Death, Interrupted: A Dark Serial Killer Romance

by Nissa Renzo, Jana Ulrich (Editor)

Sly is not your average serial killer. He’s clumsy, sarcastic, chaotic, and he’s already taken out five of the six men on his revenge list.
When he finally tracks down the last man who ruined his past, he doesn’t expect to find him with a jaw-droppingly gorgeous girlfriend.
One look at her and Sly’s careful plan starts to wobble.

Killing suddenly seems less satisfying than making the woman his.

Sumner carries scars from years of abuse.
She is shaken, struggles with panic attacks, and trust doesn’t come easily.
Her mental health is fragile, but Sly isn’t after quick fixes. He wants to keep her, so he vows to learn how to protect her, how to wait, and how to help her heal.

Death, Interrupted is a dark rom-com that tackles heavy emotional themes.

Genres: Dark Romance, Morally Grey, Romance

353 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2025

Reviews

[da͟r͟i͟a͟ · Rating 2 out of 5]

it feels like this book was written as a parody. the concept is interesting, the execution is meh

[Elise Fredrikke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Nissa Renzo for letting me read this ARC

This book was filled with both humor and serious topics such as panic attacks and abuse. The first 20% of the book is mostly humor, with a sprinkle of darkness, while the rest of the book is more serious.
It is probably a bit hard to see the whole Dark romance aspect in this, but it is there, even though Sly (the MMC) is so resepectful and nice in this book.

Dual POV
He falls first
Insta love
Masked biker MMC
Mental health issues
Protective MMC

Check out the trigger warnings before reading the book, as it deals with heavy issues.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. It was amazing . I can’t actually describe how much I loved both Sly & Sumner. He is amazing with her . I love how funny he is as well . I can’t wait to read anymore books that you do !

Thankyou so much for choosing me to be an ARC reader . 📚

10/10 for everything! 🩷 xx

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

first of all just to be clear, I'll say I was one of the lucky people who got to read the book before release in exchange for an honest review ❤️

a few things about the book 📚
- dual POV (as we love it)
- funny MMC and a strong MFC
- he falls first and definitely harder 😍
- love at first sight (at least for him)
- also he's a biker, gamer and killer 🥵

Please be aware that the book handles a lot of deep topics such as abuse, bullying, mental health struggles and overall the struggles after an abusive relationship so please be careful if those are topics that trigger you. ❤️

so now my review (without spoilers): I loved every part of it. From the very beginning I liked Sly and the way he thinks, that continued throughout the book. He's funny, helpful and loving. Sumner is introduced in an interesting way which I'll let you discover for yourself 😜
But honestly as someone who was struggling with same issues in the past I could relate to her in such a deep way. The description of the panic attacks, the guilt and all the little things that come with finding love after an abusive/unhealthy relationship. Reading their love story is so cute and healing. 🤍
I absolutely loved everything about the book, the inside thoughts of the individual characters, the way they communicate with each other and all the other little details.
You could tell that Nissa put her whole heart into this book, can't wait to read more of her.❤️

[Mikaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sly tells the story like Spirit from the movie "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" in the beginning. I really enjoyed that. I didn't really vibe with the love for his bike, but I think it would have grown on me if we'd gotten more of it.

It was a little bit of a rocky start when Sumner was introduced. It got super intense between her and Sly, and there were a few sentences that didn't make sense given how few interactions they'd had. But it slowed down, and we got a beautiful build-up between them. However, I still feel like the story could've had more build-up.

The Sly we meet in the first few chapters is quite different from the Sly in the rest of the book. It would have made sense if it happened successively, but it was like flipping a switch. I would have liked it if Sly was a more active serial killer; it feels a little bit juvenile.

There are a few unresolved questions.

I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mayonnaise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my very first ARC read and I am so glad it was because the ideas, story line and just overall vibe of this book were so amazing and really pulled at the heart strings!! 😭😭

Everyone go get this book! If you loved the book Lights out by Navessa Allen you will LOVE death interrupted!! Sly a Funny, chaotic MMC who possibly has some dark habits. But he would never take that out on Sumner his one true love hehe (yes I also thought her name was a spelling mistake 🤭)

The MMC was funny as hell! The FMC was so kinda and lovely! Together this pair was everything! I cried, I laughed, I cried really hard HAHAHA

All in all this was a fabulous book and I am so excited to read more by this author 🫶🫶

[Steph Macdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC version of this book. The MMC is unlike any other I’ve read before. Sly is funny and sweet and tbh an idiot but his heart is in the right place. Which is exactly what Sumner needs.

- dual pov
- some heavier topics (check triggers)
- hea

Definitely worth the read

[Ole Klanderud · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts with the need of of retribution and then makes you feel the compassion and love between the main characters.

It is a different take on the dark romance genre. One which explores the consequences of actions taken.
I will absolutely recommend this book.

In all fairness I got the book as an ARC reader. Still bought the book on release.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not really for me.

In the first part of the book, Sly seems incredibly unhinged (which I didn't mind) if somewhat inept, but then seems to almost completely lose this part of his personality and become much more balanced in his internal monologue, but the change felt quite sudden.

Also, he is so set on killing these guys for unexplained bullying in the past, but then doesn't go back and kill Joey??? Just doesn't make sense to me. Also it's never explained how Joey just happened to find them on the road to run them off.

There were bits I liked, but overall it just didn't work for me.

[Marjorie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this emotionally charged debut novel, the author introduces us to two deeply wounded souls whose paths cross in the most unexpected of ways. The male protagonist is supposedly a serial killer but doesn't feel like one - he has a vendetta but doesn't need it to feel joy or accomplishment.

Enter the female lead: a woman grappling with her own trauma, burdened by a history that’s left her guarded and raw. When these two meet, something quietly transformative begins. He doesn’t try to fix her. Instead, he offers what so few are willing to: space, patience, and the quiet kind of love that waits. In doing so, he begins to reclaim forgotten pieces of his own story, his pain seemingly dissolving in the wake of connection.

The novel’s strength lies in its intimate character work and its refusal to rush healing. Their bond grows not through grand gestures but in small, carefully drawn moments of trust. However, the resolution may leave some readers wanting—its simplicity feels at odds with the complexity of what came before. After such layered buildup, the ending wraps things up a bit too neatly, glossing over lingering questions about the violent ex who just accepts to go to prison without trying to play on mitigating circumstances.

Still, this is a poignant exploration of trauma, perception, and the redemptive power of human connection. A promising debut that shows the author has a real gift for emotional storytelling—even if the landing isn’t quite as strong as the takeoff.

Thank you Nissa, for giving me the chance to be part of your ARC reading team!

[Niccole Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I want to just say I was luckily chosen as an ARC recipient in exchange for an honest review. I have so many mixed feelings about on this book and want to ensure my personal tastes do not factor into my review.

The beginning of the book had me laughing so much. I instantly loved Sly and the monologue and his behaviors reminded me of a Deadpool type character. Everything seems to go wrong but it works for him.

The middle of the book I almost wanted to DNF. It wasn’t that the book was bad it just was too nice for my personal tastes. Granted it was very realistic as what someone with trauma like Sumner experienced would go through and Sly was so good. For me it just felt like we veered off from the beginning and that story just dropped.

The ending we have a full circle moment and things start to pick back up and are beginning. Things close nice and clean and probably realistically.

Overall not the worst story I have read and there is a lot of good in it. If you like heavy dark romance with very morally gray characters I would say this isn’t the book for you. If you like a lighter book with just a touch of dark this is probably better suited.

[Isabel Duarte · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best definition for this book: heartwarming.
Sly and Sumner's story was so touching in so many levels. It's so good to read about a dark romance where the MMC is not toxic in any way towards the FMC.
Sly was funny as hell since the beginning till the very end and Sumner was one of the strongest characters I've ever read before.
Sumner really went through so many things I think I would never heal if they happened to me, and in reality, you never heal for them in a whole, but it's good to see that Sly stayed by her side every time and helped healing her even tho he wasn't the one that made the damage, and I really think that's what true love is. Stay by the side of your loved one, no matter the situation. Help each other heal from the past.
Both characters really impressed me during the whole book.

Some of my favourite quotes:
- "You'll heal," he said simply. "And when you do, you'll see that I'm still right here. Still the same man who loves you for who you are."

- "That's my girl. My Supergirl. The strongest person I've ever known."

- "This was it. With him was where I needed to be. He was my home."

[Wren Cimolini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, cozy, dark, funny. This book checked all the boxes for me. It’s a character driven story, so we get a deep dive into our two main characters’ relationship and personal growth. In addition to the sweet moments, we get great “she’s mine” moments that we all love to see in dark romance. Our MMC is cocky, but not arrogant, as well as funny and patient (and a little obsessive). The author did an incredible job of writing two distinct POVs. Each voice was very clear, and their internal monologue was unique to their character. She also did a great job with some really tough situations involving mental health. Everything felt very real, and was handled beautifully. I felt like I was working through the trauma right alongside the main characters.

I would describe this book as a cozy dark romance, and I would 10/10 recommend reading it. I absolutely ate it up (I read it in under 24 hours).

My favourite quote from the MMC:

“You’re so damn special to me.”

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts.

[Kelly B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book. I really enjoyed this different take on serial killer romance. Sly is a non typical serial killer MC. This book starts out with lots of humour, some dark of course and some mainstream. It's got good pace leading into the more meaty and serious subjects. This book has lots of these so pay attention to the TW's.
I enjoyed the dual POV as it's good to get the nuance from both sides thoughts. Sumners introduction was unique!! Sly is funny, thoughtful and kind which sounds like a juxtaposition but it works. His monologue is great and had me laughing while I read it. Nissa through Sumner does a fantastic job of showing the aftermath and trauma of abusive relationships, the pain, the healing and the long lasting effects.

I would say there are moments where the story needs a little more direction like Slys character changes like the flip of a coin and the middle of the story really slows down. It feels like it loses it's pacing but picks back up for the end.

Continue to hone your craft Nissa, it's a great starting book.

[Gizem · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book because the concept sounded very promising, but unfortunately it didn’t fully live up to its potential.

I expected something more fun, but the characters’ humor felt very 2012-tumblerish and took me out of the story.

While I initially liked Sly, that changed as the story progressed and I found it harder to connect with him.
I also struggled with Sumner’s character and her decisions, which often felt unrealistic. Her interactions with the killer and the way she compares her abusive, long-term relationship with Joey to her brief connection with Sly didn’t feel believable to me.
The repeated emphasis on how everything was “real” or “different” became lowkey annoying over time.

Overall, the book lacked a strong plotline and felt somewhat shallow, especially the end where Joey simply pleads guilty and that’s it about it.

This may partly be due to my expectations going in, but regardless, it wasn’t a book that worked for me.
I was ultimately relieved when I finished it.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sly is a killer and has a revenge list of people who he wants gone. His list are only people that have done him dirty. He is funny and caring, considering he’s a killer I wasn’t expecting that. He also, just has the worst luck which I think is so funny. Sumner is an ex-girlfriend of one of the people on his list. She has not had a good relationship with her ex and is honestly just scared of him. When they meet they both feel that pull toward each other. They go through many ups and downs and they figure it out together. This is a quote from Sly that I liked that really just summed up the book for me

“You’re like a book that just gets better and better and doesn’t have some stupid dark twist but just a perfect happy ending.”


I went into this book not knowing what to expect. I gave this book only 3 stars because as good as I thought it was, there was just something about it that didn’t pull me in the way I wanted it too. Thank you Nissa for a chance to read it as an ARC !

[idkcatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ i was a lucky gal for getting an advanced copy of this book and i’m really thankful ✨

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!
first off, it got me laughing a lot. the whole 4th wall moment of having the main characters talking to the reader had me giggling.
Sly is such a likeable character and his only flaw is that he isn’t real and mine.
the understanding he showed Sumner through her trauma and issues was incredible and they’re very lucky to have each other (i too could be lucky. where is my Sly??)

anyways, the writing was super fun and easy and i truly enjoyed this. got me hooked and i ended up reading the whole thing in one seating and didn’t regret it one bit.

i could only hope for more scenes of these two together.
i hope we get more of Nissa soon, - congratulations on your first novel! 💗

[Noor Verhoef · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Just what i needed to get out of my reading slump.'❤️🗡

It's a book that's easy and quick to read, (I read it under 24 hours☺️). Personally, I really like that and need it from time to time.
It's full of humour and is a good dark romance to start with if you don't read that genre often. It's not too intense, but it does give a good picture of abuse and the trauma that follows. I think Nissa did a great job with her first book, an amazing debut!

SPOILER BELOW
I did secretly hope that Sumner's ex would die accidentally in the accident at the end🤭. Sly's humour was delightful to read, and his clumsiness only made it funnier.

Thank you Nissa, for giving me the chance to be part of your ARC reading team!

[bria (cozyybookvibes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 2 🌶️

This book started out unexpectedly hilarious. Sly is kind of a goofball with his clumsiness and unfiltered comments but who doesn’t love a man unafraid of being himself?

Sumner is a woman who’s been through a lot at the hands of her ex. Because of that, she’s been struggling with panic attacks and her mental health. But when Sly enters her life with his humor and raw honesty? She begins to put the pieces of herself back together.

The two of them come together and are able to help the other heal from their demons and past traumas. It’s a story with some heavy topics so check trigger warnings before diving in!

Overall, this was an enjoyable read that I’d recommend to anyone with a love for dark romance!

[Misery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just to be clear, i did NOT receive an ARC.

►Its so refreshing to be able to relate to a killer. The only thing he needs to do is kill others but he can't even get that right (same, dude, same).
►He is so clumsy that I find him endearing and the scene where he sees Sumner for the first time and starts crying won me over.
►The panic attacks Sumner goes through are described in such great detail that i feel like i discovered them all over again.

Stability, no drama and good humor: Check.
The only problem was that Sly's trauma wasn't fully explained. We know he was an orphan and got bullied but we never go in depth like we do for Sumner's.
Overall, this was a really good read.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*

Okay, I mean firstly I was lucky enough to read this as part of the arc team. Secondly, holy hell I am in love with everything about this. Sly and Sumner are the perfect duo, he is an absolute golden retriever and honestly I’m here for it. Sumners trauma and shitty ex are so relatable on so many levels. I loved seeing the growth, the changes, the panic attacks, the way Sly helped her ground herself everytime she panicked. But I also loved how supportive she was about Sly. This honestly was such a well written, complex, heart wrenching story and I loved every second, I laughed, I cried, I giggled like a school girl. Honestly go add this to your tbr and get ready for the ride 🖤

[Jordyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Sly and Sumners relationship starts in the most unexpected way, but it sets the stage for such a beautiful love story to unfold. This book had me laughing out loud at times and the male main character was someone that makes you relate to him in so many ways. He does the things we’ve all thought about doing! This book is a journey of finding your way back to love and building a home for yourself after immense trauma and believing that you would never deserve and/or find it again. As the author mentions, it surrounds heavy themes of Domestic Violence and healing and should be read with caution to anyone who has ever experienced it. Overall, this was a joy to read and I loved getting to explore this relationship and go on this journey!

[Dark Book Girlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
I had the absolute pleasure of receiving this as an ARC.
From the brief description I saw I just knew this was my type of book.
This had me hooked literally from page 1. The 4th wall breaking with the MMC, Sly, was ingenious. I absolutely loved it.
I loved the realistic nature of how Sumner wanted space to process after the Joey situation. She didn't just jump in head first and I appreciated that.
Sly is probably one of my favourite MMC's he is adorable, sexy and hilarious. The perfect combination in a book boyfriend if you ask me.
The plot was easy to anticipate quite early on but it didn't detract from the fun I had reading it.
Would absolutely recommend this book!

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Sly’s inner monologue (which is the main reason I didn’t rate this book lower.) He was funny and adorably goofy. The rest however was kind of boring, Sumner has obviously been through a lot so I understand why the author chose to take the relationship development slowly, but there was no yearning or tension, just a quiet acceptance from them both that they’d end up together. Sumner herself had next to no personality, all the entertainment value came from Sly. Without his sassy-self, this book would have been an immediate DNF.

[Nanoi Bocquaert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the chance to read this as an ARC, and I completely fell in love with it! I adored the humor and the main character’s personality — I was giggling throughout the entire book. It was such an easy, fun read that I honestly didn’t want it to end. I almost wish it had been a bit longer! I was also hoping for something more to happen with his streaming, but overall, I absolutely loved it. The chemistry was so fun and sometimes I really had the feeling I was living in the story.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was some weird shit. It felt very superficial but also he’s literally a serial killer but that was just ignored because she was abused, he killed people all because he was bullied is just not it … then her screaming he’s the monster in the hospital with the cops there 😩 literally not one thing is realistic in this book so why is that part 😬 The storyline itself has great potential but it was not met.

[Carol Lynskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does have some triggers so please check before reading, that being said, I am so unbelievably sad that this book is over! it has the sweetest, clumsy MMC, a strong FMC and alot of funny parts as well as some dark bits, but the chemistry between the characters is just fantastic, I just wish I could read it again for the first time! I can not wait to read more from this author

[Madison Corry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sly may be my new obsession💕 I loved this book so much! I really loved that although it is a dark romance there was still humour and tenderness between the MMC and FMC. Thank you to Nissa Renzo for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this incredible book💕💕

[Lena Celine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god I loved it SO MUCH, I literally binged the entire book in one sitting. I love sumnr and relate to her a lot, and sly made me laugh on the very first page.
Personally, I love that there’s not as much spice as there is in other dark romance books!

Def a new god tier book for me!!💖🤭

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an ARC copy.

Honestly it was a great book, loved how the serious topics were portrayed and how Sly (MMC) was a nice genuine person who although had a kill list, was so caring and loving.