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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
After a wife murders her despicable neighbor, her detective husband’s investigation into the missing man unearths far more than he bargained for in this darkly comedic thriller.
This cleverly plotted novel is fast-paced with well-drawn characters and just the right level of emotion. Though the book is a little creepy at times, there’s little on-page violence or gore. It’s funny and disturbing in the best possible way.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This cleverly plotted novel is fast-paced with well-drawn characters and just the right level of emotion. Though the book is a little creepy at times, there’s little on-page violence or gore. It’s funny and disturbing in the best possible way.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This debut thriller has a bold premise: what happens when you realize the person you married is a murderer?
The setup has promise but I found myself wishing for a prologue had offered insight into the protagonist’s backstory and motivations. Without that foundation, it was difficult to connect with her or understand the choices made.
The standout for me was the side characters. Mep the cat is a quiet scene-stealer (as cats tend to be), and Beryl the neighbor brings just the right dose of nosy comic relief—because let’s be honest, we’ve all had a Beryl on our block.
There’s a dry, dark humor threaded through the book that some readers will love, and while the plot doesn’t go as deep as I hoped, it offers a quick, quirky thriller with a sharp satirical edge.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher & NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The setup has promise but I found myself wishing for a prologue had offered insight into the protagonist’s backstory and motivations. Without that foundation, it was difficult to connect with her or understand the choices made.
The standout for me was the side characters. Mep the cat is a quiet scene-stealer (as cats tend to be), and Beryl the neighbor brings just the right dose of nosy comic relief—because let’s be honest, we’ve all had a Beryl on our block.
There’s a dry, dark humor threaded through the book that some readers will love, and while the plot doesn’t go as deep as I hoped, it offers a quick, quirky thriller with a sharp satirical edge.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher & NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A deliriously fun Dexter-meets-Schitt’s Creek thriller with heart, humor, and a high body count."
My Wife, the Serial Killer by H. J. Garbett is an entertaining, offbeat thriller that blends dark humor with moral values. At the heart of the story is a marriage under pressure—mostly because one half of the couple has a kick for vengeance. But rather than descend into grim true-crime territory, Garbett leans into the absurdity, delivering a sharp, witty narrative filled with chaotic energy and a surprisingly tender core.
The dynamic between the morally grey couple drives the plot: their banter, their questionable loyalty, and their chemistry keeps you hooked. As if Dexter had the quirky dysfunction of Schitt’s Creek—morally gray and marital mayhem.
It’s not a heavy read, but that’s part of the charm. Garbett manages to keep things suspenseful without sacrificing the humor, making this a perfect pick for fans of thrillers who don’t mind laughing at the mess—and moral ambiguity—along the way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
My Wife the Serial Killer by H.J. Garbett is a darkly hilarious and twisted thriller that follows the story of a man who begins to suspect that his charming, beautiful wife might be a serial killer. As bodies start piling up around them, he’s forced to question not only her past but also how far he’s willing to go to protect her—or stop her.
I found this to be wildly entertaining, with razor-sharp wit and a protagonist who’s as unhinged as she is unforgettable. I was immediately drawn into the story thanks to its dark humor, fast pace, and a lead character who’s delightfully off-kilter in the best way.
The novel strikes a brilliant balance between comedy and suspense, making it feel fresh and addictive. The pacing is quite steady and engaging throughout—perfect for a binge-read. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down.
If you’re a fan of Bella Mackie’s writing style or enjoyed the twisted thrill of the Mindfck series by S.T. Abby, then you’re absolutely going to love this book. It shares that same blend of morally grey characters, clever narrative turns, and a story that keeps you grinning even as bodies pile up.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys thrillers with a darkly comic edge and a fierce, complex female lead.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC copy—I’m so glad I got the chance to read this early!
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
H.J. Garbett, do you know how to keep me on my toes! Thrillers or murder mysteries aren't usually my go-to genre but the description for this book genuinely made me laugh out loud and I thought it would get me to read another venture.
It was well worth a read, and a quick one at that - I was itching to find out what happens next so I sped through it!
My overall thoughts; it was fun, and mysterious and also quite frankly ridiculous. Fran was a super likeable serial killer, sorry I mean CHARACTER, and you were obviously rooting for her the whole time. Gareth on the other hand... I liked reading his perspective but I kind of thought he was a total square (though I am glad he get his character development in the end). I know this book is a funny and dark take on a murder mystery, but I also thought it was a pretty compelling take on the flaws of the 'justice' system and corruption in politics and policing; just my kind of read!
[SPOILER] I do wish some of the backstory had been drawn out slightly more, I think there was so much there that I wanted a lot more of the background of the foster home, Edith and the scandal and cover up, I felt that was all enveloped up in the last few chapters, but on the whole - pretty good pacing and suspense throughout.
Definitely would love to see this one as a TV show. Congrats H.J. Garbett on your debut!
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It was well worth a read, and a quick one at that - I was itching to find out what happens next so I sped through it!
My overall thoughts; it was fun, and mysterious and also quite frankly ridiculous. Fran was a super likeable serial killer, sorry I mean CHARACTER, and you were obviously rooting for her the whole time. Gareth on the other hand... I liked reading his perspective but I kind of thought he was a total square (though I am glad he get his character development in the end). I know this book is a funny and dark take on a murder mystery, but I also thought it was a pretty compelling take on the flaws of the 'justice' system and corruption in politics and policing; just my kind of read!
[SPOILER] I do wish some of the backstory had been drawn out slightly more, I think there was so much there that I wanted a lot more of the background of the foster home, Edith and the scandal and cover up, I felt that was all enveloped up in the last few chapters, but on the whole - pretty good pacing and suspense throughout.
Definitely would love to see this one as a TV show. Congrats H.J. Garbett on your debut!
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
3.75 🌟
A by-the-book police detective married to a serial killer - what could go wrong?
I'll admit I liked the second half of this book a lot more than the first half, as it took a bit for both Fran and Gareth to grow on me. But this book was also unexpectedly heartwarming.
Fran is funny in a crass way, but I was rooting for her by the end. Gareth was driving me a little up the wall. He was such a stickler and kind of dumb for a detective. But really, they both seem to have big hearts and are there for each other in a positive way. Mep was definitely one of the best characters - Fran and Gareth's old, slightly aloof cat.
I liked how the back story slowly unfolded. I did want more of a conclusive ending. Sometimes, I find ambiguity so unsettling. (OK - most of the time.)
Recommended for fans of revenge stories with sweet spousal relationships.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
A by-the-book police detective married to a serial killer - what could go wrong?
I'll admit I liked the second half of this book a lot more than the first half, as it took a bit for both Fran and Gareth to grow on me. But this book was also unexpectedly heartwarming.
Fran is funny in a crass way, but I was rooting for her by the end. Gareth was driving me a little up the wall. He was such a stickler and kind of dumb for a detective. But really, they both seem to have big hearts and are there for each other in a positive way. Mep was definitely one of the best characters - Fran and Gareth's old, slightly aloof cat.
I liked how the back story slowly unfolded. I did want more of a conclusive ending. Sometimes, I find ambiguity so unsettling. (OK - most of the time.)
Recommended for fans of revenge stories with sweet spousal relationships.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
dark
funny
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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Infertility, Blood
Minor: Child death, Drug use, Mental illness, Fire/Fire injury
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had no idea what I was walking into when I picked up this book. But I was intrigued by the title so I figured I'd give it a go! This story was completely unexpected - from starting with an unplanned murder (by a female no less) to a police officer who considers his missing neighbor a mystery that he cannot let go of. Despite the dark nature of the story, it somehow remained light. With unexpected twists and turns, it kept my attention and had me thinking about it long after I'd walked away from the book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This review is my own, honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This review is my own, honest opinion.
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Gore, Mental illness, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail