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The Ledger Network #1
Serial Husbands: Wash Away The Evidence. Upload The Proof.
Junction City, Kansas seems peaceful. Michael Denton and Ryan Hayes are the dependable couple on Chestnut Street, always helping, always watching. But behind that calm exterior is a secret life. For years, they have quietly removed predators who slip past the justice system, documenting each act inside a hidden dark-web archive called The Ledger.
When a teenage girl goes missing, the town floods the streets to search. Detective Kayla Schultz refuses easy answers and starts building a timeline that will not stop tightening. Michael and Ryan see the chaos as cover, and make a choice they think will keep them invisible.
Instead, it becomes the decision that begins to unravel everything.
As suspicion spreads and small contradictions surface, their routines crack, their safety nets fail, and The Ledger itself warns that silence is no longer enough. In a suburb built on trust, the kindest faces can hide the darkest truths.
When a teenage girl goes missing, the town floods the streets to search. Detective Kayla Schultz refuses easy answers and starts building a timeline that will not stop tightening. Michael and Ryan see the chaos as cover, and make a choice they think will keep them invisible.
Instead, it becomes the decision that begins to unravel everything.
As suspicion spreads and small contradictions surface, their routines crack, their safety nets fail, and The Ledger itself warns that silence is no longer enough. In a suburb built on trust, the kindest faces can hide the darkest truths.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2026
About the author
Travis Warman
4 books27 followersTravis Warman did not set out to be a writer. He started writing what would become the bones of his debut novel, The Quiet Man, while serving in the U.S. Army at Fort Riley, Kansas, from 2011 to 2013, on long nights snowed into the barracks or staying in to save money. The streets of nearby Junction City would later become the foundation for Serial Husbands. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, he left the military in 2013, finished college, and trained as a clinical pharmacist in Arizona, where he now lives with his husband James and the son they are raising together.
He began writing because he could not find what he was looking for on the shelf. He wanted crime fiction where queer characters carried the full moral weight of the story, where they were allowed the same depth, contradiction, and capacity for harm that the genre has always granted its most memorable protagonists. When he could not find those books, he started writing them.
His current work centers on The Ledger Network, a series of interconnected queer stories built on procedural realism, queer interiority, and the architecture of secrets. LGBTQIA+ characters are allowed to be morally gray, villainous, complicated, and never reduced to a side role, a trope, or a cliché. Serial Husbands is the first volume to reach the surface, releasing July 1st, 2026.
The work is built on clinical discipline, procedural detail, and a long-running argument with the genre about who is allowed to be complicated. The goal is not comfort. The goal is to leave the reader asking what they would have done in the same room, and whether they would have done any better. Every record is human-authored.
He began writing because he could not find what he was looking for on the shelf. He wanted crime fiction where queer characters carried the full moral weight of the story, where they were allowed the same depth, contradiction, and capacity for harm that the genre has always granted its most memorable protagonists. When he could not find those books, he started writing them.
His current work centers on The Ledger Network, a series of interconnected queer stories built on procedural realism, queer interiority, and the architecture of secrets. LGBTQIA+ characters are allowed to be morally gray, villainous, complicated, and never reduced to a side role, a trope, or a cliché. Serial Husbands is the first volume to reach the surface, releasing July 1st, 2026.
The work is built on clinical discipline, procedural detail, and a long-running argument with the genre about who is allowed to be complicated. The goal is not comfort. The goal is to leave the reader asking what they would have done in the same room, and whether they would have done any better. Every record is human-authored.
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July 14, 2026ARC provided by the author.
Serial Husbands started off really strong for me. I was immediately interested in the setup, and I wanted to see where the story was going.
Around the halfway point, though, the focus shifted, and that’s where it started to lose me a bit. I had latched onto the story the book introduced, and once it moved in a different direction, I never got as invested in that new focus. Because of that, it started to feel longer than it needed to.
That said, I still enjoyed the overall concept, and I appreciated that it tried something different instead of following a more predictable thriller format. It just didn’t maintain the same momentum for me that it had in the beginning.
I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy crime fiction, multiple perspectives, character-driven suspense, and stories that take an unconventional approach rather than sticking to a traditional thriller structure.
Serial Husbands started off really strong for me. I was immediately interested in the setup, and I wanted to see where the story was going.
Around the halfway point, though, the focus shifted, and that’s where it started to lose me a bit. I had latched onto the story the book introduced, and once it moved in a different direction, I never got as invested in that new focus. Because of that, it started to feel longer than it needed to.
That said, I still enjoyed the overall concept, and I appreciated that it tried something different instead of following a more predictable thriller format. It just didn’t maintain the same momentum for me that it had in the beginning.
I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy crime fiction, multiple perspectives, character-driven suspense, and stories that take an unconventional approach rather than sticking to a traditional thriller structure.
July 1, 2026
Received ARC from the author. I’ve read a lot of thrillers and after a while, they all feel the same. However, Serial Husbands felt refreshingly different from your standard thriller tropes. I’ll be interested to see where the author goes with the next book in this series!
no-thank-you
July 23, 2026Describing a woman as "curvy in the right way" definitely conveys that you think there is a wrong way to be curvy, and that's pretty fatphobic tbh. I was already not quite clicking with the writing style and that tipped me over the edge to a DNF.
June 13, 2026
Serial Husbands is a novel that involves the disappearance of Julia Harrison, a couple of male killers, and an investigator who is searching for clues behind Julia's disappearance. At some point, the three storylines become connected, and the story begins to unfold.
The book was very engaging, and I could not stop reading it. It also helped that the chapters were not too long (I really appreciate that). Julia's story was excellent; the clues surrounding her disappearance kept me interested and constantly trying to figure out who was behind her absence (although I think I missed the answer at some point).
As for the couple, I loved that the fact that they are gay was not the main focus of the novel. Well done. Both Michael and Ryan made me very curious throughout the book. Where do they come from? Why did they start killing? Why do they do it? By the end of the book, I finally got some answers, and honestly, they were not what I expected.
The investigator, who did not really seem like an investigator, was a character I personally did not enjoy very much. Julia's parents did not have much time in the novel, and I honestly would have liked to see more of them and hear their perspective on their daughter's disappearance.
In conclusion, the book was very good, and I am grateful to the author for the opportunity to read the novel before it was published. It is truly an honor. Serial Husbands delivers what it promises, and even though it is a slow-burn story, it is very good overall.
The book was very engaging, and I could not stop reading it. It also helped that the chapters were not too long (I really appreciate that). Julia's story was excellent; the clues surrounding her disappearance kept me interested and constantly trying to figure out who was behind her absence (although I think I missed the answer at some point).
As for the couple, I loved that the fact that they are gay was not the main focus of the novel. Well done. Both Michael and Ryan made me very curious throughout the book. Where do they come from? Why did they start killing? Why do they do it? By the end of the book, I finally got some answers, and honestly, they were not what I expected.
The investigator, who did not really seem like an investigator, was a character I personally did not enjoy very much. Julia's parents did not have much time in the novel, and I honestly would have liked to see more of them and hear their perspective on their daughter's disappearance.
In conclusion, the book was very good, and I am grateful to the author for the opportunity to read the novel before it was published. It is truly an honor. Serial Husbands delivers what it promises, and even though it is a slow-burn story, it is very good overall.
Did Not Finish
January 1, 2026I made it 31% of the way through this book before I decided to DNF it. I enjoy thrillers and thought the premise sounded interesting, especially since it focuses on two gay men. In reality, this felt more like a police procedural than a thriller, and one of the protagonists is a female detective. I don't enjoy books from a law enforcement perspective, so this wasn't for me, and I thought the main story was going to be from the gay couple's perspective.
December 28, 2025
Really enjoyed this book. The pacing was really good. It was a detailed story that I didn't get lost in.
Hope there is a second book!!
Hope there is a second book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from the author.
This was quite intense! Especially towards the end, when everything came together.
There is sort of two plots going on, somewhat related but as a reader you won’t really see this connection until a lot later.
There is something called The Ledger that tracks the “kills” that occurred. The husbands, Ryan and Michael, are part of this “group” and they’ve been doing what they’ve been doing for a few years. Their methods are meticulous and the details are so specific you are almost right there with the characters.
In one plot, a girl went missing in Junction City, KS. And in another plot, you have Ryan and Michael performing a “kill” and how they “cleaned up” after, in the same city. In fact, they were neighbors to the girl. The plots do come together but in an interesting turn of events that actually spanned a few more years.
I enjoy how the author writes. There is a sense of quiet with this undertone of anxiety and suspense that is barely bubbling to the surface but that keeps you going. It’s almost a bit eerie and the uncertainty of what may come next keeps me engaged. This is a thriller but in a quiet sort of way. It’s definitely different from the suspense and thrillers I’ve read. There isn’t a jump scare or fast-paced actions. It’s steady and mild but a tension that is underneath and started to build up during the halfway point.
And the end…wow I want to know more. I want to know Ryan and Michael’s stories - how they got to where they are, I want to know how they will cross paths with the law.
This was quite intense! Especially towards the end, when everything came together.
There is sort of two plots going on, somewhat related but as a reader you won’t really see this connection until a lot later.
There is something called The Ledger that tracks the “kills” that occurred. The husbands, Ryan and Michael, are part of this “group” and they’ve been doing what they’ve been doing for a few years. Their methods are meticulous and the details are so specific you are almost right there with the characters.
In one plot, a girl went missing in Junction City, KS. And in another plot, you have Ryan and Michael performing a “kill” and how they “cleaned up” after, in the same city. In fact, they were neighbors to the girl. The plots do come together but in an interesting turn of events that actually spanned a few more years.
I enjoy how the author writes. There is a sense of quiet with this undertone of anxiety and suspense that is barely bubbling to the surface but that keeps you going. It’s almost a bit eerie and the uncertainty of what may come next keeps me engaged. This is a thriller but in a quiet sort of way. It’s definitely different from the suspense and thrillers I’ve read. There isn’t a jump scare or fast-paced actions. It’s steady and mild but a tension that is underneath and started to build up during the halfway point.
And the end…wow I want to know more. I want to know Ryan and Michael’s stories - how they got to where they are, I want to know how they will cross paths with the law.
July 1, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from the author.
This book was different than others I’ve read. There are two different things happening at the same time. Initially you don’t see how they come together until mid way through. I enjoyed the character development of the two main male characters. I would be been interested in a prequel to understand how they got to where they are. I felt like the last quarter of the book was a bit slow compared to the other parts. There’s no big twist but suspense building the entire time. I found all of the characters likable. I enjoyed the writing style as well. I enjoyed This book was great and I wanted to keep coming back to find out what happens next.
This book was different than others I’ve read. There are two different things happening at the same time. Initially you don’t see how they come together until mid way through. I enjoyed the character development of the two main male characters. I would be been interested in a prequel to understand how they got to where they are. I felt like the last quarter of the book was a bit slow compared to the other parts. There’s no big twist but suspense building the entire time. I found all of the characters likable. I enjoyed the writing style as well. I enjoyed This book was great and I wanted to keep coming back to find out what happens next.
July 2, 2026
Thank you to the author for an early e-arc of this title :)
The story definitely had an interesting premise and loved seeing queer representation in a sub genre where it isn’t seen often! I will say the writing felt a bit clinical, which I think wasn’t necessarily a bad thing considering it was a crime procedural drama. A will say it got a bit convoluted in the middle, introducing a lot of new characters and completely changing the names of the main characters. The ending leaves things a bit open ended which I think is a good segue for a sequel. Overall, a solid debut and excited to see what the author does next!
The story definitely had an interesting premise and loved seeing queer representation in a sub genre where it isn’t seen often! I will say the writing felt a bit clinical, which I think wasn’t necessarily a bad thing considering it was a crime procedural drama. A will say it got a bit convoluted in the middle, introducing a lot of new characters and completely changing the names of the main characters. The ending leaves things a bit open ended which I think is a good segue for a sequel. Overall, a solid debut and excited to see what the author does next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2026
Serial Husbands was a slow start for me initially, but then I flew through it after a quarter of the way in. The premise is dark and compelling. Draws you in right away but keeps you engaged because you never know what’s going to happen next. Makes you question yourself and who you should root for. When I read a thriller or mystery, I’m usually able to anticipate what happens. Most of the time, I’m able to come very close. So it’s exciting when I come across a book that I just can’t figure out, and then I end up staying up later than I should. This book did just that. Highly recommend this read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a dedicated fan of procedural, forensic, and mystery books and film, especially the British variety—Serial Husbands by Travis Warman immediately caught my interest.
It is a dark, slow-burn suburban noir that completely flips the traditional neighborhood thriller on its head. The story follows Michael Denton and Ryan Hayes, devoted husbands, pillars of the community, and meticulous vigilantes who log their dark deeds into an encrypted dark-web archive known as The Ledger.
Their double life shatters when a local fifteen-year-old girl, Julia Harrison, goes missing. Readers can breathe easy knowing the book avoids graphic depictions of violence against children. It focuses instead on a brilliant psychological game of cat-and-mouse.
Enter Detective Kayla Schultz, our phenomenal Miss Marple of the day (Agatha Christie’s classic sleuth who uses sharp, quiet observation of human nature and small town dynamics to outsmart criminals). Schultz is a brilliant investigator who realizes the community's accepted narrative doesn't match the hard data.
While the town searches outward, she meticulously dissects the micro-details of the day Julia vanished, discovering the alibis and neighborhood watch logs don't line up hour by hour. The ultimate trap is digital. While the husbands try to manipulate the physical timeline, their permanent record sits perfectly intact inside The Ledger, waiting to expose them.
The setting itself breathes a distinct kind of dread, leaning heavily into those damn cul-de-sacs and streets without sidewalks. It is the ultimate breeding ground for Malvina Reynolds’ "ticky tacky." In her 1962 classic song Little Boxes (Schroder Music Company), Reynolds famously captured the eerie conformity of suburbs where the professionals are all put in boxes and come out looking just the same. Warman brilliantly exposes the rot inside those exact boxes. You find yourself constantly curious about what specific virus of the soul creates people like Michael and Ryan, men who hide an extreme contradiction behind a picture-perfect facade.
Warman is masterfully crafting queer stories where LGBTQIA+ characters are allowed to be morally gray, villainous, complicated, and never reduced to a side role, a trope, or a cliché. *Serial Husbands* is a brilliant first volume to reach the surface.
The standout moment happens when the mounting pressure of the case forces Michael and Ryan into their own basement for a terrifying confrontation over the drive. They aren't arguing about whether their crimes are morally right; they crossed that bridge years ago. Instead, it is a suffocating marital dispute disguised as a standoff. As the external investigation closes in, the distinct ways this moral decay has warped each man come to light.
Michael begins unraveling from a deep, quiet guilt over a choice they cannot undo, while Ryan is willing to go to unimaginable lengths to protect the certainty of the life they built. A phenomenal, groundbreaking entry into suburban noir.
Add this to your "Want to Read" shelf immediately. You won't look at your neighbors the same way again!
It is a dark, slow-burn suburban noir that completely flips the traditional neighborhood thriller on its head. The story follows Michael Denton and Ryan Hayes, devoted husbands, pillars of the community, and meticulous vigilantes who log their dark deeds into an encrypted dark-web archive known as The Ledger.
Their double life shatters when a local fifteen-year-old girl, Julia Harrison, goes missing. Readers can breathe easy knowing the book avoids graphic depictions of violence against children. It focuses instead on a brilliant psychological game of cat-and-mouse.
Enter Detective Kayla Schultz, our phenomenal Miss Marple of the day (Agatha Christie’s classic sleuth who uses sharp, quiet observation of human nature and small town dynamics to outsmart criminals). Schultz is a brilliant investigator who realizes the community's accepted narrative doesn't match the hard data.
While the town searches outward, she meticulously dissects the micro-details of the day Julia vanished, discovering the alibis and neighborhood watch logs don't line up hour by hour. The ultimate trap is digital. While the husbands try to manipulate the physical timeline, their permanent record sits perfectly intact inside The Ledger, waiting to expose them.
The setting itself breathes a distinct kind of dread, leaning heavily into those damn cul-de-sacs and streets without sidewalks. It is the ultimate breeding ground for Malvina Reynolds’ "ticky tacky." In her 1962 classic song Little Boxes (Schroder Music Company), Reynolds famously captured the eerie conformity of suburbs where the professionals are all put in boxes and come out looking just the same. Warman brilliantly exposes the rot inside those exact boxes. You find yourself constantly curious about what specific virus of the soul creates people like Michael and Ryan, men who hide an extreme contradiction behind a picture-perfect facade.
Warman is masterfully crafting queer stories where LGBTQIA+ characters are allowed to be morally gray, villainous, complicated, and never reduced to a side role, a trope, or a cliché. *Serial Husbands* is a brilliant first volume to reach the surface.
The standout moment happens when the mounting pressure of the case forces Michael and Ryan into their own basement for a terrifying confrontation over the drive. They aren't arguing about whether their crimes are morally right; they crossed that bridge years ago. Instead, it is a suffocating marital dispute disguised as a standoff. As the external investigation closes in, the distinct ways this moral decay has warped each man come to light.
Michael begins unraveling from a deep, quiet guilt over a choice they cannot undo, while Ryan is willing to go to unimaginable lengths to protect the certainty of the life they built. A phenomenal, groundbreaking entry into suburban noir.
Add this to your "Want to Read" shelf immediately. You won't look at your neighbors the same way again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Serial Husbands is Travis Warman’s debut novel in a planned trilogy, with Book 1 centred of the crime of a missing girl and the removal of predators.
Teen Julia Harrison goes missing after she goes out to get snacks for movie night. Detective Shultz is assigned the missing person’s case and does her job diligently. Outside of the police department, the neighbourhood comes togethers to volunteer in search campaigns and support in ways that seem helpful but can be intrusive. In the neighbourhood, husbands Ryan and Michael volunteer their time, but harbour an operation of their own: deliver justice to predators. However, this time, their operations aren’t perfect. Things are about to unravel.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that I like multiple POVs, if anyone keeps up with my book reviews, that is. There’s multiple POVs found in the novel however, Ryan and Michael and Shultz are the dominant ones, with the others fleshing out the world. It’s been a nice change to read POVs as proper set up for about one-fifth of the novel. The suspense and tension build so naturally that when the interweaving happens, it’s so easy to miss the integration.
In terms of writing style, the narrative reads clean. What I mean by “clean” is that each sentence is carefully crafted, doesn’t have residue, and gets its point across. There isn’t any pacing issue. Things happen at a really balanced pace. Despite all these accomplishments, the head hopping doesn’t work for me. Sometimes I had to revisit the sentence that changed POV within a scene. Sometimes it’s obvious, other times it’s not.
Another core pillar of the novel that’s handled very well is how Gay men are treated during tragedy. One way is that they don’t go to church, therefore, they’re suspicious to some. The complication of the matter is due to the nature of what they do in secret. It’s a strange, dual situation, a common way to frame a bigger issue at play but done in a very unique manner that is The Ledger. That looks like the power of lived experience mixed with authorship skills. Never binary.
Overall, Warman starts his trilogy in a fantastic manner. Great pacing, characters, high stakes, never-ending complications and most importantly, the star characters are highly competent. It’s what happens in the space where mistakes are made among such professionals is where things get incredibly intriguing. Having Detective Shultz in play as the strong woman that she is strengthens the novel. I found myself cheering for her.
With all of these factors in play, I give the novel 5 stars.
Teen Julia Harrison goes missing after she goes out to get snacks for movie night. Detective Shultz is assigned the missing person’s case and does her job diligently. Outside of the police department, the neighbourhood comes togethers to volunteer in search campaigns and support in ways that seem helpful but can be intrusive. In the neighbourhood, husbands Ryan and Michael volunteer their time, but harbour an operation of their own: deliver justice to predators. However, this time, their operations aren’t perfect. Things are about to unravel.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that I like multiple POVs, if anyone keeps up with my book reviews, that is. There’s multiple POVs found in the novel however, Ryan and Michael and Shultz are the dominant ones, with the others fleshing out the world. It’s been a nice change to read POVs as proper set up for about one-fifth of the novel. The suspense and tension build so naturally that when the interweaving happens, it’s so easy to miss the integration.
In terms of writing style, the narrative reads clean. What I mean by “clean” is that each sentence is carefully crafted, doesn’t have residue, and gets its point across. There isn’t any pacing issue. Things happen at a really balanced pace. Despite all these accomplishments, the head hopping doesn’t work for me. Sometimes I had to revisit the sentence that changed POV within a scene. Sometimes it’s obvious, other times it’s not.
Another core pillar of the novel that’s handled very well is how Gay men are treated during tragedy. One way is that they don’t go to church, therefore, they’re suspicious to some. The complication of the matter is due to the nature of what they do in secret. It’s a strange, dual situation, a common way to frame a bigger issue at play but done in a very unique manner that is The Ledger. That looks like the power of lived experience mixed with authorship skills. Never binary.
Overall, Warman starts his trilogy in a fantastic manner. Great pacing, characters, high stakes, never-ending complications and most importantly, the star characters are highly competent. It’s what happens in the space where mistakes are made among such professionals is where things get incredibly intriguing. Having Detective Shultz in play as the strong woman that she is strengthens the novel. I found myself cheering for her.
With all of these factors in play, I give the novel 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Serial Husbands start with great, dark energy, and it held my attention all the way to the very end. The story begins with a girl that goes missing and then introduces some of the community members as the search for her begins. The tension in the town is palpable and becomes even thicker as rumors, prejudices, and efforts of self-promotion swirl about while Detective Kayla Schultz works to sort out the truth and follow the evidence even with her own biases at play. Michael and Ryan, a devoted married couple, good neighbors, live in the same neighborhood as the missing girl and her family and help with search efforts. But it’s not long before suspicions fly, fingers point, and it becomes a little difficult to discern who the good guys are.
I appreciate the character development of the key three figures and felt like I came to know them, recognize them, and like them. But everyone has secrets, everyone has a history that influences their paths. Some of the highly charged emotional scenes are described so well, nuances that are included in how a character inadvertently glances, delays a response, or falls apart, all leave the reader able to visualize the moment so clearly and share in the intensity as feelings of guilt, anxiety, panic, frustration, or disappointment surface.
There is a good amount of focus on police procedure during the investigative moments; if that’s something you enjoy (I do), you are certain to appreciate this book. If you get stuck on some of the data speak, don’t let that deter you. Roll with it. It all comes together.
I think the elements of this book raise some great questions about seeing the right and wrong sides of some of the things people do that are appalling, but maybe when you know more, you understand, but it’s still wrong. Whose side am I on here? Oof. The conflicting feelings I had as the story unfolded were great! As a reader, being suspended in the space of uncertainty for an extended period in a book is such an exhilarating place to be.
I love when I am able to give an ARC/Beta Copy a 5 star review with confidence! This really was my kind of book. It felt thoroughly researched, thought out, and had zero lulls where I felt bored. I hope to see much more of Travis Warman’s writing in the future. I was provided a beta copy of this book by the author, Travis Warman. This review contains my own genuine and honest opinions.
I appreciate the character development of the key three figures and felt like I came to know them, recognize them, and like them. But everyone has secrets, everyone has a history that influences their paths. Some of the highly charged emotional scenes are described so well, nuances that are included in how a character inadvertently glances, delays a response, or falls apart, all leave the reader able to visualize the moment so clearly and share in the intensity as feelings of guilt, anxiety, panic, frustration, or disappointment surface.
There is a good amount of focus on police procedure during the investigative moments; if that’s something you enjoy (I do), you are certain to appreciate this book. If you get stuck on some of the data speak, don’t let that deter you. Roll with it. It all comes together.
I think the elements of this book raise some great questions about seeing the right and wrong sides of some of the things people do that are appalling, but maybe when you know more, you understand, but it’s still wrong. Whose side am I on here? Oof. The conflicting feelings I had as the story unfolded were great! As a reader, being suspended in the space of uncertainty for an extended period in a book is such an exhilarating place to be.
I love when I am able to give an ARC/Beta Copy a 5 star review with confidence! This really was my kind of book. It felt thoroughly researched, thought out, and had zero lulls where I felt bored. I hope to see much more of Travis Warman’s writing in the future. I was provided a beta copy of this book by the author, Travis Warman. This review contains my own genuine and honest opinions.
July 2, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from the author.
This book takes place in a small town and follows two main plots. The first story line and how the book starts out is as a police procedural/ crime thriller. A girl is missing and we see the local police detective dedicate herself and her team in solving the disappearance. This is the part of the book I liked best. The detective follows protocol in solving the crime and following her intuition when she feels the crime scene has been staged. The depth of this character is easily relatable, she is dedicated to her job, and we see her not just as a detective, but as a human with a flawed and complicated past that influences her work and private life. Of all the characters, I found detective Schultz the most detailed and likable.
The second story line ties into the missing girl as the two husbands, Ryan and Michael, see the missing girl the day she disappears. What no one knows is that the husbands are serial killers. They identify and target people who have committed heinous crimes, including pedophiles who have been released from prison and are still committing their crimes.
I enjoyed the author’s writing style. I especially appreciated the attention to detail the author went into in describing the chemicals and body disposal process as well describing the complex “Ledger” system protocols and safeguards where they enter evidence of their crimes.
There was a section of the book where the missing girl case seemed resolved, but not satisfactorily in my opinion. There were many little tidbits throughout the book that hinted at things to come that is reminiscent of true noir fiction. Both plots do come together beautifully at the end of the book in a turn of events that I did not see coming. The last quarter of the book was both riveting and filled with questions that I hope get answered in the next book. Yes, this book does end in a cliffhanger. A really big cliffhanger.
Overall, this book from a first-time author was a good read and I look forward to getting answers to some of my questions and finding out what happens next to our husband serial killers.
This book takes place in a small town and follows two main plots. The first story line and how the book starts out is as a police procedural/ crime thriller. A girl is missing and we see the local police detective dedicate herself and her team in solving the disappearance. This is the part of the book I liked best. The detective follows protocol in solving the crime and following her intuition when she feels the crime scene has been staged. The depth of this character is easily relatable, she is dedicated to her job, and we see her not just as a detective, but as a human with a flawed and complicated past that influences her work and private life. Of all the characters, I found detective Schultz the most detailed and likable.
The second story line ties into the missing girl as the two husbands, Ryan and Michael, see the missing girl the day she disappears. What no one knows is that the husbands are serial killers. They identify and target people who have committed heinous crimes, including pedophiles who have been released from prison and are still committing their crimes.
I enjoyed the author’s writing style. I especially appreciated the attention to detail the author went into in describing the chemicals and body disposal process as well describing the complex “Ledger” system protocols and safeguards where they enter evidence of their crimes.
There was a section of the book where the missing girl case seemed resolved, but not satisfactorily in my opinion. There were many little tidbits throughout the book that hinted at things to come that is reminiscent of true noir fiction. Both plots do come together beautifully at the end of the book in a turn of events that I did not see coming. The last quarter of the book was both riveting and filled with questions that I hope get answered in the next book. Yes, this book does end in a cliffhanger. A really big cliffhanger.
Overall, this book from a first-time author was a good read and I look forward to getting answers to some of my questions and finding out what happens next to our husband serial killers.
July 2, 2026
Appreciate being a beta reader for Travis Warman for his book, 'Serial Husbands'.
Michael Denton and Ryan Hayes lead the seemingly idyllic neighborly life. What their neighborhood doesn't know is their afterhours activity involving seeking out and... eliminating predators and offenders. When a local teenager is kidnapped and goes missing, the duo spring into action to try to figure out what happened to her.
Meanwhile, Detective Kayla Shultz becomes fixated on the case. She looks for every flaw, every gap, every logged time, analyzing all of the data in case there is something missing that could lead the department to discovering Julia. Every case file and every known predator is scrutinized and examined, to see if there is any slip up.
Michael and Ryan had built their lives together, brick by brick and lie by lie. Posing as the ideal neighbors, they know that the smallest detail may expose everything that they have worked so hard to preserve. Michael and Ryan race against the clock to ensure that their brand of justice isn't discovered.
Travis Warman's 'Serial Husbands' takes you on the first journey with The Ledger Network; as in, this is the first book in a series, where he will be exploring many other characters related through this network. The characters within the novel are morally grey- The husbands are good people, morally upstanding people to the public, but they do commit heinous murders at night and log them as proof for the network. Their victims are people that have harmed or killed others, so it is very complex in the feelings you may have at what you'd do in this situation, especially if you yourself have lost someone to such acts. However, this does make the reader think about what they would do and who they would 'root' for in a sense when it comes to things. Would you cheer on the husbands in their acts of street justice? Or do you hope that the police department find their whereabouts and put an end to their plans?
A special thanks to Dr. Travis Warman, for taking the time to listen and absorb critiques for this work. Congrats on your debut!
Michael Denton and Ryan Hayes lead the seemingly idyllic neighborly life. What their neighborhood doesn't know is their afterhours activity involving seeking out and... eliminating predators and offenders. When a local teenager is kidnapped and goes missing, the duo spring into action to try to figure out what happened to her.
Meanwhile, Detective Kayla Shultz becomes fixated on the case. She looks for every flaw, every gap, every logged time, analyzing all of the data in case there is something missing that could lead the department to discovering Julia. Every case file and every known predator is scrutinized and examined, to see if there is any slip up.
Michael and Ryan had built their lives together, brick by brick and lie by lie. Posing as the ideal neighbors, they know that the smallest detail may expose everything that they have worked so hard to preserve. Michael and Ryan race against the clock to ensure that their brand of justice isn't discovered.
Travis Warman's 'Serial Husbands' takes you on the first journey with The Ledger Network; as in, this is the first book in a series, where he will be exploring many other characters related through this network. The characters within the novel are morally grey- The husbands are good people, morally upstanding people to the public, but they do commit heinous murders at night and log them as proof for the network. Their victims are people that have harmed or killed others, so it is very complex in the feelings you may have at what you'd do in this situation, especially if you yourself have lost someone to such acts. However, this does make the reader think about what they would do and who they would 'root' for in a sense when it comes to things. Would you cheer on the husbands in their acts of street justice? Or do you hope that the police department find their whereabouts and put an end to their plans?
A special thanks to Dr. Travis Warman, for taking the time to listen and absorb critiques for this work. Congrats on your debut!
July 1, 2026
Huge thanks to the author for providing an ARC of Serial Husbands: Wash Away The Evidence!
As my first ARC into the thriller genre, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but Travis Warman delivered a atmospheric, slow-burn mystery that kept me turning pages. The story weaves together three threads: the disappearance of a young girl, a duo of gay male killers, and the determined investigator pulling at the threads to connect them all.
What really worked for me was the pacing structure. The chapters are on the shorter side, which is a blessing for a book with a heavy emphasis on police and detective procedures. Instead of getting bogged down in procedural details, the quick chapters set a great tone early on and constantly left me playing the "just one more chapter" game.
Warman also does a fantastic job of painting a vivid, immersive picture of a small Kansas town. You can really feel the setting, though I did notice a few repetitive phrases and descriptions that occasionally pulled me out of the moment.
I appreciated that while the killer couple is gay, the book doesn’t make their sexuality their entire identity or the sole motivation for their crimes. It’s just a facet of who they are.
If I had one critique on the plot balance, it’s that I wanted more of Julia’s parents. Given how massive the investigation is, their perspective felt a bit sidelined, and I would have loved to dive deeper into their grief and viewpoint.
The book starts out giving strong detective mystery vibes, but the intensity definitely ramps up by the end, giving off major Dexter energy.
Speaking of the ending... SPOILER ALERT: it's a cliffhanger! This was my first time experiencing an open-ended thriller. While I’m still processing how I feel about the lack of immediate closure, it absolutely does its job of leaving you wanting a sequel.
Recommendation: Highly recommend to anyone looking for a solid crime thriller! However, if you are looking for a heavy, romance-focused M/M plot, note that the main focus remains on the mystery and crimes.
As my first ARC into the thriller genre, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but Travis Warman delivered a atmospheric, slow-burn mystery that kept me turning pages. The story weaves together three threads: the disappearance of a young girl, a duo of gay male killers, and the determined investigator pulling at the threads to connect them all.
What really worked for me was the pacing structure. The chapters are on the shorter side, which is a blessing for a book with a heavy emphasis on police and detective procedures. Instead of getting bogged down in procedural details, the quick chapters set a great tone early on and constantly left me playing the "just one more chapter" game.
Warman also does a fantastic job of painting a vivid, immersive picture of a small Kansas town. You can really feel the setting, though I did notice a few repetitive phrases and descriptions that occasionally pulled me out of the moment.
I appreciated that while the killer couple is gay, the book doesn’t make their sexuality their entire identity or the sole motivation for their crimes. It’s just a facet of who they are.
If I had one critique on the plot balance, it’s that I wanted more of Julia’s parents. Given how massive the investigation is, their perspective felt a bit sidelined, and I would have loved to dive deeper into their grief and viewpoint.
The book starts out giving strong detective mystery vibes, but the intensity definitely ramps up by the end, giving off major Dexter energy.
Speaking of the ending... SPOILER ALERT: it's a cliffhanger! This was my first time experiencing an open-ended thriller. While I’m still processing how I feel about the lack of immediate closure, it absolutely does its job of leaving you wanting a sequel.
Recommendation: Highly recommend to anyone looking for a solid crime thriller! However, if you are looking for a heavy, romance-focused M/M plot, note that the main focus remains on the mystery and crimes.
October 3, 2026
4.6 Stars
This book was a wild ride. The story had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next.
It's the perfect neighbors with a twist. You think you know where things are going until you don't. Starting things off with Julia's disappearance and the Denton-Hayes men volunteering to help was a great way to introduce the reader to the story. The suspense of wondering what's coming coupled with the likability of Michael and Ryan is a journey of questioning your own sanity. I enjoyed the way the author dove into the psyche of both men. It sends the reader on rollercoaster ride of emotions. Add the attention hungry pastor's wife, townsfolk who are looking for someone to point fingers at, and the doggedly- determined Detective Kayla Schultz and you have an equation for thrilling psychological chaos.
I couldn't put this story down and found myself staying up way too late reading instead of sleeping! Every chapter and scene was an exercise in patience for me. I kept trying to anticipate what was coming next only to be taken on another path entirely. The mystery of The Ledger and who's behind it was nail-bitingly fun to attempt to unravel. Coupe that with humanizing the killers and having us sympathize with their cause - it certainly wasn't what I was expecting, but it was a ride I thoroughly enjoyed.
The only thing I felt could have been better was more clarity on the Denton-Hayes men's names once they take off on their road trip. I found that transition to be a little rushed and somewhat confusing. I needed to go back to verify a few times before it finally settled. Outside of that, I felt like it was well-paced and skillfully executed. For me, it was a great read overall and I am looking forward to seeing where these two end up next.
If you are someone who enjoys a good crime mystery/thriller, you should most definitely read this one. The story is well worth the time and will have you on the edge of your seat.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was a wild ride. The story had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next.
It's the perfect neighbors with a twist. You think you know where things are going until you don't. Starting things off with Julia's disappearance and the Denton-Hayes men volunteering to help was a great way to introduce the reader to the story. The suspense of wondering what's coming coupled with the likability of Michael and Ryan is a journey of questioning your own sanity. I enjoyed the way the author dove into the psyche of both men. It sends the reader on rollercoaster ride of emotions. Add the attention hungry pastor's wife, townsfolk who are looking for someone to point fingers at, and the doggedly- determined Detective Kayla Schultz and you have an equation for thrilling psychological chaos.
I couldn't put this story down and found myself staying up way too late reading instead of sleeping! Every chapter and scene was an exercise in patience for me. I kept trying to anticipate what was coming next only to be taken on another path entirely. The mystery of The Ledger and who's behind it was nail-bitingly fun to attempt to unravel. Coupe that with humanizing the killers and having us sympathize with their cause - it certainly wasn't what I was expecting, but it was a ride I thoroughly enjoyed.
The only thing I felt could have been better was more clarity on the Denton-Hayes men's names once they take off on their road trip. I found that transition to be a little rushed and somewhat confusing. I needed to go back to verify a few times before it finally settled. Outside of that, I felt like it was well-paced and skillfully executed. For me, it was a great read overall and I am looking forward to seeing where these two end up next.
If you are someone who enjoys a good crime mystery/thriller, you should most definitely read this one. The story is well worth the time and will have you on the edge of your seat.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
While you go into this story thinking that it would be a mystery, there's a lot more that we know from the get-go than you expect. It was interesting to already know what Michael and Ryan had done to Sullivan, and then kind of discover how this was related to Julia's case. What keeps you reading throughout this whole story is trying to find out if Michael and Ryan will get caught.
While the chapters where we follow Detective Schultz are slow-paced, things feel tense and quick-paced when we follow Michael and Ryan, especially when you can feel the anxiety seeping off the page. It was interesting to see when the town starts to suspect Michael and Ryan, but also to see how quickly Schultz is able to diminish that because the community's concerns seem to be more focused on the two's sexuality rather than their actions.
Serial Husbands is a thrilling adventure that starts off as a who done what case and then transforms into a who will get caught and by whom case. It's fascinating to see how Schultz thinks and to think about whether she will manage to piece together enough pieces to question Michael and Ryan.
This book is perfect for fans of Dexter; there will be moments in which you recognize similar portions, especially as Michael's and Ryan's reasons for going after the people they have killed.
While the chapters where we follow Detective Schultz are slow-paced, things feel tense and quick-paced when we follow Michael and Ryan, especially when you can feel the anxiety seeping off the page. It was interesting to see when the town starts to suspect Michael and Ryan, but also to see how quickly Schultz is able to diminish that because the community's concerns seem to be more focused on the two's sexuality rather than their actions.
Serial Husbands is a thrilling adventure that starts off as a who done what case and then transforms into a who will get caught and by whom case. It's fascinating to see how Schultz thinks and to think about whether she will manage to piece together enough pieces to question Michael and Ryan.
This book is perfect for fans of Dexter; there will be moments in which you recognize similar portions, especially as Michael's and Ryan's reasons for going after the people they have killed.
August 5, 2026
Serial Husbands (a.k.a. "Be Gay, Do Crime: The Book") was quite a ride! It’s a slow-burn domestic noir that gives us both sides: the vigilante husbands and the detective on the case. Having dual perspectives creates a fascinating moral conflict where you honestly end up rooting for everyone at the same time.
I loved Michael and Ryan’s dynamic and how well they complement each other. Their relationship borders on a heavy codependency where it's hard to separate them as individuals, but that fits the setting so well. I do hope we get more of their backgrounds and character growth in future books, as I'm excited to see where their story goes next. On the flip side, while Detective Schultz gets more of a backstory, some of her major personal revelations felt like they lacked emotional weight in the long run.
I did hit a couple of minor narrative nitpicks: the repeated dramatic foreshadowing got a bit repetitive, and some of the IT dialogue felt slightly forced with all the hackery words, but it's probably to be expected from a dark web story.
Still, the premise is actually pretty cool, and the tension did stress me out so great job. A solid, dark read if you want to get through it, plus gay murder representation of course.
Thanks to BookSirens and the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Michael and Ryan’s dynamic and how well they complement each other. Their relationship borders on a heavy codependency where it's hard to separate them as individuals, but that fits the setting so well. I do hope we get more of their backgrounds and character growth in future books, as I'm excited to see where their story goes next. On the flip side, while Detective Schultz gets more of a backstory, some of her major personal revelations felt like they lacked emotional weight in the long run.
I did hit a couple of minor narrative nitpicks: the repeated dramatic foreshadowing got a bit repetitive, and some of the IT dialogue felt slightly forced with all the hackery words, but it's probably to be expected from a dark web story.
Still, the premise is actually pretty cool, and the tension did stress me out so great job. A solid, dark read if you want to get through it, plus gay murder representation of course.
Thanks to BookSirens and the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2026
Advanced reader copy received from author. Thank you! :D
First of all, I did enjoy this book. It’s a thriller and I was thrilled. The intrigue is interesting and keeps you on your toes. It’s also original to have those two husbands being the (I DONT CONSIDERATE THIS A SPOILER AS IT’S LEGIT PART OF THE BLURB BUT I’M STILL GIVING YOU AN OPTION TO STOP READING HERE) killers and being able to see their POV through the main part of the story. Meanwhile, we also have the detective Schultz POV and I love to see her trying to solve the case.
However, I felt like some chapters especially in the middle part were a bit repetitive and could have been cut down.
Another great aspect that I love but that is just my personal reader experience: the chapters were pretty short so it made very easy to read a bit everywhere. That’s coming from someone that is not physically able to put a book down if the chapter is not done.
From that ending, I think there should be a sequel to this book, it’s my first time I read that type of book that has an open ending like this one so I’m not sure yet how I feel about that.
All around, a successful domestic noir set thriller by the author !
July 27, 2026
Slow, methodical, very detailed story.
Enjoyed the mystery—both of the abduction of teen in KS and the following search & investigation, and the secret lives of husbands Ryan and Michael—A queer male couple in small town Kansas, who are a part of a much larger secret collective (vigilante, maybe?).
I liked the lead Kansas detective (Kayla Schultz) and the parts of her backstory and likely inspiration for her profession and determination.
Look forward to more backstory of Ryan and Micheal in upcoming books. Lots to fill in of the past and likely some drama and discourse in their future.
Loved the queer rep in the story, even with the small town/narrow view of some in the area—especially through social media.
The slower pace of the story added to the tension.
All the details of Ryan and Michael’s activities made me feel like I was watching an intense L&O side quest!
Thanks to author for the Complementary digital copy of Serial Husbands. Now to get a physical copy for my personal library.
Enjoyed the mystery—both of the abduction of teen in KS and the following search & investigation, and the secret lives of husbands Ryan and Michael—A queer male couple in small town Kansas, who are a part of a much larger secret collective (vigilante, maybe?).
I liked the lead Kansas detective (Kayla Schultz) and the parts of her backstory and likely inspiration for her profession and determination.
Look forward to more backstory of Ryan and Micheal in upcoming books. Lots to fill in of the past and likely some drama and discourse in their future.
Loved the queer rep in the story, even with the small town/narrow view of some in the area—especially through social media.
The slower pace of the story added to the tension.
All the details of Ryan and Michael’s activities made me feel like I was watching an intense L&O side quest!
Thanks to author for the Complementary digital copy of Serial Husbands. Now to get a physical copy for my personal library.
August 4, 2026
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars rounded up!
If you’ve ever wished Criminal Minds or Law and Order SVU could be condensed into a book, Serial Husbands is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Michael and Ryan are the couple everyone on Chestnut Street trusts. Dependable. Kind. Always around. The last people you’d suspect of anything. Which is exactly the point. Because behind closed doors these two have been quietly and methodically removing predators who slipped through the cracks of the justice system, and documenting every single one of them in a hidden dark web archive called The Ledger.
When a teenage girl goes missing and the town rallies to find her, Detective Kayla Schultz starts pulling at threads that won’t stop unraveling. Michael and Ryan think the chaos gives them cover. They’re wrong. And watching their carefully constructed life begin to crack under the pressure is absolutely riveting.
The premise alone is wild enough to carry a book. But what makes Serial Husbands genuinely impressive is the craft underneath it: strong character development, an authentic portrayal of anxiety and stress, and twists that will blindside you repeatedly. The LGBTQ representation is woven in naturally and adds real depth. This book does not let you off the crazy train until the very last sentence.
For fans of thrillers, crime dramas, and morally complex characters, this one is an easy recommendation. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next.
Support indie authors. Serial Husbands is a prime example of why.
4.5 stars rounded up!
If you’ve ever wished Criminal Minds or Law and Order SVU could be condensed into a book, Serial Husbands is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Michael and Ryan are the couple everyone on Chestnut Street trusts. Dependable. Kind. Always around. The last people you’d suspect of anything. Which is exactly the point. Because behind closed doors these two have been quietly and methodically removing predators who slipped through the cracks of the justice system, and documenting every single one of them in a hidden dark web archive called The Ledger.
When a teenage girl goes missing and the town rallies to find her, Detective Kayla Schultz starts pulling at threads that won’t stop unraveling. Michael and Ryan think the chaos gives them cover. They’re wrong. And watching their carefully constructed life begin to crack under the pressure is absolutely riveting.
The premise alone is wild enough to carry a book. But what makes Serial Husbands genuinely impressive is the craft underneath it: strong character development, an authentic portrayal of anxiety and stress, and twists that will blindside you repeatedly. The LGBTQ representation is woven in naturally and adds real depth. This book does not let you off the crazy train until the very last sentence.
For fans of thrillers, crime dramas, and morally complex characters, this one is an easy recommendation. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next.
Support indie authors. Serial Husbands is a prime example of why.
January 9, 2026
Serial Husbands was a fantastic read! I was hooked from the start and found each of the main characters to each have their own unique voice that really added to the story being told. At first I thought it would primarily focus on the gay couple, so I was surprised to have another perspective, but found it quite riveting to read from so many sides of the situation. I also love the omniscient narration style of this book.
I am someone who loves to try and piece together the foreshadowing and mysteries in the books I read and love when a book can surprise me, Serial Husbands achieved that, which makes it an instant favorite. The tension builds, crests, and calms in multiple arcs that kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the novel. Which is exactly what I want from a thriller.
I highly recommend checking out Serial Husbands if you love gritty noir thrillers that will keep you guessing at every turn.
I am someone who loves to try and piece together the foreshadowing and mysteries in the books I read and love when a book can surprise me, Serial Husbands achieved that, which makes it an instant favorite. The tension builds, crests, and calms in multiple arcs that kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the novel. Which is exactly what I want from a thriller.
I highly recommend checking out Serial Husbands if you love gritty noir thrillers that will keep you guessing at every turn.
January 14, 2026
I have never had the chance to be a beta reader for a book but am thankful for the opportunity to give honest feedback on this book.
The story really took me by surprise with how quickly it pulled me in and left me wanting to read "just one more chapter". I too, like other readers was surprised the viewpoint was not just the 2 main characters but I feel like the story really developed different important aspects of the story with multiple viewpoints.
I think the thing that stood out to me most was the relationship between the 2 main characters and their passion and dedication to one another. It is true love but not all happy and positive which I like in my stories because let's be honest a relatable love story is much more realistic than a fairy tale.
Overall a great storyline that pulls you in quickly with the main characters and the mystery surrounding the entire story. Definitely some fun twists and turns along the way. Can't wait for the 2nd book in this series!
The story really took me by surprise with how quickly it pulled me in and left me wanting to read "just one more chapter". I too, like other readers was surprised the viewpoint was not just the 2 main characters but I feel like the story really developed different important aspects of the story with multiple viewpoints.
I think the thing that stood out to me most was the relationship between the 2 main characters and their passion and dedication to one another. It is true love but not all happy and positive which I like in my stories because let's be honest a relatable love story is much more realistic than a fairy tale.
Overall a great storyline that pulls you in quickly with the main characters and the mystery surrounding the entire story. Definitely some fun twists and turns along the way. Can't wait for the 2nd book in this series!
July 19, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First of a big thank you to the author for reaching out to me and offering me a chance to read his book Serial Husbands though booksirens, and I'm so glad I decided to give it a try for 2 reasons:
1 because it fits the genres I love to read : psychological thriller, dark suburban noir, and LGBTQ+ crime fiction/mystery
2: it a different take on Serial Killers
So how in the world could I say no . One of the things that stood out to me was the author's writing and his attention to detail as he went into in describing the chemicals and body disposal process . And how he makes you ask yourself the question how would you react if you was in the same place as the main characters wither you would do the same or would you react differently. Overall I enjoyed my time reading this and can't wait to see what happens next .
First of a big thank you to the author for reaching out to me and offering me a chance to read his book Serial Husbands though booksirens, and I'm so glad I decided to give it a try for 2 reasons:
1 because it fits the genres I love to read : psychological thriller, dark suburban noir, and LGBTQ+ crime fiction/mystery
2: it a different take on Serial Killers
So how in the world could I say no . One of the things that stood out to me was the author's writing and his attention to detail as he went into in describing the chemicals and body disposal process . And how he makes you ask yourself the question how would you react if you was in the same place as the main characters wither you would do the same or would you react differently. Overall I enjoyed my time reading this and can't wait to see what happens next .
August 28, 2026
When a local girl goes missing, Michael and Ryan head up the neighborhood search. Helpful. Kind. But when the neighborhood Facebook group starts point fingers, they are put in quite the predicament. I did not see this book going the direction it did and it has me anxiously awaiting book two.
Ryan and Michael keep to themselves in their quiet neighborhood. Are they good people doing bad things for the right reasons? Yes. Was I okay with it? Also yes. They are the vigilante gay couple I never knew I needed. The fact that I was more concerned about how they were covering their tracks than their actual activities is something I should probably look into.
Thank you Travis Warman for the gifted copy!!
Ryan and Michael keep to themselves in their quiet neighborhood. Are they good people doing bad things for the right reasons? Yes. Was I okay with it? Also yes. They are the vigilante gay couple I never knew I needed. The fact that I was more concerned about how they were covering their tracks than their actual activities is something I should probably look into.
Thank you Travis Warman for the gifted copy!!
August 30, 2026
This story was clearly well thought out and researched by the author.
Overall I enjoyed this book, though at times it felt as though too much was being introduced at once with the reader not getting the depth the subject deserves. Hopefully with the rest of the stories there will be a bit more structure. Part 1 was highly intriguing and kept me wanting more of the story. The wrap up of the victim's story seemed to end abruptly, though.
Part 2 was a bit tougher to get through and at times it felt like the subject matter dragged on a bit too long for what was being portrayed. There were quite a few loose ends and opportunity to learn more about each of the characters, hopefully we get more backstory going forward!
Overall I enjoyed this book, though at times it felt as though too much was being introduced at once with the reader not getting the depth the subject deserves. Hopefully with the rest of the stories there will be a bit more structure. Part 1 was highly intriguing and kept me wanting more of the story. The wrap up of the victim's story seemed to end abruptly, though.
Part 2 was a bit tougher to get through and at times it felt like the subject matter dragged on a bit too long for what was being portrayed. There were quite a few loose ends and opportunity to learn more about each of the characters, hopefully we get more backstory going forward!
January 8, 2026
Travis Warman concocted a fantastic story here. He has plans to make this a series and I absolutely see the potential! From the settings, to the conflicts brewing in the background and eventually reaching a boiling point, to the characters, they all contribute to a groundwork that I see acting as a brilliant jumping pad for future installments! It combines classic genres that I absolutely love. Police procedural, mystery, thriller. A real tour de force when it comes to thinking about what’s right and what’s wrong, and whether or not the characters may be getting in over their heads.
Right off the bat, Serial Husbands is atmospheric and stays that way as we get introduced to the characters. We first meet fifteen-year-old Julia Harrison who is walking to the store to get some of her favorite snacks for movie night. It’s a route that she’s walked plenty of times. Cameras show her approaching the store and leaving the store, but she never makes it home. Residents of Junction City, Kansas don’t hesitate to jump in and help with volunteer search parties. Two of the three main characters we get to know in this story are Michael Denton and Ryan Hayes. They help with the search, and it’s really a clever juxtaposition considering that they’re pure at heart but harbor a dark secret because of what they do in the shadows.
Detective Kayla Schultz is our other main character who is the primary investigator for the search for Julia and in charge of the police teams. The first thing she does after meeting with the Harrison family is retrace Julia’s route from her home to the store. She happens upon a bag filled with Julia’s favorite snacks behind the store, right next to a frontage road and the highway. Then there’s a report that someone heard a scream near the railroad tracks which is where Julia’s backpack and hoodie is found. When plotting out the positions on the map, Schultz realizes it’s evident that this abduction was done by someone who knows how to stay out of sight.
While the search for Julia is continuing and the towns attention is elsewhere, Michael and Ryan follow through with something they’ve been planning for some time. For the past few years they’ve been taking matters into their own hands to get rid of those in society who deserve no place in it because of the atrocities they’ve committed. Everything they do is recorded and meticulously documented and logged on an online platform known to a select few all over the world. That night they follow through with what they’ve since perfected.
Worlds collide in a devastating way and it ushers in an unexpected change for the latter half of the story. I can honestly say I didn’t know what to expect when I reached the halfway point of this novel. It really kept me on my toes and when there’s roughly fifty pages left Travis really ramps up the tension and gets you all the more excited and anxious for the next installment!
If you’re like me and occasionally pause your reading to look up real world locations while making your way through a book to get a clearer idea of where things are happening in the fictional realm, this is a book for you! Travis brilliantly utilized his time having lived in Junction City to bring it to life as accurately as possible. From the street names to the landmarks, it reminds you that this place truly is as real as it can be.
Serial Husbands is Travis Warman’s labor of love and it shows right at the start. Even just from the beautiful cover and of course the description that’ll draw you in. Also, if you like to be able to picture what characters look like in your imagination while reading, there are hand drawn pictures of Travis’s main characters on his website! (txwarman.com) When I read a book and picture the characters in my head they tend to be faceless a majority of the time, like it’s blurred, even if their features are mentioned. The pictures of his characters really help make them feel real and present, like they’re living and breathing and unfortunately having to deal with increasing anxieties, worries and fears as the chapters tick by.
I can’t wait to see what Travis Warman has planned next!
(This is an updated review for publication day! Below is my previous review that was made during the beta reading phase!)
My first read of 2026!! I need to give a massive THANK YOU to author Travis Warman for the opportunity to be a beta reader for his book, Serial Husbands! Being that it’s still in the development phase I can’t delve into the plot like I normally would in reviews but I highly recommend checking out the description to get an idea of what to expect!!
Travis concocted a fantastic story here. He has plans to make this a series and I absolutely see the potential! From the settings, to the conflicts brewing in the background and eventually reaching a boiling point, to the characters, they all contribute to a groundwork that I see acting as a brilliant jumping pad for future installments!
It combines classic genres that I absolutely love. Police procedural, mystery, thriller. A real tour de force when it comes to thinking about what’s right and what’s wrong, and whether or not the characters may be getting in over their heads. I’m looking forward to returning to this review in the future to flesh out more of what I loved about this story! Until then, believe me when I say that this is a book you’ll want to seek out once it’s published!! Put it on your to read list now!
Also, not sure if it may change in the future but I love the current cover!! It's perfect, in my opinion!
Thank you again, Travis!
Right off the bat, Serial Husbands is atmospheric and stays that way as we get introduced to the characters. We first meet fifteen-year-old Julia Harrison who is walking to the store to get some of her favorite snacks for movie night. It’s a route that she’s walked plenty of times. Cameras show her approaching the store and leaving the store, but she never makes it home. Residents of Junction City, Kansas don’t hesitate to jump in and help with volunteer search parties. Two of the three main characters we get to know in this story are Michael Denton and Ryan Hayes. They help with the search, and it’s really a clever juxtaposition considering that they’re pure at heart but harbor a dark secret because of what they do in the shadows.
Detective Kayla Schultz is our other main character who is the primary investigator for the search for Julia and in charge of the police teams. The first thing she does after meeting with the Harrison family is retrace Julia’s route from her home to the store. She happens upon a bag filled with Julia’s favorite snacks behind the store, right next to a frontage road and the highway. Then there’s a report that someone heard a scream near the railroad tracks which is where Julia’s backpack and hoodie is found. When plotting out the positions on the map, Schultz realizes it’s evident that this abduction was done by someone who knows how to stay out of sight.
While the search for Julia is continuing and the towns attention is elsewhere, Michael and Ryan follow through with something they’ve been planning for some time. For the past few years they’ve been taking matters into their own hands to get rid of those in society who deserve no place in it because of the atrocities they’ve committed. Everything they do is recorded and meticulously documented and logged on an online platform known to a select few all over the world. That night they follow through with what they’ve since perfected.
Worlds collide in a devastating way and it ushers in an unexpected change for the latter half of the story. I can honestly say I didn’t know what to expect when I reached the halfway point of this novel. It really kept me on my toes and when there’s roughly fifty pages left Travis really ramps up the tension and gets you all the more excited and anxious for the next installment!
If you’re like me and occasionally pause your reading to look up real world locations while making your way through a book to get a clearer idea of where things are happening in the fictional realm, this is a book for you! Travis brilliantly utilized his time having lived in Junction City to bring it to life as accurately as possible. From the street names to the landmarks, it reminds you that this place truly is as real as it can be.
Serial Husbands is Travis Warman’s labor of love and it shows right at the start. Even just from the beautiful cover and of course the description that’ll draw you in. Also, if you like to be able to picture what characters look like in your imagination while reading, there are hand drawn pictures of Travis’s main characters on his website! (txwarman.com) When I read a book and picture the characters in my head they tend to be faceless a majority of the time, like it’s blurred, even if their features are mentioned. The pictures of his characters really help make them feel real and present, like they’re living and breathing and unfortunately having to deal with increasing anxieties, worries and fears as the chapters tick by.
I can’t wait to see what Travis Warman has planned next!
(This is an updated review for publication day! Below is my previous review that was made during the beta reading phase!)
My first read of 2026!! I need to give a massive THANK YOU to author Travis Warman for the opportunity to be a beta reader for his book, Serial Husbands! Being that it’s still in the development phase I can’t delve into the plot like I normally would in reviews but I highly recommend checking out the description to get an idea of what to expect!!
Travis concocted a fantastic story here. He has plans to make this a series and I absolutely see the potential! From the settings, to the conflicts brewing in the background and eventually reaching a boiling point, to the characters, they all contribute to a groundwork that I see acting as a brilliant jumping pad for future installments!
It combines classic genres that I absolutely love. Police procedural, mystery, thriller. A real tour de force when it comes to thinking about what’s right and what’s wrong, and whether or not the characters may be getting in over their heads. I’m looking forward to returning to this review in the future to flesh out more of what I loved about this story! Until then, believe me when I say that this is a book you’ll want to seek out once it’s published!! Put it on your to read list now!
Also, not sure if it may change in the future but I love the current cover!! It's perfect, in my opinion!
Thank you again, Travis!
August 14, 2026
I give this a 3.5 stars. The premise is fantastic and I love vigilant justice and could hope for something like the Ledger to be real (only taking out horrible humans who harm innocents). I love that the main characters are a male-couple. This was very procedural and it is clear the author is intelligent. I was missing the emotional connection to the couple; they were pretty flat. I wanted to know their story and why they do what they do. The book could have been shorter. The blue glow from television and computer screens was redundant and I am not sure what the purpose of that repition was for the story. It was a fun and interesting read.
March 25, 2026
This book was very different from my usual reads. I love reading and offered to proofread for the author. I am not in the LGBTQIA+ community, but have friends and family who are. I got engaged in the story from the first chapter. I think I finished the book in 3 days. I enjoyed the characters, details around the locations and the emotions you felt when they realized that the missed something that could have helped a young girl (I am trying to avoid details so I don’t spoil anything). I do recommend this book to anyone who loves a good “who done it” thriller.
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