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I Married a Serial Killer
Alone in a hotel bar, drowning his sorrows on his birthday, John happens to start talking to the woman at the next table. He quickly finds that she's in the same situation, and after a one-night stand they make a deal.
Every year, on the same night, they'll meet in the same bar. They won't exchange numbers. They won't establish any form of contact. They'll simply meet once a year, unless one of them gets a better offer.
For the next decade, John and Paula stick to their agreement. As he learns more about this mysterious woman, however, John starts to notice certain inconsistencies in her story. Paula can be somewhat erratic, and some years she barely seems like the same woman at all. What's she hiding, and how will John react when the horrific truth eventually comes out?
I Married a Serial Killer is a twisted horror love story about two very different people who finds themselves thrown together, and about the danger of asking too many questions.
Every year, on the same night, they'll meet in the same bar. They won't exchange numbers. They won't establish any form of contact. They'll simply meet once a year, unless one of them gets a better offer.
For the next decade, John and Paula stick to their agreement. As he learns more about this mysterious woman, however, John starts to notice certain inconsistencies in her story. Paula can be somewhat erratic, and some years she barely seems like the same woman at all. What's she hiding, and how will John react when the horrific truth eventually comes out?
I Married a Serial Killer is a twisted horror love story about two very different people who finds themselves thrown together, and about the danger of asking too many questions.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2019
About the author
Amy Cross
701 books1,726 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 19, 2026
There aren’t many thriller authors that I can enjoy. Kiersten Modglin, Emily Shiner, and, best of all, Daniel Hurst are my mainstays. And for a patch of time during this book, I thought it was one of them, not Amy Cross. Very intricate ideas and a great writing style. John and Paula were terrific leads, both with secrets to hide, tons of trauma, and strange ambitions. I wanted to say that they needed more background, but that would have reduced the intrigue here, so I understand why it was kept minimal. And I really enjoyed the process of each chapter counting down, year to year, until present day. That was a nifty little format unto itself, complimenting the well-paced story. So everything was fine and dandy, but the ending really turned me off. I didn’t think Mel needed a finale like that, nor did the entire addition of Catherine, either. It all felt very unnecessary and overcrowded an already ample plot. I won’t spoil anything, but this could have concluded on the wedding day, after John’s admission to Paula, wrapping everything up very nicely. Everything beyond that could’ve been cut out. But beyond an underwhelming conclusion, this was a tremendous thriller that carved out its own unique style.
September 19, 2024
Title: I Married a Serial Killer
Author: Amy Cross
Genre: Horror
Publication Year: 2019
Review: It really does begin with a contrived plot in which John and the woman at the near table initiate a conversation because they have both been stood up. They find solace in each other's arms. The one night stand is memorable enough to want to continue, and then they converse about establishing an annual tradition of mystery. They will meet next year, on the same night, as long as nothing better comes along.
Then commences a decade's long annual affair with very little sharing, mystery deepening, but even in the silences, there is information imparted and feelings birthed. As the title implies, there is a marriage and Cross takes you on a ride that one probably doesn't see coming. Whatever the case, I love the story and was quite happy with where she takes us. Very intriguing plot with twists and horrors that might give you pause about blind dates and secret interludes.
Joyfully recommended.
Author: Amy Cross
Genre: Horror
Publication Year: 2019
Review: It really does begin with a contrived plot in which John and the woman at the near table initiate a conversation because they have both been stood up. They find solace in each other's arms. The one night stand is memorable enough to want to continue, and then they converse about establishing an annual tradition of mystery. They will meet next year, on the same night, as long as nothing better comes along.
Then commences a decade's long annual affair with very little sharing, mystery deepening, but even in the silences, there is information imparted and feelings birthed. As the title implies, there is a marriage and Cross takes you on a ride that one probably doesn't see coming. Whatever the case, I love the story and was quite happy with where she takes us. Very intriguing plot with twists and horrors that might give you pause about blind dates and secret interludes.
Joyfully recommended.
September 17, 2022
Amy Cross has a real gift when it comes to finding moments of epiphany in an ordinary life, using them as starting points for a narrative, and diverting to a moment a little less ordinary, while creating a novel that moves to the extraordinary. Here in I Married a Serial Killer the main character John (ho-hum ordinary) is celebrating (not really) his birthday by having a cocktail in a hotel bar by himself. He meets Paula who is also “celebrating” her birthday by herself. They have a one-night stand. In the morning, without exchanging information they agree to meet the following year to have another one-night stand. Well, as the title clearly states, there is more that ensues over a ten-year courtship. I found the story compelling. Another winner from Amy Cross. You think you know where this is going, but you do not. Cross does a bit of misdirection and then you get thrilled by the result. Not a perfect novel, but pretty damn good.
March 10, 2023
Just a book ago, I called Alex Volkov as a walking red flag. He actually was one. But why am I not calling John one and hating him intensely ? Simple, it's the writer. Amy Cross is someone who could serve a horror/crime/thriller as a romance and we'd HAPPILY and confusingly accept that. It's her magic folks ✨✨✨✨✨
As the title suggests, our protagonist married a serial killer. But that isn't the only highlight of the story. John is a very bland and intellectually passive man. So it's easy for him to not know if his wife is a serial killer or not right? Yes
Some parts of the story felt quite predictable BUT she covered it up with something even bigger. This is the joy of reading Cross's works. She almost never left a thrill half done. And this is supposed to be a thriller right but when you judge the whole story you see that it's actually a romance, an executed-to-perfection dark romance. It is so fast paced and short but it didn't feel like short cause she didn't waste a single sentence here and there.
But there was also this moment where at the end when Paula was stabbed, how quickly John hid her and hid her well enough for police to not catch a whiff of her. That sounded weird given how she ran away from paramedics just after giving birth and police & Mel were already onto her. Besides, murdering 15 people in countryside on the same day every year would've been believable but with high tech cctvs in an area like South London, how did Paula always go around unnoticed? I know serial killers are crazy smart but still, avoiding every cctv in an area is kind of a stretch.
I should've hated the serial killer. I really should've and and I do detest them BUT the one character that I hated was Mel. Gosh. I almost feel bad that she wasn't on the hit list.
The ending was not something I anticipated. It's uh wholesome(a very inappropriate word for the book💀).
I enjoyed this book so very much. Also I think this is my first 5 star of 2023 and a deserving one at that.
As the title suggests, our protagonist married a serial killer. But that isn't the only highlight of the story. John is a very bland and intellectually passive man. So it's easy for him to not know if his wife is a serial killer or not right? Yes
Some parts of the story felt quite predictable BUT she covered it up with something even bigger. This is the joy of reading Cross's works. She almost never left a thrill half done. And this is supposed to be a thriller right but when you judge the whole story you see that it's actually a romance, an executed-to-perfection dark romance. It is so fast paced and short but it didn't feel like short cause she didn't waste a single sentence here and there.
But there was also this moment where at the end when Paula was stabbed, how quickly John hid her and hid her well enough for police to not catch a whiff of her. That sounded weird given how she ran away from paramedics just after giving birth and police & Mel were already onto her. Besides, murdering 15 people in countryside on the same day every year would've been believable but with high tech cctvs in an area like South London, how did Paula always go around unnoticed? I know serial killers are crazy smart but still, avoiding every cctv in an area is kind of a stretch.
I should've hated the serial killer. I really should've and and I do detest them BUT the one character that I hated was Mel. Gosh. I almost feel bad that she wasn't on the hit list.
The ending was not something I anticipated. It's uh wholesome(a very inappropriate word for the book💀).
I enjoyed this book so very much. Also I think this is my first 5 star of 2023 and a deserving one at that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2021
Wow amy
This was a very good story I enjoyed it. I what to tell you that you are very talented tell you what you keep on writing them and ill keep on reading them sincerely Christine Dunne Harlingen tx
This was a very good story I enjoyed it. I what to tell you that you are very talented tell you what you keep on writing them and ill keep on reading them sincerely Christine Dunne Harlingen tx
January 8, 2020
Different
This is very different to most of the authors other books, not a hint of the supernatural, but it draws you in the same way.
Very happy to see that the proofreading/editing has dramatically improved!
I won't comment on the story itself, I recommend you discover that the old fashioned way.
This is very different to most of the authors other books, not a hint of the supernatural, but it draws you in the same way.
Very happy to see that the proofreading/editing has dramatically improved!
I won't comment on the story itself, I recommend you discover that the old fashioned way.
February 1, 2020
A great read in my opinion
Ok wow, I really liked this book. There were points where John drove me a little crazy but otherwise wow. I never realized how many books this author wrote. Definitely have to check out some of her other stand alone books. This book pretty much grabs you at the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. Very fast read. Definitely recommend.
Ok wow, I really liked this book. There were points where John drove me a little crazy but otherwise wow. I never realized how many books this author wrote. Definitely have to check out some of her other stand alone books. This book pretty much grabs you at the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. Very fast read. Definitely recommend.
December 3, 2021
I'm not sure why I persisted and tried yet another Amy Cross book. I have previously read two others and was far from impressed. This was number 3 and I'm definitely done. Although this storyline was actually more interesting than the previous two, I don't think I have ever come across an author who is as repetitive as Ms Cross - especially in I Married A Serial Killer. How many times can a character ask themselves the same question of doubt but then dismiss it over and over? Apparently lots! I swear if all the repetition was deleted out of the pages, it would be a very short story indeed. But then how many times can a reader say they won't read anymore of the author but then still does :)
September 20, 2024
I MARRIED A SERIAL KILLER
by Amy Cross
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 stars
This one started strong for me. The opening scene had me hooked instantly. The storyline is good. The characters were all good too. However, if you will dive in this book totally expecting a full thriller vibe, you'll be disappointed. Because this book is also a romance story. It's a twisted horror love story.
You see, every year on same night, John and Paula meets at the same bar. The odd thing was, they never exchange numbers or any personal details about themselves. Nothing. They will just meet there and hook up. Until, one of them notices weird shit, that's where the creepy things starts to happen.
Honestly, this book creeped me out. The stalking? Geezzz.. I can't. I'm getting horrified. The story was good, fast paced and a real page turner which I like. The only thing that kept me from giving this a 5-star rating was the minor trope near the end that I find a bit ridiculous and unnecessary to the plot. The story can roll without it. But all in all, this is a good read. I enjoyed this book. It's insane.
🖤
by Amy Cross
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 stars
This one started strong for me. The opening scene had me hooked instantly. The storyline is good. The characters were all good too. However, if you will dive in this book totally expecting a full thriller vibe, you'll be disappointed. Because this book is also a romance story. It's a twisted horror love story.
You see, every year on same night, John and Paula meets at the same bar. The odd thing was, they never exchange numbers or any personal details about themselves. Nothing. They will just meet there and hook up. Until, one of them notices weird shit, that's where the creepy things starts to happen.
Honestly, this book creeped me out. The stalking? Geezzz.. I can't. I'm getting horrified. The story was good, fast paced and a real page turner which I like. The only thing that kept me from giving this a 5-star rating was the minor trope near the end that I find a bit ridiculous and unnecessary to the plot. The story can roll without it. But all in all, this is a good read. I enjoyed this book. It's insane.
🖤
February 3, 2020
It started off great but then it went downhill. I thought of giving up in the middle but then decided to finish it due since the book is short. That repeatitive act of going back to the hotel every year was so boring. It reminded me of Colleen Hoover's book - November 9. That Mel character was freakin annoying from the first, but she gave the story a little punch. While Paula was pathetic. I dislike this particular character to the core. She's lame. John's a good guy. I liked John. Overall... i hated the whole book. I'm sorry.
August 4, 2023
In a world where trust is fragile and the true nature of those around us can remain shrouded in mystery, Amy Cross takes readers on a chilling journey with I Married a Serial Killer. This psychological thriller delves deep into the twisted dynamics between two strangers, John and Paula, whose lives become entangled through a fateful encounter in a hotel bar.
John's birthday celebration takes an unexpected turn when he meets Paula, a captivating woman who exudes an enigmatic allure. What starts as a one-night stand quickly transforms into an unconventional arrangement. Each year, on the same day, they reunite in the bar, their connection intensifying with each encounter. However, secrets and darkness lurk beneath the surface of their peculiar relationship.
As the years pass, John begins to unravel a web of unsettling truths. Peculiar inconsistencies and the emergence of a series of hotel murders fuel his growing suspicions about Paula's true identity. The chilling realization dawns upon him that he may have become entangled with a woman of sinister intentions.
Amy Cross masterfully crafts a narrative that teeters on the edge of sanity and danger. With each page, the tension builds, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, desperately seeking answers. The well-paced plot ensures that the suspense never wanes, continually keeping readers guessing about the true nature of Paula and the horrors that lie in wait.
What sets I Married a Serial Killer apart is the depth and complexity of its characters. John and Paula are more than mere archetypes; they are multifaceted individuals with hidden depths and dark secrets. Their complex relationship explores themes of identity, deception, and love, inviting readers to question the boundaries of trust and the true nature of human connection.
Cross's writing captivates with its precision and attention to detail. She paints a haunting portrait of psychological turmoil and the depths of the human psyche, skillfully capturing the intricacies of paranoia, obsession, and the allure of danger. Through her prose, she forces readers to confront their own fears and question the darkness that may lie within those they encounter.
For fans of psychological thrillers seeking a gripping and immersive experience, I Married a Serial Killer is an absolute must-read. Its well-crafted plot, complex characters, and exploration of themes will leave readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly devouring each twist and turn. Amy Cross has crafted a dark and twisted tale that will linger in the depths of your mind long after you turn the final page. Brace yourself for a journey into the shadows of human nature, where nothing is as it seems, and trust becomes the most precarious of commodities.
John's birthday celebration takes an unexpected turn when he meets Paula, a captivating woman who exudes an enigmatic allure. What starts as a one-night stand quickly transforms into an unconventional arrangement. Each year, on the same day, they reunite in the bar, their connection intensifying with each encounter. However, secrets and darkness lurk beneath the surface of their peculiar relationship.
As the years pass, John begins to unravel a web of unsettling truths. Peculiar inconsistencies and the emergence of a series of hotel murders fuel his growing suspicions about Paula's true identity. The chilling realization dawns upon him that he may have become entangled with a woman of sinister intentions.
Amy Cross masterfully crafts a narrative that teeters on the edge of sanity and danger. With each page, the tension builds, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, desperately seeking answers. The well-paced plot ensures that the suspense never wanes, continually keeping readers guessing about the true nature of Paula and the horrors that lie in wait.
What sets I Married a Serial Killer apart is the depth and complexity of its characters. John and Paula are more than mere archetypes; they are multifaceted individuals with hidden depths and dark secrets. Their complex relationship explores themes of identity, deception, and love, inviting readers to question the boundaries of trust and the true nature of human connection.
Cross's writing captivates with its precision and attention to detail. She paints a haunting portrait of psychological turmoil and the depths of the human psyche, skillfully capturing the intricacies of paranoia, obsession, and the allure of danger. Through her prose, she forces readers to confront their own fears and question the darkness that may lie within those they encounter.
For fans of psychological thrillers seeking a gripping and immersive experience, I Married a Serial Killer is an absolute must-read. Its well-crafted plot, complex characters, and exploration of themes will leave readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly devouring each twist and turn. Amy Cross has crafted a dark and twisted tale that will linger in the depths of your mind long after you turn the final page. Brace yourself for a journey into the shadows of human nature, where nothing is as it seems, and trust becomes the most precarious of commodities.
October 11, 2020
The premise of this book is interesting. The execution... didn't do it for me. It was too implausible. John and Paula meet at a hotel on their birthdays. They decide to meet again every year, same day, same place, until they have something better to do. And clearly, there is a serial killer who gets married. It is all well until human characters do inhuman things. The explanations force logic to the point of breaking. So... nope. Not my cup of tea.
December 27, 2019
Different but awesome
Just as always your book was awesome. Your writing is so different and unique and I absolutely love that. I'm guessing the end Paula was some kind of stitched back together creature. I hope to see a sequel about the daughter. Can't wait for the next book you write. Please make another one about mermaid
Just as always your book was awesome. Your writing is so different and unique and I absolutely love that. I'm guessing the end Paula was some kind of stitched back together creature. I hope to see a sequel about the daughter. Can't wait for the next book you write. Please make another one about mermaid
February 19, 2020
Forget the trashy title!
This was a very good and absorbing story. Far fetched? Yes, of course but it was a real page turner. The plot was well constructed with an ending that I never saw coming. At one point I was convinced that the story had a supernatural element to it but, this proved not to be the case. Amy Cross at her best - again!
This was a very good and absorbing story. Far fetched? Yes, of course but it was a real page turner. The plot was well constructed with an ending that I never saw coming. At one point I was convinced that the story had a supernatural element to it but, this proved not to be the case. Amy Cross at her best - again!
February 23, 2020
Took me 3 days to read this book. Would have been finished sooner if I didn’t have to struggle putting it down to sleep.
What a brilliant book! I don’t think I’ve read a bad book by Amy Cross, I’m starting to think she’s my top author.
So many times I was scratching my head thinking ‘what on Earth is happening?’ I think I’ve let out too many gasps that I care to admit.
Recommend definitely!
What a brilliant book! I don’t think I’ve read a bad book by Amy Cross, I’m starting to think she’s my top author.
So many times I was scratching my head thinking ‘what on Earth is happening?’ I think I’ve let out too many gasps that I care to admit.
Recommend definitely!
April 9, 2020
It started out pretty strong, but the nature & events of the story became pretty repetitive. The ending felt rushed and forced, and although there was a fun, crazy twist, I found myself wanting more symbolism, more depth. I didn’t connect much with Paula and John, they felt pretty two dimensional. Overall a good read.
January 4, 2020
Could you?
Marry a serial killer, I mean.
After reading this story, I can see how easy it seems to be to just bury the bad, and focus only on what makes us happy.
It also goes to show... it's good to have friends in low places.
Marry a serial killer, I mean.
After reading this story, I can see how easy it seems to be to just bury the bad, and focus only on what makes us happy.
It also goes to show... it's good to have friends in low places.
March 2, 2020
I'm a fan of Amy Cross and have read a number of her books, some I've enjoyed more than others. This is one of her better books in my opinion. Engaging story and interesting characters, that while not fleshed out, for a story like this it works.
May 15, 2020
Adjectives--Adjectives
In describing this book all I have to say is; weird, bizarre, surreal, fascinating, freaky, different, unusual, creative, yet dynamic. All of that with an honestly unexpected ending. Really different!
In describing this book all I have to say is; weird, bizarre, surreal, fascinating, freaky, different, unusual, creative, yet dynamic. All of that with an honestly unexpected ending. Really different!
May 12, 2022
I married a serial killer.
More thrilling with each page turned. How the husband kept going back to the hotel they first met at. How she spared his life.They had a happy ending inspire of the hater girlfriend Mel. I love this read.
More thrilling with each page turned. How the husband kept going back to the hotel they first met at. How she spared his life.They had a happy ending inspire of the hater girlfriend Mel. I love this read.
January 22, 2020
Very interesting
A random meeting in a hotel, leads to a ten year affair. Once a year they meet up for the night. But how much do they know about each other?
A random meeting in a hotel, leads to a ten year affair. Once a year they meet up for the night. But how much do they know about each other?
February 12, 2020
Love love love
I love the backwards time line and suspense love story. I really enjoy the way Any Cross tells a story!!!
I love the backwards time line and suspense love story. I really enjoy the way Any Cross tells a story!!!
February 17, 2020
Wonderful book
I recommend this book it was very interesting and I read it very quickly so I give it 10 stars
I recommend this book it was very interesting and I read it very quickly so I give it 10 stars
February 17, 2020
Good strong start, tapered off a bit in the middle before coming back strong again. The ending didn't do it justice though, hence the three stars.
March 3, 2020
Love Amy's books!
April 17, 2020
Relaxing read
July 10, 2022
Good read.
January 15, 2023
WOW!
This one kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! Moments I had to question if I was crazy or this insane ride was actually playing out the way it did!!!
This one kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! Moments I had to question if I was crazy or this insane ride was actually playing out the way it did!!!
January 24, 2020
A strange read, for sure. It starts off strong and definitely pulls you in: the prologue especially because it's one of the more active scenes in the story. Yet this book is more about suspense versus action and trying to figure out who the main characters are, which honestly I didn't mind at all. I enjoyed most of the read, but found the sex scenes superfluous titillation and, considering the sad sack nature of the MC, kind of gross. (Think Frasier and Diane.) I was never able to figure that out. Mainly, I removed a star (5 is for perfect books and I rarely ever find those - so 4 means it's a great book, for me) for the way the last 1/3 of the plot of fell apart. Because it's a character study, I was looking for the main three people to stay consistent. One of them kind of went off the deep end and turned into evil vigilante bitch. The MC tries to convince the reader that he's a serial killer for his own reasons I won't list here that I just didn't buy. Paula remains a mystery and is the book's strongest character. There's no doubt she's savage and blood thirsty, but what is that in relation to John? I didn't understand what Paula saw in John and the story never really explores that. The very end of the story itself is a bit of a head scratcher altogether. It felt unfinished and hastily put together. Definitely something to fill in a plane ride or a commute to work, but not a read for the purpose of reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2020
first book I read by her. Really good. Look forward to reading more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews