What do you think?
Rate this book
A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage
A whip-smart and darkly funny crime novel--perfect for fans of My Sister, the Serial Killer and The Maid--that follows a wife and mother with a deadly secret that she must suppress if she wants to maintain her picture-perfect façade.
Meet Lalla Rook. Lalla has a lot on her plate: She needs to guarantee her husband makes partner, secure her dream house in Hampstead, and get her daughter into a prestigious prep school. And on the afternoon she stabs a stranger seven times after he breaks into her living room, she has a four-year-old's birthday party to host.
With an unambitious partner, two demanding children, and a barely adequate large house in a nice (if not quite fashionable) part of town, Lalla's life isn't quite perfect yet. And she can't pretend she hasn't missed the adrenaline rush that comes with transgressing. Besides, as a wife and mother, she's already an expert multi-tasker. So, disposing of a body, framing a friend, and being the world's best mother can easily be managed alongside the usual domestic minutiae.
It's just that her husband Stephen seems distracted, her daughter's drowning of the class hamster is affecting her academic future, and then there is the unexpected intruder. Who is this man and what does he want from her? Because Lalla has a past she'd rather keep hidden--and the sudden appearance of the police means that avoiding them will be yet another task to cross off her to-do list.
Funny, calculating, hypercompetent, and ambitious, Lalla is your next favorite antiheroine. Just don't mention it to her mother-in-law.
Meet Lalla Rook. Lalla has a lot on her plate: She needs to guarantee her husband makes partner, secure her dream house in Hampstead, and get her daughter into a prestigious prep school. And on the afternoon she stabs a stranger seven times after he breaks into her living room, she has a four-year-old's birthday party to host.
With an unambitious partner, two demanding children, and a barely adequate large house in a nice (if not quite fashionable) part of town, Lalla's life isn't quite perfect yet. And she can't pretend she hasn't missed the adrenaline rush that comes with transgressing. Besides, as a wife and mother, she's already an expert multi-tasker. So, disposing of a body, framing a friend, and being the world's best mother can easily be managed alongside the usual domestic minutiae.
It's just that her husband Stephen seems distracted, her daughter's drowning of the class hamster is affecting her academic future, and then there is the unexpected intruder. Who is this man and what does he want from her? Because Lalla has a past she'd rather keep hidden--and the sudden appearance of the police means that avoiding them will be yet another task to cross off her to-do list.
Funny, calculating, hypercompetent, and ambitious, Lalla is your next favorite antiheroine. Just don't mention it to her mother-in-law.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published December 30, 2025
395 people are currently reading
21189 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Oliver
1 book96 followersAuthor of dark comedy thriller 'A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage'
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 648 reviews
October 28, 2025
Lalla is very good at multitasking which is just as well as there’s a dead body of a stranger in her lounge who she has stabbed about seven times and the imminent arrival of guests for four year-old Nathan‘s birthday party. The thing is, she hasn’t transgressed for a long time but it’s no use pretending that she’s not missed this. After all, life with her unambitious husband Stephen plus all the demands of motherhood, alongside the desire to be more upwardly mobile particularly in exchanging Muswell Hill for Hampstead, means she rather enjoys the rush. However, as you’ve probably gathered Lalla has got quite a past but perhaps more pressingly who is the dead man in her living room and what did he want? At all costs, Lalla must keep all this secret because she wouldn’t want the police to learn of her transgression now would she?
As Lalla wickedly lurchers from one “catastrophe“ to the next, “undoing“ one mess/crisis after another, she gives a whole new spin on wickedly manipulative. One thing is for sure, she’s quite unforgettable as she uses all of her ingenuity and any other means necessary to get what she wants. I admit her dark deeds make me chuckle from time to time. I know, awful.
The novel is well written, it’s twisty and fast paced partly due to the short chapters and particularly deliciously you never know what’s going to happen next. It’s extremely entertaining and when you start the book, Lalla has you in a vice like grip! You get a bit of everything here and so it’s a never a dull moment read. I like the ending, it’s as unpredictable as what precedes it.
This is a fun, wild ride in a sociopaths company.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins/Harper Fiction/Hemlock Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
As Lalla wickedly lurchers from one “catastrophe“ to the next, “undoing“ one mess/crisis after another, she gives a whole new spin on wickedly manipulative. One thing is for sure, she’s quite unforgettable as she uses all of her ingenuity and any other means necessary to get what she wants. I admit her dark deeds make me chuckle from time to time. I know, awful.
The novel is well written, it’s twisty and fast paced partly due to the short chapters and particularly deliciously you never know what’s going to happen next. It’s extremely entertaining and when you start the book, Lalla has you in a vice like grip! You get a bit of everything here and so it’s a never a dull moment read. I like the ending, it’s as unpredictable as what precedes it.
This is a fun, wild ride in a sociopaths company.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins/Harper Fiction/Hemlock Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
August 30, 2025
I really was pleasantly surprised by this one. These types of books are right up my alley, but they are usually very hit-or-miss. I’m happy to report that ‘A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage’ hit the target just right!
This book was twisty and kept me on the edge of my seat. Lalla was such a fun character to get to know and read about. Despite my reservations about reading a female character written by a man, M.K. Oliver did a great job.
4.25
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this eArc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
This book was twisty and kept me on the edge of my seat. Lalla was such a fun character to get to know and read about. Despite my reservations about reading a female character written by a man, M.K. Oliver did a great job.
4.25
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this eArc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Lalla Rook is a women your don’t want to mess with. I am not going to forget her in a hurry. She is intelligent, manipulative, determined and obsessive, she won’t let anybody or anything get in her way.
I rally enjoyed reading A Sociopaths Guide to Marriage. With short chapters, dark humour and laugh out loud moments it really was a pleasure. Scarily it was also quite relatable at times 😅 not the killing and burying bodies of course….
Lalla is wife and a mother with a plan. She has plans and goals and gets rather upset when things don’t go right for her. She needs her husband to get partnership so she can have her dream house in Hampstead. She wants her kids to go to the elite school. Nothing less will do. Now she is preparing for her son’s birthday party a d annoyingly she finds herself either a body to clean up before the guests arrive. This wasn’t part of her plan, but it is the start of a hilarious sequence of events that just spiral out of control.
You need to get this book in February and get comfortable getting to know Lalla. Guaranteed to make you laugh, even where it seems inappropriate to do so!
Thanks so much to Book Buzz, Harper Collins Australia for my early copy of this fun book to read. Out on 17th February, 2026.
I rally enjoyed reading A Sociopaths Guide to Marriage. With short chapters, dark humour and laugh out loud moments it really was a pleasure. Scarily it was also quite relatable at times 😅 not the killing and burying bodies of course….
Lalla is wife and a mother with a plan. She has plans and goals and gets rather upset when things don’t go right for her. She needs her husband to get partnership so she can have her dream house in Hampstead. She wants her kids to go to the elite school. Nothing less will do. Now she is preparing for her son’s birthday party a d annoyingly she finds herself either a body to clean up before the guests arrive. This wasn’t part of her plan, but it is the start of a hilarious sequence of events that just spiral out of control.
You need to get this book in February and get comfortable getting to know Lalla. Guaranteed to make you laugh, even where it seems inappropriate to do so!
Thanks so much to Book Buzz, Harper Collins Australia for my early copy of this fun book to read. Out on 17th February, 2026.
September 11, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up!
This was such an incredibly fun read! A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage is a satirical crime thriller with a one of a kind main character.
Lalla is a refreshing heroine (or rather anti-heroine) with such a unique, unapologetic voice. I honestly couldn’t get enough of her. She’s chaotic, ambitious, and utterly nonchalant about her goals, and it made for such an entertaining perspective. Her to-do lists sprinkled throughout had me actually laughing, and the sharp humour kept the book feeling light even as the stakes rose.
The short chapters made me fly through the book, and I loved how much detail went into building both Lalla's social world and her schemes. Fans of How to Kill Your Family should definitely pick this one up, as it's jusr as witty, satirical, and dark in all the right ways.
If I had one wish, it would be to see more of Lalla’s background and what shaped her into the person she is, but honestly, her chaotic energy carried me straight through. The ending landed perfectly and left me fully satisfied, which I admit is rare in books like this.
For a debut, this was SO well done. Twisty, sharp, and wildly entertaining, and I’ll definitely be watching for whatever this author writes next!
Thank you so much for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was such an incredibly fun read! A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage is a satirical crime thriller with a one of a kind main character.
Lalla is a refreshing heroine (or rather anti-heroine) with such a unique, unapologetic voice. I honestly couldn’t get enough of her. She’s chaotic, ambitious, and utterly nonchalant about her goals, and it made for such an entertaining perspective. Her to-do lists sprinkled throughout had me actually laughing, and the sharp humour kept the book feeling light even as the stakes rose.
The short chapters made me fly through the book, and I loved how much detail went into building both Lalla's social world and her schemes. Fans of How to Kill Your Family should definitely pick this one up, as it's jusr as witty, satirical, and dark in all the right ways.
If I had one wish, it would be to see more of Lalla’s background and what shaped her into the person she is, but honestly, her chaotic energy carried me straight through. The ending landed perfectly and left me fully satisfied, which I admit is rare in books like this.
For a debut, this was SO well done. Twisty, sharp, and wildly entertaining, and I’ll definitely be watching for whatever this author writes next!
Thank you so much for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2026
3.75 stars
Committed to the bit. A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage leans into its wildly unsympathetic protagonist as she navigates the chaos of her life—marriage, children, and murder—some of it inflicted on her, much of it entirely self-made. The author protrays the protagonist Lalla Rook like a female Terminator: relentlessly goal-oriented, with a moral compass so eroded that her deadpan reactions to unethical behaviour become the novel’s primary source of humour. (I genuinely laughed out loud a few times!)
As someone who usually gravitates toward stories with characters I can connect with, Lalla’s hyper-pragmatic mindset felt overly distant. Even knowing this is the novel’s entire conceit, I still wish the author had found a way to infuse even the slightest hint of humanity. That lack of emotional anchor sometimes made the book feel longer than it actually is, despite its undeniably fast-paced, incident-packed plot (I have a similar feeling towards My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing).
A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage has all the ingredients of a dark comedy mystery thriller, and for the right reader, it’s probably a perfect match. While I enjoyed much of its narrative (and I’m very curious to see how the adaptation turns out!), I do find myself wishing for just a touch more heart and warmth amid all the mayhem.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
Committed to the bit. A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage leans into its wildly unsympathetic protagonist as she navigates the chaos of her life—marriage, children, and murder—some of it inflicted on her, much of it entirely self-made. The author protrays the protagonist Lalla Rook like a female Terminator: relentlessly goal-oriented, with a moral compass so eroded that her deadpan reactions to unethical behaviour become the novel’s primary source of humour. (I genuinely laughed out loud a few times!)
As someone who usually gravitates toward stories with characters I can connect with, Lalla’s hyper-pragmatic mindset felt overly distant. Even knowing this is the novel’s entire conceit, I still wish the author had found a way to infuse even the slightest hint of humanity. That lack of emotional anchor sometimes made the book feel longer than it actually is, despite its undeniably fast-paced, incident-packed plot (I have a similar feeling towards My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing).
A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage has all the ingredients of a dark comedy mystery thriller, and for the right reader, it’s probably a perfect match. While I enjoyed much of its narrative (and I’m very curious to see how the adaptation turns out!), I do find myself wishing for just a touch more heart and warmth amid all the mayhem.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
August 23, 2025
So good! Lalla is an intriguing character. She will do anything to get ahead. I honestly could have kept reading about her. Short chapters that made for a fast read. The story flowed well and kept with an interesting story. I laughed, shook my head, and loved every moment.
February 28, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I love an unhinged anti hero! Lalla has a lot on her plate, a to do list to complete, and will do whatever it takes to get the life she wants for her family. Not even a dead body in her living room will stand in her way. This book was laugh out loud funny and I won’t soon forget it.
I love an unhinged anti hero! Lalla has a lot on her plate, a to do list to complete, and will do whatever it takes to get the life she wants for her family. Not even a dead body in her living room will stand in her way. This book was laugh out loud funny and I won’t soon forget it.
January 30, 2026
dnfing at 10%, there was something so nonconsensual that I'm really hoping didn't make it into the finished copy but if it did, best believe I will be making a video on this because wtf did I just read
August 31, 2025
This book was absolutely fine. It told a good story and the rather complicated schemes of the main character all held together. It was really missing the wit and soul the description promised.
To start, I didn’t think it was funny but I felt like it REALLY wanted me to think it was funny and clever. However it came off like it was trying too hard
There was also no soul to the book. I think this was down to a male author putting on a female narrative voice. It just didn’t read like a real woman to me and it took me out of the story. This was fine when the plot was moving but the plot often moved slow. The first section was a slog.
To start, I didn’t think it was funny but I felt like it REALLY wanted me to think it was funny and clever. However it came off like it was trying too hard
There was also no soul to the book. I think this was down to a male author putting on a female narrative voice. It just didn’t read like a real woman to me and it took me out of the story. This was fine when the plot was moving but the plot often moved slow. The first section was a slog.
February 3, 2026
’One violent man can do a lot of damage, but one strong woman can do a great deal more’
A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage is a hilariously witty and utterly engaging satirical thriller novel that follows sociopath Lalla Rook as she aims to make her life completely flawless. In pursuit of perfection, she must deal with a depressed husband, a slightly manic daughter, an overbearing mother-in-law, a desperation to move to Hampstead, and a body in the living-room.
More than anything, this book is so much fun. Is it absolutely unrealistic in every sense of the word? Yes! Does Lalla get away with things no one ever reasonably would? Of course! But did I care in the slightest? No, because I was enjoying myself far too much.
Lalla’s incredibly complicated life requires her to manage the people in it down to the smallest detail, and I was in awe of how she managed to manipulate, blackmail and murder her way to success. I found her to be such a compelling ‘protagonist’, and I loved how intelligent and creative she was when it came to her scheming. Her relationships with her husband Stephen and friends, particularly Cait and Tor, made me genuinely laugh out loud at times. M. K. Oliver took the eccentricities and ridiculousness of England’s upper-most classes and turned it into the perfect playground of debauchery and crime, and it made for an incredibly compelling setting.
Overall, A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage gets 4/5 stars. The perfect book to escape into for anyone looking to read about a woman taking her life, and other people’s, into her own hands.
thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! <3
A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage is a hilariously witty and utterly engaging satirical thriller novel that follows sociopath Lalla Rook as she aims to make her life completely flawless. In pursuit of perfection, she must deal with a depressed husband, a slightly manic daughter, an overbearing mother-in-law, a desperation to move to Hampstead, and a body in the living-room.
More than anything, this book is so much fun. Is it absolutely unrealistic in every sense of the word? Yes! Does Lalla get away with things no one ever reasonably would? Of course! But did I care in the slightest? No, because I was enjoying myself far too much.
Lalla’s incredibly complicated life requires her to manage the people in it down to the smallest detail, and I was in awe of how she managed to manipulate, blackmail and murder her way to success. I found her to be such a compelling ‘protagonist’, and I loved how intelligent and creative she was when it came to her scheming. Her relationships with her husband Stephen and friends, particularly Cait and Tor, made me genuinely laugh out loud at times. M. K. Oliver took the eccentricities and ridiculousness of England’s upper-most classes and turned it into the perfect playground of debauchery and crime, and it made for an incredibly compelling setting.
Overall, A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage gets 4/5 stars. The perfect book to escape into for anyone looking to read about a woman taking her life, and other people’s, into her own hands.
thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! <3
January 19, 2026
This book is insane in the best way. I was hooked! The main character is truly captivating. It’s one of those books I think people will either love or hate, but I personally had a great time reading it. Truly entertaining and epically cringey.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
September 29, 2025
This is really cute.
It's got all sorts of murder, betrayal, cheating, stalking and it's just a delightful feel good novel.
I honestly thought that I was going to get a little tired of Lalla (she's a LOT), but I ended up adoring her. I mean, in real life I would also stay far away from her, but I loved her.
And I LOVED her friend who has some...prison ambitions.
The book is funny, fast paced, and I enjoyed trying to figure out how Lalla was going to get out of these situations.
This was a wonderful little joy of a novel and it made me happy.
* ARC via Publisher
It's got all sorts of murder, betrayal, cheating, stalking and it's just a delightful feel good novel.
I honestly thought that I was going to get a little tired of Lalla (she's a LOT), but I ended up adoring her. I mean, in real life I would also stay far away from her, but I loved her.
And I LOVED her friend who has some...prison ambitions.
The book is funny, fast paced, and I enjoyed trying to figure out how Lalla was going to get out of these situations.
This was a wonderful little joy of a novel and it made me happy.
* ARC via Publisher
coming-soon
February 9, 2026Thank you to Atria books for the advanced copy of this book.
October 31, 2025
This review might be a bit all over the place but here are my thoughts about this book.
The cover, title, and description intrigued me so I decided to read this. Unfortunately I ended up not liking it. I was interested for a little bit at the beginning but eventually got bored of the book. The writing fell kind of flat and I didn't really like the way the premise was executed.
I'm autistic and there were a few times autism was talked about and the way it was portrayed kind of gave me the ick. Also I'm having trouble putting this into words but something about the way a disabled character who was a wheelchair user was portrayed did not sit with me right.
On another topic, I started to really dislike the main character. It seemed like she never grew as a character and I absolutely hated how she never had any consequences for all her horrible actions. That was probably the thing I disliked the most about this book: the zero growth and zero consequences. To be honest the only thing I liked about the book was how short the chapters were.
Anyways sorry that this review was quite rambly and thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
The cover, title, and description intrigued me so I decided to read this. Unfortunately I ended up not liking it. I was interested for a little bit at the beginning but eventually got bored of the book. The writing fell kind of flat and I didn't really like the way the premise was executed.
I'm autistic and there were a few times autism was talked about and the way it was portrayed kind of gave me the ick. Also I'm having trouble putting this into words but something about the way a disabled character who was a wheelchair user was portrayed did not sit with me right.
On another topic, I started to really dislike the main character. It seemed like she never grew as a character and I absolutely hated how she never had any consequences for all her horrible actions. That was probably the thing I disliked the most about this book: the zero growth and zero consequences. To be honest the only thing I liked about the book was how short the chapters were.
Anyways sorry that this review was quite rambly and thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2026
What a debut!
Lalla Rook is a woman with a mission. She sets her sights on a goal and never wavers. Never! If you are caught in her crosshairs, we'll that's your fault!
This is a dark comedy and I found myself laughing at things and situations that I would have found improbable.
She reminded me a bit of one of my favorite protagonists, Finlay Donovan, if Finlay Donovan had a dark manipulative side.
This is a fun and unique story, that is unmatched in its creativity.
What a true delight to find out this will be brought to screen! I'll be waiting!
Lalla Rook is a woman with a mission. She sets her sights on a goal and never wavers. Never! If you are caught in her crosshairs, we'll that's your fault!
This is a dark comedy and I found myself laughing at things and situations that I would have found improbable.
She reminded me a bit of one of my favorite protagonists, Finlay Donovan, if Finlay Donovan had a dark manipulative side.
This is a fun and unique story, that is unmatched in its creativity.
What a true delight to find out this will be brought to screen! I'll be waiting!
Read
March 3, 2026Dark humour. Clever. Highly entertaining.
August 30, 2025
The protagonist Lalla Rook is an extremely competent wife, mother, friend, social climber, and murderer. I loved both her inner monologue and dialogue. This thriller is filled with dark humor. I love books like this with an unserious vibe.
It could a bit stressful at times as Lalla seemed so hellbent on her goals when letting some things go seemed more sensible. Also, I wish we had learned more about her childhood.
The short chapters kept the book fast-paced. It was very entertaining. Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC.
It could a bit stressful at times as Lalla seemed so hellbent on her goals when letting some things go seemed more sensible. Also, I wish we had learned more about her childhood.
The short chapters kept the book fast-paced. It was very entertaining. Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC.
January 31, 2026
2.5 stars
ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
Unfortunately this became quite boring when I realised I actually didn't want her to have a successful marriage...
Lalla Rook is an interesting main character. As the title suggests, Lalla doesn't experience emotions the way others do. She knows exactly what she wants and is ruthless in her quest to achieve her ambitions. When armed with her to-do lists, there's nothing she can't do: get away with murder, boost her husband's career, secure her dream house and get her kid accepted into a prestigious school. She already has a lot on her plate, but when it seems like her messy past might be catching up with her, things seem to get even messier.
This sounds like an intriguing premise, and the short chapters and writing style did make for a faster paced reading experience, but it got tiring. As I stated previously, I wasn't entirely rooting for Lalla's success - I would have been the first in line to throw her divorce party. I think a character like Lalla could accomplish some truly remarkable things...but instead her arc focuses primarily on staying married to a mediocre man. I know, I know, I did read the title, and I realise that Lalla's desire to keep Stephen in her life is more than because she is actually attached to him (money talks and all that), but I wish that Stephen weren't such a boring character; then again, most of them were.
I really do believe Lalla carried the book...but her back wasn't strong enough and she often faltered under its weight. I enjoyed parts of her backstory and I do like that she really does love or at least care for her kids in her own way. With an amoral character like Lalla, I was fully aware that she was going to do the wrong thing sometimes, but there were still some actions of hers that did not sit right with me. She also made some decisions that were just so absurd. I think I headcanoned her as being smarter than she actually was, and I don't know how she got away with at least half of the things she did. I actively did start to prey on her downfall a little because of it.
There's also a huge question that I have that has just been left seemingly unanswered, and it really bothers me. I will specify exactly what it is once the book is out. I could have just missed it, but I don't think so...
Overall, this was an easy book to read, but not really an easy book to like.
ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
Unfortunately this became quite boring when I realised I actually didn't want her to have a successful marriage...
Lalla Rook is an interesting main character. As the title suggests, Lalla doesn't experience emotions the way others do. She knows exactly what she wants and is ruthless in her quest to achieve her ambitions. When armed with her to-do lists, there's nothing she can't do: get away with murder, boost her husband's career, secure her dream house and get her kid accepted into a prestigious school. She already has a lot on her plate, but when it seems like her messy past might be catching up with her, things seem to get even messier.
This sounds like an intriguing premise, and the short chapters and writing style did make for a faster paced reading experience, but it got tiring. As I stated previously, I wasn't entirely rooting for Lalla's success - I would have been the first in line to throw her divorce party. I think a character like Lalla could accomplish some truly remarkable things...but instead her arc focuses primarily on staying married to a mediocre man. I know, I know, I did read the title, and I realise that Lalla's desire to keep Stephen in her life is more than because she is actually attached to him (money talks and all that), but I wish that Stephen weren't such a boring character; then again, most of them were.
I really do believe Lalla carried the book...but her back wasn't strong enough and she often faltered under its weight. I enjoyed parts of her backstory and I do like that she really does love or at least care for her kids in her own way. With an amoral character like Lalla, I was fully aware that she was going to do the wrong thing sometimes, but there were still some actions of hers that did not sit right with me. She also made some decisions that were just so absurd. I think I headcanoned her as being smarter than she actually was, and I don't know how she got away with at least half of the things she did. I actively did start to prey on her downfall a little because of it.
There's also a huge question that I have that has just been left seemingly unanswered, and it really bothers me. I will specify exactly what it is once the book is out. I could have just missed it, but I don't think so...
Overall, this was an easy book to read, but not really an easy book to like.
January 12, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced reader copy of A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage by MK Oliver in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage is a novel that does not take itself too seriously. It follows a sociopath named Lalla, a wife and mother of 2 in London, who will go to any length to secure her idea of a happily ever after. Thankfully I wasn’t able to identify with Lalla or any of her sociopathic decisions/methods to achieve her goals. I did have to remind myself to simply have fun with the plot as Lalla gets herself into increasingly ridiculous situations of her own making. If you enjoy an unhinged antihero and an over the top plot with a gradually increasing body count, I’d recommend checking this new farcical novel out. The author mentions in the acknowledgments that the novel has been optioned by Hulu and I think it will make a fantastic limited series. 3/5⭐️
A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage is a novel that does not take itself too seriously. It follows a sociopath named Lalla, a wife and mother of 2 in London, who will go to any length to secure her idea of a happily ever after. Thankfully I wasn’t able to identify with Lalla or any of her sociopathic decisions/methods to achieve her goals. I did have to remind myself to simply have fun with the plot as Lalla gets herself into increasingly ridiculous situations of her own making. If you enjoy an unhinged antihero and an over the top plot with a gradually increasing body count, I’d recommend checking this new farcical novel out. The author mentions in the acknowledgments that the novel has been optioned by Hulu and I think it will make a fantastic limited series. 3/5⭐️
October 2, 2025
Talk about a character arc! By the end of this book I was grinning ear to ear. This was light, fun, and exactly what I needed.
Lalla is a housewife determined to get everything she wants in life no matter who or what gets in her way. You are going to love her checklists, question her and her children’s sanity but fall in love with them at the same time.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Lalla is a housewife determined to get everything she wants in life no matter who or what gets in her way. You are going to love her checklists, question her and her children’s sanity but fall in love with them at the same time.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
October 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a fun read! Lalla Rook is officially the most interesting character I've had the pleasure of reading. She is brutally honest and will stop at nothing (including murder) to get her way, but I found myself rooting for her most of the book. This book has murder, blackmail, wealthy families and dark humor. A great debut novel! The ending also left me satisfied and I will definitely read more from this author. 4⭐️
What a fun read! Lalla Rook is officially the most interesting character I've had the pleasure of reading. She is brutally honest and will stop at nothing (including murder) to get her way, but I found myself rooting for her most of the book. This book has murder, blackmail, wealthy families and dark humor. A great debut novel! The ending also left me satisfied and I will definitely read more from this author. 4⭐️
October 7, 2025
Wow this book! It was hilarious - full of dark humor that I enjoyed immensely. Lalla had all the normal signs of a sociopath and while I obviously didn't approve of her actions, I somehow still found her likable. She set goals and went after them... no matter the cost. I loved her backstory which came out of no where but added a lot to the story. I did think this book was a tad longer than it needed to be, but I had so much fun with it I didn't mind. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a hilarious (if slightly disturbing) read!
August 26, 2025
I want to thank NetGally and Atria Books for an advance copy of A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage in exchange for an honest review.
Now for the honesty. This book was a DNF for me. I just couldn't get hooked to it and it didn't draw me in. Every time I went to pick it up and read it, I hated that I had to do it. The characters are super annoying to me, and I just didn't want to know any more about them or the story line.
Now for the honesty. This book was a DNF for me. I just couldn't get hooked to it and it didn't draw me in. Every time I went to pick it up and read it, I hated that I had to do it. The characters are super annoying to me, and I just didn't want to know any more about them or the story line.
February 17, 2026
4.5/5 stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Right at the start, this quote caught my attention. It really is the perfect doorway into the story!
“The only difference between the saint and the sinner is that every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.”
— Oscar Wilde
Lalla operates with cool efficiency and absolute confidence in her own logic. She is polished on the outside, calculating underneath. I didn’t always agree with her choices, but I couldn’t look away. The humor is dark and a little unhinged, yet the satire is super precise. It pokes at marriage, ambition, and the pressure to appear flawless.
This book moves fast. The chapter titles alone are half the fun. It balances absurdity with real tension and makes domestic life feel strangely high stakes. Funny and disturbing sit right next to each other and I found myself laughing out loud and slightly horrified at the same time. Completely recommend!
Right at the start, this quote caught my attention. It really is the perfect doorway into the story!
“The only difference between the saint and the sinner is that every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.”
— Oscar Wilde
Lalla operates with cool efficiency and absolute confidence in her own logic. She is polished on the outside, calculating underneath. I didn’t always agree with her choices, but I couldn’t look away. The humor is dark and a little unhinged, yet the satire is super precise. It pokes at marriage, ambition, and the pressure to appear flawless.
This book moves fast. The chapter titles alone are half the fun. It balances absurdity with real tension and makes domestic life feel strangely high stakes. Funny and disturbing sit right next to each other and I found myself laughing out loud and slightly horrified at the same time. Completely recommend!
February 20, 2026
Wow, what a debut novel! I really loved this book. The writing was super engaging and fast-paced, and the short chapters, which I always appreciate, were a big plus. It hooked me right away, and the story just kept getting more intense with one surprise after another. This book is wonderfully chaotic in the most delightful sense.
Lalla Rook is the queen of getting things done, no matter what it takes (even if it involves a little murder and blackmail). Her story is a wild ride, and you can't help but root for her, even if her methods are a bit unethical.
If you're into morally gray characters and dark humor, this one's for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Lalla Rook is the queen of getting things done, no matter what it takes (even if it involves a little murder and blackmail). Her story is a wild ride, and you can't help but root for her, even if her methods are a bit unethical.
If you're into morally gray characters and dark humor, this one's for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 15, 2026
What a fun read! Yes, Lalla Rook is an unfeeling sociopath but she wants her husband to get a promotion, she wants a good school for her kids, and a big house in Hampstead. How she gets them -with her to do lists and lots of complications because of her interfering motherinlaw; her various friends, and a dead body in her house just before her sons birthday party. There were lots of threads to this story and digs at socialites and society, posh schools and competition to get places, sexual harassment, abusive and controlling husbands and somehow it all comes together in a happy ending!
February 18, 2026
Thank you Atria and NetGalley for this eARC.
5⭐️
Sometimes, five stars is a feeling. I loved this. Simply put. The most unlikely likable main character. Laughed out loud multiple times and had me saying OMG and OH NO constantly. Imagine “YOU” but absolutely without the creepy horror and with a fabulous mother just trying to “make a good future for her family” at whatever cost. The writing style is fast paced with short chapters and made it the easiest read. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel an I’m excited to see what is next for MK OLIVER
5⭐️
Sometimes, five stars is a feeling. I loved this. Simply put. The most unlikely likable main character. Laughed out loud multiple times and had me saying OMG and OH NO constantly. Imagine “YOU” but absolutely without the creepy horror and with a fabulous mother just trying to “make a good future for her family” at whatever cost. The writing style is fast paced with short chapters and made it the easiest read. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel an I’m excited to see what is next for MK OLIVER
August 25, 2025
There’s something about this book that just keeps you guessing the whole time. I really enjoyed the short chapters too. Lallas character is pure chaos & the kids? Crazzyyyyy 😂
I’m not a big thriller/mystery reader, but this one really had me from the first chapter. I really loved the whole rich girl rich friends coming from nothing story I felt that deep within my bones. Also the way that the killings were covered up etc. so chilling loved it! Thank you so much for the arc read
I’m not a big thriller/mystery reader, but this one really had me from the first chapter. I really loved the whole rich girl rich friends coming from nothing story I felt that deep within my bones. Also the way that the killings were covered up etc. so chilling loved it! Thank you so much for the arc read
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC received from NetGalley.
This was really different to anything I've read before and I really enjoyed it. Lalla is an entirely unlikeable character, flaws a mile wide, and you end up rooting for her anyway.
The story and plot were extremely detailed and the humour was very good. I laughed out loud several times. My favourite character though is Cait. I love her.
There were a couple of areas which could do with some more editing, but they didn't detract from the story at all.
There was so much chaos, and I have no idea how the author managed to keep it all straight but it was very well done.
If you enjoy dark humour, and satirical takes on marriage and society, definitely a book for you.
This was really different to anything I've read before and I really enjoyed it. Lalla is an entirely unlikeable character, flaws a mile wide, and you end up rooting for her anyway.
The story and plot were extremely detailed and the humour was very good. I laughed out loud several times. My favourite character though is Cait. I love her.
There were a couple of areas which could do with some more editing, but they didn't detract from the story at all.
There was so much chaos, and I have no idea how the author managed to keep it all straight but it was very well done.
If you enjoy dark humour, and satirical takes on marriage and society, definitely a book for you.
February 14, 2026
In A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage by M. K. Oliver, domestic ambition meets deliciously dark chaos. Lalla Rook is determined to curate the perfect life, the Hampstead house, partner track husband, prestigious prep school acceptance, and she approaches those goals with the same ruthless efficiency she uses to dispose of a body. From the opening shock, the novel makes it clear this is not your typical suburban thriller. It’s satirical, sharp, and wickedly funny, leaning fully into its antiheroine’s skewed logic.
Lalla is manipulative, cunning, and endlessly surprising. I truly never knew what she would do next, and that unpredictability is half the fun. Her behavior is often shocking, sometimes outrageous, but always entertaining. The humor is dark and cheeky, and the tone balances crime with biting social commentary about status, motherhood, and the performance of perfection. It feels both over the top and completely self aware in the best way.
This is a wickedly fun read for anyone who loves morally gray women who refuse to apologize. Lalla isn’t asking for your approval—she’s asking if you’ve RSVP’d to the birthday party she’s hosting… right after handling a minor homicide inconvenience.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 648 reviews