can these crazy kids make it?
H.J. Garbett writes a fun debut novel. Yes, there is a murder mystery aspect, but this is a story about how far you will go for the one you love. Fran is an unhinged, burgeoning psychopath, but she loves her inner circle fiercely.
An advanced reading copy provided by Storm Publishing via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
H.J. Garbett writes a fun debut novel. Yes, there is a murder mystery aspect, but this is a story about how far you will go for the one you love. Fran is an unhinged, burgeoning psychopath, but she loves her inner circle fiercely.
An advanced reading copy provided by Storm Publishing via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
There's something deeply satisfying about a story with an unhinged, morally ambiguous female leadā and My Wife, The Serial Killer delivers that and more. This debut novel by H.J. Garbett is a wickedly sharp, darkly funny, and surprisingly heartfelt thriller that kept me hooked from the first page.
Meet Fran Donoghue: social worker, devoted wife, and... possibly a murderer. Her inner monologue is pure gold-equal parts chilling and hilarious. From the opening chapter, where she disposes of an elderly neighbor (who, trust me, had it coming), you realize you're in the hands of a narrator you shouldn't trust but can't help but root for. Her voice is unique, witty, and layered with just the right touch of Dexter-style detachment.
Her husband, Gareth, is a detective with golden retriever energy who starts to suspect something's off when their neighbor mysteriously vanishes. He's endearingly oblivious at first, but as the story unfolds and he begins to piece things together, his character evolves in ways I didn't expect. Watching him grapple with his suspicions, morality, and love for Fran added emotional depth and a satisfying complexity to the plot.
The novel moves at a medium pace, but it never drags. The writing flows effortlessly, balancing mystery and humor with clever dialogue and rich character development. The dual POV between Fran and Gareth offers a fascinating contrast-her calculating, sardonic perspective versus his dutiful, often clueless approach to life and work. And yes, there's a surprise POV at the end that brings everything full circle in the most delightful way.
Special shoutout to Mep, their grumpy old cat, who adds just the right amount of sass to an already chaotic household. He had purfect timing throughout the book! Other side characters like Beryl and her dog Tony - the noisy neighbor, and the hilariously awkward Angus, round out a cast that's equal parts quirky and unforgettable.
What really makes this book shine, though, is its ability to blend darkness with heart. Amid the murder and mayhem, Garbett also weaves in a touching storyline about Fran and Gareth's struggle with fertility and their dream of starting a family. It adds a layer of vulnerability that grounds the chaos and makes you care even more about the outcome.
While the title might suggest a bloodbath, this isn't just a thriller for shock value. It's smart, character-driven, and surprisingly moving. Yes, there's a twistāone that's both unexpected and emotionally satisfying. And yes, Fran is technically not a serial killer... but let's not get too hung up on the details.
If you're into thrillers that are equal parts tense and hilarious, with morally questionable characters you can't help but love, My Wife, The Serial Killer is your next must-read. H.J. Garbett absolutely delivered on her debut, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
funny
medium-paced
My Wife, The Serial Killer by H. J. Garbett is an irreverent romp of a tale that has you chuckling from the start, despite the serious subject of the book.
The character of Fran is complex, with a dry wit and a drive to see justice denied served. The fact that she is married to Gareth, a police detective, isn't going to stop her either.
While the first two thirds of the book gallops along, it does get a bit bogged down in the last third, and the fact that the humour drops off makes it feel even slower. However, this is a stellar debut novel, well-written, funny, and unique.
I am glad to have been invited to read the ARC of #MyWifeTheSerialKiller via #NetGalley.
The character of Fran is complex, with a dry wit and a drive to see justice denied served. The fact that she is married to Gareth, a police detective, isn't going to stop her either.
While the first two thirds of the book gallops along, it does get a bit bogged down in the last third, and the fact that the humour drops off makes it feel even slower. However, this is a stellar debut novel, well-written, funny, and unique.
I am glad to have been invited to read the ARC of #MyWifeTheSerialKiller via #NetGalley.
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
āļøāļøāļøāļø
My Wife, the Serial Killer by H.J. Garbett
Fran and her husband Gareth have recently moved into a new home with their aging cat Mep. Fran is a social worker, and Gareth is a detective. They seem to be the perfect couple, but how well do they really know each other? Uh, not very well at all, it seems! š¤£
The book starts with Fran killing their neighbor. We learn that this was not her first murder. Gareth is assigned a wellness check on their neighbor. He senses that something is not right, even though everything appears to be in order at the neighbor's house. Well, other than the fact that the neighbor is missing. He keeps investigating after being told to stop and eventually gets the case opened and looked into by the department. A husband investigating a murder that his wife committed? Pure gold!
I don't want to spoil the book for you, but I will say this... None of the characters are likable at all, and I loved it! Well, I guess Mep šāā¬ļø and Tony š¶ are likable. š¤£ The dark humor in this book is on point! The verbal sparring between Fran and Gareth is hilarious. I'm more of a fluffy rom-com reader, but every once in a while, I throw a thriller into the mix, and I'm glad to have picked this one.
I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, H.J. Garbett, Storm Publishing, and Net Galley for allowing me the privilege of reading his work. ā¤ļø
My Wife, the Serial Killer by H.J. Garbett
Fran and her husband Gareth have recently moved into a new home with their aging cat Mep. Fran is a social worker, and Gareth is a detective. They seem to be the perfect couple, but how well do they really know each other? Uh, not very well at all, it seems! š¤£
The book starts with Fran killing their neighbor. We learn that this was not her first murder. Gareth is assigned a wellness check on their neighbor. He senses that something is not right, even though everything appears to be in order at the neighbor's house. Well, other than the fact that the neighbor is missing. He keeps investigating after being told to stop and eventually gets the case opened and looked into by the department. A husband investigating a murder that his wife committed? Pure gold!
I don't want to spoil the book for you, but I will say this... None of the characters are likable at all, and I loved it! Well, I guess Mep šāā¬ļø and Tony š¶ are likable. š¤£ The dark humor in this book is on point! The verbal sparring between Fran and Gareth is hilarious. I'm more of a fluffy rom-com reader, but every once in a while, I throw a thriller into the mix, and I'm glad to have picked this one.
I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, H.J. Garbett, Storm Publishing, and Net Galley for allowing me the privilege of reading his work. ā¤ļø
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is PERFECT for Brynne Weaver and S. T. Abby lovers. Funny and witty, impossible to put it down. I had SO much fun reading it, and the characters are so realistic and lovable. Fran is so funny and Garrett is the cutest. I love them. I have not much more to say that I recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Infertility, Mental illness, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Murder, Pregnancy
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A humorous but dark story of a Police Detective husband that is certain that the disappearance of a man is suspicious. But as he searches for clues he finds that the culprit is ā¦. Well he doesnāt want to believe it, but he has always thought the law must be upheld. His marriage has been going through a bit of a rough patch too, and this whole thing isnāt going to make it any better. Thereās lots of satirical humour to enjoy, and some nasty characters who deserve what they get. If this was the real world you might wonder about the Police Forceās ability to prosecute a crime. But this is fiction, so it is fine that the ending is a bit unbelievable. Then again, given what we see revealed in Newspapers and on TV, maybe not so totally unbelievable after all. In the end itās a fun read. Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
A really great story, it has funny personality quirks and snigger worthy moments. The couple who find themselves completely turned upside down in a messy murder investigation with one party flaunting and the other upholding the law. Mad and addictive, loved it.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is a fabulous and thoughtful dark comedy full of murder, revenge, and romance! Fran and Gareth are happily married but there's just one problem: Fran can't stop killing people.
I loved this book. I found Fran to be such an intriguing and complex character, and I found myself rooting for her to get her happily ever after.
Thank you so much to Storm Publish for the ARC! I can't wait to read more from HJ Garbett.
I loved this book. I found Fran to be such an intriguing and complex character, and I found myself rooting for her to get her happily ever after.
Thank you so much to Storm Publish for the ARC! I can't wait to read more from HJ Garbett.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility