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The Death Row Club
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Expected 14 Jul 26A dark, dazzlingly original thriller about a woman invited to an annual weekend getaway for the adult children of serial killers...but when one of the participants ends up dead, they begin to wonder if someone among them might be carrying on gruesome family traditions.
When Nicola Fischer’s father is arrested for the murder of five women—including her best friend—the entire world watches it unfold on To Catch a Killer, the hit true crime show hosted by Greer Woods. Overnight, Nicola becomes a fired from her job, drowning in debt, and shunned by everyone she knows. And to make matters worse, Greer—once a budding friend and fellow child of a serial killer—hasn’t returned a single call since the show aired.
Then comes an unexpected invitation to the Death Row Club, a secret retreat for the adult children of serial killers—founded by none other than Greer herself. Desperate for answers and human connection, Nicola agrees to go. At first, it seems like exactly what she needs. The club members are strange but welcoming, and Greer seems eager to mend their fractured friendship.
But when a mysterious girl arrives, claiming her father is a killer too, the club’s fragile peace is shattered. By morning, the girl has vanished. By afternoon, one of the club members is dead.
Now everyone is watching Nicola. After all, she’s the daughter of a monster. And monsters raise monsters…don’t they?
When Nicola Fischer’s father is arrested for the murder of five women—including her best friend—the entire world watches it unfold on To Catch a Killer, the hit true crime show hosted by Greer Woods. Overnight, Nicola becomes a fired from her job, drowning in debt, and shunned by everyone she knows. And to make matters worse, Greer—once a budding friend and fellow child of a serial killer—hasn’t returned a single call since the show aired.
Then comes an unexpected invitation to the Death Row Club, a secret retreat for the adult children of serial killers—founded by none other than Greer herself. Desperate for answers and human connection, Nicola agrees to go. At first, it seems like exactly what she needs. The club members are strange but welcoming, and Greer seems eager to mend their fractured friendship.
But when a mysterious girl arrives, claiming her father is a killer too, the club’s fragile peace is shattered. By morning, the girl has vanished. By afternoon, one of the club members is dead.
Now everyone is watching Nicola. After all, she’s the daughter of a monster. And monsters raise monsters…don’t they?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 19, 2025
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
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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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
Want to read
November 10, 2025ha! what an interesting idea for a mystery! I'm in!
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Nicola's father is arrested and it comes out that he is a serial murderer, her world comes crashing down. She loses her job, her friends, and is close to losing her home. To make matters worse, a popular true crime show does a season on her father's case... and paints her in a negative light.
At the end of her rope, Nicola feels like she has nothing left. Then, one day, she gets an email inviting her to a weekend retreat with The Death Row Club.
The club was established as a support group for the children of serial killers. Once a year, the small group gets together away from the world to reconnect and share their experiences. But this year will not be like the others.
On the first night of the retreat, a stranger shows up to the off-the-grid cabin and throws everyone for a loop. Little does everyone know that by the same time the next night, one of their own will be found dead.
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This is a great thriller with several twists (that I never saw coming). I enjoyed the dual POVs and how everything connects in the end. The characters are well developed, and the mystery seems very well thought out. I didn't feel like I was left with many questions or plot holes. The writing isn't extremely gruesome or grotesque, which is nice if you don't like a lot of those details or need a palate cleanser.
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and author V.A. Vazquez for the ARC of this book.
At the end of her rope, Nicola feels like she has nothing left. Then, one day, she gets an email inviting her to a weekend retreat with The Death Row Club.
The club was established as a support group for the children of serial killers. Once a year, the small group gets together away from the world to reconnect and share their experiences. But this year will not be like the others.
On the first night of the retreat, a stranger shows up to the off-the-grid cabin and throws everyone for a loop. Little does everyone know that by the same time the next night, one of their own will be found dead.
------------------
This is a great thriller with several twists (that I never saw coming). I enjoyed the dual POVs and how everything connects in the end. The characters are well developed, and the mystery seems very well thought out. I didn't feel like I was left with many questions or plot holes. The writing isn't extremely gruesome or grotesque, which is nice if you don't like a lot of those details or need a palate cleanser.
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and author V.A. Vazquez for the ARC of this book.
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.
November 25, 2025
I requested this book the day it popped up on NetGalley, and I am SO glad I did. I mean, c’mon… it’s a thriller! About the children of serial killers!! Who then get together for a retreat (aka the perfect setup for a locked-room mystery)! This book checked every box for me, and it did not disappoint!
The atmosphere was perfectly tense, the characters were all enjoyable in their own ways, and the premise was super original. This felt like a breath of fresh air for the thriller/mystery genre! I’d been searching for a book that felt fresh and new, and I am so excited to say that this book was exactly that for me.
The story is told through two alternating POVs—one of which is Nicola, a former (thanks a lot, Dad!) teacher whose life is destroyed after her father is discovered to be a serial killer. After drunk-dialing someone she thought was a friend, she gets an invite to an all-expenses-paid retreat designed to be a safe gathering place for the children of serial killers: the Death Row Club. Obviously, she accepts. What else is she supposed to do? Keep drinking her boxed wine alone while paparazzi hound her outside? Keep drunk-dialing someone she really shouldn’t? Stare at the ever-growing pile of bills that keep showing up… with absolutely no way to pay them (again, thanks a lot, Dad!)??? So she packs her things, escapes incognito, and makes her way to this year’s retreat location: Seattle!
What ensues after that is absolute perfection. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time, but it also made me laugh out loud. What can I say? I love dark, morbid humor.
If you love thrillers/mysteries surrounding the topic of serial killers, I think you’ll love this! And if this interests you but you don’t want something too dark or morbid, this is also for you. The serial-killer-to-thriller pipeline can sometimes be a little too dark or gory for some people, but this wasn’t at all!
I loved every moment of this. Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books, for this eARC!! 💜
The atmosphere was perfectly tense, the characters were all enjoyable in their own ways, and the premise was super original. This felt like a breath of fresh air for the thriller/mystery genre! I’d been searching for a book that felt fresh and new, and I am so excited to say that this book was exactly that for me.
The story is told through two alternating POVs—one of which is Nicola, a former (thanks a lot, Dad!) teacher whose life is destroyed after her father is discovered to be a serial killer. After drunk-dialing someone she thought was a friend, she gets an invite to an all-expenses-paid retreat designed to be a safe gathering place for the children of serial killers: the Death Row Club. Obviously, she accepts. What else is she supposed to do? Keep drinking her boxed wine alone while paparazzi hound her outside? Keep drunk-dialing someone she really shouldn’t? Stare at the ever-growing pile of bills that keep showing up… with absolutely no way to pay them (again, thanks a lot, Dad!)??? So she packs her things, escapes incognito, and makes her way to this year’s retreat location: Seattle!
What ensues after that is absolute perfection. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time, but it also made me laugh out loud. What can I say? I love dark, morbid humor.
If you love thrillers/mysteries surrounding the topic of serial killers, I think you’ll love this! And if this interests you but you don’t want something too dark or morbid, this is also for you. The serial-killer-to-thriller pipeline can sometimes be a little too dark or gory for some people, but this wasn’t at all!
I loved every moment of this. Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books, for this eARC!! 💜
December 2, 2025
5/5 Stars
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Nicola Fischer's was just arrested for a set of serial murders that occurred in their small town twenty years ago. Even worse, she had participated in the podcast that uncovered him as the killer. In the few months since his arrest, her life has gotten even worse. Now that the podcast is airing, Nicola has lost her job teaching art, the house she grew up in is being foreclosed, the press won't leave her alone, and the host of the podcast, Greer, (who she became close with during filming) won't return her calls. One night she gets a text and finds an invitation to an all expenses paid trip to a remote retreat for children of serial killers.
I really enjoyed this. It took me almost until the reveal to figure out what was going on which isn't something that happens to me often. It was fast paced and the characters were engaging. My only disappointment is that this is the author's debut novel, so I can read more books by her.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Nicola Fischer's was just arrested for a set of serial murders that occurred in their small town twenty years ago. Even worse, she had participated in the podcast that uncovered him as the killer. In the few months since his arrest, her life has gotten even worse. Now that the podcast is airing, Nicola has lost her job teaching art, the house she grew up in is being foreclosed, the press won't leave her alone, and the host of the podcast, Greer, (who she became close with during filming) won't return her calls. One night she gets a text and finds an invitation to an all expenses paid trip to a remote retreat for children of serial killers.
I really enjoyed this. It took me almost until the reveal to figure out what was going on which isn't something that happens to me often. It was fast paced and the characters were engaging. My only disappointment is that this is the author's debut novel, so I can read more books by her.
January 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ rounded up to 5.
I’ve enjoyed this book a lot, even if it didn’t fully end up being exactly what I thought it would be. The premise is strong and original, and it kept me interested the whole way through. I was invested early on and never felt bored, which says a lot.
As the story unfolded, a few things made more sense, particularly Nicola’s fixation on Greer. It becomes clear that her feelings are romantic, which explains the intensity of her need to forgive and trust her. I didn’t realize that element was part of the story when I started reading, and while it didn’t bother me, it also didn’t feel especially relevant to the larger plot other than just adding a romantic element. Nicola just felt a little desperate to me. But that’s neither there nor there.
There is a major twist, and while I did figure it out before it was revealed, I still thought it was a good one. It wasn’t obvious or poorly done, and I can see it surprising a lot of readers.
My main issue is harder to pin down. Toward the later part of the book, there were moments where I felt a little confused without being able to immediately tell why. It felt like certain things were explained, but not always fully, and I found myself rereading sections trying to figure out what I’d missed. I honestly can’t say for sure whether that was on me as a reader or if some parts were just a bit unclear.
Overall, I still really liked this book. It kept me engaged, intrigued, and guessing throughout, and I’m glad I picked it up. I’d currently give it about four and a half stars and would recommend it to readers who enjoy twisty, slightly unconventional thrillers.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve enjoyed this book a lot, even if it didn’t fully end up being exactly what I thought it would be. The premise is strong and original, and it kept me interested the whole way through. I was invested early on and never felt bored, which says a lot.
As the story unfolded, a few things made more sense, particularly Nicola’s fixation on Greer. It becomes clear that her feelings are romantic, which explains the intensity of her need to forgive and trust her. I didn’t realize that element was part of the story when I started reading, and while it didn’t bother me, it also didn’t feel especially relevant to the larger plot other than just adding a romantic element. Nicola just felt a little desperate to me. But that’s neither there nor there.
There is a major twist, and while I did figure it out before it was revealed, I still thought it was a good one. It wasn’t obvious or poorly done, and I can see it surprising a lot of readers.
My main issue is harder to pin down. Toward the later part of the book, there were moments where I felt a little confused without being able to immediately tell why. It felt like certain things were explained, but not always fully, and I found myself rereading sections trying to figure out what I’d missed. I honestly can’t say for sure whether that was on me as a reader or if some parts were just a bit unclear.
Overall, I still really liked this book. It kept me engaged, intrigued, and guessing throughout, and I’m glad I picked it up. I’d currently give it about four and a half stars and would recommend it to readers who enjoy twisty, slightly unconventional thrillers.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and author for an earc in exchange for honest review.
A secret weekend getaway for the adult children of serial killers takes a deadly turn when one of them is murdered. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and there may be a killer amongst them.
I was hooked from the first line!!! I liked the premise and the reveals had me on the edge of my seat! 5 stars this was great and the twists I really didn’t seem coming nor did they feel overkill. What really stood out was how thoughtfully the story explored how complex people can be even in relation to a parent who is a killer.
This was fantastic. Don’t miss it when it drops on July 14, 2026!
A secret weekend getaway for the adult children of serial killers takes a deadly turn when one of them is murdered. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and there may be a killer amongst them.
I was hooked from the first line!!! I liked the premise and the reveals had me on the edge of my seat! 5 stars this was great and the twists I really didn’t seem coming nor did they feel overkill. What really stood out was how thoughtfully the story explored how complex people can be even in relation to a parent who is a killer.
This was fantastic. Don’t miss it when it drops on July 14, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this book. The plot being involving the children of serial killers immediately had me super interested from the start. This book had a lot of misdirection throughout and I find that super enjoyable because it's less predictable of a book for me. I really liked Nicola but I didn't like a lot of the other characters but that honestly didn't bother me, I still thought this was a really fun read trying to figure everything out. I was surprised to find out all of Greers backstory and enjoyed that curveball at the end. Really enjoyed this book.
I received this book as an ARC thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books but all opinions are my own.
I received this book as an ARC thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books but all opinions are my own.
January 9, 2026
The Death Row Club by V.A. Vazquez is a story I hoped to enjoy more than I ultimately did. One of the plotlines offered more action and tension, but it did not belong to the main character, which made the overall balance feel uneven. The book also reads as though it is geared toward a younger audience. While it is not technically YA, the youthful perspectives sometimes made it difficult to connect with the characters’ choices and viewpoints fully.
The pacing, however, kept me engaged. With two alternating points of view, something is always happening, either to one of the main characters or to another member of the Death Row Club.
The first perspective comes from Nicola Fischer, whose life collapses after she discovers her father is a serial killer responsible for five murders, including the death of her best friend, Claire. The second perspective belongs to Steffanie, whose storyline is the true standout. She is on the run from her abusive father, with no one willing to help her, and soon finds herself in an even more dangerous situation. Her chapters add emotional depth and suspense while raising questions about how her story connects to the members of the Death Row Club.
Nicola, meanwhile, accepts an invitation from a former friend she has been trying to reach since her father’s arrest. She travels to the Death Row Club, joining others whose parents were also killers. But the retreat quickly proves more dangerous than expected, especially when one of the guests is found dead.
Both viewpoints are important, but Steffanie’s narrative provides the strongest momentum. Nicola’s storyline remains engaging, but it lacks the same emotional weight and urgency.
The twist is well executed, and the ending offers a satisfying payoff. As a slow-burning psychological thriller, the novel is intriguing and worth reading. I rated it 3.5 stars on Goodreads. Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital review copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
The pacing, however, kept me engaged. With two alternating points of view, something is always happening, either to one of the main characters or to another member of the Death Row Club.
The first perspective comes from Nicola Fischer, whose life collapses after she discovers her father is a serial killer responsible for five murders, including the death of her best friend, Claire. The second perspective belongs to Steffanie, whose storyline is the true standout. She is on the run from her abusive father, with no one willing to help her, and soon finds herself in an even more dangerous situation. Her chapters add emotional depth and suspense while raising questions about how her story connects to the members of the Death Row Club.
Nicola, meanwhile, accepts an invitation from a former friend she has been trying to reach since her father’s arrest. She travels to the Death Row Club, joining others whose parents were also killers. But the retreat quickly proves more dangerous than expected, especially when one of the guests is found dead.
Both viewpoints are important, but Steffanie’s narrative provides the strongest momentum. Nicola’s storyline remains engaging, but it lacks the same emotional weight and urgency.
The twist is well executed, and the ending offers a satisfying payoff. As a slow-burning psychological thriller, the novel is intriguing and worth reading. I rated it 3.5 stars on Goodreads. Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital review copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
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.
January 1, 2026
had the privilege of reading this book before it was released. I’ve never read this author before but I can’t wait to look up other books by V A Vazquez. The Death Row Club had me hooked from the beginning of the book. There were so many twists even toward the end. I was a little confused going back and forth between characters and chapters but then it snapped into place and the shock was well worth the wait. I would definitely recommend this book! It was a very edge of your seat kind of book.
December 13, 2025
The Death Row Club had an incredibly captivating plot with remarkable twists throughout. I loved the clever use of misdirection and the way the multiple perspectives converged in the final, unexpectedly beautiful and seamless way. The intense tension and suspense made this book impossible to put down.
December 9, 2025
This book tackles the story of a female, Nicola, whose father was arrested for murders in their town and how she ends up at a weekend get-away with fellow serial killer children.
The story kept me coming back for more! But…
Honestly… I wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. I didn’t hate it by any means – it just could have been more. I read a couple other reviews that said it was fairly light-hearted as a thriller which I am inclined to agree. Not bad at all – I just wanted more. It seemed surface level if that makes any sense. I didn’t really feel like I knew any of the characters.
Overall, I did enjoy it as a lighter thriller! The ending wraps up in a neat little bow if that’s your kind of thing as well.
Thank you NetGalley & Gallery Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The story kept me coming back for more! But…
Honestly… I wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. I didn’t hate it by any means – it just could have been more. I read a couple other reviews that said it was fairly light-hearted as a thriller which I am inclined to agree. Not bad at all – I just wanted more. It seemed surface level if that makes any sense. I didn’t really feel like I knew any of the characters.
Overall, I did enjoy it as a lighter thriller! The ending wraps up in a neat little bow if that’s your kind of thing as well.
Thank you NetGalley & Gallery Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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!
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