Take a photo of a barcode or cover
mayrasbookverse 's review for:
Serial Killer Games
by Kate Posey
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
ARC Courtesy of NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group
ARC Review of Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey, Spoilers Ahead:
Serial Killer Games took me on a twisted, darkly funny, and surprisingly heartfelt journey. Told from both Jake and Dolly’s perspectives, the story follows Jake, a temp in a corporate office who becomes fixated on his gloomy, enigmatic coworker, Dolly. He’s intrigued by her morbid personality and sense of mystery, while Dolly is equally suspicious of Jake’s own dark vibes. Together, they create a strange, magnetic dynamic that’s both eerie and impossible to ignore.
Jake and Dolly’s dual perspectives reveal a lot about their characters, each bringing depth and humor. Dolly’s gothy, Jessica Jones-like persona is complemented by Jake’s dark charm, making for a chemistry that’s undeniably electric. They’re both deeply damaged in their own ways, which brings a unique vulnerability to their growing connection. The dual POVs give insight into their mutual fascination and darkly romantic flirtation, capturing the humor and complexity of two people who are both strangely suited for each other.
Character Dynamics: Their growing connection is layered with both humor and tragedy.Dolly’s backstory, from her late husband to her dedication to her daughter Cat (not a pet, but her actual child), adds unexpected emotion and depth. Meanwhile, Jake’s revelations about his family, including a misdiagnosed illness and a secret about his true parentage, provide insight into why he’s guarded and careful about opening up. Both characters have been used to being alone, and through their dual perspectives, we see how they both cautiously lower their defenses around each other.
Plot and Pacing: The story doesn’t unfold as a straightforward thriller. Though the title hints at a murder mystery, the narrative shifts focusonto the lives, secrets, and emotional baggage of Jake and Dolly. What starts as a potential “whodunit” becomes an exploration of their relationship and the people in their lives. While unexpected, this shift felt refreshing; the characters remained at the heart of the story, with plenty of twists to keep the pace lively and unpredictable. The alternating viewpoints kept me deeply engaged, rooting for these two strange, lovable characters.
Unexpected Twists: The dual perspectives highlight the surprise twists even more—especiallythe family secrets, health scares, and the emotional journey around Christmas with Cat, Jake’s aunt, and Bill, Jake's thought to be grandfather. The storyline about Jake’s actual parentage and Dolly’s life as a single mom brings the found-family theme to the forefront in a way that feels chaotic yet emotionally rewarding.
Humor and Tone: The morbid humor is on point, balancing out the heavy themes with a mix of suspense, romance, and dark comedy.Dolly and Jake’s shared sense of humor brings a lightness to the story, with their weird, twisted personalities offering moments that are both laugh-out-loud funny and oddly tender. Jake’s strange friendship with his roommate, Grant—who has an attachment to lifelike dolls—adds another layer of dark humor, even serving as an unofficial first date for Dolly and Jake. Fans of offbeat characters will appreciate how these two grapple with grief, illness, and loneliness, yet find unexpected joy in each other’s quirks.
Overall: Serial Killer Games is a darkly funny, character-driven romance that thrives on chaos and humor. It’s less about solving a mystery and more about understanding two complex, unconventional people. If you enjoy quirky characters, dual perspectives, and dark humor, this book will likely be a standout. I was invested in Jake and Dolly’s strange love story from start to finish, laughing, gasping, and cheering them on.
Rating: 4.75/5
Spice Rating: Mild, about a 2/5
ARC Review of Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey, Spoilers Ahead:
Serial Killer Games took me on a twisted, darkly funny, and surprisingly heartfelt journey. Told from both Jake and Dolly’s perspectives, the story follows Jake, a temp in a corporate office who becomes fixated on his gloomy, enigmatic coworker, Dolly. He’s intrigued by her morbid personality and sense of mystery, while Dolly is equally suspicious of Jake’s own dark vibes. Together, they create a strange, magnetic dynamic that’s both eerie and impossible to ignore.
Jake and Dolly’s dual perspectives reveal a lot about their characters, each bringing depth and humor. Dolly’s gothy, Jessica Jones-like persona is complemented by Jake’s dark charm, making for a chemistry that’s undeniably electric. They’re both deeply damaged in their own ways, which brings a unique vulnerability to their growing connection. The dual POVs give insight into their mutual fascination and darkly romantic flirtation, capturing the humor and complexity of two people who are both strangely suited for each other.
Character Dynamics: Their growing connection is layered with both humor and tragedy.
Plot and Pacing: The story doesn’t unfold as a straightforward thriller. Though the title hints at a murder mystery, the narrative shifts focus
Unexpected Twists: The dual perspectives highlight the surprise twists even more—especially
Humor and Tone: The morbid humor is on point, balancing out the heavy themes with a mix of suspense, romance, and dark comedy.
Overall: Serial Killer Games is a darkly funny, character-driven romance that thrives on chaos and humor. It’s less about solving a mystery and more about understanding two complex, unconventional people. If you enjoy quirky characters, dual perspectives, and dark humor, this book will likely be a standout. I was invested in Jake and Dolly’s strange love story from start to finish, laughing, gasping, and cheering them on.
Rating: 4.75/5
Spice Rating: Mild, about a 2/5