The Unsolved Murder of Kevin Walsh: A Horror Comedy with a Splash of Dark Romance

by K.J. Sweet

When the serial killer changes his mind about killing you because your boyfriend is so bad.

Bianca is a research-a-holic with a love for true crime. Inspired to showcase hope amidst tragedy, she started Unsolved Murders and Musings, where she and her best friend explore the world of unsolved serial crimes. The content has never been a problem, until Bianca wakes-up blindfolded on a cement floor.

Orlock has a list, and the sensationalized outro on Bianca’s last podcast put her right at the top. Problem is, the Bianca on the floor isn’t the Bianca on his list. More frustrating than the kidnapping mix-up is this Bianca’s constantly buzzing phone, with never-ending messages from her verbally abusive boyfriend.

Full of violence, dark humor, and sex, this unsolved murder will be one all the podcast girlies want to know about.

Genres: Thriller

157 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2023

About the author

The darker side of my writing. Horror/humor/dark romance,

Reviews

[Ari Loves All The Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was a great short read. It kept me entertained while wanting more at the same time. It gave me just enough and at the end, I wanted to know more.. if there is another book on these two characters or even the MC, then this will be placed on the top of TBR.

[Hannah May · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Prior to this, I had never read a dark romance, and I know this isn't a full dark romance, which made it a lot easier to read. But oh my god, I did not want to put this book down, I loved seeing part from the killer's point of view, and it was so fascinating the way Bianca's thought process was happening. Finding out how he chose his victim, I had been sitting on the edge of my seat. Being a true crime girlie myself, I would have loved for Bianca's podcast to be real as she focused on the victims and advocated for justice. I still do not think that Dark Romances are for me, but I did definitely enjoy this one!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC this morning and I couldn’t put it down! This was actually my first dark romance and I really enjoyed it! The beginning of this story had me hooked with shock factor instantly! This novella had some good enemies to lovers romance and some good smut! 🌶️🌶️ I would definitely read the TW since it’s a dark romance prior to reading! If you enjoy dark romance, revenge that was definitely warranted and some humor this is the one for you!!

[Angel Smathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap! This book is perfect for the true crime junkies that love the dark romance. This book had some spice, some stabby stabby , thriller and twist that I didn't see coming. I stayed up as soon as my ARC copy came in and I could not put it down. I had to know what was next. These characters are wonderfully written and the story is just like a peak into a serial killer that has some morals at least 😳. I really loved this book

[Eunice Hayward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Salutations, Devotees of the Macabre,

With a gentle reminder to heed the Trigger Warnings, let me regale you with the enthralling journey of the last three days. This book, my dear readers, was a veritable rollercoaster ride that left me reeling. I must declare my unwavering allegiance to Team Orlock, leaving Kevin to fend for himself, if you catch my drift.

The characters within these pages were expertly crafted, each pulsating with life, and the narrative itself was a relentless thrill, ensuring I remained at the edge of my seat throughout. Bianca's transformation from a meek and docile creature into a formidable and empowered force was a journey that resonated deeply, undoubtedly influenced by the enigmatic presence of Orlock.

Ah, the climax! The twist at the tale's end had me audibly gasping, caught entirely off guard by the sheer ingenuity of the author's narrative sleight of hand. Maintaining the delicate balance of this review without divulging spoilers is no mean feat, yet let it be known that my recommendation for this book stands at a resounding 100%. It proved to be a delightful and effortlessly immersive read that captured my attention from start to finish.

This book possesses an alluring magnetism that will undoubtedly beckon both the true crime aficionados and the mask-wielding enthusiasts, catering to their tastes in the most captivating of ways.

Yours, in eager anticipation,
E

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ but will round up for Goodread purposes.

“Hello, Hummingbird”

I was given an ARC copy of this novella for a honest review in return. I’d rate this story 3.5⭐️ but I would recommend it if true crime and podcasts is your forte.

I did quite enjoy this novella, however I rated it 3.5 / 5 as there was quite a few parts that I had to re-read some sentences to make sense of things due to the amount of grammar mistakes and / or missing words. To say this was an ARC copy, this was a little disappointing that these things had slipped through. I also feel that it took most of the book to get to the dark romance aspect, but in all fairness it was described as “ a splash “ of dark romance. I guess I’d have just liked a bit more of it, or for it to have not been left till the very end of the story.

It was a very easy novella though, and easy to fly through. I love the fact release day Is Friday 13th too! Sometimes it’s the little things that add up. I would be interested if there was more to the story or another similar novella in the future.

[Jeanna Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

No seriously, I absolutely LOVE this book.

I saw the synopsis during an open ARC sign up and knew I had to. I love true crime. I love dark romance. I love comedy. As soon as the arc copy hit my Kindle ... I ignored work and read it. Consumed.

This did not let me down. I was giggling so much just from the commentary because it was cheesy and goofy. A fantastic quick, cleanse the pallet read. Highly recommend.

AND THAT PLOT TWIST 🤯🤯

I need more of this duo.

[Haley Giovannetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely hilarious. The concept of this book is GENIUS and I absolutely loved it. This book is a quick read and the definition of hurt her and die. The twist at the end had me in. A CHOKEHOLD because I did not see it coming. I wish I could re read this book again for the first time.

[Carley Misener · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and wholly wow was it good. It had plot twists from start to finish. I never knew what was coming next but that’s one of the things that made the book awesome. It’s a dual POV with lots of dark humour and even some much needed revenge. I loved the story of Bianca and Orlock and would love to read more about them! It’s a 10/10 recommend in my books!

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to get an advanced reader copy for this book and OMG!! I loved the true crime, rom com, smut style book!! I read the book in just over an hour. I couldn’t put it down. There is suspense, revenge, enemy to lovers type fling. A happy ending but leaves some questions unanswered. Secretly hoping for a second book!

[Shea Bloodworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC this morning and went ahead and finished it within an hour and a half. Perfect for true crime lovers. It has dark humor and a serial killer that is 100% justifies and has morals. I want more Hummingbird and Orlock!! I could not put it down. Pure justice was served and it had the perfect ending!!

[Chantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. Oh boy, this was an amazing book with twists and turns the entire time. I would love to see Bianca and Orlocks story develop in another book. Could not put it down.

[Jessica Foster]

When a serial murderer kidnaps the wrong girl and starts to fall for her, stabby hijinks ensue! This was dark and funny and interesting and concerning all at once.
Content warnings: the same as an HBO show. Murder and torture and spice abound.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.8 Stars, rounded up

If you're a True Crime junkie looking for a simple, quick but lively read, pick this book up! I don't think I've read a book about murder that felt more romcom than dark, but it was interesting!

This book was a change of pace from what I've been reading recently - it was fast paced, not too convoluted, and fun.

I'll start with what I enjoyed - I liked the dynamic between our main characters. Hummingbird and Orlock are a match made in Hell - because this is about murder and there is no way heaven came up with something so dangerously flirty between these two. I love the cheesy commentary, and that the duel POV gave us a little peek into each characters personality a little bit. I loved Orlock literally in the middle of murdering someone and thinking "hmmm... you know what sounds delicious right now? Breakfast nachos"

Now, onto what I did not enjoy.

I wish the characters' were developed a little deeper - the main character felt more fleshed out than anyone, which is good, but even our daring-do-bad killer felt kind of.. simple? Orlock, Kevin and the 'not-so-bff' character felt incredibly flat. There were no clear motives or even backstories for these characters. More on this below, there are spoilers in this so beware.

Rapid fire examples of what I think this story needed: What is Orlocks reason for becoming a killer, other than hearing the podcast? Where's his backstory in all of this? If Becci and Kevin were together the entire time, why did they even keep Bianca around? There was no intimate back story connecting the two besties with an intimate friendship in the past to make us feel something. Literally all they did was hate her and yet they decided they would just keep her around? There was mention of them planning to drop her at the end of the month, but what was the tether keeping that from happening in the first place? What was the purpose of the blackmail site? Did Bianca do something to Becci in the past, causing her to want revenge? What is her motive?

People usually have hidden agendas, short of just being assholes for fun. I wanted to see some of that unravel, but there were too many aspects that just stayed so surface level. I refuse to believe that these characters just hated her and that was ALL their personality was.

Despite this, I do think it was a light and fun read. Idk how it was possible to turn a book about murder into a book with a romcom feel, but this definitely is! As a dark romance reader, I like having something heavy to fall into, but a light read like this every so often is great to change things up.

A huge thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Jessica Zeleskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good little quick read for spooky season. It had some good little twists and turns. It was written in 2 POVs.

I personally felt like for me, this was a good 'palette cleanser' for between books. Something quick and easy to read. Didn't leave me on the edge of my seat and didn't end with a cliffhanger (which was a perk since all the last books I have read have).

If you are looking for something quick, murdery, spooky season read and one you don't really have to think much while reading, I would recommend this book.

Please note there are multiple triggers in this book. I would recommend checking out a full list if this is something you do before reading. Remember, your mental health always comes first.

Would be interested in see some of the authors' other works in the future.

Also, if you are someone who is super picky about everything being grammatically correct, you may want to wait a bit as there are some small errors/typos in this book. For me, it's easy to look over, but some are a bit more picky, so just a small warning.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

[Dea Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Thank you KJ Sweet for the gifted eARC.

Bianca and her friend have a true-crime podcast about unsolved serial crimes. Orlock has his a list of who to murder and Bianca is on that list. After he kidnaps Bianca to murder her, he realizes that the Bianca on his floor is the wrong Bianca. When Bianca's phone starts going crazy with texts and voice-mails from her boyfriend, Orlock realizes that Bianca's boyfriend is gaslighting and abusive. He now has a new addition to his list.

This novella was so much fun! I read this in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. This is marketed as a horror comedy with a splash of dark romance. This is the perfect book for someone who wants to explore if dark romance is a genre they might like to read because it's very light on dark romance elements. I found Orlock and Bianca's chemistry addictive. Orlock was a bad, bad man, but he was so, so good for Bianca. Bianca was mentally abused by her boyfriend, and this caused her to be meek and have a negative outlook on herself. Orlock helped her transform into a strong, confidant woman. Then, that ending! I can't even!!! I was not ready for that one! I do hope we see more books with Bianca and Orlock because they are such a power couple.

Favorite Quote: "Midnight air is good for my soul. So are three-day weekends, easier to kill people on those. Takes longer to be missing on the weekend."

QOTD: What's on your shelf/device? Novels or novellas? Or do you like to mix it up and read both?

[LZReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read much dark romance and tend to shy away from that but when I heard the premise for this one, I knew I wanted to read it immediately despite all the triggers listed at the start of the book (but seriously check the triggers). The fact this was a dark ROMCOM made all the difference for me. Yes there is lots of violence and talk of unaliving (lol or dancing as they call it at one point) and on page graphic details of said violence and unaliving, I still found myself laughing. Orlock, our morally grey hero is delightfully unhinged and oddly sweet when he wants to be. Bianca is a timid people pleasing woman and I loved seeing her come into her own and find her backbone and strength.

There were so many twists and turns I didn't expect and I flew through reading this. If you want an easy read for spooky season and want to collect another killer book boyfriend, definitely check this out.

There aren't LOTS of spicy scenes but what's in it are very hot.

4.5 stabby stars! 🔪

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Moe Zwelling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little novella is everything. It was not what I was expecting at all! I honestly thought I requested an ARC for a true crime book… this is not that.

This was far better though! I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did! It definitely needed to go through more editing for the grammatical errors but even with all that I was still able to understand what was going on! Bianca, the FMC, is very relatable and her character is quick but laid out perfectly. The author was able to keep the reader engaged from start to finish. The pace of the book made me want to keep coming back to read more. I loved our MMC but wished we could have found out his real name. I did love the little plot twist about him towards the end. THE SPICE IS NSFW OR THE POST OFFICE 😂.

Please what ever you do pick up a copy of this book but read the trigger warnings!

You get morally gray, praise king, and a curvy FMC!

Thank you to Ink and Imagination and K J Sweet of this ARC copy!! I will be looking out for more from this author!

[Hal Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOTICE: I received an arc copy of this book and this review may have some spoilerish content

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Now on for my review. A psychopathic vigilante X a people pleaser on the edge of the cliff= a supportive and passionate pairing? It's like the Joker combined with Batman and then supported Harley Quinn in her psychotic break.

I don't even like horror and I couldn't put this down. While my normal sense of morality remained horrified at many points in the book, it is like a incredibly scripted train wreck, you just can't look away from. K.J. Sweet's ability to create SUCH convincing characters makes you believe that while the female lead SHOULD run from the psychopathic male lead, you really don't want her to. The spice level is high and so is the gore, so it's not for the faint of heart.

And while I don't condone the actions committed by Orlock in any way shape or form (some of it was really tough for me to read)

Fuck Kevin and Fuck ReBeCCa-LYnN

[L Powers (Bookish_Mum) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️/5

I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

Honestly, I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in one sitting. As per usual when it comes to novellas I often wish there was just more to read because I definitely didn’t want the story to end.

I loved the main characters and felt a connection with both of them. This book would have gotten a higher star rating but the ARC I received was full of grammatical errors and missing words, which is a shame, but at the same time, it just showed how much I enjoyed the story that I was able to push past them, finish the story, and not DNF it if like I normally would.

There are a lot of trigger warnings and reminders in place. I mean, the book is about a serial killer and true crime podcaster 🙄 so you kind of expect a certain amount of darkness and grime, but nonetheless it wasn’t an overwhelming amount like you would expect.

Would I read another book if there was one? Without a flipping doubt.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️ 3🌶

When the serial killer kidnaps the wrong girl and decides to go for her abusive boyfriend instead… this was exactly what I wanted it to be!

There were funny moments and things that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end, even a few big twists. If you’re looking for a quick dark read this is it! Even though it had some pretty detailed gruesome stuff it didn’t seem super drawn out or like a focus of the story to me. Not super lighthearted but also not making you live in the gore for too long.

I would have probably rated higher if I had a little more explanation or backstory on the main male character, I honestly would have enjoyed a much longer version of this story but I am happy with what we got!

Thanks to the author for the ARC! This has been my honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Unsolved Murder of Kevin Walsh by KJ Sweet is a Horror Comedy with a Splash of Dark Romance! When I saw the book described at that I had to know more. Then I read the blurb and I knew without a doubt I had to read it. The beginning made my jaw drop and from there on I was hooked. I couldn’t put the book down, I read it from start to finish in a matter of hours. It had one of my favorite tropes being enemies to lovers. The spice was so well done. There’s revenge, humor and dark romance. I really enjoyed everything about this book. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but it definitely won’t be the last. I’m looking forward to more. I will mention to check your trigger warnings to be on the safe side. But this is a really well done written novella.

Final review:
4 out of 5 stars

[Danielle Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this book from the author herself. Firstly the authors vibe is what sold me this book! She is someone I loved from the moment she started describing her books! Secondly this book had me turning pages like no other. I was screaming at Bianca wanting her to not be so dumb and wanting her to go to the cops but then when she accidentally kills Kevin I can’t help but scream yessssssss cuz of how he was cheating on her and how much of a backstabbing friend she had! I wasn’t quite fond of the killing scene in the end but this book definitely held my interest and I can’t wait to start book 2!!!

[Tara Ptack · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a true crime junkie, this dark romance (with a touch of comedy) is for you! This book gives me some spicy Dexter vibes, as Orlock seems to have morals.

The book starts out suspenseful and takes you through different twists and turns throughout the story following Bianca, a girl who was originally kidnapped by mistake and Orlock, her kidnapper. This fast paced novella will have you on the edge of your seat wondering if Bianca will meet her death or not. The characters and story is very well written, I do wish for a little more background on the MMC, however, you were still able to follow the storyline. I would love a sequel or even an extended version following Orlock, as it leaves you wanting to know “what happens next.”

There is multiple triggers in the book that are worth reviewing before jumping into it. Your mental health matters!

[Meagen Jongewaard · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always promising when a book hits the ground running. Please heed the trigger warnings; however, as this is a dark or horrific story. I enjoyed the book; even for a short novella, the MFC had great character development, and as morbid as it may be, even the MMC, you could see the why behind what he did after hours. I would have rated this higher; however, there were just too many grammatical errors, typos, thoughts that didn't seem to fit in that sentence/paragraph, at times it made it challenging to keep going. But overall, this was a great, quick read!

[Cyndall Tolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this was an interesting little novella. This story was so well written. It had its funny moments, but had some of the best twists and turns that I have seen in a novella. What drew me to it was that it reminded me of a little skit on Tiktok-except more elaborate and well rounded. It drew you in and you couldn't stop because you had to know how it all would turn out. I think the only bad thing about this- I wish there was more. I would love to see an even more fleshed out and extended version of this story.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masks, praise, thrill, and a jaw dropping ending 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Bianca is kidnapped after being mistaken for her friend. Her phone is constantly buzzing, showing abusive texts from her boyfriend. Realizing his mistake, the kidnapper LETS HER GO.
This novella was incredible, perfect for spooky season, gave spicy Dexter vibes, and had me rooting for the bad guy 🥵 I read it in two hours, and pulled me out of my book slump!

[Cherin Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. This is a quick read and honestly perfect for spooky season (or any season really) it keeps you on your toes! A serial killer who falls in love with his “victim” and definitely has you feeling all the emotions. I could not put it down! I was unsure going into this as it’s not what I normally read but I am so glad I did! I think every woman deserves an Orlock in their life!

[Anna Kaaiakamanu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ARC review.
This novella is exactly what I didn't know I needed. This is a true crime junkie and dark romance mix and it had all the things I love. A serial killer kidnaps Bianca by mistake thinking she is her friend and true crime podcast host. While determining what to do the killer realizes Bianca's boyfriend is trash. His goals change and Bianca's life changes forever. I 100% recommend this book and I want more!

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
Received an ARC for my honest review.

This book was a quick read. The only thing was the grammatical errors and sometimes incomplete thoughts that made it difficult to understand.

It was a short novella with a lot of trigger warnings. Though there were some parts it wasn’t as bad considering the book is about a serial killer and a murder podcaster. You can feel the connection between the characters and the growth of the FMC was great to see.