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The Death Row Club
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26SOME THINGS RUN IN THE BLOOD…
A darkly twisted and wonderfully original debut thriller for fans of Riley Sager and Jessica Knoll – at an annual weekend getaway for the adult children of serial killers, the participants begin to wonder if somebody's continuing the family tradition when one of their number turns up dead.
Plenty of people have lousy parents, but Nicola Fischer's father has just been convicted of murdering five young women, including her best friend. Fired from her job and hounded by reporters, Nicola passes the time by doomscrolling and drunk-dialling Greer Woods, the alluring host of the hit show To Catch a Killer, who cracked the case and turned Nicola's life upside down before disappearing along with her so-called 'best intentions'.
When an email from Greer finally shows up in Nicola's inbox, there's no apology or explanation, just a cryptic invitation. The Death Row Club is an annual weekend getaway for the adult children of serial killers – and Nicola is the newest reluctant member. Desperate to escape her small town, she accepts the offer with barely a second thought, forging tentative bonds with her fellow club members, most of whom seem intriguing, and only slightly unhinged.
But when an uninvited guest shows up at their remote wilderness retreat, everyone is put on high alert, and the next morning paranoia turns to outright fear. Because one of their own is dead, and the rest of them are left with only one question.
If the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, which of them is the bad seed?
'One of the freshest and most promising new voices in crime fiction. This twisted delight is bound to be a megahit' ASHLEY WINSTEAD, bestselling author of This Book Will Bury Me
'Compelling, provocative, and absorbing. Vazquez thrills with a fresh and unforgettable premise' KARIN SLAUGHTER
A darkly twisted and wonderfully original debut thriller for fans of Riley Sager and Jessica Knoll – at an annual weekend getaway for the adult children of serial killers, the participants begin to wonder if somebody's continuing the family tradition when one of their number turns up dead.
Plenty of people have lousy parents, but Nicola Fischer's father has just been convicted of murdering five young women, including her best friend. Fired from her job and hounded by reporters, Nicola passes the time by doomscrolling and drunk-dialling Greer Woods, the alluring host of the hit show To Catch a Killer, who cracked the case and turned Nicola's life upside down before disappearing along with her so-called 'best intentions'.
When an email from Greer finally shows up in Nicola's inbox, there's no apology or explanation, just a cryptic invitation. The Death Row Club is an annual weekend getaway for the adult children of serial killers – and Nicola is the newest reluctant member. Desperate to escape her small town, she accepts the offer with barely a second thought, forging tentative bonds with her fellow club members, most of whom seem intriguing, and only slightly unhinged.
But when an uninvited guest shows up at their remote wilderness retreat, everyone is put on high alert, and the next morning paranoia turns to outright fear. Because one of their own is dead, and the rest of them are left with only one question.
If the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, which of them is the bad seed?
'One of the freshest and most promising new voices in crime fiction. This twisted delight is bound to be a megahit' ASHLEY WINSTEAD, bestselling author of This Book Will Bury Me
'Compelling, provocative, and absorbing. Vazquez thrills with a fresh and unforgettable premise' KARIN SLAUGHTER
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
February 13, 2026
The locked-room mystery surrounding a strangers' retreat in this fictional world—consisting of serial killers' children whose lives have been completely ruined—orchestrated by a true crime producer/lawyer and her team, is one of the most brilliant concepts I've read recently! The premise alone had me hooked from the start.
The story unfolds through two POVs. One belongs to Nicola Fischer, whose life falls to pieces after discovering that her father—the man who raised her single-handedly, her hero—is not who she thought he was. He's actually a brutal killer responsible for murdering five women, including her best friend Claire. The revelation destroys everything. She's outcasted by her inner circle, abandoned by her friends, fired from her job, and unable to pay her mortgage. To make matters infinitely worse, the person who revealed the ugly truth about her father is Greer Woods, host of the crime show "Catch A Killer." Greer pretended to be Nicola's best friend, but as soon as she uncovered evidence that Nicola's father was a killer, she exploited the crime for ratings and completely ghosted Nicola. Even more damaging, the show implied that Nicola might have helped her father commit these murders. That was the final nail in her coffin.
When Nicola drunkenly calls Greer in desperation, she receives a text shortly after, informing her that she's been invited to the Death Row Club—an all-expenses-paid retreat designed as a gathering place for serial killers' children. She accepts the invitation, seeing it as her chance to finally confront Greer and discover why she was punished by having the facts about her father's crimes twisted and sensationalized. But what Nicola doesn't realize is that at this retreat—the place she's hoping will offer escape from the outside world's hatred—she may find herself in far more danger than she ever imagined. Because when one of the invitees turns up dead, she could be next.
The other POV belongs to Steffanie, who honestly captured my interest even more. She's a young woman desperately trying to escape her abusive father, who always manages to find her no matter how many times she runs away. There's no one who can help her—even the police don't take her seriously. She's completely alone. When she hitchhikes one last time in the middle of nowhere, she finds herself in a complicated and even more threatening situation that may change her life forever.
I absolutely loved the concept and the locked-room execution. The only issue I had was that I didn't get as attached to Nicola's character as I did to Steffanie. Steffanie's storyline completely stole the show for me. The twist was expertly played, and the wrap-up felt satisfying. I'll definitely be excited to read more from this author in the future. The only thing that held me back from giving this five stars was that the mystery surrounding the murder at the retreat didn't pique my interest as much as I'd hoped. But as a slow-burn psychological mystery, this is still a great book to pick up!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing this psychological thriller's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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The story unfolds through two POVs. One belongs to Nicola Fischer, whose life falls to pieces after discovering that her father—the man who raised her single-handedly, her hero—is not who she thought he was. He's actually a brutal killer responsible for murdering five women, including her best friend Claire. The revelation destroys everything. She's outcasted by her inner circle, abandoned by her friends, fired from her job, and unable to pay her mortgage. To make matters infinitely worse, the person who revealed the ugly truth about her father is Greer Woods, host of the crime show "Catch A Killer." Greer pretended to be Nicola's best friend, but as soon as she uncovered evidence that Nicola's father was a killer, she exploited the crime for ratings and completely ghosted Nicola. Even more damaging, the show implied that Nicola might have helped her father commit these murders. That was the final nail in her coffin.
When Nicola drunkenly calls Greer in desperation, she receives a text shortly after, informing her that she's been invited to the Death Row Club—an all-expenses-paid retreat designed as a gathering place for serial killers' children. She accepts the invitation, seeing it as her chance to finally confront Greer and discover why she was punished by having the facts about her father's crimes twisted and sensationalized. But what Nicola doesn't realize is that at this retreat—the place she's hoping will offer escape from the outside world's hatred—she may find herself in far more danger than she ever imagined. Because when one of the invitees turns up dead, she could be next.
The other POV belongs to Steffanie, who honestly captured my interest even more. She's a young woman desperately trying to escape her abusive father, who always manages to find her no matter how many times she runs away. There's no one who can help her—even the police don't take her seriously. She's completely alone. When she hitchhikes one last time in the middle of nowhere, she finds herself in a complicated and even more threatening situation that may change her life forever.
I absolutely loved the concept and the locked-room execution. The only issue I had was that I didn't get as attached to Nicola's character as I did to Steffanie. Steffanie's storyline completely stole the show for me. The twist was expertly played, and the wrap-up felt satisfying. I'll definitely be excited to read more from this author in the future. The only thing that held me back from giving this five stars was that the mystery surrounding the murder at the retreat didn't pique my interest as much as I'd hoped. But as a slow-burn psychological mystery, this is still a great book to pick up!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing this psychological thriller's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
November 23, 2025
I liked it a lot. The plot is really engaging and kept my attention until the very end.
The twists and misdirections were good, and the characters and relationships were interesting.
It's a very solid thriller and I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you Gallery Books for this ARC!
The twists and misdirections were good, and the characters and relationships were interesting.
It's a very solid thriller and I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you Gallery Books for this ARC!
November 18, 2025
This is a pretty tame story, given the plot. I think if you are into lighter mystery/thrillers, this could be a good one to go for. 3.5 rounded up!
There was a focus here that I can’t believe I have never considered before. The lives of the children of murderers.
Genuinely I have never once given thought to what things must be like for them on a personal and social level.
I mean, people are always judging others based on the people they are close to- so people like Nicola are probably experiencing that times 10.
I can always appreciate a book that brings something new to my attention, food for thought. So I really liked that aspect.
I also really liked some of the complex feelings and emotions that the characters experienced regarding how they view their parents.
It wasn’t a black and white “my parent is a bad person, so I hate them” type of situation for everyone.
There was still some reminiscing on special childhood moments and positive memories. It also touched on how they feel about still having some level of positive associations with their parents.
I think this is probably pretty realistic.
I feel like the real selling point here was obviously that everyone had a serial killer parent.
This was such an interesting, unique concept and I was really excited about it. It did turn out to be cool, though in the end I left wanting a bit more from it.
Perhaps more backstories, more descriptive scenes, and just more information about their parents in general.
I also wish that things were a bit more intense.
As I said at the beginning, this is pretty light. It’s not super crazy or descriptive, which is good if you like that. It’s not a YA, but it has those vibes.
The plot twists are twisting, which i think is an absolute necessity for this kind of book.
There’s several throughout the story- some of which I loved, some of which left me… confused. I’m still a little bit confused. But it’s okay.
Overall it was good! I think a few small changes could take it to a new level, but it is still enjoyable as is.
Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery books and author V.A. Vazquez for providing me with the eARC of “The Death Row Club” in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: July 14, 2026
There was a focus here that I can’t believe I have never considered before. The lives of the children of murderers.
Genuinely I have never once given thought to what things must be like for them on a personal and social level.
I mean, people are always judging others based on the people they are close to- so people like Nicola are probably experiencing that times 10.
I can always appreciate a book that brings something new to my attention, food for thought. So I really liked that aspect.
I also really liked some of the complex feelings and emotions that the characters experienced regarding how they view their parents.
It wasn’t a black and white “my parent is a bad person, so I hate them” type of situation for everyone.
There was still some reminiscing on special childhood moments and positive memories. It also touched on how they feel about still having some level of positive associations with their parents.
I think this is probably pretty realistic.
I feel like the real selling point here was obviously that everyone had a serial killer parent.
This was such an interesting, unique concept and I was really excited about it. It did turn out to be cool, though in the end I left wanting a bit more from it.
Perhaps more backstories, more descriptive scenes, and just more information about their parents in general.
I also wish that things were a bit more intense.
As I said at the beginning, this is pretty light. It’s not super crazy or descriptive, which is good if you like that. It’s not a YA, but it has those vibes.
The plot twists are twisting, which i think is an absolute necessity for this kind of book.
There’s several throughout the story- some of which I loved, some of which left me… confused. I’m still a little bit confused. But it’s okay.
Overall it was good! I think a few small changes could take it to a new level, but it is still enjoyable as is.
Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery books and author V.A. Vazquez for providing me with the eARC of “The Death Row Club” in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: July 14, 2026
Want to read
January 7, 2026Mystery and thrillers & couldn’t say no to that cover!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Gallery Books and the author, V.A. Vazquez for the early eARC!
Publication date: July 14, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Gallery Books and the author, V.A. Vazquez for the early eARC!
Publication date: July 14, 2026
December 6, 2025
Nicola gets invited to a retreat for the children of serial killers after her father's arrest. One of them ends up dead and it sets up for a perfect locked-room mystery as they try to figure out who did it. This was so twisty and I did not see the ending coming! This was such an original concept and I had a great time reading it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this.
The concept alone had me hooked, a secret retreat for the adult children of serial killers is dark, unsettling, and brilliantly original. But it’s the execution that really shines. The story is packed with twists on twists, and every time I thought I had things figured out, I was proven wrong.
Nicola is such a compelling protagonist: constantly judged, deeply flawed, and living under the shadow of her father’s crimes. The tension is relentless, the group dynamics are fascinating, and the true crime angle adds an extra layer of unease that kept me glued to the pages.
I loved how this book explores guilt, identity, and whether monstrosity can be inherited. The atmosphere is claustrophobic, the pacing sharp, and the final stretch was impossible to put down.
Dark, twisty, and wildly original, I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you netGalley & Gallery Books | Gallery/Scout Press for the ARC!
The concept alone had me hooked, a secret retreat for the adult children of serial killers is dark, unsettling, and brilliantly original. But it’s the execution that really shines. The story is packed with twists on twists, and every time I thought I had things figured out, I was proven wrong.
Nicola is such a compelling protagonist: constantly judged, deeply flawed, and living under the shadow of her father’s crimes. The tension is relentless, the group dynamics are fascinating, and the true crime angle adds an extra layer of unease that kept me glued to the pages.
I loved how this book explores guilt, identity, and whether monstrosity can be inherited. The atmosphere is claustrophobic, the pacing sharp, and the final stretch was impossible to put down.
Dark, twisty, and wildly original, I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you netGalley & Gallery Books | Gallery/Scout Press for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5⭐, rounding up to 4
the premise of this book is fascinating, because of course the children of these serial killers are affected by what happened. It made me think of the unknown child of Ted Bundy, did that child ever find out? how would you live a normal life with this information out there and the fear that you may grow into your parent?
despite the intriguing premise not a lot actually happens in the book. The most significant thing up until close to the end is that people are constantly trying to get information about the identities and culpability about the offspring of said murderers. oftentimes the information presented was also very confusing and I had to reread carefully and still not fully grasp everything.
thank you to NetGalley, the author V.A. Vasquez, and Gallery Books for my ARC of this book.
the premise of this book is fascinating, because of course the children of these serial killers are affected by what happened. It made me think of the unknown child of Ted Bundy, did that child ever find out? how would you live a normal life with this information out there and the fear that you may grow into your parent?
despite the intriguing premise not a lot actually happens in the book. The most significant thing up until close to the end is that people are constantly trying to get information about the identities and culpability about the offspring of said murderers. oftentimes the information presented was also very confusing and I had to reread carefully and still not fully grasp everything.
thank you to NetGalley, the author V.A. Vasquez, and Gallery Books for my ARC of this book.
November 20, 2025
I don't always love books about serial killers but this one was excellent! Nicola's. father is arrested for being a serial killer--one of whose victims was her best friend, Claire. Now she's invited to a retreat, The Death Row Club, for the children of serial killers. But what she discovers there is even wilder than her imagination as it's creepy and she doesn't know who she can trust. Why??? Read it and you won't be disappointed!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
February 12, 2026
Thank you NetGalley & Gallery books for providing this ARC.
The Death Row Club by V.A. Vazquez is what happens when tension, trauma, and razor wire sit down at a table and decide to play poker with your sanity.
This book does not tiptoe. It strides straight into the gray areas and makes itself comfortable. The concept alone had me hooked, but Vazquez takes it further, layering moral ambiguity, sharp dialogue, and characters who feel like they’ve lived ten lifetimes before page one. Nobody here is polished. Nobody is safe. And that’s exactly the point.
The atmosphere is thick, almost claustrophobic in the best way. You can practically hear the fluorescent lights buzzing overhead. The emotional stakes are high, the twists land hard, and just when you think you’ve figured out where things are headed, the story pivots and dares you to keep up.
Why not a full five stars? A few moments felt slightly rushed, and I wanted just a touch more depth in certain backstories. But honestly, that’s me being greedy. I was invested.
If you like morally complex characters, sharp tension, and stories that make you question where the line between justice and vengeance actually lives, The Death Row Club deserves a spot on your shelf. It’s gritty, it’s bold, and it lingers long after the final page closes.
The Death Row Club by V.A. Vazquez is what happens when tension, trauma, and razor wire sit down at a table and decide to play poker with your sanity.
This book does not tiptoe. It strides straight into the gray areas and makes itself comfortable. The concept alone had me hooked, but Vazquez takes it further, layering moral ambiguity, sharp dialogue, and characters who feel like they’ve lived ten lifetimes before page one. Nobody here is polished. Nobody is safe. And that’s exactly the point.
The atmosphere is thick, almost claustrophobic in the best way. You can practically hear the fluorescent lights buzzing overhead. The emotional stakes are high, the twists land hard, and just when you think you’ve figured out where things are headed, the story pivots and dares you to keep up.
Why not a full five stars? A few moments felt slightly rushed, and I wanted just a touch more depth in certain backstories. But honestly, that’s me being greedy. I was invested.
If you like morally complex characters, sharp tension, and stories that make you question where the line between justice and vengeance actually lives, The Death Row Club deserves a spot on your shelf. It’s gritty, it’s bold, and it lingers long after the final page closes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
NetGalley ARC: My first read of 2026! 👏🏻 The Death Row Club brought such a unique premise, the adult kids of serial killers come together for a getaway far from the press, their stressful identities, and judgemental eyes. What's the worst that can go wrong?
A body turns up to spice up the weekend and is it foul play or an accident? They all have secrets they don't want getting leaked, which makes everyone a suspect. We follow our FMC Nicola who is new to the group and another POV from the pastz "Steffanie", but how does she tie into their trauma? 🤫 The weaving of multiple storylines kept me guessing and really shocked me by the end!
Overall, I highly rec adding to your TBR! Pacing can be odd at times, I was highly invested at the first half and then it slowed down but picked up at the last 25%.
Release date: July 2026!
A body turns up to spice up the weekend and is it foul play or an accident? They all have secrets they don't want getting leaked, which makes everyone a suspect. We follow our FMC Nicola who is new to the group and another POV from the pastz "Steffanie", but how does she tie into their trauma? 🤫 The weaving of multiple storylines kept me guessing and really shocked me by the end!
Overall, I highly rec adding to your TBR! Pacing can be odd at times, I was highly invested at the first half and then it slowed down but picked up at the last 25%.
Release date: July 2026!
December 5, 2025
Thank you #NetGalley, V.A. Vazquez, and Gallery books for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book sounded so GOOD. I was looking forward to reading this one. I thought the plot was different and unlike any thriller I’ve read before.
I will say, this is a VERY SLOW BURN. Super slow. Most of the time I don’t feel like much really happened in the book.
I wish the flashbacks and real time were distinguished more. I kept getting confused when/what was a flashback and what was real time. I did like the split timeline and multiple POVs.
Overall, wouldn’t recommend this book. I found it confusing, slow, and lacking much thrill or action.
This book sounded so GOOD. I was looking forward to reading this one. I thought the plot was different and unlike any thriller I’ve read before.
I will say, this is a VERY SLOW BURN. Super slow. Most of the time I don’t feel like much really happened in the book.
I wish the flashbacks and real time were distinguished more. I kept getting confused when/what was a flashback and what was real time. I did like the split timeline and multiple POVs.
Overall, wouldn’t recommend this book. I found it confusing, slow, and lacking much thrill or action.
February 15, 2026
For a debut thriller, this game me everything I needed! I loved the concept of a getaway for the children of serial killers. It gave a different perspective on how the damage doesn’t end when they get caught and taken to prison. I enjoyed Nicola’s character, she went through it after her dad was caught but I didn’t see those plot twists coming. I mean what the actual f. Greer totally threw me for a loop, along with Zach! I had my own theories on who was behind the murder but was completely wrong, I’m still not over it. This kept me wanting more, I needed to understand!! Highly recommend
January 30, 2026
4/5
Very grateful to be given this ARC to review! “The Death Row Club List” is V.A. Vazquez’s debut novel and for a first book I think it was done very well! I look forward to seeing what else she releases in the future.
Liked:
-kids of serial killers meeting up in a remote cabin once of year to talk about how much childhood trauma they now have to go to therapy for…uh yes please. Loved the different representation of serial killers (thrill seekers, mission-oriented, and power/control). I liked that everyone had varying emotions regarding their parent’s crimes and their own relationship with them, made it feel more realistic.
-the second major twist was done well in my opinion (not going to give much detail just to save spoiling people)
Disliked:
-Nicola was a bit too childish for me during parts of the book. Like she was way too trusting and was feeling betrayed by certain characters who at that point she’d only know for maybe 24 hours. Like I get you guys have a shared connection but let’s not just trust random strangers.
-I wanted more of a build up to the murder. I think the pacing was a bit too fast for me with that. I wanted Nicola to spend more time with the other members and build that friendship before someone got murked but 🤷🏼♀️
Very grateful to be given this ARC to review! “The Death Row Club List” is V.A. Vazquez’s debut novel and for a first book I think it was done very well! I look forward to seeing what else she releases in the future.
Liked:
-kids of serial killers meeting up in a remote cabin once of year to talk about how much childhood trauma they now have to go to therapy for…uh yes please. Loved the different representation of serial killers (thrill seekers, mission-oriented, and power/control). I liked that everyone had varying emotions regarding their parent’s crimes and their own relationship with them, made it feel more realistic.
-the second major twist was done well in my opinion (not going to give much detail just to save spoiling people)
Disliked:
-Nicola was a bit too childish for me during parts of the book. Like she was way too trusting and was feeling betrayed by certain characters who at that point she’d only know for maybe 24 hours. Like I get you guys have a shared connection but let’s not just trust random strangers.
-I wanted more of a build up to the murder. I think the pacing was a bit too fast for me with that. I wanted Nicola to spend more time with the other members and build that friendship before someone got murked but 🤷🏼♀️
November 18, 2025
So I was hooked on the idea of this novel before I got to the end of the description. Locked room mystery involving a retreat of children of serial killers? Yes, please and thank you. I thought it was funny, and the characters were good. I also think that I was expecting this to be a lot darker than it was. This was pretty light and tame. There weren't a lot of murders, but there is still some mystery. Thanks to Netgalley for the copy of this ARC. This will be out in July of 2026.
Want to read
November 10, 2025ha! what an interesting idea for a mystery! I'm in!
December 8, 2025
Nicola’s life has been turned upside down when her father became the subject of a true crime documentary and was arrested for the murders of 5 women, including her best friend. Her finances are a mess, she’s been fired from her job, and she’s being hounded by reporters. Finally, the host from the true crime show messages her back and invites her to a weekend getaway for adult children of serial killers. Of course there’s secrets, a house in the middle of nowhere, and murder.
This was incredible, the premise, the characters the layered back stories and the twist. I loved every second of it and could not put it down!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This was incredible, the premise, the characters the layered back stories and the twist. I loved every second of it and could not put it down!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
December 6, 2025
The Death Row Club was a solidly written, engrossing thriller that I honestly couldn’t put down once I started it. Our story focuses on Nicola Fisher - an art teacher who’s life has been upended by the revelation that her father is a brutal serial killer. Overnight, Nicola goes from a normal person to hated just as much as her father and finds herself exiled from her community and completely cut off by her friends. The person responsible for exposing her father is Greer Woods, Nicola’s friend and daughter of another killer, who has seemingly cut off Nicola after blowing up her life. When Nicola is invited to the Death Row Club (an exclusive retreat for the children of serial killers), it’s a bright spot offering her connection when she has none. However, the retreat isn’t exactly what she expects and tensions rise after one of the other club members turns out dead.
The best part of this book were the characters. All of our main cast was well-written and fleshed out in such a way that I felt like I knew them. Without giving too much away, Greer was honestly the stand out character for me. From the description I was expecting a two-faced, manipulative mean girl but what The Death Row Club delivered was a much more complex, interesting character who’s story and growth is honestly one of the best parts of the book. Of course we also have our heroine Nicola, who’s perspective is both engaging and a little heart breaking as she grapples with her world being turned upside-down.
Another thing The Death Row Club tackles well is the complex nature of our club members’ relationship with their parents. Is a monster always a monster? Can someone so heinous truly be capable of good? Death Row Club offers no easy answers and the characters themselves come to different conclusions (One club member holds closely to his father’s relationship, others completely write theirs off, some never had one to begin with). The book gives these characters the depth and humanity necessary to confront the complexity of their trauma.
The writing is this book is very solid. The foreshadowing is subtle but there and it will be difficult for you to predict where this story is going but once it gets there, you will not be disappointed.
If I had to offer any critiques, it would be that the book does start slow. You have a lot of time to get to know Nicola and while that’s not a bad thing, the cruel way she is treated at the beginning of the book does border on cheesy at times. However, once the books gets going, it gets going quick and I don’t think the slow start takes that much away from the book.
All in all, this was a well written mystery that is absolutely worth the time if any prospective readers and well worth the ride it takes you on.
Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC!
The best part of this book were the characters. All of our main cast was well-written and fleshed out in such a way that I felt like I knew them. Without giving too much away, Greer was honestly the stand out character for me. From the description I was expecting a two-faced, manipulative mean girl but what The Death Row Club delivered was a much more complex, interesting character who’s story and growth is honestly one of the best parts of the book. Of course we also have our heroine Nicola, who’s perspective is both engaging and a little heart breaking as she grapples with her world being turned upside-down.
Another thing The Death Row Club tackles well is the complex nature of our club members’ relationship with their parents. Is a monster always a monster? Can someone so heinous truly be capable of good? Death Row Club offers no easy answers and the characters themselves come to different conclusions (One club member holds closely to his father’s relationship, others completely write theirs off, some never had one to begin with). The book gives these characters the depth and humanity necessary to confront the complexity of their trauma.
The writing is this book is very solid. The foreshadowing is subtle but there and it will be difficult for you to predict where this story is going but once it gets there, you will not be disappointed.
If I had to offer any critiques, it would be that the book does start slow. You have a lot of time to get to know Nicola and while that’s not a bad thing, the cruel way she is treated at the beginning of the book does border on cheesy at times. However, once the books gets going, it gets going quick and I don’t think the slow start takes that much away from the book.
All in all, this was a well written mystery that is absolutely worth the time if any prospective readers and well worth the ride it takes you on.
Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC!
December 6, 2025
The Death Row Club is a dark, dazzlingly original thriller about a woman invited to a secret weekend retreat for the adult children of serial killers—only for one of the participants to end up dead, raising the question of whether someone in the group is carrying on the family tradition. Nicola Fischer’s father was arrested for murdering five women—including her best friend—and now she’s a social pariah, abandoned even by Greer Woods, the true-crime host who was once her friend. When Greer invites her to the retreat she founded, Nicola goes looking for answers. But a mysterious girl arrives claiming her father is a killer, then disappears overnight, and by afternoon a club member is dead. Suddenly all eyes are on Nicola.
As someone who reads a ton of thrillers, this felt genuinely fresh. The dual POV between Nicola and Steffani was especially compelling—each chapter ended with a little jolt that made me impatient to return to their voice. I also loved the tense, closed-circle atmosphere, though I do wish some of the side characters at the retreat had been fleshed out more. The ending worked for me but felt a bit rushed; I wanted just a touch more breathing room.
Still, this is a sharp, addictive thriller with a fantastic concept. It hits shelves July 14, 2026, and thriller fans should definitely check it out. Huge thanks to NetGalley and Gallery/Scout Press for the early release copy in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who reads a ton of thrillers, this felt genuinely fresh. The dual POV between Nicola and Steffani was especially compelling—each chapter ended with a little jolt that made me impatient to return to their voice. I also loved the tense, closed-circle atmosphere, though I do wish some of the side characters at the retreat had been fleshed out more. The ending worked for me but felt a bit rushed; I wanted just a touch more breathing room.
Still, this is a sharp, addictive thriller with a fantastic concept. It hits shelves July 14, 2026, and thriller fans should definitely check it out. Huge thanks to NetGalley and Gallery/Scout Press for the early release copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ **4-Star Review**
This **Advance Reader Copy (ARC) from NetGalley** delivers a dark, unsettling thriller that lingers long after the final page.
In her debut novel, V. A. Vazquez crafts a chilling premise centered on Nicola, a young woman whose life is irrevocably shattered when her father’s crimes become a national spectacle. Ostracized and defined by sins she did not commit, Nicola’s quiet isolation is interrupted by an invitation to a secret retreat for others who share similar burdens—children of notorious criminals. Hosted by a charismatic true-crime personality, the gathering promises understanding, solidarity, and healing. Instead, it becomes something far more dangerous.
What begins as an emotionally charged exploration of shared trauma quickly spirals into a sinister game when an unexpected participant arrives and a shocking death turns everyone into a suspect. The tension builds steadily, and the claustrophobic setting amplifies the paranoia, mistrust, and moral ambiguity among the characters. Vazquez does an especially strong job examining the idea of inherited evil and the psychological toll of being forever linked to someone else’s crimes.
As a first published novel, this story is impressively ambitious. The concept is gripping, the themes are thought-provoking, and the atmosphere is consistently eerie. At times, the pacing slows slightly, and a few character motivations could have been explored more deeply, but these minor issues do little to detract from the overall impact.
Fans of twisty psychological thrillers and true-crime-inspired fiction will find this debut both compelling and disturbing in the best way. V. A. Vazquez is clearly a promising new voice, and I’m eager to see what she writes next.
This **Advance Reader Copy (ARC) from NetGalley** delivers a dark, unsettling thriller that lingers long after the final page.
In her debut novel, V. A. Vazquez crafts a chilling premise centered on Nicola, a young woman whose life is irrevocably shattered when her father’s crimes become a national spectacle. Ostracized and defined by sins she did not commit, Nicola’s quiet isolation is interrupted by an invitation to a secret retreat for others who share similar burdens—children of notorious criminals. Hosted by a charismatic true-crime personality, the gathering promises understanding, solidarity, and healing. Instead, it becomes something far more dangerous.
What begins as an emotionally charged exploration of shared trauma quickly spirals into a sinister game when an unexpected participant arrives and a shocking death turns everyone into a suspect. The tension builds steadily, and the claustrophobic setting amplifies the paranoia, mistrust, and moral ambiguity among the characters. Vazquez does an especially strong job examining the idea of inherited evil and the psychological toll of being forever linked to someone else’s crimes.
As a first published novel, this story is impressively ambitious. The concept is gripping, the themes are thought-provoking, and the atmosphere is consistently eerie. At times, the pacing slows slightly, and a few character motivations could have been explored more deeply, but these minor issues do little to detract from the overall impact.
Fans of twisty psychological thrillers and true-crime-inspired fiction will find this debut both compelling and disturbing in the best way. V. A. Vazquez is clearly a promising new voice, and I’m eager to see what she writes next.
January 29, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and gallery/scout press for early access to this book in exchange for my honest review.
Oooooh this is SUCH a juicy premise, and honestly that’s what pulled me in right away. A secret retreat for the adult children of serial killers? Say less. I’m endlessly fascinated by the fallout around infamous crimes, especially how it shapes the families left behind, so this felt tailor-made for my reading taste.
The story moves fast and keeps the tension simmering from the moment Nicola arrives at the Death Row Club. There’s an undercurrent of unease in every interaction, and once things start going wrong, the paranoia really kicks in. I loved the shifting suspicions and the way the plot kept nudging me to question everyone’s motives. The twists were solid and definitely kept me turning pages.
I didn’t feel especially connected to any of the characters. Nicola’s situation is compelling on paper, but emotionally I stayed a bit at arm’s length, and the side characters blended together more than I would’ve liked. With a cast full of people carrying such dark legacies, I was hoping for a few more standout personalities.
Overall, this was a dark, bingeable thriller with a super original concept and plenty of intrigue, even if the characters didn’t fully stick with me. A strong 3.5 star read for the premise and pacing alone.
Oooooh this is SUCH a juicy premise, and honestly that’s what pulled me in right away. A secret retreat for the adult children of serial killers? Say less. I’m endlessly fascinated by the fallout around infamous crimes, especially how it shapes the families left behind, so this felt tailor-made for my reading taste.
The story moves fast and keeps the tension simmering from the moment Nicola arrives at the Death Row Club. There’s an undercurrent of unease in every interaction, and once things start going wrong, the paranoia really kicks in. I loved the shifting suspicions and the way the plot kept nudging me to question everyone’s motives. The twists were solid and definitely kept me turning pages.
I didn’t feel especially connected to any of the characters. Nicola’s situation is compelling on paper, but emotionally I stayed a bit at arm’s length, and the side characters blended together more than I would’ve liked. With a cast full of people carrying such dark legacies, I was hoping for a few more standout personalities.
Overall, this was a dark, bingeable thriller with a super original concept and plenty of intrigue, even if the characters didn’t fully stick with me. A strong 3.5 star read for the premise and pacing alone.
December 6, 2025
The Death Row Club is a tense, twist-tight thriller that sinks its hooks in from the very first chapter. Vazquez builds an atmosphere loaded with dread, mystery, and moral ambiguity, and I found myself constantly questioning every character’s motives—including the ones I thought I trusted.
The premise alone is chilling: a group of teens bound together by their darkest secrets, forced to confront truths that are as dangerous as they are devastating. Vazquez balances psychological tension with fast-paced suspense, and the story moves with the kind of momentum that kept me reading way past my bedtime.
The characters feel layered and flawed in all the right ways. Their relationships are messy, their choices often questionable, and that’s exactly what makes them believable. And as the stakes rise, the plot twists come sharp and unexpected but never forced.
If you enjoy YA thrillers that blend mystery, paranoia, and emotional depth, this book should definitely be on your list. Dark, addictive, and full of surprises—The Death Row Club delivers.
The premise alone is chilling: a group of teens bound together by their darkest secrets, forced to confront truths that are as dangerous as they are devastating. Vazquez balances psychological tension with fast-paced suspense, and the story moves with the kind of momentum that kept me reading way past my bedtime.
The characters feel layered and flawed in all the right ways. Their relationships are messy, their choices often questionable, and that’s exactly what makes them believable. And as the stakes rise, the plot twists come sharp and unexpected but never forced.
If you enjoy YA thrillers that blend mystery, paranoia, and emotional depth, this book should definitely be on your list. Dark, addictive, and full of surprises—The Death Row Club delivers.
December 13, 2025
Could V.A. Vasquez be the next bold new voice in the thriller genre!? I think, YES!
From the very first page of Death Row Club I was engulfed into this story. This is a debut that successfully delivers on the promise of a sharp thriller.
What sets this book apart is Vasquez's masterful control over suspicion and pacing. Just when you think you’ve figured out the culprit or the motive, the narrative twists, making you question everything you thought you knew. The author brilliantly utilizes shifting perspectives to keep the tension taut, ensuring that every character is a potential suspect at one point or another.
The plot is a tightly wound spring of secrets and lies. I particularly enjoyed the way the author handled the escalating twists! If you love a book that makes you frantically flip back pages to see what clues you missed, this is it. It’s a genuine cat-and-mouse game where the identity of the cat keeps changing.
From the very first page of Death Row Club I was engulfed into this story. This is a debut that successfully delivers on the promise of a sharp thriller.
What sets this book apart is Vasquez's masterful control over suspicion and pacing. Just when you think you’ve figured out the culprit or the motive, the narrative twists, making you question everything you thought you knew. The author brilliantly utilizes shifting perspectives to keep the tension taut, ensuring that every character is a potential suspect at one point or another.
The plot is a tightly wound spring of secrets and lies. I particularly enjoyed the way the author handled the escalating twists! If you love a book that makes you frantically flip back pages to see what clues you missed, this is it. It’s a genuine cat-and-mouse game where the identity of the cat keeps changing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was wild and twisty, with some whodunnit to boot. The pacing slipped a little about 75% in, but came through in the end. I had a lot of fun getting to know these characters, trying to figure out who did or didn't do what, and what the heck was going on with the side story! Told from a couple different perspectives and timelines. The unreliable character/narrator story trait comes up in this book and isn't my fave thing, but it worked here.
The premise, while far-fetched, was fun. A miniature amount of spice, which is perfect for me. I'd love a pre-series, like books based on the parents during their killings!
Lots of TWs in this one, so please look into them before diving in!
The premise, while far-fetched, was fun. A miniature amount of spice, which is perfect for me. I'd love a pre-series, like books based on the parents during their killings!
Lots of TWs in this one, so please look into them before diving in!
February 1, 2026
The plot is quite unique, a super secret retreat for kids of serial killers. The story is primarily based around Nicola whose dad was featured on a documentary and it has turned her world upside down with haters, she gets fired from her job and is getting ready to have her house taken from her. But there are lots of other sketchy serial killer children with baggage to bring twists into the story.
When things go wrong at the retreat do they chance calling the police and revealing their identities or keep silent and risk being the next victim.
I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Death Row Club is an absolute wild ride of a thriller. We follow adult children of serial killers on a weekend retreat where they finally have others to connect with that understand the very unique trauma of their lives. What could possibly go wrong?
I loved this, I read it in one day. It was a fun chaotic race to the end for the reader from the very moment our FMC Nicola decided to attend the retreat all the way through to the last chapter.
There were twists and turns throughout, a few were expected but most caught me completely by surprise. I love when I don't see the twists coming at all.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted e-ARC.
I loved this, I read it in one day. It was a fun chaotic race to the end for the reader from the very moment our FMC Nicola decided to attend the retreat all the way through to the last chapter.
There were twists and turns throughout, a few were expected but most caught me completely by surprise. I love when I don't see the twists coming at all.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted e-ARC.
February 3, 2026
A club for the children of serial killers… and one might be lurking at their weekend retreat?! Sign me up.
This was such a fresh story that had me hooked from the start. Led by an unreliable narrator (& honestly maybe every character lol), the tension was relentless and surprises waited at each turn.
Darkly clever, layered, a little creepy, and totally binge-worthy. Thanks to GalleryBooks for the ARC via NetGalley!
This was such a fresh story that had me hooked from the start. Led by an unreliable narrator (& honestly maybe every character lol), the tension was relentless and surprises waited at each turn.
Darkly clever, layered, a little creepy, and totally binge-worthy. Thanks to GalleryBooks for the ARC via NetGalley!
January 30, 2026
I really really enjoyed this! The idea of a club for children of serial killers was so cool to explore! The plot was also superb! I truly did not expect the ending. I would think I had it figured out then BAM another turn. Nicola was also a character you could root for, but still had a bit of a sharp edge that I appreciated. The only reason I’m not rating this 5 stars is because I wanted it to go deeper, and darker. I would have loved more backstory on the other killers and their children. I also think this could have been amazing if the author would have gone full out into the dark subject matter instead of just skating the surface.
January 28, 2026
I enjoyed the hell out of Death Row Club! I could not put it down! It wasn’t what I imagined! At every chapter there was something happening, and it kept me on my toes! AND I HAD TO KNOW! I liked Greer’s story and felt connected to her the most. It made the ending even better! Definitely recommend reading!
November 27, 2025
I read this book in 24 hours. It was very well paced with the alternating narrators. The premise was very intriguing - children of serial killers. Does that make them killers too? A lot of twists I did not see coming!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank-you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. A thriller with twists & turns until the end. This one will keep you guessing!
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