A review by ymjarrell
My Wife, the Serial Killer by H.J. Garbett

mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

There's something deeply satisfying about a story with an unhinged, morally ambiguous female lead— 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 twist—one 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.