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Memoirs of a Serial Killer: He Collects Trophies. Now someone is collecting him.
From the author of Chloroform Wars — Runner-Up, Paris Book Festival 2025
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.
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.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2025
30 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Dan Uselton
6 books29 followersAbout 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 16, 2025
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.
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.
September 7, 2025
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.
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.
September 16, 2025
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.
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.
July 20, 2025
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.
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.
July 31, 2025
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.
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.
September 4, 2025
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.
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.
November 3, 2025
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.
September 14, 2025
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.
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.
September 6, 2025
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.
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.
October 24, 2025
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2025
Dan Uselton’s Memoirs of a Serial Killer is a chilling psychological descent into the mind of a man whose carefully constructed facade is cracking. Tom Clanblaze appears to be an average family man and IT tech, but beneath that normal exterior lurks a predator who has spent years suppressing his darkest urges. When tragedy strikes his own home, the control he’s fought to maintain unravels, unleashing a dangerous spiral of paranoia, obsession, and vengeance.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its unnerving intimacy—you’re not just reading about Tom, you’re trapped inside his head. Uselton masterfully blurs the line between protector and predator, forcing you to question whether Tom is avenging a wrong or feeding a compulsion. The tension builds relentlessly, page after page, until the “confession” becomes impossible to look away from.
Dark, claustrophobic, and morally unsettling, Memoirs of a Serial Killer isn’t a redemption story—it’s a raw, disturbing portrait of a man who is both monster and man. Fans of psychological thrillers that pull no punches will find this one hard to forget.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its unnerving intimacy—you’re not just reading about Tom, you’re trapped inside his head. Uselton masterfully blurs the line between protector and predator, forcing you to question whether Tom is avenging a wrong or feeding a compulsion. The tension builds relentlessly, page after page, until the “confession” becomes impossible to look away from.
Dark, claustrophobic, and morally unsettling, Memoirs of a Serial Killer isn’t a redemption story—it’s a raw, disturbing portrait of a man who is both monster and man. Fans of psychological thrillers that pull no punches will find this one hard to forget.
October 20, 2025
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.
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.
September 8, 2025
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2025
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2025
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.
September 3, 2025
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.
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.
September 5, 2025
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.
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.
October 7, 2025
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.
It was just a little too far fetched for me and with a slightly ambiguous unlikely ending.
July 30, 2025
A friend recommended this book and I preordered. Dare I say that this is one of, if not the most fantastic pieces of literature I've come across in quite a while. I don't want to include any spoilers but you are in for a treat. Highly Recommended!!
October 2, 2025
Disturbing, gripping, and impossible to look away from. The author drags you straight into the fractured mind of Tom, an ordinary husband hiding massive secrets. The pacing is on point and the detail vivid. Dark and unsettling - but loved it of course!
July 29, 2025
Scary moments. Very good psychological thriller. Nice job author
September 1, 2025
A serial killer’s delight
This book is a serial killer’s delight. A family man and serial killer’s life until the end. A surprise ending.
This book is a serial killer’s delight. A family man and serial killer’s life until the end. A surprise ending.
September 3, 2025
There was a great angle to this book and it flowed well. Unfortunately it just wasn’t for me and I was glad to finish it.
September 4, 2025
A terrifyingly real dive into obsession and madness. The tension builds page by page, and Tom’s fractured world is hauntingly believable. Dark, twisted, and impossible to forget. Highly recommended.
September 4, 2025
This is more than a thriller—it’s an unnerving journey into a predator’s psyche. Both disturbing and captivating, the story exposes hidden darkness while keeping you breathless until the last page.
September 6, 2025
Stupid things serial killers believe.
Strong women like Molly… the world need strong women.
I hope Ratchel was successful.
Want to know what happen to June.
Strong women like Molly… the world need strong women.
I hope Ratchel was successful.
Want to know what happen to June.
Read
October 12, 2025Very disturbing but fascinating. Took some twists I definitely didn't see coming. Very dark story so reader beware but if you are fascinated by how these sick people's minds work, you'll love this!
June 30, 2025
The book is currently available for pre-order and will launch at the end of July 2025.
It is generating great reviews. *****
It is generating great reviews. *****
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