The Serial Killer Gene: Pre-order the new dark and twisty psychological thriller from the bestselling author of THE SERIAL KILLER’S WIFE

by Alice Hunter

What if murder is in your blood?

The new dark and twisty psychological domestic suspense from the bestselling author of The Serial Killer's Wife, about compulsion, betrayal, and whether blood really is thicker than water — perfect for fans of Lisa Jewel, K.L. Slater, and B.A. Paris.

Lily thought she was an ordinary woman with an ordinary life. But when a DNA test seems to reveal she carries the 'serial killer gene', she is terrified by the thought of passing it onto her future children. She decides to break off her engagement and move back in with her devoted mother, Eva — until unexpected sparks fly with a charismatic journalist, and Lily finds herself diving into a wild, intoxicating new relationship.

Their obsession soon turns toxic, and as they spiral out of control Lily’s traumatic past resurfaces, leaving her questioning everything she thought she knew. Could she be the monster she fears she is?

Confronted with a sudden, horrifying murder, Lily's only choice is to turn to the one person who has always protected her mother. But Eva is hiding secrets that could destroy them both…

From the bestselling author of The Serial Killer's Wife, this is a new gripping psychological suspense about compulsion, betrayal, and whether blood really is thicker than water — perfect for fans of Lisa Jewel, K.L. Slater, and B.A. Paris.

384 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 7, 2026

About the author

After completing a psychology degree, Alice Hunter became an interventions facilitator in a prison. There, she was part of a team offering rehabilitation programmes to men serving sentences for a wide range of offences, often working with prisoners who'd committed serious violent crimes. Previously, Alice had been a nurse, working in the NHS. She now puts her experiences to good use in fiction. The Serial Killer’s Wife, The Serial Killer’s Daughter and The Serial Killer’s Sister all draw heavily on her knowledge of psychology and the criminal mind.

Reviews

[Helen Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and dark with a lot to process. A simple DNA test, familiar to many but is unlocking the secrets a good idea, will the results become a self fulfilling prophecy and is too much knowledge a good idea?
A deep quest into nature versus nurture and the legacy a family can bring, not always in a good way. Also the deep loyalties and the lengths that a mother will go to in order to protect your child.
Exhilarating and sometimes slightly uncomfortable, twisty and compelling with lots of complexities, a surprising amount of compassion. Overall a really good read and great food for thought. Recommend.

[Bianca Albu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into The Serial Killer Gene expecting something dark, disturbing, and a little bit unhinged—because with a title like that, how could you not? I was ready for something gritty and genuinely unsettling.

Instead… it felt surprisingly tame.

Don’t get me wrong, the premise is so good. The whole nature vs nurture angle had loads of potential, and there are moments where the tension really starts to build. You can see glimpses of the book it could have been—sharper, darker, and way more impactful.

But it never quite goes there.

For a story centred around serial killers and the idea of violence being hardwired, I expected something a lot more gruesome, or at least more psychologically intense. It felt like it held back when it should have leaned all the way in. Add to that a rushed pacing—especially towards the end—and some of the twists didn’t land as hard as they could have.

I wanted to be shocked. I wanted to feel uncomfortable. Instead, I just… turned the pages.

Overall, it’s an easy, intriguing read with a strong concept, but it plays it a bit too safe and wraps things up far too quickly.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

[Angie Johnsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Serial Killer Gene by Alice Hunter was an okay read for me overall. I’d give it 3 stars.
The premise was interesting enough to make me pick it up, but the story itself never really pulled me in the way I hoped it would. I kept waiting for something bigger to happen or for the suspense to really kick in, but for most of the book it felt pretty flat to me.
The ending caught my attention a little more, but it still wasn’t one of those jaw-dropping thriller endings that sticks with you afterward. Overall, it was just an average thriller for me. Not terrible, not amazing. Just okay.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Caitlin Bunting · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started really well and I was enjoying the storyline. However, around 25% in I felt it fell quite flat and I just wasn’t interested in the characters or the story. I’m really gutted this one didn’t hit as I’ve loved this authors previous work.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily really took one little ancestry test and said, “You know what would spice up my life? A full psychological collapse.” And honestly… relatable. Because the second someone tells me I might have a “serial killer gene,” I too would be like, cool cool cool, guess I can never trust a single intrusive thought ever again.

The Serial Killer Gene opens with that exact brand of chaos and just commits. No easing you in, no gentle onboarding. Just straight into “what if your entire personality is secretly pre-installed violence?” and suddenly we’re all spiraling together. It’s the kind of premise that immediately hijacks your brain and refuses to give it back.

Lily, bless her deeply stressed soul, does not handle this information in a chill way. She calls off her engagement, runs back home, and starts dissecting her childhood like she’s both the detective and the suspect. And here’s the thing, I couldn’t even judge her because the paranoia feels so real. Every weird memory, every nightmare, every gap in her past starts to feel loaded, like maybe she’s been the twist this whole time.

Enter Margo, who is exactly the kind of charismatic, intense love interest that makes you go, “This is going to end badly,” and then you keep reading because you want to see how badly. Their relationship is messy in that addictive, slightly unhinged way where you’re screaming internally but also kind of obsessed. It escalates fast, gets toxic fast, and feels like watching someone willingly walk into emotional quicksand.

But the real star of this emotional horror show? Eva, the mother. This woman is doing that thing where she’s incredibly loving and supportive while also radiating “I know something you don’t and I will take it to my grave.” Their bond is tight, almost too tight, and every time Eva reassures Lily, it somehow makes everything feel more suspicious. Like why are you so calm, ma’am. What have you done.

The structure leans hard into past and present timelines, with little puzzle pieces scattered through memories, reports, and interviews. It gives the story that slightly chaotic, “connect the dots while blindfolded” energy. Sometimes it felt like I was flipping mental tabs trying to keep everything straight, but it does a great job of keeping you unsettled, like you’re always one step behind the truth.

Now let’s talk about the actual “serial killer gene” concept, because this is where I was both hooked and a tiny bit greedy. The idea is so good. Like, absolutely unhinged dinner conversation good. Nature versus nurture, identity versus fear, are we doomed by our biology or just deeply dramatic? I wanted the book to really sink its teeth into that and just go feral with it. And while it definitely plays in that space, there were moments where I wanted it to push harder, get messier, make me question my own brain chemistry at 2 AM.

The pacing also does that thriller thing where it sprints, then jogs, then sprints again. The middle drags just a little, like it’s catching its breath before the next round of chaos. But when it picks back up? Oh, it goes. The twists start stacking, the tension tightens, and suddenly you’re flying through pages like your life depends on it.

And the ending… listen. I didn’t fully see it coming, but I also wanted just a bit more punch to the emotional fallout. It lands, it absolutely lands, but I was sitting there like, wait, give me one more gut punch. I’m already emotionally compromised, you might as well finish the job.

Still, this was one of those reads where you’re constantly suspicious of everyone, including the main character, including yourself. It’s twisty, it’s tense, it’s a little chaotic, and it absolutely nails that “something is deeply wrong here” vibe. Also, I will now be declining all DNA tests like they are cursed objects. 3.5 stars

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Question If My Childhood Memories Are Vibes or Evidence

Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC, truly appreciate being emotionally destabilized in advance.

[Charlotte Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the team at Avon Publishing, and Alice Hunter for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Final rating: 3 stars

I've been a reader of Alice Hunter's previous books, having previously read and enjoyed the Serial Killer series. It's also become a popular series among friends and family. So when I saw a new title by her available on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to request.

My overall impression of the Serial Killer Gene was that it was decent - there were parts I enjoyed, and there were parts I thought could have been done better.

I loved the use of mixed media to add to the mystery of Lily and Eva's shared past. Some chapters of the book end with reports, articles, and doctors notes from outside perspectives. I'm a big fan of mixed media usage and I felt it was used very well in this book, and it kept the intrigue going. I also really enjoyed seeing the relationship between Lily and Eva as mother and daughter, and the questions that were raised regarding nature vs nurture, as well as the idea of how far is too far when it comes to protecting someone. While it could come across as annoying to some readers, I liked how Lily's behaviours towards her partners and her friends was explored in relation to her childhood and her own insecurities, where a lesser novel would have just brushed them off as a character quirk. There were also some good and shocking twists in the book, that I shall not hint at as it's better experienced for yourselves.

However, I did struggle with the pacing of the beginning of the book. Lily breaking up with Caleb in the first few chapters and then immediately head into a whirlwind relationship with Margo felt jarring to read - while these behaviours made sense for Lily and the overall narrative of the story, the actual order of events happening didn't translate as well onto the page. I wish there had been more time taken to actually show these gradual shifts. I also felt like in the second half of the book, certain facets of Lily's life were forgotten about to make room for the police procedural plot. No time is devoted to her friends, or work, or Lily trying to live her life, especially when these facets had played such a huge role in the first chapter. I also felt the mystery took way too long to conclude, and even then I was still left with more questions and answers and the feeling that not everything had cleared up.

This is where I think having alternating chapters with dual POV's would have worked better for the story. The book has three parts: first part is Lily's POV, second part is Eva's, third part is Lily's again. But with my critiques, I do think that instead of restricting each part to one POV, dual POV's were placed throughout. This, in my opinion, would solve some of the pacing issues and nicely fill in the gaps between narratives to make it less jarring to read. This may also have allowed more time for the mystery to be concluded and gradually filled in, rather than a continuous build-up that lasts for the vast majority of the book.

Overall, I enjoyed some parts, and I didn't enjoy other parts. These things, however, may be relative to the reader and what they look for in a thriller. I would overall recommend this to other readers.

[Helen Leecy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed with The Serial Killer Gene by Alice Hunter. I wanted to like this one, and there was definitely a point early on where I thought it might turn into something more gripping, but sadly, it just never quite got there for me.
I very nearly gave up around the 30% mark, and looking back, I sort of wish I had. The only reason I carried on was that I read a few other reviews that mentioned Eva’s point of view, and that did make me curious enough to keep going. I thought maybe the book was going to shift into something darker or cleverer once that side of the story came in, but I’m not sure it was worth persevering for. There was a change of pace, and Eva’s sections were more interesting in some ways, but they also made Lily’s actions feel even more frustrating and absurd.
My main issue was that I just couldn’t warm to Lily at all. She wasn’t particularly likeable, but not in a way that felt intentional or compelling. She just came across as so morose, and there wasn’t really anything quirky or engaging about her to make me want to root for her. I also didn’t fully buy into how stressed and consumed she became over the DNA results. I understood what the book was trying to do, but the emotional reaction to it didn’t quite land for me, and because I wasn’t invested in Lily as a character, it made the whole thing harder to care about.
The relationships didn’t really work for me either. I couldn’t feel much of a connection between Lily and Margo, and even her relationship with Caleb at the beginning felt quite flat. I wanted there to be more warmth, tension, history, or something that made these relationships feel real. Instead, it all felt a bit distant and too reliant on a physical relationship rather than an emotional one. Lily’s actions annoyed me, her mum’s actions annoyed me, and after a while, it just felt like everyone was making irritating choices for the sake of dragging the story out.
And unfortunately, it really did drag. The whole way through, I kept waiting for something more to happen. I kept thinking there must be a bigger twist coming, or a clever reveal that would make the slower parts worth it, but it never really arrived. There were moments where the book seemed like it was building towards something, but then it would fall flat again, and I was left feeling like I was reading in circles.
The ending was probably the biggest let-down. It just felt silly to me. Without giving too much away, I couldn’t understand why Lily had to be sent on such a wild goose chase instead of simply being told what had happened. It didn’t feel clever or tense; it just felt unnecessary. By that point, I was already quite fed up with the book, so instead of being shocked or satisfied, I was just annoyed.
Overall, this wasn’t a good read for me. I can see what the book was trying to do with the idea of DNA, family secrets, and the fear of what might be hidden in your own history, but I don’t think it came together in a way that felt believable or gripping. The premise had potential, but the characters, pacing, and ending all let it down. I carried on because I was hoping it would turn around, but by the end, I was mostly just wishing I had trusted my instinct and DNFed it when I first wanted to.

[Joanne Hattersley · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that thought, when you read a book and you just cannot wait for the author to write the next one? This is Alice Hunter. Welcome to my review of “The Serial Killer Gene.”
The book is a psychological thriller centred around one question. ‘What if violence could be inherited?’
While the book introduces several characters throughout, the focus remains on Lily, a young woman whose world is turned upside down when she discovers she may carry a gene linked to violent and psychopathic behaviour. The discovery leads her to question everything. Angry thoughts. Dark secrets. Everything feels dangerous. Alice Hunter uses this primary idea to explore thoughts such as fear and paranoia, looking at how they affect you and how it questions your own sense of self.
You may think that this book could be a deep dive using police investigations or maybe even graphic crime scenes. It isn’t. This book centres on the psychological unravelling of Lily and the way those around her are affected. Lily is driven by a wonder of whether her life actions are biology or just choice. This introduces an intimacy to the novel. It’s intimate. You could almost be sitting on the sofa beside Lily wanting to reach out and comfort her.
The book has strong pacing throughout. It does not let up for a minute and the tension simmers. Domesticity is blended with the psychological dread that makes the book hard to put down. The book enables you to keep an emotional attachment to Lily even as she unravels on the pages.
The “serial killer gene” idea is more speculative than scientifically exact, and if you are looking for a realistic exploration of behavioural genetics, you may find the premise exaggerated. But using it as a metaphor for inherited trauma, family dysfunction, and the fear of becoming like those who came before us, it works extremely well. The novel raises compelling questions about whether people are shaped more by biology or by the choices they make or is it a combination of the two?
While some experienced thriller readers may predict parts of the ending, the twists are still satisfying, and the psychological tension keeps the story engaging. A few supporting characters feel less developed compared to Lily’s intense internal narrative, but the atmosphere and suspense more than make up for it.
Overall, The Serial Killer Gene is a tense and addictive psychological thriller with a clever premise and strong emotional suspense. It is best suited to readers who enjoy dark domestic thrillers, unreliable narrators, and morally complex characters.

[Cc Readsss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release: May 7, 2026
Author: Alice Hunter
Publisher: Avon Books

Rating: 4★ 

Thoughts:
The serial killer gene is a dark and twisted psychological thriller that explores the chilling idea of whether compulsion and violent tendencies are inherited. Lily, the protagonist, has always considered herself ordinary until a DNA test reveals a shocking possibility: she carries the "serial killer gene." Terrified by the thought of passing this on to her future children, she breaks off her engagement and moves back home with her protective mother, Eva. But the story takes a turn when Lily becomes entangled in a toxic and obsessive relationship with a charismatic journalist. As the romance spirals into a darker place, Lily is forced to confront her past, her fears, and whether she truly has the potential for violence running through her veins.
The psychological tension in this story is palpable, especially as Lily grapples with her fear of inheriting dangerous tendencies and the trauma that keeps resurfacing. The twists keep coming, and as the novel builds, it becomes clear that the people closest to Lily are hiding their own secrets. The theme of inherited violence is chilling, and the final twists are both unexpected and satisfying.

This book suits someone in the mood for: tense, mysterious, dark
Pace: medium
Plot or Character Driven?: a mix
Strong Character Development?: Yes
Loveable Characters?: It's complicated
Diverse Cast?: no
Are Character Flaws a Main Focus?: Yes
Main Themes / Tropes:
Inherited violence, family secrets, psychological manipulation, obsession, toxic relationships, the fear of becoming one's parents, betrayal.

Synopsis:
Lily's world unravels when a DNA test suggests she carries the "serial killer gene." Fearing for her future, she breaks off her engagement and moves back in with her mother. But as Lily embarks on a wild romance with a journalist, her past resurfaces, and she is forced to confront whether she could truly become the monster she fears. When a murder occurs, she must turn to her mother for help—but Eva is hiding deadly secrets of her own.

Favorite Quote:
“What if murder is in your blood?”

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Serial Killer Gene is a dark, compulsive spiral of a novel—one that starts with a single, unsettling question and slowly tightens its grip until you’re no longer sure where fear ends and truth begins. Lily’s life, so ordinary on the surface, fractures the moment a DNA test suggests she carries a so‑called “serial killer gene.” What follows is a beautifully tense exploration of identity, inherited trauma, and the stories we tell ourselves to feel safe.

The early chapters hum with quiet dread as Lily’s certainty about who she is begins to erode. Her decision to flee her engagement and retreat to her mother’s home feels both impulsive and heartbreakingly human. There’s a tenderness to her relationship with Eva—warm, protective, almost too perfect—that makes the cracks, when they appear, all the more chilling.

The novel’s middle stretch is where it truly sharpens. Lily’s intoxicating new relationship with a charismatic journalist is written with a kind of feverish momentum, the kind that makes you want to reach into the page and pull her back before she falls too far. Their obsession is messy, magnetic, and threaded with danger, and as Lily’s past resurfaces, the line between nature and nurture blurs in increasingly unsettling ways.
What elevates the story is the slow, deliberate unravelling of Eva’s secrets. The mother–daughter dynamic becomes the book’s beating heart—tender, claustrophobic, and ultimately devastating. When a sudden murder forces Lily to confront everything she’s been running from, the question isn’t just whether she could be capable of violence, but whether the people who shaped her ever told her the truth.

It’s gripping, twisty psychological suspense with a strong emotional core—perfect for readers who enjoy domestic noir that probes the darker corners of family loyalty and inherited fear. The final chapters land with a satisfying, stomach‑dropping inevitability, leaving you questioning how much of ourselves is truly ours.

with thanks to Alice Hunter, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Savanha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Serial Killer Gene by Alice Hunter is a dark, compulsive psychological thriller that completely pulled me in from the very first page. This was an easy four-star read—gripping, unsettling, and packed with emotional depth.

The premise alone is incredibly intriguing: a DNA test revealing that Lily may carry a so-called “serial killer gene.” From there, the story spirals into a tense exploration of identity, trauma, and the terrifying question of whether violence can be inherited. Watching Lily’s sense of self slowly unravel was both fascinating and deeply unsettling—it really makes you question how much of who we are is actually within our control.

One of the strongest elements of the book is the relationship between Lily and her mother, Eva. Their dynamic is layered, tender, and increasingly claustrophobic as secrets begin to surface. The emotional weight they bring to the story adds so much depth, and the slow reveal of Eva’s past was one of the most compelling parts of the novel.

The middle of the book really shines, especially with the introduction of Margo. Her intense, toxic presence adds a new level of tension, and the relationship she forms with Lily is messy, magnetic, and impossible to look away from. It creates this constant sense of unease that carries through the rest of the story.

The pacing is excellent throughout, with short chapters, dual timelines, and shifting perspectives that make it nearly impossible to put down. The twists keep coming, and while some feel quietly inevitable in hindsight, the final reveal still manages to land with a satisfying, stomach-dropping impact.

Overall, this is a smart, thought-provoking thriller that blends psychological suspense with emotional storytelling. If you enjoy domestic noir and stories that dig into the nature vs. nurture debate, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Serial Killer Gene follows Lily, who thought she was ordinary - until a DNA test seems to reveal she carries the ‘serial killer gene’. Terrified of what it could mean for her future, she leaves her fiancé and moves back in with her mother, Eva. But when a passionate new relationship spirals into obsession, Lily’s traumatic past resurfaces, forcing her to confront a terrifying question: could she be the monster she fears she is? After a shocking murder, Lily turns to the one person who has always protected her. But Eva has secrets that could destroy them both…

The Serial Killer Gene is a chaotic, clever exploration of nature vs nurture, constantly playing on the fear of whether evil is something people are born with. That sense of paranoia runs through the entire story, and it completely hooked me - so much so that I ended up reading it in one sitting.

The story is full of morally grey characters, hidden secrets, and unreliability, but Lily was easily the standout for me. Watching her slowly unravel throughout the book was both fascinating and unsettling, and her growing instability really drives the narrative forward. She’s complex, fragile, unpredictable, and becomes harder to trust with every chapter. Then, the toxic, intense dynamic she has with Margo and her mother added further depth, making the domestic tension feel even more claustrophobic.

The narrative itself is cleverly structured, weaving snippets from the past with present-day revelations, and every little crumb of information and clue left me desperate to know more. There’s this lingering psychological dread running through every chapter, and it creates this eerie atmosphere that perfectly mirrors Lily’s unravelling.

The Serial Killer Gene is such a twisty, addictive addition to the series, and I’m already excited to read the remaining books!

Thank you so much to Avon Books for sending me this copy to read and review. My opinions are my own.

[Donna's Book Addiction Book review Arc Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Book Review: The Serial Killer Gene by Alice Hunter
Pub Date: 7 May 2026
If you love your thrillers dark, unsettling, and packed with psychological tension… this one is going to get under your skin 😈
From the very first page, The Serial Killer Gene pulls you into a chilling “what if?”—what if something as terrifying as the urge to kill was written into your DNA? That concept alone had me hooked, but it’s the execution that really delivers.
Lily is such a compelling protagonist—fragile, complex, and completely unpredictable. Watching her unravel as she questions her own nature had me second-guessing everything. Is she a victim… or something far more dangerous? That constant tension is what makes this book so addictive.
The relationship dynamics in this story are brilliantly done. The intense, toxic romance adds another layer of unease, while the bond between Lily and her mother is filled with secrets, control, and emotional depth. Just when you think you’ve figured things out… another twist hits.
Alice Hunter absolutely excels at building atmosphere. There’s this creeping sense of dread throughout—like something isn’t quite right—and it keeps tightening until the final pages. It’s dark, it’s twisty, and it keeps you guessing.
✨ What I loved:
A unique, chilling premise that stands out
Complex, morally grey characters
Tension-filled relationships and psychological depth
Twists that genuinely keep you hooked
Overall, this is a gripping, addictive psychological thriller that will have you questioning nature vs nurture long after you’ve finished.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, K. L. Slater, and B. A. Paris.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily thought she was an ordinary woman until she takes a DNA test and finds out she carries the ‘serial killer gene’. Terrified of passing this on to her offspring, she breaks off her engagement and returns back to her devoted mother’s house. Until she meets Margo and obsession takes hold. Soon the obsession takes a darker turn and leaves her questioning everything she thought she knew. Could she be the monster she feared?

I was looking forward to reading this one as the concept sounded great and I was drawn to the cover. I have also read this author’s previous books so know she can write a solid thriller. This is ended up not what I was expecting, however this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. I believed there would be more focus around the DNA test and although this was a part of the story, the majority seemed more of an unsettling overview of Lily’s relationships. I enjoyed the majority of this, especially the themes of obsession and the creepy vibes it gave.

The relationships were interesting to unpick, however I found I didn’t warm much to Lily as a main character and found myself more engaged with some of the other characters. I especially enjoyed the scenes with Margo and found this the strongest part of the book. I liked that there was mixed media separating the chapters, finding this compelling and adding an extra layer of mystery. The ending was a bit predictable, however it was satisfactory and there were small twists and turns to get there. Overall a decent thriller and I’ll carry on reading more by this author. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[When Books Speak · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Serial Killer Gene by Alice Hunter is everything I love about a psychological thriller and then some. This was an absolute four star read that had me completely hooked from start to finish.

The premise at the heart of this book is so clever and unlike anything I have read before. A DNA test revealing a so-called serial killer gene sounds wild but Hunter pulls it off brilliantly. The way this single discovery unravels Lily's entire sense of self is so incredibly compelling. It makes you feel like you are right there alongside her, questioning everything she thought she knew about herself and her past.

Lily and Eva remain one of my absolute favorite mother-daughter dynamics I have encountered in fiction. Their relationship brings so much depth and emotional weight to the story and the slow unraveling of its secrets kept me completely on edge.

Margo was a fantastic and unsettling addition to the story. The toxic and controlling dynamic she brings to Lily's life is so well drawn and I found myself completely absorbed in watching how it all played out.

The twists kept coming throughout and the ending completely caught me off guard in the best possible way. The dual timelines and shifting perspectives made this very much a one more chapter read that kept me up way too late.

A gripping and thought-provoking thriller exploring nature versus nurture in a way that feels genuinely fresh. Highly recommend!

Pub Day: May 7, 2026
Categories: LGBTQIAP+, General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers

Huge Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

Lily’s father walked out on her and her mum when she was a child. Always running away, her mum has been her only family. Now, Lily takes a DNA test to learn more about where she comes from, only to find she has the warrior gene - also known as the serial killer gene!

Scared of passing the gene on, she breaks up with her boyfriend and moves back in with her mum. But soon she starts a whirlwind romance with fascinating journalist Margo.

Soon their obsessive relationship turns toxic, whilst Lily’s traumatic and confused past starts to resurface and Lily worries she really could be dangerous. She has no choice but to turn to her mum for support - but is her mum everything she thought she was?

I did enjoy The Serial Killer Gene, but felt it wasn’t quite as good as Alice Hunter’s other books I’ve read so far. For me, the first half was really gripping and suspenseful but then this dropped in the second half when we moved from Lily’s POV to her mum Eva’s. It got a little repetitive going over some of the same conversations and talking about the serial killer gene!

But I did love the first half where Lily meets Margo, and the tension of their relationship building so quickly that Lily feels suffocated and out of control. And the twists towards the end were unexpected and fun!

Overall I would recommend it but it hasn’t been my favourite of Alice’s books.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Serial Killer Gene by Alice Hunter

This was an engaging and thought provoking read, and another strong instalment in a series I have come to really enjoy. The premise is particularly striking, exploring what happens when you are told that a tendency towards violence could be part of your genetic makeup.

The story follows Lily as she discovers she may carry a so called serial killer gene, forcing her to reassess her past and question everything she thought she knew about herself. I found this aspect especially compelling, as it adds a psychological weight to the narrative and raises interesting questions about nature versus nurture and how much our behaviour is shaped by biology.

The tension builds steadily, with the plot unfolding at a good pace while still allowing space for the characters to develop. Lily’s relationships, especially within her family, bring an added emotional layer that keeps the story grounded.

At times the direction of the story felt familiar, but the originality of the concept and the way it is handled kept me invested throughout. This is a solid, character led thriller with an intelligent edge, and one I would recommend to fans of Kate Wiley and similar authors.

A strong and absorbing read, and a well deserved four stars.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Told in three parts and dual timeline, the first and third from the POV of the main character Lily, and the second from Eve, Lily’s mother. In addition, there is good use made of mixed media such as news articles and doctor’s notes. Well written and well paced.

Briefly, brought up by her mother and having moved home many times, often at short notice, Lily wonders about her father. She impulsively fills in a DNA request, including extra detail and is shocked when it return a result suggesting she she carries the 'serial killer gene'. Worried about passing this on to any children she leaves her fiancé to move back in with her mother. But very quickly she ends up in another relationship, and quite a volatile one, this time with journalist Margo.

As she looks back on her childhood and teen years Lily starts to have doubts about herself. Lily is not a very likeable character however as the details of her early years are revealed you can see some reason behind her personality. The whole premise of the book revolved around the nature/nurture question, and that of a parents willingness to do anything to protect their child. There are some good twists and turns and a shocking murder that will leave you stunned. It also made me wonder how her life would have been had she never requested the DNA test. A good, entertaining psychological thriller.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily has had a traumatic childhood, but as an adult she still has problems. After her father disappearing as a child there has only been her mother Eva and herself. She has nightmares that she cannot explain. Although herself and her mother are close Eva has kept secrets from Lily. Too scared them to be revealed and what Lily will do if she finds out.
Now living with Caleb, she decides to take a DNA test to find out more about herself. When the results came back, she finds out that she has the warrior gene, another name for a serial killer gene. As soon as she finds out, she decides to split up with Caleb and returns home to her mother. When not soon after she meets Margot a journalist and has a world wind romance. But Lily thinks Margo is hiding something and suddenly their relationship turns toxic.
Alice Slater is one of my goes to authors and I had read all her books. This is a twisty tense thriller but a bit different to her previous novels. Yes, it has an engaging storyline, but got a bit confused of her flashbacks written in italics in the book. I didn’t really think that they were that necessary to get the gist of what was going on in the storyline. It is well worth the read but not as good as her previous novels. 4 stars from me.

[Katie Dickerson (DeMaio) · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars)

* Tropes/themes:
* Dual POV and timeline
* Mixed media
* Unreliable narrator
* The killer within
* Nature vs nurture
* Identity
* Paranoia/fear of losing control

* Dark, tense, and suspenseful.
* Loved the use of mixed media (teacher notes, news articles, etc. scattered throughout) and the focus on nature vs nurture.
* The pacing felt off sometimes but I was still intrigued and entertained for most of the book and it definitely kept me guessing.
* The character development was pretty great although I wasn’t a fan of the writing style very much and I feel like there were quite a few plot holes.
* I’ve read this author’s Serial Killer series before, and while I was a little disappointed because I mistakenly thought this was part of the series, I don’t regret it- the experience was still decent overall!

* Content warnings:
* Death
* Murder
* Suicide
* Violence
* Molestation/SA
* Injury/injury detail

Releases 5/7/26!

Special thank you to Avon Books UK, Alice Hunter, and NetGalley for a DRC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela Mellor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Serial Killer Gene is a solid 4⭐️read that kept me interested all the way through.
Lily is engaged to be married but wants to know more about her ancestry, there’s an offer on to find more out through her genes. The results come back and says she has “the serial killer gene”. Lily is shook up, she ends her engagement and moves back in with her mum. She goes out with her friends for a wild night out and meets Margo, she is infatuated but not as much s Margo is with her. Concerned about her genes she realises she needs to be concerned about something else first.
This was a great thriller, the family dynamics worked well and the twists were plentiful. The book moved from the present to the past quite a lot but was done well so I was never confused but gave me a greater insight into why Lily and her mums relationship was so tight. I didn’t particularly like Lily as a main character but warmed to her more when she was with Margo. The ending was probably how I expected it to go but left me with no unanswered questions.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple DNA test taken by Lily Chappell in the eve of her engagement reveals something traumatic. In her attempt to prove her worthiness to Caleb and his family, she takes a DNA to learn more about herself and her family. The results that come back reveal that she carries the serial killer gene. This turns her world upside down and she makes quick erratic decisions that take her back to her childhood home where she will try to discover what may have caused the serial killer gene and why she has it!

The past and present timelines gave us intense crumbs of information and some anxiety and I am here for it. The people surrounding Lily are not good people and she seems to attract those type specifically. Her mom was a trip and you can feel her playing her own mental games. This book was chaotic and twisty with lots of intense moments. I trusted no one and questioned all the characters including our main character because sometimes she felt like an unreliable narrator. Such a thrilling read!
Thank you Netgalley and Avon Books UK for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Lovetoread2023 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Serial Killer Gene by Alice Hunter was another great read that kept me hooked throughout. The ending wasn’t quite what I expected—I was hoping for a little more—but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. I really liked the concept of a gene that could put someone at risk of becoming a serial killer. It added an intriguing psychological edge to the story, especially as Lily discovers she might carry it herself. From that moment on, you can feel her sense of control begin to unravel, which makes her journey all the more gripping and emotional. The book is packed with suspense, full of twists and turns that keep you guessing, and it moves at a fast pace, making it a quick and engaging read. The mystery is layered and complex, adding depth to the story without slowing it down.
Overall, it’s a strong addition to the series—tense, thought-provoking, and thoroughly entertaining.

[Nat Eveleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Lily takes a DNA test, more so to check her past and family ties, as everything in her past is blurry and secretive. She discovers she carries the serial killer gene. She is adamant knowing this wont change her, and then she finds herself in a toxic relationship, where sparks certainly fly.

I have read all of this authors work, and this one was more of a slow burn, and really pepped up around 50% in. We read from the perspectives of Lily, and Lily's mum, Eva, and we read through past and present. I did find the second half far easier to read, and far more of a page turner that im used to from this author. The characters were ok, I really liked Eva, but Lily did feel very weak and not as independent as you would expect an adult to be. The story was quite well written, and did have some twists, but I totally saw the ending and guessed who fitted where in the mystery.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great psychological thriller.
Lily wants to know her family tree/history as her partner comes from a distinguished family. She ticks another box about genes and immediately regrets this when she receives the information.
Lily is told she has the ‘serial killer gene’ and this is the catalyst that makes her end her relationship and move back to her Mums.
Friends at work say she’s done the right thing as he wasn’t right for her, and invite her out for drinks to cheer her up.
Lily spots Margo on the dance floor and is smitten straight away. They soon move in together and the relationship moves very fast.
Lily is still worried about the report she received but soon she has other things to worry about with Margo and her own past.
I won’t say too much more as there’s a few twists to this story and lots more to it.
This is a great read.
Thanks to Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this book.

[Sharon Melia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I baven't read a thriller in a while and I Absolutly loved "the Seriel Killers sister" e the wife so I was drawn towards this.
Its starts wyth lily and a muddled memory of her past, after taking a DNA test for ancestry, it comes back that she has the Seriel killer gene.
Now it's a mind play, has this affected her, will it affect her future children? And has it been the catalyst for ber unwilling to settle down in relationships.
When Margo comes into her life, it's fast and easy at first.. all seems simple but soon turns toxic and when things go wrong, lily questions maybe she could become that person; is that secret killer gene driving her?
Lilys mam has always been the one she's relied on, but Eva's keeping secrets of the past ob of lilys muddled memories?
It's a good thriller, Great pace, you get to catch your breathe in between moments. It's very nature vs nurture. can your dna drive you? Can it be the only outcome?
Didn't see the twist coming at the end, I had multiple scenarios in my head but nope not that!
If a thriller is what your after, Alice hunter will fix that!

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well dont get me wrong.. I am a fan of the author. but with a title like that. I was expecting something dark and twisted but what I got was in fact quite tame and not twisty at all. The premise of nature versus nurture could have been so good because the idea of whether or not youre born to be "bad" had loads of potential, but then it just kinda fell flat. For a story about whether or not youre hardwired at birth to be one way or another, there were glimpses of where it could have gone, but sadly the author chose not to dive all the way in but stay surface level. And then you add to the fact that the pacing felt uneven and it left me feeling unsatisfied in the end.
Will I read another by the author? You betcha because one meh book doesnt mean the end for me.
Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had my heart in my mouth and my head spinning. The Serial Killer Gene is a wickedly slow-burn thriller that cleverly connects characters across years and shifting timelines.

The narrative is intricate, weaving past and present with confidence and energy. The inclusion of evidence, reports, and archived documents lends an almost “escape room” quality to the reading experience, scattering clues for the reader to piece together as the story unfolds. At the centre of it all, Lily remains an intriguing and elusive figure.

It took some time to fully unravel the relationship between Lily and her mother, but this only deepened the emotional impact of the story. Readers who enjoy dark, character-driven thrillers will find plenty to savour here.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Avon Books UK, for providing the copy of The Serial Killer Gene by Alice Hunter. I was excited to read this, and I loved the other Serial Killer books by Hunter. I loved the premise! I liked how the book started with Lily getting results of a DNA test, but I was disappointed that the ‘gene’ and its possible ramifications aren’t really a part of the story. How does finding out affect Lily and her mom? What changes for them? The past timelines felt like overkill and painted such a terrible picture of Lily and her issues at school that the lack of intervention was unbelievable. I love thrillers, and don’t need a surprise ending, but this ending was lackluster. 3 stars

[Kim Melbourne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Alice Hunters books and although not my favourite, would still recommend a read of this book.

Written in both past and present, with additional dialogue given via reports and police interviews, the style was easy to read.

The story follows Eva and her daughter Lily who have been on the move many times. Having a very close bond, this is tested by Lily's new girlfriend Margo.

This book is full of twists, turns and dead ends.Just as I began to think I had the answer another curve ball was thrown into the plot....just what I love in this type of book. An ending I most certainly didn't predict.
Thank you for this early read.