The Serial Killer Support Network

Secret Vigilante #2

by D.B. Stephens

'If you like your thrillers with a side of pitch-black humor and a plot that moves like a freight train, you need this’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'An Unforgettable, Five-Star Thrill Ride! Wow!!! Five stars from me! This novel completely blew me away’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A deliciously dark, twisty turny thriller with characters who leap off the page’ John Marrs

Therapy was just the beginning… For six months someone known only as The Caretaker has been committing crimes against those who have wronged.

Now, women across the country have been inspired to take control of their own lives and seek revenge on the people who hurt them.

The Caretaker is more than just a killer, he’s become a movement. And the serial killer support group have found themselves at the heart of it…

See what readers are saying about The Serial Killer Support Network 'Strong and complex plot moves at lightning speed, and might even change direction’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘One of my all time favourites… an absolute cracker’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough… similar in feel to Karin Slaughter and C. J. Tudor’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'YOU HAVE TO READ!!!!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Absolutely loved it… need more. Read it, you will not be sorry… Wow, try putting this book down and sleep’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'When I tell you I devoured this!!! I read to 66% on the 1st day of reading i literally could not put it down’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I loved every second of this wild ride of a book’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The premise is everything….a victim's support group that goes off the rails…in all the best ways. It's so, so good’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'From page one I was hooked and couldn't stop reading’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Lots of twists, kept me guessing’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I’m not saying I’m screaming that I need the next novel now… BUT I REALLY NEED THIS NEXT NOVEL NOW!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The book has you questioning morality and if what the caretaker is doing is right or wrong, as you find yourself routing for them to get away with it!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Suspense

Audible Audio

Published May 7, 2026

About the author

Pseudonym for crime and thriller writer, Darren O'Sullivan.

Reviews

[Yaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll admit it. I tend to be skeptical of sequels. This book made me rethink that stance.

The Serial Killer Support Network is an outstanding follow up, but it truly shines when read after the first installment. To fully appreciate the depth of this story, starting at the beginning of the series is essential.

D. B. Stephens takes the foundation built in the first book and expands it in a way that feels both thoughtful and unsettling. The story dives into the consequences of redefining justice and the system created around it. These consequences ripple across legal, moral, social, and emotional dimensions, making the narrative feel layered and complex.

About a third of the way through, I was able to anticipate some of the events that would unfold. Surprisingly, that didn’t take away from the experience. Even when I saw certain moments coming, others still caught me completely off guard. I don’t cry easily, but parts of this story genuinely hit a nerve.

What stood out most is how the book explores the tension between feeling like a victim of injustice, taking matters into one's own hands, and then facing the moral weight of those decisions. It’s not easy to separate those lines, and the story doesn’t try to simplify them.

This continues to be a perfect book club series. There is so much here to unpack and discuss, from ethical dilemmas to emotional consequences. Even if you’re not part of a book club, this is absolutely worth picking up after finishing the first book.

And honestly, I’m hoping for a third installment. There’s still more to explore, and I’m ready for it.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Serial Killer Support Network by D.B. Stephens is the second in a series about a Woman's support group and the detective who thinks they are responsible for killing abusive partners.


Let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Harper Collins, One More Chapter, and the author (DB Stephens), for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Sorry for the late review.  All opinions are my own.



I love this series.  Although this was somewhat predictable, and ends in a bit of a cliff-hanger, I still enjoyed it.

It was another fast and entertaining read. The story is told from multiple viewpoints, thereby giving the reader the prospective of not only Jess, but of Sophie, and the caretaker.  Yes, the book looks at revenge killings, but it also looks at friendships, and love.  I found it interesting how Jess started to rebel against her friends, but in the end, they accepted her for who she was.  

I love the idea of a group of women who stand up for one another -- although admittedly this is a little extreme.   (Just a little).  The plot continues to be compelling, and I am really looking forward to the next book.

I will continue to recommend this series.  My biggest surprise....it was written by a man.  Kudos to him!

Anyway, until next time....


For a more thorough review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, its author information and a favorite quotation from this book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[BookishKB · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔪The Serial Killer Support Network 🔪

This wasn't quite what I was expecting. And I didn't realize it was apart of a series. But still a solid 4 star read.

🩸 What to Expect
• Dark thriller
• Vigilante justice
• Female led cast
• Revenge plot
_ _ _ _

📅 Pub Date: April 24, 2026
📝 Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 3 out of 5]

After flying through book one, I was really excited to jump straight into this.

And this time… things go bigger.

What started as a small support group has now turned into a full network; more people, more reach, more chaos. It’s definitely interesting to see how things evolve and how the movement grows.

That said, unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first book.

The pacing felt slower, killings didn't felt as personal as in book 1 where I felt connected with the characters; for me it wasn’t as entertaining overall. I also wasn’t the biggest fan of the back-and-forth between Jess and the detective, it felt really frustrating.

The vibe felt a bit different too. Not necessarily bad, just… off compared to the first book.

Still, it’s not a bad installment by any means and I am also very curious and prepared for book 3.

⭐ 3.5 stars

Thank you HarperCollins for the widget.

https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I thought the first book in this series was painfully average, but I got a NetGalley widget for this one, so wanted to give it a shot.

I hate to say it, but it doesn’t fare any better than its predecessor. I was bored throughout pretty much the whole book, and it required a hell of a lot of suspension of belief. The cliffhanger was decent but even that wasn’t enough to get me excited about a third book.

[Jessica Huntley · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Slightly drawn out overall I thought but a great continuation of the series. I really looking forward to seeing how the next one pans out. Definitely some questionable actions at times but an enjoyable thriller!

[Sydney Sioen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperately waiting on book number three…

[Beth Reads Crime]

This is the second book in the Secret Vigilante series. Can you read them out of order/as standalones? Yes, yes you can. See, I know what the first cover looks like. I own both. I have commented on friends’ reviews of the first. But I had my Kobo library ordered by my most recently purchased and in the heat this all went out of my mind. I was 48% through book two before I realised. Oops. So yes, I can confirm it does a very good job of filling in the backstory!

That being said if you haven’t read the first one I would recommend doing so. Although you are brought up to speed flawlessly, I can imagine it’s a great story and one worth reading for the full characterisation, flavour and details.

The Serial Killer Support Network features a killer named The Caretaker, who focuses on the victims of domestic violence. The vigilante has an interesting sense of justice. Regardless of whether the abuse is physical or mental, the Caretaker will happily claim a life as the price to pay.

Also in the forefront is the support group for those affected by domestic violent, who meet regularly to support each other. This group includes some key characters from the first book.

It’s been around six months since the Caretaker first emerged and now he’s back. DS Sophie Salam is heading up the task force, she has an interesting theory about the Caretaker that she is keeping close to her chest as she struggles for undeniable proof. The investigation doesn’t have her undivided attention however as some pretty serious personal issues arise to contend with.

This is a great book, it’s got a dark premise and strong characters that you will instantly warm to. There is a third book in the series, which is due to be published in February 2027 and I will say that The Serial Killer Support Network does have a cliffhanger ending… It’s definitely worth reading but if you want to get a resolution sooner, are not a fan of cliffhangers or don’t have the best memory then you may want to wait to read them in succession!

[Rustic_Reads_ Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the first in the series ‘The Serial Killer Support Group’ I couldn’t wait to see where the story took Jess and the other members of the group. The author really hit it out the park with this sequel- shining a light on abuse, and the wider consequences of taking matters into your own hands- both for the women, the men they targeted, and the community as a whole who succumbed to mob mentality and contentious moral stances in the name of justice. I was rooting for Jess even when her choices were questionable- but I can’t say I wouldn’t have done the same if I was her! 👀

I really enjoyed delving more into Sophie’s life, her history and the lengths she’ll go to protect her family. It was also good to see the return of a familiar face, one of the few men who could be trusted.

[Shama Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Serial Killer Support Network… I don’t even know where to start.

This book takes everything from book one and goes darker, heavier, more emotional and I couldn’t put it down.

The character work is so layered and nothing feels surface level. It’s intense, brutal at times and genuinely hard to read in places but it feels important.

This series is doing more than telling a story. It’s eye-opening, powerful and really shines a light on injustice.

Definitely check trigger warnings but I highly recommend.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this once since book 1 last year. Maybe last year's book hit me in exactly the right mood and I liked it better than it actually was. I say that since this was a huge disappointment for me as a follow-up, but I'm thinking it's very much on par with book 1. I know, that makes no sense... yet here I am in this spot, thinking these things.

I'm done with this series—assuming more books are coming. And based on how it ended? There will be.

My one word review? Weak.

[Hollie Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, D B Stephen’s and Harper Collins for this arc read.

The second installment in the secret vigilante series and I loved it just as much as the first book!

For 6 months the caretaker has been committing crimes against bad men. This has inspired women across the country to take matters into their own hands and seek revenge as the police won’t help

A brilliant gripping thriller from page 1

[Chelsea Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

IM SORRY BUT WHY HAS IT ENDED LIKE THAT!?!????

[Josh Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I absolutely loved this book, I can’t wait for book 3 😀 gotta love females getting their own back at the world, hopefully don’t have to wait long for book 3 😊

[Kacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! Can’t wait for the next one! I loved the different girls showing different types and side effects of the abuse and the justice they all got.

[Julie Pint · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look into the world of abuse in its various forms, and the women that help each other break free. While these ladies ban together, they do so in a deliciously dark manner. Thanks to NetGalley for the read.

[Liv Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️this was so good!

[sienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Chlo ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ just as good as the first LOVED this !!!!

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

The level of unhinged-ness has definitely increased, can't wait for the next book!

3.25/5 ⭐

[Rae PlotTwisted Sister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for this advanced e-reader copy.
For six months someone known only as The Caretaker has been committing crimes against those who have wronged.
Now, women across the country have been inspired to take control of their own lives and seek revenge on the people who hurt them.
The Caretaker is more than just a killer, he’s become a movement. And the serial killer support group have found themselves at the heart of it…
The book is #2 in the series but you don't need to read the other one to understand what is going on, However, I did buy #1 after reading this one.
I loved this concept and the flow of the story. It is a fast easy read that keeps you hooked from the first page.
Four women in a DV support group have a new member, 2 detectives, and a vigilante serial killers attention.
How could anything go wrong?
I loved how it all came together and cant wait to read more from this author.

[Sharna Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first instalment of The Serial Killers’ Support Network, so I was excited to get stuck into this one, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s been great to see how the characters have developed and grown in this second book, which added more depth to the story overall.
That said, I would have liked a bit more build-up leading to Maddison’s death. She felt quite distant in this instalment, and I think more focus on her could have made that moment hit even harder.
Overall though, a strong follow-up that kept me hooked, and I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next.

[Sophia Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrative is gripping from the outset, with Jess’s journey from victim to survivor at its heart. The support group, initially a place of solace and camaraderie, quickly becomes the focal point for a series of chilling events as the ex-partners of its members begin to be attacked or murdered by a mysterious figure known as “The Caretaker.” This vigilante’s actions force Jess and the other women to confront difficult questions about justice, morality, and the failings of the legal system to protect victims of domestic abuse. 💯💓

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Journal Details
Book: The Serial Killer Support Network by D B Stephens
Format: eBook (384 pages)
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)

Quick Take
This is exactly the kind of morally gray, high concept thriller I want, and it delivers with both meaning and momentum.

Full Review
I went into this already knowing how much The Serial Killer Support Group (first installment) stuck with me—and somehow, this sequel made it incredibly easy to fall right back into that universe. Even after more than a year, the characters, the tone, and the emotional weight all came rushing back without any hesitation, which says a lot about just how impactful that first novel truly was.

What continues to stand out most is just how intelligently constructed this story is. The concept itself is bold, and arguably a little dangerous in the wrong hands, but it's handled with the level of care that keeps it from tipping into something that feels over the top or too convenient. Even when the story sometimes stretches plausibility, it does so in a manner that feels intentional rather than forced, and that made it very easy for me to remain locked in.

The pacing here is relentless in the very best way. This is one of those books where I kept finding myself pushing for "just one more chapter," and before I knew it, I was far deeper than I planned to be in the web of the novel. It moves quickly, but never at the expense of character or clarity, which is a really appreciative balance I find in thrillers like this.

What truly elevates it, though, is the moral grayness woven throughout. This isn't a story that asks easy questions, or one that gives easy answers. Watching the support network evolve and seeing women reclaim power in ways that are both unsettling and empowering created a constant tension that kept me engaged on more than just a surface level. It's the kind of story that had me sitting with my own reactions, and I found myself fully leaning into that discomfort.

The characters are another true highlight here. Sophie Salam and Jess Pendle both stood out in different ways, but I found myself equally invested in both of their journeys.

Sophie's sharp, observant nature paired with her internal struggle to remain firmly on the side of the law added a compelling layer to the investigation side of the narrative. At the same token, Jess continues to be a powerful emotional anchor; her growth from what she endured in the frist novel to where she stands now is both steady and wholly meaningful.

Something noteworthy is this is a 4.5-star rating from me, but GR doesn't allow half-stars. That said, if I had to point anything that kept this from being a full 5-stars, it would be that the larger scope, particularly around The Caretaker's expanding influence, occasionally pulls away from the investigative thread. Notwithstanding, this never quite felt like a true negative to me, perhaps more neutral. If anything, it reinforced the core theme of the story and what it's ultimately trying to say.

By the end, I was completely invested, and more than ready for whatever comes next. If a third installment is on the horizon, D B Stephen, know that I will absolutely be first in line for it.

Would Recommend If...
I would recommend this title if you enjoy dark, addictive thrillers that lean into moral grayness and give you something to think about well beyond the final twist.

Advance Copy Provided By
Advance copy provided by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley. I especially appreciated how the story balanced its bold central idea with grounded emotional stakes, making the impact feel both earned and intense.

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Serial Killer Support Network is the second book in D B Stephens Secret Vigilante series; I haven't yet read The Serial Killer Support Group but although I'd definitely recommend reading the books in order because there are several mentions of events in the first novel, it didn't spoil my enjoyment of this addictive thriller at all.
The chilling opening chapter of the book introduces The Caretaker, the serial killer who has divided the nation and become admired and feared in almost equal measure. Having suddenly vanished, discussions about his identity, his work in bringing abusive men to justice and whether he will return continues. As he meticulously plans and prepares, it's clear that this last question will soon be answered – but this is a different Caretaker and this time his objectives go much further…
There are chapters interspersed throughout the book which follow The Caretaker but most of the narrative is told from Jess's perspective. Along with her friends from her support group, Kelly, Madison and Hannah, she has been changed irrevocably by all she has experienced and perpetrated but it's also clear that she is driven to protect others, and here she waits to support another victim of domestic abuse. However, as the cleverly nuanced storyline progresses, her natural empathy becomes more of a curse and there are scenes which are by turns shocking and desperately poignant.
Jess has a complicated relationship with DS Sophie Salam, the officer in charge of The Caretaker investigation. Sophie is convinced that Jess is involved somehow but under different circumstances, the two women could easily become close and in spite of the risks their friendship means for both of them, they increasingly rely on one another. Sophie will go to any lengths to protect her autistic daughter and Jess's knowledge often proves invaluable, but as her life spirals out of control, does she turn to one of her main suspects for help?
The characterisation of the two main protagonists in The Serial Killer Support Network is excellent; both are likeable, relatable characters but they are incontrovertibly flawed and are haunted by their respective pasts as events in the present become increasingly dramatic. The mirroring of their situations as they are driven to their extremes is fascinating and while there's an inevitability to their eventual paths, it's never obvious what steps they will take or what actions others will inflict to take them there.
The murders committed by The Caretaker are ruthlessly vengeful but D B Stephens' multilayered exploration of revenge and the push for lasting societal change means this is also a profoundly thought-provoking novel which will challenge the reader's own moral standpoints. With a conclusion that has left me desperate for more, The Serial Killer Support Network is a compulsively serpentine, breathlessly exciting thriller and a devastatingly moving read from start to finish. I very highly recommend it!

[Aries.Pisces · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: The Serial Killer Support Network by D.B. Stephens (Secret Vigilante, Book 2)
The first rule of a successful sequel is that it must stand on its own while honoring what made its predecessor worth following. The Serial Killer Support Network manages the second more consistently than the first — and that imbalance is ultimately what keeps it from matching the tight, intimate tension of The Serial Killer Support Group.
What works best here is also what is most honest. Stephens takes seriously the question that most vigilante thrillers conveniently sidestep: what actually happens when ordinary people without training, resources, or psychological preparation take the law into their own hands? The answers are sobering and ring true. Someone becomes a copycat and gets caught. Someone else, unprepared and outmatched, pays the ultimate price — because a woman with no combat training is at a serious disadvantage against a man who isn't caught off guard. And the psychological toll of taking a life is rendered with genuine weight. One character in particular is so devastated by what she has done that the nightmares become unbearable. These are the moments where the book earns its darkness honestly.
The network premise itself is less successful. What made the original story so compelling was its intimacy — a small group of women bound by shared trauma and shared secret, a Caretaker whose identity was protected by its very containment. Scaling that into a national movement diffuses the tension rather than amplifying it, and the goal of passing domestic violence legislation, while worthy in principle, never generates the urgency the plot needs it to carry. The resolution feels convenient rather than earned.
What saves the book — and what will bring readers back for book three — is the relationship between Jess and Sophie. Their dynamic is the backbone of the story, a slow burn of mutual recognition between two women on opposite sides of a line that Sophie has been quietly crossing for some time. Sophie is the most compelling character in the series precisely because she is the most compromised — a detective who has sacrificed her integrity in increments, each transgression making the next one easier and the way back harder. Where her story goes next is genuinely the most interesting question the series has raised.
The Serial Killer Support Network is a 3.5 star book in a world that allowed half stars — better than its weakest moments suggest, not quite as strong as its best ones promise. For readers invested in Jess and Sophie, it is worth the journey. Just go in knowing that this is very much a bridge to book three rather than a destination in its own right.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★½

I found myself feeling quite conflicted as I finished the final pages of The Serial Killer Support Network. The premise is honestly fantastic—a movement sparked by a figure known as The Caretaker, where women across the country are inspired to take back control and seek vengeance on those who have hurt them. It’s an intriguing setup for a thriller, but I didn't realise until I was already into it that this is actually the second book in the Secret Vigilante series. While it functions well enough as a standalone, I did feel like I was missing some of the deeper motivations and relationship history that likely came from the first instalment.

The story is told through alternating perspectives, including Jess Pendal (one of "The Saved"), Detective Sophie Salam, and The Caretaker himself, with occasional interjections from an encrypted messaging platform used by the network. I think this structure was well-executed and kept the story moving, but I found the back-and-forth between Jess and Sophie really frustrating. Their interactions felt unprofessional and, at times, quite unrealistic for a lead investigator on a major case. I kept wondering when Sophie was actually going to do some real investigating, as her arc didn't seem to contribute much to the actual tension.

I also struggled with the logic of the network itself. I’m all for a story about reclaiming power, but the jump to murder for every single situation felt a bit ridiculous and bloodthirsty, especially when dealing with emotionally manipulative people rather than just physical threats. It required a massive suspension of disbelief to accept that all these women, with no background in forensics, believed they could pull off multiple murders without leaving a trace. Despite the book tackling pervasive and important issues of systemic abuse, I never quite felt that emotional connection to the characters; they just didn't inspire much confidence.

The ending was probably the most frustrating part for me. It leaves several threads dangling in a way that clearly sets up a third book, but it wasn't a satisfying conclusion on its own. I would have liked something more definitive considering how large this network had supposedly grown. I did find myself wanting to skip ahead at points just to see if the logic would eventually line up, though the twists were enough to keep me going until the end. It’s a quick, easy read that flows well, but it felt a little like a feet-dragging thriller that couldn't quite decide how grounded it wanted to be.

Thank you to the author, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Britney Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Serial Killer Support Network

An Unforgettable, Five-Star Thrill Ride!

Wow!!! Five stars from me! This novel completely blew me away. I extend my sincere gratitude to #NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this extraordinary book. It was an absolutely amazing read, and I thoroughly loved every single moment of it.

Captivating from Beginning to End

From the moment I turned to page one, I was utterly absorbed in this story, and that intense focus didn't break until the very last word. The suspense was so masterfully crafted that it was genuinely impossible for me to set the book down. It became a marathon read, and I raced through the chapters, needing to know what happened next. The only downside was reaching the end—I honestly did not want this book to finish. The pacing was perfect, the tension relentless, and the narrative flow made for an irresistible reading experience.

A Cast of Characters to Root For

One of the true strengths of this novel was its characters. I loved every one of them and found myself deeply invested in their individual arcs and outcomes. The author did a phenomenal job of giving them depth and complexity, making their motivations understandable and their struggles palpable. I was actively rooting for all of them throughout the entire story, a testament to the brilliant character development.

A Brilliant and Unique Premise

The central storyline, revolving around the concept of a "Serial Killer Support Network," was brilliant and highly original. I was fascinated by the intricate details of how this network operated and the ethical and moral dilemmas it introduced. The execution of this unique premise was flawless, offering a fresh take on the thriller genre that kept me guessing.

Justice Served: A Satisfying Read

There's something inherently satisfying about a story where the 'bad guys' finally receive their just deserts, and this book delivers on that front spectacularly. Watching those who deserve retribution finally face it makes for some of the best and most cathartic reading experiences, and this novel certainly falls into that category. It’s a compelling, tense, and ultimately gratifying read that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a top-tier thriller.

[Emily Portman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Serial Killer Support Network completely annihilated my already incredibly high expectations… it’s quickly become one of my favourites of the year so far and I just can’t stop thinking about it. I could just end my review there but there is SO much I need to say about this dark, unnerving psychological thriller.

The second book continues the story of The Serial Killer Support Group, where a mysterious someone named The Caretaker has been brutally murdering abusive men, one by one. But seeing the good work this person has done and continues to do, women across the country are inspired. So inspired that they want to take back control of their own lives, to seek revenge on those who hurt them. A new network of survivors is born… and things spiral.

The plot was strong in book one, but the author builds on it effortlessly with new characters, developed backstories, unthinkable secrets, and a continuing, solid motive for The Caretaker. He isn’t just a serial killer at this point. He’s a movement. This book is even more disturbing, unsettling and addictive than the first book. It explores the consequences of actions, and how one act can have positive and negative impacts on other people and situations. The story itself was truly exceptional, but the character development took this book to a whole new level.

The standout element for me was the development of Jess Pendle, one of the original ‘saved ones’, and DS Sophie Salam, who is working on The Caretaker killings case, their individual crumbling lives, their complex relationship with one another. The way their lives collide because of The Caretaker completely captivated me. Both of these characters have secrets they need to keep hidden away, but was there a way they could help each other? Would desperation drive them to that point? It was always tense, with a continuous sense of dread that if I’m honest, I’m still feeling now. And that cliffhanger at the end?! Holy SH*T.

If you like a dark read, you will eat this book up. If you like your Dexter-esque serial killers, this might just be your new favourite series. A masterpiece of a sequel and everything I love in a psychological thriller. I couldn’t recommend this more!

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Secret Vigilante series, and The Caretaker is making big news. Abusive men are being targeted to discourage their behavior and encourage legislation supporting victims of domestic violence. Until real change is enacted, he won’t stop. The more notorious he becomes, the more supporters he gains. Copycats begin to emerge, trying to hide behind the anonymity so they can seek their own revenge. But that’s counterproductive to the movement that thrives on caution and preparation. The Caretaker can’t risk accidental exposure, but that’s exactly what DS Sophie Salam is hoping for.

She’s now in charge of the investigation and at her wits' end. She’s been keeping her own secrets about the past, and now they’re threatening to be exposed. She’s terrified that her daughter is no longer safe, and between that worry and the stress of The Caretaker case, she’s exhausted and desperate. She grows closer to Jess, who is simultaneously a suspect and friend. They’re aware they’re on opposite sides of the law, but can’t break the connection they have. Which could be crucial when Sophie’s ultimate fears are realized and she needs Jess’s assistance more than ever.

Readers will know what’s coming from the get-go, as Sophie’s fears build throughout the story. She has connections to someone dangerous, and The Caretaker handles dangerous men. Pretty obvious where that will lead, but there’s a lot of buildup to that point. Most of it is frustrating to me because I honestly think the whole concept is too much. I’m all for vengeance, but it should be more relative to the crime. Man beats woman, The Caretaker beats man. But just jumping to murder for every situation is ridiculous, especially for an emotionally manipulative person. And I can’t see the public reacting like The Caretaker is an idol rather than a serial killer in this day and age. We’re a little too evolved for that anymore.

My thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the free advanced reading copy of this book.