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Not Like the Other Parents
This midlife crisis really is murder . . .
Fox and Hazel have it two children, a beautiful home, and a late-night habit of eliminating people who deserve it. Yet work-life balance is hard when you want to kill bad men but raise good kids.
With a school mum tyrant on Haze's case, and Fox struggling with performance anxiety after a botched kill, things are spiralling. Therapy isn't helping, and bullet journaling has taken on a whole new meaning. . .
But when they accidentally draw a deadly mobster to their doorstep, the couple must pull it together - and fast. Because surviving in suburbia is no longer just a challenge. Now it's a real fight for their family's lives.
And it turns out, self-help starts with staying alive.
PRAISE FOR A SERIAL KILLER'S GUIDE TO MARRIAGE:
* A BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB PICK *
'Sexy, stylish, thrilling. A razor-sharp tale of marriage and murder.' CHRIS WHITAKER
'Your sassy, twisted must-read of 2025' JANICE HALLETT
'If you liked Mr & Mrs Smith, you'll love this' CLARE MACKINTOSH
'Darkly funny and clever' KATY BRENT
'Huge fun. You won't put it down.' HARRIET TYCE
'Sharp, whip smart and laugh out loud funny' ANDREA MARA
'Dark, daring and disturbingly funny' LESLEY KARA
'A dark, twisted riot' ELLERY LLOYD
Fox and Hazel have it two children, a beautiful home, and a late-night habit of eliminating people who deserve it. Yet work-life balance is hard when you want to kill bad men but raise good kids.
With a school mum tyrant on Haze's case, and Fox struggling with performance anxiety after a botched kill, things are spiralling. Therapy isn't helping, and bullet journaling has taken on a whole new meaning. . .
But when they accidentally draw a deadly mobster to their doorstep, the couple must pull it together - and fast. Because surviving in suburbia is no longer just a challenge. Now it's a real fight for their family's lives.
And it turns out, self-help starts with staying alive.
PRAISE FOR A SERIAL KILLER'S GUIDE TO MARRIAGE:
* A BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB PICK *
'Sexy, stylish, thrilling. A razor-sharp tale of marriage and murder.' CHRIS WHITAKER
'Your sassy, twisted must-read of 2025' JANICE HALLETT
'If you liked Mr & Mrs Smith, you'll love this' CLARE MACKINTOSH
'Darkly funny and clever' KATY BRENT
'Huge fun. You won't put it down.' HARRIET TYCE
'Sharp, whip smart and laugh out loud funny' ANDREA MARA
'Dark, daring and disturbingly funny' LESLEY KARA
'A dark, twisted riot' ELLERY LLOYD
- GenresThriller
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2026
About the author
Asia Mackay
6 books285 followersAsia studied Anthropology at Durham University, after which she started a career in television. She presented and produced lifestyle programmes in Shanghai before moving back to London, where she worked for Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as Project Manager on their round the world motorbike documentaries.
She started writing Killing It on maternity leave and undertook a Faber Academy course to help her finish it. Asia lives in London with her husband, four young children and two dogs. Killing It is her first novel and was the Runner Up in Richard and Judy's Search for a Bestseller competition 2017.
She started writing Killing It on maternity leave and undertook a Faber Academy course to help her finish it. Asia lives in London with her husband, four young children and two dogs. Killing It is her first novel and was the Runner Up in Richard and Judy's Search for a Bestseller competition 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinion.
Can a serial killer be a good parent? Can two serial killers—a married couple—be good parents to their two children?
Haze and Fox are... shhhh 🤫 serial killers who supposedly have it all, but after a botched kill, things start falling apart, and fast. They have to work together as the power couple in love and also in death to get everything back on track.
What I loved about this book was how it was a little bit dark, but not too dark, and also funny. Haze is such a character. 😅 Now, I must admit I did judge Haze & Fox because have you seen their "hobby"? 🔪 Remind me not to mess with them.
This author is also new to me, but I did love the elements she wove together—darkness, thrills, family drama, suspense, and mystery—all done so well, and the big finish as to who was behind it all. 😅
"The enemy is probably someone you have seen."
I really love the scenes between Fox and his therapist. 😂😂😂 That therapist ought to lose her license. 😂
All in all, I had a fun time reading this book, and I hope you do too.
Can a serial killer be a good parent? Can two serial killers—a married couple—be good parents to their two children?
Haze and Fox are... shhhh 🤫 serial killers who supposedly have it all, but after a botched kill, things start falling apart, and fast. They have to work together as the power couple in love and also in death to get everything back on track.
What I loved about this book was how it was a little bit dark, but not too dark, and also funny. Haze is such a character. 😅 Now, I must admit I did judge Haze & Fox because have you seen their "hobby"? 🔪 Remind me not to mess with them.
This author is also new to me, but I did love the elements she wove together—darkness, thrills, family drama, suspense, and mystery—all done so well, and the big finish as to who was behind it all. 😅
"The enemy is probably someone you have seen."
I really love the scenes between Fox and his therapist. 😂😂😂 That therapist ought to lose her license. 😂
All in all, I had a fun time reading this book, and I hope you do too.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Full Book Review: The One About Parenting with a Body Count: Not Like the Other Parents by Asia Mackay │ Book Review
"He took out the bins; I cleaned. He cooked; I washed up. He did playground; I did homework.
We were a couple that shared everything.
From home, to kids, to work-- we were a team.
We did bath time together.
And we killed together."
Not Like the Other Parents follows married couple Fox and Hazel would live like any other couple. One runs an investment business and the other is an artist, they do the dishes and the school runs. They also kill bad men on the side.
This book was a roller coaster. From the very first chapter, we are dropped right in the middle of the crime and essentially bear witness to this couple's attempts at getting rid of a fresh body from their last kill. From the very first chapter I was hooked. There's a bit of humour sprinkled throughout, which is a nice breather from all the tension as answers start unravelling. On one hand I appreciated the wit and will admit that I did let out a chuckle or two. However, I would've liked a little more focus on the suspense.
Don't go into this book expecting a couple of gory, blood-hungry assassins. Once again the main bad guy is called "The Chameleon". Outside of their killing side quests, Fox and Hazel are quite mundane. They are both flawed, indecisive, and that's what makes them innately human and good characters. Despite their own personal struggles, it still made me root for them to make it in the end. In fact, the "serial killer couple" thing was almost a backdrop or subplot. Even whilst they were committing these killings, there is a focus on the psychological and moral complexity, and not simply the thrill of the act of the killing. In its heart, the main story is about two people trying to find their way back to each other.
The only reason why this book is not a 5 star read is that I expected it to be a little more gory, more bloody towards the end. The way the mystery concluded was a little disappointing, just because I was expecting a bit more. While everything does wrap up nicely, and in theory should make sense, I still had a few questions of my own. I guess these questions will have to be answered by my own imagination.
Not Like the Other Parents is such a clever take on the serial couple trope. It would be a great sequel to the film 'Mr and Mrs Smith'. It's clever and fun with a slightly darker twist to your typical suburbia couple. This book is proof that your hobbies don't have to end once you have children.
4 stars.
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My Star Ratings:
★★★★★: Unhinged levels of love. Life-changing. Perfectly devastating. I will be recommending this until someone physically takes it out of my hands.
★★★★: Great pacing, great characters, emotional damage in all the right ways. Might not be perfect, but I had a genuinely good time reading it
★★★: Enjoyable enough to finish but not something I’d scream about. I liked it, but it didn’t leave a mark. A solid, middle-of-the-road read.
★★: The cons outweigh the pros, unfortunately. There might be some things that were lacking in some areas— writing, characterisation, plot etc, but there may have been a few moments that I liked.
★: I finished it out of pure spite or misplaced hope.
"He took out the bins; I cleaned. He cooked; I washed up. He did playground; I did homework.
We were a couple that shared everything.
From home, to kids, to work-- we were a team.
We did bath time together.
And we killed together."
Not Like the Other Parents follows married couple Fox and Hazel would live like any other couple. One runs an investment business and the other is an artist, they do the dishes and the school runs. They also kill bad men on the side.
This book was a roller coaster. From the very first chapter, we are dropped right in the middle of the crime and essentially bear witness to this couple's attempts at getting rid of a fresh body from their last kill. From the very first chapter I was hooked. There's a bit of humour sprinkled throughout, which is a nice breather from all the tension as answers start unravelling. On one hand I appreciated the wit and will admit that I did let out a chuckle or two. However, I would've liked a little more focus on the suspense.
Don't go into this book expecting a couple of gory, blood-hungry assassins. Once again the main bad guy is called "The Chameleon". Outside of their killing side quests, Fox and Hazel are quite mundane. They are both flawed, indecisive, and that's what makes them innately human and good characters. Despite their own personal struggles, it still made me root for them to make it in the end. In fact, the "serial killer couple" thing was almost a backdrop or subplot. Even whilst they were committing these killings, there is a focus on the psychological and moral complexity, and not simply the thrill of the act of the killing. In its heart, the main story is about two people trying to find their way back to each other.
The only reason why this book is not a 5 star read is that I expected it to be a little more gory, more bloody towards the end. The way the mystery concluded was a little disappointing, just because I was expecting a bit more. While everything does wrap up nicely, and in theory should make sense, I still had a few questions of my own. I guess these questions will have to be answered by my own imagination.
Not Like the Other Parents is such a clever take on the serial couple trope. It would be a great sequel to the film 'Mr and Mrs Smith'. It's clever and fun with a slightly darker twist to your typical suburbia couple. This book is proof that your hobbies don't have to end once you have children.
4 stars.
Novelstorian (Blog) ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter ✨
My Star Ratings:
★★★★★: Unhinged levels of love. Life-changing. Perfectly devastating. I will be recommending this until someone physically takes it out of my hands.
★★★★: Great pacing, great characters, emotional damage in all the right ways. Might not be perfect, but I had a genuinely good time reading it
★★★: Enjoyable enough to finish but not something I’d scream about. I liked it, but it didn’t leave a mark. A solid, middle-of-the-road read.
★★: The cons outweigh the pros, unfortunately. There might be some things that were lacking in some areas— writing, characterisation, plot etc, but there may have been a few moments that I liked.
★: I finished it out of pure spite or misplaced hope.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 4.0/5
This was originally intended to be published under the title of "Self-Help for Serial Killers", but there appears to be been a subsequent re-think. Personally, I think the original title would have worked better, so it would be interesting to learn what the thoughts behind the change were. But enough of that and on with my thoughts on "Not Like Other Parents".
This is Asia Mackay's fourth novel and the second in this series, following on from the hugely enjoyable, "A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage." Although this is a sequel, the author takes care to give enough background in the early chapters to allow this to read as a standalone - but I would suggest that it is still preferable to have read book one prior to starting this. The central characters are husband and wife, Fox and Hazel (Haze). They are a young couple with an affluent lifestyle, thanks to Fox's wealthy family background, but their relationship is anything but conventional, because they met and developed their bond through a shared love of killing bad men! However, now, some years later, they have two young children and they are desperately trying to curb their natural instincts (to a degree) and live the life that the world at large would expect them to lead. That is proving to be easier said than done - not least because they seem to have inadvertently stepped on the toes of a major crime organisation that now wants to see Haze and Fox removed from the picture.
For the most part, the story is told alternately from the perspectives of Haze and Fox. We gain insights into the their shared passions, but also the distinct differences in their personas, which are well portrayed by the author. The first book in this series was pacy, gripping and overflowing with wonderfully dark humour, but interspersed with moments of unconventional poignancy. This sequel is a bit more considered. The narrative doesn't rattle along at the same rate of knots, particularly in the first half of the book. There is still dark humour, but this also seems to have been toned down for the most part. The storyline is still flows well enough and is entertaining, but there is greater focus on character development and more day-to-day familial issues than there was first time around. How this shift lands with individual readers will determine which of the two books they prefer. Either way, I enjoy Asia Mackay's style of writing. I have read all four of her books to date and I have little doubt I will be returning for book five too.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
This was originally intended to be published under the title of "Self-Help for Serial Killers", but there appears to be been a subsequent re-think. Personally, I think the original title would have worked better, so it would be interesting to learn what the thoughts behind the change were. But enough of that and on with my thoughts on "Not Like Other Parents".
This is Asia Mackay's fourth novel and the second in this series, following on from the hugely enjoyable, "A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage." Although this is a sequel, the author takes care to give enough background in the early chapters to allow this to read as a standalone - but I would suggest that it is still preferable to have read book one prior to starting this. The central characters are husband and wife, Fox and Hazel (Haze). They are a young couple with an affluent lifestyle, thanks to Fox's wealthy family background, but their relationship is anything but conventional, because they met and developed their bond through a shared love of killing bad men! However, now, some years later, they have two young children and they are desperately trying to curb their natural instincts (to a degree) and live the life that the world at large would expect them to lead. That is proving to be easier said than done - not least because they seem to have inadvertently stepped on the toes of a major crime organisation that now wants to see Haze and Fox removed from the picture.
For the most part, the story is told alternately from the perspectives of Haze and Fox. We gain insights into the their shared passions, but also the distinct differences in their personas, which are well portrayed by the author. The first book in this series was pacy, gripping and overflowing with wonderfully dark humour, but interspersed with moments of unconventional poignancy. This sequel is a bit more considered. The narrative doesn't rattle along at the same rate of knots, particularly in the first half of the book. There is still dark humour, but this also seems to have been toned down for the most part. The storyline is still flows well enough and is entertaining, but there is greater focus on character development and more day-to-day familial issues than there was first time around. How this shift lands with individual readers will determine which of the two books they prefer. Either way, I enjoy Asia Mackay's style of writing. I have read all four of her books to date and I have little doubt I will be returning for book five too.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
July 4, 2026
Our favourite serial killer couple are back in Not Like The Other Parents, and this time Fox and Haze are the ones in the crosshairs when their endeavours attract the attention of a ruthless international criminal organisation known as the Corporation, who are far from pleased when their latest “unaliving” ends up costing them a substantial amount of money, something they’re not about to let it slide. Now our intrepid hunters have become the hunted, with an infamous assassin known as the Chameleon hot on their trail.
I loved how this author once again blends domestic life with murder and mayhem. This book is a deliciously dark, wicked satire on suburban life because, even if you’re a serial killer, you still have to navigate the school run and deal with the yummy mummies at the gates. Now back in the UK with baby Reggie completing the family, Fox struggling with PTSD after his close encounter with death in Italy, seems to be having a full-blown midlife crisis which includes seeing a therapist and buying a motorbike… everything except doing the midnight feeds with the baby or pulling his weight around the house. Their eldest child, Bibi, is beginning to show signs of following in her parents’ murderous footsteps which adds another layer of chaos to an already hectic family life so all in all Haze’s patience is wearing dangerously thin and to top it all the Chameleon is tracking their every move on behalf of the Corporation, proving they’re not ready to forgive - or forget.
Asia Mackay’s writing has a fantastic pace that is effortlessly addictive pulling me in from the very first page. Her wickedly tongue-in-cheek dark humour is razor sharp and shines throughout, while the constant twists and turns kept me me turning the pages late into the night. One of my favourite touches was the witty snippets beginning each chapter as parenting influencer Bells Brightly dishes out her smug words of wisdom, often dismissing anyone who doesn’t parent exactly as she does, only for Haze’s brilliantly sarcastic responses to reveal the far messier reality of raising children especially when you don’t have a tribe of nannies to do the actual childcare. These little snippets were laugh out loud funny while providing hilarious little glimpses into Haze’s wonderfully cynical personality.
These books and characters continue to be the perfect mix of dark comedy, domestic chaos and suspense, and it’s impossible not to be hooked by them. Murder has never been this much fun. and I can’t wait to see what trouble Fox and Haze get themselves into next, after all the family that kills together, stays together.
I loved how this author once again blends domestic life with murder and mayhem. This book is a deliciously dark, wicked satire on suburban life because, even if you’re a serial killer, you still have to navigate the school run and deal with the yummy mummies at the gates. Now back in the UK with baby Reggie completing the family, Fox struggling with PTSD after his close encounter with death in Italy, seems to be having a full-blown midlife crisis which includes seeing a therapist and buying a motorbike… everything except doing the midnight feeds with the baby or pulling his weight around the house. Their eldest child, Bibi, is beginning to show signs of following in her parents’ murderous footsteps which adds another layer of chaos to an already hectic family life so all in all Haze’s patience is wearing dangerously thin and to top it all the Chameleon is tracking their every move on behalf of the Corporation, proving they’re not ready to forgive - or forget.
Asia Mackay’s writing has a fantastic pace that is effortlessly addictive pulling me in from the very first page. Her wickedly tongue-in-cheek dark humour is razor sharp and shines throughout, while the constant twists and turns kept me me turning the pages late into the night. One of my favourite touches was the witty snippets beginning each chapter as parenting influencer Bells Brightly dishes out her smug words of wisdom, often dismissing anyone who doesn’t parent exactly as she does, only for Haze’s brilliantly sarcastic responses to reveal the far messier reality of raising children especially when you don’t have a tribe of nannies to do the actual childcare. These little snippets were laugh out loud funny while providing hilarious little glimpses into Haze’s wonderfully cynical personality.
These books and characters continue to be the perfect mix of dark comedy, domestic chaos and suspense, and it’s impossible not to be hooked by them. Murder has never been this much fun. and I can’t wait to see what trouble Fox and Haze get themselves into next, after all the family that kills together, stays together.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is also known as Self-Help for Serial Killers and is the sequel to A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage, which I think you really should read first if you want to get the best from this book. And it's a cracking read in itself, so why not!?.
So... we catch up to Fox and Haze(l) as their family has expanded further. Now with two children, they are still trying to balance home and work life - which is not easy when you consider they are serial killers. Albeit moral serial killers who only kill bad men. But then there's a botched kill, and an annoying school mum who appears to have it in for Haze, and then they seem to have poked a bear in the shape of a nasty, connected mobster who appears to be gunning for them... And then there's what happened in Italy and the fallout from that... what more could possibly go wrong... Well, quite a bit as it happens but I am leaving you to discover that as the author intended! Not even Haze's bff and cop Jenny has the skills to get them out of this mess...
I love this series. I am becoming a bit of a fan of serial killers who operate within a morally grey area and who you kinda want to get behind but also know that doing so is a little bit wrong even though they only kill bad guys! I took to Haze and Fox right from the off in book one and that connection has only grown through this book. They are quite different people but their shared goal brings them closer although still remaining competitive. I especially liked that Fox was now going to therapy, which gives him a whole other layer, as well as the book a new character in his therapist. We also have the tyrant school mum and, of course, Barry the nosy neighbourhood watch guy! Oh and their daughter Bibi also gets her time to shine too!
And the humour is deliciously dark on occasion, side splitting funny in places too. Which helps the narrative roll on at quite the pace. Never a dull moment!
With secrets, lies and dysfunctional behaviour aplenty, the action escalates to a rather shocking but also satisfying ending which only makes me crave the next book all the more...
In the meantime, as well as this series, the author also has another featuring Alexis Taylor - both books already being on my tbr but again, after finishing this one, I'm determined to get to them soon.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So... we catch up to Fox and Haze(l) as their family has expanded further. Now with two children, they are still trying to balance home and work life - which is not easy when you consider they are serial killers. Albeit moral serial killers who only kill bad men. But then there's a botched kill, and an annoying school mum who appears to have it in for Haze, and then they seem to have poked a bear in the shape of a nasty, connected mobster who appears to be gunning for them... And then there's what happened in Italy and the fallout from that... what more could possibly go wrong... Well, quite a bit as it happens but I am leaving you to discover that as the author intended! Not even Haze's bff and cop Jenny has the skills to get them out of this mess...
I love this series. I am becoming a bit of a fan of serial killers who operate within a morally grey area and who you kinda want to get behind but also know that doing so is a little bit wrong even though they only kill bad guys! I took to Haze and Fox right from the off in book one and that connection has only grown through this book. They are quite different people but their shared goal brings them closer although still remaining competitive. I especially liked that Fox was now going to therapy, which gives him a whole other layer, as well as the book a new character in his therapist. We also have the tyrant school mum and, of course, Barry the nosy neighbourhood watch guy! Oh and their daughter Bibi also gets her time to shine too!
And the humour is deliciously dark on occasion, side splitting funny in places too. Which helps the narrative roll on at quite the pace. Never a dull moment!
With secrets, lies and dysfunctional behaviour aplenty, the action escalates to a rather shocking but also satisfying ending which only makes me crave the next book all the more...
In the meantime, as well as this series, the author also has another featuring Alexis Taylor - both books already being on my tbr but again, after finishing this one, I'm determined to get to them soon.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
June 19, 2026
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, because I loved ‘A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage’ and it did not disappoint! Another winning read from Asia Mackay.
Almost everyone, at some point, will face the ‘struggles’ - a midlife crisis when the signs of middle age come creeping in, trying your best to be a good parent, grumpy neighbours and ‘those’ parents at the school yard. Hazel and Fox can certainly relate. They, however, have a secret ‘hobby’ that brings about its own special issues. From where to hide a body, to avoiding suspicion and evading international assassins who are after them. They’ve managed to maintain a (somewhat) normal family life with their moonlight activities, that is until a case goes wrong and an international assassin is after them. Their secret life and their ‘everyday’ lives seem unable to remain separate - how can they keep everything from crashing down?
“We were a couple that shared everything. From home, to kids, to work–we were a team. We did bathtime together. And we killed together.”
I loved Fox in this instalment - whilst ‘performance issues’ are not uncommon as you get older, the ones he faces in this book are definitely not the norm. The hilarity of him going to therapy to work through his issues, yet being unable to explain exactly what they are and what’s causing them, was so good!
I also loved the fact we got to see more of Jenny and her inclusion into the group. I really like her friendship with Hazel and the way this was built upon from book one.
With an assassin seemingly aware of their every movements suspicion is cast around their small circle - could it be a nosy neighbour, one of the mean spirited mum’s from the school yard or someone even closer? With everything they’ve built on the line, they’ll stop at nothing to uncover the assassin’s secret identity and stop them for good.
For me, the standout aspect of this series and where it truly excels, is the hilarity of the author. Mackay writes such hilarious dialogue with her juxtaposition of dark humour and perfect wit with their serial killing activities. Wherein seemingly mundane activities are contrasted with their ‘extra curricular’ ones.
I really hope there’s more books to this series and I will eagerly await their release! Seriously, go read this.
ARC copy provided by Headline & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Almost everyone, at some point, will face the ‘struggles’ - a midlife crisis when the signs of middle age come creeping in, trying your best to be a good parent, grumpy neighbours and ‘those’ parents at the school yard. Hazel and Fox can certainly relate. They, however, have a secret ‘hobby’ that brings about its own special issues. From where to hide a body, to avoiding suspicion and evading international assassins who are after them. They’ve managed to maintain a (somewhat) normal family life with their moonlight activities, that is until a case goes wrong and an international assassin is after them. Their secret life and their ‘everyday’ lives seem unable to remain separate - how can they keep everything from crashing down?
“We were a couple that shared everything. From home, to kids, to work–we were a team. We did bathtime together. And we killed together.”
I loved Fox in this instalment - whilst ‘performance issues’ are not uncommon as you get older, the ones he faces in this book are definitely not the norm. The hilarity of him going to therapy to work through his issues, yet being unable to explain exactly what they are and what’s causing them, was so good!
I also loved the fact we got to see more of Jenny and her inclusion into the group. I really like her friendship with Hazel and the way this was built upon from book one.
With an assassin seemingly aware of their every movements suspicion is cast around their small circle - could it be a nosy neighbour, one of the mean spirited mum’s from the school yard or someone even closer? With everything they’ve built on the line, they’ll stop at nothing to uncover the assassin’s secret identity and stop them for good.
For me, the standout aspect of this series and where it truly excels, is the hilarity of the author. Mackay writes such hilarious dialogue with her juxtaposition of dark humour and perfect wit with their serial killing activities. Wherein seemingly mundane activities are contrasted with their ‘extra curricular’ ones.
I really hope there’s more books to this series and I will eagerly await their release! Seriously, go read this.
ARC copy provided by Headline & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hazel and Fox are back in this sequel to 'A Serial Killers Guide to Marriage.'
For those unfamiliar with the first book, Fox and Hazel are serial killers who only kill bad people. Rapists, drug dealers, murderers etc. They are now helped by Jenny, a Police officer who helps locate body dump sites, delete imcriminating CCTV footage and steer any investigate away from the married couple.
The duo are being stalked by 'The Chameleon.' A ruthless killer employed by an international crime syndicate to kill them both, who takes his time to tease the couple with postcards and text messages revealing he knows every detail of their previous murders.
Not the ideal time for Fox to have a crisis of confidence and lose his famous cool, calm ruthlessness, so he seeks help in the form of a therapist. Whilst Haze is trying to raise their two children and cope with the clique of the playground mums.
The book does have a lot going on and works because it doesn't take itself too seriously. Yes, there's a few murders but its always bad guys. I do like Fox and Hazels relationship but they do cover the same ground as the first book in keeping secrets seemingly for no other reason than to raise suspicion. A lesson they clearly haven't learned!
There are a few things that Mackay sets up during the story regarding who could be spying on them, who could be the Chameleon, why is a someone lying to them, and I felt too much time was spent teasing with little to no pay-off, with the reveals falling flat.
That said, I found the book to be fun, and did root for Fox and Haze throughout. I liked the chapters being from Hazels or Fox's point of view, with the occassional guest POV. The story is well written and Mackays writing style is very easy to read.
I do think you'd appreciate the book more if you have read 'A Serial Killers Guide to Marriage' but it can easily be read as a stand-alone.
I would like to convey my thanks to Netgalley and Headline, Wildfire Publishers for the chance to review this novel. All opinions are my own.
Not Like the Other Parents is due to be released on 2nd July 2026.
For those unfamiliar with the first book, Fox and Hazel are serial killers who only kill bad people. Rapists, drug dealers, murderers etc. They are now helped by Jenny, a Police officer who helps locate body dump sites, delete imcriminating CCTV footage and steer any investigate away from the married couple.
The duo are being stalked by 'The Chameleon.' A ruthless killer employed by an international crime syndicate to kill them both, who takes his time to tease the couple with postcards and text messages revealing he knows every detail of their previous murders.
Not the ideal time for Fox to have a crisis of confidence and lose his famous cool, calm ruthlessness, so he seeks help in the form of a therapist. Whilst Haze is trying to raise their two children and cope with the clique of the playground mums.
The book does have a lot going on and works because it doesn't take itself too seriously. Yes, there's a few murders but its always bad guys. I do like Fox and Hazels relationship but they do cover the same ground as the first book in keeping secrets seemingly for no other reason than to raise suspicion. A lesson they clearly haven't learned!
There are a few things that Mackay sets up during the story regarding who could be spying on them, who could be the Chameleon, why is a someone lying to them, and I felt too much time was spent teasing with little to no pay-off, with the reveals falling flat.
That said, I found the book to be fun, and did root for Fox and Haze throughout. I liked the chapters being from Hazels or Fox's point of view, with the occassional guest POV. The story is well written and Mackays writing style is very easy to read.
I do think you'd appreciate the book more if you have read 'A Serial Killers Guide to Marriage' but it can easily be read as a stand-alone.
I would like to convey my thanks to Netgalley and Headline, Wildfire Publishers for the chance to review this novel. All opinions are my own.
Not Like the Other Parents is due to be released on 2nd July 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Before they met, Haze and Fox had the same hobby – killing bad men! They dated, married, had a baby, Bibi, had another baby, but kept up the hobby. Which is tricky when your daily routine now revolves around the kids, Bibi has just started school, and the day job, Fox runs a very successful investment company. They are helped by their best (possibly only real) friend Jenny, a police detective with useful skills in surveillance and trail covering. Although they will kill potentially any bad man who comes to their attention, they have a moral code which means they are doing this as a service to humanity, not for personal reasons. It is, however, an expensive business so if the victim has intrinsic value, for example if his death or disappearance will have a negative effect on the share price of company, then Fox is in a position to sell the company short and make a profit. Now, due to a near catastrophic incident in Italy, they have attracted the attention of an international crime syndicate who have tasked a hit man, the Chameleon, with killing them. The same incident has also attracted the attention of a top Interpol agent who is investigating them as serial killers. And, of course, there are domestic problems – normal life must go on after all.
This is the third in a series, but works as a standalone since all relevant backstory is woven in. Despite the serial killers aspect, it is not really very violent, and the whole tone is light, even comedic. I might call it cosy, but for the whole serial killer business. The three main characters are well drawn and the story rolls on smoothly. It is not too difficult to work out the plot, although there was one reveal which I only spotted just before Haze did. Overall, an entertaining and enjoyable read, which doesn’t stretch the ‘willing suspension’ or the intellect.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is the third in a series, but works as a standalone since all relevant backstory is woven in. Despite the serial killers aspect, it is not really very violent, and the whole tone is light, even comedic. I might call it cosy, but for the whole serial killer business. The three main characters are well drawn and the story rolls on smoothly. It is not too difficult to work out the plot, although there was one reveal which I only spotted just before Haze did. Overall, an entertaining and enjoyable read, which doesn’t stretch the ‘willing suspension’ or the intellect.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
July 19, 2026
Haze and Fox are back better than before!
This time around they're working as a team, raising kids, the occasional therapy session and navigating the hierarchy of school mums whilst trying to avoid the attention of an international assassin known as The Chameleon.
I loved Fox and his foray into therapy, yoga pants and learning to play the guitar like he was just having an ordinary midlife crisis as opposed to treating trauma due to kidnapping and his life choices. The witty inner thoughts and monologues were hilariously funny and Haze was as relatable as always (minus the penchant for unaliving people. Obviously.)
The pacing was great, and throughout the entire book the secrets and little twists make absolutely everyone in Haze and Fox's lives seem like a suspect.
The one thing that I felt didn't really have it's place was the influencer trad-wife super mum that seemed to have zero real impact on the story overall and seemed to act as just a bit of filler to make parenting observations. Perhaps originally this book was going to go in a different direction and this was left in, I don't know. But, however unnecessary this part seemed it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book and was also humorous in the delectably dark way that Asia MacKay writes these characters.
I liked that we got some chapters from Jenny's point of view, and the contrast between characters was refreshing and added some light in the overall dark theme of the book.
I'd love to read more from Haze and Fox!
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This time around they're working as a team, raising kids, the occasional therapy session and navigating the hierarchy of school mums whilst trying to avoid the attention of an international assassin known as The Chameleon.
I loved Fox and his foray into therapy, yoga pants and learning to play the guitar like he was just having an ordinary midlife crisis as opposed to treating trauma due to kidnapping and his life choices. The witty inner thoughts and monologues were hilariously funny and Haze was as relatable as always (minus the penchant for unaliving people. Obviously.)
The pacing was great, and throughout the entire book the secrets and little twists make absolutely everyone in Haze and Fox's lives seem like a suspect.
The one thing that I felt didn't really have it's place was the influencer trad-wife super mum that seemed to have zero real impact on the story overall and seemed to act as just a bit of filler to make parenting observations. Perhaps originally this book was going to go in a different direction and this was left in, I don't know. But, however unnecessary this part seemed it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book and was also humorous in the delectably dark way that Asia MacKay writes these characters.
I liked that we got some chapters from Jenny's point of view, and the contrast between characters was refreshing and added some light in the overall dark theme of the book.
I'd love to read more from Haze and Fox!
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fox and Haze Cabot are back, and there's been a new addition to the family... four month old Reggie. Bibi is attending a local private school, and causing her own style of mayhem. Haze's friend Jenny is a valuable assistant to the couple as, being a police officer she can help to find the best places to dispose of a body, and work her magic with CCTV. As the title suggests, Fox and Haze are not like the other parents. Not when their hobby is murder. 🗡️🗡️
In this, the sequel to A Serial Killers Guide to Marriage, Fox seems to have temporarily lost his bloodlust. He's clearly suffering from PTSD following events in Italy. He's having therapy, and learning to play guitar. What he's not doing though, is pulling his weight around the house. The situation isn't helped by the fact that someone wants to kill the couple. Who is The Chameleon, who does he work for, and why do they want Fox and Haze dead? 🗡️🗡️
Once again the story is told from the POVs of Fox and Haze, with some input from Jenny. Plenty of background is provided to refresh memories of events in A Serial Killers Guide to Marriage. Indeed, thanks to this background, it's not necessary to have read the previous book. 🗡️🗡️
Not Like the Other Parents moves along at a steady pace. Although the black humour is still there, there is a more serious tone to the book. 🗡️🗡️
Despite the humour, and some unforgettable characters, I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as its predecessor. It's still worthy of 4 stars though. 🗡️🗡️
Thanks to Headline and Netgalley for the ARC.
In this, the sequel to A Serial Killers Guide to Marriage, Fox seems to have temporarily lost his bloodlust. He's clearly suffering from PTSD following events in Italy. He's having therapy, and learning to play guitar. What he's not doing though, is pulling his weight around the house. The situation isn't helped by the fact that someone wants to kill the couple. Who is The Chameleon, who does he work for, and why do they want Fox and Haze dead? 🗡️🗡️
Once again the story is told from the POVs of Fox and Haze, with some input from Jenny. Plenty of background is provided to refresh memories of events in A Serial Killers Guide to Marriage. Indeed, thanks to this background, it's not necessary to have read the previous book. 🗡️🗡️
Not Like the Other Parents moves along at a steady pace. Although the black humour is still there, there is a more serious tone to the book. 🗡️🗡️
Despite the humour, and some unforgettable characters, I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as its predecessor. It's still worthy of 4 stars though. 🗡️🗡️
Thanks to Headline and Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advanced copy from Netgalley
Fox and Hazel are a crime fighting duo, but whilst their motives are somewhat honourable, their methods aren't exactly legal... and it's hard to teach your kids right from wrong when the world is a mess and you kill people on the side.
This sequel to A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage creates a great juxtaposition of the mundane side of raising children and living family life, with the high octane chase of hunting down bad men, and it does it in a brilliantly fun and silly way. Not going so quite as far as sitcom, there are tense moments as the couple are trying to hide bodies/ weapons/ blood whilst discussing poonamis in a petrol station.
I preferred this to the first as the couple work through these challenges together; though that might be entirely personal as I find stories about tensions in relationships very stressful (something probably to bring up in therapy.) And that also removed the secondary concern I had about the first novel, which was that despite hearing directly from the narrators throughout, some vital plot points were missing. This was a fun read and I'd certainly continue the series if Asia Mackay writes more!
Recommended for any fans of Katy Brent, CJ Skuse, Oyinkan Braithwaite.
Thanks again to Headline and Netgalley for this ARC.
Fox and Hazel are a crime fighting duo, but whilst their motives are somewhat honourable, their methods aren't exactly legal... and it's hard to teach your kids right from wrong when the world is a mess and you kill people on the side.
This sequel to A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage creates a great juxtaposition of the mundane side of raising children and living family life, with the high octane chase of hunting down bad men, and it does it in a brilliantly fun and silly way. Not going so quite as far as sitcom, there are tense moments as the couple are trying to hide bodies/ weapons/ blood whilst discussing poonamis in a petrol station.
I preferred this to the first as the couple work through these challenges together; though that might be entirely personal as I find stories about tensions in relationships very stressful (something probably to bring up in therapy.) And that also removed the secondary concern I had about the first novel, which was that despite hearing directly from the narrators throughout, some vital plot points were missing. This was a fun read and I'd certainly continue the series if Asia Mackay writes more!
Recommended for any fans of Katy Brent, CJ Skuse, Oyinkan Braithwaite.
Thanks again to Headline and Netgalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Once again we meet Fox and Haze, a happily married couple, financially secure with two children, who have an unusual hobby: serial killing. Before they had their children they toured Europe, ending the lives of bad men. Only killing those who caused torment to others. As their family arrived they moved to England and tried to live a normal life but they always had an itch they needed to scratch. However, in this book they were recovering from a kill that didn’t go well that led to Fox needing therapy and Haze was coping with a young baby who didn’t sleep. They needed to get back on track with their marriage. Circumstances conspired against them and however they tried to be normal, death seemed to follow them. Paranoia became an everyday occurrence as they felt they were being watched and others were out to kill them. As the story developed and they felt they were on to those who wanted to cause them harm, unexpected developments changed the course of the book and they found it impossible to trust anyone but each other. Although a serious subject, this book is written in a lighthearted way that has the reader rooting for Fox and Haze and maybe there will be another in this series. Unless they’re dead, of course.
July 13, 2026
I read book one - A Serial Killer's Guide to a Successful Marriage in preparation for this book.
I think I enjoyed this one a little more. After getting over the ending of the previous book and seeing how the dynamic worked, in this book I was a little more converted.
Also, the team work and communication between Fox and Hazel this time round was quite endearing and it gave their characters a different dimension for me. I found myself actively rooting for them this time as they felt a bit more real.
What did bug me a little was that it felt quite repetetive at times, rehashing things from book one and thought processes at times seemed to go in circles. This may be a me problem as I read the books back to back but I can appreciate this was done to allow for reading as a standalone. I personally would advise to read as part of the series.
Although still quite domestic the pace was a little quicker and the action felt more forthcoming. There was a lot of misdirection and red herrings througout and I didn't guess the ending so that's always a win!
This was a good book and I would recommend.
Thank you to Asia Mackay and Headline for this advanced complimentary copy via Netgalley. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.
I think I enjoyed this one a little more. After getting over the ending of the previous book and seeing how the dynamic worked, in this book I was a little more converted.
Also, the team work and communication between Fox and Hazel this time round was quite endearing and it gave their characters a different dimension for me. I found myself actively rooting for them this time as they felt a bit more real.
What did bug me a little was that it felt quite repetetive at times, rehashing things from book one and thought processes at times seemed to go in circles. This may be a me problem as I read the books back to back but I can appreciate this was done to allow for reading as a standalone. I personally would advise to read as part of the series.
Although still quite domestic the pace was a little quicker and the action felt more forthcoming. There was a lot of misdirection and red herrings througout and I didn't guess the ending so that's always a win!
This was a good book and I would recommend.
Thank you to Asia Mackay and Headline for this advanced complimentary copy via Netgalley. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.
July 16, 2026
So this book is the sequel to A Serial Killer's Guide To Marriage. You could probably try and figure out what is going on based off the snippets of information about Haze and Fox's history but this is very much one where it is a sequel and you should read the first to not end up confused. That being said, if you have read the first but not in a while, those snippets were great at jogging the memory and it was easy to pick up.
This book has a bit of a time jump from the previous which is nice, it feels like both of them are more adult and have more pressing concerns but at the heart of it their character still remains true.
I loved the mystery aspect and getting to try and figure out exactly what went on. Some I had guessed at and others I didn't see coming which made the reveal more fun when it was multilayered.
The pacing is generally good throughout and majority of details are sorted. I have just one loose end I really wished had been resolved but overall had no major impact on the plot so it didn't detract too much.
Overall, this was a brilliant sequel. I loved getting to see another side of the characters as they developed and was great fun to read.
Favourite Quote - ‘This is exactly why we should never bring a baby to dump a body!’
Favourite Character - BiBi
This book has a bit of a time jump from the previous which is nice, it feels like both of them are more adult and have more pressing concerns but at the heart of it their character still remains true.
I loved the mystery aspect and getting to try and figure out exactly what went on. Some I had guessed at and others I didn't see coming which made the reveal more fun when it was multilayered.
The pacing is generally good throughout and majority of details are sorted. I have just one loose end I really wished had been resolved but overall had no major impact on the plot so it didn't detract too much.
Overall, this was a brilliant sequel. I loved getting to see another side of the characters as they developed and was great fun to read.
Favourite Quote - ‘This is exactly why we should never bring a baby to dump a body!’
Favourite Character - BiBi
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Haze and Fox really are not like the other parents at the school gates. While trying to juggle family life and work, they also have a side hustle, eliminating sexual predators. Unfortunately, it looks like they are now being hunted themselves.
Readers were introduced to the serial killing duo Haze and Fox last year in The Serial Killer's Guide To Marriage. I really enjoyed the satirical take on suburban life, so I was really pleased to see a return with Not Like The Other Parents by Asia Mackay.
The story has moved on a couple of years, and the couple now have two children, four-year-old Bibi and four-month old Reggie. Haze is coping better with the suburban lifestyle than she was in the first book, mainly due to her friend Jenny. This time around, it's Fox who's struggling. There are references to an incident the year before, which has really dented his confidence.
From the opening pages, the tone is set. I just loved the idea of a pair of serial killers driving around in a minivan containing a dead body, while simultaneously trying to deal with the poonami of a four-month-old. This style continues throughout as the couple tries to deal with the playground mafia, accidentally killing people, and preventing an inquisitive four-year-old from eavesdropping.
The situation isn't helped by the shadowy Corporation putting a target on their backs and sending in The Chameleon, Europe's most successful hitman, to kill them. It is the completely wrong time for Fox to have a breakdown. The dark humour continues with Fox practicing yoga and seeking therapy, although trying to talk to a therapist without telling the whole truth proves difficult.
A variety of subplots keep the pace flowing, and the reader on their toes, as you never quite know where danger is lurking, particularly with The Corporation having such a wide reach. Everything builds to the climactic showdown, which many readers will probably have guessed at. I do hope we see more of our serial killer couple in the future.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
Readers were introduced to the serial killing duo Haze and Fox last year in The Serial Killer's Guide To Marriage. I really enjoyed the satirical take on suburban life, so I was really pleased to see a return with Not Like The Other Parents by Asia Mackay.
The story has moved on a couple of years, and the couple now have two children, four-year-old Bibi and four-month old Reggie. Haze is coping better with the suburban lifestyle than she was in the first book, mainly due to her friend Jenny. This time around, it's Fox who's struggling. There are references to an incident the year before, which has really dented his confidence.
From the opening pages, the tone is set. I just loved the idea of a pair of serial killers driving around in a minivan containing a dead body, while simultaneously trying to deal with the poonami of a four-month-old. This style continues throughout as the couple tries to deal with the playground mafia, accidentally killing people, and preventing an inquisitive four-year-old from eavesdropping.
The situation isn't helped by the shadowy Corporation putting a target on their backs and sending in The Chameleon, Europe's most successful hitman, to kill them. It is the completely wrong time for Fox to have a breakdown. The dark humour continues with Fox practicing yoga and seeking therapy, although trying to talk to a therapist without telling the whole truth proves difficult.
A variety of subplots keep the pace flowing, and the reader on their toes, as you never quite know where danger is lurking, particularly with The Corporation having such a wide reach. Everything builds to the climactic showdown, which many readers will probably have guessed at. I do hope we see more of our serial killer couple in the future.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
June 19, 2026
Fabulous to be back with Haze and Fox as they juggle their lives as serial killers with parenting four year old (going on 20) Bibi and baby Reggie.
Writing a follow up to "A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage" was never going to be an easy gig, but Asia Mackay smashed it out of the park. I loved how Haze is so brutally and brilliantly honest in her view of parenting, while parenting blogger, Bells Brightley, on the other hand, can just do one!
Haze and Fox have inadvertently got themselves involved with some big players and things are going from bad to worse as they try to protect their children from the horrors going on around them, with sometimes hilarious results, while endeavouring to find out who wants them dead.
A little darker than book one, with a touch less humour as the seriousness of trying not to fuck up their kids hits home. A brilliant read!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Asia Mackay and Headline for an ARC of this book.
Writing a follow up to "A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage" was never going to be an easy gig, but Asia Mackay smashed it out of the park. I loved how Haze is so brutally and brilliantly honest in her view of parenting, while parenting blogger, Bells Brightley, on the other hand, can just do one!
Haze and Fox have inadvertently got themselves involved with some big players and things are going from bad to worse as they try to protect their children from the horrors going on around them, with sometimes hilarious results, while endeavouring to find out who wants them dead.
A little darker than book one, with a touch less humour as the seriousness of trying not to fuck up their kids hits home. A brilliant read!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Asia Mackay and Headline for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fox and Hazel have a normal life with their two kids. Apart from wanting to kill bad men. With both having to deal with their own issues, they soon find they have to come together fast when they accidentally draw a gangster to their door. And now they have to put up a fight to help save their family.
This is the second book in this series and having read the first and finding it a fun read, I wanted to read the next instalment. This continued in a similar style, being another light hearted thriller with dark humour and could easily be read as a standalone. Even though this was another enjoyable read, I found that I didn’t connect to it as much as the first, feeling that it didn’t flow as well and was a bit repetitive, especially when it came to their domestic issues, which felt slow going. Even so, this was another well written story overall and great for those looking for an easy, character driven, quirky mystery. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This is the second book in this series and having read the first and finding it a fun read, I wanted to read the next instalment. This continued in a similar style, being another light hearted thriller with dark humour and could easily be read as a standalone. Even though this was another enjoyable read, I found that I didn’t connect to it as much as the first, feeling that it didn’t flow as well and was a bit repetitive, especially when it came to their domestic issues, which felt slow going. Even so, this was another well written story overall and great for those looking for an easy, character driven, quirky mystery. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 stars
I really enjoyed the Haze and Fox relationship in Asia Mackay’s A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage so was excited to read her second book in what I hope will become a series, Not Like Other Parents. Haze and Fox have settled in Berkshire with their 4 year old daughter and newborn son but they aren’t the run of the mill suburban parents, they are also killers. This book opens with them disposing of their latest victim while dealing with a poonami. The humour and dialogue is perfectly timed and the story evolves with great pace and intrigue. There is pathos and emotional soul searching together with the unfiltered reality of parenthood and juggling a career - even if that career involves disposal of bad people. This is one of my top ten books of 2026. Ms Mackay please write more quickly, I’m becoming addicted.
I really enjoyed the Haze and Fox relationship in Asia Mackay’s A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage so was excited to read her second book in what I hope will become a series, Not Like Other Parents. Haze and Fox have settled in Berkshire with their 4 year old daughter and newborn son but they aren’t the run of the mill suburban parents, they are also killers. This book opens with them disposing of their latest victim while dealing with a poonami. The humour and dialogue is perfectly timed and the story evolves with great pace and intrigue. There is pathos and emotional soul searching together with the unfiltered reality of parenthood and juggling a career - even if that career involves disposal of bad people. This is one of my top ten books of 2026. Ms Mackay please write more quickly, I’m becoming addicted.
July 1, 2026
This had such an interesting and fun premise, but it just fell a bit flat for me.
The story was basically about Fox and Hazel being terrible at their extracurricular job of murder and equally terrible at communicating with each other. There were definitely some entertaining moments, and it was an easy, fast read, but I never felt fully invested.
Some of the plot twists also felt like they were thrown in just to wrap everything up neatly. Instead of feeling surprising, they came across as a little forced, which made the ending feel less satisfying.
Overall, it was a fun enough read with plenty of dark humour, but I don’t think it quite lived up to the potential of its brilliant concept.
Thank you to Headline Books for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to read it early.
The story was basically about Fox and Hazel being terrible at their extracurricular job of murder and equally terrible at communicating with each other. There were definitely some entertaining moments, and it was an easy, fast read, but I never felt fully invested.
Some of the plot twists also felt like they were thrown in just to wrap everything up neatly. Instead of feeling surprising, they came across as a little forced, which made the ending feel less satisfying.
Overall, it was a fun enough read with plenty of dark humour, but I don’t think it quite lived up to the potential of its brilliant concept.
Thank you to Headline Books for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to read it early.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Wildfire for this arc.
Unfortunately this didn't really work for me. I went in expecting something funny and either fast paced or action filled like Mr and Mrs Smith and this wasn't really that. It was much slower more planning and speculative which I really struggled to get into a rhythm with. I think I might have had more luck and enjoyment with this as an audiobook instead.
There was a lot of focus around them being parents and the difficulties they have with raising their children all while this overarching plot of the Chameleon was going on around them.
If you don't mind a bit of a slower read then definitely give this a go, it just wasn't the right book for me.
Unfortunately this didn't really work for me. I went in expecting something funny and either fast paced or action filled like Mr and Mrs Smith and this wasn't really that. It was much slower more planning and speculative which I really struggled to get into a rhythm with. I think I might have had more luck and enjoyment with this as an audiobook instead.
There was a lot of focus around them being parents and the difficulties they have with raising their children all while this overarching plot of the Chameleon was going on around them.
If you don't mind a bit of a slower read then definitely give this a go, it just wasn't the right book for me.
May 14, 2026
The sequel to A Serial Killer’s Guide to Murder, Not Like the Other Parents follows Haze and Fox once again as they get to grips with becoming older, expanding their family and understanding how to fit their passions into the new family unit.
And when I say ‘their passions’ I mean ridding the world of bad men, for good. This book continues the premise of the first one, and expands on the characters you met there, without rehashing the same ideas - very cleverly executed and with a few twists along the way.
I enjoyed reading this just as much as I did the first book, and it was nice to be back in Haze and Fox’s world again.
Thank you to Headline Books for this ARC via NetGalley. This book will be released on 2nd July 2026.
And when I say ‘their passions’ I mean ridding the world of bad men, for good. This book continues the premise of the first one, and expands on the characters you met there, without rehashing the same ideas - very cleverly executed and with a few twists along the way.
I enjoyed reading this just as much as I did the first book, and it was nice to be back in Haze and Fox’s world again.
Thank you to Headline Books for this ARC via NetGalley. This book will be released on 2nd July 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Headline | Wildfire and NetGalley for this ARC.
This was such a cool read - witty, funny, and full of sharp comedic moments.
I really enjoyed Haze and Fox, especially watching Haze navigate the beautiful chaos of kids, school, work, and their rather unusual side business.
It was entertaining, clever, and such an easy book to fly through. A genuinely fun read that kept me smiling throughout.
The story has such a great pace, with plenty of humour but also enough heart to make you really care about the characters. I loved how the book balances everyday parenting chaos with the more outrageous parts of the plot. It felt fresh, fun, and just a little bit mad - in the best possible way.
4.5 stars
This was such a cool read - witty, funny, and full of sharp comedic moments.
I really enjoyed Haze and Fox, especially watching Haze navigate the beautiful chaos of kids, school, work, and their rather unusual side business.
It was entertaining, clever, and such an easy book to fly through. A genuinely fun read that kept me smiling throughout.
The story has such a great pace, with plenty of humour but also enough heart to make you really care about the characters. I loved how the book balances everyday parenting chaos with the more outrageous parts of the plot. It felt fresh, fun, and just a little bit mad - in the best possible way.
4.5 stars
July 8, 2026
Not Like The Other Parents by Asia Mackay is absolutely brilliant!! It’s got absolutely funny moments mixed in with quite serious issues.
This is the final book in the story of Haze and Fox the serial killers, who now have two young children and are trying to act and live like a suburban family, whilst murdering people that are bad and deserve it. This is following their attack in Europe, which has messed with both their heads.
Fox is seeing a therapist, but he can’t actually tell her the truth about his occupation. Meanwhile, Haze is carrying the weight of their young family under extreme stress, and finds that they are being sent postcards from their stalker. Clearly wanting to meet up with them, he sends cryptic messages.
Jenny, their ex policewoman friend helps out as much as she can here and there, and gives them information as she can.
Eventually this all comes to a head and all is revealed!!
I really enjoyed reading this story, and so will you!
Many thanks to Headline for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #HeadlineBooks, #Asia.Mackay.
This is the final book in the story of Haze and Fox the serial killers, who now have two young children and are trying to act and live like a suburban family, whilst murdering people that are bad and deserve it. This is following their attack in Europe, which has messed with both their heads.
Fox is seeing a therapist, but he can’t actually tell her the truth about his occupation. Meanwhile, Haze is carrying the weight of their young family under extreme stress, and finds that they are being sent postcards from their stalker. Clearly wanting to meet up with them, he sends cryptic messages.
Jenny, their ex policewoman friend helps out as much as she can here and there, and gives them information as she can.
Eventually this all comes to a head and all is revealed!!
I really enjoyed reading this story, and so will you!
Many thanks to Headline for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #HeadlineBooks, #Asia.Mackay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2026
I really enjoyed Asia Mackay’s previous book; A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage, and was very much looking forward to seeing how Fox and Haze were going to manage balancing parenting alongside taking down bad people. It turns out it’s a tricky balancing act, even with the help of a best friend in the police, and the book finds our couple up against a formidable foe, working for the Corporation, who would quite like them to cease to exist.
Missing their daughter’s ballet class to make sure a dead body is not discovered, trying to work out if her very toned teacher is a plant, and managing the PTA woes while trying to work out who is after them are just some of the challenging moments in this darkly comic read.
Very enjoyable.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
Missing their daughter’s ballet class to make sure a dead body is not discovered, trying to work out if her very toned teacher is a plant, and managing the PTA woes while trying to work out who is after them are just some of the challenging moments in this darkly comic read.
Very enjoyable.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
July 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
1/5 🌶️
ARC Review
This was a tense and exciting read and a good sequel.
I liked the continued character building for Haze & Fox plus their new dynamic with Jenny. I especially enjoyed the mental health exposure and the critique of life as a new parent.
Once I realised I hadn’t forgotten what happened in Italy from the last book, everything was really gripping. Like with the first book, the plot keeps you guessing and it was intriguing.
I did manage to guess the biggest plot twist, but there were smaller elements I didn’t see coming.
Themes/Tropes:
Thriller, Found Family, Emotional Scars, Morally Grey, Kidnapping, Stalker, Mental Health Rep & Multi POV.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1/5 🌶️
ARC Review
This was a tense and exciting read and a good sequel.
I liked the continued character building for Haze & Fox plus their new dynamic with Jenny. I especially enjoyed the mental health exposure and the critique of life as a new parent.
Once I realised I hadn’t forgotten what happened in Italy from the last book, everything was really gripping. Like with the first book, the plot keeps you guessing and it was intriguing.
I did manage to guess the biggest plot twist, but there were smaller elements I didn’t see coming.
Themes/Tropes:
Thriller, Found Family, Emotional Scars, Morally Grey, Kidnapping, Stalker, Mental Health Rep & Multi POV.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley for my arc!
This is a sequel and I very much enjoyed being back in Haze and Fox's world.
Is the plot a bit far fetched. Yes. Do you have to suspend belief a little. Yes. Is it a fun jaunt through the lives of suburban serial killers' lives? Also yes!
If you enjoyed the first, you'll enjoy being back and seeing how Jenny and the dastardly duo are navigating ridding the world of bad men whilst also being hunted by some bad men!
It's fun and a little but silly with some serious moments around relationships and mental health.
A good read that didn't require too much concentration. Perfect for a Sunday.
This is a sequel and I very much enjoyed being back in Haze and Fox's world.
Is the plot a bit far fetched. Yes. Do you have to suspend belief a little. Yes. Is it a fun jaunt through the lives of suburban serial killers' lives? Also yes!
If you enjoyed the first, you'll enjoy being back and seeing how Jenny and the dastardly duo are navigating ridding the world of bad men whilst also being hunted by some bad men!
It's fun and a little but silly with some serious moments around relationships and mental health.
A good read that didn't require too much concentration. Perfect for a Sunday.
Read
June 18, 2026Having loved this authors previous books, I was happy to read this one. Again we meet Hazel & Fox, serial killers with a conscience as they only target “bad men”. However they now have two young children and have become, inadvertently come to the attention of a European criminal firm.
Again, as with her other books, a little far fetched but would be fantastic if we had people who were prepared to take out bad men. The author’s observations on parenthood are, in my honest opinion, spot on and there are a lot of laugh out loud moments. I enjoyed this from first to last page and will look forward to the next instalment
Again, as with her other books, a little far fetched but would be fantastic if we had people who were prepared to take out bad men. The author’s observations on parenthood are, in my honest opinion, spot on and there are a lot of laugh out loud moments. I enjoyed this from first to last page and will look forward to the next instalment
July 6, 2026
I was so excited to find out that my favorite serial killer couple is back! Not Like The Other Parents brings Haze and Fox right back into action. While this can easily be read as a standalone, returning fans will love seeing them again. As usual, they are wonderfully messy and endlessly entertaining, executing bad men while somehow still upholding their own unique moral compass.
This time, however, the stakes are even higher. They’ve caught the attention of an elusive hitman called The Chameleon, who has put a target on their backs on behalf of an international crime syndicate.
A fantastic, high-stakes ride!
This time, however, the stakes are even higher. They’ve caught the attention of an elusive hitman called The Chameleon, who has put a target on their backs on behalf of an international crime syndicate.
A fantastic, high-stakes ride!
April 21, 2026
Haze and Fox my favourite couple since Butcher and Blackbird! This book continues their relationship and growth as a couple, while being serial killers with two young children, living the suburban life. Lots of drama and mishaps a plenty. Very likeable characters, loved seeing Haze trying to fit in/compete with the other mums. Meanwhile Fox suffering with anxiety and stage fright! There’s a threat after them and things aren’t exactly what they seem…So funny and entertaining, though maybe should work on their communication skills!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What does domestic life look like for two (semi/selectively) retired vigilantes who face the ultimate challenge: raising good children in suburban safety? Because really, when a mobster arrives on your doorstep, suburbia justifiably doesn't seem quite as safe...
An entertaining and humorous piece of escapist story telling, this easily earns 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
An entertaining and humorous piece of escapist story telling, this easily earns 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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