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Over Her Dead Body
Ruth Watkins is pretending to be a serial killer…
Two years ago, Ruth was an ambitious journalist on the trail of a serial killer with a very specific calling card. Then her best friend became the latest victim, and Ruth’s life fell apart. When police shelve the case, Ruth decides there is only one way to force them to keep make him kill again. Or at least, make it look like he has…
The good working at a funeral home has its perks, like access to fresh hearts she can use to stage convincing crime scenes.
The bad the real killer has noticed Ruth’s ‘work’ too, and now it’s not just the police trying to catch her…
A darkly hilarious thriller about grief, revenge, and the surprisingly thin line between solving a murder and creative corpse management. Perfect for fans of How to Kill Your Family and Listen for the Lie.
Readers love H.J.
‘Pitch-perfect black humor.’ Observer
‘This book had me laughing out loud so much I woke my son up from his nap early and for that I will never forgive the author… Think How to Kill Your Family / How to Kill Men and Get Away With It – but wittier (sorry Bella Mackie and Katy Brent).’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I flew through it in a day… Dark, funny, and a plot that goes 100mph. This is one of my favourite books I’ve read so far this year.’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Ok I absolutely loved this book!… I binged it in under a day. I didn’t want to put this down.’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘An absolute gem—I was hooked from the very first page. I knew instantly this was going to be a wild, brilliant ride… I genuinely don’t think I’ll ever stop recommending it!’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘A deliciously dark comedy. Even the cat had me laughing out loud… Easy five stars from me.’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Had me dying of laughter and grinning from ear to ear. I was entirely gripped from the start… Considering a re-read already for the laughs the book gave me.’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I loved this book so much! Fran’s inner dialogue was like the blood in my veins and I want to be besties even if she is a murderer… One of my favorites this year!’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘An unhinged story & I LOVED it… The perfect mix of dark humor, chaos & secrets. I was hooked from page one and literally could not stop reading. This book was impossible to put down.
Two years ago, Ruth was an ambitious journalist on the trail of a serial killer with a very specific calling card. Then her best friend became the latest victim, and Ruth’s life fell apart. When police shelve the case, Ruth decides there is only one way to force them to keep make him kill again. Or at least, make it look like he has…
The good working at a funeral home has its perks, like access to fresh hearts she can use to stage convincing crime scenes.
The bad the real killer has noticed Ruth’s ‘work’ too, and now it’s not just the police trying to catch her…
A darkly hilarious thriller about grief, revenge, and the surprisingly thin line between solving a murder and creative corpse management. Perfect for fans of How to Kill Your Family and Listen for the Lie.
Readers love H.J.
‘Pitch-perfect black humor.’ Observer
‘This book had me laughing out loud so much I woke my son up from his nap early and for that I will never forgive the author… Think How to Kill Your Family / How to Kill Men and Get Away With It – but wittier (sorry Bella Mackie and Katy Brent).’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I flew through it in a day… Dark, funny, and a plot that goes 100mph. This is one of my favourite books I’ve read so far this year.’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Ok I absolutely loved this book!… I binged it in under a day. I didn’t want to put this down.’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘An absolute gem—I was hooked from the very first page. I knew instantly this was going to be a wild, brilliant ride… I genuinely don’t think I’ll ever stop recommending it!’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘A deliciously dark comedy. Even the cat had me laughing out loud… Easy five stars from me.’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Had me dying of laughter and grinning from ear to ear. I was entirely gripped from the start… Considering a re-read already for the laughs the book gave me.’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I loved this book so much! Fran’s inner dialogue was like the blood in my veins and I want to be besties even if she is a murderer… One of my favorites this year!’ Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘An unhinged story & I LOVED it… The perfect mix of dark humor, chaos & secrets. I was hooked from page one and literally could not stop reading. This book was impossible to put down.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
March 10, 2026
"𝑾𝒂𝒃𝒊-𝒔𝒂𝒃𝒊, 𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓."
✄┈ Ruth Watkins is a journalist whose life falls apart after her best friend becomes the latest victim of a serial killer she was investigating. When the police stop actively pursuing the case, Ruth decides to take matters into her own hands.
I really struggled to finish this book. Several times I thought about DNFing it, but I kept pushing myself to reach the end. 😞
The biggest difficulty for me was Ruth as a character. Everything about her felt strange—her thoughts, her behavior, even her lifestyle. She was very unlikeable, and I didn’t enjoy following her perspective at all. Most of what she did felt chaotic, disturbing, and honestly quite disgusting. Even if the goal was supposed to justify the means, I felt like there could have been many different ways to approach it. 🩸✂️
One thing that really surprised me was that Ruth’s obsession with the TellTale killer 🫀 wasn’t actually because of what he did to her best friend. It had started long before that. The request she made to her friend was honestly one of the strangest things I’ve ever read in a book.
The pacing was also quite slow, and I wasn’t excited about the events most of the time. The only reason I kept reading was because I wanted to know who the serial killer was. I really needed that answer.
Unfortunately, that ended up being my biggest disappointment. The reveal didn’t surprise me at all. Not because I had guessed it correctly—my guess was actually wrong—but because I was simply expecting something much better. 🥱
Overall, This was a difficult read for me. Between the slow pacing and a main character I couldn’t connect with, it was hard to stay engaged. I kept going mainly for the mystery, but the final reveal didn’t fully satisfy my expectations. 🫀🩸
⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡ |𝑃𝑟𝑒-𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑✂️
Thrilled to get my hands on my first ARC this year! I enjoyed My Wife, the Serial Killer, so fingers crossed this will be another great read 💀🩸
✄┈ Ruth Watkins is a journalist whose life falls apart after her best friend becomes the latest victim of a serial killer she was investigating. When the police stop actively pursuing the case, Ruth decides to take matters into her own hands.
I really struggled to finish this book. Several times I thought about DNFing it, but I kept pushing myself to reach the end. 😞
The biggest difficulty for me was Ruth as a character. Everything about her felt strange—her thoughts, her behavior, even her lifestyle. She was very unlikeable, and I didn’t enjoy following her perspective at all. Most of what she did felt chaotic, disturbing, and honestly quite disgusting. Even if the goal was supposed to justify the means, I felt like there could have been many different ways to approach it. 🩸✂️
One thing that really surprised me was that Ruth’s obsession with the TellTale killer 🫀 wasn’t actually because of what he did to her best friend. It had started long before that. The request she made to her friend was honestly one of the strangest things I’ve ever read in a book.
The pacing was also quite slow, and I wasn’t excited about the events most of the time. The only reason I kept reading was because I wanted to know who the serial killer was. I really needed that answer.
Unfortunately, that ended up being my biggest disappointment. The reveal didn’t surprise me at all. Not because I had guessed it correctly—my guess was actually wrong—but because I was simply expecting something much better. 🥱
Overall, This was a difficult read for me. Between the slow pacing and a main character I couldn’t connect with, it was hard to stay engaged. I kept going mainly for the mystery, but the final reveal didn’t fully satisfy my expectations. 🫀🩸
⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡ |𝑃𝑟𝑒-𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑✂️
Thrilled to get my hands on my first ARC this year! I enjoyed My Wife, the Serial Killer, so fingers crossed this will be another great read 💀🩸
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This fast paced thriller was unputdownable and extremely entertaining! I was thrilled to see this author come out with another book, because her debut was definitely a hit for me! I highly recommend both of this author’s books. Once again, the cover caught my eye! That cover along with the title and the author, I just had to request to review it! This one did not disappoint! It is believable, tense, dark, funny, mysterious and very emotional.
I enjoyed the strong character development, the premise, the diverse cast of characters and the overall story! I wanted to know what was going to happen next, it really did keep my attention from beginning to end! If you loved the books “Sharp Objects” or “How to Kill Your Family”, I am positive that you will enjoy reading this one! Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, author H.J. Garbett and Storm Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This novel is expected to be released on March 9, 2026!
I enjoyed the strong character development, the premise, the diverse cast of characters and the overall story! I wanted to know what was going to happen next, it really did keep my attention from beginning to end! If you loved the books “Sharp Objects” or “How to Kill Your Family”, I am positive that you will enjoy reading this one! Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, author H.J. Garbett and Storm Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This novel is expected to be released on March 9, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
book #1 of m(arc)h challenge, where I try to read ALL the arcs I have in the month of March!
I really liked the author's first book, My Wife, the Serial Killer, so when I saw this one listed on Netgalley, I knew I had to request it. It didn't matter if I did not get it, but I had to try! And lo and behold, I did get it!!
This one did not disappoint either: you get dark humor, witty punchlines, an overall tense mood all while being believable (for the most part, at least - I hope no one is impersonating a serial killer in the real world!) and decently paced!
We get a very interesting roundup of characters in this book - Some things are bound to be iconic.
And I'm happy to report, there's an animal sidekick in this book too!
── .✦ pre-read 𖹭.ᐟ
i'm so excitedddd i LOVED the author's debut - My Wife, a Serial Killer and if this follows the same dry-humor-murderer pov with women committing crimes then count me in!
I really liked the author's first book, My Wife, the Serial Killer, so when I saw this one listed on Netgalley, I knew I had to request it. It didn't matter if I did not get it, but I had to try! And lo and behold, I did get it!!
This one did not disappoint either: you get dark humor, witty punchlines, an overall tense mood all while being believable (for the most part, at least - I hope no one is impersonating a serial killer in the real world!) and decently paced!
We get a very interesting roundup of characters in this book - Some things are bound to be iconic.
And I'm happy to report, there's an animal sidekick in this book too!
── .✦ pre-read 𖹭.ᐟ
i'm so excitedddd i LOVED the author's debut - My Wife, a Serial Killer and if this follows the same dry-humor-murderer pov with women committing crimes then count me in!
March 22, 2026
Unhinged and unexpectedly reflective, this book delivers a character you won’t forget anytime soon.
Ruth is intense, obsessive, and impossible to ignore. She has never met an intrusive thought she didn’t entertain, which makes her both fascinating and, at times, deeply uncomfortable to follow. There were moments I wanted to laugh, moments I wanted to cringe, and moments I genuinely wanted to reach into the page and tell her to pause and think things through.
At the center of it all is grief. After losing a friend, Ruth spirals into a search for answers, driven by a need to make sense of the injustice left behind. Her actions feel chaotic, almost like a force of nature, unpredictable, messy, and impossible to contain. And yet, beneath all that intensity, there is something deeply human about her.
What stood out most to me was the tone. The book approaches funerals and rituals with a sharp, sarcastic lens that feels both honest and refreshing. It captures those unspoken thoughts many people have but rarely admit. I found myself laughing at moments I probably shouldn’t, and by the end, I noticed my own perspective had shifted in subtle ways.
This is a story that balances dark humor with emotional weight. It entertains, it unsettles, and it lingers.
I would recommend this to readers who appreciate complex, obsessive, but well meaning characters and stories that explore grief in unconventional ways. It may make you laugh, it may make you emotional, and it will likely stay with you.
Ruth is intense, obsessive, and impossible to ignore. She has never met an intrusive thought she didn’t entertain, which makes her both fascinating and, at times, deeply uncomfortable to follow. There were moments I wanted to laugh, moments I wanted to cringe, and moments I genuinely wanted to reach into the page and tell her to pause and think things through.
At the center of it all is grief. After losing a friend, Ruth spirals into a search for answers, driven by a need to make sense of the injustice left behind. Her actions feel chaotic, almost like a force of nature, unpredictable, messy, and impossible to contain. And yet, beneath all that intensity, there is something deeply human about her.
What stood out most to me was the tone. The book approaches funerals and rituals with a sharp, sarcastic lens that feels both honest and refreshing. It captures those unspoken thoughts many people have but rarely admit. I found myself laughing at moments I probably shouldn’t, and by the end, I noticed my own perspective had shifted in subtle ways.
This is a story that balances dark humor with emotional weight. It entertains, it unsettles, and it lingers.
I would recommend this to readers who appreciate complex, obsessive, but well meaning characters and stories that explore grief in unconventional ways. It may make you laugh, it may make you emotional, and it will likely stay with you.
April 6, 2026
Pulled me in right away—grief, obsession, and a main character making very chaotic choices.
Ruth is hard to like but really compelling, and being in her head feels messy in a way that works. The tension builds nicely, especially in the second half, and there’s a dark, dry humor throughout.
Ending felt a bit quieter than expected, but overall a good read.
Ruth is hard to like but really compelling, and being in her head feels messy in a way that works. The tension builds nicely, especially in the second half, and there’s a dark, dry humor throughout.
Ending felt a bit quieter than expected, but overall a good read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you @netgalley for letting me read this arc! 🩷
Oh my. How I adored this book. Over Her Dead Body by H.J. Garbett is a dark and funny murder mystery but totally different than you're used to! We are following the story of Ruth who lost her best friend two years ago. She was murdered by the famous TellTale serial killer. 👀 Unfortunately the case has gone cold and the killer has gone underground, but Ruth can't live with this. She has to make sure the police reopen the case... What better way to do that than forcing the detectives by becoming the TellTale killer herself? 🩸
This must be one of my favorite books of the year so far. As I said, it has murder mystery vibes but it so originally written it turned out to be something completely unique and new. ❤️ The story is fast paced and I was surprised over and over again. I myself, watch documentaries about serial killers occasionally and I really liked how some of them were mentioned in this book. Ruth was obsessed with the TellTale killer and became interested in other killers so she might find something that could reveal the identity of her friend's killer. It was really cool to me that they used "real" killers for those mentions. ✨️
Ruth, girl, I adore you. I really wish that if I'm ever murdered my best friend will stuck up for me like this. 🥹 But I must confess she did a lot of crazy stuff. 😂 I also liked Ben and Bill, her ex-husband and his new boyfriend. They were not really important until the end but I loved the dynamic between the three of them. 🫶🏼 All the characters in this book had a really great personality. And the character development was also really good.
If you are looking for a laugh, this book might be it. But please be warned that this does contain a lot of body horror. If that's not something you're into, maybe you should pass. If you don't mind, please pick up this story 🤭🔥
I absolutely LOVED this book and I will add Garbett's other book to my tbr right away! 🤭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my. How I adored this book. Over Her Dead Body by H.J. Garbett is a dark and funny murder mystery but totally different than you're used to! We are following the story of Ruth who lost her best friend two years ago. She was murdered by the famous TellTale serial killer. 👀 Unfortunately the case has gone cold and the killer has gone underground, but Ruth can't live with this. She has to make sure the police reopen the case... What better way to do that than forcing the detectives by becoming the TellTale killer herself? 🩸
This must be one of my favorite books of the year so far. As I said, it has murder mystery vibes but it so originally written it turned out to be something completely unique and new. ❤️ The story is fast paced and I was surprised over and over again. I myself, watch documentaries about serial killers occasionally and I really liked how some of them were mentioned in this book. Ruth was obsessed with the TellTale killer and became interested in other killers so she might find something that could reveal the identity of her friend's killer. It was really cool to me that they used "real" killers for those mentions. ✨️
Ruth, girl, I adore you. I really wish that if I'm ever murdered my best friend will stuck up for me like this. 🥹 But I must confess she did a lot of crazy stuff. 😂 I also liked Ben and Bill, her ex-husband and his new boyfriend. They were not really important until the end but I loved the dynamic between the three of them. 🫶🏼 All the characters in this book had a really great personality. And the character development was also really good.
If you are looking for a laugh, this book might be it. But please be warned that this does contain a lot of body horror. If that's not something you're into, maybe you should pass. If you don't mind, please pick up this story 🤭🔥
I absolutely LOVED this book and I will add Garbett's other book to my tbr right away! 🤭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 19, 2026
Krito ši knyga man į akį iškart: suviliojo intriguojantis pavadinimas, viršelis ir sakyčiau, originalus siužetas - tam, kad sugautum serijinį žudiką - turi juo apsimesti. Bent jau man, neteko dar skaityti tokio pasakojimo. 😁
Prieš pradėdama klausyti, tikėjausi aštraus trilerio, bet gana greitai supratau, kad čia labiau juodojo humoro tragikomedija. 😁 Visa istorija kabina ne dėl žudiko ir jo nusikaltimų, bet dėl visiškai beprotiškos pagrindinės veikėjos Ruth. O čia tai išskirtinis personažas! 😁
Ruth yra laidojimo namų direktorė, gyvena su savo buvusiu vyru ir jo vaikinu, yra labai apsėsta serijinių žudikų, ypač vieno, kuris prieš dvejus metus nužudė jos geriausią draugę, tačiau yra vis dar nesugautas. Vieną dieną jai šauna mintis, kad tam, kad policija atnaujintų tyrimą, jie turi galvoti, kad žudikas vėl grįžo ir pradeda imituoti jį. Tik jai gali šauti tokia mintis!..😆 Visiškai crazy personažas man ji. 🤭
Buvo daug vietų, kurios privertė mane krizenti: koks žmogus, kalbėdamas su detektyvu, galvotų ne apie tai, kaip išsisukti iš savo privirtos košės, o apie tai, kad detektyvė būtų gera draugė Goodreadse? 😂 Kai susiduri su tikruoju žudiku ir iškyla reali grėsmė mirti, kokiu gyvūnų reinkarnuosiesi po mirties? 😂 Daug panašių minčių sukosi Ruth galvoje..🤭
Labai patiko man humoro jausmas šioje knygoje - toks tikrai keistesnis ir tamsokas. 🤫
Ši istorija ne tik apie moterį, apsėstą minties sučiupti žudiką, bet ir apie draugystę bei kaltės jausmą. Visos šios temos susipynė į tikrai gerą siužetą, puikiai praleidau laiką klausydama šią knygą. O Ruth personažas, įsimins dar ilgai manau. 😁 Nors ir visiškai beprotiška ji, bet ir labai kieta ir spalvinga asmenybė. 🤭😎
Prieš pradėdama klausyti, tikėjausi aštraus trilerio, bet gana greitai supratau, kad čia labiau juodojo humoro tragikomedija. 😁 Visa istorija kabina ne dėl žudiko ir jo nusikaltimų, bet dėl visiškai beprotiškos pagrindinės veikėjos Ruth. O čia tai išskirtinis personažas! 😁
Ruth yra laidojimo namų direktorė, gyvena su savo buvusiu vyru ir jo vaikinu, yra labai apsėsta serijinių žudikų, ypač vieno, kuris prieš dvejus metus nužudė jos geriausią draugę, tačiau yra vis dar nesugautas. Vieną dieną jai šauna mintis, kad tam, kad policija atnaujintų tyrimą, jie turi galvoti, kad žudikas vėl grįžo ir pradeda imituoti jį. Tik jai gali šauti tokia mintis!..😆 Visiškai crazy personažas man ji. 🤭
Buvo daug vietų, kurios privertė mane krizenti: koks žmogus, kalbėdamas su detektyvu, galvotų ne apie tai, kaip išsisukti iš savo privirtos košės, o apie tai, kad detektyvė būtų gera draugė Goodreadse? 😂 Kai susiduri su tikruoju žudiku ir iškyla reali grėsmė mirti, kokiu gyvūnų reinkarnuosiesi po mirties? 😂 Daug panašių minčių sukosi Ruth galvoje..🤭
Labai patiko man humoro jausmas šioje knygoje - toks tikrai keistesnis ir tamsokas. 🤫
Ši istorija ne tik apie moterį, apsėstą minties sučiupti žudiką, bet ir apie draugystę bei kaltės jausmą. Visos šios temos susipynė į tikrai gerą siužetą, puikiai praleidau laiką klausydama šią knygą. O Ruth personažas, įsimins dar ilgai manau. 😁 Nors ir visiškai beprotiška ji, bet ir labai kieta ir spalvinga asmenybė. 🤭😎
March 15, 2026
3.5 stars rounded down. Over Her Dead Body follows Ruth as she deals with her life being in shambles after her best friend is murdered by the TellTale Heart Killer, a serial killer who leaves the hearts of his victims as a calling card. Once the case goes cold, Ruth takes it upon herself to get the case reopened, by almost any means necessary, including becoming a sort of copycat.
Over Her Dead Body was interesting and once I got past the 50% mark I could not stop reading until finding out who the killer was and what would happen to them, but Ruth bothered me a lot at the beginning. She just felt very down on herself and constantly saying her life was ruined and that she was old at 29, like girl relax, you have your whole life ahead of you!!
Aside from that, I did enjoy that Ruth had such a strong friendship with Greta that she was willing to do anything to see Greta's killer put to rest, even though her actions were arguably insane. I also really liked that Ruth grew as a person and realized that trying to catch this killer on her own was not going well and that she needed help.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Over Her Dead Body was interesting and once I got past the 50% mark I could not stop reading until finding out who the killer was and what would happen to them, but Ruth bothered me a lot at the beginning. She just felt very down on herself and constantly saying her life was ruined and that she was old at 29, like girl relax, you have your whole life ahead of you!!
Aside from that, I did enjoy that Ruth had such a strong friendship with Greta that she was willing to do anything to see Greta's killer put to rest, even though her actions were arguably insane. I also really liked that Ruth grew as a person and realized that trying to catch this killer on her own was not going well and that she needed help.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Over Her Dead Body is a quirky, darkly humorous thriller that puts a wildly creative spin on the classic serial killer cat-and-mouse story.
Ruth Watkins used to be an ambitious journalist chasing the story of a serial killer known for a chilling calling card. But when her best friend becomes the latest victim and the case goes cold, Ruth refuses to let it rest. Instead of accepting defeat, she takes matters into her own hands — in the most unconventional way possible. Working at a funeral home has its perks, and Ruth uses her access to stage copycat crime scenes in an effort to force the real killer back into the spotlight.
What follows is an addictive game of cat and mouse that had me fully invested once the story got going. The premise is incredibly unique, balancing genuine grief and friendship with sharp, dark humor. This isn’t just a thriller — it’s also a story about loss and how far someone will go when they can’t let go.
I especially appreciated watching Ruth develop throughout the novel. Her inability to move on from her best friend’s murder drives every decision she makes, escalating the drama in ways that are reckless, bold, and at times darkly hilarious. The humor gives the story an entertaining edge without diminishing the emotional core.
Overall, this was a thriller that managed to be both tense and entertaining. It’s a fresh take on the genre, and I really enjoyed the ride.
Thank you to NetGalley, H.J. Garbett, and Storm Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Posted on Book Nook Buzz
Ruth Watkins used to be an ambitious journalist chasing the story of a serial killer known for a chilling calling card. But when her best friend becomes the latest victim and the case goes cold, Ruth refuses to let it rest. Instead of accepting defeat, she takes matters into her own hands — in the most unconventional way possible. Working at a funeral home has its perks, and Ruth uses her access to stage copycat crime scenes in an effort to force the real killer back into the spotlight.
What follows is an addictive game of cat and mouse that had me fully invested once the story got going. The premise is incredibly unique, balancing genuine grief and friendship with sharp, dark humor. This isn’t just a thriller — it’s also a story about loss and how far someone will go when they can’t let go.
I especially appreciated watching Ruth develop throughout the novel. Her inability to move on from her best friend’s murder drives every decision she makes, escalating the drama in ways that are reckless, bold, and at times darkly hilarious. The humor gives the story an entertaining edge without diminishing the emotional core.
Overall, this was a thriller that managed to be both tense and entertaining. It’s a fresh take on the genre, and I really enjoyed the ride.
Thank you to NetGalley, H.J. Garbett, and Storm Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Posted on Book Nook Buzz
March 9, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and H.J. Garbett for allowing me to read an ARC of Over Her Dead Body!
What can I say? This book touched me in ways I didn’t think it would. I couldn’t put it down.
There wasn’t much that I didn’t enjoy about Over Her Dead Body, which is why I’ve thrown a full 5 stars at it. While the main character was her own worst enemy at times, I think the sheer balls that she had from start to finish is what made me fall in love with her. I empathised with the grief she held, and every emotion she experienced, I was there with her.
The pacing throughout kept me on the edge of my seat. Whenever we were one step closer to figuring out who The TellTale Killer was, I found myself reading faster and growing more nervous. I was there. I was with Ruth every step of the way. H. J. Garbett gives you the perfect signs to pinpoint who it was at the perfect time, too, which I believe many books find difficult these days. You’re either fed too much information to the point that theory crafting brings you to the right answer early on, or you find the answer truly unbelievable.
While the story as a whole was ongoing, we do have a little ‘side quest’ that takes place in messaging forums called DarkCell. The little twist this brings warms my heart, and I’m glad that it wasn’t made to be such a big deal. It was given the right amount of attention, so it didn’t detract from the plot.
I definitely need to pick up H.J. Garbett’s other book very soon!
What can I say? This book touched me in ways I didn’t think it would. I couldn’t put it down.
There wasn’t much that I didn’t enjoy about Over Her Dead Body, which is why I’ve thrown a full 5 stars at it. While the main character was her own worst enemy at times, I think the sheer balls that she had from start to finish is what made me fall in love with her. I empathised with the grief she held, and every emotion she experienced, I was there with her.
The pacing throughout kept me on the edge of my seat. Whenever we were one step closer to figuring out who The TellTale Killer was, I found myself reading faster and growing more nervous. I was there. I was with Ruth every step of the way. H. J. Garbett gives you the perfect signs to pinpoint who it was at the perfect time, too, which I believe many books find difficult these days. You’re either fed too much information to the point that theory crafting brings you to the right answer early on, or you find the answer truly unbelievable.
While the story as a whole was ongoing, we do have a little ‘side quest’ that takes place in messaging forums called DarkCell. The little twist this brings warms my heart, and I’m glad that it wasn’t made to be such a big deal. It was given the right amount of attention, so it didn’t detract from the plot.
I definitely need to pick up H.J. Garbett’s other book very soon!
January 29, 2026
What an interesting romp with super interesting characters! I am always drawn to stories
with dual roles and quirky backstories and this book had me completely engrossed in the
Friendships, the wackiness of our protagonist, Ruth and our Detective Carlotta. Women
make great, strong characters and these two are fabulous.
There is laughter, there is cringe and, alas, a few tears, all managed in brilliance, to a
satisfying conclusion.
Highly recommendable story ~ not exactly a mystery, but certainly a suspense. Filled
with friendship, misplaced love and loyalty.
My thanks to Storm Publishing via NetGalley for the download copy of the book
for review purposes. I've yet to be disappointed 🌹
with dual roles and quirky backstories and this book had me completely engrossed in the
Friendships, the wackiness of our protagonist, Ruth and our Detective Carlotta. Women
make great, strong characters and these two are fabulous.
There is laughter, there is cringe and, alas, a few tears, all managed in brilliance, to a
satisfying conclusion.
Highly recommendable story ~ not exactly a mystery, but certainly a suspense. Filled
with friendship, misplaced love and loyalty.
My thanks to Storm Publishing via NetGalley for the download copy of the book
for review purposes. I've yet to be disappointed 🌹
April 1, 2026
ARC REVIEW
4.5
¿Qué eres capaz de hacer por venganza? ¿Hasta qué punto puedes llegar? ¿Qué límites eres capaz de cruzar?
El TellTaleKiller asesinó a la mejor amiga de Ruth hace dos años, y desde ese momento no ha dejado de intentar cazarlo. Cuando la policía le dice que el caso se ha enfriado y que no van a seguir investigando, Ruth empieza a robar corazones del tanatorio en el que trabaja y se hace pasar por el TTK.
Es una comedia negra, llega un punto en el que dices "ya está, no va a seguir, no puede ir a peor", y va y empeora la cosa. El ChestGate.... Podría decir que es asqueroso, pero también es kinda gracioso. Obviamente está haciendo cosas muy cuestionables, y Ruth cruza muchos límites, pero al final no he podido dejar de apoyarla. Ella es la definición de "El fin justifica los medios". Y vaya medios...
En fin, que es una novela graciosita, con murder mistery. Los personajes son una maravilla, el autor ha hecho un buen trabajo con ellos. Hasta del puto Bill (aka flowerpot boy) me he encariñado. Me ha hecho mucha gracia su relación con Ruth.
4.5
¿Qué eres capaz de hacer por venganza? ¿Hasta qué punto puedes llegar? ¿Qué límites eres capaz de cruzar?
El TellTaleKiller asesinó a la mejor amiga de Ruth hace dos años, y desde ese momento no ha dejado de intentar cazarlo. Cuando la policía le dice que el caso se ha enfriado y que no van a seguir investigando, Ruth empieza a robar corazones del tanatorio en el que trabaja y se hace pasar por el TTK.
Es una comedia negra, llega un punto en el que dices "ya está, no va a seguir, no puede ir a peor", y va y empeora la cosa. El ChestGate.... Podría decir que es asqueroso, pero también es kinda gracioso. Obviamente está haciendo cosas muy cuestionables, y Ruth cruza muchos límites, pero al final no he podido dejar de apoyarla. Ella es la definición de "El fin justifica los medios". Y vaya medios...
En fin, que es una novela graciosita, con murder mistery. Los personajes son una maravilla, el autor ha hecho un buen trabajo con ellos. Hasta del puto Bill (aka flowerpot boy) me he encariñado. Me ha hecho mucha gracia su relación con Ruth.
February 1, 2026
This book is the follow-up to HJ Garbett’s previous novel called ‘My Wife, the serial killer.’ The previous characters are not included in this novel; the only one carried forward is detective, ‘Cecilia Carlota or Cis’. She has been transferred to a new location, Charing Cross police station, because of the debacle that happened in the previous novel. She was placed in charge of catching the “TellTale Killer” but failed to do so. Now, the case has been closed and is now cold. The TellTale Killer was a brutal serial killer who would murder absolutely anyone. He would cut out their hearts and leave them in boxes around London. Sadly, though, the victims’ bodies were never found. His last victim, number eight, happened to be the protagonist, Ruth’s, best friend, Greta. Ruth feels guilty about Greta‘s death, but there was really nothing she could’ve done about it, and she feels if she had listened to the conversation that was taking place between them, maybe Greta would still be alive.
Ruth feels that the case shouldn’t be cold and has decided to continue the TellTale Killer’s work, leaving two hearts in boxes in London. She wanted the case to be reopened so that she could hopefully try to catch the real killer herself. You may be wondering where she got the hearts from? Well, she works in the family-run funeral home with her uncle, Phillip, and her cousin. Convenient, right?
Anyway, Ruth is such an airhead. It’s not even funny the way her attitude to all of this will probably get her killed. I know it’s only a book, but you can’t imitate a serial killer and then not expect the actual killer to reach out in some way as he has now done. But rather than going to the police, she decides to try and deal with it herself. If this isn’t the decision of an idiot, I don’t know what is. This book could’ve been considerably shorter because you could see where this is going before the book even gets there. However, towards the end of the book, it does pick up with regard to some action and intensity, but it’s also very philosophical in terms of dealing with life and loss, also how you should treat it and so on and so forth. But if they had made the book shorter in length, a lot more could have happened without the preamble that goes with it. Detective Carlota, in comparison to the previous book, is a lot nicer. She actually calls Ruth using pleasant monikers, which I haven’t known police to do in all the books that I’ve read. The writing style is very good though. However, there are a few too many big words in there that were not really necessary and some that I didn’t actually understand. All in all, it was a very good read and it definitely is not for children or teenagers; it is an adult book which covers adult topics. The book was relatively well researched, although some cancer words could’ve actually been explained. But to understand which ones and to get a grasp of the book, you’ll have to read it yourself, and it is worth a read.
Ruth feels that the case shouldn’t be cold and has decided to continue the TellTale Killer’s work, leaving two hearts in boxes in London. She wanted the case to be reopened so that she could hopefully try to catch the real killer herself. You may be wondering where she got the hearts from? Well, she works in the family-run funeral home with her uncle, Phillip, and her cousin. Convenient, right?
Anyway, Ruth is such an airhead. It’s not even funny the way her attitude to all of this will probably get her killed. I know it’s only a book, but you can’t imitate a serial killer and then not expect the actual killer to reach out in some way as he has now done. But rather than going to the police, she decides to try and deal with it herself. If this isn’t the decision of an idiot, I don’t know what is. This book could’ve been considerably shorter because you could see where this is going before the book even gets there. However, towards the end of the book, it does pick up with regard to some action and intensity, but it’s also very philosophical in terms of dealing with life and loss, also how you should treat it and so on and so forth. But if they had made the book shorter in length, a lot more could have happened without the preamble that goes with it. Detective Carlota, in comparison to the previous book, is a lot nicer. She actually calls Ruth using pleasant monikers, which I haven’t known police to do in all the books that I’ve read. The writing style is very good though. However, there are a few too many big words in there that were not really necessary and some that I didn’t actually understand. All in all, it was a very good read and it definitely is not for children or teenagers; it is an adult book which covers adult topics. The book was relatively well researched, although some cancer words could’ve actually been explained. But to understand which ones and to get a grasp of the book, you’ll have to read it yourself, and it is worth a read.
March 21, 2026
I don't think I've laughed and felt genuinely unsettled at the same time quite as often as I did while reading Over Her Dead Body by H.J. Garbett has written something that really shouldn't work as well as it does a thriller that is equal parts hilarious and tense, touching and deeply weird and yet somehow it absolutely does.
At its heart, this is a story about grief, revenge, and what happens when someone decides to take justice into their own hands in a very... unconventional way. The premise alone is inspired, and Garbett commits to it fully. Not once does the story wink at you too hard or lose its nerve. The plot is tightly constructed, and just when you think you know where things are headed, the story pivots in a direction you genuinely didn't see coming.
What really makes the book sing is the protagonist. Ruth is one of those characters who immediately feels like someone you know sharp, a little chaotic, and absolutely convinced that her terrible plan is the right one. Her internal monologue is razor-sharp, and there were moments where I caught myself reading passages twice just to appreciate the writing. Her inner world has that rare quality of feeling like it could belong to a real person, someone you'd want to be friends with despite everything.
Beyond the humor and the suspense, the book also makes genuine room for friendship, love, and grief. That emotional undercurrent is what elevates it above being just a clever concept. You're laughing, sure, but you also actually care about what happens.
If you're a fan of dark comedies like "How to Kill Your Family" or crime thrillers with a wicked sense of humor, this one belongs on your shelf immediately. It's the kind of book that makes you want to press it into someone else's hands the moment you finish.
At its heart, this is a story about grief, revenge, and what happens when someone decides to take justice into their own hands in a very... unconventional way. The premise alone is inspired, and Garbett commits to it fully. Not once does the story wink at you too hard or lose its nerve. The plot is tightly constructed, and just when you think you know where things are headed, the story pivots in a direction you genuinely didn't see coming.
What really makes the book sing is the protagonist. Ruth is one of those characters who immediately feels like someone you know sharp, a little chaotic, and absolutely convinced that her terrible plan is the right one. Her internal monologue is razor-sharp, and there were moments where I caught myself reading passages twice just to appreciate the writing. Her inner world has that rare quality of feeling like it could belong to a real person, someone you'd want to be friends with despite everything.
Beyond the humor and the suspense, the book also makes genuine room for friendship, love, and grief. That emotional undercurrent is what elevates it above being just a clever concept. You're laughing, sure, but you also actually care about what happens.
If you're a fan of dark comedies like "How to Kill Your Family" or crime thrillers with a wicked sense of humor, this one belongs on your shelf immediately. It's the kind of book that makes you want to press it into someone else's hands the moment you finish.
February 9, 2026
Life, death and wabi-sabi
I really enjoyed this dark humor serial killer thriller with a side of grief and social commentary. The slow ratcheting up of the tension that accompanies the gradual reveal of information as Ruthie uncovers clues about the killer is delicious and at times ridiculous perfection. I was definitely low key yelling at Ruthie to be careful and not to do something while also rapidly turning the pages with equal parts morbid fascination and horror. Ruth’s life spun out of control two years ago when her husband cheated on her and her best friend was murdered by the TellTale Killer. She’s now living with her ex-husband and his bf and working at her uncle’s funeral home. When she learns the investigation into the TellTale Killer is being shuttled to cold cases since it’s been two years since a murder, Ruth decides to jump start the investigation. Then she makes a series of interesting choices to get attention from the police and news media. Her plan works but also brings her to the attention of the TellTale Killer. The story includes what you’d expect from this genre - dangerous situations, heroes reluctantly rising to the challenge, painful pasts, coincidences, synchronicity, real life issues, laugh out loud moments, and all the plot twists. This is my first book by this author but it will not be my last. I loved the writing style, the dark humor, the depth of characters, and the thought provoking storyline. 4.25 stars.
I really enjoyed this dark humor serial killer thriller with a side of grief and social commentary. The slow ratcheting up of the tension that accompanies the gradual reveal of information as Ruthie uncovers clues about the killer is delicious and at times ridiculous perfection. I was definitely low key yelling at Ruthie to be careful and not to do something while also rapidly turning the pages with equal parts morbid fascination and horror. Ruth’s life spun out of control two years ago when her husband cheated on her and her best friend was murdered by the TellTale Killer. She’s now living with her ex-husband and his bf and working at her uncle’s funeral home. When she learns the investigation into the TellTale Killer is being shuttled to cold cases since it’s been two years since a murder, Ruth decides to jump start the investigation. Then she makes a series of interesting choices to get attention from the police and news media. Her plan works but also brings her to the attention of the TellTale Killer. The story includes what you’d expect from this genre - dangerous situations, heroes reluctantly rising to the challenge, painful pasts, coincidences, synchronicity, real life issues, laugh out loud moments, and all the plot twists. This is my first book by this author but it will not be my last. I loved the writing style, the dark humor, the depth of characters, and the thought provoking storyline. 4.25 stars.
February 19, 2026
Two years ago, Ruth and her lifelong best friend Greta were working at a local newspaper and serial killer was at large. One night, after a celebratory dinner turned sour, Greta is murdered by the TellTale Killer and Ruth’s life implodes as she grapples with the enormous grief of losing her best friend.
Now, after getting divorced and losing her job, she lives in her ex-husband’s home and works at her uncle’s funeral home. Her bedroom wall is plastered in photos, articles and other potential clues about the TellTale killer. The lead detective on the case, Detective Carlotta, calls to let her know the case has officially been ruled a cold case.
Ruth can’t let her best friend’s killer get away with this. So she takes it upon herself to imitate the killer so that the police think he’s back at it.
This book was all kinds of crazy and I hope that no one would act like Ruth does, but I loved the way it wrapped up. There were some interesting “peekaboos” into the past with a few chapters about Ruth or Greta two years ago. I liked that it didn’t constantly go back and forth and only seemed to go back when it was helpful for the plot to move forward.
Recommend this one to those who don’t mind something being unrealistic so long as it’s for the plot and also to those who feel like true crime focuses way too much on glamorizing and celebrating killers instead of commemorating the lives of the victims.
Thank you to Net Galley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Now, after getting divorced and losing her job, she lives in her ex-husband’s home and works at her uncle’s funeral home. Her bedroom wall is plastered in photos, articles and other potential clues about the TellTale killer. The lead detective on the case, Detective Carlotta, calls to let her know the case has officially been ruled a cold case.
Ruth can’t let her best friend’s killer get away with this. So she takes it upon herself to imitate the killer so that the police think he’s back at it.
This book was all kinds of crazy and I hope that no one would act like Ruth does, but I loved the way it wrapped up. There were some interesting “peekaboos” into the past with a few chapters about Ruth or Greta two years ago. I liked that it didn’t constantly go back and forth and only seemed to go back when it was helpful for the plot to move forward.
Recommend this one to those who don’t mind something being unrealistic so long as it’s for the plot and also to those who feel like true crime focuses way too much on glamorizing and celebrating killers instead of commemorating the lives of the victims.
Thank you to Net Galley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2026
Over Her Dead Body by H. J. Garbett is a wildly entertaining, darkly funny, and completely unhinged thriller that I couldn’t put down. It’s one of those rare reads that perfectly balances humor, grief, and suspense in a way that feels fresh and genuinely addictive.
Ruth is such a standout main character—messy, determined, and yes, she makes some absolutely bonkers decisions—but everything she does comes from a place of grief and fierce loyalty to her best friend. I loved following her chaotic journey as she pushes boundaries (and common sense) in her mission to uncover the truth. You can’t always agree with her choices, but you completely understand why she makes them.
The tone is where this book really shines. It’s dark, twisted, and laugh-out-loud funny in the most unexpected ways. The humor leans bold and a little outrageous, which works perfectly against the heavier emotional undercurrent of loss and obsession. It’s that mix that makes the story feel both entertaining and surprisingly impactful.
The characters might not all be traditionally “likable,” but they’re incredibly compelling and so much fun to follow. Everyone adds to the slightly chaotic, offbeat energy of the story, which keeps things constantly engaging.
And the setting? The funeral parlor is such a unique and memorable backdrop—it adds an extra layer of eerie intrigue that makes the whole story feel even more original.
With plenty of twists, a fast-moving plot, and a main character you won’t forget anytime soon, this is a bold, clever, and thoroughly enjoyable thriller. Highly recommend if you love your mysteries a little weird, a little dark, and completely unpredictable.
Ruth is such a standout main character—messy, determined, and yes, she makes some absolutely bonkers decisions—but everything she does comes from a place of grief and fierce loyalty to her best friend. I loved following her chaotic journey as she pushes boundaries (and common sense) in her mission to uncover the truth. You can’t always agree with her choices, but you completely understand why she makes them.
The tone is where this book really shines. It’s dark, twisted, and laugh-out-loud funny in the most unexpected ways. The humor leans bold and a little outrageous, which works perfectly against the heavier emotional undercurrent of loss and obsession. It’s that mix that makes the story feel both entertaining and surprisingly impactful.
The characters might not all be traditionally “likable,” but they’re incredibly compelling and so much fun to follow. Everyone adds to the slightly chaotic, offbeat energy of the story, which keeps things constantly engaging.
And the setting? The funeral parlor is such a unique and memorable backdrop—it adds an extra layer of eerie intrigue that makes the whole story feel even more original.
With plenty of twists, a fast-moving plot, and a main character you won’t forget anytime soon, this is a bold, clever, and thoroughly enjoyable thriller. Highly recommend if you love your mysteries a little weird, a little dark, and completely unpredictable.
March 11, 2026
Holy! This was so funny! A black comedy with a good dose of suspense that keeps you hooked from that get-go!
Thank you, NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
The plot is absolutely bananas, with many twists and turns but it's the characters that carry this story! Ruth is a hilarious protagonist and I adored her resilience and her unwavering love for her best friend that made her think pretending to be a serial killer is a good idea (it really isn't but in this case, it's at least ridiculously funny).
I also loved all of the side characters, Ruth's ex-husband Ben and his boyfriend Bill, funeral director uncle Phil, Ruth's internet friend CerealKillerCornflakes, and her horny tortoise Toast.
I haven't laughed while reading in a long time but this book made me chuckle loudly every page!
I'm so glad I had an opportunity to read it, I'll definitely be adding Garbett's other book onto my TBR.
Thank you, NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
The plot is absolutely bananas, with many twists and turns but it's the characters that carry this story! Ruth is a hilarious protagonist and I adored her resilience and her unwavering love for her best friend that made her think pretending to be a serial killer is a good idea (it really isn't but in this case, it's at least ridiculously funny).
I also loved all of the side characters, Ruth's ex-husband Ben and his boyfriend Bill, funeral director uncle Phil, Ruth's internet friend CerealKillerCornflakes, and her horny tortoise Toast.
I haven't laughed while reading in a long time but this book made me chuckle loudly every page!
I'm so glad I had an opportunity to read it, I'll definitely be adding Garbett's other book onto my TBR.
May 7, 2026
Overall, this was a difficult read for me. The pacing felt really slow, and I honestly struggled to stay interested most of the time. This book even put me in a reading slump because I had such a hard time finishing it. There were several moments when I wanted to DNF the book, but I kept going because I really wanted to know who the serial killer was.
Ruth was also hard for me to like. I couldn’t connect with her at all. The way she acted and thought felt strange, and some of her actions were disturbing and uncomfortable to read.
I was really excited before this book was released because My Wife, the Serial Killer was my best read last year. I didn’t expect that I would have such a hard time finishing this book.
Thank you author H.J. Garbett, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Ruth was also hard for me to like. I couldn’t connect with her at all. The way she acted and thought felt strange, and some of her actions were disturbing and uncomfortable to read.
I was really excited before this book was released because My Wife, the Serial Killer was my best read last year. I didn’t expect that I would have such a hard time finishing this book.
Thank you author H.J. Garbett, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
May 8, 2026
After reading and really enjoying My Wife the Serial Killer, I jumped at the chance of reading H.J.Garbetts new book Over Her Dead Body and I wasn’t disappointed.
The book follows Ruth whose life had been consumed with tracking down the TellTale serial killer (known for leaving victims hearts in boxes to be found by suspecting passers by) who murdered her best friend Greta a few years earlier. As she receives the news that the case has gone cold, she takes it upon herself to revive the case, even if it means stepping into the killers shoes.
I loved that the book was a mixture hilarious, sad and serious with a pet tortoise humping everything in sight, Ruth struggling to manage her grief and the reality of getting involved in a police investigation.
I enjoyed the elements of using a forum to discuss serial killers, the bizarre living situation for Ruth and the undying friendship and loyalty she has to Greta.
I had a few too many late nights reading this as I don’t want to put it down and dropped my kindle on my face several times where I sleepily wanted to read one more chapter. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to more from this author!
The book follows Ruth whose life had been consumed with tracking down the TellTale serial killer (known for leaving victims hearts in boxes to be found by suspecting passers by) who murdered her best friend Greta a few years earlier. As she receives the news that the case has gone cold, she takes it upon herself to revive the case, even if it means stepping into the killers shoes.
I loved that the book was a mixture hilarious, sad and serious with a pet tortoise humping everything in sight, Ruth struggling to manage her grief and the reality of getting involved in a police investigation.
I enjoyed the elements of using a forum to discuss serial killers, the bizarre living situation for Ruth and the undying friendship and loyalty she has to Greta.
I had a few too many late nights reading this as I don’t want to put it down and dropped my kindle on my face several times where I sleepily wanted to read one more chapter. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to more from this author!
January 28, 2026
Thank you netgalley for letting me read this early ☺️
Now this is how you write a book !!
I haven't heard of this author but the summary of the book just sounded incredible. I'm so thankful the publisher allowed me to read it early as this book had everything what iv been searching for in a book.
-The chapters are short
-straight into it no unnecessary writing
-had me hooked from page one ((which is rare for me))
-it had me laughing
-i connected with the characters & i loved Ruth so much
& it also has a hilarious Tortoise named Toast
What more do you need 😂
Think i've found another author who i'm going to be invested in ☺️
Now this is how you write a book !!
I haven't heard of this author but the summary of the book just sounded incredible. I'm so thankful the publisher allowed me to read it early as this book had everything what iv been searching for in a book.
-The chapters are short
-straight into it no unnecessary writing
-had me hooked from page one ((which is rare for me))
-it had me laughing
-i connected with the characters & i loved Ruth so much
& it also has a hilarious Tortoise named Toast
What more do you need 😂
Think i've found another author who i'm going to be invested in ☺️
March 10, 2026
Over Her Dead Body has such a unique premise! Ruth’s obsession with the Tell-Tale Killer after her friend’s death is believable and engaging, and yet her decision to pretend to be them is so out there that it becomes darkly fascinating.
Ruth herself is both hilarious and unsettling, and I especially enjoy her interactions with her ex-husband (and her pet turtle). At times however, the pacing sagged slightly due to extended internalization and atmospheric passages. Additionally, while the twist works well once revealed—particularly in the final interactions—I wished its buildup had been more present throughout the story.
Overall, it was an entertaining journey, and readers who enjoy mystery with a touch of dark humor will likely appreciate it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ruth herself is both hilarious and unsettling, and I especially enjoy her interactions with her ex-husband (and her pet turtle). At times however, the pacing sagged slightly due to extended internalization and atmospheric passages. Additionally, while the twist works well once revealed—particularly in the final interactions—I wished its buildup had been more present throughout the story.
Overall, it was an entertaining journey, and readers who enjoy mystery with a touch of dark humor will likely appreciate it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This one surprised me in the best way. The storyline felt fresh and genuinely different—dark, twisty, and just the right amount of unhinged. I loved following a best friend so determined to hunt down her friend’s killer that she starts replicating the serial killer’s “work” to lure him out… all without actually harming anyone. The funeral parlour setting added such a unique, eerie layer, and the moral tension kept me hooked.
It’s clever, bold, and full of momentum. A thriller that plays with grief, loyalty, and obsession in a way that feels new. I really enjoyed this one and devoured it quickly.
A solid four stars from me & I’d definitely recommend!
This one surprised me in the best way. The storyline felt fresh and genuinely different—dark, twisty, and just the right amount of unhinged. I loved following a best friend so determined to hunt down her friend’s killer that she starts replicating the serial killer’s “work” to lure him out… all without actually harming anyone. The funeral parlour setting added such a unique, eerie layer, and the moral tension kept me hooked.
It’s clever, bold, and full of momentum. A thriller that plays with grief, loyalty, and obsession in a way that feels new. I really enjoyed this one and devoured it quickly.
A solid four stars from me & I’d definitely recommend!
March 10, 2026
This is my second book by H.J. Garbett and, once again, he has impressed me. I really enjoyed My Wife, the Serial Killer, and this second book was just as gripping. As with his first, the writing is witty, dark, and slightly comical- a perfect balance for this genre.
I’m not sure what others think about Ruth, but I really like her. I don’t know if that makes me a dark empath, but I was genuinely rooting for her throughout the story! Garbett has a real talent for making you care about complicated characters.
I can’t wait for the next book!
I’m not sure what others think about Ruth, but I really like her. I don’t know if that makes me a dark empath, but I was genuinely rooting for her throughout the story! Garbett has a real talent for making you care about complicated characters.
I can’t wait for the next book!
March 12, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me a copy of this book.
I thought the concept of the book was interesting, and I was very curious throughout the whole story. However, I felt like there were a lot of unnecessary details, and I just couldn’t stand the main character. I think her kind of humor just wasn’t for me.
I thought the concept of the book was interesting, and I was very curious throughout the whole story. However, I felt like there were a lot of unnecessary details, and I just couldn’t stand the main character. I think her kind of humor just wasn’t for me.
January 11, 2026
How can I write a review for my little brother making his mark on the world again with his excellent writing? (Excuse my grammatical mistakes James!)
Pacey, disturbing, emotional and entertaining! To all my dear friends, please buy, support and review this second book of James’!
Pacey, disturbing, emotional and entertaining! To all my dear friends, please buy, support and review this second book of James’!
March 11, 2026
Thank you to Storm Publishing via Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book surprised me. It had me feeling lots of emotions all at once and I wasn’t expecting that from a thriller. I loved it. I will definitely be reading this authors other book. I loved the characters and their relationships. The twists were good and well written. I really enjoyed this book.
This book surprised me. It had me feeling lots of emotions all at once and I wasn’t expecting that from a thriller. I loved it. I will definitely be reading this authors other book. I loved the characters and their relationships. The twists were good and well written. I really enjoyed this book.
April 3, 2026
2.5/5
I felt like this was too long for its content. I also wanted the reveal to be a little more guessable.
I felt like this was too long for its content. I also wanted the reveal to be a little more guessable.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This author's books are not for me. Not sure why we needed to know so much about the main characters burping habits. Things took forever to get going. The main character was unlikeable and not in a good way. At the end it seemed like she randomly just stopped going to work, and it wasn't explained until the funeral home closed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ruth Watkins looked at a serial killer who ripped hearts out and said, you know what, I could fake that. That’s the energy we’re working with in Over Her Dead Body and I have never been more concerned and entertained at the same time.
Two years ago, Ruth was an ambitious journalist chasing the TellTale Killer, a man who carved hearts out of his victims and left them in boxes around London like he was running the most unhinged Etsy shop imaginable. Then her best friend Greta became victim number eight. The bodies were never found. The case went cold. The police moved on. And Ruth… absolutely did not.
Instead, she torpedoed her own life in slow motion. Her marriage imploded after her husband Ben cheated on her. She lost her journalism career. Now she’s working at her uncle’s funeral home, which turns out to be the worst possible place to put a woman who is spiraling and obsessed with justice. Because when she finds out the TellTale case is officially being shelved, she decides the solution is obvious. She will restart it herself. By staging new “kills.” With actual human hearts. That she has access to. Because funeral home.
I need you to understand how unhinged and yet weirdly sympathetic this is.
Ruth is reckless. She is impulsive. She makes choices that had me clutching my imaginary pearls and whisper screaming at the page. But she’s also so deeply wrecked by grief that you can see how she got here. She loved Greta. She feels guilty about their last conversation. She cannot live in a world where Greta’s death is just paperwork shoved in a drawer labeled cold case. So she does the most chaotic, morally gray thing possible and convinces herself it’s noble.
And the book knows it’s absurd. That’s the magic trick. The humor is pitch black. We’re talking body horror, gallows jokes, and commentary about media obsession with serial killers that hits a little too close to home if you’ve ever binged a true crime doc at 2 a.m. Ruth herself is obsessed with killers, researching real-life monsters like she’s studying for finals. It’s both fascinating and uncomfortable, which I think is the point. We love consuming these stories. What does that say about us?
Then there’s her living situation, which is almost more chaotic than the corpse management. She’s living with her ex-husband Ben and his new boyfriend Bill. And somehow, they’re… weirdly functional? Their dynamic is messy and tender and surprisingly sweet. Ben still cares about her. Bill is not the villain you expect. It adds this soft underbelly to the story, reminding you that Ruth isn’t some comic book antihero. She’s a woman who blew up her life and is trying to duct tape it back together with spite and formaldehyde.
Detective Cecilia Carlota, Cis, hovering in the background with the weight of the unsolved TellTale case on her shoulders, adds this quiet tension. You can feel the clock ticking. Because here’s the thing. When you start pretending to be a serial killer, the actual serial killer might notice. And he does. The shift from “this is darkly funny” to “oh no, this is actually dangerous” is deliciously stressful.
Did the pacing wobble a bit in the middle? Yes. There are moments where you can see the chaos building from a mile away and you’re just waiting for it to explode. But when it does, it lands. The final act has teeth. And the confrontation with the killer is not what you expect, which I appreciated. It’s less theatrical villain monologue and more unsettling realism.
Ruth is not universally lovable. She’s selfish at times. She’s insensitive. She barrels through other people’s feelings like they’re speed bumps. But I weirdly respect that the book doesn’t sand down her edges. Grief is ugly. Obsession is uglier. And sometimes the person trying to do the “right” thing is the messiest one in the room.
This is one of those thrillers where you laugh and then immediately feel bad about laughing. It’s sharp, a little chaotic, occasionally gross, and surprisingly heartfelt. Not perfect, but bold and memorable.
I’m landing at a solid 3.5 stars. Unhinged girl detective energy, creative corpse management, and a tortoise named Toast. I can’t be mad at that.
Whodunity Award: For Weaponizing Funeral Home Inventory in the Pettiest, Most Emotionally Devastated Way Possible
And a huge thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC, for trusting us with this deliciously deranged spiral into grief, guts, and girlbossing a serial killer investigation in the worst possible way. Truly a gift.
Two years ago, Ruth was an ambitious journalist chasing the TellTale Killer, a man who carved hearts out of his victims and left them in boxes around London like he was running the most unhinged Etsy shop imaginable. Then her best friend Greta became victim number eight. The bodies were never found. The case went cold. The police moved on. And Ruth… absolutely did not.
Instead, she torpedoed her own life in slow motion. Her marriage imploded after her husband Ben cheated on her. She lost her journalism career. Now she’s working at her uncle’s funeral home, which turns out to be the worst possible place to put a woman who is spiraling and obsessed with justice. Because when she finds out the TellTale case is officially being shelved, she decides the solution is obvious. She will restart it herself. By staging new “kills.” With actual human hearts. That she has access to. Because funeral home.
I need you to understand how unhinged and yet weirdly sympathetic this is.
Ruth is reckless. She is impulsive. She makes choices that had me clutching my imaginary pearls and whisper screaming at the page. But she’s also so deeply wrecked by grief that you can see how she got here. She loved Greta. She feels guilty about their last conversation. She cannot live in a world where Greta’s death is just paperwork shoved in a drawer labeled cold case. So she does the most chaotic, morally gray thing possible and convinces herself it’s noble.
And the book knows it’s absurd. That’s the magic trick. The humor is pitch black. We’re talking body horror, gallows jokes, and commentary about media obsession with serial killers that hits a little too close to home if you’ve ever binged a true crime doc at 2 a.m. Ruth herself is obsessed with killers, researching real-life monsters like she’s studying for finals. It’s both fascinating and uncomfortable, which I think is the point. We love consuming these stories. What does that say about us?
Then there’s her living situation, which is almost more chaotic than the corpse management. She’s living with her ex-husband Ben and his new boyfriend Bill. And somehow, they’re… weirdly functional? Their dynamic is messy and tender and surprisingly sweet. Ben still cares about her. Bill is not the villain you expect. It adds this soft underbelly to the story, reminding you that Ruth isn’t some comic book antihero. She’s a woman who blew up her life and is trying to duct tape it back together with spite and formaldehyde.
Detective Cecilia Carlota, Cis, hovering in the background with the weight of the unsolved TellTale case on her shoulders, adds this quiet tension. You can feel the clock ticking. Because here’s the thing. When you start pretending to be a serial killer, the actual serial killer might notice. And he does. The shift from “this is darkly funny” to “oh no, this is actually dangerous” is deliciously stressful.
Did the pacing wobble a bit in the middle? Yes. There are moments where you can see the chaos building from a mile away and you’re just waiting for it to explode. But when it does, it lands. The final act has teeth. And the confrontation with the killer is not what you expect, which I appreciated. It’s less theatrical villain monologue and more unsettling realism.
Ruth is not universally lovable. She’s selfish at times. She’s insensitive. She barrels through other people’s feelings like they’re speed bumps. But I weirdly respect that the book doesn’t sand down her edges. Grief is ugly. Obsession is uglier. And sometimes the person trying to do the “right” thing is the messiest one in the room.
This is one of those thrillers where you laugh and then immediately feel bad about laughing. It’s sharp, a little chaotic, occasionally gross, and surprisingly heartfelt. Not perfect, but bold and memorable.
I’m landing at a solid 3.5 stars. Unhinged girl detective energy, creative corpse management, and a tortoise named Toast. I can’t be mad at that.
Whodunity Award: For Weaponizing Funeral Home Inventory in the Pettiest, Most Emotionally Devastated Way Possible
And a huge thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC, for trusting us with this deliciously deranged spiral into grief, guts, and girlbossing a serial killer investigation in the worst possible way. Truly a gift.
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