A Serial Killer’s Guide to Murder

Asia Mackay’s latest novel is the ultimate guilty pleasure for those who enjoy dark, twisty tales of vigilante justice mixed with romance, dark humor, and escalating suspense. In this gripping narrative, Haze and Fox are not your typical couple—they live by a unique and chilling code: their targets are society’s worst offenders, the predators who evade justice. Their story unfolds with a mix of thrilling action, complex morality, and emotional depth.

The story begins with an unforgettable meeting in a Paris alley where Fox stumbles upon Haze dispatching her would-be attacker in a tableau of blood and fury. For Fox, it’s love at first sight. A scion of a wealthy New England family, Fox has a history of exacting his own brand of justice across Europe, operating with meticulous planning and precision to avoid capture. Haze, on the other hand, carries the scars of a traumatic childhood and channels her dark tendencies into her art, incorporating elements of each kill into her macabre but sought-after paintings.

Within six months of their fateful meeting, the two are married, forming a deadly duo who roam Europe, gleefully dispatching the worst of humanity. However, their murderous escapades come to an abrupt halt when Haze becomes pregnant. Fox convinces her to set aside their deadly lifestyle for the sake of their child. For Haze, this transition is anything but easy. Suburban life in a quiet London neighborhood feels stifling, and her once-boundless creativity has dried up.

Mackay skillfully delves into Haze’s internal conflict as she struggles to suppress her dark urges while raising a toddler. Her attempts to fit in with the neighborhood mothers are fraught with tension, and her only solace comes in the form of an unlikely friendship with Jenny, a suspended detective dealing with her own struggles, including an abusive husband. This friendship introduces complications that add to Haze’s already precarious situation.

When a run in the park leads to an attack by a predator, Haze’s long-repressed instincts take over, and she kills her assailant. Though she convinces herself it was self-defense, the event sets off a chain reaction that threatens to unravel her life and marriage.

Mackay masterfully interweaves dual timelines, exploring the exhilarating early years of Haze and Fox’s partnership alongside their present-day struggles. The shifting narrative adds depth to the characters and enhances the suspense, as readers are drawn into their world of moral ambiguity, love, and miscommunication. Themes of marriage, identity, and the cost of justice are explored with sharp wit and escalating tension, culminating in a surprising and satisfying conclusion.

This novel is a darkly entertaining exploration of what happens when a killer’s instincts collide with suburban domesticity. Mackay’s vivid storytelling and deft characterization make this a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers with a bloody twist. The dynamic between Haze and Fox is captivating, and their story leaves readers eager to see what misadventures might lie ahead.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.