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Serial Killer Wanted
You need to kill and I need to die. Let's talk.
Dexter meets Killing Eve in this sapphic psychological suspense when a woman contemplating suicide posts an online ad for a serial killer.
Being a killer comes easy to Dani. So easy it’s getting boring, in fact. But this girl isn’t taking orders from anybody, not even fate. If she’s going to keep up with the stab-and-shovel work, she’s going to create her own code for who deserves a medal or a bullet. When she happens across a Help Wanted ad that would allow her to do just that…she’s intrigued.
Jeika wants to die. Preferably, before the cops who are on her tail find the evidence to prove what she did. Except the only one who can help her do that is also the one who’s starting to make her life interesting again.
The last thing Dani expects is to fall for her next victim through the secret emails they share. But before they can decide if their new love is enough to change their very opposite fates, a twisted vigilante starts stalking them both.
They may not be ready to fight for themselves, but how far will they go to save each other?
With heart-pounding twists and deadpan snark, Serial Killer Wanted is a breathless binge-read for fans of They Never Learn and Butcher and Blackbird.
Dexter meets Killing Eve in this sapphic psychological suspense when a woman contemplating suicide posts an online ad for a serial killer.
Being a killer comes easy to Dani. So easy it’s getting boring, in fact. But this girl isn’t taking orders from anybody, not even fate. If she’s going to keep up with the stab-and-shovel work, she’s going to create her own code for who deserves a medal or a bullet. When she happens across a Help Wanted ad that would allow her to do just that…she’s intrigued.
Jeika wants to die. Preferably, before the cops who are on her tail find the evidence to prove what she did. Except the only one who can help her do that is also the one who’s starting to make her life interesting again.
The last thing Dani expects is to fall for her next victim through the secret emails they share. But before they can decide if their new love is enough to change their very opposite fates, a twisted vigilante starts stalking them both.
They may not be ready to fight for themselves, but how far will they go to save each other?
With heart-pounding twists and deadpan snark, Serial Killer Wanted is a breathless binge-read for fans of They Never Learn and Butcher and Blackbird.
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First published October 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
November 2, 2026
Thank you Nika Grace and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel.
I was worried initially after seeing the rating on goodreads by the time I had a chance to read the novel but I am happy to say I really enjoyed it.
The mix of someone seeking a Serial killer to end their life because they don't have the gumption to end things themselves and a woman feeling like the only thing she has to offer the world is to kill, tugged on my heartstrings more than I expected.
I also enjoyed the unconventional lgbtqia+ characters and how women were truly the star.
I read in tandum with listening to the audiobook. The audiobook performance was great. I loved the voice "D" it had a bit of grit to it and it fit her character so well.
Great read.
I was worried initially after seeing the rating on goodreads by the time I had a chance to read the novel but I am happy to say I really enjoyed it.
The mix of someone seeking a Serial killer to end their life because they don't have the gumption to end things themselves and a woman feeling like the only thing she has to offer the world is to kill, tugged on my heartstrings more than I expected.
I also enjoyed the unconventional lgbtqia+ characters and how women were truly the star.
I read in tandum with listening to the audiobook. The audiobook performance was great. I loved the voice "D" it had a bit of grit to it and it fit her character so well.
Great read.
October 30, 2026
For a book about murder and suicide, this was oddly uplifting and feel-good. There's a good mix of action and thriller elements here, along with a lot of pondering about the meaning of life, suicidal ideation, guilt, and the ability to do good things by murdering people. I don't want to spoil anything, but I enjoyed it; it felt a little YA in terms of how simplistic the thinking is (which is not a negative, just a statement of the maturity level of the POV characters). The ending also comes a bit out of nowhere, but I enjoyed the journey and the growth of these characters,
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Being a killer comes easy to Dani. So easy it’s getting boring, in fact. When she happens across a Help Wanted ad that would allow her to do just that…she’s intrigued. Jeika wants to die. Preferably, before the cops who are on her tail find the evidence to prove what she did.
Now, this was fun! I absolutely devoured this little gem of a book. It was an absolute page-turner, it constantly kept me on my toes, and it was never boring. The concept itself is so intriguing, and the writing is so digestible, it makes for a perfect binge reading experience. The characters are interesting, and the story is much more compelling than one might expect it to be, which was such a nice surprise. Also, there is so much humour so smartly vowen into this story, and I genuinely loved that. There are some small things that didn't quite add up here and there, and I did feel like the pacing got somewhat wonky in the middle, but it's not something that impacted my reading experience all that much, and I honestly barely noticed in the moment anyway. A really great time overall!!!
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Now, this was fun! I absolutely devoured this little gem of a book. It was an absolute page-turner, it constantly kept me on my toes, and it was never boring. The concept itself is so intriguing, and the writing is so digestible, it makes for a perfect binge reading experience. The characters are interesting, and the story is much more compelling than one might expect it to be, which was such a nice surprise. Also, there is so much humour so smartly vowen into this story, and I genuinely loved that. There are some small things that didn't quite add up here and there, and I did feel like the pacing got somewhat wonky in the middle, but it's not something that impacted my reading experience all that much, and I honestly barely noticed in the moment anyway. A really great time overall!!!
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an intriguing premise, brimming with dark humor and a sense of desperation that would put Dexter in the corner! Not a bad effort for a debut in a new genre! I was thoroughly entertained!
The story unfolds through several points of view, primarily from Dani and Jeika, with emails exchanged between them adding depth to the narrative. What do you do when you feel you've committed a terrible act and wish to escape it all? Naturally, you post an ad online! The best way to go about this seems to be hiring a serial killer. After all, you'll get what you want, and the killer gets their fix, right? But what happens when two killers respond? Do you interview them? How do you make your decision? Doesn’t that sound fascinating?
Dani and Jeika are flawed characters, harboring secrets that slowly surface, ultimately drawing them closer together. I found both characters enjoyable; despite their ambiguity, you can’t help but root for them. Dani is clever—she leaves nothing to chance and adheres to her moral code even when it comes to killing. Jeika, on the other hand, is desperate to escape before the law catches up to her, willing to involve a third-party killer to achieve her goal.
The author’s writing feels confident, and I enjoyed how she weaves a touch of romance and a hint of a happy ending into such a dark scenario. I believe this will satisfy many readers, especially those looking to dip their toes into the thriller genre while sticking to their favorite author. You always know what’s happening; there are no hidden surprises, but the way it all unravels keeps you hooked, and the ending was definitely unexpected. What a great conclusion to this debut!
This was a moderately paced, light, and entertaining read that kept me engaged until the last page. If you enjoy flawed characters with complicated pasts and current dilemmas, clever minds, and a story that makes you both laugh and sit on the edge of your seat, then this is for you. You know me, I don’t usually read blurbs, so I was pleasantly surprised. This could easily turn into a fun series. I’d love to find out what the two of them get up to next! Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to take my pups out, all while keeping Cooper in mind! Ha!
Thank you, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story unfolds through several points of view, primarily from Dani and Jeika, with emails exchanged between them adding depth to the narrative. What do you do when you feel you've committed a terrible act and wish to escape it all? Naturally, you post an ad online! The best way to go about this seems to be hiring a serial killer. After all, you'll get what you want, and the killer gets their fix, right? But what happens when two killers respond? Do you interview them? How do you make your decision? Doesn’t that sound fascinating?
Dani and Jeika are flawed characters, harboring secrets that slowly surface, ultimately drawing them closer together. I found both characters enjoyable; despite their ambiguity, you can’t help but root for them. Dani is clever—she leaves nothing to chance and adheres to her moral code even when it comes to killing. Jeika, on the other hand, is desperate to escape before the law catches up to her, willing to involve a third-party killer to achieve her goal.
The author’s writing feels confident, and I enjoyed how she weaves a touch of romance and a hint of a happy ending into such a dark scenario. I believe this will satisfy many readers, especially those looking to dip their toes into the thriller genre while sticking to their favorite author. You always know what’s happening; there are no hidden surprises, but the way it all unravels keeps you hooked, and the ending was definitely unexpected. What a great conclusion to this debut!
This was a moderately paced, light, and entertaining read that kept me engaged until the last page. If you enjoy flawed characters with complicated pasts and current dilemmas, clever minds, and a story that makes you both laugh and sit on the edge of your seat, then this is for you. You know me, I don’t usually read blurbs, so I was pleasantly surprised. This could easily turn into a fun series. I’d love to find out what the two of them get up to next! Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to take my pups out, all while keeping Cooper in mind! Ha!
Thank you, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 28, 2026
The plottwist and the turn the ending took WAS SO MUCH FUN!
I expected this story to go a bit differently when I read about it , I was so pleasantly surprised by the contents inside . The story was compelling , the characters were both interesting, and the emails were fun too!
The end of the climax went a little off the rails but the way it tied up was so nice and refreshingly new !
I enjoyed this a lot!
I expected this story to go a bit differently when I read about it , I was so pleasantly surprised by the contents inside . The story was compelling , the characters were both interesting, and the emails were fun too!
The end of the climax went a little off the rails but the way it tied up was so nice and refreshingly new !
I enjoyed this a lot!
July 29, 2026
3.0 ⭐️
I wanted to love this book based on the premise, but it just didn’t work for me. It started out somewhat strong when Dani and Jeika were first interacting. With the addition of Peter, however, I felt like things started to fall apart. There were inconsistencies in the characters and the romance was not earned. I also didn’t enjoy the writing style. Regardless, thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read this ARC!
I wanted to love this book based on the premise, but it just didn’t work for me. It started out somewhat strong when Dani and Jeika were first interacting. With the addition of Peter, however, I felt like things started to fall apart. There were inconsistencies in the characters and the romance was not earned. I also didn’t enjoy the writing style. Regardless, thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read this ARC!
Want to Read
July 5, 2026🔪🖤 Serial Killer Wanted 🖤🔪
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Sapphic Romance
• Morally Gray MCs
• Psychological Suspense
• Vigilante Justice
• Dark Humor
• Cat and Mouse Chase
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: October 27, 2026
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Sapphic Romance
• Morally Gray MCs
• Psychological Suspense
• Vigilante Justice
• Dark Humor
• Cat and Mouse Chase
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: October 27, 2026
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so ready to love this book. I mean, a sapphic thriller about a serial killer answering an online classified ad from a suicidal woman looking for someone to kill her? Sounds awesome! And in the beginning I really was enjoying the book. The set up, meeting Dani and Jeika, and their initial email conversations had me hooked. But as the book went on and another plotline comes in with a vigilante man stalking them was introduced, my interest waned so much.
All the stuff with Peter just felt so over the top and like it was distracting from the story about Dani and Jeika. The scenes started to feel incredibly repetitive and like the characters were constantly having the same conversations over and over again. The pacing dragged so much in the middle, and then all the action was just squeezed into a very short page count at the end. With a truly bonkers epilogue.
I’m just bummed because this book had such a good premise, but the execution left so much to be desired.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
All the stuff with Peter just felt so over the top and like it was distracting from the story about Dani and Jeika. The scenes started to feel incredibly repetitive and like the characters were constantly having the same conversations over and over again. The pacing dragged so much in the middle, and then all the action was just squeezed into a very short page count at the end. With a truly bonkers epilogue.
I’m just bummed because this book had such a good premise, but the execution left so much to be desired.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
October 20, 2026
A woman looking for someone to kill her places an ad online, and a serial killer answers it. How could I possibly resist a premise like that? Serial Killer Wanted had me intrigued from the start with its twisted setup, sapphic romance, morally questionable characters, and a healthy dose of deadpan humor. Dani and Jeika are two women carrying very different kinds of darkness, and their unusual connection explores grief, guilt, loneliness, and the possibility of finding a reason to keep going when life feels unbearable. I really enjoyed the concept and the flashes of sharp humor woven throughout the story, and I appreciated that beneath the murder and mayhem, there was a genuine emotional core.
Where things got a little complicated for me was the execution. I expected a more intense psychological thriller, with plenty of tension and a compelling cat-and-mouse dynamic, but the story leaned more heavily into character development than suspense. Dani was an interesting character, but her personality and motivations sometimes felt inconsistent, making it difficult to reconcile the supposedly calculated serial killer with some of her decisions. Jeika’s storyline brought plenty of emotional weight, particularly in its exploration of grief and guilt, although the heavier moments occasionally made the pacing feel uneven. I also wanted more development in the romance. The idea of two women developing feelings under such bizarre circumstances was fantastic, but I didn’t always feel the chemistry building as naturally or intensely as I’d hoped, and by the end, nothing felt earned. The additional threat introduced into the story also felt a little more like a convenient way to raise the stakes than a necessary part of the overall narrative. There were plenty of interesting elements here, but I sometimes wished they had been given more room to breathe.
While this was an entertaining, unconventional read with a wonderfully bizarre premise and some surprisingly heartfelt moments, it didn't completely deliver on its thriller potential for me. I enjoyed the exploration of how grief can shape people in drastically different ways, and how connection can emerge in the most unexpected places. The dark humor kept things lively, and I was curious enough about Dani and Jeika to see their story through to the end. I just wanted a stronger sense of suspense, more consistent characterization, and a romance that felt a little more earned, I can absolutely see this appealing to readers who enjoy messy characters, dark sapphic stories, and morally gray women making questionable life choices or if you prefer your thrillers to be heavily character-driven.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Where things got a little complicated for me was the execution. I expected a more intense psychological thriller, with plenty of tension and a compelling cat-and-mouse dynamic, but the story leaned more heavily into character development than suspense. Dani was an interesting character, but her personality and motivations sometimes felt inconsistent, making it difficult to reconcile the supposedly calculated serial killer with some of her decisions. Jeika’s storyline brought plenty of emotional weight, particularly in its exploration of grief and guilt, although the heavier moments occasionally made the pacing feel uneven. I also wanted more development in the romance. The idea of two women developing feelings under such bizarre circumstances was fantastic, but I didn’t always feel the chemistry building as naturally or intensely as I’d hoped, and by the end, nothing felt earned. The additional threat introduced into the story also felt a little more like a convenient way to raise the stakes than a necessary part of the overall narrative. There were plenty of interesting elements here, but I sometimes wished they had been given more room to breathe.
While this was an entertaining, unconventional read with a wonderfully bizarre premise and some surprisingly heartfelt moments, it didn't completely deliver on its thriller potential for me. I enjoyed the exploration of how grief can shape people in drastically different ways, and how connection can emerge in the most unexpected places. The dark humor kept things lively, and I was curious enough about Dani and Jeika to see their story through to the end. I just wanted a stronger sense of suspense, more consistent characterization, and a romance that felt a little more earned, I can absolutely see this appealing to readers who enjoy messy characters, dark sapphic stories, and morally gray women making questionable life choices or if you prefer your thrillers to be heavily character-driven.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🔪💋 SERIAL KILLER WANTED by Nika Grace 💋🔪
Sapphic romance, morally gray characters, and a killer amount of dark humor? SIGN ME UP! 🖤
Another NetGalley ARC finished just in time for spooky season!
This one delivered an intriguing plot, suspense, deliciously dark humor, and characters who definitely aren’t winning any awards for good behavior… but somehow you find yourself rooting for them anyway! 😂🔪
The banter was fantastic, and I especially loved the emails woven throughout the story. They added such a fun, entertaining element to an already unconventional romance.
I loved the morally gray characters, the chemistry, and the way suspense and romance played off each other. There were a few things that didn’t quite add up for me, and I had some questions about certain plot points, but overall, this was a fun, twisted, entertaining read!
If you enjoy your romance a little unhinged, your characters morally questionable, and your humor darker than your coffee, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!
📖 Serial Killer Wanted — Nika Grace
📅 Publication Date: October 27, 2026
📚 ARC courtesy of NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Nika Grace for the opportunity to read this early!
💬 Book besties, do you love a morally gray character, or do you need your fictional love interests to have at least SOME redeeming qualities? 😂
Sapphic romance, morally gray characters, and a killer amount of dark humor? SIGN ME UP! 🖤
Another NetGalley ARC finished just in time for spooky season!
This one delivered an intriguing plot, suspense, deliciously dark humor, and characters who definitely aren’t winning any awards for good behavior… but somehow you find yourself rooting for them anyway! 😂🔪
The banter was fantastic, and I especially loved the emails woven throughout the story. They added such a fun, entertaining element to an already unconventional romance.
I loved the morally gray characters, the chemistry, and the way suspense and romance played off each other. There were a few things that didn’t quite add up for me, and I had some questions about certain plot points, but overall, this was a fun, twisted, entertaining read!
If you enjoy your romance a little unhinged, your characters morally questionable, and your humor darker than your coffee, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!
📖 Serial Killer Wanted — Nika Grace
📅 Publication Date: October 27, 2026
📚 ARC courtesy of NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Nika Grace for the opportunity to read this early!
💬 Book besties, do you love a morally gray character, or do you need your fictional love interests to have at least SOME redeeming qualities? 😂
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This premise alone had me immediately! Serial Killer Wanted is dark, witty, messy, and just the right amount of unhinged.
What really worked for me was the voice. There’s this dry, sarcastic humor running throughout the story that made it so much fun to read, especially paired with characters who are VERY morally questionable. I love a book that can give me darker subject matter while still making me laugh and think, what in the world are these people doing?!
I also really enjoyed the banter and sapphic tension. The character dynamics were probably one of my favorite parts because there’s so much personality packed into their interactions, and I never felt completely sure where everything was headed.
This is definitely one for readers who enjoy morally gray women, dark humor, complicated relationships, messy decisions, and thrillers that are a little weird and completely willing to embrace it.
Such a fun, offbeat read, and I’m glad this one landed on my ARC list!
Thank you to Nika Grace, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What really worked for me was the voice. There’s this dry, sarcastic humor running throughout the story that made it so much fun to read, especially paired with characters who are VERY morally questionable. I love a book that can give me darker subject matter while still making me laugh and think, what in the world are these people doing?!
I also really enjoyed the banter and sapphic tension. The character dynamics were probably one of my favorite parts because there’s so much personality packed into their interactions, and I never felt completely sure where everything was headed.
This is definitely one for readers who enjoy morally gray women, dark humor, complicated relationships, messy decisions, and thrillers that are a little weird and completely willing to embrace it.
Such a fun, offbeat read, and I’m glad this one landed on my ARC list!
Thank you to Nika Grace, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really did not like this book at all. I disliked all of the characters, and the storyline was not even interesting for the most part. The worst part of this book was the epilogue; literally nothing made sense at all. Definitely would not recommend this book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, for the advance reader copy.
Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, for the advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Every character in this is TERRIBLE. Eric, weirdly, and the dog are the best characters in the book.
This has good bones, but the execution fell apart. Again, I point to the characters because the plot is character driven. Dani and Peter aren’t as smart as they think they are. Then there’s Jeika trying to manipulate us into rooting for her, and her piecemeal of a backstory just showed she’s probably worse than Dani and Peter combined.
This has good bones, but the execution fell apart. Again, I point to the characters because the plot is character driven. Dani and Peter aren’t as smart as they think they are. Then there’s Jeika trying to manipulate us into rooting for her, and her piecemeal of a backstory just showed she’s probably worse than Dani and Peter combined.
May 14, 2026
A woman named Jeika posts an online ad searching for a serial killer. When Dani responds, she quickly realizes Jeika isn’t looking for someone to hurt another person…she wants someone to kill her. Haunted by a dark past, Jeika believes death is the only way to escape her guilt.
This book had such an interesting premise, and I was genuinely excited going into it, but unfortunately it fell flat for me. The pacing felt slow, and I found myself bored through most of the story.
Dani constantly talks about being this skilled serial killer, but her actions never really matched that reputation. Instead of feeling calculated and methodical, she came across as sloppy, uncertain, and inconsistent, which made it hard for me to fully buy into her character.
The twist also didn’t land the way I hoped it would. I had already guessed where the story was heading about halfway through, so the ending lacked the shock factor the book seemed to be building toward.
Overall, Serial Killer Wanted had a strong concept but the execution just didn’t work for me.
This book had such an interesting premise, and I was genuinely excited going into it, but unfortunately it fell flat for me. The pacing felt slow, and I found myself bored through most of the story.
Dani constantly talks about being this skilled serial killer, but her actions never really matched that reputation. Instead of feeling calculated and methodical, she came across as sloppy, uncertain, and inconsistent, which made it hard for me to fully buy into her character.
The twist also didn’t land the way I hoped it would. I had already guessed where the story was heading about halfway through, so the ending lacked the shock factor the book seemed to be building toward.
Overall, Serial Killer Wanted had a strong concept but the execution just didn’t work for me.
October 27, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an eARC of Serial Killer Wanted in exchange for my honest review!
The marketing's choice to compare this to Dexter and Killing Eve had drawn me in fast, and that's all proper, because now I've come out of Serial Killer Wanted with a ton of appreciation for what it does to get me invested in the emotion and the suspense of its tale. I'm caring about Dani and her internal conflict over whether or not going down this murderer path of hers really is the right thing for her life. Is it all that truly satisfying for her, or does it just leave an emptiness in her soul? Then we've got Jeika, who I bond with quite deeply while learning about the guilt that keeps crawling out of her past and infecting her in the present day. I want to give her a big hug and lift her out of the pit of worthlessness in which she's trapped, and I'm rooting for her to realize that she inherently deserves happiness. So when you put these two characters together, it makes for a riveting pair that encourages me to follow them on their journey forward. They're characters who endear themselves to me while I'm fully recognizing the weight of the upsetting things that their morally gray selves are capable of doing. And none of that stops me from continuing to accompany their story.
It's not just Dani and Jeika who we concentrate on, though, because we also have Peter, a third individual who's plunged far down his own spiral of vengeance on behalf of his murdered daughter. He's ostensibly pursuing a mission to get rid of any killers who he can get his hands on, but I keep getting constantly hit with such a poisonous spite via his presence that clearly communicates how much he's let this hatred corrode his own spirit. A detail that particularly sticks out to me is his insistence on repeatedly referring to Dani as a "bitch," which hits me like a sharp jab every time he throws that word out there. The misogynistic baggage behind this word serves to further amplify his malice, which he's now choosing to target against a young woman. Yes, that woman, as in Dani, has killed people, but it doesn't take away from Peter's own hatefulness and from the hypocrisy that rests at the center of it. It's a sincerely saddening thing to watch for his character, and it contrasts against the glimmers of hope that I grab onto while following Jeika and Dani's dynamic.
The supporting characters surrounding Dani and Jeika make their own worthwhile contributions towards fleshing out the narrative some more, with Jane and Eric being especially compelling. They could have been one-note figures who are left to dangle off the edges of the book, but instead, they're able to add more of the human nuance that's needed in this tale. It's human nuance that highlights how grisly and depressing things can become, then proceeds to dig up the kind of optimism that reminds us how much more fulfillment there is to discover in life. It's a ray of light that's surprising to encounter in this thriller novel, considering how dark it can get, but it all lands convincingly. It's all pulling me deeper into Jeika and Dani's relationship, whose increasing sapphic closeness gains an extra boost from their email exchanges. Even in these little moments, I can believe in the connection that's sparking off between them, and I'm also all for the dark little chuckles that I can get out of these online talks. Same goes for the grim bit of humor we can get out of the Craigslist-esque website that Jeika uses in her attempt to hire a killer who can off her. Seriously, what a way to aim for that goal.
So now I'm walking out of Serial Killer Wanted on a positive note, and I'm officially rating it 4.25 out of 5 stars. I'm always down for serial killer stories, and this is one that hits me well with its introspective and touching foundation. It has me seated for more of whatever Nika Grace ends up writing.
The marketing's choice to compare this to Dexter and Killing Eve had drawn me in fast, and that's all proper, because now I've come out of Serial Killer Wanted with a ton of appreciation for what it does to get me invested in the emotion and the suspense of its tale. I'm caring about Dani and her internal conflict over whether or not going down this murderer path of hers really is the right thing for her life. Is it all that truly satisfying for her, or does it just leave an emptiness in her soul? Then we've got Jeika, who I bond with quite deeply while learning about the guilt that keeps crawling out of her past and infecting her in the present day. I want to give her a big hug and lift her out of the pit of worthlessness in which she's trapped, and I'm rooting for her to realize that she inherently deserves happiness. So when you put these two characters together, it makes for a riveting pair that encourages me to follow them on their journey forward. They're characters who endear themselves to me while I'm fully recognizing the weight of the upsetting things that their morally gray selves are capable of doing. And none of that stops me from continuing to accompany their story.
It's not just Dani and Jeika who we concentrate on, though, because we also have Peter, a third individual who's plunged far down his own spiral of vengeance on behalf of his murdered daughter. He's ostensibly pursuing a mission to get rid of any killers who he can get his hands on, but I keep getting constantly hit with such a poisonous spite via his presence that clearly communicates how much he's let this hatred corrode his own spirit. A detail that particularly sticks out to me is his insistence on repeatedly referring to Dani as a "bitch," which hits me like a sharp jab every time he throws that word out there. The misogynistic baggage behind this word serves to further amplify his malice, which he's now choosing to target against a young woman. Yes, that woman, as in Dani, has killed people, but it doesn't take away from Peter's own hatefulness and from the hypocrisy that rests at the center of it. It's a sincerely saddening thing to watch for his character, and it contrasts against the glimmers of hope that I grab onto while following Jeika and Dani's dynamic.
The supporting characters surrounding Dani and Jeika make their own worthwhile contributions towards fleshing out the narrative some more, with Jane and Eric being especially compelling. They could have been one-note figures who are left to dangle off the edges of the book, but instead, they're able to add more of the human nuance that's needed in this tale. It's human nuance that highlights how grisly and depressing things can become, then proceeds to dig up the kind of optimism that reminds us how much more fulfillment there is to discover in life. It's a ray of light that's surprising to encounter in this thriller novel, considering how dark it can get, but it all lands convincingly. It's all pulling me deeper into Jeika and Dani's relationship, whose increasing sapphic closeness gains an extra boost from their email exchanges. Even in these little moments, I can believe in the connection that's sparking off between them, and I'm also all for the dark little chuckles that I can get out of these online talks. Same goes for the grim bit of humor we can get out of the Craigslist-esque website that Jeika uses in her attempt to hire a killer who can off her. Seriously, what a way to aim for that goal.
So now I'm walking out of Serial Killer Wanted on a positive note, and I'm officially rating it 4.25 out of 5 stars. I'm always down for serial killer stories, and this is one that hits me well with its introspective and touching foundation. It has me seated for more of whatever Nika Grace ends up writing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"No matter how hard you try in life, you can't control everything your actions will set in motion."
Human behavior is a mystery many thinkers have wondered how to crack. In opposition to Newton's law of motion, the source of our thoughts was never quite determined. Whether it was our sense of belonging, or death, or a pathetic attempt at taking any sign as a threshold a friend in our darkness to lead us through.
This book carries the story of great grief. What it means to be a survivor, and what the cost was and will always be an incredible debt to repay. We see family lines blur, and friendship links grow. We see the representation of what it means to finally take a look around and see that our greatest burdens might be the blessings we never saw.
We see Dany and Jeika learn what it costs to take a life. Whether it was a conscious decision or a panicked reaction, we see the ever-growing guilt eat at both of them. They portray how similar events might lead to different outcomes. One grows a huge desire to disappear, while the other strives to numb it to make it a small, manageable detail. We see them grow together and apart, based on each one's separate journey.
We see Dany learn that not every mean soul is a monster an experience learned firsthand. On the other hand, Jeika learns to reflect some of the same empathy she gives to others, back onto herself. Both these women learn incredible lessons each what they needed most.
The pace throughout the story was what the story needed. We got the push and pull loved by all readers, while still preserving a climax and a wonderful resolution. The plot wasn't unpredictable, but at the same time, it wasn't cliché. Could it have had a different ending that would have been deemed more engaging? Sure. But I don't believe that's the essence of this story.
Every person has a story worth telling. But what we mostly miss is that their value is never about the number of events or perturbations lived but the version of ourselves that we reach at the end. And I believe that's where this book achieves the most.
This book would be great for someone looking for reconciliation to hold a mirror to their darkest thoughts and still reach the other side. It will be worth it if you're a more character-oriented reader, where what matters most is the journey and not the ending. It was a well-crafted story, and we carry something from each story through our lives. I think what will be memorable is the metamorphosis of Dani, the one who pulled them all from their darkness into the shadows of life.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Happy reading ◉‿◉
Human behavior is a mystery many thinkers have wondered how to crack. In opposition to Newton's law of motion, the source of our thoughts was never quite determined. Whether it was our sense of belonging, or death, or a pathetic attempt at taking any sign as a threshold a friend in our darkness to lead us through.
This book carries the story of great grief. What it means to be a survivor, and what the cost was and will always be an incredible debt to repay. We see family lines blur, and friendship links grow. We see the representation of what it means to finally take a look around and see that our greatest burdens might be the blessings we never saw.
We see Dany and Jeika learn what it costs to take a life. Whether it was a conscious decision or a panicked reaction, we see the ever-growing guilt eat at both of them. They portray how similar events might lead to different outcomes. One grows a huge desire to disappear, while the other strives to numb it to make it a small, manageable detail. We see them grow together and apart, based on each one's separate journey.
We see Dany learn that not every mean soul is a monster an experience learned firsthand. On the other hand, Jeika learns to reflect some of the same empathy she gives to others, back onto herself. Both these women learn incredible lessons each what they needed most.
The pace throughout the story was what the story needed. We got the push and pull loved by all readers, while still preserving a climax and a wonderful resolution. The plot wasn't unpredictable, but at the same time, it wasn't cliché. Could it have had a different ending that would have been deemed more engaging? Sure. But I don't believe that's the essence of this story.
Every person has a story worth telling. But what we mostly miss is that their value is never about the number of events or perturbations lived but the version of ourselves that we reach at the end. And I believe that's where this book achieves the most.
This book would be great for someone looking for reconciliation to hold a mirror to their darkest thoughts and still reach the other side. It will be worth it if you're a more character-oriented reader, where what matters most is the journey and not the ending. It was a well-crafted story, and we carry something from each story through our lives. I think what will be memorable is the metamorphosis of Dani, the one who pulled them all from their darkness into the shadows of life.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Happy reading ◉‿◉
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Serial Killer Wanted Novel by Nika Grace
Pub Date Oct 27 2026
Crooked Lane Books
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance
I picked up this book without even reading the blurb. The title caught my attention, the cover sealed the deal, and I jumped in completely blind.
And girls... WHAT WAS THIS BOOK?!
A suicidal woman posts an ad looking for a serial killer to end her life.
A serial killer who can kill on a whim answers her ad... but instead of killing her immediately, she wants to know why.
Then there's another killer lurking in the shadows, creating a dangerous game of cat and mouse that keeps everyone looking over their shoulder.
I loved how the story unfolded through emails while also showing the characters' pasts and present-day struggles. It made everything feel so personal and intimate.
DANI ABSOLUTELY STOLE THIS BOOK FOR ME.
She isn't one of those conveniently justified killers who only targets terrible people. She's unpredictable, morally gray, terrifying, funny, and somehow incredibly lovable all at once.
SHE'D KILL FOR YOU... BUT SHE MIGHT ALSO KILL YOU.
And yet beneath all of that rage is a woman carrying so much pain and trauma. Watching her journey unfold was fascinating. I loved how Nika Grace slowly peeled back the layers of her character. Dani's growth felt authentic, emotional, and earned. She is easily one of my favorite female characters I've read in a long time.
Jeika frustrated me so much at times. She can be stubborn, impulsive, and honestly a little bitchy. But the more I learned about her past, her mistakes, and the weight she carries, the more my heart broke for her. Her struggle with wanting to die felt painfully real. Not dramatic. Not romanticized. Just exhausting, lonely, and heartbreaking.
The found family aspect completely won me over. These are messy, damaged misfits trying to protect one another while carrying scars of their own. I loved every interaction between them.
And let's talk about the father...
That man had me stressed every time he appeared on the page.
This book is dark. It deals with murder, suicide, trauma, guilt, and grief. But it also has sharp humor, hope, healing, loyalty, and unexpected connections. Somehow Nika Grace balanced all of those elements perfectly.
FOR A STORY ABOUT KILLERS, THIS BOOK HAD AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF HEART.
This was my first queer read, and I absolutely loved it. The relationships felt natural, the characters felt real, and the emotional impact hit me far harder than I expected.
Nika Grace wrote a story that completely consumed me. I laughed, stressed, worried, and got emotionally attached to people I never wanted to let go of.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED THIS BOOK.
And Dani? I'll be thinking about her for a very long time.
Serial Killer Wanted Novel by Nika Grace
Pub Date Oct 27 2026
Crooked Lane Books
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance
I picked up this book without even reading the blurb. The title caught my attention, the cover sealed the deal, and I jumped in completely blind.
And girls... WHAT WAS THIS BOOK?!
A suicidal woman posts an ad looking for a serial killer to end her life.
A serial killer who can kill on a whim answers her ad... but instead of killing her immediately, she wants to know why.
Then there's another killer lurking in the shadows, creating a dangerous game of cat and mouse that keeps everyone looking over their shoulder.
I loved how the story unfolded through emails while also showing the characters' pasts and present-day struggles. It made everything feel so personal and intimate.
DANI ABSOLUTELY STOLE THIS BOOK FOR ME.
She isn't one of those conveniently justified killers who only targets terrible people. She's unpredictable, morally gray, terrifying, funny, and somehow incredibly lovable all at once.
SHE'D KILL FOR YOU... BUT SHE MIGHT ALSO KILL YOU.
And yet beneath all of that rage is a woman carrying so much pain and trauma. Watching her journey unfold was fascinating. I loved how Nika Grace slowly peeled back the layers of her character. Dani's growth felt authentic, emotional, and earned. She is easily one of my favorite female characters I've read in a long time.
Jeika frustrated me so much at times. She can be stubborn, impulsive, and honestly a little bitchy. But the more I learned about her past, her mistakes, and the weight she carries, the more my heart broke for her. Her struggle with wanting to die felt painfully real. Not dramatic. Not romanticized. Just exhausting, lonely, and heartbreaking.
The found family aspect completely won me over. These are messy, damaged misfits trying to protect one another while carrying scars of their own. I loved every interaction between them.
And let's talk about the father...
That man had me stressed every time he appeared on the page.
This book is dark. It deals with murder, suicide, trauma, guilt, and grief. But it also has sharp humor, hope, healing, loyalty, and unexpected connections. Somehow Nika Grace balanced all of those elements perfectly.
FOR A STORY ABOUT KILLERS, THIS BOOK HAD AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF HEART.
This was my first queer read, and I absolutely loved it. The relationships felt natural, the characters felt real, and the emotional impact hit me far harder than I expected.
Nika Grace wrote a story that completely consumed me. I laughed, stressed, worried, and got emotionally attached to people I never wanted to let go of.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED THIS BOOK.
And Dani? I'll be thinking about her for a very long time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Being a killer comes easy to Dani. So easy it’s getting boring, in fact. But this girl isn’t taking orders from anybody, not even fate. If she’s going to keep up with the stab-and-shovel work, she’s going to create her own code for who deserves a medal or a bullet. When she happens across a Help Wanted ad that would allow her to do just that…she’s intrigued.
Jeika wants to die. Preferably, before the cops who are on her tail find the evidence to prove what she did. Except the only one who can help her do that is also the one who’s starting to make her life interesting again.
The last thing Dani expects is to fall for her next victim through the secret emails they share. But before they can decide if their new love is enough to change their very opposite fates, a twisted vigilante starts stalking them both.
They may not be ready to fight for themselves, but how far will they go to save each other?
With heart-pounding twists and deadpan snark, Serial Killer Wanted is a breathless binge-read for fans of They Never Learn and Butcher and Blackbird.
Okay. I loved absolutely everything about this book. The way the text messages and forums were composed, the stylistic formatting, the character dynamics, the queer rep - UGH! It was all so masterfully done and I am absolutely obsessed with it. I especially loved how badass Dani is and how raw, authentic, and personal Jeika is. I read this entire book in one sitting, because I simply could not get enough.
One of my favorite things about this novel was how it goes into setting without being overzealous about. Usually, when I edit novels, I have to tell writers to add more, because a lot of times we'll be sitting in a blank room otherwise. Although the setting-worldbuilding in Serial Killer Wanted is minimal, it still packs a punch and paints the picture of the book and what's happening within it to readers.
Another thing I obsessed over was the dynamic between Jeika and Dani, and how they both grew throughout the novel. As someone who has experienced SI, I felt incredibly touched by Jeika's experiences and moved by how her mindset changed throughout the book.
Plus - serial killers?? An app where they can be contracted?? This is an incredibly fascinating concept, all-around. I absolutely loved it. I cannot wait to see what Grace comes up with next, as I'm sure it will be phenomenal.
Jeika wants to die. Preferably, before the cops who are on her tail find the evidence to prove what she did. Except the only one who can help her do that is also the one who’s starting to make her life interesting again.
The last thing Dani expects is to fall for her next victim through the secret emails they share. But before they can decide if their new love is enough to change their very opposite fates, a twisted vigilante starts stalking them both.
They may not be ready to fight for themselves, but how far will they go to save each other?
With heart-pounding twists and deadpan snark, Serial Killer Wanted is a breathless binge-read for fans of They Never Learn and Butcher and Blackbird.
Okay. I loved absolutely everything about this book. The way the text messages and forums were composed, the stylistic formatting, the character dynamics, the queer rep - UGH! It was all so masterfully done and I am absolutely obsessed with it. I especially loved how badass Dani is and how raw, authentic, and personal Jeika is. I read this entire book in one sitting, because I simply could not get enough.
One of my favorite things about this novel was how it goes into setting without being overzealous about. Usually, when I edit novels, I have to tell writers to add more, because a lot of times we'll be sitting in a blank room otherwise. Although the setting-worldbuilding in Serial Killer Wanted is minimal, it still packs a punch and paints the picture of the book and what's happening within it to readers.
Another thing I obsessed over was the dynamic between Jeika and Dani, and how they both grew throughout the novel. As someone who has experienced SI, I felt incredibly touched by Jeika's experiences and moved by how her mindset changed throughout the book.
Plus - serial killers?? An app where they can be contracted?? This is an incredibly fascinating concept, all-around. I absolutely loved it. I cannot wait to see what Grace comes up with next, as I'm sure it will be phenomenal.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5/5, super fun premise that kind of got ruined by the need to have heightened drama/stakes that just fell flat. As well, wins my personal award for world's worse epilogue.
Serial Killer Wanted follows two women: Jeika and Dani. Jeika is living with massive amounts of guilt and decides that she wants to die. After a failed attempt, she puts an advert up online: Serial Killer Wanted. Dani answers this, but is determined to not kill anyone who doesn't truly deserve it. After the two meet, something different begins to blossom between the two.
I didn't hate this, but I can't say that I really liked it. There were some solid core themes that were interesting: the weight of guilt, who deserves to die, etc. But most of these were overshadowed for nonsensical drama about a man who wants to kill serial killers because... his daughter was a part of a cult? Surely, Peter would want to go after cult leaders, not random girls who answer an ad? Peter felt like he was shoehorned in as a way to try and amp up the suspense, but fell flat because he was poorly fleshed out.
Dani never came across as smartly as the book wanted her to. We were constantly told that she was an expert in covering her tracks, but we saw her gloss over several blunders. This to me does not feel like the same mastermind that covered up her murders as a 14 year old. Because we were told a lot more than we were shown, the romance between Jeika and Dani felt very weak. Their dynamic was an insta-love, but I would have happily read another 30-50 pages if it meant that there was some actual build up to their relationship.
Was it entertaining? At some points, yes. But the pacing meant that the tension rose to a point and then dropped to a flat level. It kept me reading and wanting more, but that meant that I did end up disappointed in some areas. I was willing to give it a three, but then... the epilogue. That was one of the worst I've ever seen. I've never read an epilogue that felt necessary, and this one was just such a massive tone shift with an awful ending.
TL;DR: Would have massively preferred this book to have leaned into the romance & building the relationship between the two, instead of forcing the thriller.
Serial Killer Wanted follows two women: Jeika and Dani. Jeika is living with massive amounts of guilt and decides that she wants to die. After a failed attempt, she puts an advert up online: Serial Killer Wanted. Dani answers this, but is determined to not kill anyone who doesn't truly deserve it. After the two meet, something different begins to blossom between the two.
I didn't hate this, but I can't say that I really liked it. There were some solid core themes that were interesting: the weight of guilt, who deserves to die, etc. But most of these were overshadowed for nonsensical drama about a man who wants to kill serial killers because... his daughter was a part of a cult? Surely, Peter would want to go after cult leaders, not random girls who answer an ad? Peter felt like he was shoehorned in as a way to try and amp up the suspense, but fell flat because he was poorly fleshed out.
Dani never came across as smartly as the book wanted her to. We were constantly told that she was an expert in covering her tracks, but we saw her gloss over several blunders. This to me does not feel like the same mastermind that covered up her murders as a 14 year old. Because we were told a lot more than we were shown, the romance between Jeika and Dani felt very weak. Their dynamic was an insta-love, but I would have happily read another 30-50 pages if it meant that there was some actual build up to their relationship.
Was it entertaining? At some points, yes. But the pacing meant that the tension rose to a point and then dropped to a flat level. It kept me reading and wanting more, but that meant that I did end up disappointed in some areas. I was willing to give it a three, but then... the epilogue. That was one of the worst I've ever seen. I've never read an epilogue that felt necessary, and this one was just such a massive tone shift with an awful ending.
TL;DR: Would have massively preferred this book to have leaned into the romance & building the relationship between the two, instead of forcing the thriller.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When reading the premise of this book, my interest was incredibly piqued. I mean, come on, it hits all the big buzz: sapphic romance, morally grey, thriller/horror, intense subject matter. Weeeeell, this book went in a different direction than I had expected.
I feel like when we’re introduced to Dani, the serial killer of the two, we’re led to believe she’s almost like a hitman of sorts. Intensely cunning, whip smart, effortless. This façade lasts until about 30% into the book and just completely unravels on itself. As a character with such wild and intense lore, I almost expected better of her throughout the story. I dunno. She seemed a bit all over the place. I feel like we saw more of her frying chicken than her being a criminal mastermind.
As for Jeika, all of her chapters are filled with such a dreadful weight that at times I felt like I had to power through her outrageously dark thought processes. It made my skin crawl, but maybe that was the intention.
Overall, I really wanted to love it. The premise is great, the prose is very well crafted, but I felt like the characters had motivation for a little bit and then were just a bit flimsy. It felt like lots of things were set up just to be hung out to dry for most of (or all of) the story.
The story does bring the reader through quite the twists and turns with the actual thriller plotline, but I found myself frustrated by it a bit. The addition of Peter felt more like it was only intended to be a driver of high-stakes drama than really mean anything in the end. The romance between the two protagonists felt rushed and unearned, and the epilogue was a bit meh for my taste, as well. It was almost too shiny, too perfectly wrapped-up-in-a-bow for a story with such dark and tragic beginnings.
It’s a fun thriller to read, and I read it across a couple of sittings. If you like dark crime thrillers, you’ll likely enjoy this, but I think it would’ve been better with just a wee bit more fleshing out and holding on to the characters’ intentions.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I feel like when we’re introduced to Dani, the serial killer of the two, we’re led to believe she’s almost like a hitman of sorts. Intensely cunning, whip smart, effortless. This façade lasts until about 30% into the book and just completely unravels on itself. As a character with such wild and intense lore, I almost expected better of her throughout the story. I dunno. She seemed a bit all over the place. I feel like we saw more of her frying chicken than her being a criminal mastermind.
As for Jeika, all of her chapters are filled with such a dreadful weight that at times I felt like I had to power through her outrageously dark thought processes. It made my skin crawl, but maybe that was the intention.
Overall, I really wanted to love it. The premise is great, the prose is very well crafted, but I felt like the characters had motivation for a little bit and then were just a bit flimsy. It felt like lots of things were set up just to be hung out to dry for most of (or all of) the story.
The story does bring the reader through quite the twists and turns with the actual thriller plotline, but I found myself frustrated by it a bit. The addition of Peter felt more like it was only intended to be a driver of high-stakes drama than really mean anything in the end. The romance between the two protagonists felt rushed and unearned, and the epilogue was a bit meh for my taste, as well. It was almost too shiny, too perfectly wrapped-up-in-a-bow for a story with such dark and tragic beginnings.
It’s a fun thriller to read, and I read it across a couple of sittings. If you like dark crime thrillers, you’ll likely enjoy this, but I think it would’ve been better with just a wee bit more fleshing out and holding on to the characters’ intentions.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝐈'𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞...𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲.
I have to admit, the premise of this book immediately caught my attention. Dani is a serial killer who finds herself intrigued when she discovers an online Help Wanted ad from Jeika, a woman looking for someone to kill her. What follows is a strange and increasingly complicated connection between two women who should have absolutely no business falling for each other, especially with a vigilante suddenly stalking them both.
There was a lot here that should have been right up my alley. I loved the dark humor, and the whole idea of a serial killer answering a job posting from someone who wants to die is wonderfully twisted. Dani's attitude and the deadpan snark gave the story some genuinely entertaining moments, and I liked the sapphic psychological suspense angle. But somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn't as invested as I wanted to be. I kept waiting for that feeling of being completely consumed by the story, and for whatever reason, it just never quite happened for me.
While this book had a clever premise, plenty of dark humor, and some seriously messed-up ideas that I enjoyed exploring, ultimately it landed somewhere in the middle for me. I'm honestly not even sure I can pinpoint exactly what kept me from connecting with it more because there were plenty of individual elements I liked. Sometimes a book can have all the ingredients you normally love and still not completely hit the spot, and I think that's what happened here. Definitely worth checking out if the premise grabs you, but this one just didn't become the binge-read I was hoping it would be. Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books for the early copy that is set to publish October 27, 2026.
I have to admit, the premise of this book immediately caught my attention. Dani is a serial killer who finds herself intrigued when she discovers an online Help Wanted ad from Jeika, a woman looking for someone to kill her. What follows is a strange and increasingly complicated connection between two women who should have absolutely no business falling for each other, especially with a vigilante suddenly stalking them both.
There was a lot here that should have been right up my alley. I loved the dark humor, and the whole idea of a serial killer answering a job posting from someone who wants to die is wonderfully twisted. Dani's attitude and the deadpan snark gave the story some genuinely entertaining moments, and I liked the sapphic psychological suspense angle. But somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn't as invested as I wanted to be. I kept waiting for that feeling of being completely consumed by the story, and for whatever reason, it just never quite happened for me.
While this book had a clever premise, plenty of dark humor, and some seriously messed-up ideas that I enjoyed exploring, ultimately it landed somewhere in the middle for me. I'm honestly not even sure I can pinpoint exactly what kept me from connecting with it more because there were plenty of individual elements I liked. Sometimes a book can have all the ingredients you normally love and still not completely hit the spot, and I think that's what happened here. Definitely worth checking out if the premise grabs you, but this one just didn't become the binge-read I was hoping it would be. Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books for the early copy that is set to publish October 27, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc!
“Some part of me wants to believe that fate planned all of this, […] But these were all my own choices, all me.”
“Serial Killer Wanted” was a bumpy road for me. The premise sounded like something exactly up my alley – two women, one that is a killer and one that wants to die, falling in love through secrets emails they share? Sign me up immediately.
For the first 25% of the book, the story wasn’t working for me at all. While Dani’s narration was compelling enough, I found Jeika’s chapters flat and her characterization one dimensional. I especially hated the emails, which was a bummer, because I was really looking forward to that part. I also expected them to write more to each other at the beginning, but the “falling in love through the secret emails they share” part of the blurb isn’t really there. Dani and Jeika’s relationship develops outside of the emails and does so very slowly. I didn’t feel like there was any tension between them till the very end of the book. The lack of tension in the whole book is really jarring cosidering that it’s a thriller. I liked how the author touched on themes of underestimating women’s cruelty and expecting someone to be suicidal because of their queerness, but I wished it was developed more and had more of an impact on the story.
What stood out to me the most was the exploration of grief and how it can change us – that aspect of the story was really well done. I really enjoyed how it was handled through three different perspectives and characters. If you like character-focused stories and want to try the thriller genre this book would be a great starting point! Even if I didn’t end up loving this I’m glad that I read the whole thing instead of giving up after the 25% mark.
“Some part of me wants to believe that fate planned all of this, […] But these were all my own choices, all me.”
“Serial Killer Wanted” was a bumpy road for me. The premise sounded like something exactly up my alley – two women, one that is a killer and one that wants to die, falling in love through secrets emails they share? Sign me up immediately.
For the first 25% of the book, the story wasn’t working for me at all. While Dani’s narration was compelling enough, I found Jeika’s chapters flat and her characterization one dimensional. I especially hated the emails, which was a bummer, because I was really looking forward to that part. I also expected them to write more to each other at the beginning, but the “falling in love through the secret emails they share” part of the blurb isn’t really there. Dani and Jeika’s relationship develops outside of the emails and does so very slowly. I didn’t feel like there was any tension between them till the very end of the book. The lack of tension in the whole book is really jarring cosidering that it’s a thriller. I liked how the author touched on themes of underestimating women’s cruelty and expecting someone to be suicidal because of their queerness, but I wished it was developed more and had more of an impact on the story.
What stood out to me the most was the exploration of grief and how it can change us – that aspect of the story was really well done. I really enjoyed how it was handled through three different perspectives and characters. If you like character-focused stories and want to try the thriller genre this book would be a great starting point! Even if I didn’t end up loving this I’m glad that I read the whole thing instead of giving up after the 25% mark.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Serial Killer Wanted by Nika Grace releases October 27, 2026, and the premise immediately caught my attention. A woman who wants to die posts an ad looking for a serial killer to do it for her, only for an actual serial killer to respond. It’s dark, strange, and honestly a really good setup.
The beginning worked really well for me. I liked the dynamic between Jeika and Dani, especially because the book doesn’t treat the situation like a simple gimmick. Their conversations are interesting, Dani is easily one of the strongest parts of the story, and there was enough dark humor and psychological tension to keep me curious about where everything was going.
Where it lost some of that momentum for me was as the story started moving beyond that initial setup. The premise is so strong that I think I wanted the book to stay a little more focused on what made it interesting in the first place. Some of the middle started to feel drawn out, and there were moments where it felt like the story was circling around similar emotional beats rather than continuing to build on that early momentum.
I still think there’s a lot to like here. The concept is original, the characters are morally messy in an interesting way, and I can absolutely see this working really well for readers who enjoy dark psychological thrillers with a strong relationship element. I just connected more with the beginning than I did with where the story eventually started heading.
Rating: 4/5
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
The beginning worked really well for me. I liked the dynamic between Jeika and Dani, especially because the book doesn’t treat the situation like a simple gimmick. Their conversations are interesting, Dani is easily one of the strongest parts of the story, and there was enough dark humor and psychological tension to keep me curious about where everything was going.
Where it lost some of that momentum for me was as the story started moving beyond that initial setup. The premise is so strong that I think I wanted the book to stay a little more focused on what made it interesting in the first place. Some of the middle started to feel drawn out, and there were moments where it felt like the story was circling around similar emotional beats rather than continuing to build on that early momentum.
I still think there’s a lot to like here. The concept is original, the characters are morally messy in an interesting way, and I can absolutely see this working really well for readers who enjoy dark psychological thrillers with a strong relationship element. I just connected more with the beginning than I did with where the story eventually started heading.
Rating: 4/5
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Serial Killer Wanted by Nika Grace, Jeeka for reasons of her own wants to end her life but she lacks the talent to do so. She tried hanging herself from a tree but all she got for her trouble was scratches and bruises she tried overdosing and then instantly threw up in the bathroom sink so now she’s going to craigslist, under Cheap List she puts an ad for a serial killer. This is how she connects with Faceless Man00, unfortunately FM isn’t ready to jump all into the killing because once he learns it’s the poster themself that wants to die he now wants to know why because FM is not into killing good people. Jeeka send a half truthful email about why she wants to end it all but FM a.k.a. Danny isn’t buying it and this is when Peter enters the conversation. He is another SK ready to do her bidding but want something in return. When Danny finds out about the other SK he immediately doesn’t trust this guy… No joke he’s an SK or at least pretends to be one on the Internet. Peter is going to mix things up not in a good way Danny is going to fall for Jeeka. not to mention before Danny can take her out he first may have to kill her neighbor and the guy who always fixes her car for free Eric. Let me just say I did enjoy the book it was the ending and the epilogue I did not like it seemed as if the people in the ending weren’t the same people in the book and for those who have read the ending know what I’m saying. As for the epilogue the only part I liked Was the paraplegic although I did love Jane’s ending… She was my favorite character even though she wasn’t a big player. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is one of those rare thrillers that manages to hold two completely opposing things at once: grief… and something almost dangerously fun.
At its core, this story is about loss, connection, and the messy, complicated ways people try to make sense of both. But instead of weighing the narrative down, it somehow carries a surprising lightness…an energy that keeps you engaged even as it explores darker, more complex themes.
The characters are where this book really shines. They’re flawed, raw, and deeply human — the kind that don’t just exist on the page, but linger long after you’ve put the book down. You understand them, even when you shouldn’t. Maybe especially then.
There’s a real emotional undercurrent running through every decision they make. You can feel the grief, the anger, the need for connection and the way those things blur the line between right and wrong.
The writing is vivid and immersive, pulling you straight into the chaos of it all. It’s fast-paced, action-driven, and incredibly easy to get swept up in. The kind of book where you tell yourself “just one more chapter”… and suddenly you’re at the end, wondering how it went by so quickly.
And at the heart of it all is this sharp, compelling edge of vigilante justice — wrapped in a story that feels both entertaining and a little bit dangerous.
If you’re looking for something that balances emotion with momentum, and darkness with just enough bite to keep it fun you’re going to want to pick this one up.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity and the ARC!
At its core, this story is about loss, connection, and the messy, complicated ways people try to make sense of both. But instead of weighing the narrative down, it somehow carries a surprising lightness…an energy that keeps you engaged even as it explores darker, more complex themes.
The characters are where this book really shines. They’re flawed, raw, and deeply human — the kind that don’t just exist on the page, but linger long after you’ve put the book down. You understand them, even when you shouldn’t. Maybe especially then.
There’s a real emotional undercurrent running through every decision they make. You can feel the grief, the anger, the need for connection and the way those things blur the line between right and wrong.
The writing is vivid and immersive, pulling you straight into the chaos of it all. It’s fast-paced, action-driven, and incredibly easy to get swept up in. The kind of book where you tell yourself “just one more chapter”… and suddenly you’re at the end, wondering how it went by so quickly.
And at the heart of it all is this sharp, compelling edge of vigilante justice — wrapped in a story that feels both entertaining and a little bit dangerous.
If you’re looking for something that balances emotion with momentum, and darkness with just enough bite to keep it fun you’re going to want to pick this one up.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity and the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted this to be my next five star read 😭
Thank you @netgalley for letting me read this e-arc in exchange for an honest review ✨️
The blurb was really promising! This is the story of Jeika and Dani. Dani, being a serial killer, was out looking for a new victim as Jeika literally offered herself due to an add. Jeika really wants to die but she can't seem to pull it off herself and Dani agrees to help her. Well, she is not convinced just yet. While they are talking and thinking, someone else comes in the picture and let me tell you, he's not a good guy. Drama is promised!! 🤭
The first half of this book was so good! I really liked this unique concept and how Dani and Jeika came together. But after a while things became messy and weird. Normally, I'm a fan of messy and weird but this was just nowhere near real life. 🥲 What do you mean (spoiler alert!!) this random traumatized guy goes THIS FAR to kill a random person. The backstory and his motive just didn't match in my head... 😬
I must say the writing is pretty good because everything is fast paced. The chapters are short and I did finish this really quickly. There is some dark romance element which I appreciated as well as the thriller aspect. 🖤 But honestly, this "plot twist" at the end wasn't it and I'm so sorry but what was that epilogue?! It just made it weirder and unbelievable 😭
As I have said before, the idea was definitely there and the first half had me intrigued but it went downhill from there.. sorry 😬
Thank you @netgalley for letting me read this e-arc in exchange for an honest review ✨️
The blurb was really promising! This is the story of Jeika and Dani. Dani, being a serial killer, was out looking for a new victim as Jeika literally offered herself due to an add. Jeika really wants to die but she can't seem to pull it off herself and Dani agrees to help her. Well, she is not convinced just yet. While they are talking and thinking, someone else comes in the picture and let me tell you, he's not a good guy. Drama is promised!! 🤭
The first half of this book was so good! I really liked this unique concept and how Dani and Jeika came together. But after a while things became messy and weird. Normally, I'm a fan of messy and weird but this was just nowhere near real life. 🥲 What do you mean (spoiler alert!!) this random traumatized guy goes THIS FAR to kill a random person. The backstory and his motive just didn't match in my head... 😬
I must say the writing is pretty good because everything is fast paced. The chapters are short and I did finish this really quickly. There is some dark romance element which I appreciated as well as the thriller aspect. 🖤 But honestly, this "plot twist" at the end wasn't it and I'm so sorry but what was that epilogue?! It just made it weirder and unbelievable 😭
As I have said before, the idea was definitely there and the first half had me intrigued but it went downhill from there.. sorry 😬
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this book wasn't what I hoped it was going to be. I thought that the writing was alright. There were a multitude of literary devices, such as similes and metaphors, that I thought were very well-written , and did exactly what they needed to do for the story. I did feel, however, that a huge part of the writing seemed to attempt to be a mix of high brow and casual. It didn't so much happen when we were being told through Jeika's point of view, but Dani's point of view was often hard to get through.
Speaking of the two main characters, I did enjoy Jeika's character significantly more than I did Dani. Dani's characterization was just so flippy floppy. It often felt like Dani was supposed to be this badass, edgy character who supposedly feels nothing, but as the story gradually goes on, she gains that feeling. From the very beginning, though, I just found her to be pretty annoying. Jeika, on the other hand, was more bearable. I thought that her story was much more interesting, and the mistakes she made was more believable.
I think this book was more character focused than plot focused. The reason being is that there weren't much of a plot going on, or at least not what was advertised as. I wish that there was more than what was given to us.
Overall, I think this is a good first book for Nika Grace. I think that Grace can get even better with each new book that she writes, because the writing is there for sure.
Unfortunately, this book wasn't what I hoped it was going to be. I thought that the writing was alright. There were a multitude of literary devices, such as similes and metaphors, that I thought were very well-written , and did exactly what they needed to do for the story. I did feel, however, that a huge part of the writing seemed to attempt to be a mix of high brow and casual. It didn't so much happen when we were being told through Jeika's point of view, but Dani's point of view was often hard to get through.
Speaking of the two main characters, I did enjoy Jeika's character significantly more than I did Dani. Dani's characterization was just so flippy floppy. It often felt like Dani was supposed to be this badass, edgy character who supposedly feels nothing, but as the story gradually goes on, she gains that feeling. From the very beginning, though, I just found her to be pretty annoying. Jeika, on the other hand, was more bearable. I thought that her story was much more interesting, and the mistakes she made was more believable.
I think this book was more character focused than plot focused. The reason being is that there weren't much of a plot going on, or at least not what was advertised as. I wish that there was more than what was given to us.
Overall, I think this is a good first book for Nika Grace. I think that Grace can get even better with each new book that she writes, because the writing is there for sure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one had me immediately with the premise—like, say less. A woman posts an ad for someone to kill her, and a serial killer answers it? I was all in.
And honestly… I liked it, but I didn’t love it.
This leans way more character-driven than I expected. You’ve got Dani, who’s a killer but almost bored with it at this point, trying to create her own moral code. Then there’s Jeika, who’s spiraling and convinced her story only ends one way. Their connection builds through emails, and that part was actually my favorite. It’s tense, a little chaotic, and you can feel something shifting between them even when you know it shouldn’t.
The emotional side of this book really worked for me. It digs into grief, guilt, depression, and that stuck feeling where you don’t know how to move forward. That part felt real, even when the plot itself got a little out there.
But as a thriller, I wanted more. More tension, more edge, more of that can’t-put-it-down feeling. It had moments, but it didn’t fully sustain it. The pacing felt uneven, and there were parts where I found myself losing momentum.
Also, the characters aren’t exactly likable—which I get, that’s kind of the point—but it did make it harder to fully connect. I was curious enough to keep going, but not completely invested.
Overall, this is definitely a darker, more unconventional read with a really strong concept. It just didn’t hit as hard as I wanted it to.
3 stars
And honestly… I liked it, but I didn’t love it.
This leans way more character-driven than I expected. You’ve got Dani, who’s a killer but almost bored with it at this point, trying to create her own moral code. Then there’s Jeika, who’s spiraling and convinced her story only ends one way. Their connection builds through emails, and that part was actually my favorite. It’s tense, a little chaotic, and you can feel something shifting between them even when you know it shouldn’t.
The emotional side of this book really worked for me. It digs into grief, guilt, depression, and that stuck feeling where you don’t know how to move forward. That part felt real, even when the plot itself got a little out there.
But as a thriller, I wanted more. More tension, more edge, more of that can’t-put-it-down feeling. It had moments, but it didn’t fully sustain it. The pacing felt uneven, and there were parts where I found myself losing momentum.
Also, the characters aren’t exactly likable—which I get, that’s kind of the point—but it did make it harder to fully connect. I was curious enough to keep going, but not completely invested.
Overall, this is definitely a darker, more unconventional read with a really strong concept. It just didn’t hit as hard as I wanted it to.
3 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📱📖 Read on Kindle
📃 320 pages
⏱ 4 hours
🏷️ Crooked Lane Books | Publishing October 27, 2026
ARC provided via NetGalley
I went in for the “Dexter meets Killing Eve” pitch and the promise of a morally messy, sapphic cat-and-mouse. And to be fair, the central dynamic delivers: Dani and Jeika fit together in a way that’s both unsettling and oddly tender. One needs to kill, the other wants to die, and somewhere in those late-night emails, the book finds its emotional hook. That push-pull between purpose and connection is the strongest thread here, and it kept me turning pages even when I wasn’t fully convinced.
Where it wobbled for me was the added chaos agent. The extra psycho, clearly there to spike the suspense, felt more like a narrative shortcut than an organic escalation. Instead of deepening the tension, it diluted the intimacy of Dani and Jeika’s story, which is where the book actually shines. I found myself speed-reading the back half, less because I was breathless and more because I wanted to get to the end of their arc. The voice is sharp, the concept is sticky, but the execution leans a bit too hard on external danger when the internal stakes were already doing the heavy lifting.
Would I Recommend It?
If you're here for the sapphic dark romance energy and the delicious weirdness of two morally complicated women falling for each other in the most chaotic circumstances imaginable, there's something here for you. The premise is genuinely clever and the central relationship lands. It just gets cluttered with a thriller element that competes with its own best instincts.
📃 320 pages
⏱ 4 hours
🏷️ Crooked Lane Books | Publishing October 27, 2026
ARC provided via NetGalley
I went in for the “Dexter meets Killing Eve” pitch and the promise of a morally messy, sapphic cat-and-mouse. And to be fair, the central dynamic delivers: Dani and Jeika fit together in a way that’s both unsettling and oddly tender. One needs to kill, the other wants to die, and somewhere in those late-night emails, the book finds its emotional hook. That push-pull between purpose and connection is the strongest thread here, and it kept me turning pages even when I wasn’t fully convinced.
Where it wobbled for me was the added chaos agent. The extra psycho, clearly there to spike the suspense, felt more like a narrative shortcut than an organic escalation. Instead of deepening the tension, it diluted the intimacy of Dani and Jeika’s story, which is where the book actually shines. I found myself speed-reading the back half, less because I was breathless and more because I wanted to get to the end of their arc. The voice is sharp, the concept is sticky, but the execution leans a bit too hard on external danger when the internal stakes were already doing the heavy lifting.
Would I Recommend It?
If you're here for the sapphic dark romance energy and the delicious weirdness of two morally complicated women falling for each other in the most chaotic circumstances imaginable, there's something here for you. The premise is genuinely clever and the central relationship lands. It just gets cluttered with a thriller element that competes with its own best instincts.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dani is a killer and she has her own reasons for doing it. When an ad on CheepsList pops up looking for a serial killer, Dani decides to reply. Jeika carries a huge burden in her soul. An act that she committed has left her guilt ridden and believes she doesn't deserve to live. As Dani and Jeika connect via emails, they develop a friendship where Dani is a killer and Jeika wants to be killed. As they both sort out their situationship, a man joins the platform and slowly inserts himself in Dani and Jeika's lives. He is a grieving father who wants to avenge his daughter's death by killing other killers. As things progress and become even more complicated, new friends show up for Dani and an unexpected turn puts both their lives at risk.
I enjoyed the premise of the book, direct and unique. The killing part wasn't romantiziced and Dani didn't make excuses for her killing. She also had a moral compass and it is evident when she tries to help save Jeika. I mean she even tries to get her to join Make-A-Wish Foundation, so she can have a purpose in life. I liked that Dani only kills men and that she was wrong about Eric. I was happy when her mom came through for her in the end. My favorite character ended being Jane. I did not expect anything from her and she became a heroine in a way for Dani and Jeika.
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
I enjoyed the premise of the book, direct and unique. The killing part wasn't romantiziced and Dani didn't make excuses for her killing. She also had a moral compass and it is evident when she tries to help save Jeika. I mean she even tries to get her to join Make-A-Wish Foundation, so she can have a purpose in life. I liked that Dani only kills men and that she was wrong about Eric. I was happy when her mom came through for her in the end. My favorite character ended being Jane. I did not expect anything from her and she became a heroine in a way for Dani and Jeika.
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
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