A review by binreads
Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Disclaimer: I went into this book thinking it was going to be more thrilling/mysterious due to the title and summary, but it is actually a funny, lighthearted romance. I didn't mind it but I do think some people will pick up this book thinking it's something it's not!

Wow. I LOVED this book.

Seeing other people's reviews, it seems like you either love the main character or ya don't.  I found myself audibly laughing due to Phoebe's dry, sarcastic humor and her references to true crime. Right from the start when she says 'my dude', I was hooked.  (Which is funny because if ya know, ya know.)

I found her refreshing?? Like not everything has to be rainbows and sunshine. If you stick around long enough, we definitely see MAJOR character development from how she treats the people in her life from the beginning to the end. She has a coat of armour around her heart that slowly begins to crack.  

She opens herself more to her relationship with her brother Conner, her failed friendship with Allison, her romance with Sam and even her love towards the cat, Lenore. I see some people saying they don't understand why Sam would be interested in her but he sees her for who she is. Especially when she loses Lenore, and she breaks down in front of Sam, letting all her built up grief finally escape. 

It's raw and real. Even though he only knew her for a small amount of time, he lists off all the things that she has done that make her loveable. Just because someone is pessimistic, or closed off doesn't mean they don't deserve love and Phoebe is the perfect example of that. Almost like the Grinch in a way.


I thought all the characters were perfectly written. They all have their quirks which makes it special. I felt like I knew the characters my whole life that's how well they are portrayed. 

I didn't give this a 5 star only because I do feel like the end was rushed. There's a moment where things come to a climax, which feels quickly resolved. I wish we got to spend more time with these characters!!

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