Memoirs of a Serial Killer: A Confession from Inside a Twisted Mind

by Dan Uselton

From the author of Chloroform Wars — Runner-Up, Paris Book Festival 2025

A psychological thriller told from the mind of a serial killer.

What happens when the hunter becomes the hunted—and the mask slips for good?

Tom Clanblaze is an expert at pretending. By day, he’s a devoted husband, an ordinary father, an invisible government IT tech. But behind the calm exterior, he is something far more dangerous—a man who’s spent years locking away his darkest compulsions, keeping every impulse controlled.

Until the violence turns inward.
Until his own family bleeds.

Now, Tom’s world fractures. His boundaries dissolve. Obsession and paranoia spiral out of control, and the voice in his head—the one he thought he’d silenced—demands justice, no matter the cost. Hiding is no longer enough. Someone must pay.

As Tom pursues vengeance, the line between protector and predator vanishes. His daughter grows wary. His wife senses danger. The innocent become suspects. And every page brings you closer to the truth he desperately wants to Tom is both monster and man.

With unnerving intimacy and relentless tension, Memoirs of a Serial Killer drags readers into the mind of a predator hiding in plain sight—a mind unraveling as the walls close in.

This isn’t a search for redemption.
This is a confession.
And the monster is finally speaking.

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2025

About the author

About the Author

Dan Uselton writes fiction that doesn’t flinch from hard questions about power, control, and the cost of freedom. His novel Chloroform Wars was a Runner-Up (Wild Card) at the Paris Book Festival.

From televised dystopian game shows to time-bent romances and shadowed killers, his stories challenge authority, unmask spectacle, and ask what it really takes to resist.

Working across dystopian, psychological thriller, and speculative fiction, Dan builds dark, immersive worlds where ordinary people face impossible choices: obey, rebel, or survive. His latest trilogy—Chloroform Wars, My Twelve-Year-Old Wife: A Time-Travel Saga, and Memoirs of a Serial Killer—drops readers into harsh futures, twisted realities, and morally gray shadows.

When he’s not writing, Dan is probably buried in a library stack or fueling new worlds with too much coffee. He lives in Oregon.

Reviews

[John Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inside a sick mind!

Tom was, to the outside world at least, a happily married husband and father. Unseen by the world outside this same Tom was also a serial killer and rapist.

However, this predatory creature was about to transform from hunter to hunted, as his carefully constructed home and family life is torn asunder.

This dark and twisted story was told through various points of view, predator, victim, family members and associates.

It was a difficult read, with numerous trigger warnings and not a story I would care to return to.

[Jessica Jesinghaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inside the mind of a killer

I always love reading books that take place in my home state of Oregon... especially twisted tales like this one! Memoirs of a Serial Killer is a fast & disturbing read. Not only are we given a front row seat for Tom's particular brand of crazy (he's a serial killer / rapist) but the story also touches on sexual assault from the survivor's perspective (those with triggers, be aware). Tom's reaction to learning someone in his inner circle is a SA survivor was raw & real, something even us law-abiding, non-murderous normies can understand.

Tom is hiding a monumental secret. Behind his cookie-cutter suburban life and his government IT job hides a sick and twisted man. But he's not the only one keeping secrets. His wife, Molly, has skeletons too. Hers hides a few hundred miles north along the I-5, while Tom's are buried at the end of a disused logging road.

My favorite chapters were the ones giving us a glimpse inside Tom's head at his twisted logic & hungers. We're also given chapters from the POV of Tom's wife, a neighbor & potential victim (Ratchel), another predator whose presence looms large in Tom & Molly's marriage, and others. Each had their own unique voice and tone.

The story's timeline got a little off track in places (it's spring break, but Tom's daughter heads off to school? A USB drive is misplaced in the book's early pages but contains surveillance images of a person Tom doesn't yet know exists). Additionally there were a few formatting issues (dialogue without quotation marks, quotes around narrative non-dialogue, and some missing paragraph breaks) which I did not count against the book's star rating. If you're willing to give these few warbles a little grace, you're left with a great, dark (very dark) story.

[Foxglove · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel quite bad giving this book the rating that I have, given what everyone else seems to think, but the one thing I always promise to be in my reviews is 100% honest. To be fair, there are some interesting elements here (as you can tell by the rating). Whilst the title of the book is somewhat misleading due to the multitude of different perspectives, the plot never suffers from being boring. It’s easy to follow, though not very thrilling or suspenseful. It’s really a shame because there’s a good idea behind this all, and I really think it could have been developed into something much more appropriate to the genre it belongs to. The blurb definitely makes things seem a lot more intense than they actually are.

The characterisation is very hit or miss. Tom seems poorly developed at times, with not a lot of depth to him. There are a few genuinely good scenes throughout the book that do add to his character somewhat, but they aren’t as fleshed out as they should be. Ultimately, Tom comes across as quite stereotypical and doesn’t really add much to the abundance of serial killers in fiction. He doesn’t stand out to me, which is a major letdown, despite a few strong moments. His dialogue is also somewhat inconsistent. The other characters are mostly forgettable, with no real hook to keep me invested in them. Any twists fell flat for that reason.

The writing style is what irritated me most, in all honestly. On the surface, it might look polished. It’s far from that. As you read, you realise how awkward the sentences are. There’s a strong issue with flow, which is also a contributing factor to the lack of real suspense. Some word choices are very odd, with adjectives in the same sentence that contradict each other, and some words that just didn’t feel right for whatever reason. There are a few strange choices when it comes to grammar, and there’s an overall unclear pacing and order of events that keeps the book from becoming more than surface level.

Overall, it’s a shame I didn’t enjoy this book because I was looking forward to it. Don’t let this review discourage you, though. As you can see, I’m in the minority.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PlotTwist&Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s talk about Memoirs of a Serial Killer by Dan Uselton—a psychological horror so twisted it should come with a therapist’s number on the back cover. Our villain? Tom Clanblaze. The kind of guy who fixes computers by day and stalks joggers by night. He’s not just unhinged—he’s professionally unwell. This isn’t your average murder mystery. It’s a raw, up-close exploration of a deeply disturbed mind wrapped in khakis and PTA meetings.

Uselton’s writing? Quietly terrifying. He doesn’t scream at you—he whispers dark things while stroking the back of your neck. Every chapter escalates the dread. There’s no safety net. And the way the plot weaves between Tom’s perfectly crafted public persona and his predatory urges is chef’s kiss horrifying.

But this isn’t just gore for gore’s sake. It’s about control, power, and how easy it is to miss the monster behind the smile. Molly, his wife, and the other POVs add a human ache to the horror. You feel their confusion, terror, and trauma unfolding like a car crash in slow motion.

Is it disturbing? Oh yeah. Unsettling? Absolutely. But it’s also incredible. For fans of You, Mindhunter, or American Psycho, this book delivers that same skin-crawling, page-turning thrill. Final thoughts? Lock your doors, question your neighbors, and brace yourself for a story that lingers long after you close the book.

[Horror Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serial killers are a fairly common trope in the horror genre and with good reason. I think it's because there are actual monsters in our real world and their exploits are gruesomely laid bare in the news. I horror fiction, real world horrors hit close to home and there's not a need to suspend our disbelief. They are very real.

In this novel, we'll get up close and personal with such a man. Tom's life is about as average as it comes. He's an IT specialist, has a wife and teenage daughter, and lives outwardly like any other average guy.

His OTHER self, however, is anything but mundane. In bone chilling detail near the beginning of this book, we'll read about his alternative life. How he picks victims who are strong just so he can gain satisfaction when he breaks them. We'll read about this along with the trophies he takes each time and his feelings about these things are laid bare. It's like watching a true crime documentary unfold on the page.

Tom's wife, Molly, has a secret of her own. She was abducted as a teen and spent a week in a dirty motel room as her captor violently assaulted her. She's never told Tom this story though, attempting to keep those memories at bay.

But the past has a way of coming back in the most horrific ways. One day their daughter is sexually assaulted in a dressing room. When Tom finds out, he makes it his mission to track the guy down and deal with him in his own predatory manner. And then his wife tells him her story and these elements are all going to come together in a viscious, brutal, and disturbing way.

There is no sympathy for Tom. Yes, he's trying to get his brand of justice for those who have hurt his family but his sins are far too psychopathic to be seen in a good light.

This novel is chilling in its detail and has a fast paced narrative which will end in a twisted game that won't leave any character unscathed. I highly recommend it.

I received an ARC of this book through Reedsy. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.

[Sotto Voce · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a few unexpected twists and turns in this book, which I appreciate. The story is not one-dimensional, and the main characters are fleshed out enough. I am a fan of true crime, and it's not a rare occasion when the murderer is someone who integrates well in society and unsuspicious. They can come across as the most normal through adaptation and mimicry. This is what this book attempts to do by showing the two sides of Tom, the main character. We follow his ordinary life as a family man while reminiscing about his victims, almost all (planned) are told through flashbacks.

It's good that it doesn't become predictable because we are introduced to other characters and follow them along as well when their stories intertwine. While the time jump can raise questions during reading, there are enough explanations and clarifications about what happens, some are told later in the book, some are revealed right away, which makes this a fast-paced and intriguing read as readers are taken in another direction while they expect a more predictable path.

Some scenes feel a bit clunky and repetitive, for example, Ratchel's obsession with the A-s in the beginning is dragged too long without too many pay-offs. While I understand the purpose of making her actions and persistence believable, it could also work in the opposite, making the character a bit unrealistic in the later part. While these scenes don't disturb the overall flow, there were times when I thought, 'didn't I just read this in different permutations.'

The level of violence and sex is not excessive, in my opinion, they serve well within the stories. The author did a good job in making chilling characters and situations they are in, and also handling the changing of POV well.

I'm not sure whether this should be called a memoir, because I certainly expected a different style that comes with it. If you are a fan of Thriller, Crime, Suspense, this is an intriguing read.

[SpiderMam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This disturbing psychological thriller proved to be a compelling, quick read. The story follows a sadistic serial killer who seamlessly embeds himself into suburban life with a wife, daughter, and inconspicuous job that provides the perfect cover for his crimes. He preys on women, brutally assaulting and murdering them before staging their bodies in gruesome displays for authorities and loved ones to discover.

Reading from the killer's perspective was deeply unsettling and often left me feeling queasy, but the author masterfully captured this character's psychological sickness while demonstrating how easily psychopaths can masquerade as normal members of society. However, the narrative also reveals that those closest to such individuals—family and friends—instinctively sense something is wrong, even when they cannot articulate their unease. Things simply don't add up.

The book's climactic scene was particularly gripping, keeping me on edge as three women banded together to take down their abuser and nearly capture the serial killer. This ending suggests the possibility of a sequel focusing on the killer's eventual capture and a victim's journey toward justice. One minor disappointment was the absence of the killer's chosen moniker, which I expected would be revealed.

While I found the timeline occasionally confusing and had to reread certain passages for clarity, the book remained highly engaging overall. Despite its disturbing content, the novel succeeds through its excellent writing, compelling narrative, and surprising readability. I rate this psychological thriller four stars for its effective execution of difficult material.

[Delphine Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoirs of a Serial Killer is one of those rare psychological thrillers that completely pulls you into the darkness of the human mind and refuses to let go. From the very first page, I was hooked by the quiet tension surrounding Tom Clanblaze. He’s not your typical “villain”; he’s complex, unsettlingly human, and disturbingly relatable. The way the author balances his double life a loving family man by day and something far more dangerous beneath was both fascinating and terrifying.

What really stood out to me was how intimate and raw the storytelling felt. It’s written almost like a confession, and you can feel Tom’s control slipping little by little. The pacing is phenomenal slow enough to build dread, but sharp enough that every chapter hits hard. There were moments I literally had to pause and take a breath. The psychological depth is incredible; you’re not just reading about a killer, you’re inside his mind, hearing his thoughts, understanding his justifications, and feeling his descent.

The author does a brilliant job blurring the line between good and evil, sanity and madness, love and obsession. It’s haunting, tragic, and thought-provoking all at once. By the end, I was both unsettled and amazed at how deeply the story had gotten under my skin.

If you enjoy dark psychological thrillers like You or American Psycho, but with a far more emotional and introspective edge, this book is a must-read. It’s intense, beautifully written, and unforgettable.

Truly deserving of 5 stars. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.

[Penny Sansevieri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoirs of a Serial Killer is an unsettling, deeply psychological thriller that leans hard into tension and inner conflict rather than shock value alone.

The story follows Tom Clanblaze, a man living a carefully constructed double life, devoted family man on the surface, something far darker beneath. What makes this book compelling isn’t just the premise, but how closely the reader is pulled into Tom’s fractured mindset. As control slips and paranoia takes over, the narrative becomes increasingly intense and claustrophobic.

The author excels at portraying obsession, guilt, and moral decay. The internal voice Tom struggles with feels disturbingly real, and the slow unraveling of his relationships, especially with his wife and daughter, adds emotional weight to the suspense. The tension comes less from sudden twists and more from the constant sense that something is about to break.

This is not a redemption story, and readers looking for likable protagonists may struggle at times. The pacing is deliberate, and the focus on psychological descent may feel heavy for some. However, fans of dark thrillers who enjoy character-driven narratives and unreliable perspectives will find this gripping.

Overall, Memoirs of a Serial Killer is a tense, uncomfortable, and well-crafted exploration of a mind in collapse, one that stays with you after the final page.

Recommended for: Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, morally complex characters, and dark, introspective storytelling.

[Cassie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read Memoirs of a Serial Killer: He Collects Trophies. Now someone is collecting him. by Dan Uselton, and it genuinely unsettled me in the most compelling way. This is a tight, intense psychological thriller told entirely from the perspective of Tom Clanblaze, a man who seems like an ordinary husband, father, and IT worker on the surface but has been suppressing violent compulsions for years.

What stands out is how authentically the book pulls you inside his head. The first-person narration feels raw and uncomfortably close as his carefully built life starts to crack. When the violence turns toward his own family, the paranoia and obsession build steadily, and the shift from being the hunter to becoming the hunted is handled with real skill. There are no over-the-top gore scenes; it's all about the slow erosion of control, the blurring line between protector and predator, and that persistent inner voice he can no longer ignore.

The family dynamics add real weight his daughter's growing suspicion, his wife's quiet unease and the confession-style format makes every page feel like a step deeper into something private and dangerous. At just 210 pages, it moves quickly but leaves a lasting impression, especially with the way it ends.

If you enjoy dark, introspective thrillers that focus on character and psychological tension (think books like The Killer Inside Me or American Psycho, but more restrained and personal), this one is worth your time. Dan Uselton has written something that feels honest and disturbing without relying on cheap shocks.

[Rachel Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book comes with a disclaimer because it is dark and contains mentions of dark topics. I thought it was dark without being overly graphic, which I appreciated. I don't think the story lacked anything by being less graphic.

I thought it was really great to have multiple narrators throughout the book and to weave a coherent story really speaks to the talent of the author. I was expecting just one narrator, given the title, but this really worked for the story. I really enjoyed the varying viewpoints and intertwined stories.

This book was nothing like what I was expecting. The story was so much more than just the life of a Serial killer. A lot of suspense, a lot of unexpected pieces to the story. Just when you think you know what is happening in the story, there is a twist, and you're back to wondering what will happen next. I did feel like the main character was more fortunate, than smart. I would have liked a little more calculation.

There are some thought provoking moments throughout this book as the characters are all multidimensional. You see bits of humanity in even the darkest of characters and while the character is still an awful person, it got me thinking about how people are not black and white. It also touches on the dynamics between a person who has done awful things and their family and friends, how that must be difficult to understand. I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy and am sharing my review voluntarily.

[Scarlett David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Uselton delivers a chilling, razor-sharp psychological thriller in Memoirs of a Serial Killer, a novel that doesn’t just tell a story, it traps you inside a fractured mind and refuses to let you out.

From the very first page, Uselton’s writing is intimate and unnervingly precise. Tom Clanblaze isn’t portrayed as a caricature of evil, but as something far more disturbing, a man who feels real. A husband. A father. A government IT tech. The kind of man you’d never look at twice. That’s what makes this book so powerful. The horror isn’t loud. It’s quiet, calculated, and deeply psychological.

What makes this novel stand out is the way it blurs the line between protector and predator. As Tom’s world unravels, so does the reader’s sense of certainty. You’re constantly questioning motives, perceptions, and even your own sympathy. Uselton masterfully explores obsession, paranoia, and the terrifying duality of human nature.

The tension builds relentlessly, and the internal monologue is both gripping and deeply unsettling. You don’t just observe the monster. You understand him. And that understanding is what lingers long after the final page.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers that dive deep into the human psyche, stories that are more about unraveling the mind than chasing clues, this book is a must-read.

[Seraphina Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoirs of a Serial Killer is a dark, unsettling psychological thriller that really leans into the mind of its main character, and that’s what makes it so gripping. Instead of just showing the crimes, it pulls you inside Tom Clanblaze’s perspective, which is both fascinating and deeply disturbing.
Tom is the kind of character you’re not meant to like, but you can’t look away from. The contrast between his normal family life and what’s happening beneath the surface is handled well, and watching that mask slowly crack creates a steady sense of tension. What makes it even more chilling is how he justifies everything to himself; he truly believes he’s in control, even when things are clearly unraveling.
The story does a good job building psychological pressure, especially as the people around him start to notice something is off. Those small moments of suspicion add a lot to the suspense without needing constant action.
It’s definitely not a light read. The tone is intense, and the subject matter can be uncomfortable at times, but that’s also what gives it its edge. It feels more like a character study than a traditional thriller.
Overall, I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy psychological suspense and aren’t afraid to dive into darker territory. It’s chilling, character focused, and leaves you thinking about how well we really know the people around us.

[Faith Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare for shock laid on shock.

This is a creepy, twisted, pulse-jump of a novel. Definitely not to be read by anyone who has suffered any type of sexual violence, be that of any level.

It explores the bizarre notions that many men hold dear: that just by dint of their gender they are "more", "better", "entitled". Like most things in life, there's a sliding scale of this self-delusion going all the way up to Tom & Charlie. With some men it's nothing more than a slight flash of irritation at an overly smug comment or attitude. Even the best of men can succumb to a measure of it, almost without realising it, as if it's hardwired in.

The tension is never allowed to drop below a certain level in this book, the menace steady & thrumming beneath it all. There is an explosive twist, which I guarantee you won't see coming, which builds the horror to another level. I think what I appreciated the most amidst all the toxic masculinity is the strength that the women display, even if it's simply surviving what's been done to them.

Dan Uselton has created two true monsters in this book & laid bare that ever-present niggle of unease that most women feel at night walking down a deserted street or crossing a shadowed parking structure. Luckily for the vast majority of us the closest we will come to the horror of it lies in the pages of books like this.

[Author Leila Kirkconnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Darkly Twisted Thriller That Stays With You

Dan Uselton’s Memoirs of a Serial Killer doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, forcing readers to confront the blurred lines between predator and prey, justice and revenge. It’s a psychological deep dive into the systems and scars that enable cruelty.

This novel is not for the faint of heart. It contains graphic depictions of violence, sexual assault, and psychological trauma. However, these elements are handled with care, serving the story’s purpose rather than glorifying harm.

The narrative is unapologetically dark, weaving together the lives of deeply flawed characters: Tom, Ratchell, Charlie, and Molly, whose paths collide in ways that are shocking and inevitable.

Why a 4-star review? The book could benefit from editing, and head-hopping within the scenes is distracting. I also question how realistic it is that law enforcement wasn’t involved in searching for missing persons, providing yet another layer of external conflict for Tom? However, despite these elements, Memoirs of a Serial Killer remains a compelling read, driven by its dark themes and complex characters.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

In general, I liked the book.

It had plenty of suspense; it kept my attention and interest, was well written, and I could see it being a TV show on a CSI or Criminal Minds episode.

Now, I think Tom is just too shallow; I thought he could use more “character”. But at the same time I wanted to root for him like I do “Dexter” in that series.

BUT: the other antagonist was just too cartoony to take seriously. I get it: he's a bad guy. But so is Tom, but Tom has enough redeeming qualities to make him believable.

I won’t give any real spoilers; but Tom was just too easily “bested” by him in one scene, IMO. That part I felt was not believable.

Also, some little things bugged me; such as using the word “rye” instead of “wry”.

Seriously, a “wry” expression/smile on your face is NOT the same thing as the grain used to make “rye” bread or “rye” whiskey…. LOL!

But I will give the author the benefit of the doubt, and will blame “autocucumber” for that little mistake. HAHA!

The story overall is good.

It puts you in the mind of someone evil who is also a family man; and you still hope for a good outcome in some ways. I gave it 4 stars because the story delivered. But for the other complaints; I may have given it 5.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Uselton delivers a chilling and unforgettable psychological thriller with Memoirs of a Serial Killer. From the very first page, I was pulled deep into the fractured mind of Tom Clanblaze, a character who is both terrifying and disturbingly human.

What makes this novel stand out is its intimate perspective. The story does not simply show us a monster. It invites us inside his thoughts, his justifications, and his unraveling sanity. The tension builds steadily as Tom’s carefully controlled world begins to collapse. Watching the shift from composed family man to obsessive avenger is both gripping and unsettling.

The emotional complexity is powerful. The fear in his household feels real. The paranoia is palpable. Every chapter tightens the psychological pressure, making it impossible to look away. The writing is sharp, immersive, and deeply atmospheric.

This is not just a thriller about violence. It is a disturbing exploration of identity, control, and the thin line between protector and predator. If you enjoy dark, character driven psychological suspense that lingers long after the final page, this book is a must read.

Dan Uselton has crafted a bold and haunting story that proves he understands the darkest corners of the human mind. Highly recommended.

[Khloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished *Memoirs of a Serial Killer: He Collects Trophies. Now Someone Is Collecting Him* and wanted to share a quick review.

What stood out most was the psychological depth of the story. Telling the narrative through the perspective of Tom Clanblaze pulls the reader directly into the mind of a man struggling to control his darker impulses. On the surface he appears to be a normal husband, father, and government IT technician, but internally he is fighting a much more dangerous side of himself.

As the events involving his family begin to break his sense of control, the tension grows steadily. Watching Tom’s mindset shift from restraint to obsession creates a gripping psychological conflict. The atmosphere of quiet paranoia and the growing suspicion from his wife and daughter add another strong layer to the story.

Thank you for writing such an intense and thought provoking story.

[James Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up Memoirs of a Serial Killer expecting a tight character study, and sometimes it delivers. The strongest aspect is access to Tom’s mindset. His internal logic is disturbing yet coherent, which maintains the tension. The shift from controlled predator to unraveling vigilante adds an engaging layer. The multiple perspectives help expand the story. Seeing the effects on his wife, potential victims, and others provides context and raises the stakes. It also reinforces the idea that no one fully understands what is happening.

However, the execution is inconsistent. Some plot points feel too convenient, and certain threads lack depth. Editing issues and timeline gaps occasionally break immersion. I also questioned the realism of law enforcement’s absence.

This is a dark, unsettling read with strong ideas. It works best if you accept some rough edges in exchange for psychological intensity.

[Kate Lockley-Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens and Dan Uselton for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

The plot of this book has so much potential. Unfortunately, I did not feel like the book stood up to the hype. The evolution of a lust killer becoming a vigilante killer is such an interesting take.

The story is told by various narrators, which gives depth. But the development of the characters themselves barely scratchs the surface. I felt the same for some of the plot lines and felt things just fell into place a little too easily.

There were a few grammatical and punctuation errors that can be easily overlooked.

Overall, I think the plot is smart and intriguing and wish that there was more depth to novel as a whole.

[Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoirs of a Serial Killer is one of the most unsettling and gripping psychological thrillers I’ve read in a long time. The story pulls readers straight into the mind of Tom Clanblaze, a man living a terrifying double life. On the surface he is a devoted husband, a father, and a quiet government IT technician, but beneath that ordinary façade hides something far darker.

What impressed me most about this novel is how deeply it explores the psychology of its main character. Instead of focusing only on action or violence, the author slowly unravels Tom’s mind, showing how obsession, guilt, and paranoia begin to consume him. Watching the line between protector and predator blur kept me completely hooked from beginning to end.

[Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly I feel one star is generous.

I'm not sure if this ever saw an editor, but the mistakes, especially towards the end, were glaring and really detracted from anything going on in the story.

Half the time it didn't make sense, and when it did, it was repetitive and poorly written.

It boggles me how the serial killer is the worst serial killer in existence. What boggles me even more is his wife seemingly not able to piece together the very blatant clues.

I feel like in the right hands this could have been a genuinely good story, exploring the dark themes, conflict of family vs hidden inner selves, and ultimately feminine rage. Instead what was delivered was unfortunately not good.

Having someone proofread and edit the mistakes would have helped a lot too.

[Tanya Kolb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to start by saying that this book was not what I expected from a memoir. It felt like a story more about Tom's family than about him being a serial killer. There were several unexpected scenes that kept the story interesting, though.

The way that the story was broken down within the chapters was a little confusing. Maybe this writing style is just not what I'm used to. This was my first book by this author. I felt like I missed something toward the end and didn't really get June's interaction with Tom when she let him go. I was hoping to read more about that in the epilogue.

Overall, I'm glad that I read it. I enjoyed it.

[Zimbellina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tom is a serial killer. And then through a series of weird coincidences his life starts to fall apart.

I didn’t really like this book. I found the story a bit odd, there were a range of coincidences which lead to big confrontation at the end. Every woman in this book is raped or kidnapped. It becomes a bit over the top for it to happen to every one and then the father manages to find all these rapists and then is totally incompetent and messes up taking his revenge, leading to him and the women being held naked at gunpoint. Also the ending was terrible, no satisfaction since he gets away. All in all it wasn’t an enjoyable read and the writing style was not my thing.

[Purity Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely messed with my head in the best way. Reading Tom Clanblaze’s story felt like stepping into a foggy mirror, one where the reflection keeps shifting between husband, father, and something far darker. Dan Uselton didn’t just tell a story. He invited me into the mind of a man falling apart piece by piece. I wasn’t just watching Tom unravel. I felt it. The fear, the obsession, the quiet rage that seeps through the cracks. It’s not your typical thriller. It’s raw, unsettling, and deeply personal. I couldn’t stop reading even when I wanted to look away.

[Chapters_with_VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’ALL. 😱 Memoirs of a Serial Killer by Dan Uselton is a front-row seat to a mask shattering. By day Tom Clanblaze is a boring IT dad, but when the darkness slips? Whew. 🩸 Paranoia, obsession, blood—and a family who sees the monster creeping through the cracks.

The writing? Razor-sharp. The plot? Tense enough to make your pulse race. The characters? So vivid you’ll swear you hear them breathing in the dark. 👀

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This isn’t redemption—it’s a confession. And it’s unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written. When you start reading it, you’ll think it’s just another slow moving book about a killer’s moves. Expect the unexpected is the only thing I can say! The amount of twists and turns that happen in this book is amazing! Super fast turns and extremely twisted twists! Definitely an awesome read!

The only thing that bothered me about this book was that one of the character’s names was “Ratchel”. I don’t know if it was misspelled or just what the author really wanted the character’s name to be.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an unusual book that for me didn’t quite live up to its hype. I won’t summarise the plot as that’s done by better writers than me in the blurb about the book. I felt that the storyline had a lot of promise but that it just didn’t deliver. I didn’t see much evidence of the wife and daughter showing any signs of suspecting what the husband/father was up to.

It was just a little too far fetched for me and with a slightly ambiguous unlikely ending.

[Rose Aitken · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tom said, Molly said, June said

Well I ask you. Can nobody write decent dialogue delivery any more? Does nobody know that a question mark is not followed by ‘said’? I guess not. Certainly this author has no clue about word selection that’s for sure. Even the plot’s not all that good. Three people all victims or criminals from one family? What are the odds? Not great really.

[Friedrich claus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel crawls inside your head and refuses to leave. The psychological depth is incredible, and the first-person perspective makes every moment feel raw and personal. Tom Clanblaze is a fascinating, deeply twisted character whose unraveling feels both tragic and horrifying. A must-read for fans of dark psychological suspense.