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A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage: A Novel
A whip-smart and darkly funny crime novel—perfect for fans of My Sister, the Serial Killer and The Maid—that follows a wife and mother with a deadly secret that she must suppress if she wants to maintain her picture-perfect façade.
Meet Lalla Rook. Lalla has a lot on her plate: She needs to guarantee her husband makes partner, secure her dream house in Hampstead, and get her daughter into a prestigious prep school. And on the afternoon she stabs a stranger seven times after he breaks into her living room, she has a four-year-old’s birthday party to host.
With an unambitious partner, two demanding children, and a barely adequate large house in a nice (if not quite fashionable) part of town, Lalla’s life isn’t quite perfect yet. And she can’t pretend she hasn’t missed the adrenaline rush that comes with transgressing. Besides, as a wife and mother, she’s already an expert multi-tasker. So, disposing of a body, framing a friend, and being the world’s best mother can easily be managed alongside the usual domestic minutiae.
It’s just that her husband Stephen seems distracted, her daughter’s drowning of the class hamster is affecting her academic future, and then there is the unexpected intruder. Who is this man and what does he want from her? Because Lalla has a past she’d rather keep hidden—and the sudden appearance of the police means that avoiding them will be yet another task to cross off her to-do list.
Funny, calculating, hypercompetent, and ambitious, Lalla is your next favorite antiheroine. Just don’t mention it to her mother-in-law.
Meet Lalla Rook. Lalla has a lot on her plate: She needs to guarantee her husband makes partner, secure her dream house in Hampstead, and get her daughter into a prestigious prep school. And on the afternoon she stabs a stranger seven times after he breaks into her living room, she has a four-year-old’s birthday party to host.
With an unambitious partner, two demanding children, and a barely adequate large house in a nice (if not quite fashionable) part of town, Lalla’s life isn’t quite perfect yet. And she can’t pretend she hasn’t missed the adrenaline rush that comes with transgressing. Besides, as a wife and mother, she’s already an expert multi-tasker. So, disposing of a body, framing a friend, and being the world’s best mother can easily be managed alongside the usual domestic minutiae.
It’s just that her husband Stephen seems distracted, her daughter’s drowning of the class hamster is affecting her academic future, and then there is the unexpected intruder. Who is this man and what does he want from her? Because Lalla has a past she’d rather keep hidden—and the sudden appearance of the police means that avoiding them will be yet another task to cross off her to-do list.
Funny, calculating, hypercompetent, and ambitious, Lalla is your next favorite antiheroine. Just don’t mention it to her mother-in-law.
384 pages, Paperback
Published December 30, 2025
10326 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Oliver
1 book49 followersAuthor of dark comedy thriller 'A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
October 28, 2025
Lalla is very good at multitasking which is just as well as there’s a dead body of a stranger in her lounge who she has stabbed about seven times and the imminent arrival of guests for four year-old Nathan‘s birthday party. The thing is, she hasn’t transgressed for a long time but it’s no use pretending that she’s not missed this. After all, life with her unambitious husband Stephen plus all the demands of motherhood, alongside the desire to be more upwardly mobile particularly in exchanging Muswell Hill for Hampstead, means she rather enjoys the rush. However, as you’ve probably gathered Lalla has got quite a past but perhaps more pressingly who is the dead man in her living room and what did he want? At all costs, Lalla must keep all this secret because she wouldn’t want the police to learn of her transgression now would she?
As Lalla wickedly lurchers from one “catastrophe“ to the next, “undoing“ one mess/crisis after another, she gives a whole new spin on wickedly manipulative. One thing is for sure, she’s quite unforgettable as she uses all of her ingenuity and any other means necessary to get what she wants. I admit her dark deeds make me chuckle from time to time. I know, awful.
The novel is well written, it’s twisty and fast paced partly due to the short chapters and particularly deliciously you never know what’s going to happen next. It’s extremely entertaining and when you start the book, Lalla has you in a vice like grip! You get a bit of everything here and so it’s a never a dull moment read. I like the ending, it’s as unpredictable as what precedes it.
This is a fun, wild ride in a sociopaths company.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins/Harper Fiction/Hemlock Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
As Lalla wickedly lurchers from one “catastrophe“ to the next, “undoing“ one mess/crisis after another, she gives a whole new spin on wickedly manipulative. One thing is for sure, she’s quite unforgettable as she uses all of her ingenuity and any other means necessary to get what she wants. I admit her dark deeds make me chuckle from time to time. I know, awful.
The novel is well written, it’s twisty and fast paced partly due to the short chapters and particularly deliciously you never know what’s going to happen next. It’s extremely entertaining and when you start the book, Lalla has you in a vice like grip! You get a bit of everything here and so it’s a never a dull moment read. I like the ending, it’s as unpredictable as what precedes it.
This is a fun, wild ride in a sociopaths company.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins/Harper Fiction/Hemlock Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
August 30, 2025
I really was pleasantly surprised by this one. These types of books are right up my alley, but they are usually very hit-or-miss. I’m happy to report that ‘A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage’ hit the target just right!
This book was twisty and kept me on the edge of my seat. Lalla was such a fun character to get to know and read about. Despite my reservations about reading a female character written by a man, M.K. Oliver did a great job.
4.25
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this eArc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
This book was twisty and kept me on the edge of my seat. Lalla was such a fun character to get to know and read about. Despite my reservations about reading a female character written by a man, M.K. Oliver did a great job.
4.25
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this eArc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Lalla Rook is a women your don’t want to mess with. I am not going to forget her in a hurry. She is intelligent, manipulative, determined and obsessive, she won’t let anybody or anything get in her way.
I rally enjoyed reading A Sociopaths Guide to Marriage. With short chapters, dark humour and laugh out loud moments it really was a pleasure. Scarily it was also quite relatable at times 😅 not the killing and burying bodies of course….
Lalla is wife and a mother with a plan. She has plans and goals and gets rather upset when things don’t go right for her. She needs her husband to get partnership so she can have her dream house in Hampstead. She wants her kids to go to the elite school. Nothing less will do. Now she is preparing for her son’s birthday party a d annoyingly she finds herself either a body to clean up before the guests arrive. This wasn’t part of her plan, but it is the start of a hilarious sequence of events that just spiral out of control.
You need to get this book in February and get comfortable getting to know Lalla. Guaranteed to make you laugh, even where it seems inappropriate to do so!
Thanks so much to Book Buzz, Harper Collins Australia for my early copy of this fun book to read. Out on 17th February, 2026.
I rally enjoyed reading A Sociopaths Guide to Marriage. With short chapters, dark humour and laugh out loud moments it really was a pleasure. Scarily it was also quite relatable at times 😅 not the killing and burying bodies of course….
Lalla is wife and a mother with a plan. She has plans and goals and gets rather upset when things don’t go right for her. She needs her husband to get partnership so she can have her dream house in Hampstead. She wants her kids to go to the elite school. Nothing less will do. Now she is preparing for her son’s birthday party a d annoyingly she finds herself either a body to clean up before the guests arrive. This wasn’t part of her plan, but it is the start of a hilarious sequence of events that just spiral out of control.
You need to get this book in February and get comfortable getting to know Lalla. Guaranteed to make you laugh, even where it seems inappropriate to do so!
Thanks so much to Book Buzz, Harper Collins Australia for my early copy of this fun book to read. Out on 17th February, 2026.
September 11, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up!
This was such an incredibly fun read! A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage is a satirical crime thriller with a one of a kind main character.
Lalla is a refreshing heroine (or rather anti-heroine) with such a unique, unapologetic voice. I honestly couldn’t get enough of her. She’s chaotic, ambitious, and utterly nonchalant about her goals, and it made for such an entertaining perspective. Her to-do lists sprinkled throughout had me actually laughing, and the sharp humour kept the book feeling light even as the stakes rose.
The short chapters made me fly through the book, and I loved how much detail went into building both Lalla's social world and her schemes. Fans of How to Kill Your Family should definitely pick this one up, as it's jusr as witty, satirical, and dark in all the right ways.
If I had one wish, it would be to see more of Lalla’s background and what shaped her into the person she is, but honestly, her chaotic energy carried me straight through. The ending landed perfectly and left me fully satisfied, which I admit is rare in books like this.
For a debut, this was SO well done. Twisty, sharp, and wildly entertaining, and I’ll definitely be watching for whatever this author writes next!
Thank you so much for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was such an incredibly fun read! A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage is a satirical crime thriller with a one of a kind main character.
Lalla is a refreshing heroine (or rather anti-heroine) with such a unique, unapologetic voice. I honestly couldn’t get enough of her. She’s chaotic, ambitious, and utterly nonchalant about her goals, and it made for such an entertaining perspective. Her to-do lists sprinkled throughout had me actually laughing, and the sharp humour kept the book feeling light even as the stakes rose.
The short chapters made me fly through the book, and I loved how much detail went into building both Lalla's social world and her schemes. Fans of How to Kill Your Family should definitely pick this one up, as it's jusr as witty, satirical, and dark in all the right ways.
If I had one wish, it would be to see more of Lalla’s background and what shaped her into the person she is, but honestly, her chaotic energy carried me straight through. The ending landed perfectly and left me fully satisfied, which I admit is rare in books like this.
For a debut, this was SO well done. Twisty, sharp, and wildly entertaining, and I’ll definitely be watching for whatever this author writes next!
Thank you so much for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2025
So good! Lalla is an intriguing character. She will do anything to get ahead. I honestly could have kept reading about her. Short chapters that made for a fast read. The story flowed well and kept with an interesting story. I laughed, shook my head, and loved every moment.
August 30, 2025
The protagonist Lalla Rook is an extremely competent wife, mother, friend, social climber, and murderer. I loved both her inner monologue and dialogue. This thriller is filled with dark humor. I love books like this with an unserious vibe.
It could a bit stressful at times as Lalla seemed so hellbent on her goals when letting some things go seemed more sensible. Also, I wish we had learned more about her childhood.
The short chapters kept the book fast-paced. It was very entertaining. Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC.
It could a bit stressful at times as Lalla seemed so hellbent on her goals when letting some things go seemed more sensible. Also, I wish we had learned more about her childhood.
The short chapters kept the book fast-paced. It was very entertaining. Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC.
September 29, 2025
This is really cute.
It's got all sorts of murder, betrayal, cheating, stalking and it's just a delightful feel good novel.
I honestly thought that I was going to get a little tired of Lalla (she's a LOT), but I ended up adoring her. I mean, in real life I would also stay far away from her, but I loved her.
And I LOVED her friend who has some...prison ambitions.
The book is funny, fast paced, and I enjoyed trying to figure out how Lalla was going to get out of these situations.
This was a wonderful little joy of a novel and it made me happy.
* ARC via Publisher
It's got all sorts of murder, betrayal, cheating, stalking and it's just a delightful feel good novel.
I honestly thought that I was going to get a little tired of Lalla (she's a LOT), but I ended up adoring her. I mean, in real life I would also stay far away from her, but I loved her.
And I LOVED her friend who has some...prison ambitions.
The book is funny, fast paced, and I enjoyed trying to figure out how Lalla was going to get out of these situations.
This was a wonderful little joy of a novel and it made me happy.
* ARC via Publisher
October 2, 2025
Talk about a character arc! By the end of this book I was grinning ear to ear. This was light, fun, and exactly what I needed.
Lalla is a housewife determined to get everything she wants in life no matter who or what gets in her way. You are going to love her checklists, question her and her children’s sanity but fall in love with them at the same time.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Lalla is a housewife determined to get everything she wants in life no matter who or what gets in her way. You are going to love her checklists, question her and her children’s sanity but fall in love with them at the same time.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
October 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a fun read! Lalla Rook is officially the most interesting character I've had the pleasure of reading. She is brutally honest and will stop at nothing (including murder) to get her way, but I found myself rooting for her most of the book. This book has murder, blackmail, wealthy families and dark humor. A great debut novel! The ending also left me satisfied and I will definitely read more from this author. 4⭐️
What a fun read! Lalla Rook is officially the most interesting character I've had the pleasure of reading. She is brutally honest and will stop at nothing (including murder) to get her way, but I found myself rooting for her most of the book. This book has murder, blackmail, wealthy families and dark humor. A great debut novel! The ending also left me satisfied and I will definitely read more from this author. 4⭐️
October 7, 2025
Wow this book! It was hilarious - full of dark humor that I enjoyed immensely. Lalla had all the normal signs of a sociopath and while I obviously didn't approve of her actions, I somehow still found her likable. She set goals and went after them... no matter the cost. I loved her backstory which came out of no where but added a lot to the story. I did think this book was a tad longer than it needed to be, but I had so much fun with it I didn't mind. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a hilarious (if slightly disturbing) read!
August 31, 2025
This book was absolutely fine. It told a good story and the rather complicated schemes of the main character all held together. It was really missing the wit and soul the description promised.
To start, I didn’t think it was funny but I felt like it REALLY wanted me to think it was funny and clever. However it came off like it was trying too hard
There was also no soul to the book. I think this was down to a male author putting on a female narrative voice. It just didn’t read like a real woman to me and it took me out of the story. This was fine when the plot was moving but the plot often moved slow. The first section was a slog.
To start, I didn’t think it was funny but I felt like it REALLY wanted me to think it was funny and clever. However it came off like it was trying too hard
There was also no soul to the book. I think this was down to a male author putting on a female narrative voice. It just didn’t read like a real woman to me and it took me out of the story. This was fine when the plot was moving but the plot often moved slow. The first section was a slog.
November 23, 2025
3.75 stars
Committed to the bit. A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage leans into its wildly unsympathetic protagonist as she navigates the chaos of her life—marriage, children, and murder—some of it inflicted on her, much of it entirely self-made. The author protrays the protagonist Lalla Rook like a female Terminator: relentlessly goal-oriented, with a moral compass so eroded that her deadpan reactions to unethical behaviour become the novel’s primary source of humour. (I genuinely laughed out loud a few times!)
As someone who usually gravitates toward stories with characters I can connect with, Lalla’s hyper-pragmatic mindset felt overly distant. Even knowing this is the novel’s entire conceit, I still wish the author had found a way to infuse even the slightest hint of humanity. That lack of emotional anchor sometimes made the book feel longer than it actually is, despite its undeniably fast-paced, incident-packed plot (I have a similar feeling towards My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing).
A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage has all the ingredients of a dark comedy mystery thriller, and for the right reader, it’s probably a perfect match. While I enjoyed much of its narrative (and I’m very curious to see how the adaptation turns out!), I do find myself wishing for just a touch more heart and warmth amid all the mayhem.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
Committed to the bit. A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage leans into its wildly unsympathetic protagonist as she navigates the chaos of her life—marriage, children, and murder—some of it inflicted on her, much of it entirely self-made. The author protrays the protagonist Lalla Rook like a female Terminator: relentlessly goal-oriented, with a moral compass so eroded that her deadpan reactions to unethical behaviour become the novel’s primary source of humour. (I genuinely laughed out loud a few times!)
As someone who usually gravitates toward stories with characters I can connect with, Lalla’s hyper-pragmatic mindset felt overly distant. Even knowing this is the novel’s entire conceit, I still wish the author had found a way to infuse even the slightest hint of humanity. That lack of emotional anchor sometimes made the book feel longer than it actually is, despite its undeniably fast-paced, incident-packed plot (I have a similar feeling towards My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing).
A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage has all the ingredients of a dark comedy mystery thriller, and for the right reader, it’s probably a perfect match. While I enjoyed much of its narrative (and I’m very curious to see how the adaptation turns out!), I do find myself wishing for just a touch more heart and warmth amid all the mayhem.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
August 25, 2025
There’s something about this book that just keeps you guessing the whole time. I really enjoyed the short chapters too. Lallas character is pure chaos & the kids? Crazzyyyyy 😂
I’m not a big thriller/mystery reader, but this one really had me from the first chapter. I really loved the whole rich girl rich friends coming from nothing story I felt that deep within my bones. Also the way that the killings were covered up etc. so chilling loved it! Thank you so much for the arc read
I’m not a big thriller/mystery reader, but this one really had me from the first chapter. I really loved the whole rich girl rich friends coming from nothing story I felt that deep within my bones. Also the way that the killings were covered up etc. so chilling loved it! Thank you so much for the arc read
October 29, 2025
4/5⭐️
“Meet Lalla Rook. Lalla has a lot on her plate: She needs to guarantee her husband makes partner, secure her dream house in Hampstead, and get her daughter into a prestigious prep school. And on the afternoon she stabs a stranger seven times after he breaks into her living room, she has a four-year-old's birthday party to host.”
This was a quick, entertaining, sassy book. The main character was a fun time with to do lists and some murder.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Meet Lalla Rook. Lalla has a lot on her plate: She needs to guarantee her husband makes partner, secure her dream house in Hampstead, and get her daughter into a prestigious prep school. And on the afternoon she stabs a stranger seven times after he breaks into her living room, she has a four-year-old's birthday party to host.”
This was a quick, entertaining, sassy book. The main character was a fun time with to do lists and some murder.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 21, 2025
M. K. Oliver's A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage is a wickedly amusing and brilliant story that immerses you in the tumultuous life of Lalla Rook, a wife and mother with a secret that is far from a fairy tale. The story begins with her dealing with a stranger in her living room, who, let's be honest, really shouldn't have shown up, and swiftly spirals into a wild journey of covering trails, framing friends, and holding a four-year-old's birthday party while everything goes wrong. The central tension is how she manages to keep her family together, her secrets hidden, and her sanity intact; proof that even the "perfect" existence is frequently a skillfully crafted façade.
Lalla is a flurry of skill, humor, and sheer resourcefulness. She's the type of person who, when confronted with a dead person in the living room, is more concerned about her husband's promotion than the cops banging on the door. Her ability to manage several crises while cracking jokes is both entertaining and strangely admirable. Supporting characters, such as her inattentive husband Stephen and the precocious children, contribute to the comedy by delivering moments of levity throughout the pandemonium. The family's strange, sometimes bizarre, relationship is exaggerated yet somehow sympathetic, much like real life, only with a lot more dead bodies.
The novel takes a satirical look at society's expectations of "perfect families," mocking the constant push to be prosperous and happy. Lalla's outrageous antics call into question the premise that we always know what happens behind closed doors. Themes of control and chaos are served with a hefty helping of dark comedy, leaving you wondering how much of our lives are carefully maintained facades, especially in today's social media-driven society. It's a smart statement on appearances versus reality, packaged in a narrative that will have you chuckling even as you cringe.
Oliver's writing style is direct, humorous, and pleasantly satirical. His vocabulary is sharp without being arrogant, and the tone is a wonderful blend of tense and humorous. The story moves quickly, with plenty of one-liners and genuine surprises. The comedy frequently arrives at precisely the perfect time, transforming otherwise dismal sequences into hilarious brilliance. This lively, fast-paced writing heightens the effect, making it impossible not to root for Lalla, even while she's in severe jeopardy.
This book stands out because it might make you chuckle at the chaos that many people try to ignore. Some instances, such as her fast thinking in times of crisis, are absolute highlights, think "covering up a scandal while baking cupcakes." While some plot points are absurd, that's part of the appeal.
If you're looking for a novel with comedy, suspense, and a woman who demonstrates that sometimes you simply have to laugh through the chaos, this book has it all.
Lalla is a flurry of skill, humor, and sheer resourcefulness. She's the type of person who, when confronted with a dead person in the living room, is more concerned about her husband's promotion than the cops banging on the door. Her ability to manage several crises while cracking jokes is both entertaining and strangely admirable. Supporting characters, such as her inattentive husband Stephen and the precocious children, contribute to the comedy by delivering moments of levity throughout the pandemonium. The family's strange, sometimes bizarre, relationship is exaggerated yet somehow sympathetic, much like real life, only with a lot more dead bodies.
The novel takes a satirical look at society's expectations of "perfect families," mocking the constant push to be prosperous and happy. Lalla's outrageous antics call into question the premise that we always know what happens behind closed doors. Themes of control and chaos are served with a hefty helping of dark comedy, leaving you wondering how much of our lives are carefully maintained facades, especially in today's social media-driven society. It's a smart statement on appearances versus reality, packaged in a narrative that will have you chuckling even as you cringe.
Oliver's writing style is direct, humorous, and pleasantly satirical. His vocabulary is sharp without being arrogant, and the tone is a wonderful blend of tense and humorous. The story moves quickly, with plenty of one-liners and genuine surprises. The comedy frequently arrives at precisely the perfect time, transforming otherwise dismal sequences into hilarious brilliance. This lively, fast-paced writing heightens the effect, making it impossible not to root for Lalla, even while she's in severe jeopardy.
This book stands out because it might make you chuckle at the chaos that many people try to ignore. Some instances, such as her fast thinking in times of crisis, are absolute highlights, think "covering up a scandal while baking cupcakes." While some plot points are absurd, that's part of the appeal.
If you're looking for a novel with comedy, suspense, and a woman who demonstrates that sometimes you simply have to laugh through the chaos, this book has it all.
August 22, 2025
Overall, I found myself both engaged and entertained by this story. It kept me turning the pages and held my interest throughout, though I did have one lingering issue. The “voice” of the main character didn’t always come across as fully authentic to me. Something about the way the FMC was written felt slightly off, enough that it pulled me out of the narrative at times. Out of curiosity, I looked up the author and discovered that this is his debut novel—and that he’s male. That revelation helped put things into perspective and explained some of the disconnect I felt with the female perspective. Even so, it’s worth noting that while the voice wasn’t perfect, the overall execution of the story was still very strong, and I genuinely appreciated what the author accomplished here.
What really impressed me was the way the book carried through to the end. I’ve read several similar novels in this vein, and more often than not, they lose momentum or struggle to stick the landing. This one, however, managed to sustain its energy and deliver a satisfying conclusion. It felt purposeful, polished, and left me glad I had picked it up.
For a debut, this was a solid, well-written effort, and I can absolutely see the author’s potential shining through. Despite my one critique, I finished the book feeling optimistic and excited to see what he creates next.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Atria Books NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
What really impressed me was the way the book carried through to the end. I’ve read several similar novels in this vein, and more often than not, they lose momentum or struggle to stick the landing. This one, however, managed to sustain its energy and deliver a satisfying conclusion. It felt purposeful, polished, and left me glad I had picked it up.
For a debut, this was a solid, well-written effort, and I can absolutely see the author’s potential shining through. Despite my one critique, I finished the book feeling optimistic and excited to see what he creates next.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Atria Books NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
December 3, 2025
With sincere thanks to the author (M.K. Oliver), NetGalley for the ARC, Hemlock Press, Atria Books, …any one else? Everyone associated with this stunning debut is owed my thanks for allowing me to read it.
I’m the sort of person with books on my shelf like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, Strange Sally Diamond, Fundamental, Blood Sugar, Green Dot…and many others. If you see a common theme running through these titles, then A Sociopath’s Guide To A Successful Marriage is for you. Lalla Rook has it all - the successful husband (could be a bit better if he tried harder), the lovely house (there are better suburbs though), two children, an exclusive little friend group, and a dead body in the lounge JUST before her son’s fourth birthday party. Inconvenient, huh? We’ve all been there, when the most annoying things happen at the wrong time, and it’s up to you to put it right. Fortunately our main character is organised to a clinical level, and manages to achieve her goals - eventually. And along the way, (no spoilers) we are treated to a delicious insight into the mind of the out of the ordinary woman (aren’t we all?), and I hope that we’ve not seen the last of Lalla.
It’s a sign of how impressed I was with this book that I contacted the author just to tell him so, which on reflection is a bit of a Lalla Rook thing to do. But I only did it via social media, not irl, so he’s safe.
When this is released - soon - grab your copy. You won’t regret it.
I’m the sort of person with books on my shelf like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, Strange Sally Diamond, Fundamental, Blood Sugar, Green Dot…and many others. If you see a common theme running through these titles, then A Sociopath’s Guide To A Successful Marriage is for you. Lalla Rook has it all - the successful husband (could be a bit better if he tried harder), the lovely house (there are better suburbs though), two children, an exclusive little friend group, and a dead body in the lounge JUST before her son’s fourth birthday party. Inconvenient, huh? We’ve all been there, when the most annoying things happen at the wrong time, and it’s up to you to put it right. Fortunately our main character is organised to a clinical level, and manages to achieve her goals - eventually. And along the way, (no spoilers) we are treated to a delicious insight into the mind of the out of the ordinary woman (aren’t we all?), and I hope that we’ve not seen the last of Lalla.
It’s a sign of how impressed I was with this book that I contacted the author just to tell him so, which on reflection is a bit of a Lalla Rook thing to do. But I only did it via social media, not irl, so he’s safe.
When this is released - soon - grab your copy. You won’t regret it.
October 24, 2025
3.25 stars. Maybe I’ve just been spoiled for female serial killers with Julie Mae Cohen’s Bad Men series, and maybe it’s unfortunate (accidental) timing that I was reading this book at the same time as Cohen’s second book, which meant far greater scope to compare to similar stories at the same time… unfortunately Oliver’s characters just felt a bit too caricature and 2D for me. They were so over the top yummy mummy north London that it was hard to connect with them much, and I struggled to really find a single person I liked or cared about, other than maybe Nathan, Sophie or Aisha and even then they’re only really bit characters. Unlike Cohen’s Saffy, I was never really rooting for Lalla to get away with her crimes.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
October 29, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Fiction & M.K.Oliver for the ARC of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story was so gripping it felt like the pages were turning themselves. The main character was such an enigma I just needed to know what she was going to do next.
I’d recommend this to fans of ‘How to Kill Your Family’ and ‘My Sister, The Serial Killer’. If you’re looking for a book that does escapism really well, with humour and high stakes, this one is for you.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story was so gripping it felt like the pages were turning themselves. The main character was such an enigma I just needed to know what she was going to do next.
I’d recommend this to fans of ‘How to Kill Your Family’ and ‘My Sister, The Serial Killer’. If you’re looking for a book that does escapism really well, with humour and high stakes, this one is for you.
October 30, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this crazy, funny book! Lalla is not the most likable narrator, but her inner monologue is hilarious at times, and she kept me wanting to know what happens next. There are some good plot twists, and I thought the ending was satisfying. I was surprised to learn M K Oliver is male; he did a great job writing a woman’s voice. I will keep an eye out for future titles from this author! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
October 16, 2025
What a trip! This story had me laughing and in awe. A lot of gasps! The main character, Lalla, is a mix of sass and crazy. Author MK Oliver adds in plenty of surprises and twists to this dark comedy. I didn't want to put it down. The story is very original and nothing I expected. Every chapter brought a new surprise element to the shenanigans. I didn't know who I was rooting for; the housewives, the husbands, the police. All the characters are well developed and play important roles in the plot. I would love to see this played out on the screen with some famous comedians. Excellent!
October 14, 2025
A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage
ʙʏ ᴍ.ᴋ. ᴏʟɪᴠᴇʀ
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀs ᴅᴀᴛᴇ 𝟶𝟸/𝟷𝟽/𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼
Is there any proven guide for a successful marriage, even for unconventional ones like Lalla, who seems to be just improvising?
Lalla is a sociopath who manipulates everyone and everything around her. She exploits every resource at her disposal, including blackmail, seduction, and murder, to achieve her goals.
And I am here for it 🙌
Honestly, I went in expecting this book to be predictable, but it is truly not.
It’s fast-paced, well-told, and absolutely unpredictable.
HULU is making this into a show—you have to know this book is a banger if they bought the rights to make a show before the book is even released!!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️S̓̓T̓̓A̓̓R̓̓S̓̓
#harpercollins #atriathrillers #atriapartner #atriabooks #mkoliver #asociopathsguidetoasuccessfulmarriage
#longesthashtagever #5starbook #arc
ʙʏ ᴍ.ᴋ. ᴏʟɪᴠᴇʀ
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀs ᴅᴀᴛᴇ 𝟶𝟸/𝟷𝟽/𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼
Is there any proven guide for a successful marriage, even for unconventional ones like Lalla, who seems to be just improvising?
Lalla is a sociopath who manipulates everyone and everything around her. She exploits every resource at her disposal, including blackmail, seduction, and murder, to achieve her goals.
And I am here for it 🙌
Honestly, I went in expecting this book to be predictable, but it is truly not.
It’s fast-paced, well-told, and absolutely unpredictable.
HULU is making this into a show—you have to know this book is a banger if they bought the rights to make a show before the book is even released!!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️S̓̓T̓̓A̓̓R̓̓S̓̓
#harpercollins #atriathrillers #atriapartner #atriabooks #mkoliver #asociopathsguidetoasuccessfulmarriage
#longesthashtagever #5starbook #arc
October 13, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher on GoodReads. This book goes on sale February 17, 2026. There are 4 things you need to know about this book.
#1. The MC is a sociopath with loyalties to no one and everyone is expendable.
#2. Even though this book is light, fun, and a bit cheeky, there is a body count
#3. The chapters are short, so it’s a fast read
#4. You won’t be able to put this book down, it will keep you engaged.
Look for it February 17, 2026
#1. The MC is a sociopath with loyalties to no one and everyone is expendable.
#2. Even though this book is light, fun, and a bit cheeky, there is a body count
#3. The chapters are short, so it’s a fast read
#4. You won’t be able to put this book down, it will keep you engaged.
Look for it February 17, 2026
September 8, 2025
Oh my gosh Lalla is the funniest character with a wild sense of humour. By wild, I mean very dark and twisted. The whole read was that way to be honest, but the tone made it far more enjoyable.
Lalla is an absolutely expert manipulator and gaslighter - so much so the reader is enjoying all her gruesome and evil shenanigans.
✅ clean living room
✅flatter Stephen’s masculinity
✅ move corpse from garage
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Lalla is an absolutely expert manipulator and gaslighter - so much so the reader is enjoying all her gruesome and evil shenanigans.
✅ clean living room
✅flatter Stephen’s masculinity
✅ move corpse from garage
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
October 5, 2025
I know the title says sociopath, but Lalla Rook is such a great representation of a female psychopath. Quick on her feet, zero empathy, no remorse, only uses her relationships for gain.
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I literally woke up at 3am to read more. Thank you Atria Books for giving me the chance to read this in advance! This was the perfect book for a mood reader.
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I literally woke up at 3am to read more. Thank you Atria Books for giving me the chance to read this in advance! This was the perfect book for a mood reader.
September 25, 2025
M.K. Oliver’s debut A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage is wickedly entertaining.
Lalla Rook might just be one of the most compelling narrators I’ve read in a long time. She’s witty, self-assured, and entirely unbothered by the lengths she’ll go to in order to protect her carefully constructed life. Marriage, family, ambition — for Lalla, it’s all about appearances, and nothing is off limits when it comes to keeping up the perfect façade.
I loved the way this novel balanced its darkly comic edge with satirical commentary on ambition and family life. It’s clever, biting, and had me hooked from the first page.
A bold, stylish, and outrageously fun debut.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lalla Rook might just be one of the most compelling narrators I’ve read in a long time. She’s witty, self-assured, and entirely unbothered by the lengths she’ll go to in order to protect her carefully constructed life. Marriage, family, ambition — for Lalla, it’s all about appearances, and nothing is off limits when it comes to keeping up the perfect façade.
I loved the way this novel balanced its darkly comic edge with satirical commentary on ambition and family life. It’s clever, biting, and had me hooked from the first page.
A bold, stylish, and outrageously fun debut.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 21, 2025
***Advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***
Lalla Rook is living what looks like the perfect life in North London: a husband, two children, a nice house. She also happens to be a reformed sociopath. She’s sworn off killing, but when an uninvited man turns up in her living room, things take a deadly turn. Suddenly Lalla is hiding bodies while planning her child’s fourth birthday party, worrying about school admissions, and dealing with an inattentive husband and an old flame resurfacing. To make matters worse, the police are starting to sniff around.
I thought this was a solid read. The dark humour worked well, and I enjoyed how Lalla’s domestic concerns sat alongside her more sinister impulses. Some of the twists stretched credibility for me, but the sharp, knowing tone carried it through, and Lalla as an anti-heroine is both entertaining and unsettling.
If you enjoy darkly comic thrillers with morally messy protagonists, this will appeal to fans of My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite or You by Caroline Kepnes.
Lalla Rook is living what looks like the perfect life in North London: a husband, two children, a nice house. She also happens to be a reformed sociopath. She’s sworn off killing, but when an uninvited man turns up in her living room, things take a deadly turn. Suddenly Lalla is hiding bodies while planning her child’s fourth birthday party, worrying about school admissions, and dealing with an inattentive husband and an old flame resurfacing. To make matters worse, the police are starting to sniff around.
I thought this was a solid read. The dark humour worked well, and I enjoyed how Lalla’s domestic concerns sat alongside her more sinister impulses. Some of the twists stretched credibility for me, but the sharp, knowing tone carried it through, and Lalla as an anti-heroine is both entertaining and unsettling.
If you enjoy darkly comic thrillers with morally messy protagonists, this will appeal to fans of My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite or You by Caroline Kepnes.
October 17, 2025
Lalla has a lot on her plate and her to do list is never ending. Just before hosting her child's birthday, she encounters an intruder and kills him. This murder unspools her well laid plans but never fear she is in control. Amusing, wickedly funny, full of supporting characters...5 plus stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, it was my pleasure to read and give feedback.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, it was my pleasure to read and give feedback.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to Hemlock for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review. I was lucky enough to receive a proof of this at the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Festival 2025.
It has 86 chapters, which equates to roughly 4.5 pages a chapter, with some being only 1 or 2 pages. I looooove a short chapter, it really adds to the frenetic, twisty turny, craziness that is this story and makes it such a quick read.
It is such good fun and reminded me of CJ Skuse's Sweetpea series, which I loved. It's morbidly hilarious, very dark humour, and it's just really, really great fun.
I read the first 24 chapters one evening in bed as I just couldn't put it down it is so addictive.
Yes Lalla killed someone and we're generally meant to dislike people who kill other people. But I couldn't, I absolutely loved her, she was fantastic and I was supporting her all the way. She very quickly felt like a friend. And all the other characters, good or bad, were just fabulous creations. It's been a long time since I've read a book where every single character deserved their place.
Before I read this, I thought M.K Oliver was a female author, I'm not sure why. And even after I knew it was a male author, it still read as if written by a woman and I'm not sure why. It's fascinating how a book can feel that way.
There have been a number of these kinds of books recently - the sociopath/psychopath female murderer and whatnot, and I've loved most, if not all, of them, and this definitely goes on that pile. I devoured it in hours, it was such a good book to read. The plot was interesting, the characters fabulously horrid, the storytelling fist rate - it was just so much fun and I highly recommend it.
There are twists and turns and when you think you've got it, something throws a spanner in the world and you're on the back foot again. It's not a whodunnit really, I mean we already know whodunnit, but there's still that whodunnit element of waiting to see how it all resolves itself.
This was definitely one of my favourite reads of 2025. I believe this is M.K Oliver's debut, and it's very impressive and bodes well for the future. Keep 'em coming.
It has 86 chapters, which equates to roughly 4.5 pages a chapter, with some being only 1 or 2 pages. I looooove a short chapter, it really adds to the frenetic, twisty turny, craziness that is this story and makes it such a quick read.
It is such good fun and reminded me of CJ Skuse's Sweetpea series, which I loved. It's morbidly hilarious, very dark humour, and it's just really, really great fun.
I read the first 24 chapters one evening in bed as I just couldn't put it down it is so addictive.
Yes Lalla killed someone and we're generally meant to dislike people who kill other people. But I couldn't, I absolutely loved her, she was fantastic and I was supporting her all the way. She very quickly felt like a friend. And all the other characters, good or bad, were just fabulous creations. It's been a long time since I've read a book where every single character deserved their place.
Before I read this, I thought M.K Oliver was a female author, I'm not sure why. And even after I knew it was a male author, it still read as if written by a woman and I'm not sure why. It's fascinating how a book can feel that way.
There have been a number of these kinds of books recently - the sociopath/psychopath female murderer and whatnot, and I've loved most, if not all, of them, and this definitely goes on that pile. I devoured it in hours, it was such a good book to read. The plot was interesting, the characters fabulously horrid, the storytelling fist rate - it was just so much fun and I highly recommend it.
There are twists and turns and when you think you've got it, something throws a spanner in the world and you're on the back foot again. It's not a whodunnit really, I mean we already know whodunnit, but there's still that whodunnit element of waiting to see how it all resolves itself.
This was definitely one of my favourite reads of 2025. I believe this is M.K Oliver's debut, and it's very impressive and bodes well for the future. Keep 'em coming.
October 27, 2025
4 stars
I loved the cover and had reasonable expectations for a fun ride, but Lalla fully exceeded those expectations. Please let this be the start of many thrilling books featuring this absolutely wild protagonist.
Lalla faces some personal barriers that make her a tough partner, mother, friend, and acquaintance. See the title for details. She is happy to solve a problem, even when those solutions - and they frequently do! - require illegal activity and questionable choices. See the cover for details.
As a practiced social climber, Lalla has done very well. She's gone from extremely humble beginnings to being married to a successful professional with two small children. Both of those children help Lalla stand out from other protagonists in her genre (even those, eh hem, Finlay, who also have two small kids). These aren't props. Her daughter, in particular, gives readers a solid idea of what Lalla may have been like as a child. I have no doubt that little Nellie will be getting into at least as much drama as her mama. Lalla's son is a simple kid and a less terrifying one, which makes him a hilarious juxtaposition to both his mom and his sister. Will he grow into some of their oddities? Call them out? Who knows? As Lalla notes at one point, he's got his worms, so all is well for now.
Pretty much every encounter Lalla has turns wrong, which makes her a total blast to read, especially since she has a knack for turning the tide in her favor. Like all cozies, one must suspend disbelief often here. Who cares? It's what we came for!
For me, this was a fun read, and I will be jumping to read more from this author and especially from what I hope will be this series.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I loved the cover and had reasonable expectations for a fun ride, but Lalla fully exceeded those expectations. Please let this be the start of many thrilling books featuring this absolutely wild protagonist.
Lalla faces some personal barriers that make her a tough partner, mother, friend, and acquaintance. See the title for details. She is happy to solve a problem, even when those solutions - and they frequently do! - require illegal activity and questionable choices. See the cover for details.
As a practiced social climber, Lalla has done very well. She's gone from extremely humble beginnings to being married to a successful professional with two small children. Both of those children help Lalla stand out from other protagonists in her genre (even those, eh hem, Finlay, who also have two small kids). These aren't props. Her daughter, in particular, gives readers a solid idea of what Lalla may have been like as a child. I have no doubt that little Nellie will be getting into at least as much drama as her mama. Lalla's son is a simple kid and a less terrifying one, which makes him a hilarious juxtaposition to both his mom and his sister. Will he grow into some of their oddities? Call them out? Who knows? As Lalla notes at one point, he's got his worms, so all is well for now.
Pretty much every encounter Lalla has turns wrong, which makes her a total blast to read, especially since she has a knack for turning the tide in her favor. Like all cozies, one must suspend disbelief often here. Who cares? It's what we came for!
For me, this was a fun read, and I will be jumping to read more from this author and especially from what I hope will be this series.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
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