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Serial Killer Wanted: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 27 Oct 26You need to kill and I need to die. Let’s talk.
Dexter meets Killing Eve in this sapphic psychological suspense when a woman considering suicide posts a Craigslist ad for a serial killer.
Being a killer comes easy to Dani. So easy it’s getting boring, in fact. But this girl isn’t taking orders from anybody, not even fate. If she’s going to keep up with the stab-and-shovel work, she’s going to create her own code for who deserves a medal or a bullet. When she happens across a Help Wanted ad that would allow her to do just that…she’s intrigued.
Jeika wants to die. Preferably, before the cops who are on her tail find the evidence to prove what she did. Except the only one who can help her do that is also the one who’s starting to make her life interesting again.
The last thing Dani expects is to fall for her next victim through the secret emails they share. But before they can decide if their new love is enough to change their very opposite fates, a twisted vigilante starts stalking them both.
They may not be ready to fight for themselves, but how far will they go to save each other?
With heart-pounding twists and deadpan snark, Serial Killer Wanted is a breathless binge-read for fans of They Never Learn and Butcher and Blackbird.
Dexter meets Killing Eve in this sapphic psychological suspense when a woman considering suicide posts a Craigslist ad for a serial killer.
Being a killer comes easy to Dani. So easy it’s getting boring, in fact. But this girl isn’t taking orders from anybody, not even fate. If she’s going to keep up with the stab-and-shovel work, she’s going to create her own code for who deserves a medal or a bullet. When she happens across a Help Wanted ad that would allow her to do just that…she’s intrigued.
Jeika wants to die. Preferably, before the cops who are on her tail find the evidence to prove what she did. Except the only one who can help her do that is also the one who’s starting to make her life interesting again.
The last thing Dani expects is to fall for her next victim through the secret emails they share. But before they can decide if their new love is enough to change their very opposite fates, a twisted vigilante starts stalking them both.
They may not be ready to fight for themselves, but how far will they go to save each other?
With heart-pounding twists and deadpan snark, Serial Killer Wanted is a breathless binge-read for fans of They Never Learn and Butcher and Blackbird.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 27, 2026
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July 5, 2026🔪🖤 Serial Killer Wanted 🖤🔪
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Sapphic Romance
• Morally Gray MCs
• Psychological Suspense
• Vigilante Justice
• Dark Humor
• Cat and Mouse Chase
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: October 27, 2026
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Sapphic Romance
• Morally Gray MCs
• Psychological Suspense
• Vigilante Justice
• Dark Humor
• Cat and Mouse Chase
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: October 27, 2026
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
May 28, 2026
The plottwist and the turn the ending took WAS SO MUCH FUN!
I expected this story to go a bit differently when I read about it , I was so pleasantly surprised by the contents inside . The story was compelling , the characters were both interesting, and the emails were fun too!
The end of the climax went a little off the rails but the way it tied up was so nice and refreshingly new !
I enjoyed this a lot!
I expected this story to go a bit differently when I read about it , I was so pleasantly surprised by the contents inside . The story was compelling , the characters were both interesting, and the emails were fun too!
The end of the climax went a little off the rails but the way it tied up was so nice and refreshingly new !
I enjoyed this a lot!
July 29, 2026
3.0 ⭐️
I wanted to love this book based on the premise, but it just didn’t work for me. It started out somewhat strong when Dani and Jeika were first interacting. With the addition of Peter, however, I felt like things started to fall apart. There were inconsistencies in the characters and the romance was not earned. I also didn’t enjoy the writing style. Regardless, thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read this ARC!
I wanted to love this book based on the premise, but it just didn’t work for me. It started out somewhat strong when Dani and Jeika were first interacting. With the addition of Peter, however, I felt like things started to fall apart. There were inconsistencies in the characters and the romance was not earned. I also didn’t enjoy the writing style. Regardless, thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an intriguing premise, brimming with dark humor and a sense of desperation that would put Dexter in the corner! Not a bad effort for a debut in a new genre! I was thoroughly entertained!
The story unfolds through several points of view, primarily from Dani and Jeika, with emails exchanged between them adding depth to the narrative. What do you do when you feel you've committed a terrible act and wish to escape it all? Naturally, you post an ad online! The best way to go about this seems to be hiring a serial killer. After all, you'll get what you want, and the killer gets their fix, right? But what happens when two killers respond? Do you interview them? How do you make your decision? Doesn’t that sound fascinating?
Dani and Jeika are flawed characters, harboring secrets that slowly surface, ultimately drawing them closer together. I found both characters enjoyable; despite their ambiguity, you can’t help but root for them. Dani is clever—she leaves nothing to chance and adheres to her moral code even when it comes to killing. Jeika, on the other hand, is desperate to escape before the law catches up to her, willing to involve a third-party killer to achieve her goal.
The author’s writing feels confident, and I enjoyed how she weaves a touch of romance and a hint of a happy ending into such a dark scenario. I believe this will satisfy many readers, especially those looking to dip their toes into the thriller genre while sticking to their favorite author. You always know what’s happening; there are no hidden surprises, but the way it all unravels keeps you hooked, and the ending was definitely unexpected. What a great conclusion to this debut!
This was a moderately paced, light, and entertaining read that kept me engaged until the last page. If you enjoy flawed characters with complicated pasts and current dilemmas, clever minds, and a story that makes you both laugh and sit on the edge of your seat, then this is for you. You know me, I don’t usually read blurbs, so I was pleasantly surprised. This could easily turn into a fun series. I’d love to find out what the two of them get up to next! Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to take my pups out, all while keeping Cooper in mind! Ha!
Thank you, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story unfolds through several points of view, primarily from Dani and Jeika, with emails exchanged between them adding depth to the narrative. What do you do when you feel you've committed a terrible act and wish to escape it all? Naturally, you post an ad online! The best way to go about this seems to be hiring a serial killer. After all, you'll get what you want, and the killer gets their fix, right? But what happens when two killers respond? Do you interview them? How do you make your decision? Doesn’t that sound fascinating?
Dani and Jeika are flawed characters, harboring secrets that slowly surface, ultimately drawing them closer together. I found both characters enjoyable; despite their ambiguity, you can’t help but root for them. Dani is clever—she leaves nothing to chance and adheres to her moral code even when it comes to killing. Jeika, on the other hand, is desperate to escape before the law catches up to her, willing to involve a third-party killer to achieve her goal.
The author’s writing feels confident, and I enjoyed how she weaves a touch of romance and a hint of a happy ending into such a dark scenario. I believe this will satisfy many readers, especially those looking to dip their toes into the thriller genre while sticking to their favorite author. You always know what’s happening; there are no hidden surprises, but the way it all unravels keeps you hooked, and the ending was definitely unexpected. What a great conclusion to this debut!
This was a moderately paced, light, and entertaining read that kept me engaged until the last page. If you enjoy flawed characters with complicated pasts and current dilemmas, clever minds, and a story that makes you both laugh and sit on the edge of your seat, then this is for you. You know me, I don’t usually read blurbs, so I was pleasantly surprised. This could easily turn into a fun series. I’d love to find out what the two of them get up to next! Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to take my pups out, all while keeping Cooper in mind! Ha!
Thank you, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 14, 2026
A woman named Jeika posts an online ad searching for a serial killer. When Dani responds, she quickly realizes Jeika isn’t looking for someone to hurt another person…she wants someone to kill her. Haunted by a dark past, Jeika believes death is the only way to escape her guilt.
This book had such an interesting premise, and I was genuinely excited going into it, but unfortunately it fell flat for me. The pacing felt slow, and I found myself bored through most of the story.
Dani constantly talks about being this skilled serial killer, but her actions never really matched that reputation. Instead of feeling calculated and methodical, she came across as sloppy, uncertain, and inconsistent, which made it hard for me to fully buy into her character.
The twist also didn’t land the way I hoped it would. I had already guessed where the story was heading about halfway through, so the ending lacked the shock factor the book seemed to be building toward.
Overall, Serial Killer Wanted had a strong concept but the execution just didn’t work for me.
This book had such an interesting premise, and I was genuinely excited going into it, but unfortunately it fell flat for me. The pacing felt slow, and I found myself bored through most of the story.
Dani constantly talks about being this skilled serial killer, but her actions never really matched that reputation. Instead of feeling calculated and methodical, she came across as sloppy, uncertain, and inconsistent, which made it hard for me to fully buy into her character.
The twist also didn’t land the way I hoped it would. I had already guessed where the story was heading about halfway through, so the ending lacked the shock factor the book seemed to be building toward.
Overall, Serial Killer Wanted had a strong concept but the execution just didn’t work for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"No matter how hard you try in life, you can't control everything your actions will set in motion."
Human behavior is a mystery many thinkers have wondered how to crack. In opposition to Newton's law of motion, the source of our thoughts was never quite determined. Whether it was our sense of belonging, or death, or a pathetic attempt at taking any sign as a threshold a friend in our darkness to lead us through.
This book carries the story of great grief. What it means to be a survivor, and what the cost was and will always be an incredible debt to repay. We see family lines blur, and friendship links grow. We see the representation of what it means to finally take a look around and see that our greatest burdens might be the blessings we never saw.
We see Dany and Jeika learn what it costs to take a life. Whether it was a conscious decision or a panicked reaction, we see the ever-growing guilt eat at both of them. They portray how similar events might lead to different outcomes. One grows a huge desire to disappear, while the other strives to numb it to make it a small, manageable detail. We see them grow together and apart, based on each one's separate journey.
We see Dany learn that not every mean soul is a monster an experience learned firsthand. On the other hand, Jeika learns to reflect some of the same empathy she gives to others, back onto herself. Both these women learn incredible lessons each what they needed most.
The pace throughout the story was what the story needed. We got the push and pull loved by all readers, while still preserving a climax and a wonderful resolution. The plot wasn't unpredictable, but at the same time, it wasn't cliché. Could it have had a different ending that would have been deemed more engaging? Sure. But I don't believe that's the essence of this story.
Every person has a story worth telling. But what we mostly miss is that their value is never about the number of events or perturbations lived but the version of ourselves that we reach at the end. And I believe that's where this book achieves the most.
This book would be great for someone looking for reconciliation to hold a mirror to their darkest thoughts and still reach the other side. It will be worth it if you're a more character-oriented reader, where what matters most is the journey and not the ending. It was a well-crafted story, and we carry something from each story through our lives. I think what will be memorable is the metamorphosis of Dani, the one who pulled them all from their darkness into the shadows of life.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Happy reading ◉‿◉
Human behavior is a mystery many thinkers have wondered how to crack. In opposition to Newton's law of motion, the source of our thoughts was never quite determined. Whether it was our sense of belonging, or death, or a pathetic attempt at taking any sign as a threshold a friend in our darkness to lead us through.
This book carries the story of great grief. What it means to be a survivor, and what the cost was and will always be an incredible debt to repay. We see family lines blur, and friendship links grow. We see the representation of what it means to finally take a look around and see that our greatest burdens might be the blessings we never saw.
We see Dany and Jeika learn what it costs to take a life. Whether it was a conscious decision or a panicked reaction, we see the ever-growing guilt eat at both of them. They portray how similar events might lead to different outcomes. One grows a huge desire to disappear, while the other strives to numb it to make it a small, manageable detail. We see them grow together and apart, based on each one's separate journey.
We see Dany learn that not every mean soul is a monster an experience learned firsthand. On the other hand, Jeika learns to reflect some of the same empathy she gives to others, back onto herself. Both these women learn incredible lessons each what they needed most.
The pace throughout the story was what the story needed. We got the push and pull loved by all readers, while still preserving a climax and a wonderful resolution. The plot wasn't unpredictable, but at the same time, it wasn't cliché. Could it have had a different ending that would have been deemed more engaging? Sure. But I don't believe that's the essence of this story.
Every person has a story worth telling. But what we mostly miss is that their value is never about the number of events or perturbations lived but the version of ourselves that we reach at the end. And I believe that's where this book achieves the most.
This book would be great for someone looking for reconciliation to hold a mirror to their darkest thoughts and still reach the other side. It will be worth it if you're a more character-oriented reader, where what matters most is the journey and not the ending. It was a well-crafted story, and we carry something from each story through our lives. I think what will be memorable is the metamorphosis of Dani, the one who pulled them all from their darkness into the shadows of life.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Happy reading ◉‿◉
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Serial Killer Wanted Novel by Nika Grace
Pub Date Oct 27 2026
Crooked Lane Books
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance
I picked up this book without even reading the blurb. The title caught my attention, the cover sealed the deal, and I jumped in completely blind.
And girls... WHAT WAS THIS BOOK?!
A suicidal woman posts an ad looking for a serial killer to end her life.
A serial killer who can kill on a whim answers her ad... but instead of killing her immediately, she wants to know why.
Then there's another killer lurking in the shadows, creating a dangerous game of cat and mouse that keeps everyone looking over their shoulder.
I loved how the story unfolded through emails while also showing the characters' pasts and present-day struggles. It made everything feel so personal and intimate.
DANI ABSOLUTELY STOLE THIS BOOK FOR ME.
She isn't one of those conveniently justified killers who only targets terrible people. She's unpredictable, morally gray, terrifying, funny, and somehow incredibly lovable all at once.
SHE'D KILL FOR YOU... BUT SHE MIGHT ALSO KILL YOU.
And yet beneath all of that rage is a woman carrying so much pain and trauma. Watching her journey unfold was fascinating. I loved how Nika Grace slowly peeled back the layers of her character. Dani's growth felt authentic, emotional, and earned. She is easily one of my favorite female characters I've read in a long time.
Jeika frustrated me so much at times. She can be stubborn, impulsive, and honestly a little bitchy. But the more I learned about her past, her mistakes, and the weight she carries, the more my heart broke for her. Her struggle with wanting to die felt painfully real. Not dramatic. Not romanticized. Just exhausting, lonely, and heartbreaking.
The found family aspect completely won me over. These are messy, damaged misfits trying to protect one another while carrying scars of their own. I loved every interaction between them.
And let's talk about the father...
That man had me stressed every time he appeared on the page.
This book is dark. It deals with murder, suicide, trauma, guilt, and grief. But it also has sharp humor, hope, healing, loyalty, and unexpected connections. Somehow Nika Grace balanced all of those elements perfectly.
FOR A STORY ABOUT KILLERS, THIS BOOK HAD AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF HEART.
This was my first queer read, and I absolutely loved it. The relationships felt natural, the characters felt real, and the emotional impact hit me far harder than I expected.
Nika Grace wrote a story that completely consumed me. I laughed, stressed, worried, and got emotionally attached to people I never wanted to let go of.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED THIS BOOK.
And Dani? I'll be thinking about her for a very long time.
Serial Killer Wanted Novel by Nika Grace
Pub Date Oct 27 2026
Crooked Lane Books
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance
I picked up this book without even reading the blurb. The title caught my attention, the cover sealed the deal, and I jumped in completely blind.
And girls... WHAT WAS THIS BOOK?!
A suicidal woman posts an ad looking for a serial killer to end her life.
A serial killer who can kill on a whim answers her ad... but instead of killing her immediately, she wants to know why.
Then there's another killer lurking in the shadows, creating a dangerous game of cat and mouse that keeps everyone looking over their shoulder.
I loved how the story unfolded through emails while also showing the characters' pasts and present-day struggles. It made everything feel so personal and intimate.
DANI ABSOLUTELY STOLE THIS BOOK FOR ME.
She isn't one of those conveniently justified killers who only targets terrible people. She's unpredictable, morally gray, terrifying, funny, and somehow incredibly lovable all at once.
SHE'D KILL FOR YOU... BUT SHE MIGHT ALSO KILL YOU.
And yet beneath all of that rage is a woman carrying so much pain and trauma. Watching her journey unfold was fascinating. I loved how Nika Grace slowly peeled back the layers of her character. Dani's growth felt authentic, emotional, and earned. She is easily one of my favorite female characters I've read in a long time.
Jeika frustrated me so much at times. She can be stubborn, impulsive, and honestly a little bitchy. But the more I learned about her past, her mistakes, and the weight she carries, the more my heart broke for her. Her struggle with wanting to die felt painfully real. Not dramatic. Not romanticized. Just exhausting, lonely, and heartbreaking.
The found family aspect completely won me over. These are messy, damaged misfits trying to protect one another while carrying scars of their own. I loved every interaction between them.
And let's talk about the father...
That man had me stressed every time he appeared on the page.
This book is dark. It deals with murder, suicide, trauma, guilt, and grief. But it also has sharp humor, hope, healing, loyalty, and unexpected connections. Somehow Nika Grace balanced all of those elements perfectly.
FOR A STORY ABOUT KILLERS, THIS BOOK HAD AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF HEART.
This was my first queer read, and I absolutely loved it. The relationships felt natural, the characters felt real, and the emotional impact hit me far harder than I expected.
Nika Grace wrote a story that completely consumed me. I laughed, stressed, worried, and got emotionally attached to people I never wanted to let go of.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED THIS BOOK.
And Dani? I'll be thinking about her for a very long time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Being a killer comes easy to Dani. So easy it’s getting boring, in fact. But this girl isn’t taking orders from anybody, not even fate. If she’s going to keep up with the stab-and-shovel work, she’s going to create her own code for who deserves a medal or a bullet. When she happens across a Help Wanted ad that would allow her to do just that…she’s intrigued.
Jeika wants to die. Preferably, before the cops who are on her tail find the evidence to prove what she did. Except the only one who can help her do that is also the one who’s starting to make her life interesting again.
The last thing Dani expects is to fall for her next victim through the secret emails they share. But before they can decide if their new love is enough to change their very opposite fates, a twisted vigilante starts stalking them both.
They may not be ready to fight for themselves, but how far will they go to save each other?
With heart-pounding twists and deadpan snark, Serial Killer Wanted is a breathless binge-read for fans of They Never Learn and Butcher and Blackbird.
Okay. I loved absolutely everything about this book. The way the text messages and forums were composed, the stylistic formatting, the character dynamics, the queer rep - UGH! It was all so masterfully done and I am absolutely obsessed with it. I especially loved how badass Dani is and how raw, authentic, and personal Jeika is. I read this entire book in one sitting, because I simply could not get enough.
One of my favorite things about this novel was how it goes into setting without being overzealous about. Usually, when I edit novels, I have to tell writers to add more, because a lot of times we'll be sitting in a blank room otherwise. Although the setting-worldbuilding in Serial Killer Wanted is minimal, it still packs a punch and paints the picture of the book and what's happening within it to readers.
Another thing I obsessed over was the dynamic between Jeika and Dani, and how they both grew throughout the novel. As someone who has experienced SI, I felt incredibly touched by Jeika's experiences and moved by how her mindset changed throughout the book.
Plus - serial killers?? An app where they can be contracted?? This is an incredibly fascinating concept, all-around. I absolutely loved it. I cannot wait to see what Grace comes up with next, as I'm sure it will be phenomenal.
Jeika wants to die. Preferably, before the cops who are on her tail find the evidence to prove what she did. Except the only one who can help her do that is also the one who’s starting to make her life interesting again.
The last thing Dani expects is to fall for her next victim through the secret emails they share. But before they can decide if their new love is enough to change their very opposite fates, a twisted vigilante starts stalking them both.
They may not be ready to fight for themselves, but how far will they go to save each other?
With heart-pounding twists and deadpan snark, Serial Killer Wanted is a breathless binge-read for fans of They Never Learn and Butcher and Blackbird.
Okay. I loved absolutely everything about this book. The way the text messages and forums were composed, the stylistic formatting, the character dynamics, the queer rep - UGH! It was all so masterfully done and I am absolutely obsessed with it. I especially loved how badass Dani is and how raw, authentic, and personal Jeika is. I read this entire book in one sitting, because I simply could not get enough.
One of my favorite things about this novel was how it goes into setting without being overzealous about. Usually, when I edit novels, I have to tell writers to add more, because a lot of times we'll be sitting in a blank room otherwise. Although the setting-worldbuilding in Serial Killer Wanted is minimal, it still packs a punch and paints the picture of the book and what's happening within it to readers.
Another thing I obsessed over was the dynamic between Jeika and Dani, and how they both grew throughout the novel. As someone who has experienced SI, I felt incredibly touched by Jeika's experiences and moved by how her mindset changed throughout the book.
Plus - serial killers?? An app where they can be contracted?? This is an incredibly fascinating concept, all-around. I absolutely loved it. I cannot wait to see what Grace comes up with next, as I'm sure it will be phenomenal.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5/5, super fun premise that kind of got ruined by the need to have heightened drama/stakes that just fell flat. As well, wins my personal award for world's worse epilogue.
Serial Killer Wanted follows two women: Jeika and Dani. Jeika is living with massive amounts of guilt and decides that she wants to die. After a failed attempt, she puts an advert up online: Serial Killer Wanted. Dani answers this, but is determined to not kill anyone who doesn't truly deserve it. After the two meet, something different begins to blossom between the two.
I didn't hate this, but I can't say that I really liked it. There were some solid core themes that were interesting: the weight of guilt, who deserves to die, etc. But most of these were overshadowed for nonsensical drama about a man who wants to kill serial killers because... his daughter was a part of a cult? Surely, Peter would want to go after cult leaders, not random girls who answer an ad? Peter felt like he was shoehorned in as a way to try and amp up the suspense, but fell flat because he was poorly fleshed out.
Dani never came across as smartly as the book wanted her to. We were constantly told that she was an expert in covering her tracks, but we saw her gloss over several blunders. This to me does not feel like the same mastermind that covered up her murders as a 14 year old. Because we were told a lot more than we were shown, the romance between Jeika and Dani felt very weak. Their dynamic was an insta-love, but I would have happily read another 30-50 pages if it meant that there was some actual build up to their relationship.
Was it entertaining? At some points, yes. But the pacing meant that the tension rose to a point and then dropped to a flat level. It kept me reading and wanting more, but that meant that I did end up disappointed in some areas. I was willing to give it a three, but then... the epilogue. That was one of the worst I've ever seen. I've never read an epilogue that felt necessary, and this one was just such a massive tone shift with an awful ending.
TL;DR: Would have massively preferred this book to have leaned into the romance & building the relationship between the two, instead of forcing the thriller.
Serial Killer Wanted follows two women: Jeika and Dani. Jeika is living with massive amounts of guilt and decides that she wants to die. After a failed attempt, she puts an advert up online: Serial Killer Wanted. Dani answers this, but is determined to not kill anyone who doesn't truly deserve it. After the two meet, something different begins to blossom between the two.
I didn't hate this, but I can't say that I really liked it. There were some solid core themes that were interesting: the weight of guilt, who deserves to die, etc. But most of these were overshadowed for nonsensical drama about a man who wants to kill serial killers because... his daughter was a part of a cult? Surely, Peter would want to go after cult leaders, not random girls who answer an ad? Peter felt like he was shoehorned in as a way to try and amp up the suspense, but fell flat because he was poorly fleshed out.
Dani never came across as smartly as the book wanted her to. We were constantly told that she was an expert in covering her tracks, but we saw her gloss over several blunders. This to me does not feel like the same mastermind that covered up her murders as a 14 year old. Because we were told a lot more than we were shown, the romance between Jeika and Dani felt very weak. Their dynamic was an insta-love, but I would have happily read another 30-50 pages if it meant that there was some actual build up to their relationship.
Was it entertaining? At some points, yes. But the pacing meant that the tension rose to a point and then dropped to a flat level. It kept me reading and wanting more, but that meant that I did end up disappointed in some areas. I was willing to give it a three, but then... the epilogue. That was one of the worst I've ever seen. I've never read an epilogue that felt necessary, and this one was just such a massive tone shift with an awful ending.
TL;DR: Would have massively preferred this book to have leaned into the romance & building the relationship between the two, instead of forcing the thriller.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When reading the premise of this book, my interest was incredibly piqued. I mean, come on, it hits all the big buzz: sapphic romance, morally grey, thriller/horror, intense subject matter. Weeeeell, this book went in a different direction than I had expected.
I feel like when we’re introduced to Dani, the serial killer of the two, we’re led to believe she’s almost like a hitman of sorts. Intensely cunning, whip smart, effortless. This façade lasts until about 30% into the book and just completely unravels on itself. As a character with such wild and intense lore, I almost expected better of her throughout the story. I dunno. She seemed a bit all over the place. I feel like we saw more of her frying chicken than her being a criminal mastermind.
As for Jeika, all of her chapters are filled with such a dreadful weight that at times I felt like I had to power through her outrageously dark thought processes. It made my skin crawl, but maybe that was the intention.
Overall, I really wanted to love it. The premise is great, the prose is very well crafted, but I felt like the characters had motivation for a little bit and then were just a bit flimsy. It felt like lots of things were set up just to be hung out to dry for most of (or all of) the story.
The story does bring the reader through quite the twists and turns with the actual thriller plotline, but I found myself frustrated by it a bit. The addition of Peter felt more like it was only intended to be a driver of high-stakes drama than really mean anything in the end. The romance between the two protagonists felt rushed and unearned, and the epilogue was a bit meh for my taste, as well. It was almost too shiny, too perfectly wrapped-up-in-a-bow for a story with such dark and tragic beginnings.
It’s a fun thriller to read, and I read it across a couple of sittings. If you like dark crime thrillers, you’ll likely enjoy this, but I think it would’ve been better with just a wee bit more fleshing out and holding on to the characters’ intentions.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I feel like when we’re introduced to Dani, the serial killer of the two, we’re led to believe she’s almost like a hitman of sorts. Intensely cunning, whip smart, effortless. This façade lasts until about 30% into the book and just completely unravels on itself. As a character with such wild and intense lore, I almost expected better of her throughout the story. I dunno. She seemed a bit all over the place. I feel like we saw more of her frying chicken than her being a criminal mastermind.
As for Jeika, all of her chapters are filled with such a dreadful weight that at times I felt like I had to power through her outrageously dark thought processes. It made my skin crawl, but maybe that was the intention.
Overall, I really wanted to love it. The premise is great, the prose is very well crafted, but I felt like the characters had motivation for a little bit and then were just a bit flimsy. It felt like lots of things were set up just to be hung out to dry for most of (or all of) the story.
The story does bring the reader through quite the twists and turns with the actual thriller plotline, but I found myself frustrated by it a bit. The addition of Peter felt more like it was only intended to be a driver of high-stakes drama than really mean anything in the end. The romance between the two protagonists felt rushed and unearned, and the epilogue was a bit meh for my taste, as well. It was almost too shiny, too perfectly wrapped-up-in-a-bow for a story with such dark and tragic beginnings.
It’s a fun thriller to read, and I read it across a couple of sittings. If you like dark crime thrillers, you’ll likely enjoy this, but I think it would’ve been better with just a wee bit more fleshing out and holding on to the characters’ intentions.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝐈'𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞...𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲.
I have to admit, the premise of this book immediately caught my attention. Dani is a serial killer who finds herself intrigued when she discovers an online Help Wanted ad from Jeika, a woman looking for someone to kill her. What follows is a strange and increasingly complicated connection between two women who should have absolutely no business falling for each other, especially with a vigilante suddenly stalking them both.
There was a lot here that should have been right up my alley. I loved the dark humor, and the whole idea of a serial killer answering a job posting from someone who wants to die is wonderfully twisted. Dani's attitude and the deadpan snark gave the story some genuinely entertaining moments, and I liked the sapphic psychological suspense angle. But somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn't as invested as I wanted to be. I kept waiting for that feeling of being completely consumed by the story, and for whatever reason, it just never quite happened for me.
While this book had a clever premise, plenty of dark humor, and some seriously messed-up ideas that I enjoyed exploring, ultimately it landed somewhere in the middle for me. I'm honestly not even sure I can pinpoint exactly what kept me from connecting with it more because there were plenty of individual elements I liked. Sometimes a book can have all the ingredients you normally love and still not completely hit the spot, and I think that's what happened here. Definitely worth checking out if the premise grabs you, but this one just didn't become the binge-read I was hoping it would be. Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books for the early copy that is set to publish October 27, 2026.
I have to admit, the premise of this book immediately caught my attention. Dani is a serial killer who finds herself intrigued when she discovers an online Help Wanted ad from Jeika, a woman looking for someone to kill her. What follows is a strange and increasingly complicated connection between two women who should have absolutely no business falling for each other, especially with a vigilante suddenly stalking them both.
There was a lot here that should have been right up my alley. I loved the dark humor, and the whole idea of a serial killer answering a job posting from someone who wants to die is wonderfully twisted. Dani's attitude and the deadpan snark gave the story some genuinely entertaining moments, and I liked the sapphic psychological suspense angle. But somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn't as invested as I wanted to be. I kept waiting for that feeling of being completely consumed by the story, and for whatever reason, it just never quite happened for me.
While this book had a clever premise, plenty of dark humor, and some seriously messed-up ideas that I enjoyed exploring, ultimately it landed somewhere in the middle for me. I'm honestly not even sure I can pinpoint exactly what kept me from connecting with it more because there were plenty of individual elements I liked. Sometimes a book can have all the ingredients you normally love and still not completely hit the spot, and I think that's what happened here. Definitely worth checking out if the premise grabs you, but this one just didn't become the binge-read I was hoping it would be. Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books for the early copy that is set to publish October 27, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc!
“Some part of me wants to believe that fate planned all of this, […] But these were all my own choices, all me.”
“Serial Killer Wanted” was a bumpy road for me. The premise sounded like something exactly up my alley – two women, one that is a killer and one that wants to die, falling in love through secrets emails they share? Sign me up immediately.
For the first 25% of the book, the story wasn’t working for me at all. While Dani’s narration was compelling enough, I found Jeika’s chapters flat and her characterization one dimensional. I especially hated the emails, which was a bummer, because I was really looking forward to that part. I also expected them to write more to each other at the beginning, but the “falling in love through the secret emails they share” part of the blurb isn’t really there. Dani and Jeika’s relationship develops outside of the emails and does so very slowly. I didn’t feel like there was any tension between them till the very end of the book. The lack of tension in the whole book is really jarring cosidering that it’s a thriller. I liked how the author touched on themes of underestimating women’s cruelty and expecting someone to be suicidal because of their queerness, but I wished it was developed more and had more of an impact on the story.
What stood out to me the most was the exploration of grief and how it can change us – that aspect of the story was really well done. I really enjoyed how it was handled through three different perspectives and characters. If you like character-focused stories and want to try the thriller genre this book would be a great starting point! Even if I didn’t end up loving this I’m glad that I read the whole thing instead of giving up after the 25% mark.
“Some part of me wants to believe that fate planned all of this, […] But these were all my own choices, all me.”
“Serial Killer Wanted” was a bumpy road for me. The premise sounded like something exactly up my alley – two women, one that is a killer and one that wants to die, falling in love through secrets emails they share? Sign me up immediately.
For the first 25% of the book, the story wasn’t working for me at all. While Dani’s narration was compelling enough, I found Jeika’s chapters flat and her characterization one dimensional. I especially hated the emails, which was a bummer, because I was really looking forward to that part. I also expected them to write more to each other at the beginning, but the “falling in love through the secret emails they share” part of the blurb isn’t really there. Dani and Jeika’s relationship develops outside of the emails and does so very slowly. I didn’t feel like there was any tension between them till the very end of the book. The lack of tension in the whole book is really jarring cosidering that it’s a thriller. I liked how the author touched on themes of underestimating women’s cruelty and expecting someone to be suicidal because of their queerness, but I wished it was developed more and had more of an impact on the story.
What stood out to me the most was the exploration of grief and how it can change us – that aspect of the story was really well done. I really enjoyed how it was handled through three different perspectives and characters. If you like character-focused stories and want to try the thriller genre this book would be a great starting point! Even if I didn’t end up loving this I’m glad that I read the whole thing instead of giving up after the 25% mark.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Serial Killer Wanted by Nika Grace releases October 27, 2026, and the premise immediately caught my attention. A woman who wants to die posts an ad looking for a serial killer to do it for her, only for an actual serial killer to respond. It’s dark, strange, and honestly a really good setup.
The beginning worked really well for me. I liked the dynamic between Jeika and Dani, especially because the book doesn’t treat the situation like a simple gimmick. Their conversations are interesting, Dani is easily one of the strongest parts of the story, and there was enough dark humor and psychological tension to keep me curious about where everything was going.
Where it lost some of that momentum for me was as the story started moving beyond that initial setup. The premise is so strong that I think I wanted the book to stay a little more focused on what made it interesting in the first place. Some of the middle started to feel drawn out, and there were moments where it felt like the story was circling around similar emotional beats rather than continuing to build on that early momentum.
I still think there’s a lot to like here. The concept is original, the characters are morally messy in an interesting way, and I can absolutely see this working really well for readers who enjoy dark psychological thrillers with a strong relationship element. I just connected more with the beginning than I did with where the story eventually started heading.
Rating: 4/5
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
The beginning worked really well for me. I liked the dynamic between Jeika and Dani, especially because the book doesn’t treat the situation like a simple gimmick. Their conversations are interesting, Dani is easily one of the strongest parts of the story, and there was enough dark humor and psychological tension to keep me curious about where everything was going.
Where it lost some of that momentum for me was as the story started moving beyond that initial setup. The premise is so strong that I think I wanted the book to stay a little more focused on what made it interesting in the first place. Some of the middle started to feel drawn out, and there were moments where it felt like the story was circling around similar emotional beats rather than continuing to build on that early momentum.
I still think there’s a lot to like here. The concept is original, the characters are morally messy in an interesting way, and I can absolutely see this working really well for readers who enjoy dark psychological thrillers with a strong relationship element. I just connected more with the beginning than I did with where the story eventually started heading.
Rating: 4/5
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is one of those rare thrillers that manages to hold two completely opposing things at once: grief… and something almost dangerously fun.
At its core, this story is about loss, connection, and the messy, complicated ways people try to make sense of both. But instead of weighing the narrative down, it somehow carries a surprising lightness…an energy that keeps you engaged even as it explores darker, more complex themes.
The characters are where this book really shines. They’re flawed, raw, and deeply human — the kind that don’t just exist on the page, but linger long after you’ve put the book down. You understand them, even when you shouldn’t. Maybe especially then.
There’s a real emotional undercurrent running through every decision they make. You can feel the grief, the anger, the need for connection and the way those things blur the line between right and wrong.
The writing is vivid and immersive, pulling you straight into the chaos of it all. It’s fast-paced, action-driven, and incredibly easy to get swept up in. The kind of book where you tell yourself “just one more chapter”… and suddenly you’re at the end, wondering how it went by so quickly.
And at the heart of it all is this sharp, compelling edge of vigilante justice — wrapped in a story that feels both entertaining and a little bit dangerous.
If you’re looking for something that balances emotion with momentum, and darkness with just enough bite to keep it fun you’re going to want to pick this one up.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity and the ARC!
At its core, this story is about loss, connection, and the messy, complicated ways people try to make sense of both. But instead of weighing the narrative down, it somehow carries a surprising lightness…an energy that keeps you engaged even as it explores darker, more complex themes.
The characters are where this book really shines. They’re flawed, raw, and deeply human — the kind that don’t just exist on the page, but linger long after you’ve put the book down. You understand them, even when you shouldn’t. Maybe especially then.
There’s a real emotional undercurrent running through every decision they make. You can feel the grief, the anger, the need for connection and the way those things blur the line between right and wrong.
The writing is vivid and immersive, pulling you straight into the chaos of it all. It’s fast-paced, action-driven, and incredibly easy to get swept up in. The kind of book where you tell yourself “just one more chapter”… and suddenly you’re at the end, wondering how it went by so quickly.
And at the heart of it all is this sharp, compelling edge of vigilante justice — wrapped in a story that feels both entertaining and a little bit dangerous.
If you’re looking for something that balances emotion with momentum, and darkness with just enough bite to keep it fun you’re going to want to pick this one up.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity and the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted this to be my next five star read 😭
Thank you @netgalley for letting me read this e-arc in exchange for an honest review ✨️
The blurb was really promising! This is the story of Jeika and Dani. Dani, being a serial killer, was out looking for a new victim as Jeika literally offered herself due to an add. Jeika really wants to die but she can't seem to pull it off herself and Dani agrees to help her. Well, she is not convinced just yet. While they are talking and thinking, someone else comes in the picture and let me tell you, he's not a good guy. Drama is promised!! 🤭
The first half of this book was so good! I really liked this unique concept and how Dani and Jeika came together. But after a while things became messy and weird. Normally, I'm a fan of messy and weird but this was just nowhere near real life. 🥲 What do you mean (spoiler alert!!) this random traumatized guy goes THIS FAR to kill a random person. The backstory and his motive just didn't match in my head... 😬
I must say the writing is pretty good because everything is fast paced. The chapters are short and I did finish this really quickly. There is some dark romance element which I appreciated as well as the thriller aspect. 🖤 But honestly, this "plot twist" at the end wasn't it and I'm so sorry but what was that epilogue?! It just made it weirder and unbelievable 😭
As I have said before, the idea was definitely there and the first half had me intrigued but it went downhill from there.. sorry 😬
Thank you @netgalley for letting me read this e-arc in exchange for an honest review ✨️
The blurb was really promising! This is the story of Jeika and Dani. Dani, being a serial killer, was out looking for a new victim as Jeika literally offered herself due to an add. Jeika really wants to die but she can't seem to pull it off herself and Dani agrees to help her. Well, she is not convinced just yet. While they are talking and thinking, someone else comes in the picture and let me tell you, he's not a good guy. Drama is promised!! 🤭
The first half of this book was so good! I really liked this unique concept and how Dani and Jeika came together. But after a while things became messy and weird. Normally, I'm a fan of messy and weird but this was just nowhere near real life. 🥲 What do you mean (spoiler alert!!) this random traumatized guy goes THIS FAR to kill a random person. The backstory and his motive just didn't match in my head... 😬
I must say the writing is pretty good because everything is fast paced. The chapters are short and I did finish this really quickly. There is some dark romance element which I appreciated as well as the thriller aspect. 🖤 But honestly, this "plot twist" at the end wasn't it and I'm so sorry but what was that epilogue?! It just made it weirder and unbelievable 😭
As I have said before, the idea was definitely there and the first half had me intrigued but it went downhill from there.. sorry 😬
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this book wasn't what I hoped it was going to be. I thought that the writing was alright. There were a multitude of literary devices, such as similes and metaphors, that I thought were very well-written , and did exactly what they needed to do for the story. I did feel, however, that a huge part of the writing seemed to attempt to be a mix of high brow and casual. It didn't so much happen when we were being told through Jeika's point of view, but Dani's point of view was often hard to get through.
Speaking of the two main characters, I did enjoy Jeika's character significantly more than I did Dani. Dani's characterization was just so flippy floppy. It often felt like Dani was supposed to be this badass, edgy character who supposedly feels nothing, but as the story gradually goes on, she gains that feeling. From the very beginning, though, I just found her to be pretty annoying. Jeika, on the other hand, was more bearable. I thought that her story was much more interesting, and the mistakes she made was more believable.
I think this book was more character focused than plot focused. The reason being is that there weren't much of a plot going on, or at least not what was advertised as. I wish that there was more than what was given to us.
Overall, I think this is a good first book for Nika Grace. I think that Grace can get even better with each new book that she writes, because the writing is there for sure.
Unfortunately, this book wasn't what I hoped it was going to be. I thought that the writing was alright. There were a multitude of literary devices, such as similes and metaphors, that I thought were very well-written , and did exactly what they needed to do for the story. I did feel, however, that a huge part of the writing seemed to attempt to be a mix of high brow and casual. It didn't so much happen when we were being told through Jeika's point of view, but Dani's point of view was often hard to get through.
Speaking of the two main characters, I did enjoy Jeika's character significantly more than I did Dani. Dani's characterization was just so flippy floppy. It often felt like Dani was supposed to be this badass, edgy character who supposedly feels nothing, but as the story gradually goes on, she gains that feeling. From the very beginning, though, I just found her to be pretty annoying. Jeika, on the other hand, was more bearable. I thought that her story was much more interesting, and the mistakes she made was more believable.
I think this book was more character focused than plot focused. The reason being is that there weren't much of a plot going on, or at least not what was advertised as. I wish that there was more than what was given to us.
Overall, I think this is a good first book for Nika Grace. I think that Grace can get even better with each new book that she writes, because the writing is there for sure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one had me immediately with the premise—like, say less. A woman posts an ad for someone to kill her, and a serial killer answers it? I was all in.
And honestly… I liked it, but I didn’t love it.
This leans way more character-driven than I expected. You’ve got Dani, who’s a killer but almost bored with it at this point, trying to create her own moral code. Then there’s Jeika, who’s spiraling and convinced her story only ends one way. Their connection builds through emails, and that part was actually my favorite. It’s tense, a little chaotic, and you can feel something shifting between them even when you know it shouldn’t.
The emotional side of this book really worked for me. It digs into grief, guilt, depression, and that stuck feeling where you don’t know how to move forward. That part felt real, even when the plot itself got a little out there.
But as a thriller, I wanted more. More tension, more edge, more of that can’t-put-it-down feeling. It had moments, but it didn’t fully sustain it. The pacing felt uneven, and there were parts where I found myself losing momentum.
Also, the characters aren’t exactly likable—which I get, that’s kind of the point—but it did make it harder to fully connect. I was curious enough to keep going, but not completely invested.
Overall, this is definitely a darker, more unconventional read with a really strong concept. It just didn’t hit as hard as I wanted it to.
3 stars
And honestly… I liked it, but I didn’t love it.
This leans way more character-driven than I expected. You’ve got Dani, who’s a killer but almost bored with it at this point, trying to create her own moral code. Then there’s Jeika, who’s spiraling and convinced her story only ends one way. Their connection builds through emails, and that part was actually my favorite. It’s tense, a little chaotic, and you can feel something shifting between them even when you know it shouldn’t.
The emotional side of this book really worked for me. It digs into grief, guilt, depression, and that stuck feeling where you don’t know how to move forward. That part felt real, even when the plot itself got a little out there.
But as a thriller, I wanted more. More tension, more edge, more of that can’t-put-it-down feeling. It had moments, but it didn’t fully sustain it. The pacing felt uneven, and there were parts where I found myself losing momentum.
Also, the characters aren’t exactly likable—which I get, that’s kind of the point—but it did make it harder to fully connect. I was curious enough to keep going, but not completely invested.
Overall, this is definitely a darker, more unconventional read with a really strong concept. It just didn’t hit as hard as I wanted it to.
3 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📱📖 Read on Kindle
📃 320 pages
⏱ 4 hours
🏷️ Crooked Lane Books | Publishing October 27, 2026
ARC provided via NetGalley
I went in for the “Dexter meets Killing Eve” pitch and the promise of a morally messy, sapphic cat-and-mouse. And to be fair, the central dynamic delivers: Dani and Jeika fit together in a way that’s both unsettling and oddly tender. One needs to kill, the other wants to die, and somewhere in those late-night emails, the book finds its emotional hook. That push-pull between purpose and connection is the strongest thread here, and it kept me turning pages even when I wasn’t fully convinced.
Where it wobbled for me was the added chaos agent. The extra psycho, clearly there to spike the suspense, felt more like a narrative shortcut than an organic escalation. Instead of deepening the tension, it diluted the intimacy of Dani and Jeika’s story, which is where the book actually shines. I found myself speed-reading the back half, less because I was breathless and more because I wanted to get to the end of their arc. The voice is sharp, the concept is sticky, but the execution leans a bit too hard on external danger when the internal stakes were already doing the heavy lifting.
Would I Recommend It?
If you're here for the sapphic dark romance energy and the delicious weirdness of two morally complicated women falling for each other in the most chaotic circumstances imaginable, there's something here for you. The premise is genuinely clever and the central relationship lands. It just gets cluttered with a thriller element that competes with its own best instincts.
📃 320 pages
⏱ 4 hours
🏷️ Crooked Lane Books | Publishing October 27, 2026
ARC provided via NetGalley
I went in for the “Dexter meets Killing Eve” pitch and the promise of a morally messy, sapphic cat-and-mouse. And to be fair, the central dynamic delivers: Dani and Jeika fit together in a way that’s both unsettling and oddly tender. One needs to kill, the other wants to die, and somewhere in those late-night emails, the book finds its emotional hook. That push-pull between purpose and connection is the strongest thread here, and it kept me turning pages even when I wasn’t fully convinced.
Where it wobbled for me was the added chaos agent. The extra psycho, clearly there to spike the suspense, felt more like a narrative shortcut than an organic escalation. Instead of deepening the tension, it diluted the intimacy of Dani and Jeika’s story, which is where the book actually shines. I found myself speed-reading the back half, less because I was breathless and more because I wanted to get to the end of their arc. The voice is sharp, the concept is sticky, but the execution leans a bit too hard on external danger when the internal stakes were already doing the heavy lifting.
Would I Recommend It?
If you're here for the sapphic dark romance energy and the delicious weirdness of two morally complicated women falling for each other in the most chaotic circumstances imaginable, there's something here for you. The premise is genuinely clever and the central relationship lands. It just gets cluttered with a thriller element that competes with its own best instincts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I read the blurb, I was convinced this would be exactly my kind of book. The premise sounded intense and intriguing — Dani, a killer, responding to an ad from Jeika, who wants to die. That alone set my expectations high.
The chapters from Dani’s perspective were by far the strongest for me. Her internal dialogue was fascinating, unsettling, and incredibly insightful. Those moments really pulled me into her mind and helped me understand her reasoning and motivations.
Jeika’s chapters, however, didn’t work as well for me. Being inside her head felt long-winded, and her thought process didn’t manage to hold my interest. Those sections dragged a bit and slowed down the pacing.
The love story also felt somewhat weak. It was present, but it lacked depth — I would’ve liked to see it explored more fully.
What the author did do very well were the twists. Some of them were so well‑built and tense that I genuinely found myself on the edge of my seat. Those moments made the book hard to put down.
But then the ending… It felt abrupt and confusing, as if something was missing or the story wrapped up too quickly.
Overall: it’s an engaging and original read with strong suspense and a compelling main character. But because of the less captivating chapters from Jeika, the shallow love story, and the sudden ending, it didn’t fully live up to my expectations
The chapters from Dani’s perspective were by far the strongest for me. Her internal dialogue was fascinating, unsettling, and incredibly insightful. Those moments really pulled me into her mind and helped me understand her reasoning and motivations.
Jeika’s chapters, however, didn’t work as well for me. Being inside her head felt long-winded, and her thought process didn’t manage to hold my interest. Those sections dragged a bit and slowed down the pacing.
The love story also felt somewhat weak. It was present, but it lacked depth — I would’ve liked to see it explored more fully.
What the author did do very well were the twists. Some of them were so well‑built and tense that I genuinely found myself on the edge of my seat. Those moments made the book hard to put down.
But then the ending… It felt abrupt and confusing, as if something was missing or the story wrapped up too quickly.
Overall: it’s an engaging and original read with strong suspense and a compelling main character. But because of the less captivating chapters from Jeika, the shallow love story, and the sudden ending, it didn’t fully live up to my expectations
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
Dani is a serial killer. Jeika is looking for someone to take her life. Jeika posted an ad on a Craigslist-style website asking someone to kill her. When the two women find each other, what starts as a seemingly straightforward arrangement quickly becomes something much more complicated.
I felt more drawn to Dani’s story than Jeika’s, despite Jeika probably being the one more deserving of empathy. Both women were incredibly flawed in their own ways, and I really enjoyed watching their stories almost swap roles - Dani starts out as the one with a sense of purpose but loses it along the way, while Jeika finds something to live for.
There’s a massive twist around the 80% mark, and I absolutely loved it. It completely changed everything I thought I knew about one of the women’s stories and made me rethink what had come before.
And then there’s the ending - it was almost comical and absolutely not what I was expecting. I’m still not sure whether I loved it or hated it, but it certainly made an impression.
A dark, messy and surprisingly twisty read, with a little bit of a love story, about two deeply flawed women and how they find each other and reasons to carry on.
I received a free advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Dani is a serial killer. Jeika is looking for someone to take her life. Jeika posted an ad on a Craigslist-style website asking someone to kill her. When the two women find each other, what starts as a seemingly straightforward arrangement quickly becomes something much more complicated.
I felt more drawn to Dani’s story than Jeika’s, despite Jeika probably being the one more deserving of empathy. Both women were incredibly flawed in their own ways, and I really enjoyed watching their stories almost swap roles - Dani starts out as the one with a sense of purpose but loses it along the way, while Jeika finds something to live for.
There’s a massive twist around the 80% mark, and I absolutely loved it. It completely changed everything I thought I knew about one of the women’s stories and made me rethink what had come before.
And then there’s the ending - it was almost comical and absolutely not what I was expecting. I’m still not sure whether I loved it or hated it, but it certainly made an impression.
A dark, messy and surprisingly twisty read, with a little bit of a love story, about two deeply flawed women and how they find each other and reasons to carry on.
I received a free advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Serial Killed Wanted follows a depressed girl who wants to commit suicide but can’t seem to make it work so she post an ad on a classifieds site looking for a serial killer to help her with the deed. Not only does she get one, but two people interested in taking her up on her offer…. I want to believe that this is an entertaining concept for a book. Unfortunately, I was not entertained. The last 20% of Serial Killer Wanted is where 90% of the action takes place, mixed with poetic moral musings that feel preachy more often than they feel powerful. While there is definitely some beautiful prose in this book, there’s really too much of it. This story could have benefited from more character interaction. Most of the book is the two main characters sitting in a car philosophizing. Each of the main characters has a narrative. One is decent the other is full of whining because nobody is killing her. This book left me wanting more because it was almost what I wanted. If the characters had been more well developed and the plot given a bit more thought out, I would have enjoyed it. The worst part of Serial Killer Wanted though, is the romance. A mentally ill girl who has made some questionable choices, is saved by the murderer and they fall in love? That sounds like the beginning of a true crime podcast.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
'You need to kill and I need to die. Let’s talk.' This was the sentence that made me want to read this book.
Dani is a person who has a special talent, and when she sees an advert from someone asking for help to die, she decides to reply without ever imagining what would happen next. Jeika feels that her life is pointless, and in a desperate move to end it, she puts up an advertisement online saying that she wants to die. But does Jeika really want to die? Does she hate her life so much that she really believes that the world will be a better place without her? These are the questions that Dani also has when she first starts swapping emails with Jeika. Especially because Dani does not take orders from anyone, and she is the one who gets to decide who lives and dies at her own hands.
This is an amazing book that shows how first impressions can be deceiving and how unexpected life can be.
I found myself wanting to read more and more of the book, and there were a lot of unexpected twists and turns. It also shows how life can take such an unexpected turn that all one believes and wants can change in a moment.
I would definitely recommend people read this book since it is a book that contains several themes and also has the thriller and crime elements that we all love.
Dani is a person who has a special talent, and when she sees an advert from someone asking for help to die, she decides to reply without ever imagining what would happen next. Jeika feels that her life is pointless, and in a desperate move to end it, she puts up an advertisement online saying that she wants to die. But does Jeika really want to die? Does she hate her life so much that she really believes that the world will be a better place without her? These are the questions that Dani also has when she first starts swapping emails with Jeika. Especially because Dani does not take orders from anyone, and she is the one who gets to decide who lives and dies at her own hands.
This is an amazing book that shows how first impressions can be deceiving and how unexpected life can be.
I found myself wanting to read more and more of the book, and there were a lot of unexpected twists and turns. It also shows how life can take such an unexpected turn that all one believes and wants can change in a moment.
I would definitely recommend people read this book since it is a book that contains several themes and also has the thriller and crime elements that we all love.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm so glad I had the chance to read an early copy of this book, the first I've read by this author. I was immediately intrigued by the premise (sapphic serial killer!), and then held fast by the rich characters and the thoughtful progression of growth and connection that felt genuine at every turn. It was balanced so nicely with the tension and danger that kept me reading 'just one more chapter' until I'd read them all.
Nika Grace writes so vividly, I feel like I've just been tearing across the deserts of Arizona in a sturdy old Chevelle. I've fallen in love with Dani, who is just so real and flawed and fierce. I loved getting to know both of these uniquely scarred women with unexpected common ground, and really appreciated the way the author handled the characters' grief. There is heavy subject matter here, but this is not trauma porn. It's a beautiful exploration of what gives life value that is both heartbreaking and hopeful, and the light that continually shines through is still on my mind now.
Nika Grace writes so vividly, I feel like I've just been tearing across the deserts of Arizona in a sturdy old Chevelle. I've fallen in love with Dani, who is just so real and flawed and fierce. I loved getting to know both of these uniquely scarred women with unexpected common ground, and really appreciated the way the author handled the characters' grief. There is heavy subject matter here, but this is not trauma porn. It's a beautiful exploration of what gives life value that is both heartbreaking and hopeful, and the light that continually shines through is still on my mind now.
June 4, 2026
Don’t get me wrong. I had a good time reading this book. But it didn’t really feel like a thriller to me. There were thrilling moments for sure and suspense, but overall the book was just much more focused on the like personal emotional journey of the characters and the thrill of it all fell to the side while the characters were ruminating on their own life choices. I know that's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's just not really what I want or expect from a Thriller. I don't mind a little introspective, but not when I'm expecting to be on the edge of my seat and I have to sacrifice one thing for the other.
I read it very quickly, that’s usually a good sign for me, but by the end I felt like the original intentions of the author had gotten lost among the pages.
Also, but this is just a matter of personal taste, I wish the Romance had found a more satisfying ending. I’m not someone who needs a big confession scene or anything but it just felt very anti-climactic and that kinda bummed me out.
I read it very quickly, that’s usually a good sign for me, but by the end I felt like the original intentions of the author had gotten lost among the pages.
Also, but this is just a matter of personal taste, I wish the Romance had found a more satisfying ending. I’m not someone who needs a big confession scene or anything but it just felt very anti-climactic and that kinda bummed me out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you to crooked lane and netgalley for the e-arc! <3
2.75 ⭐️
i loved the premise of this book but there were no parts of the book that really hooked me.
i struggled to believe the characters’ motivations, especially jeika. dani’s development i enjoyed, but jeika i just couldn’t get behind. her story was unconvincing and the twists behind her reasonings of wanting to die fell flat and i really didn’t understand her thought processes at all in regards to dani hating her for her past. this is a character central story, but only dani’s chapters were ones i found interesting, and even then i still wanted more from her. jeika comes off as incredibly unlikable, and their romance felt very surface-level, too. i did enjoy dani deciding to control her own purpose and choosing to save jeika in the end, even if it wasn’t what jeika wanted. dani’s little support group of her mother, eric and jane was one of my favourite developments in the story, and it made me wish i enjoyed jeika more and how she fit into dani’s dynamics.
2.75 ⭐️
i loved the premise of this book but there were no parts of the book that really hooked me.
i struggled to believe the characters’ motivations, especially jeika. dani’s development i enjoyed, but jeika i just couldn’t get behind. her story was unconvincing and the twists behind her reasonings of wanting to die fell flat and i really didn’t understand her thought processes at all in regards to dani hating her for her past. this is a character central story, but only dani’s chapters were ones i found interesting, and even then i still wanted more from her. jeika comes off as incredibly unlikable, and their romance felt very surface-level, too. i did enjoy dani deciding to control her own purpose and choosing to save jeika in the end, even if it wasn’t what jeika wanted. dani’s little support group of her mother, eric and jane was one of my favourite developments in the story, and it made me wish i enjoyed jeika more and how she fit into dani’s dynamics.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was kinda weird. It is about two young women going through existential crisis, but like on steroids.
One is a killer that believes that's her calling, and the other believes she's supposed to be dead.
When they meet and start to get to know each other, their beliefs start being challenged.
Will the killer kill the willing victim or there is another outcome they couldn't have predicted?
The feelings explored in this book were the best thing for me. The guilt, hopelessness, despair, depression and the feeling of being trapped.
I think every, or at least most of the people go through some of them and I loved how well written and real they felt, even though the plot wasn't so realistic.
The story wasn't so gripping as I expected, and not dramatic or suspenseful enough, but I was still curious to learn what will happen in the end. And I was happy that everyone got what they deserved.
Many thank to NetGalley, Nika Grace and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC!
One is a killer that believes that's her calling, and the other believes she's supposed to be dead.
When they meet and start to get to know each other, their beliefs start being challenged.
Will the killer kill the willing victim or there is another outcome they couldn't have predicted?
The feelings explored in this book were the best thing for me. The guilt, hopelessness, despair, depression and the feeling of being trapped.
I think every, or at least most of the people go through some of them and I loved how well written and real they felt, even though the plot wasn't so realistic.
The story wasn't so gripping as I expected, and not dramatic or suspenseful enough, but I was still curious to learn what will happen in the end. And I was happy that everyone got what they deserved.
Many thank to NetGalley, Nika Grace and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC!
July 10, 2026
This premise had me immediately. A woman posts an ad looking for someone to kill her… and a serial killer answers? Yes, I’m reading that.
I liked this one, but I wanted to love it.
It ended up being much more character-driven than the thriller I expected. The emails between Dani and Jeika were my favorite part — dark, messy, and weirdly compelling as their connection grew.
The book does a good job exploring grief, guilt, and what happens when people feel completely stuck.
That part worked for me.
But as a thriller? I needed more. More suspense, more tension, more “I have to know what happens next.” The pacing dragged in places, and with characters you aren’t really meant to like, it was hard to stay fully invested.
Amazing concept, just didn’t quite deliver the punch I was hoping for.
Life is crazy—go enjoy some fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Serial Killer Wanted.
#SerialKillerWanted #NetGalley
I liked this one, but I wanted to love it.
It ended up being much more character-driven than the thriller I expected. The emails between Dani and Jeika were my favorite part — dark, messy, and weirdly compelling as their connection grew.
The book does a good job exploring grief, guilt, and what happens when people feel completely stuck.
That part worked for me.
But as a thriller? I needed more. More suspense, more tension, more “I have to know what happens next.” The pacing dragged in places, and with characters you aren’t really meant to like, it was hard to stay fully invested.
Amazing concept, just didn’t quite deliver the punch I was hoping for.
Life is crazy—go enjoy some fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Serial Killer Wanted.
#SerialKillerWanted #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was one of those books where the premise completely sold me. A serial killer answering an online ad from someone looking to be killed? It sounded dark, different, and exactly the kind of thriller I’d usually love.
The opening really pulled me in. Dani and Jeika’s dynamic was intriguing. Unfortunately, once Peter became a bigger part of the story, it lost me a bit. His motivations didn’t quite add up for me, and from that point the plot started to feel more chaotic than suspenseful.
The romance also didn’t quite convince me. I liked the idea of it, but it felt rushed rather than naturally developing, so I never fully believed in the connection between them.
That said, it’s an easy book to get through. The short chapters and quick pacing are always a winner for me - even when the story became increasingly over the top. It is definitely original and I can see why it will work for readers who enjoy quirky, dark thrillers that lean into the bizarre.
The opening really pulled me in. Dani and Jeika’s dynamic was intriguing. Unfortunately, once Peter became a bigger part of the story, it lost me a bit. His motivations didn’t quite add up for me, and from that point the plot started to feel more chaotic than suspenseful.
The romance also didn’t quite convince me. I liked the idea of it, but it felt rushed rather than naturally developing, so I never fully believed in the connection between them.
That said, it’s an easy book to get through. The short chapters and quick pacing are always a winner for me - even when the story became increasingly over the top. It is definitely original and I can see why it will work for readers who enjoy quirky, dark thrillers that lean into the bizarre.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Reviewed via Netgalley by Crooked Lane Books
Solid 4.5 stars
Dani and Jeika are such deeply developed and thoughtfully written characters that you can truly feel the pain and struggles of both of them.
You meet Jeika when she places an ad looking for a killer to end her life because of choices she made in the heat of a traumatic event. She can’t find her way out of the darkness that event created, and she feels like there’s no way forward.
Dani answers her ad, questioning whether being a killer is really who she is supposed to be. She’s done it before, and until recently, she always had a reason. But her latest kill has her questioning everything. As she gets closer to Jeika, she begins to wonder if maybe she can save her instead.
The ending of this book was amazing. I genuinely did not see it coming, and that’s saying something because I can usually predict where a story is going. It’s been a while since a book has managed to completely surprise me, so thank you for that!
Solid 4.5 stars
Dani and Jeika are such deeply developed and thoughtfully written characters that you can truly feel the pain and struggles of both of them.
You meet Jeika when she places an ad looking for a killer to end her life because of choices she made in the heat of a traumatic event. She can’t find her way out of the darkness that event created, and she feels like there’s no way forward.
Dani answers her ad, questioning whether being a killer is really who she is supposed to be. She’s done it before, and until recently, she always had a reason. But her latest kill has her questioning everything. As she gets closer to Jeika, she begins to wonder if maybe she can save her instead.
The ending of this book was amazing. I genuinely did not see it coming, and that’s saying something because I can usually predict where a story is going. It’s been a while since a book has managed to completely surprise me, so thank you for that!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a cooky read, but very entertaining.
The premise is catchy, and the story really delivered on a bunch of plot twists!
It always felt unexpected but made perfect sense with the narrative and characters, which kept me on the edge of my seat.
I thought the author took full advantage of this slightly nuts idea to explore much deeper themes of loss, purpose and love. The internal dialogue, especially Dani's, was visceral and rang true. Dani was a strong and unusual protagonist, and I enjoyed her chapters most.
I personally feel like the epilogue was unnecessary. It was an awkward shift in tone from the rest of the book. I understand it's a tough story to close, but this wasn't a satisfying ending for me.
Overall, this was a great debut!
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the arc!
The premise is catchy, and the story really delivered on a bunch of plot twists!
It always felt unexpected but made perfect sense with the narrative and characters, which kept me on the edge of my seat.
I thought the author took full advantage of this slightly nuts idea to explore much deeper themes of loss, purpose and love. The internal dialogue, especially Dani's, was visceral and rang true. Dani was a strong and unusual protagonist, and I enjoyed her chapters most.
I personally feel like the epilogue was unnecessary. It was an awkward shift in tone from the rest of the book. I understand it's a tough story to close, but this wasn't a satisfying ending for me.
Overall, this was a great debut!
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the arc!
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