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A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage #2
Self-Help for Serial Killers: A Novel
In this rollicking sequel to A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage, two (mostly) reformed serial killers discover something more deadly than living in suburbia.
This couple’s midlife crisis is murder . . . literally.
Hazel and Fox have it two children, a beautiful home, and a late-night habit of eliminating people who deserve it. Yet work-life balance is hard when you want to kill bad men but raise good kids.
With a school mum tyrant on Haze's case, and Fox struggling with performance anxiety after a botched kill, things are spiraling. Therapy isn't helping, and bullet journaling has taken on a whole new meaning. . . .
But when they accidentally draw a dangerous group to their doorstep, the couple must pull it together—and fast. Because surviving in suburbia is no longer just a challenge. Now it's a real fight for their family's lives.
And it turns out, self-help starts with staying alive.
This couple’s midlife crisis is murder . . . literally.
Hazel and Fox have it two children, a beautiful home, and a late-night habit of eliminating people who deserve it. Yet work-life balance is hard when you want to kill bad men but raise good kids.
With a school mum tyrant on Haze's case, and Fox struggling with performance anxiety after a botched kill, things are spiraling. Therapy isn't helping, and bullet journaling has taken on a whole new meaning. . . .
But when they accidentally draw a dangerous group to their doorstep, the couple must pull it together—and fast. Because surviving in suburbia is no longer just a challenge. Now it's a real fight for their family's lives.
And it turns out, self-help starts with staying alive.
Audible Audio
First published June 16, 2026
About the author
Asia Mackay
6 books285 followersAsia studied Anthropology at Durham University, after which she started a career in television. She presented and produced lifestyle programmes in Shanghai before moving back to London, where she worked for Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as Project Manager on their round the world motorbike documentaries.
She started writing Killing It on maternity leave and undertook a Faber Academy course to help her finish it. Asia lives in London with her husband, four young children and two dogs. Killing It is her first novel and was the Runner Up in Richard and Judy's Search for a Bestseller competition 2017.
She started writing Killing It on maternity leave and undertook a Faber Academy course to help her finish it. Asia lives in London with her husband, four young children and two dogs. Killing It is her first novel and was the Runner Up in Richard and Judy's Search for a Bestseller competition 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
August 1, 2026
Murder is easy. Parenting is hard.
I absolutely loved Asia Mackay's A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage - which you should absolutely read before picking up this sequel-, so it's safe to say I had high hopes for Self-Help for Serial Killers.
One of the things I loved most about the first novel was how gleefully it juxtaposed suburban domesticity with vigilante serial killing. While that delicious contrast is still here, the realities of raising young children take center stage, and for Fox and Hazel, parenthood has inevitably taken some of the edge off their delightfully murderous sparkle. Tantrums, sleep deprivation, impossible school parents... honestly, the murders almost start to feel like the relaxing part of their week.
As someone who has only recently escaped the baby and toddler years myself, I couldn't help sympathizing with Hazel and Fox. Mackay captures the relentless exhaustion of early parenthood remarkably well, and there's a lot of humor to be found in watching two highly competent killers become utterly defeated by ordinary family life. In many ways, the series is actually at its funniest when the murders take a back seat to the mundane frustrations of everyday family life. It's when the plot widens beyond suburbia that it starts to lose a little of its unique charm.
I did miss some of the spark that made the first book so irresistible. Fox, in particular, spends much of the novel struggling with PTSD, self-doubt, and the fallout from previous events. While those emotional consequences make perfect sense, they also slow the pace considerably and become somewhat repetitive over time. I found myself longing for more of the sharp, dry banter that defined the earlier novel.
My biggest reservation, however, was the increasingly international scope of the plot. Part of the charm of this series lies in its wonderfully ridiculous central premise: two serial killers trying to blend into suburban family life while secretly eliminating terrible people. It never really needed an elaborate international manhunt or ever-escalating stakes. If anything, those larger plot developments occasionally distracted from what the series does best.
Even so, Self-Help for Serial Killers remains a very entertaining read. Mackay's dry wit is still very much intact, the characters are still a joy to spend time with, and there's something delightfully absurd about watching school runs, marriage, therapy, and murder coexist in the same novel.
It may not quite recapture the magic of its predecessor, but I still had an enormously good time joining Hazel and Fox for another adventure. Here's hoping this isn't the last we've seen of them - and that next time, they rediscover a little of the murderous chemistry that made me fall in love with them in the first place.
Many thanks to Ballantine | Bantam for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Self-Help for Serial Killers" was published on June 16, 2026, and is available now.
I absolutely loved Asia Mackay's A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage - which you should absolutely read before picking up this sequel-, so it's safe to say I had high hopes for Self-Help for Serial Killers.
One of the things I loved most about the first novel was how gleefully it juxtaposed suburban domesticity with vigilante serial killing. While that delicious contrast is still here, the realities of raising young children take center stage, and for Fox and Hazel, parenthood has inevitably taken some of the edge off their delightfully murderous sparkle. Tantrums, sleep deprivation, impossible school parents... honestly, the murders almost start to feel like the relaxing part of their week.
As someone who has only recently escaped the baby and toddler years myself, I couldn't help sympathizing with Hazel and Fox. Mackay captures the relentless exhaustion of early parenthood remarkably well, and there's a lot of humor to be found in watching two highly competent killers become utterly defeated by ordinary family life. In many ways, the series is actually at its funniest when the murders take a back seat to the mundane frustrations of everyday family life. It's when the plot widens beyond suburbia that it starts to lose a little of its unique charm.
I did miss some of the spark that made the first book so irresistible. Fox, in particular, spends much of the novel struggling with PTSD, self-doubt, and the fallout from previous events. While those emotional consequences make perfect sense, they also slow the pace considerably and become somewhat repetitive over time. I found myself longing for more of the sharp, dry banter that defined the earlier novel.
My biggest reservation, however, was the increasingly international scope of the plot. Part of the charm of this series lies in its wonderfully ridiculous central premise: two serial killers trying to blend into suburban family life while secretly eliminating terrible people. It never really needed an elaborate international manhunt or ever-escalating stakes. If anything, those larger plot developments occasionally distracted from what the series does best.
Even so, Self-Help for Serial Killers remains a very entertaining read. Mackay's dry wit is still very much intact, the characters are still a joy to spend time with, and there's something delightfully absurd about watching school runs, marriage, therapy, and murder coexist in the same novel.
It may not quite recapture the magic of its predecessor, but I still had an enormously good time joining Hazel and Fox for another adventure. Here's hoping this isn't the last we've seen of them - and that next time, they rediscover a little of the murderous chemistry that made me fall in love with them in the first place.
Many thanks to Ballantine | Bantam for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Self-Help for Serial Killers" was published on June 16, 2026, and is available now.
June 20, 2026
A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage was one of my favorite books last year so I was really excited to be with Fox and Hazel again! Just as morally questionable as the first book, but with more at stake, I really enjoyed seeing them navigating parenthood with two littles now, mean girl politics with other school moms and of course, ridding the world of bad men. I loved that Fox really struggled with “performance anxiety” and feeling like he wasn’t enough for Hazel while she was the more secure one in their relationship. That was an interesting twist and fun dynamic. The plot was definitely more over the top than in book one, but mixed with the suburban chaos, I thought it was such a fun ride. I’m REALLY hoping for more books in the series, especially because I think there’s more to Jenny than meets the eye and I’m so darn intrigued by her! If you loved the dynamic between Joe Goldberg and Love Quinn, but wished they’d been endgame, this series is for you!
Thank you to Bantam Books for the digital reader’s copy!
June 20, 2026
Haze and Fox are back in this sequel to A Serial Killer’s Guide To Marriage. The chaos of balancing providing a normal upbringing for their children while continuing their serial killer side hustle continues. Things become even more complicated when Fox is having a crisis of confidence and Haze is getting texts from an assassin calling himself The Chameleon. When you begin to feel like you can’t trust your partner to have your back, how can you trust anyone else in your life? This isn’t your typical thriller. It’s very character driven with dark humor and over the top situations to keep things interesting. An entertaining read!
May 26, 2026
Self Help for Serial Killers was just as quirky, chaotic, and darkly funny as the first book, which is exactly what I was hoping for. A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage set the bar pretty high for me, and while I still really enjoyed this sequel, I didn’t love it *quite* as much.
Hazel and Fox are still wildly entertaining as suburban parents trying to balance raising children with, you know… occasionally murdering terrible people. The humor is sharp, the banter is fun, and the whole “serial killers trying to survive normal family life” concept still works ridiculously well. I especially enjoyed all the little domestic chaos moments — school parent drama, therapy sessions, performance anxiety after a failed kill… it’s all so absurd in the best way. My biggest issue was that the story started to feel a little too big for me. I know realism obviously isn’t the point here, but the international hunt/action side of the plot felt a bit out of my depth compared to the first book. I personally preferred the smaller-scale suburban chaos and simpler cat-and-mouse feel from book one. This one occasionally lost me during the larger conspiracy-style moments, and there were parts that dragged a little because of it. That said, it was still a fun, bingeable read with lovable morally questionable characters, dark humor, and enough chaos to keep me entertained. If you enjoyed the first book, I think this sequel is definitely still worth picking up — just go in expecting the story to get a little wilder and more over-the-top this time around.
Hazel and Fox are still wildly entertaining as suburban parents trying to balance raising children with, you know… occasionally murdering terrible people. The humor is sharp, the banter is fun, and the whole “serial killers trying to survive normal family life” concept still works ridiculously well. I especially enjoyed all the little domestic chaos moments — school parent drama, therapy sessions, performance anxiety after a failed kill… it’s all so absurd in the best way. My biggest issue was that the story started to feel a little too big for me. I know realism obviously isn’t the point here, but the international hunt/action side of the plot felt a bit out of my depth compared to the first book. I personally preferred the smaller-scale suburban chaos and simpler cat-and-mouse feel from book one. This one occasionally lost me during the larger conspiracy-style moments, and there were parts that dragged a little because of it. That said, it was still a fun, bingeable read with lovable morally questionable characters, dark humor, and enough chaos to keep me entertained. If you enjoyed the first book, I think this sequel is definitely still worth picking up — just go in expecting the story to get a little wilder and more over-the-top this time around.
April 4, 2026
**Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for this ARC.**
When I first started reading this book I thought it had potential to be 5 stars! It was gripping from the start. Kind of a Santa Clarita Diet couple meets Dexter vibe. As the book continued I was a little put off by the fact that we are in 2026 and still hating on men so much. I absolutely am for having fun and making jabs at men for fun, but ultimately most men aren’t bad people. There’s mention of an all men’s club and how “poor men need their safe spaces.” There are clubs for all women too. It’s more of a social norm than meant to be a “safe space” for anyone. Also the fact that MC’s only kill “straight white men,” seemed unnecessary. Again it’s 2026, why not take this out and leave it at “they only kill bad people.” It shouldn’t matter race, gender, or sex, a bad person is a bad person. Besides this, the ending wasn't that shocking or twisty. I was hoping for more excitement or shock with the people involved, but it was just like “yeah okay that makes sense.”
Overall this is a book I wouldn’t discourage anyone from reading. It definitely held my attention, but am I going to flat out recommend it to anyone… not likely.
When I first started reading this book I thought it had potential to be 5 stars! It was gripping from the start. Kind of a Santa Clarita Diet couple meets Dexter vibe. As the book continued I was a little put off by the fact that we are in 2026 and still hating on men so much. I absolutely am for having fun and making jabs at men for fun, but ultimately most men aren’t bad people. There’s mention of an all men’s club and how “poor men need their safe spaces.” There are clubs for all women too. It’s more of a social norm than meant to be a “safe space” for anyone. Also the fact that MC’s only kill “straight white men,” seemed unnecessary. Again it’s 2026, why not take this out and leave it at “they only kill bad people.” It shouldn’t matter race, gender, or sex, a bad person is a bad person. Besides this, the ending wasn't that shocking or twisty. I was hoping for more excitement or shock with the people involved, but it was just like “yeah okay that makes sense.”
Overall this is a book I wouldn’t discourage anyone from reading. It definitely held my attention, but am I going to flat out recommend it to anyone… not likely.
July 20, 2026
3.75⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and PRH Audio for the gifted advance copies. All opinions are my own.
Homework. Housework. Homicide. You can do it all!
How hard can it be to keep all the balls in the air? If you’re Hazel and Fox, you are finding it harder and harder to keep the household running smoothly while ridding the world of bad guys. Hazel is balancing school drop offs, a demanding infant, and the unreasonable expectations put forth by social media influencers. As if that wasn’t enough, someone is threatening her family. Fox is struggling. His roles as husband, father, and finance bro are taking a backseat to worries over performance anxiety. Not that kind, silly! The kind that results from not being able to finish a kill. Problems that are causing stress on the home front.
This follow up to A SERIAL KILLER’S GUIDE TO MARRIAGE is a tongue in cheek look at surviving surburbia while avoiding a contract on your life. It is equal parts humorous and suspenseful with sufficient twists to keep the reader guessing. When the bad guys are good guys and the worse guys after you, it’s impossible to know who to trust.
This dual POV story is narrated by George Blagden and Georgia Tennant and they are perfectly cast as Fox and Hazel.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy suspense served with a side of snark and satire. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and delivers a good time.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and PRH Audio for the gifted advance copies. All opinions are my own.
Homework. Housework. Homicide. You can do it all!
How hard can it be to keep all the balls in the air? If you’re Hazel and Fox, you are finding it harder and harder to keep the household running smoothly while ridding the world of bad guys. Hazel is balancing school drop offs, a demanding infant, and the unreasonable expectations put forth by social media influencers. As if that wasn’t enough, someone is threatening her family. Fox is struggling. His roles as husband, father, and finance bro are taking a backseat to worries over performance anxiety. Not that kind, silly! The kind that results from not being able to finish a kill. Problems that are causing stress on the home front.
This follow up to A SERIAL KILLER’S GUIDE TO MARRIAGE is a tongue in cheek look at surviving surburbia while avoiding a contract on your life. It is equal parts humorous and suspenseful with sufficient twists to keep the reader guessing. When the bad guys are good guys and the worse guys after you, it’s impossible to know who to trust.
This dual POV story is narrated by George Blagden and Georgia Tennant and they are perfectly cast as Fox and Hazel.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy suspense served with a side of snark and satire. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and delivers a good time.
June 18, 2026
First, let me say I absolutely loved the first book. It was so smart and funny. I was so excited for the sequel. While I did enjoy this one it didn’t have that same magic. It had maybe one or two of those funny moments from the first book. I felt like it was a bit repetitive on Fox’s end. It makes the book drag just a bit. I still think it’s worth reading but it has a lot to live up to. I don’t think you need the first book to understand this book because all of the information is provided in this book but please read the first one. It’s too good to miss. I would continue the series if the author continues it in hopes that it will capture the magic of the first. Also i really loved the MCs Fox and Haze.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Self Help for Serial Killers was such a unique and entertaining read. The premise is incredibly original, blending dark humor with mystery and suspense in a way that kept me turning the pages. The cast of characters was quirky and memorable, and I enjoyed seeing the story unfold from such an unconventional perspective.
The writing was engaging, and while the pacing slowed a little in the middle, it picked back up with several surprising twists that made the journey worthwhile. I also appreciated the underlying themes about identity, redemption, and whether people are capable of changing, which added more depth than I was expecting.
Overall, this was a fun, darkly humorous thriller that stands out from the typical mystery novel. If you enjoy offbeat stories with plenty of wit and a touch of the bizarre, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Self Help for Serial Killers was such a unique and entertaining read. The premise is incredibly original, blending dark humor with mystery and suspense in a way that kept me turning the pages. The cast of characters was quirky and memorable, and I enjoyed seeing the story unfold from such an unconventional perspective.
The writing was engaging, and while the pacing slowed a little in the middle, it picked back up with several surprising twists that made the journey worthwhile. I also appreciated the underlying themes about identity, redemption, and whether people are capable of changing, which added more depth than I was expecting.
Overall, this was a fun, darkly humorous thriller that stands out from the typical mystery novel. If you enjoy offbeat stories with plenty of wit and a touch of the bizarre, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
August 6, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine for the ARC of this title. I hate I waited so long to read this one! It was kinda slow in the beginning but once I got into it, I really had a good time with it. This book goes to show you that even serial killers struggle with parenting and marriage. lol
I was shocked when The Chameleon was revealed. Somehow I didn’t see that coming at all. I thought I had it all figured out but I was wrong. I loved this book and how Fox, Haze and even the kids developed through out it. I would recommend this one to people who loved Finlay Donovan. It definitely gives the same vibe. 4 stars!
I was shocked when The Chameleon was revealed. Somehow I didn’t see that coming at all. I thought I had it all figured out but I was wrong. I loved this book and how Fox, Haze and even the kids developed through out it. I would recommend this one to people who loved Finlay Donovan. It definitely gives the same vibe. 4 stars!
May 15, 2026
Received an ARC via NetGalley.
I found the first one fun and the second equally so. The characters, especially Hazel, are surprisingly likable for.. ya know, serial killers.
I can see that this was sort of trying to stretch out things from the last one and maybe turn it into an ongoing series. But I didn’t mind that it was kind of a stretch. The characters were fun and it’s not every day you find a cozy mystery where the main characters are serial killers (with morals?).
I found the first one fun and the second equally so. The characters, especially Hazel, are surprisingly likable for.. ya know, serial killers.
I can see that this was sort of trying to stretch out things from the last one and maybe turn it into an ongoing series. But I didn’t mind that it was kind of a stretch. The characters were fun and it’s not every day you find a cozy mystery where the main characters are serial killers (with morals?).
July 17, 2026
This was a fun and quirky read.
July 29, 2026
I enjoyed this quite a lot! Not only did it keep me guessing but I was rooting for them so bad 😭 im going to miss these characters for sure.
June 16, 2026
Haze and Fox and living a typical upper middle class life in a quiet British village. They have Bibi, a sweet and precocious 4 year old and a newborn Reggie who doesn’t sleep through the night so neither do Fox and Haze. From the outside they look like the perfect family but they have a small sideline that sets them apart…they are both serial killers. They target only bad men (rapists, wife abusers) but they both “enjoy” the kill. In this dark comedy/slice of family life story, they are recovering from a big, botched job the year before, sleep deprivation and running from a professional killer who is targeting them. The concept of these books is clever and entertaining. Thanks to #netgalley for the arc of this book.
May 11, 2026
Asia Mackay’s Self-Help for Serial Killers made me realize that apparently my ideal reading experience now involves sipping iced coffee while reading about suburban parenting, emotional burnout, marital tension, suspicious neighbors, school pickup drama, and the occasional well-deserved murder. Ballantine | Bantam, thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC because this book was dark, hilarious, wildly chaotic, and honestly one of the most entertaining stress spirals I’ve read in a while.
Hazel and Fox are back, and somehow their lives are even messier this time around. Which honestly feels impressive considering these two are already trying to balance marriage, children, secrets, trauma, and vigilante serial killing like it’s just another item on the weekly family calendar. Soccer practice? Check. Therapy appointment? Check. Dispose of dangerous men threatening the family? Also check.
And weirdly? It works.
This series continues to lean fully into the absurdity of trying to maintain a picture-perfect suburban life while internally unraveling at all times. Hazel and Fox live in that strange space between exhausted parents and morally questionable antiheroes, and Asia Mackay somehow makes both sides feel believable. One minute you’re laughing at school mom politics and awkward neighborhood interactions, and the next minute someone is panicking over whether an international criminal organization is surveilling their family barbecue. The tonal whiplash should not work this well, and yet here I am fully invested in these disaster humans.
Hazel especially fascinated me in this one. Beneath all the sarcasm, impulsiveness, and dark humor is a woman who feels trapped by the expectations surrounding motherhood and domestic life. She loves her family deeply, but she also misses the version of herself that felt dangerous, capable, and alive. There’s this constant tension between wanting normalcy and absolutely suffocating under it, and honestly? That emotional conflict felt far more real than I expected from a book with this premise.
Meanwhile Fox is basically held together by anxiety, guilt, emotional repression, and the world’s weakest thread of self-control. Watching him try to manage trauma while desperately attempting to keep the family functioning gave the story a surprising amount of emotional depth underneath all the murder and chaos. Their marriage continues to be one of my favorite parts of the series because it somehow feels both deeply toxic and weirdly aspirational at the exact same time. They’re lying to each other constantly, emotionally spiraling in opposite directions, and still somehow functioning as a united front when things truly matter.
Which honestly feels more realistic than half the fictional marriages I read these days.
And Jenny? Absolute icon behavior. Every time she showed up, the energy shifted immediately. I love how this series builds these strange little found-family dynamics between deeply flawed people who probably should not trust each other but somehow do anyway.
“The problem with pretending to be normal is realizing normal people are terrifying too.”
That line honestly captures the entire vibe of this series. Because underneath the dark comedy and thriller elements is this sharp little commentary about suburban performance, marriage expectations, parenting exhaustion, and how completely unhinged “normal” people already are without adding murder into the equation.
The pacing is incredibly bingeable with those fast chapters that make you accidentally read half the book in one sitting while telling yourself “one more chapter” like a complete liar. Even when the middle slowed slightly for me, I was still fully locked into the character dynamics and paranoia. Every new interaction felt suspicious. Every school mom felt dangerous. Every therapy session felt like it might collapse into complete catastrophe at any second.
And honestly? The humor in this series deserves more attention because it’s genuinely funny without undercutting the suspense. The satire around parenting culture, self-help language, suburban perfectionism, and marriage advice absolutely landed for me. Bullet journaling jokes should not be this funny in a serial killer thriller, and yet here we are.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is perfect for readers who love dark humor, morally gray characters, dysfunctional marriage dynamics, domestic thrillers, witty satire, fast-paced suspense, and books that somehow make you laugh while whispering “every single person in this story needs intensive therapy immediately.”
Also, I’m just saying… after reading this series, every overly cheerful suburban neighborhood now feels at least 15% more suspicious to me. HOA meetings already carry the energy of a psychological thriller, and this book absolutely confirmed it. 😂
#SelfHelpforSerialKillers #AsiaMackay #DarkComedy #ThrillerBooks #MysteryThriller #DomesticThriller #Bookstagram #BookReview #DarkHumor #PsychologicalThriller #NetGalley #BantamBooks #SuspenseBooks
Hazel and Fox are back, and somehow their lives are even messier this time around. Which honestly feels impressive considering these two are already trying to balance marriage, children, secrets, trauma, and vigilante serial killing like it’s just another item on the weekly family calendar. Soccer practice? Check. Therapy appointment? Check. Dispose of dangerous men threatening the family? Also check.
And weirdly? It works.
This series continues to lean fully into the absurdity of trying to maintain a picture-perfect suburban life while internally unraveling at all times. Hazel and Fox live in that strange space between exhausted parents and morally questionable antiheroes, and Asia Mackay somehow makes both sides feel believable. One minute you’re laughing at school mom politics and awkward neighborhood interactions, and the next minute someone is panicking over whether an international criminal organization is surveilling their family barbecue. The tonal whiplash should not work this well, and yet here I am fully invested in these disaster humans.
Hazel especially fascinated me in this one. Beneath all the sarcasm, impulsiveness, and dark humor is a woman who feels trapped by the expectations surrounding motherhood and domestic life. She loves her family deeply, but she also misses the version of herself that felt dangerous, capable, and alive. There’s this constant tension between wanting normalcy and absolutely suffocating under it, and honestly? That emotional conflict felt far more real than I expected from a book with this premise.
Meanwhile Fox is basically held together by anxiety, guilt, emotional repression, and the world’s weakest thread of self-control. Watching him try to manage trauma while desperately attempting to keep the family functioning gave the story a surprising amount of emotional depth underneath all the murder and chaos. Their marriage continues to be one of my favorite parts of the series because it somehow feels both deeply toxic and weirdly aspirational at the exact same time. They’re lying to each other constantly, emotionally spiraling in opposite directions, and still somehow functioning as a united front when things truly matter.
Which honestly feels more realistic than half the fictional marriages I read these days.
And Jenny? Absolute icon behavior. Every time she showed up, the energy shifted immediately. I love how this series builds these strange little found-family dynamics between deeply flawed people who probably should not trust each other but somehow do anyway.
“The problem with pretending to be normal is realizing normal people are terrifying too.”
That line honestly captures the entire vibe of this series. Because underneath the dark comedy and thriller elements is this sharp little commentary about suburban performance, marriage expectations, parenting exhaustion, and how completely unhinged “normal” people already are without adding murder into the equation.
The pacing is incredibly bingeable with those fast chapters that make you accidentally read half the book in one sitting while telling yourself “one more chapter” like a complete liar. Even when the middle slowed slightly for me, I was still fully locked into the character dynamics and paranoia. Every new interaction felt suspicious. Every school mom felt dangerous. Every therapy session felt like it might collapse into complete catastrophe at any second.
And honestly? The humor in this series deserves more attention because it’s genuinely funny without undercutting the suspense. The satire around parenting culture, self-help language, suburban perfectionism, and marriage advice absolutely landed for me. Bullet journaling jokes should not be this funny in a serial killer thriller, and yet here we are.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is perfect for readers who love dark humor, morally gray characters, dysfunctional marriage dynamics, domestic thrillers, witty satire, fast-paced suspense, and books that somehow make you laugh while whispering “every single person in this story needs intensive therapy immediately.”
Also, I’m just saying… after reading this series, every overly cheerful suburban neighborhood now feels at least 15% more suspicious to me. HOA meetings already carry the energy of a psychological thriller, and this book absolutely confirmed it. 😂
#SelfHelpforSerialKillers #AsiaMackay #DarkComedy #ThrillerBooks #MysteryThriller #DomesticThriller #Bookstagram #BookReview #DarkHumor #PsychologicalThriller #NetGalley #BantamBooks #SuspenseBooks
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book looked me dead in the eyes and said, what if your midlife crisis wasn’t buying a Peloton… it was missing murder? And honestly? I respect that level of self-awareness.
Self-Help for Serial Killers is what happens when two people who used to solve their problems with violence decide to “settle down,” and instead discover that suburbia is psychologically more dangerous than anything they did in Europe. Hazel and Fox are back, they have kids now, they have routines, they have neighbors… and they are hanging on by the absolute thinnest emotional thread imaginable.
Hazel is out here living every mom’s nightmare, which is being perceived by other moms. Not even murder compares to the quiet horror of school gate politics. She’s bored, she’s restless, she’s deeply not okay, and when she accidentally falls back into old habits, it’s less “oops” and more “oh no, this is who I am at my core.” It’s giving identity crisis but with a body count.
Meanwhile Fox is having what can only be described as the most niche masculinity crisis of all time. Not a sports car, not a weird podcast phase, no… man is questioning his murder performance. Sir. Please. Go sit down. But also it weirdly works because his whole thing is control, and watching that unravel while he’s trying to be a good dad? Kind of devastating in a way that sneaks up on you.
And their marriage? Oh, it’s thriving in the way that only two people with shared trauma and a mutual history of violence can thrive. They are lying, they are spiraling, they are trying to co-parent while absolutely not being honest with each other, and yet there’s this undercurrent of real love that makes you go, okay… I hate that I’m rooting for you, but I am.
The tone is where this book absolutely flexes. It is so funny. Like, laugh out loud, then feel weird about laughing, then keep laughing anyway. It’s giving Dexter meets Fleabag meets that one mom at pickup who absolutely has secrets. The satire around parenting, marriage, and the suffocating pressure to be normal hits hard because under all the murder jokes, it’s very much about losing yourself in the life you thought you wanted.
But… and I say this with love, because I did have fun… this plot sometimes moves like it just remembered it left the oven on and had to go check. There are long stretches where the energy dips and you’re just kind of hanging out in their anxiety instead of watching things actively escalate. And multiple readers clocked that pacing wobble too , so it’s not just me being impatient and wanting chaos on demand.
The “self-help” concept also feels like it had the potential to be absolutely unhinged genius and instead lands more in “cute but underused.” I wanted full satire. I wanted deranged affirmations like “you deserve peace, even if you have to create it violently.” Instead it sort of drifts in and out, which feels like a missed opportunity considering how sharp everything else is.
That said, the characters still carry this entire thing on their backs like emotionally unstable champions. Hazel especially is that perfect mix of sharp, impulsive, and quietly unraveling in a way that feels too real. And the parenting stuff? Disturbingly accurate. The exhaustion, the resentment, the love, the sense that you’ve lost parts of yourself… all of it lands, which is honestly rude because I came here for chaos, not to be emotionally perceived .
Also the paranoia? Delicious. Everyone is suspicious. The friend, the therapist, the random neighborhood guy who probably just wants to talk about recycling but might also ruin your life. The tension is always simmering, even when the pacing slows, and that kept me locked in.
And listen… I didn’t read A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage, which now feels like a personal failure I need to correct immediately because clearly I’ve arrived at season two of a deeply dysfunctional relationship and I want the full origin story. These two are chaos, and I’m invested.
This is a 3.5 star read that I had a genuinely great time with. It’s messy, it’s funny, it’s a little uneven, but it absolutely has a voice that makes you want to keep showing up just to see what terrible decision they make next.
Whodunity Award: For Making “Having It All” Sound Like a Threat
And thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC, because this was unhinged suburban therapy in the best way.
Self-Help for Serial Killers is what happens when two people who used to solve their problems with violence decide to “settle down,” and instead discover that suburbia is psychologically more dangerous than anything they did in Europe. Hazel and Fox are back, they have kids now, they have routines, they have neighbors… and they are hanging on by the absolute thinnest emotional thread imaginable.
Hazel is out here living every mom’s nightmare, which is being perceived by other moms. Not even murder compares to the quiet horror of school gate politics. She’s bored, she’s restless, she’s deeply not okay, and when she accidentally falls back into old habits, it’s less “oops” and more “oh no, this is who I am at my core.” It’s giving identity crisis but with a body count.
Meanwhile Fox is having what can only be described as the most niche masculinity crisis of all time. Not a sports car, not a weird podcast phase, no… man is questioning his murder performance. Sir. Please. Go sit down. But also it weirdly works because his whole thing is control, and watching that unravel while he’s trying to be a good dad? Kind of devastating in a way that sneaks up on you.
And their marriage? Oh, it’s thriving in the way that only two people with shared trauma and a mutual history of violence can thrive. They are lying, they are spiraling, they are trying to co-parent while absolutely not being honest with each other, and yet there’s this undercurrent of real love that makes you go, okay… I hate that I’m rooting for you, but I am.
The tone is where this book absolutely flexes. It is so funny. Like, laugh out loud, then feel weird about laughing, then keep laughing anyway. It’s giving Dexter meets Fleabag meets that one mom at pickup who absolutely has secrets. The satire around parenting, marriage, and the suffocating pressure to be normal hits hard because under all the murder jokes, it’s very much about losing yourself in the life you thought you wanted.
But… and I say this with love, because I did have fun… this plot sometimes moves like it just remembered it left the oven on and had to go check. There are long stretches where the energy dips and you’re just kind of hanging out in their anxiety instead of watching things actively escalate. And multiple readers clocked that pacing wobble too , so it’s not just me being impatient and wanting chaos on demand.
The “self-help” concept also feels like it had the potential to be absolutely unhinged genius and instead lands more in “cute but underused.” I wanted full satire. I wanted deranged affirmations like “you deserve peace, even if you have to create it violently.” Instead it sort of drifts in and out, which feels like a missed opportunity considering how sharp everything else is.
That said, the characters still carry this entire thing on their backs like emotionally unstable champions. Hazel especially is that perfect mix of sharp, impulsive, and quietly unraveling in a way that feels too real. And the parenting stuff? Disturbingly accurate. The exhaustion, the resentment, the love, the sense that you’ve lost parts of yourself… all of it lands, which is honestly rude because I came here for chaos, not to be emotionally perceived .
Also the paranoia? Delicious. Everyone is suspicious. The friend, the therapist, the random neighborhood guy who probably just wants to talk about recycling but might also ruin your life. The tension is always simmering, even when the pacing slows, and that kept me locked in.
And listen… I didn’t read A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage, which now feels like a personal failure I need to correct immediately because clearly I’ve arrived at season two of a deeply dysfunctional relationship and I want the full origin story. These two are chaos, and I’m invested.
This is a 3.5 star read that I had a genuinely great time with. It’s messy, it’s funny, it’s a little uneven, but it absolutely has a voice that makes you want to keep showing up just to see what terrible decision they make next.
Whodunity Award: For Making “Having It All” Sound Like a Threat
And thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC, because this was unhinged suburban therapy in the best way.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Bantam for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Self-Help for Serial Killers” by Asia Mackay is a wildly entertaining mix of dark comedy, thriller, and domestic drama that somehow makes marriage, parenting, and murder feel like part of the same chaotic balancing act. This is a sequel, so make sure to check out “A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage” before reading this one.
The story follows Hazel and Fox, a seemingly perfect suburban couple raising their young daughter in an upscale London neighborhood. The only problem? They used to be serial killers who traveled across Europe murdering “bad men” together. They gave up their deadly lifestyle when Hazel got pregnant, but three years into suburban life, Hazel is bored, restless, and deeply unhappy playing the role of stay-at-home mom. When she accidentally kills someone and tries to hide it from Fox, their carefully controlled life starts to spiral, especially since Fox is hiding secrets of his own.
What makes this book stand out is its brilliant premise and tone. It’s dark, twisted, and intense, but also genuinely funny. The story leans heavily into the absurdity of trying to maintain a normal marriage while secretly craving murder, and the humor comes from how relatable many of the relationship struggles are, minus the killing, of course. The book cleverly explores themes like marriage, parenthood, identity, and the sacrifices people make for family, all wrapped in a chaotic web of lies and secrets.
Hazel and Fox are fascinating characters. Hazel is impulsive, sharp-witted, and struggling with the loss of her former life, while Fox is more controlled, trying to protect their family while dealing with pressure from his wealthy and manipulative family. Their relationship is messy but compelling, built on love, shared darkness, and constant deception. Watching them hide secrets from each other and deal with the consequences creates much of the tension and humor in the story.
The dual perspectives from Hazel and Fox work well, giving insight into both sides of their marriage and showing how differently they cope with their new “normal.” The story also includes clever touches like snippets of marriage advice, which add to the satire of trying to maintain a healthy relationship under very unhealthy circumstances.
The pacing is fast and addictive, packed with twists, secrets, and escalating chaos that make it hard to put down. While the middle section slows slightly, the steady stream of reveals and schemes keeps the tension high. The book balances suspense with emotional depth, showing how parenthood and domestic life challenge even the most unconventional couples.
Overall, “Self-Help for Serial Killers” is a smart, witty, and darkly funny thriller about love, secrets, and the complications of settling down when your shared hobby used to be murder. It’s a unique, twisty read that combines domestic drama with psychological suspense; it’s perfect if you enjoy morally messy characters, dark humor, and relationship chaos with a deadly edge.
“Self-Help for Serial Killers” by Asia Mackay is a wildly entertaining mix of dark comedy, thriller, and domestic drama that somehow makes marriage, parenting, and murder feel like part of the same chaotic balancing act. This is a sequel, so make sure to check out “A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage” before reading this one.
The story follows Hazel and Fox, a seemingly perfect suburban couple raising their young daughter in an upscale London neighborhood. The only problem? They used to be serial killers who traveled across Europe murdering “bad men” together. They gave up their deadly lifestyle when Hazel got pregnant, but three years into suburban life, Hazel is bored, restless, and deeply unhappy playing the role of stay-at-home mom. When she accidentally kills someone and tries to hide it from Fox, their carefully controlled life starts to spiral, especially since Fox is hiding secrets of his own.
What makes this book stand out is its brilliant premise and tone. It’s dark, twisted, and intense, but also genuinely funny. The story leans heavily into the absurdity of trying to maintain a normal marriage while secretly craving murder, and the humor comes from how relatable many of the relationship struggles are, minus the killing, of course. The book cleverly explores themes like marriage, parenthood, identity, and the sacrifices people make for family, all wrapped in a chaotic web of lies and secrets.
Hazel and Fox are fascinating characters. Hazel is impulsive, sharp-witted, and struggling with the loss of her former life, while Fox is more controlled, trying to protect their family while dealing with pressure from his wealthy and manipulative family. Their relationship is messy but compelling, built on love, shared darkness, and constant deception. Watching them hide secrets from each other and deal with the consequences creates much of the tension and humor in the story.
The dual perspectives from Hazel and Fox work well, giving insight into both sides of their marriage and showing how differently they cope with their new “normal.” The story also includes clever touches like snippets of marriage advice, which add to the satire of trying to maintain a healthy relationship under very unhealthy circumstances.
The pacing is fast and addictive, packed with twists, secrets, and escalating chaos that make it hard to put down. While the middle section slows slightly, the steady stream of reveals and schemes keeps the tension high. The book balances suspense with emotional depth, showing how parenthood and domestic life challenge even the most unconventional couples.
Overall, “Self-Help for Serial Killers” is a smart, witty, and darkly funny thriller about love, secrets, and the complications of settling down when your shared hobby used to be murder. It’s a unique, twisty read that combines domestic drama with psychological suspense; it’s perfect if you enjoy morally messy characters, dark humor, and relationship chaos with a deadly edge.
June 4, 2026
THIS IS AN ADVANCED READING COPY BY NETGALLEY:
As a married couple, Fox and Haze couldn’t be more passionate, complementary, like minded or in love as these two are. They’ve got one daughter named BIBI who just began preschool and a brand new baby Reggie, 4 months old whom Mom is still nursing, Haze is an artist who does very well at a local gallery and Fox has opened his own firm in which he manages money and stocks for others and does very well for himself. These two are extremely business and they also have another very committed past time that they’ve been excessively involved in long before marriage and kids. In fact, their lifestyle was one of jesting around the world, attending the most VIP parties and world traveling together having an absolute blast. They also had a deep connection that they shared together all those years and have still continued to do this yet it’s proven to be beyond hard with the kids in their lives. They believe they’re very much like the people next door in their social status with the one exception that they also like to kill together. There are rules, They only kill men who harm females and children and predators who have it coming. They’ve justified this choice and lifestyle as one where they rid the world of dangerous and cruel evil men. One at a time,
Last year, in Italy on a chase to take down an enormous organization that was far too large and far to expansive for them, they made their very first mistake and nearly almost Fox in the process. Because Fox was ultimately saved by his wife Haze and her police detective best friend Jenny for whom they helped her rid her of an abusive and homicidal ex husband to keep her and her son Felix safe she has since jumped into he and Hazes secret lifestyle by providing them with the names of men who are freed by the justice system even though they are guilty as sin. She also keeps a look out for any clues or mistakes they make and covers their tracks, Thus far it’s worked out very well except the organization that they offended in Italy are still coming for them for they’ve been spending their last year with their heads over their shoulders and are now even getting written warnings and when their daughter is taken from her bed when Jenny is watching over her so Haze and Fox can gobtake on the boss of Italian organization called the “Chameleon”, the biggest most shocking surprise is revealed and Haze, Fox and Jenny are all awe struck by the unfolding events yet thrilled that they are no longer suspicious of one another as that’s what the enemy was creating between them.
This is BOOK 2 of 1 and I am HOPING THAT BOOK 3 will be coming SOON! I love the characters the fast paced mystery and thrilling plot that makes me turn pages as fast as possible to get to the answers I’m craving to know!! So well done.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY FOR THE ADVANCED COPY READING, to ASIA MCKAY AND BANTAM RANDOM HOUSE!!!!
#AsiaMcKay #BantamRandomHouse #Netgalley #ARC
As a married couple, Fox and Haze couldn’t be more passionate, complementary, like minded or in love as these two are. They’ve got one daughter named BIBI who just began preschool and a brand new baby Reggie, 4 months old whom Mom is still nursing, Haze is an artist who does very well at a local gallery and Fox has opened his own firm in which he manages money and stocks for others and does very well for himself. These two are extremely business and they also have another very committed past time that they’ve been excessively involved in long before marriage and kids. In fact, their lifestyle was one of jesting around the world, attending the most VIP parties and world traveling together having an absolute blast. They also had a deep connection that they shared together all those years and have still continued to do this yet it’s proven to be beyond hard with the kids in their lives. They believe they’re very much like the people next door in their social status with the one exception that they also like to kill together. There are rules, They only kill men who harm females and children and predators who have it coming. They’ve justified this choice and lifestyle as one where they rid the world of dangerous and cruel evil men. One at a time,
Last year, in Italy on a chase to take down an enormous organization that was far too large and far to expansive for them, they made their very first mistake and nearly almost Fox in the process. Because Fox was ultimately saved by his wife Haze and her police detective best friend Jenny for whom they helped her rid her of an abusive and homicidal ex husband to keep her and her son Felix safe she has since jumped into he and Hazes secret lifestyle by providing them with the names of men who are freed by the justice system even though they are guilty as sin. She also keeps a look out for any clues or mistakes they make and covers their tracks, Thus far it’s worked out very well except the organization that they offended in Italy are still coming for them for they’ve been spending their last year with their heads over their shoulders and are now even getting written warnings and when their daughter is taken from her bed when Jenny is watching over her so Haze and Fox can gobtake on the boss of Italian organization called the “Chameleon”, the biggest most shocking surprise is revealed and Haze, Fox and Jenny are all awe struck by the unfolding events yet thrilled that they are no longer suspicious of one another as that’s what the enemy was creating between them.
This is BOOK 2 of 1 and I am HOPING THAT BOOK 3 will be coming SOON! I love the characters the fast paced mystery and thrilling plot that makes me turn pages as fast as possible to get to the answers I’m craving to know!! So well done.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY FOR THE ADVANCED COPY READING, to ASIA MCKAY AND BANTAM RANDOM HOUSE!!!!
#AsiaMcKay #BantamRandomHouse #Netgalley #ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.2/5
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
Self-Help for Serial Killers is a fun darkly humorous book that I flew through because I just genuinely enjoyed it!
I haven't read the first book in the series, but it really didn't matter because I was totally enthralled with this story. Everything was explained well enough that I never felt like I was missing anything.
Self-Help for Serial Killers follows Haze and Fox, a married couple who just so happen to murder bad guys out of a sense of righteousness (and for fun!). When they find they've accidentally caught the attention of a dangerous group who views them as a threat, raising their kids and going through their midlife crises become the least of their worries.
Haze is a really tough, feisty, fun character that I'm totally envious of. I mean, I don't envy the whole situation she's in and I wouldn't murder bad guys for fun, but she's so confident and has such a unique outlook on life because she doesn't take any negativity from anyone! She's pretty mean to Fox because she thinks his midlife crisis is ridiculous, and I saw some reviews that didn't like that about her, but I think the book itself is all in good fun and don't think the author actually condones being hateful towards men lol.
I don't know how he is in the first book, but in this sequel, Fox is such a sweetie. He's a delicate little flower who just wants the best for his family and thinks he's not doing them justice. For a murderer, he's quite a softie. I love his character arc and his struggle to realize that getting old isn't the end of the world (right? I'm turning 30 and trying to figure that out myself).
Jenny is a convenient side character to have in their lives. She really is the reason what they do becomes even semi-believable and her connection with Haze is sweet. I think there's only one chapter from her perspective, which I found to be a little strange. Maybe 2. I wish there were a few more so you can start getting a little more invested in her life. I know you're supposed to be questioning her, but I think Mackay could have added a little more of her perspective, at least late in the book.
I love the English backdrop of the book, from the setting to the diction to the differences it builds between Haze and Fox's dispositions. Even though I didn't know these characters from the first book, I was really invested right from the beginning because they're such likable characters.
This book is the perfect balance of action and dark humor and the ending was really satisfying emotionally! I really enjoyed this one and will be going back to read the first one!
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
Self-Help for Serial Killers is a fun darkly humorous book that I flew through because I just genuinely enjoyed it!
I haven't read the first book in the series, but it really didn't matter because I was totally enthralled with this story. Everything was explained well enough that I never felt like I was missing anything.
Self-Help for Serial Killers follows Haze and Fox, a married couple who just so happen to murder bad guys out of a sense of righteousness (and for fun!). When they find they've accidentally caught the attention of a dangerous group who views them as a threat, raising their kids and going through their midlife crises become the least of their worries.
Haze is a really tough, feisty, fun character that I'm totally envious of. I mean, I don't envy the whole situation she's in and I wouldn't murder bad guys for fun, but she's so confident and has such a unique outlook on life because she doesn't take any negativity from anyone! She's pretty mean to Fox because she thinks his midlife crisis is ridiculous, and I saw some reviews that didn't like that about her, but I think the book itself is all in good fun and don't think the author actually condones being hateful towards men lol.
I don't know how he is in the first book, but in this sequel, Fox is such a sweetie. He's a delicate little flower who just wants the best for his family and thinks he's not doing them justice. For a murderer, he's quite a softie. I love his character arc and his struggle to realize that getting old isn't the end of the world (right? I'm turning 30 and trying to figure that out myself).
Jenny is a convenient side character to have in their lives. She really is the reason what they do becomes even semi-believable and her connection with Haze is sweet. I think there's only one chapter from her perspective, which I found to be a little strange. Maybe 2. I wish there were a few more so you can start getting a little more invested in her life. I know you're supposed to be questioning her, but I think Mackay could have added a little more of her perspective, at least late in the book.
I love the English backdrop of the book, from the setting to the diction to the differences it builds between Haze and Fox's dispositions. Even though I didn't know these characters from the first book, I was really invested right from the beginning because they're such likable characters.
This book is the perfect balance of action and dark humor and the ending was really satisfying emotionally! I really enjoyed this one and will be going back to read the first one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely fell in love with Nathaniel (Fox) and Hazel (Haze) in A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage, so I was excited to jump into this sequel. The whole vibe still feels like Mr. and Mrs. Smith mixed with The Sopranos, with a little Dexter-style chaos thrown in, which is a combination I obviously enjoy.
This time around, Fox and Haze are juggling a newborn son, Reggie, their four-year-old daughter Bibi, and their usual very unconventional extracurricular activities. I liked seeing them in full family mode, especially with Jenny, a police officer, now involved in their operation. That addition gave the story an interesting extra layer. There is plenty of danger early on, especially when Fox barely makes it out alive after a run-in with gangsters in Italy, and from there the cracks in his confidence start to show.
One thing I enjoyed was watching Fox and Haze wrestle with whether this life still works for them now that they are parents. That tension gave the book some emotional weight. Fox also makes a huge decision involving Haze’s biological father, and that storyline added drama, even if it also made me want to yell at him a little.
Once the threat from The Corporation starts closing in, the stakes get much higher and much more personal. I liked the shift into survival mode, especially because it puts the whole family at risk and forces Fox to finally be honest about the mess he has created.
That said, I did not love this one quite as much as the first book. For me, it dragged in some places and felt longer than it needed to be. I was especially hoping the therapy angle would play a bigger role, but it never really went as deep as I wanted it to, and that ended up being a bit of a letdown.
Even so, I still had a good time reading it. The writing is strong, the twist was one I guessed before the end, and that did not ruin the experience for me. More than anything, I still really love Fox and Haze as characters, and I will absolutely read a third book if the series continues.
Overall, this was not quite a five-star follow-up for me, but I still enjoyed being back with these characters. I liked seeing Haze grow a little more, both as a person and as a mother, and I appreciated that the story kept their personalities feeling consistent. If you enjoyed the first book, I still think this one is worth picking up.
Self-Help for Serial Killers goes on sale Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at your favorite book retailer or wherever books are sold.
This time around, Fox and Haze are juggling a newborn son, Reggie, their four-year-old daughter Bibi, and their usual very unconventional extracurricular activities. I liked seeing them in full family mode, especially with Jenny, a police officer, now involved in their operation. That addition gave the story an interesting extra layer. There is plenty of danger early on, especially when Fox barely makes it out alive after a run-in with gangsters in Italy, and from there the cracks in his confidence start to show.
One thing I enjoyed was watching Fox and Haze wrestle with whether this life still works for them now that they are parents. That tension gave the book some emotional weight. Fox also makes a huge decision involving Haze’s biological father, and that storyline added drama, even if it also made me want to yell at him a little.
Once the threat from The Corporation starts closing in, the stakes get much higher and much more personal. I liked the shift into survival mode, especially because it puts the whole family at risk and forces Fox to finally be honest about the mess he has created.
That said, I did not love this one quite as much as the first book. For me, it dragged in some places and felt longer than it needed to be. I was especially hoping the therapy angle would play a bigger role, but it never really went as deep as I wanted it to, and that ended up being a bit of a letdown.
Even so, I still had a good time reading it. The writing is strong, the twist was one I guessed before the end, and that did not ruin the experience for me. More than anything, I still really love Fox and Haze as characters, and I will absolutely read a third book if the series continues.
Overall, this was not quite a five-star follow-up for me, but I still enjoyed being back with these characters. I liked seeing Haze grow a little more, both as a person and as a mother, and I appreciated that the story kept their personalities feeling consistent. If you enjoyed the first book, I still think this one is worth picking up.
Self-Help for Serial Killers goes on sale Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at your favorite book retailer or wherever books are sold.
June 28, 2026
I was so excited to be reunited with Hazel and Fox after *A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage*. Their story was one of my favorite darkly funny thrillers, and this sequel delivered everything I was hoping for: twisted humor, suburban chaos, relationship drama, and plenty of morally questionable decisions.
One of my favorite parts of this series is how Asia MacKay takes everyday family life—school drop-offs, neighborhood gossip, therapy sessions, and parenting two young kids—and somehow blends it seamlessly with vigilante serial killers trying to keep their identities hidden. It shouldn't work... but it absolutely does.
This installment digs even deeper into Hazel and Fox's marriage. I really enjoyed seeing the role reversal, with Fox struggling with his confidence while Hazel seemed more certain of herself. Their relationship continues to be messy, complicated, and surprisingly heartfelt underneath all the murder and mayhem. They're far from perfect, but they're impossible not to root for.
The humor is another standout. The satire surrounding suburban parenting, school-mom politics, self-help culture, and trying to appear "normal" had me laughing throughout the book. Even during the more suspenseful moments, MacKay never loses that sharp wit that makes this series so addictive.
The introduction of the mysterious Chameleon added another layer of tension, keeping me questioning who could really be trusted. While the plot definitely leans into the outrageous at times, that's part of this series' charm. It fully embraces the absurdity while still delivering genuine emotional moments about marriage, identity, and the pressure of trying to fit into a picture-perfect life.
And can we talk about Jenny? Every time she appeared, she stole the scene. I have a feeling there's still much more to learn about her, and I'm already hoping we'll get another book featuring this wonderfully dysfunctional group.
If you enjoy dark humor, morally gray characters, dysfunctional marriages, and thrillers that don't take themselves too seriously, this series is a must-read. Fans of *Mr. & Mrs. Smith*, *You*, and anyone who secretly wished Joe and Love had somehow made it work will have an absolute blast.
I sincerely hope this isn't the last time we see Hazel and Fox—I would happily follow these delightfully chaotic serial killers anywhere.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the eRead!
One of my favorite parts of this series is how Asia MacKay takes everyday family life—school drop-offs, neighborhood gossip, therapy sessions, and parenting two young kids—and somehow blends it seamlessly with vigilante serial killers trying to keep their identities hidden. It shouldn't work... but it absolutely does.
This installment digs even deeper into Hazel and Fox's marriage. I really enjoyed seeing the role reversal, with Fox struggling with his confidence while Hazel seemed more certain of herself. Their relationship continues to be messy, complicated, and surprisingly heartfelt underneath all the murder and mayhem. They're far from perfect, but they're impossible not to root for.
The humor is another standout. The satire surrounding suburban parenting, school-mom politics, self-help culture, and trying to appear "normal" had me laughing throughout the book. Even during the more suspenseful moments, MacKay never loses that sharp wit that makes this series so addictive.
The introduction of the mysterious Chameleon added another layer of tension, keeping me questioning who could really be trusted. While the plot definitely leans into the outrageous at times, that's part of this series' charm. It fully embraces the absurdity while still delivering genuine emotional moments about marriage, identity, and the pressure of trying to fit into a picture-perfect life.
And can we talk about Jenny? Every time she appeared, she stole the scene. I have a feeling there's still much more to learn about her, and I'm already hoping we'll get another book featuring this wonderfully dysfunctional group.
If you enjoy dark humor, morally gray characters, dysfunctional marriages, and thrillers that don't take themselves too seriously, this series is a must-read. Fans of *Mr. & Mrs. Smith*, *You*, and anyone who secretly wished Joe and Love had somehow made it work will have an absolute blast.
I sincerely hope this isn't the last time we see Hazel and Fox—I would happily follow these delightfully chaotic serial killers anywhere.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the eRead!
June 28, 2026
Self Help for Serial Killers • Asia Mackay
A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage #2
One phrase: suburban marriage counseling, but murderous 🔪🏡
Hazel and Fox are back, and somehow parenthood, school mum politics, relationship insecurity, and a serial killer side hustle are even messier the second time around.
Self Help for Serial Killers picks up with the same morally questionable chaos I loved in A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage, but this time there is even more at stake. Haze and Fox are trying to raise good kids, keep up appearances in suburbia, and continue eliminating bad men when necessary.
You know. Work life balance.
Except things are spiraling.
Haze has a school mum tyrant breathing down her neck, Fox is dealing with performance anxiety after a botched kill, therapy is not exactly fixing things, and then an assassin called The Chameleon starts texting.
Casual.
What I really enjoyed was how character driven this sequel felt. Yes, the plot is over the top in the best way, but the relationship tension between Hazel and Fox was what kept me hooked. Fox struggling with confidence and wondering if he is enough for Hazel, while Hazel feels more secure and capable, made for such an interesting dynamic.
Because when you cannot trust your partner to have your back during murdery extracurriculars, who can you trust?
The suburban chaos was also so fun. Mean girl school politics mixed with assassins, family life, dark humor, and morally gray domestic drama made this feel completely unhinged but still weirdly grounded in their marriage.
And Jenny?
I need more. There is absolutely more going on there, and I am intrigued.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🔪 married serial killers
🏡 suburban chaos
😂 dark humor
👩👧 school mum politics
💍 marriage problems
🎯 assassin threat
🖤 morally questionable couple
👀 performance anxiety
🧠 therapy is not helping
💀 over the top thriller
🫶 ride or die marriage
🩸 Joe and Love energy
📚 Read this if you like:
Darkly funny thrillers, morally questionable couples, suburban murder chaos, marriage drama with body counts, over the top plots, and the Joe Goldberg and Love Quinn dynamic if you secretly wished they had been endgame.
This was entertaining, chaotic, murdery, and such a fun return to Hazel and Fox’s very abnormal family life.
#SelfHelpForSerialKillers #AsiaMackay #MysteryThriller #DarkHumor #BookReview @ballantine
A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage #2
One phrase: suburban marriage counseling, but murderous 🔪🏡
Hazel and Fox are back, and somehow parenthood, school mum politics, relationship insecurity, and a serial killer side hustle are even messier the second time around.
Self Help for Serial Killers picks up with the same morally questionable chaos I loved in A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage, but this time there is even more at stake. Haze and Fox are trying to raise good kids, keep up appearances in suburbia, and continue eliminating bad men when necessary.
You know. Work life balance.
Except things are spiraling.
Haze has a school mum tyrant breathing down her neck, Fox is dealing with performance anxiety after a botched kill, therapy is not exactly fixing things, and then an assassin called The Chameleon starts texting.
Casual.
What I really enjoyed was how character driven this sequel felt. Yes, the plot is over the top in the best way, but the relationship tension between Hazel and Fox was what kept me hooked. Fox struggling with confidence and wondering if he is enough for Hazel, while Hazel feels more secure and capable, made for such an interesting dynamic.
Because when you cannot trust your partner to have your back during murdery extracurriculars, who can you trust?
The suburban chaos was also so fun. Mean girl school politics mixed with assassins, family life, dark humor, and morally gray domestic drama made this feel completely unhinged but still weirdly grounded in their marriage.
And Jenny?
I need more. There is absolutely more going on there, and I am intrigued.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🔪 married serial killers
🏡 suburban chaos
😂 dark humor
👩👧 school mum politics
💍 marriage problems
🎯 assassin threat
🖤 morally questionable couple
👀 performance anxiety
🧠 therapy is not helping
💀 over the top thriller
🫶 ride or die marriage
🩸 Joe and Love energy
📚 Read this if you like:
Darkly funny thrillers, morally questionable couples, suburban murder chaos, marriage drama with body counts, over the top plots, and the Joe Goldberg and Love Quinn dynamic if you secretly wished they had been endgame.
This was entertaining, chaotic, murdery, and such a fun return to Hazel and Fox’s very abnormal family life.
#SelfHelpForSerialKillers #AsiaMackay #MysteryThriller #DarkHumor #BookReview @ballantine
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Bantam Books/Penguin Random House for the ARC of "Self Help for Serial Killers" in exchange for an honest review , with opinions entirely my own.
Wonderful news to know that Hazel and Fox, that beautiful/handsome couple of "A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage" are back in action once again.......living their best lives while depriving a whole slew of better-off-dead guys of theirs. But the murderous misadventures of this deadly duo wouldn't be nearly as much fun as they are without author Asia Mackay to throw every variety of obstacles, complications and plot twists in their way.
And trials and tribulations aplenty keep Hazel and Fox in a constant state of anxiety and suspicion of everyone around them. They're a family now, with irrepressible toddler Bibi and baby Reggie, .........so it's tough to balance their parental responsibilities with their private crusade to rid the world of assorted rapists, abusers and all around rotten men. Fox, deep in midlife crisis and loss of mojo, turns to therapy to navigate his crumbling self-confidence and fear that he's no longer a worthy husband and co-killer for Hazel.. Hazel, meanwhile, copes with the 24/7 demands of a newborn and a new powerful enemy she's made out of the formidable mother of one of Bibi's pre-school bullies.
That's only the least of their troubles. Our favorite kill-happy couple have also run afoul of an international criminal organization who've sent out their dreaded expert top assassin, 'The Chameleon' for one last job before his retirement.........and guess which married couple sits on the top of his hit list. As if that's not enough on their plates, there's also the relentless Interpol agent sniffing about, curious as to how dead bodies seem to pop up in Hazel and Fox's wake wherever they go.
Author Mackay never forgets to leaven all this marital mayhem with generous portions of dark humor and wit sharper than one of Hazel's favorite knives. This couple's reversal-of-fortunes never cease, along with twists both surprising and wickedly ironic. . No matter how much our lovebirds plan to combine marriage and murder as a lifestyle go off the rails, you'll still want them to succeed........and hopefully continue the chaos in another series entry. I, for one, can't wait.
(My other reviews can be found at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)
Wonderful news to know that Hazel and Fox, that beautiful/handsome couple of "A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage" are back in action once again.......living their best lives while depriving a whole slew of better-off-dead guys of theirs. But the murderous misadventures of this deadly duo wouldn't be nearly as much fun as they are without author Asia Mackay to throw every variety of obstacles, complications and plot twists in their way.
And trials and tribulations aplenty keep Hazel and Fox in a constant state of anxiety and suspicion of everyone around them. They're a family now, with irrepressible toddler Bibi and baby Reggie, .........so it's tough to balance their parental responsibilities with their private crusade to rid the world of assorted rapists, abusers and all around rotten men. Fox, deep in midlife crisis and loss of mojo, turns to therapy to navigate his crumbling self-confidence and fear that he's no longer a worthy husband and co-killer for Hazel.. Hazel, meanwhile, copes with the 24/7 demands of a newborn and a new powerful enemy she's made out of the formidable mother of one of Bibi's pre-school bullies.
That's only the least of their troubles. Our favorite kill-happy couple have also run afoul of an international criminal organization who've sent out their dreaded expert top assassin, 'The Chameleon' for one last job before his retirement.........and guess which married couple sits on the top of his hit list. As if that's not enough on their plates, there's also the relentless Interpol agent sniffing about, curious as to how dead bodies seem to pop up in Hazel and Fox's wake wherever they go.
Author Mackay never forgets to leaven all this marital mayhem with generous portions of dark humor and wit sharper than one of Hazel's favorite knives. This couple's reversal-of-fortunes never cease, along with twists both surprising and wickedly ironic. . No matter how much our lovebirds plan to combine marriage and murder as a lifestyle go off the rails, you'll still want them to succeed........and hopefully continue the chaos in another series entry. I, for one, can't wait.
(My other reviews can be found at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)
July 21, 2026
As a new reader of this author and series, the premise of this book instantly caught my attention: a seemingly normal couple who kill bad guys after nappy changes and bedtime lullabies. With just a few chapters of getting to know the main characters, Hazel and Fox, I knew I wanted to read more, so I stopped reading the ARC of Self-Help for Serial Killers to request on Libby the first book, A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage, and totally devoured it. There is no doubt that, aside from the laughable absurdity of this couple's routines, Asia Mackay absolutely killed it with the characterization of the protagonists. It is no wonder why readers are coming back for more in this sequel.
Hazel and Fox barely survived juggling a baby while satisfying their killer instincts without getting caught. Now they have to fit in a new baby and handle a group of criminals that are onto them, all the while Fox contemplates whether they should stop the killing for the children's sake. Husband and wife aren't seeing eye to eye on this one, and the family issues keep piling up, and criminals don't take a break.
This is a unique exploration of marriage, parenthood, and family drama. The characters' attitudes towards their relationships and their uncommon penchant for murder bring us to consider if we are being selfish and reckless, and if we should change things about ourselves to become better parents. Yet this is not a straightforward journey to reflection. Oh, no! This is chaotic, and hilarious, and full of suspense because we need to find out who is after the couple, and if their marriage will survive, among other things.
It is a funny book, with a lot of entertaining chaos, but still relatable without becoming too serious. I'm not gonna lie, I called it on this one. However, before my suspicions were confirmed, the author spun me around multiple times. I would have preferred it to be a shorter story, but I might be guilty of being impatient when it comes to mystery novels.
I owe many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine | Bantam for introducing me to Asia Mackay and sharing with me an advanced copy of Self-Help for Serial Killers.
Hazel and Fox barely survived juggling a baby while satisfying their killer instincts without getting caught. Now they have to fit in a new baby and handle a group of criminals that are onto them, all the while Fox contemplates whether they should stop the killing for the children's sake. Husband and wife aren't seeing eye to eye on this one, and the family issues keep piling up, and criminals don't take a break.
This is a unique exploration of marriage, parenthood, and family drama. The characters' attitudes towards their relationships and their uncommon penchant for murder bring us to consider if we are being selfish and reckless, and if we should change things about ourselves to become better parents. Yet this is not a straightforward journey to reflection. Oh, no! This is chaotic, and hilarious, and full of suspense because we need to find out who is after the couple, and if their marriage will survive, among other things.
It is a funny book, with a lot of entertaining chaos, but still relatable without becoming too serious. I'm not gonna lie, I called it on this one. However, before my suspicions were confirmed, the author spun me around multiple times. I would have preferred it to be a shorter story, but I might be guilty of being impatient when it comes to mystery novels.
I owe many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine | Bantam for introducing me to Asia Mackay and sharing with me an advanced copy of Self-Help for Serial Killers.
June 16, 2026
I definitely recommend reading this series in order. While Self-Help for Serial Killers can probably be followed on its own, so much of the fun comes from already knowing Hazel and Fox and understanding how they ended up attempting the impossible: becoming respectable suburban parents while suppressing their serial killer instincts.
What continues to work so well for me is the dark humor. This book had me laughing more than once at situations that absolutely should not be funny. Watching two former killers navigate school politics, parenting challenges, therapy sessions, and neighborhood drama creates a level of chaos that is both ridiculous and strangely relatable. Well… as relatable as serial killers raising children can be.
The pacing was also a strong point. This series always reads incredibly fast for me. The chapters fly by, the plot keeps moving, and there are plenty of twists and unexpected developments along the way. I especially enjoyed all of the parenting moments because they often felt just as stressful for Hazel and Fox as any life-or-death situation.
That said, I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the first book. Part of that comes down to Fox. I realized while reading that I simply don’t find him as compelling as Hazel. In the first book, Hazel’s larger-than-life personality and antics tended to dominate the story, which worked in the book’s favor for me. Here, Fox gets more time in the spotlight, and I found myself less invested whenever the focus shifted heavily to him.
Even so, I had a great time with this sequel. The combination of thriller twists, sharp humor, dysfunctional family dynamics, and outrageous situations makes for a wildly entertaining read. It may not have quite captured the magic of the first book for me, but it’s still a fun continuation of a series that fully embraces its wonderfully unhinged premise.
✨ If you’ve ever wondered what happens when serial killers trade murder sprees for school pickups and neighborhood committees, this series has your answer.
What continues to work so well for me is the dark humor. This book had me laughing more than once at situations that absolutely should not be funny. Watching two former killers navigate school politics, parenting challenges, therapy sessions, and neighborhood drama creates a level of chaos that is both ridiculous and strangely relatable. Well… as relatable as serial killers raising children can be.
The pacing was also a strong point. This series always reads incredibly fast for me. The chapters fly by, the plot keeps moving, and there are plenty of twists and unexpected developments along the way. I especially enjoyed all of the parenting moments because they often felt just as stressful for Hazel and Fox as any life-or-death situation.
That said, I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the first book. Part of that comes down to Fox. I realized while reading that I simply don’t find him as compelling as Hazel. In the first book, Hazel’s larger-than-life personality and antics tended to dominate the story, which worked in the book’s favor for me. Here, Fox gets more time in the spotlight, and I found myself less invested whenever the focus shifted heavily to him.
Even so, I had a great time with this sequel. The combination of thriller twists, sharp humor, dysfunctional family dynamics, and outrageous situations makes for a wildly entertaining read. It may not have quite captured the magic of the first book for me, but it’s still a fun continuation of a series that fully embraces its wonderfully unhinged premise.
✨ If you’ve ever wondered what happens when serial killers trade murder sprees for school pickups and neighborhood committees, this series has your answer.
April 7, 2026
I requested this ARC not knowing it was a sequel, so I read A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage and was... underwhelmed. The first book dragged. It all felt like a setup to launch into this world on a larger scale. The first book walked so that Self-Help for Serial Killers could run. I enjoyed this much more than the last. Pacing was better. The world felt much more established and secure.
Fox and Haze are your stereotypical white, privileged couple trying to balance the perfect suburban life with their covert killing side hustle. It's fine. This second book ties up loose ends from the first and introduces an international crime organization creatively named "The Corporation", who is hot on Haze and Fox's tail after they unknowingly took out one of their prominent members.
I don't think I see a lot of the humor in this book that others got. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments, but overall, the tone feels much more sentimental and wholesome? There are so many moving pieces about character identity and relationships and secrets and PTSD it's hard to cipher out what is genuine and what is snark. I wish Mackay would pick a lane because at times it feels more like she's writing a Netflix show and not a popcorn thriller.
It's also a very PG thriller, all things considered. Everything always ties up in neat little bows. I was never genuinely worried about any of the characters or their decisions, however frustrating they can be at times, because everything always works out for them and there are no consequences for their actions. Part Four is where things really start to heat up, and I found myself invested in the twists and turns, but at the end of the day, this book isn't reinventing the genre. (Take your pick at which genre, it's definitely not a mystery and barely a thriller).
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Fox and Haze are your stereotypical white, privileged couple trying to balance the perfect suburban life with their covert killing side hustle. It's fine. This second book ties up loose ends from the first and introduces an international crime organization creatively named "The Corporation", who is hot on Haze and Fox's tail after they unknowingly took out one of their prominent members.
I don't think I see a lot of the humor in this book that others got. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments, but overall, the tone feels much more sentimental and wholesome? There are so many moving pieces about character identity and relationships and secrets and PTSD it's hard to cipher out what is genuine and what is snark. I wish Mackay would pick a lane because at times it feels more like she's writing a Netflix show and not a popcorn thriller.
It's also a very PG thriller, all things considered. Everything always ties up in neat little bows. I was never genuinely worried about any of the characters or their decisions, however frustrating they can be at times, because everything always works out for them and there are no consequences for their actions. Part Four is where things really start to heat up, and I found myself invested in the twists and turns, but at the end of the day, this book isn't reinventing the genre. (Take your pick at which genre, it's definitely not a mystery and barely a thriller).
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Slice, dice, cut, stab, bash, slit, hit, bury, burn. Whatever it took to get the job done.
Self-Help for Serial Killers by Asia Mackay is a lot different than the first book in this series, A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage, but it is just as delightfully unpredictable and entertaining. In the first book there were a lot of, “Oh my gosh, did I really just read that? Did they really just do that?” moments because we were still trying to reconcile Haze and Fox’s normal (well-to-do of course, certainly not average) life with their late-night habit of eliminating people who deserve it. They had been doing it for years and were the perfect couple: in love, loyal, committed to each other. Nothing alike but the planning idea-man and the impulsive, unbending woman found just the right balance to continue slicing, dicing, cutting . . . you get the picture . . . without getting caught. They were adjusting to having a baby and continuing their unusual lifestyle but it looked like it would all work out just fine. Now, though, a few years later, here they are with a four-year-old daughter and an infant son and they’re struggling just like the rest of us to find the ideal work-life balance. They have a system and a friend who now helps keep things running smoothly but things keep going wrong. Can you say mid-life crisis?
Self-Help for Serial Killers is hilarious, laugh-out-loud funny, witty, wry, scary, tense and suspenseful. And when you get used to one OMG surprise another one pops right up, keeping you off-balance but loving every minute. It’s fast-paced, excellently written with a solid plot and a never-ending pool of potential “bad people” that need to disappear.
I was so happy to receive an advance copy from Ballantine Bantam Dell | Random House Group via NetGalley. Quirky, engaging and a great escape. I recommend it without hesitation and hope there is another book to come in this satisfying series. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Self-Help for Serial Killers by Asia Mackay is a lot different than the first book in this series, A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage, but it is just as delightfully unpredictable and entertaining. In the first book there were a lot of, “Oh my gosh, did I really just read that? Did they really just do that?” moments because we were still trying to reconcile Haze and Fox’s normal (well-to-do of course, certainly not average) life with their late-night habit of eliminating people who deserve it. They had been doing it for years and were the perfect couple: in love, loyal, committed to each other. Nothing alike but the planning idea-man and the impulsive, unbending woman found just the right balance to continue slicing, dicing, cutting . . . you get the picture . . . without getting caught. They were adjusting to having a baby and continuing their unusual lifestyle but it looked like it would all work out just fine. Now, though, a few years later, here they are with a four-year-old daughter and an infant son and they’re struggling just like the rest of us to find the ideal work-life balance. They have a system and a friend who now helps keep things running smoothly but things keep going wrong. Can you say mid-life crisis?
Self-Help for Serial Killers is hilarious, laugh-out-loud funny, witty, wry, scary, tense and suspenseful. And when you get used to one OMG surprise another one pops right up, keeping you off-balance but loving every minute. It’s fast-paced, excellently written with a solid plot and a never-ending pool of potential “bad people” that need to disappear.
I was so happy to receive an advance copy from Ballantine Bantam Dell | Random House Group via NetGalley. Quirky, engaging and a great escape. I recommend it without hesitation and hope there is another book to come in this satisfying series. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
July 2, 2026
Title: Self-Help for Serial Killers-A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage #2
Author: Asia MacKay-read A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage and gave 5⭐
Publication date: 6/16/26 | Read: 7/1/26
Format: e-Book 368 pgs.
Genre:
*Mystery/Thriller
*Humor
*Romance
Tropes:
*marriage
*midlife crisis
*family drama
*friendship
*hidden truths/secret identities
*mental health
*British gangsters/drug dealers-The Corporation
POV:1st person dual
TW: murder, panic attacks/therapy, bullying, S/A, kidnapping
Setting: England
Summary: Hazel and Fox are facing midlife crises. Raising two kids, maintaining a home in the suburbs, and committing murder. They are serial killers who only kill bad men with the help of Hazel's BFF Jenny-a police detective. A past kill comes back to haunt them, and they must confront a British criminal syndicate out to kill them.
Heroine: Hazel Matthews-39, an artist
Hero: Nathaniel "Fox" Foxton Cabot II-45, investment management
Other Characters
* Bibi and Reggie-Hazel and Fox's kids, 4 & 4mos.
*Jenny Needham-Hazel's BFF and a police detective
*Sandy and Frank-Jenny's parents
*Sally-Fox's therapist
*Danny-Hazel's ex-boyfriend, a drug dealer
*Mike Martin-Hazel's supposed biological father secretly found
*The Chameleon-an assassin tried to kill the Matthews last year in Italy
*Ted and Diana Morgan-a boy in Bibi's class and his mother
*Alain Drake- an Interpol agent
My Thoughts/Likes:
-lack of communication in Hazel and Fox's relationship
-Bibi being affected by parents' actions, acting out
-Fox's jealousy and many insecurities
Rating:4/5 ⭐
Spice level: 1/5 🔥
Thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine| Bantam, and Asia Mackay for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
Author: Asia MacKay-read A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage and gave 5⭐
Publication date: 6/16/26 | Read: 7/1/26
Format: e-Book 368 pgs.
Genre:
*Mystery/Thriller
*Humor
*Romance
Tropes:
*marriage
*midlife crisis
*family drama
*friendship
*hidden truths/secret identities
*mental health
*British gangsters/drug dealers-The Corporation
POV:1st person dual
TW: murder, panic attacks/therapy, bullying, S/A, kidnapping
Setting: England
Summary: Hazel and Fox are facing midlife crises. Raising two kids, maintaining a home in the suburbs, and committing murder. They are serial killers who only kill bad men with the help of Hazel's BFF Jenny-a police detective. A past kill comes back to haunt them, and they must confront a British criminal syndicate out to kill them.
Heroine: Hazel Matthews-39, an artist
Hero: Nathaniel "Fox" Foxton Cabot II-45, investment management
Other Characters
* Bibi and Reggie-Hazel and Fox's kids, 4 & 4mos.
*Jenny Needham-Hazel's BFF and a police detective
*Sandy and Frank-Jenny's parents
*Sally-Fox's therapist
*Danny-Hazel's ex-boyfriend, a drug dealer
*Mike Martin-Hazel's supposed biological father secretly found
*The Chameleon-an assassin tried to kill the Matthews last year in Italy
*Ted and Diana Morgan-a boy in Bibi's class and his mother
*Alain Drake- an Interpol agent
My Thoughts/Likes:
-lack of communication in Hazel and Fox's relationship
-Bibi being affected by parents' actions, acting out
-Fox's jealousy and many insecurities
Rating:4/5 ⭐
Spice level: 1/5 🔥
Thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine| Bantam, and Asia Mackay for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
July 29, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Self-Help for Serial Killers.
I didn’t enjoy A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage but I didn't like Haze, so I gave the sequel a second chance.
I liked it slightly more — there’s more action and urgency — but I still don’t like Fox and Haze.
They come off as a cliché, privileged white couple trying to juggle family life and parenting while murdering “bad” people.
There's nothing new about a main character murdering bad people.
I've read quite a few books hopping on this no-longer new trend.
P.S. Dexter came out two decades ago.
The stakes are higher in the sequel: a secret group called “The Corporation” is after Fox and Haze after they accidentally killed an important member of their bad guy group (the name reminded me of Mission: Impossible’s lamely named “The Syndicate”).
Fox is struggling with PTSD from a failed mission the previous year; Haze pressures him to man up, take responsibility, and help with the kids while she faces the familiar same old song, the thankless burdens of motherhood.
The book has a few jokes, but the tone stays surprisingly tame and family-friendly.
I disliked the ending - I despise coincidences to resolve plot points and loose ends, a cliche reveal about Haze’s parentage, and an unsurprising identity for the main assassin, which I called the moment he stepped onto the page.
The tone of the narrative shifts into a family-focused story that downplays the suspenseful elements.
This is more thriller-lite; you know Fox and Haze will come out on top.
Their bumbles and failures to keep ahead of the bad guy are entertaining to read, to demonstrate how they've kind of lost their mojo since they've had another child, but I never cared about the couple or their partner-in-crime Jenny.
I did like Haze's daughter and Jenny's parents.
.
I didn’t enjoy A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage but I didn't like Haze, so I gave the sequel a second chance.
I liked it slightly more — there’s more action and urgency — but I still don’t like Fox and Haze.
They come off as a cliché, privileged white couple trying to juggle family life and parenting while murdering “bad” people.
There's nothing new about a main character murdering bad people.
I've read quite a few books hopping on this no-longer new trend.
P.S. Dexter came out two decades ago.
The stakes are higher in the sequel: a secret group called “The Corporation” is after Fox and Haze after they accidentally killed an important member of their bad guy group (the name reminded me of Mission: Impossible’s lamely named “The Syndicate”).
Fox is struggling with PTSD from a failed mission the previous year; Haze pressures him to man up, take responsibility, and help with the kids while she faces the familiar same old song, the thankless burdens of motherhood.
The book has a few jokes, but the tone stays surprisingly tame and family-friendly.
I disliked the ending - I despise coincidences to resolve plot points and loose ends, a cliche reveal about Haze’s parentage, and an unsurprising identity for the main assassin, which I called the moment he stepped onto the page.
The tone of the narrative shifts into a family-focused story that downplays the suspenseful elements.
This is more thriller-lite; you know Fox and Haze will come out on top.
Their bumbles and failures to keep ahead of the bad guy are entertaining to read, to demonstrate how they've kind of lost their mojo since they've had another child, but I never cared about the couple or their partner-in-crime Jenny.
I did like Haze's daughter and Jenny's parents.
.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Self-Help for Serial Killers is a delicious read for those who love dark humor, characters that have a moral compass that hovers in the direction of the gray, and a dysfunctional marital relationship that somehow works for them.
Hazel “Haze” Matthews and Nathaniel Foxton “Fox” Cabot are now living in Berkshire, England, trying to be "typical" suburban parents. They now have two children, Bibi and Reggie. Haze now is part of the Mom group, drop offs and pickups and all the after school activities. Fox now has his own business. The reality is that deep down these two are still serial killers at heart. Now that sounds bad, but they only kill men who abuse women and children. I love the therapy sessions that Fox attends to deal with his feelings of guilt over their shared "hobby".
It seems that Haze and Fox have gotten the attention of a group called The Corporation, a criminal enterprise, in addition to Interpol detective Alain Drake. Luckily for them they have a police officer on their side, who knows all about them, Jenny. (Read A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage to get the full story).
Asia Mackay has created a truly likeable couple, irregardless of their tendency to commit murder. They fo both want to good parents, but they can't seem to relax, always suspicious of people. The plot does sag a bit in the middle, but picks back up . There are plenty of twists, chaotic behavior, and secrets that keep us engaged. You can't help but cheer for these messy characters. I can't wait for more Haze and Fox.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Ballantine, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
Hazel “Haze” Matthews and Nathaniel Foxton “Fox” Cabot are now living in Berkshire, England, trying to be "typical" suburban parents. They now have two children, Bibi and Reggie. Haze now is part of the Mom group, drop offs and pickups and all the after school activities. Fox now has his own business. The reality is that deep down these two are still serial killers at heart. Now that sounds bad, but they only kill men who abuse women and children. I love the therapy sessions that Fox attends to deal with his feelings of guilt over their shared "hobby".
It seems that Haze and Fox have gotten the attention of a group called The Corporation, a criminal enterprise, in addition to Interpol detective Alain Drake. Luckily for them they have a police officer on their side, who knows all about them, Jenny. (Read A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage to get the full story).
Asia Mackay has created a truly likeable couple, irregardless of their tendency to commit murder. They fo both want to good parents, but they can't seem to relax, always suspicious of people. The plot does sag a bit in the middle, but picks back up . There are plenty of twists, chaotic behavior, and secrets that keep us engaged. You can't help but cheer for these messy characters. I can't wait for more Haze and Fox.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Ballantine, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Self-Help for Serial Killers by Asia Mackay is a really unique mix of dark humor, mystery, and domestic life. It follows a married couple trying to balance parenting, careers, and a very unconventional past—and present.
This reads much more like a story about marriage and identity than a traditional thriller. There are elements of mystery and action, along with an underlying sense that something bigger is happening, but the focus stays on the relationship and the pressure of trying to maintain a “normal” life.
What stood out most to me was the dynamic between the characters. There’s a clear shift happening—one partner struggling, the other stepping up—and it creates that quiet tension that feels more emotional than suspenseful. It’s less about what they’re doing and more about how it’s affecting them.
The tone leans heavily into dark humor, and that’s where the book really shines. It has moments that are genuinely funny, while still touching on heavier themes like identity, stress, and the reality of trying to hold everything together.
That said, the pacing felt a little uneven at times. There are stretches where things slow down, and I found myself wanting a bit more momentum or higher stakes. The concept itself is strong and different, but it doesn’t always feel fully pushed to its potential.
Overall, this is a character-driven story with thriller elements woven in. It’s an engaging, easy read with a distinct voice—just not one that fully leans into the suspense side.
This reads much more like a story about marriage and identity than a traditional thriller. There are elements of mystery and action, along with an underlying sense that something bigger is happening, but the focus stays on the relationship and the pressure of trying to maintain a “normal” life.
What stood out most to me was the dynamic between the characters. There’s a clear shift happening—one partner struggling, the other stepping up—and it creates that quiet tension that feels more emotional than suspenseful. It’s less about what they’re doing and more about how it’s affecting them.
The tone leans heavily into dark humor, and that’s where the book really shines. It has moments that are genuinely funny, while still touching on heavier themes like identity, stress, and the reality of trying to hold everything together.
That said, the pacing felt a little uneven at times. There are stretches where things slow down, and I found myself wanting a bit more momentum or higher stakes. The concept itself is strong and different, but it doesn’t always feel fully pushed to its potential.
Overall, this is a character-driven story with thriller elements woven in. It’s an engaging, easy read with a distinct voice—just not one that fully leans into the suspense side.
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