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My Wife is a Serial Killer
Not yet published
Expected 13 Mar 26Harlow Steel is a psychiatric nurse devoted to healing—at least, that’s what the world sees. By day, she cares for abused children trapped in a broken system. By night, she becomes something far more dangerous.
When abusers walk free, Harlow makes sure they never get another chance.
Jude never questions the woman he loves. A psych tech himself, he sees Harlow as his future, his safe place. But as bodies begin to surface, love collides with a horrifying truth.
What if the woman you love is the very thing you’re meant to stop?
Dark, addictive, and morally twisted, My Wife Is a Serial Killer is a psychological thriller about love, lies, and the horrifying cost of justice taken into the wrong hands.
When abusers walk free, Harlow makes sure they never get another chance.
Jude never questions the woman he loves. A psych tech himself, he sees Harlow as his future, his safe place. But as bodies begin to surface, love collides with a horrifying truth.
What if the woman you love is the very thing you’re meant to stop?
Dark, addictive, and morally twisted, My Wife Is a Serial Killer is a psychological thriller about love, lies, and the horrifying cost of justice taken into the wrong hands.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 13, 2026
2 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
5🌟
1.3🌶
My Wife is a Serial Killer
Wow...
J.D SETZER mesmerizes you with this mind bending and gutwrenching psychological thriller.
How can you not support the killer...?
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Love
Female rage
Promised protection
Team of Vigilantes
Revenge
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This story makes you question everything...
The cliff hanger was 🤌 and I will now be impatiently waiting for the next installment. Haha
A special thanks to J.D. SETZER for allowing me to arc read this one.
✌️
1.3🌶
My Wife is a Serial Killer
Wow...
J.D SETZER mesmerizes you with this mind bending and gutwrenching psychological thriller.
How can you not support the killer...?
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Love
Female rage
Promised protection
Team of Vigilantes
Revenge
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This story makes you question everything...
The cliff hanger was 🤌 and I will now be impatiently waiting for the next installment. Haha
A special thanks to J.D. SETZER for allowing me to arc read this one.
✌️
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review: My Wife is a Serial Killer by JD Setzer
A Raw and Visceral Experience
This story is gritty, powerful, and honestly, it tears you apart from the inside. For me, it was more than just a thriller; it was a mirror to the past. Having personally survived domestic violence and psychological abuse, every page resonated with a deep, painful familiarity. JD Setzer captures these themes with a raw honesty that is rare to find.
Lean, Mean, and To the Point
One of the best things about this book is its pacing. JD Setzer knows exactly how to hook a reader from the prologue and keep them gripped until the very last word of the epilogue. There is no unnecessary "filler" or long-winded explanations—the story goes straight to the heart of the matter. It is a masterclass in tension and focused storytelling.
Character Justice and Impact
The character development is superb. They feel incredibly credible and real, which makes the stakes feel even higher. As a passionate reader, I truly appreciated how the story makes you question the social systems we live in. Most importantly, there is a profound sense of catharsis: seeing the "bad guys" finally pay the price for their evil was deeply satisfying.
The Stunner of an Ending
The ending left me completely paralyzed—in the best way possible. It was a perfect conclusion to a story that breathes pure tension throughout. If you enjoy thrillers that are well-constructed and don't pull any punches, this is the book for you.
Final Verdict
Rating: 5/5 Stars ★★★★★
Atmosphere: Tense and heavy.
Characters: Highly believable and grounded.
Pros: Fast-paced, emotionally resonant, and justice-driven.
Congratulations to JD Setzer for an excellent piece of work!
A Raw and Visceral Experience
This story is gritty, powerful, and honestly, it tears you apart from the inside. For me, it was more than just a thriller; it was a mirror to the past. Having personally survived domestic violence and psychological abuse, every page resonated with a deep, painful familiarity. JD Setzer captures these themes with a raw honesty that is rare to find.
Lean, Mean, and To the Point
One of the best things about this book is its pacing. JD Setzer knows exactly how to hook a reader from the prologue and keep them gripped until the very last word of the epilogue. There is no unnecessary "filler" or long-winded explanations—the story goes straight to the heart of the matter. It is a masterclass in tension and focused storytelling.
Character Justice and Impact
The character development is superb. They feel incredibly credible and real, which makes the stakes feel even higher. As a passionate reader, I truly appreciated how the story makes you question the social systems we live in. Most importantly, there is a profound sense of catharsis: seeing the "bad guys" finally pay the price for their evil was deeply satisfying.
The Stunner of an Ending
The ending left me completely paralyzed—in the best way possible. It was a perfect conclusion to a story that breathes pure tension throughout. If you enjoy thrillers that are well-constructed and don't pull any punches, this is the book for you.
Final Verdict
Rating: 5/5 Stars ★★★★★
Atmosphere: Tense and heavy.
Characters: Highly believable and grounded.
Pros: Fast-paced, emotionally resonant, and justice-driven.
Congratulations to JD Setzer for an excellent piece of work!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What would you do if you worked in a setting where you witnessed kids coming in, abused in every way, by the hand of one or both parents? Would you be angry? Would you be sad? Would you ignore it? Or would you do something about it? This book lures you right in within just a few pages. To be fair, be sure to read the trigger warnings at the beginning. I missed those. This book does contain 2 pretty detailed "smut" scenes, which had I read the triggers, I'd have known this. I originally gave this 4 stars due to having the smut, but upon learning it was listed in the beginning, that is a ME issue, not on the author or this book, so I now give it 4.5 stars. This was definitely a book that was difficult to put down and the characters were all relatable. It is also a book I recommend reading. I have yet to read a book by this author that I have not thoroughly enjoyed.
February 22, 2026
Vigilante justice at its finest! Jude and Harlow find love in the midst of psych unit chaos. Tending to children who’ve been failed by an unjust system sparks a ravenous anger in Harlow and she refuses to leave things to the system that has proven faulty time and time again.
Jude is head over heels in love with Harlow, their love story is nothing short of adorable and comforting but they see things differently. Where Jude is a strict rule follower, Harlow likes to take things into her own hands. How many rules will have to be broken and which rule will break them? I have so many questions and cannot wait to read the continuation of this story!
JD continues to deliver binge worthy reads and I’ll forever be a fan!
Jude is head over heels in love with Harlow, their love story is nothing short of adorable and comforting but they see things differently. Where Jude is a strict rule follower, Harlow likes to take things into her own hands. How many rules will have to be broken and which rule will break them? I have so many questions and cannot wait to read the continuation of this story!
JD continues to deliver binge worthy reads and I’ll forever be a fan!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Release date 13 March
My Wife Is A Serial Killer
Author: J.D. Setzer
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book by J.D. Setzer is an extremely dark and twisted psychological thriller, exciting and addictive.
I could feel the suspense growing from page one, I was pulled in and hooked into this fast-paced and short chapter novel.
Harlow Steele works as a psychiatric nurse tending to severely abused children, she is devoted to their healing, but the failing justice system sending the kids back to their abusers angers her.
On her shifts at the hospital Harlow is seen as warm-hearted with a dedication to see to the kids care and healing, and wellbeing, by night she turns in someone much more dangerous, watch, plan, act with calculated precision.
Jude her colleague and lover is totally unaware of her sinister night-time activities, Harlow is his life, his future and his place of safety, and when bodies are discovered and the horrifying truth begins to be realised, Jude's mind is in turmoil.
My Wife Is A Serial Killer certainly had me on edge, it's an awesome suspense novel, and I could feel the intensity within the amazing characters.
Overall I absolutely loved this psych thriller by J.D. Setzer.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Release date 13 March
My Wife Is A Serial Killer
Author: J.D. Setzer
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book by J.D. Setzer is an extremely dark and twisted psychological thriller, exciting and addictive.
I could feel the suspense growing from page one, I was pulled in and hooked into this fast-paced and short chapter novel.
Harlow Steele works as a psychiatric nurse tending to severely abused children, she is devoted to their healing, but the failing justice system sending the kids back to their abusers angers her.
On her shifts at the hospital Harlow is seen as warm-hearted with a dedication to see to the kids care and healing, and wellbeing, by night she turns in someone much more dangerous, watch, plan, act with calculated precision.
Jude her colleague and lover is totally unaware of her sinister night-time activities, Harlow is his life, his future and his place of safety, and when bodies are discovered and the horrifying truth begins to be realised, Jude's mind is in turmoil.
My Wife Is A Serial Killer certainly had me on edge, it's an awesome suspense novel, and I could feel the intensity within the amazing characters.
Overall I absolutely loved this psych thriller by J.D. Setzer.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
March 1, 2026
Well, that happened lol.
I absolutely love a female Vigilante, just something about those stories that I just love. Harlow is a hero both at work and after she clocks out, she goes to great lengths to protect and keep the kids safe that come to her at the psych unit at the hospital she is a nurse at. Those kids don’t always get justice and the systems fails them time after time and most of the time, they don’t listen to the kids, but Harlow makes sure that the worst of the worst are taken care of so they never hurt their children it any one else every again, but she’s newly married and when her husband finds out about het secret, things take a turn and she’s not sure what happens next.
This one ends on a cliff hanger and I cannot wait to find out what happens next!
I absolutely love a female Vigilante, just something about those stories that I just love. Harlow is a hero both at work and after she clocks out, she goes to great lengths to protect and keep the kids safe that come to her at the psych unit at the hospital she is a nurse at. Those kids don’t always get justice and the systems fails them time after time and most of the time, they don’t listen to the kids, but Harlow makes sure that the worst of the worst are taken care of so they never hurt their children it any one else every again, but she’s newly married and when her husband finds out about het secret, things take a turn and she’s not sure what happens next.
This one ends on a cliff hanger and I cannot wait to find out what happens next!
March 3, 2026
Harlow works as a psych nurse on the same unit as her psych tech husband, Jude. Together they work on a team that deals with a lot of children and families that are in the system. It bothers most people the things that were done to these children but it especially bothers Harlow. She decides to take justice into her own hands as deaths turn to cold cases. Will she be able to keep her secret forever or will she tell her husband? If he finds out, will he turn her in?
This book is very fast paced and it draws you in right from the beginning. This was the first book I’ve read of J. D.’s and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be an ARC reader. If you want to be sucked into a good book, you should read this one.
This book is very fast paced and it draws you in right from the beginning. This was the first book I’ve read of J. D.’s and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be an ARC reader. If you want to be sucked into a good book, you should read this one.
February 23, 2026
This was my first book by JD and I have to say I am not disappointed! This book kept me guessing the entire time. It was very interesting and entertaining. I loved how I was rooting for the “bad guy”. Because let’s me honest… they deserved it lol. The only complaint I really had about this book, is I wish it was longer! When it was over I just wanted more! I know there’s gonna be a second book and thank goodness for that lol. All in all this was a fun thriller and I will be reading more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC, it's release day is around 21 March.
Harlow is a Psych Nurse by day. She heals, she listens, she breaks inside. Abused children come in bruised, shattered, and broken and then get released back to their abusers - through a system that is flawed and tragic. Her husband Jude works the night shift there. While Jude is working, Harlow seeks her own justice - in the dark...
Their love is beautiful, and they have a system to communicate with each other when they're not together. Jude has no idea about Harlows focused agenda.
Will he find out???
This book had me in a chokehold from the start. I was fully invested in this story of both love and vigilante justice. It's brutal, depraved, and morally gray. A Psychological Thriller that will have you thinking "awwwww" one minute, then "OMFG" the next!!! The ending near took me clean out.
SHELVE THIS BOOK ON GR IMMEDIATELY.
Thanks J.D, my third book of yours, and I cannot wait to read the rest. Your writing is so deep I had zero awareness of what was going on around me. I was so engrossed in the character's, twists, and your descriptive prose. That's talent indeed! 🥰
Harlow is a Psych Nurse by day. She heals, she listens, she breaks inside. Abused children come in bruised, shattered, and broken and then get released back to their abusers - through a system that is flawed and tragic. Her husband Jude works the night shift there. While Jude is working, Harlow seeks her own justice - in the dark...
Their love is beautiful, and they have a system to communicate with each other when they're not together. Jude has no idea about Harlows focused agenda.
Will he find out???
This book had me in a chokehold from the start. I was fully invested in this story of both love and vigilante justice. It's brutal, depraved, and morally gray. A Psychological Thriller that will have you thinking "awwwww" one minute, then "OMFG" the next!!! The ending near took me clean out.
SHELVE THIS BOOK ON GR IMMEDIATELY.
Thanks J.D, my third book of yours, and I cannot wait to read the rest. Your writing is so deep I had zero awareness of what was going on around me. I was so engrossed in the character's, twists, and your descriptive prose. That's talent indeed! 🥰
February 18, 2026
“My Wife is a Serial Killer” by J. D. Setzer is vigilante justice at its absolute finest. Dark, intense, and razor-sharp, it grabbed me from the first page and refused to let go. I didn’t just read this book, I devoured it.
Setzer masterfully crafts morally gray characters who challenge your sense of right and wrong. You’ll find yourself questioning your own boundaries as the story unfolds, torn between horror and understanding. That tension is what makes this book so addictive. The pacing is relentless, every chapter pushes you forward, raising the stakes and tightening the grip.
This isn’t just a thriller; it’s a deep dive into justice, morality, and the lengths someone will go to when the system fails. I closed the book exhilarated and already impatient for what’s next.
J.D. Setzer has officially become an author I would read without even knowing the premise. If he writes it, I’m in. I can’t wait to see what he does next.
Setzer masterfully crafts morally gray characters who challenge your sense of right and wrong. You’ll find yourself questioning your own boundaries as the story unfolds, torn between horror and understanding. That tension is what makes this book so addictive. The pacing is relentless, every chapter pushes you forward, raising the stakes and tightening the grip.
This isn’t just a thriller; it’s a deep dive into justice, morality, and the lengths someone will go to when the system fails. I closed the book exhilarated and already impatient for what’s next.
J.D. Setzer has officially become an author I would read without even knowing the premise. If he writes it, I’m in. I can’t wait to see what he does next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
J.D. did it again! Harlow is a psych nurse who works with abused and neglected children. Disgusted by the system who is unable to protect its most vulnerable she takes matters into her own hands.
Her husband Jude who works as a tech with the same children has no idea what his wife does. Their love is intoxicating and complete. What will happen if he finds out?
You'll question your own morals and sense of justice as the story takes you on an intense rollercoaster ride.
This is my 3rd book by J.D. Setzer and now he has become an automatic read. If he wrote it, I'm reading it, no questions asked.
Her husband Jude who works as a tech with the same children has no idea what his wife does. Their love is intoxicating and complete. What will happen if he finds out?
You'll question your own morals and sense of justice as the story takes you on an intense rollercoaster ride.
This is my 3rd book by J.D. Setzer and now he has become an automatic read. If he wrote it, I'm reading it, no questions asked.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First off I'd like to say if I was a writer I hope I'd be half the writer J.D is.
He nailed the passion, the secrets, the reality of bad things in life in this book, it was a quick read but only because you can't put it down. the story is constantly rolling, in a good way. Harlow had some great support. ride or die baby.
I was low key like wtf at the end and then I saw to be continued and felt so relieved because the ending leaves you with a big question, I really hope the to be continued is true and he's not playing with us 😂 Thank you for the opportunity to be able to read this book before it's released, if there's a next book I hope I'm picked again
He nailed the passion, the secrets, the reality of bad things in life in this book, it was a quick read but only because you can't put it down. the story is constantly rolling, in a good way. Harlow had some great support. ride or die baby.
I was low key like wtf at the end and then I saw to be continued and felt so relieved because the ending leaves you with a big question, I really hope the to be continued is true and he's not playing with us 😂 Thank you for the opportunity to be able to read this book before it's released, if there's a next book I hope I'm picked again
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just finished My Wife is a Serial Killer last night. I love the book and because of the ending I have to wait! As someone else before me said, dick move lol. Very well played!
I love Harlow and Jude together soooo much! But now I have to wait on part 2 to find out how this nurse/doctor duo work. Their love story is great! Her reasoning for things she does is great! I love their journals for each other.
Can't wait for MORE!
I love Harlow and Jude together soooo much! But now I have to wait on part 2 to find out how this nurse/doctor duo work. Their love story is great! Her reasoning for things she does is great! I love their journals for each other.
Can't wait for MORE!
Review of advance copy received from Author
MY WIFE IS A SERIAL KILLER BY J.D. SETZER.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Release date set for the 13th of March 2026.
Ohhhh thats a prologue..... That is what I'm talking about 👏.
Hooked immediately from the very first page.
Slid right into chapter one and didn't stop, didn't Want to stop and holy hell I couldn't stop even if I tried.
Who doesn't love a bit of vigilante justice..
I love J.D. SETZERS writing style and you just seem to devour his work.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ☺
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Release date set for the 13th of March 2026.
Ohhhh thats a prologue..... That is what I'm talking about 👏.
Hooked immediately from the very first page.
Slid right into chapter one and didn't stop, didn't Want to stop and holy hell I couldn't stop even if I tried.
Who doesn't love a bit of vigilante justice..
I love J.D. SETZERS writing style and you just seem to devour his work.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ☺
February 16, 2026
This indie author did NOT come to play. 🔥
Harlow Steel is raw and ruthless when it comes to protecting children. A psychiatric nurse by day, justice dealer by night who makes sure abusers never walk free. Her husband Jude is left balancing love, loyalty, and the weight of her secrets. This book is dark, addictive & unapologetically twisted.
Harlow Steel is raw and ruthless when it comes to protecting children. A psychiatric nurse by day, justice dealer by night who makes sure abusers never walk free. Her husband Jude is left balancing love, loyalty, and the weight of her secrets. This book is dark, addictive & unapologetically twisted.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an amazing book. We learn early on that Harlow is a serial killer with the greatest of intentions but her significant other doesn't know. Most people don't know.
Will she be able to continue without getting caught? Can she hide this part of her life?
This book is part love story part psychological thriller. It is well written and will keep you wanting more!
Will she be able to continue without getting caught? Can she hide this part of her life?
This book is part love story part psychological thriller. It is well written and will keep you wanting more!
March 2, 2026
I received an ARC copy for my honest review!
I loved that it was fast-paced and it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I enjoyed the developing love story between Harlow and Jude. This book is about love, secerets, the justice system, and so mcuh more!
There are quite a few questions I had, so I hope there is a second book to follow up.
I really enjoyed this female vigilante book.
I loved that it was fast-paced and it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I enjoyed the developing love story between Harlow and Jude. This book is about love, secerets, the justice system, and so mcuh more!
There are quite a few questions I had, so I hope there is a second book to follow up.
I really enjoyed this female vigilante book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the privilege of receiving an ARC from the author. My review of the book is from my reading experience.
J.D. SETZER has written a raw and gritty psychological thriller. I was 100% invested in the character from the beginning. The questions of right and wrong savior or killer will play in your mind well after the last page.
I highly recommend reading any this J.D. SETZER books.
J.D. SETZER has written a raw and gritty psychological thriller. I was 100% invested in the character from the beginning. The questions of right and wrong savior or killer will play in your mind well after the last page.
I highly recommend reading any this J.D. SETZER books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you are looking for something twisted to read, this is it. Love, lies, secrets, and murder. The words in these pages will leave you wanting more.
Harlow is a nurse at a psychiatric hospital caring for abused children. When the system fails the children and allows their abusers to remain out in the open, Harlow takes matters into her own hands. How long can she go before being found out?
Harlow is a nurse at a psychiatric hospital caring for abused children. When the system fails the children and allows their abusers to remain out in the open, Harlow takes matters into her own hands. How long can she go before being found out?
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a really good thriller! I didn't want to put it down to do anything else. Harlow is a psychiatric nurse and will do anything to keep the abusers out of her patients lives. Her husband, Jude, is clueless until he stumbles upon something very eye opening. New release on March 13th. Definitely a must read! Thank you J. D. Setzer for allowing me to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you J.D. Setzer for the advance copy of your book. This is my first book of yours and I was very surprised how fast paced it was and how it pulled me in from chapter one. I love the cover and the short chapters, that kept me turning pages. It would have been read in one sitting but life gets in the way. The ending felt very rushed to me so that is the reason for the 4 🌟 review. I will be on the look out for your other books.
February 20, 2026
I had way too much fun reading this one. It’s not about shocking twist after twist, it’s about the way the story is told. The writing is so detailed and immersive that I felt completely pulled in from the start! 🔥
It’s fast, gripping, and one of those reads where you look up and realize you flew through half the book without meaning to. Absolutely top-tier for me 👌 💯
It’s fast, gripping, and one of those reads where you look up and realize you flew through half the book without meaning to. Absolutely top-tier for me 👌 💯
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fast paced one day knock out! Those who hurt children and beat and beat their spouses to show dominance are some of the worst. Monsters are real and they walk upon us every single day. The system is incredibly broken. Why not take matters into your own hands....
I love JDs writing style. Every book I have read by him has the most raw and emotional impact with every page you turn. He brings that piece to life.
Don't hesitate to grab this when it releases. Harlow and Jude are waiting on you.
I love JDs writing style. Every book I have read by him has the most raw and emotional impact with every page you turn. He brings that piece to life.
Don't hesitate to grab this when it releases. Harlow and Jude are waiting on you.
February 25, 2026
The system is flawed and real monsters walk amongst us. You know the type, raping and beating women and children. Then what happens? The system sends the victims back to the monsters. What if you could eradicate those monsters? What if you could make it look like an accident or suicide? Vigilante Justice never looked as good as it does in J.D. Setzer’s My Wife Is a Serial Killer. This book was a dark and emotional thrill ride laced with sentimental anecdotes from JD’s marriage. Don’t worry, Haley Setzer is not out seeking vigilante justice. A 5 star must read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to the author for ARC copy of the book
Summary:
Jude and Harlow are nurses working in a chaotic psychiatric unit, where they witness the darkest sides of humanity—abuse, neglect, trauma, and a system that often fails the most vulnerable. Bound by long shifts, shared stress, and a private journal they pass back and forth, their relationship grows intense and deeply personal. Soon, they’re planning a future together.
But not everything in their life is as it seems.
While Jude struggles to cope with the emotional toll of their work, Harlow carries wounds from her own troubled past—wounds that shape how she sees justice.
Dark, emotional, and morally complex, My Wife Is a Serial Killer explores love, trauma, and what happens when someone decides the system isn’t enough.
Review:
"My Wife Is a Serial Killer" is a dark, emotionally intense psychological thriller that blends romance, trauma, and moral gray areas into a fast-paced, bingeable read.
The dual POV structure works well, giving readers insight into both sides of the relationship and building tension in a steady, compelling way. The hospital setting adds a gritty realism, especially in how it portrays burnout, systemic failure, and the emotional toll of working with vulnerable patients. The author doesn’t shy away from heavy subject matter, and the intensity is consistent from beginning to end.
What really stands out is the emotional undercurrent. This isn’t just a thriller—it’s also a story about love shaped by trauma, about how past wounds influence present choices. The characters feel passionate and flawed, and that rawness drives the story forward.
That said, this is definitely not a light read. The themes are dark, and the tone can be heavy. Readers sensitive to graphic or emotionally charged content should check trigger warnings beforehand.
Overall, if you enjoy morally complex characters, psychological tension, and stories that explore justice, love, and trauma in messy ways, this one will likely keep you hooked.
Summary:
Jude and Harlow are nurses working in a chaotic psychiatric unit, where they witness the darkest sides of humanity—abuse, neglect, trauma, and a system that often fails the most vulnerable. Bound by long shifts, shared stress, and a private journal they pass back and forth, their relationship grows intense and deeply personal. Soon, they’re planning a future together.
But not everything in their life is as it seems.
While Jude struggles to cope with the emotional toll of their work, Harlow carries wounds from her own troubled past—wounds that shape how she sees justice.
Dark, emotional, and morally complex, My Wife Is a Serial Killer explores love, trauma, and what happens when someone decides the system isn’t enough.
Review:
"My Wife Is a Serial Killer" is a dark, emotionally intense psychological thriller that blends romance, trauma, and moral gray areas into a fast-paced, bingeable read.
The dual POV structure works well, giving readers insight into both sides of the relationship and building tension in a steady, compelling way. The hospital setting adds a gritty realism, especially in how it portrays burnout, systemic failure, and the emotional toll of working with vulnerable patients. The author doesn’t shy away from heavy subject matter, and the intensity is consistent from beginning to end.
What really stands out is the emotional undercurrent. This isn’t just a thriller—it’s also a story about love shaped by trauma, about how past wounds influence present choices. The characters feel passionate and flawed, and that rawness drives the story forward.
That said, this is definitely not a light read. The themes are dark, and the tone can be heavy. Readers sensitive to graphic or emotionally charged content should check trigger warnings beforehand.
Overall, if you enjoy morally complex characters, psychological tension, and stories that explore justice, love, and trauma in messy ways, this one will likely keep you hooked.
Review of advance copy received from Author
You know how some couples bond over shared hobbies? Hiking. Cooking. True crime podcasts. Harlow and Jude? They accidentally bond over actual crime.
Harlow Steel is a psychiatric nurse by day, tirelessly caring for abused children trapped in a system held together with paperwork and crossed fingers. She sees the worst of humanity. She sees the loopholes. And when certain abusers walk free, she apparently decides, “Fine. I’ll handle it.”
Let’s be honest. When it comes to people who hurt children, who isn’t at least tempted to nod along when someone says, “Maybe justice needs a little help”? Especially when the system keeps dropping the ball. That’s the uncomfortable question Setzer hands you like it’s a polite dinner conversation topic. Suddenly you’re reading along thinking, I do not support this but also I can get on board.
Harlow isn’t chaotic or sloppy. She’s calm. Methodical. The kind of woman who probably color codes her grocery list and her revenge plan. That’s what makes it extra chilling. And poor Jude. Sweet, devoted Jude. He sees Harlow as his safe place, his future, his everything. Meanwhile, readers are side eyeing him like, “Sir, maybe you want to check your basement.”
The real tension kicks in as bodies surface and love collides with truth. What do you do when your soulmate might also qualify for a true crime documentary? Do you bring flowers or handcuffs?
Dark and just uncomfortable enough to make you question your own moral compass , the kind of thriller that has you flipping pages while whispering, “This is wrong. So wrong.”
And yet you give approval while flipping pages!
Harlow Steel is a psychiatric nurse by day, tirelessly caring for abused children trapped in a system held together with paperwork and crossed fingers. She sees the worst of humanity. She sees the loopholes. And when certain abusers walk free, she apparently decides, “Fine. I’ll handle it.”
Let’s be honest. When it comes to people who hurt children, who isn’t at least tempted to nod along when someone says, “Maybe justice needs a little help”? Especially when the system keeps dropping the ball. That’s the uncomfortable question Setzer hands you like it’s a polite dinner conversation topic. Suddenly you’re reading along thinking, I do not support this but also I can get on board.
Harlow isn’t chaotic or sloppy. She’s calm. Methodical. The kind of woman who probably color codes her grocery list and her revenge plan. That’s what makes it extra chilling. And poor Jude. Sweet, devoted Jude. He sees Harlow as his safe place, his future, his everything. Meanwhile, readers are side eyeing him like, “Sir, maybe you want to check your basement.”
The real tension kicks in as bodies surface and love collides with truth. What do you do when your soulmate might also qualify for a true crime documentary? Do you bring flowers or handcuffs?
Dark and just uncomfortable enough to make you question your own moral compass , the kind of thriller that has you flipping pages while whispering, “This is wrong. So wrong.”
And yet you give approval while flipping pages!
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Wife Is a Serial Killer is so much more than its shocking title.
What hit me the hardest was the emotional depth behind these characters. JD Setzer doesn’t just tell a story — he builds people. You can feel the layers of their childhood trauma, the way their past bleeds into their present, and how those wounds shape who they become as adults. The character growth is powerful and ongoing, not static.
The themes surrounding child abuse and systemic corruption are handled with a raw honesty that feels deeply personal and purposeful. It’s clear this story comes from a place of lived experience and emotional truth. Nothing felt thrown in for shock value — everything had weight and intention.
And Harlow and Jude? Their connection felt real, messy, and beautifully human. The dynamic between them was one of my favorite parts of the book — intense, emotional, and authentic.
This story lingers. It challenges. It makes you feel.
I’m absolutely ready for part two.
What hit me the hardest was the emotional depth behind these characters. JD Setzer doesn’t just tell a story — he builds people. You can feel the layers of their childhood trauma, the way their past bleeds into their present, and how those wounds shape who they become as adults. The character growth is powerful and ongoing, not static.
The themes surrounding child abuse and systemic corruption are handled with a raw honesty that feels deeply personal and purposeful. It’s clear this story comes from a place of lived experience and emotional truth. Nothing felt thrown in for shock value — everything had weight and intention.
And Harlow and Jude? Their connection felt real, messy, and beautifully human. The dynamic between them was one of my favorite parts of the book — intense, emotional, and authentic.
This story lingers. It challenges. It makes you feel.
I’m absolutely ready for part two.
February 23, 2026
Possible spoilers in review.
J.D. has done it again. I was completely caught up in this book and couldn’t put it down. The imagery is great. My heart was pounding and I literally sat on the edge of my seat.
I enjoyed the love story between Jude and Harlow. They both found missing pieces of themselves in each other. Their love is tested in a big way and as a reader it made me question what I would do for the person I love. Harlow‘s need to protect the children in her care at the psych ward speaks so loudly of her character. Harlow feels like the only way to get justice and ensure these kids will be safe, is to take justice into her own hands. This book shines a light on a broken system. I was not expecting the ending and can’t wait for more.
J.D. has done it again. I was completely caught up in this book and couldn’t put it down. The imagery is great. My heart was pounding and I literally sat on the edge of my seat.
I enjoyed the love story between Jude and Harlow. They both found missing pieces of themselves in each other. Their love is tested in a big way and as a reader it made me question what I would do for the person I love. Harlow‘s need to protect the children in her care at the psych ward speaks so loudly of her character. Harlow feels like the only way to get justice and ensure these kids will be safe, is to take justice into her own hands. This book shines a light on a broken system. I was not expecting the ending and can’t wait for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Wife Is a Serial Killer is JD’s seventh book — a psychological thriller with a chilling and unique premise.
Harlow Steel works in a hospital, where she secretly targets and kills parents who abuse their children and land them in special care. When she marries Jude, he has no idea about her dark double life… until he begins to notice unsettling clues.
What does he do next?
Does he try to stop her before she kills again?
I was fortunate enough to be an alpha reader for this one and watch the story come to life from the early stages.
This fast-paced psychological thriller releases March 21 — and you won’t want to miss it.
Preorder your copy now.
Harlow Steel works in a hospital, where she secretly targets and kills parents who abuse their children and land them in special care. When she marries Jude, he has no idea about her dark double life… until he begins to notice unsettling clues.
What does he do next?
Does he try to stop her before she kills again?
I was fortunate enough to be an alpha reader for this one and watch the story come to life from the early stages.
This fast-paced psychological thriller releases March 21 — and you won’t want to miss it.
Preorder your copy now.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy Plot Twist!
As always when it comes to J.D. SETZER - Author this was another 5⭐️ read….although really I should take off about 17 stars for that ending.
In this lovely little tale, we follow Jude and Harlow on their journey to wedded bliss…and then some. They both work in a psych ward with pediatric patients, and If that doesn’t tell you enough you’ll definitely be rooting for Harlow.
All I can say is J.D. better be working on book 2 already or he might end up in one of Harlow’s journals.
Also, mental health is serious and trigger warnings are there for a reason. Make sure you read them!
As always when it comes to J.D. SETZER - Author this was another 5⭐️ read….although really I should take off about 17 stars for that ending.
In this lovely little tale, we follow Jude and Harlow on their journey to wedded bliss…and then some. They both work in a psych ward with pediatric patients, and If that doesn’t tell you enough you’ll definitely be rooting for Harlow.
All I can say is J.D. better be working on book 2 already or he might end up in one of Harlow’s journals.
Also, mental health is serious and trigger warnings are there for a reason. Make sure you read them!
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