The Serial Killer Support Network

Secret Vigilante #2

by D.B. Stephens

Therapy was just the beginning…

For six months someone known only as The Caretaker has been committing crimes against those who have wronged.

Now, women across the country have been inspired to take control of their own lives and seek revenge on the people who hurt them.

The Caretaker is more than just a killer, he’s become a movement. And the serial killer support group have found themselves at the heart of it…

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Suspense, Queer

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2026

About the author

Pseudonym for crime and thriller writer, Darren O'Sullivan.

Reviews

[Yaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll admit it. I tend to be skeptical of sequels. This book made me rethink that stance.

The Serial Killer Support Network is an outstanding follow up, but it truly shines when read after the first installment. To fully appreciate the depth of this story, starting at the beginning of the series is essential.

D. B. Stephens takes the foundation built in the first book and expands it in a way that feels both thoughtful and unsettling. The story dives into the consequences of redefining justice and the system created around it. These consequences ripple across legal, moral, social, and emotional dimensions, making the narrative feel layered and complex.

About a third of the way through, I was able to anticipate some of the events that would unfold. Surprisingly, that didn’t take away from the experience. Even when I saw certain moments coming, others still caught me completely off guard. I don’t cry easily, but parts of this story genuinely hit a nerve.

What stood out most is how the book explores the tension between feeling like a victim of injustice, taking matters into one's own hands, and then facing the moral weight of those decisions. It’s not easy to separate those lines, and the story doesn’t try to simplify them.

This continues to be a perfect book club series. There is so much here to unpack and discuss, from ethical dilemmas to emotional consequences. Even if you’re not part of a book club, this is absolutely worth picking up after finishing the first book.

And honestly, I’m hoping for a third installment. There’s still more to explore, and I’m ready for it.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for my heart to slow down…..OMG!!!! Book 1 had me going Book 2 took me to the next level! I did not want this to end and now there is a cliffhanger! I was so stressed out the whole time especially when the “Caretaker” was doing his thing my anxiety almost couldn’t take. So much happened in this book and the storytelling was just epic! My only regret is that I didn’t dive into this one sooner.

If you are looking for your next series that will unravel you and keep you on the edge of seat, do stop here. This is a roller coaster ride that will drop you into oblivion! Well developed characters with a cleverly crafted story that ain’t over yet and for that I say…..thank you Bravo👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Serial Killer Support Network by D.B. Stephens is the second in a series about a Woman's support group and the detective who thinks they are responsible for killing abusive partners.


Let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Harper Collins, One More Chapter, and the author (DB Stephens), for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Sorry for the late review.  All opinions are my own.



I love this series.  Although this was somewhat predictable, and ends in a bit of a cliff-hanger, I still enjoyed it.

It was another fast and entertaining read. The story is told from multiple viewpoints, thereby giving the reader the prospective of not only Jess, but of Sophie, and the caretaker.  Yes, the book looks at revenge killings, but it also looks at friendships, and love.  I found it interesting how Jess started to rebel against her friends, but in the end, they accepted her for who she was.  

I love the idea of a group of women who stand up for one another -- although admittedly this is a little extreme.   (Just a little).  The plot continues to be compelling, and I am really looking forward to the next book.

I will continue to recommend this series.  My biggest surprise....it was written by a man.  Kudos to him!

Anyway, until next time....


For a more thorough review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, its author information and a favorite quotation from this book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 3 out of 5]

After flying through book one, I was really excited to jump straight into this.

And this time… things go bigger.

What started as a small support group has now turned into a full network; more people, more reach, more chaos. It’s definitely interesting to see how things evolve and how the movement grows.

That said, unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first book.

The pacing felt slower, killings didn't felt as personal as in book 1 where I felt connected with the characters; for me it wasn’t as entertaining overall. I also wasn’t the biggest fan of the back-and-forth between Jess and the detective, it felt really frustrating.

The vibe felt a bit different too. Not necessarily bad, just… off compared to the first book.

Still, it’s not a bad installment by any means and I am also very curious and prepared for book 3.

⭐ 3.5 stars

Thank you HarperCollins for the widget.

https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...

[BookishKB · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔪The Serial Killer Support Network 🔪

This wasn't quite what I was expecting. And I didn't realize it was apart of a series. But still a solid 4 star read.

🩸 What to Expect
• Dark thriller
• Vigilante justice
• Female led cast
• Revenge plot
_ _ _ _

📅 Pub Date: April 24, 2026
📝 Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six months later, The Serial Killer Support Group has gone nationwide, so it’s no longer just Jess, Madison, Kelly and Hannah… girls from all over the country have been inspired by The Caretaker’s actions and are taking revenge on the men who abused them. 👀🔪

DS Sophie Salam is still on The Caretaker case, determined to hunt down the perpetrator hiding behind the mask! 🤔

I absolutely loved The Caretaker Support Network group chat with the girls from across the country, sharing their plans and updates. It added such a brilliant layer to the story! 🤭😍

And the part involving Madison? That completely broke my heart and had me feeling so emotional. 💔

TSKSN is twisty, addictive and unpredictable… but it’s also darker and more intense than the first book. It explores themes of justice, revenge, and just how far people will go when the system fails them. With shocking twists, morally grey characters and plenty of drama, this sequel had me hooked from beginning to end! 📖🔥

But excuse me, Darren…

Why would you end it like that?! 😱

That cliffhanger was absolutely criminal, and now I desperately need Book 3 in my hands immediately because I need answers!! 🤯

Thank you to Nicole (@thrillerswithnic) for round two of our buddy read with the girls tagged below. I’ve absolutely loved reading all your theories and reactions along the way! 🫶🏼😘


♥️ @katofalltrades94
♥️ @far_away_in_thriller_land
♥️ @katiethebookishworm
♥️ @brookesbooks88
♥️ @els_book.shelf
♥️ @sarahd.loves.books
♥️ @bookish_becky88

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I thought the first book in this series was painfully average, but I got a NetGalley widget for this one, so wanted to give it a shot.

I hate to say it, but it doesn’t fare any better than its predecessor. I was bored throughout pretty much the whole book, and it required a hell of a lot of suspension of belief. The cliffhanger was decent but even that wasn’t enough to get me excited about a third book.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark, gripping story exploring vigilante justice. This is the second story in the Secret Vigilante series. I highly recommend reading The Serial Killer Support Group (book 1) first.

'The Caretaker is more than just a killer, he’s become a movement. And the serial killer support group have found themselves at the heart of it…'

I enjoyed the characters, the varying plot twists and learning more about some of the characters from the first book. This is a unique series and I am keen to read what comes next from D.B. Stephens.

[Tiffeny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow! I absolutely loved the first book in this series, The Serial Killer Support Group and genuinely didn’t think the second book could top it—but I’m very happy to say I was proven wrong.
I completely devoured this book. I was hooked from the very first chapter, and the story kept me captivated right through to the end. It’s a fantastic follow-up that more than lives up to the first book.
Now I just have to patiently wait for the third book… and I honestly cannot wait!

[Jessica Huntley · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Slightly drawn out overall I thought but a great continuation of the series. I really looking forward to seeing how the next one pans out. Definitely some questionable actions at times but an enjoyable thriller!

[Sydney Sioen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperately waiting on book number three…

[Becs Foley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this followed well from the first and I think I even preferred it. Looking forward to the next book to find out what happens next.

[GG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have very similar feelings about this book as I did with the first; I enjoyed this from start to almost end. I’m pleased this neatly continues from the previous book, and clears up most of the questions and loose ends. For me, the pacing and the balance of points of view were engaging, and the same great writing throughout. I enjoyed the further development of the characters and their relationships, and there was a distinct emotional element which added to the overall impact. I liked the extension of the story from book one, and the layout of knowing The Caretaker but still having unexpected moments to keep you hooked. There was a part of the journey that was revealed that I felt was obvious. The ending leaves new questions and loose ends, which I hope will get dealt with in the third book. As with the first, I noticed a couple of things that could be minor plot holes.

! don’t read this book if you haven’t read the first in the series !

[Rustic_Reads_ Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the first in the series ‘The Serial Killer Support Group’ I couldn’t wait to see where the story took Jess and the other members of the group. The author really hit it out the park with this sequel- shining a light on abuse, and the wider consequences of taking matters into your own hands- both for the women, the men they targeted, and the community as a whole who succumbed to mob mentality and contentious moral stances in the name of justice. I was rooting for Jess even when her choices were questionable- but I can’t say I wouldn’t have done the same if I was her! 👀

I really enjoyed delving more into Sophie’s life, her history and the lengths she’ll go to protect her family. It was also good to see the return of a familiar face, one of the few men who could be trusted.

[Shama Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Serial Killer Support Network… I don’t even know where to start.

This book takes everything from book one and goes darker, heavier, more emotional and I couldn’t put it down.

The character work is so layered and nothing feels surface level. It’s intense, brutal at times and genuinely hard to read in places but it feels important.

This series is doing more than telling a story. It’s eye-opening, powerful and really shines a light on injustice.

Definitely check trigger warnings but I highly recommend.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this once since book 1 last year. Maybe last year's book hit me in exactly the right mood and I liked it better than it actually was. I say that since this was a huge disappointment for me as a follow-up, but I'm thinking it's very much on par with book 1. I know, that makes no sense... yet here I am in this spot, thinking these things.

I'm done with this series—assuming more books are coming. And based on how it ended? There will be.

My one word review? Weak.

[Hollie Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, D B Stephen’s and Harper Collins for this arc read.

The second installment in the secret vigilante series and I loved it just as much as the first book!

For 6 months the caretaker has been committing crimes against bad men. This has inspired women across the country to take matters into their own hands and seek revenge as the police won’t help

A brilliant gripping thriller from page 1

[Yinka Boudreaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh!! I need more! A sequel that surpasses the first is rare and this one did just that! If you love your characters morally grey, but still so freaking likeable this is definitely the book for you!

[Chelsea Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

IM SORRY BUT WHY HAS IT ENDED LIKE THAT!?!????

[Josh Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I absolutely loved this book, I can’t wait for book 3 😀 gotta love females getting their own back at the world, hopefully don’t have to wait long for book 3 😊

[Kacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! Can’t wait for the next one! I loved the different girls showing different types and side effects of the abuse and the justice they all got.

[Julie Pint · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look into the world of abuse in its various forms, and the women that help each other break free. While these ladies ban together, they do so in a deliciously dark manner. Thanks to NetGalley for the read.

[Liv Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️this was so good!

[sienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Chlo ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ just as good as the first LOVED this !!!!

[Sherri Billingsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read books 1 and 2 of this series back to back. There surely must be a 3rd coming! I need a 3rd book for closure, too many loose ends.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

The level of unhinged-ness has definitely increased, can't wait for the next book!

3.25/5 ⭐

[Rae PlotTwisted Sister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for this advanced e-reader copy.
For six months someone known only as The Caretaker has been committing crimes against those who have wronged.
Now, women across the country have been inspired to take control of their own lives and seek revenge on the people who hurt them.
The Caretaker is more than just a killer, he’s become a movement. And the serial killer support group have found themselves at the heart of it…
The book is #2 in the series but you don't need to read the other one to understand what is going on, However, I did buy #1 after reading this one.
I loved this concept and the flow of the story. It is a fast easy read that keeps you hooked from the first page.
Four women in a DV support group have a new member, 2 detectives, and a vigilante serial killers attention.
How could anything go wrong?
I loved how it all came together and cant wait to read more from this author.

[Beth Reads Crime · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Secret Vigilante series. Can you read them out of order/as standalones? Yes, yes you can. See, I know what the first cover looks like. I own both. I have commented on friends’ reviews of the first. But I had my Kobo library ordered by my most recently purchased and in the heat this all went out of my mind. I was 48% through book two before I realised. Oops. So yes, I can confirm it does a very good job of filling in the backstory!

That being said if you haven’t read the first one I would recommend doing so. Although you are brought up to speed flawlessly, I can imagine it’s a great story and one worth reading for the full characterisation, flavour and details.

The Serial Killer Support Network features a killer named The Caretaker, who focuses on the victims of domestic violence. The vigilante has an interesting sense of justice. Regardless of whether the abuse is physical or mental, the Caretaker will happily claim a life as the price to pay.

Also in the forefront is the support group for those affected by domestic violent, who meet regularly to support each other. This group includes some key characters from the first book.

It’s been around six months since the Caretaker first emerged and now he’s back. DS Sophie Salam is heading up the task force, she has an interesting theory about the Caretaker that she is keeping close to her chest as she struggles for undeniable proof. The investigation doesn’t have her undivided attention however as some pretty serious personal issues arise to contend with.

This is a great book, it’s got a dark premise and strong characters that you will instantly warm to. There is a third book in the series, which is due to be published in February 2027 and I will say that The Serial Killer Support Network does have a cliffhanger ending… It’s definitely worth reading but if you want to get a resolution sooner, are not a fan of cliffhangers or don’t have the best memory then you may want to wait to read them in succession!

[Sharna Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first instalment of The Serial Killers’ Support Network, so I was excited to get stuck into this one, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s been great to see how the characters have developed and grown in this second book, which added more depth to the story overall.
That said, I would have liked a bit more build-up leading to Maddison’s death. She felt quite distant in this instalment, and I think more focus on her could have made that moment hit even harder.
Overall though, a strong follow-up that kept me hooked, and I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next.