What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Sergeant Pace #4
Psychopaths Anonymous
When AA meetings make her want to drink more, alcoholic murderess Maeve sets up a group for psychopaths … The dark, unpredictable, electrifyingly original new thriller from critically acclaimed author Will Carver.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Maeve has everything. A high-powered job, a beautiful home, a string of uncomplicated one-night encounters. She’s also an addict: A functioning alcoholic with a dependence on sex and an insatiable appetite for killing men.
When she can’t find a support group to share her obsession, she creates her own. And Psychopaths Anonymous is born. Friends of Maeve.
Now in a serious relationship, Maeve wants to keep the group a secret. But not everyone in the group adheres to the rules, and when a reckless member raises suspicions with the police, Maeve’s drinking spirals out of control.
She needs to stop killing. She needs to close the group.
But Maeve can’t seem to quit the things that are bad for her, including her new man…
A scathing, violent and darkly funny book about love, connection, obsessions and sex – and the aspects of human nature we’d prefer to hide – Psychopaths Anonymous is also an electrifyingly original, unpredictable thriller that challenges virtually everything.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Maeve has everything. A high-powered job, a beautiful home, a string of uncomplicated one-night encounters. She’s also an addict: A functioning alcoholic with a dependence on sex and an insatiable appetite for killing men.
When she can’t find a support group to share her obsession, she creates her own. And Psychopaths Anonymous is born. Friends of Maeve.
Now in a serious relationship, Maeve wants to keep the group a secret. But not everyone in the group adheres to the rules, and when a reckless member raises suspicions with the police, Maeve’s drinking spirals out of control.
She needs to stop killing. She needs to close the group.
But Maeve can’t seem to quit the things that are bad for her, including her new man…
A scathing, violent and darkly funny book about love, connection, obsessions and sex – and the aspects of human nature we’d prefer to hide – Psychopaths Anonymous is also an electrifyingly original, unpredictable thriller that challenges virtually everything.
276 pages, Paperback
Published November 25, 2021
61 people are currently reading
837 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
November 3, 2021
PSYCHOPATHS ANONYMOUS is the fourth book in the Detective Sergeant Pace Series by Will Carver. This thriller reads well as a stand-alone but I recommend starting with book one for clarity and context, and development of the characters and their relationships are better experienced by reading the books in order. This is a wild, mad but entertaining, very dark and disturbing read. It is clever and nasty all at the same time.
I have to say that this book is not for everyone. This novel is not for the faint hearted, or easily offended, but highly recommended for anyone who is open-minded and ready to experience a different perspective by questioning the norm and looking at people in a different light. Totally blows your mind!
I think before you read this book, it does help to have read Will’s first book in this series, Good Samaritans, but it can easily be read as a standalone.
The Novels in the Detective Sergeant Pace Series Include:
The Good Samaritans (Book 1) 2018
Nothing Important Happened Today (Book 2) 2019
Hinton Hollow Death Trip (Book 3) 2020
Psychopaths Anonymous (Book 4) 2021
Maeve has a high-level job in advertising, a beautiful home, and a string of uncomplicated one-night stands. She’s also a functioning alcoholic with a dependence on sex and an addiction for killing men.
When she can’t find a support group to share her obsession, she creates her own…Friends of Maeve, aka Psychopaths Anonymous.
Now in a serious relationship, Maeve wants to keep the group a secret. But not everyone in the group sticks to the rules, and when a reckless member raises suspicions with the police, Maeve’s drinking goes out of control.
She needs to stop killing. She needs to close the group.
But Maeve can’t seem to quit the things that are bad for her, including her new man. Her relationship with Seth is very captivating and it kept me focused as I had no idea how Maeve was going to react next. It is really chilling how she chooses her next victims; they could be anyone she happens to randomly pass on the street. What a frightening character!
This is a dark funny book about love, obsessions and sex, and the aspects of human nature we’d prefer to hide.
Psychopaths Anonymous, his latest novel is a brilliantly crafted novel. Maeve, the character at the heart of the novel is a very twisted individual, but also a very original character. The author allows us to step inside Maeve’s mind and feel what she is going through, by seeing the world through her eyes.
I had to keep on reading to see how dark this story could get.
This was a brilliant read. If nothing else, this novel will make you question and think outside the box than rather accepting everything at face value.
Many thanks to the author, Orenda Books and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
I have to say that this book is not for everyone. This novel is not for the faint hearted, or easily offended, but highly recommended for anyone who is open-minded and ready to experience a different perspective by questioning the norm and looking at people in a different light. Totally blows your mind!
I think before you read this book, it does help to have read Will’s first book in this series, Good Samaritans, but it can easily be read as a standalone.
The Novels in the Detective Sergeant Pace Series Include:
The Good Samaritans (Book 1) 2018
Nothing Important Happened Today (Book 2) 2019
Hinton Hollow Death Trip (Book 3) 2020
Psychopaths Anonymous (Book 4) 2021
Maeve has a high-level job in advertising, a beautiful home, and a string of uncomplicated one-night stands. She’s also a functioning alcoholic with a dependence on sex and an addiction for killing men.
When she can’t find a support group to share her obsession, she creates her own…Friends of Maeve, aka Psychopaths Anonymous.
Now in a serious relationship, Maeve wants to keep the group a secret. But not everyone in the group sticks to the rules, and when a reckless member raises suspicions with the police, Maeve’s drinking goes out of control.
She needs to stop killing. She needs to close the group.
But Maeve can’t seem to quit the things that are bad for her, including her new man. Her relationship with Seth is very captivating and it kept me focused as I had no idea how Maeve was going to react next. It is really chilling how she chooses her next victims; they could be anyone she happens to randomly pass on the street. What a frightening character!
This is a dark funny book about love, obsessions and sex, and the aspects of human nature we’d prefer to hide.
Psychopaths Anonymous, his latest novel is a brilliantly crafted novel. Maeve, the character at the heart of the novel is a very twisted individual, but also a very original character. The author allows us to step inside Maeve’s mind and feel what she is going through, by seeing the world through her eyes.
I had to keep on reading to see how dark this story could get.
This was a brilliant read. If nothing else, this novel will make you question and think outside the box than rather accepting everything at face value.
Many thanks to the author, Orenda Books and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
January 9, 2023
Audio - 4 Stars
Story - 3.5 stars
Story - 3.5 stars
October 30, 2021
This was my first Will Carver novel and probably my last, but given the fact that my opinion seems to be a minority view I doubt the author will lose any sleep over it. I don’t have a problem with any amount of swearing, crude jokes or debauchery in a novel and I am a fan of acerbic humour, so I assumed that I would get along fine with this book. Unfortunately I definitely wasn’t the right audience and although I read plenty of books about grizzly murders they don’t tend to rely on the shock value that clearly appeals to Carver’s fans.
Maeve works in advertising and is a functioning alcoholic with a sex addiction and as quickly becomes clear, a penchant for killing men. Addicted to support groups and reality TV shows, she trawls the capital to suck up the misery at AA meetings and pick up men but she doesn’t quite fit the AA niche and is sick of the emphasis on God as the higher power. Clearly exhibiting psychopathic traits of her own and keen to attract like-minded individuals, she sets up her own support group, “Friends of Maeve” aka Psychopaths Anonymous. In true twelve step style, Maeve attempts to make amends to the people she has harmed with, thanks to her fiery temper, varying degree of success. Disappointingly, all the group amounts to is a few relatively uneventful meetings that feel pretty aimless in truth, until events outside the meeting convince Maeve it’s time to close the group down and stop killing once and for all. As Maeve’s life starts to spiral out of control, she has her hands full trying to stay under the radar of a detective and a priest all whilst keeping her boyfriend in the dark.
In my opinion the blurb gives too much away about the novel and is really a précis of the entire book. The blurb mentions Maeve being into a serious relationship yet she doesn’t actually meet the man in question until almost a third of the way through the book and the closing down of the group actually occurs at ninety percent of the way through. To be honest, I found the book tedious as there is a significant amount of repetition in the first-person commentary of Maeve, with Carver circling back at every available opportunity to have another rant about the emphasis on God as the higher power in any twelve step program. Maeve’s smart-mouthed tirades frequently has me smirking but the spoilerish blurb meant there was little left to either surprise me and, once I had read about forty pages, anything left to shock me. I found the writing style very one-trick pony as I didn’t feel there was much to it apart from an emphasis on all things dark, violent and somewhat depraved with no obvious attempt to elaborate on the characterisation of Maeve.
Maeve works in advertising and is a functioning alcoholic with a sex addiction and as quickly becomes clear, a penchant for killing men. Addicted to support groups and reality TV shows, she trawls the capital to suck up the misery at AA meetings and pick up men but she doesn’t quite fit the AA niche and is sick of the emphasis on God as the higher power. Clearly exhibiting psychopathic traits of her own and keen to attract like-minded individuals, she sets up her own support group, “Friends of Maeve” aka Psychopaths Anonymous. In true twelve step style, Maeve attempts to make amends to the people she has harmed with, thanks to her fiery temper, varying degree of success. Disappointingly, all the group amounts to is a few relatively uneventful meetings that feel pretty aimless in truth, until events outside the meeting convince Maeve it’s time to close the group down and stop killing once and for all. As Maeve’s life starts to spiral out of control, she has her hands full trying to stay under the radar of a detective and a priest all whilst keeping her boyfriend in the dark.
In my opinion the blurb gives too much away about the novel and is really a précis of the entire book. The blurb mentions Maeve being into a serious relationship yet she doesn’t actually meet the man in question until almost a third of the way through the book and the closing down of the group actually occurs at ninety percent of the way through. To be honest, I found the book tedious as there is a significant amount of repetition in the first-person commentary of Maeve, with Carver circling back at every available opportunity to have another rant about the emphasis on God as the higher power in any twelve step program. Maeve’s smart-mouthed tirades frequently has me smirking but the spoilerish blurb meant there was little left to either surprise me and, once I had read about forty pages, anything left to shock me. I found the writing style very one-trick pony as I didn’t feel there was much to it apart from an emphasis on all things dark, violent and somewhat depraved with no obvious attempt to elaborate on the characterisation of Maeve.
September 1, 2021
Utter lunacy. Utter madness. Utter brilliance. All the Utter's.
Probably my favourite yet from Will Carver which says a lot considering I've been a fan of his from book one and the quirky, awesome January series, all those years ago and oh so far away now.
Today, this author is writing at the very top of the game, he is unafraid, unapologetic, has a publisher who is also unafraid and lets him loose to write completely outside the box. I'm not sure Will Carver would even know what a box looks like in this context.
Psychopaths Anonymous is intense and clever, disturbing and addictive. It takes an ironic, quirky, dark and delicious perspective on personality and this world we live in. It is violent and insightful, with a fist pump the air finish that leaves a peculiar, melancholic sense of satisfaction.
As long as Will keeps writing them I'll keep reading them. There is a level of truth and honesty running through his narratives that is as hard to look at as it is to look away from.
Addictive much. Highly Recommended.
Probably my favourite yet from Will Carver which says a lot considering I've been a fan of his from book one and the quirky, awesome January series, all those years ago and oh so far away now.
Today, this author is writing at the very top of the game, he is unafraid, unapologetic, has a publisher who is also unafraid and lets him loose to write completely outside the box. I'm not sure Will Carver would even know what a box looks like in this context.
Psychopaths Anonymous is intense and clever, disturbing and addictive. It takes an ironic, quirky, dark and delicious perspective on personality and this world we live in. It is violent and insightful, with a fist pump the air finish that leaves a peculiar, melancholic sense of satisfaction.
As long as Will keeps writing them I'll keep reading them. There is a level of truth and honesty running through his narratives that is as hard to look at as it is to look away from.
Addictive much. Highly Recommended.
November 13, 2021
Psychopaths Anonymous is the fourth book in the Detective Pace Series by Will Carver but my first and can be read as a stand alone. A gritty , disturbing , brutal read filled with dark humor it is definitely not for the faint-hearted but I found it an entertaining read
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers request group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
I would like to thank the TBC Reviewers request group & the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
June 30, 2025
A dark delight!
Story 4/5
Narration 5/5
I enjoyed delving into Maeve’s reflections on her own psychopathology and alcoholism. Her approach to managing her conditions, is nothing short of lethal. Far from seeing them as flaws, she almost wears them as a badge of honor. The story’s cynical tone is particularly compelling. If you have a dark sense of humor, you’re likely to appreciate this book as much as I did.
Story 4/5
Narration 5/5
I enjoyed delving into Maeve’s reflections on her own psychopathology and alcoholism. Her approach to managing her conditions, is nothing short of lethal. Far from seeing them as flaws, she almost wears them as a badge of honor. The story’s cynical tone is particularly compelling. If you have a dark sense of humor, you’re likely to appreciate this book as much as I did.
November 14, 2021
This was an okay read that I definitely enjoyed in parts. However, I didn't feel I really connected with any of the characters. I didn't even dislike them enough to make it a particularly memorable read. Some of this may be to do with this book being part of a series, and although it can be read as a standalone novel, perhaps I would have connected more deeply with whichever characters are in the previous books, if I'd read the earlier books.
This book was exactly what it said on the tin, so to speak. So I didn't feel there were any shocking surprises. Psychopaths Anonymous has got quite a few high star ratings. So I guess I just failed to connect with this one for some reason. Maybe I'm too much of a hardened horror reader. There are definitely graphic parts that are not for the easily squeamish!
This book was exactly what it said on the tin, so to speak. So I didn't feel there were any shocking surprises. Psychopaths Anonymous has got quite a few high star ratings. So I guess I just failed to connect with this one for some reason. Maybe I'm too much of a hardened horror reader. There are definitely graphic parts that are not for the easily squeamish!
June 11, 2025
A really good story for anyone who enjoys reading about fictional psychopaths, and in this case a female one at that!
Meet Maeve...
Raging alcoholic, Sex addict, Anti-God and a secret psychopath...and then comes her very own merry little band of twisted nutcases.
First half dragged a little but second was really enjoyable, and just a little bit different.
Would also have enjoyed hearing lots more about the exploits of the other lunatics as well as the token priest who was thrown into the mix in the name of 'balance'.
Highly entertaining and recommended although, as outlined above, could have possibly been even better - but still more than decent.
Rating: 4.2 hot stars of the ultra-demented and absurdly unhinged variety.
Meet Maeve...
Raging alcoholic, Sex addict, Anti-God and a secret psychopath...and then comes her very own merry little band of twisted nutcases.
First half dragged a little but second was really enjoyable, and just a little bit different.
Would also have enjoyed hearing lots more about the exploits of the other lunatics as well as the token priest who was thrown into the mix in the name of 'balance'.
Highly entertaining and recommended although, as outlined above, could have possibly been even better - but still more than decent.
Rating: 4.2 hot stars of the ultra-demented and absurdly unhinged variety.
November 26, 2021
Will Carver is amongst a handful of authors I will read without even checking the blurb, title or genre and when Anne Cater mentioned he had a new book out, I begged, pleaded, bribed and finally convinced Anne to put me on the blogtour.
I read quite a few books, so when I saw this was the 4th in the Detective Pace series and focused on Maeve, I got a bit concerned that I had forgotten key points and plots, so I immediately sent Will a private message saying “I’m about to start Psychopath Anonymous and it’s been ages since I read Good Samaritans etc. Will you give me a brief recap of Maeve and what she got up to in the previous books xxx“. Will responded immediately, but I can’t tell you what he said in case you haven’t read Good Samaritans, Nothing Important Happened Today and Hinton Hollow, but I can assure you that Psychopaths Anonymous is set BEFORE these 3 books and is a brilliant (and shocking) introduction to Maeve. Therefore in my humble opinion, if you haven’t read any of these books – you should absolutely start with Psychopaths Anonymous.
Back to the book. I know that many authors “write what they know” and in that case we should be very afraid of Will Carver, because he channels a female sex-crazed nymphomaniac with psychopathic tendancies to attack, dismember and kill (and not necessarily in that order) anyone who crosses her with such clarity and precision you might actually think he’s writing from personal experience!!
Psychopaths Anonymous is NOT for the feint hearted – in fact the title might actually give that away, so if you are prudish, squeamish or easy offended I would strongly suggest you don’t read this, but if like me you like dark, disgusting and downright dirty then grab yourself a copy and get comfortable.
Maeve is HYSTERICAL, she’s ballsy, brave and bad-ass and takes NO prisoners, in fact she just kills them without a thought, she knows she’s a psychopath, she revels in it and decides after attending Alcoholics Anonymous for a few months, that despite drinking every day she’s NOT an alcoholic. Maeve doesn’t believe in GOD – she doesn’t believe in a HIGHER POWER – she believes SHE is the “higher power” and sets up her own 12 step group in the local community centre for Psychopaths.
Honestly I could go on and on about how outrageous this book is, how funny Maeve is, how dark this book gets and how much I enjoyed it, but I won’t because hopefully once you’ve managed to get this far in my review you will just go and download the book yourself.
I read quite a few books, so when I saw this was the 4th in the Detective Pace series and focused on Maeve, I got a bit concerned that I had forgotten key points and plots, so I immediately sent Will a private message saying “I’m about to start Psychopath Anonymous and it’s been ages since I read Good Samaritans etc. Will you give me a brief recap of Maeve and what she got up to in the previous books xxx“. Will responded immediately, but I can’t tell you what he said in case you haven’t read Good Samaritans, Nothing Important Happened Today and Hinton Hollow, but I can assure you that Psychopaths Anonymous is set BEFORE these 3 books and is a brilliant (and shocking) introduction to Maeve. Therefore in my humble opinion, if you haven’t read any of these books – you should absolutely start with Psychopaths Anonymous.
Back to the book. I know that many authors “write what they know” and in that case we should be very afraid of Will Carver, because he channels a female sex-crazed nymphomaniac with psychopathic tendancies to attack, dismember and kill (and not necessarily in that order) anyone who crosses her with such clarity and precision you might actually think he’s writing from personal experience!!
Psychopaths Anonymous is NOT for the feint hearted – in fact the title might actually give that away, so if you are prudish, squeamish or easy offended I would strongly suggest you don’t read this, but if like me you like dark, disgusting and downright dirty then grab yourself a copy and get comfortable.
Maeve is HYSTERICAL, she’s ballsy, brave and bad-ass and takes NO prisoners, in fact she just kills them without a thought, she knows she’s a psychopath, she revels in it and decides after attending Alcoholics Anonymous for a few months, that despite drinking every day she’s NOT an alcoholic. Maeve doesn’t believe in GOD – she doesn’t believe in a HIGHER POWER – she believes SHE is the “higher power” and sets up her own 12 step group in the local community centre for Psychopaths.
Honestly I could go on and on about how outrageous this book is, how funny Maeve is, how dark this book gets and how much I enjoyed it, but I won’t because hopefully once you’ve managed to get this far in my review you will just go and download the book yourself.
November 13, 2021
What if Patrick Bateman and Brigitte Jones had a daughter?
Carver answers that question with the brilliantly written protagonist Maeve of Psychopaths Anonymous.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Carver is the best British crime writer today. His narrative voices are all extremely cynical and pitch black but also very humorous. There’s a poetry in his cynicism towards modern culture, dissecting pop culture with such brutal accuracy you can’t help but place him right next to authors such as Chuck Palahniuk and Brett Easton Ellis.
Psychopaths Anonymous is definitely not for the easily offended but it is one of the freshest, most original crime novels of the last few years.
Carver is a helluva storyteller and writer.
If you’re not reading him, you should be. Right now.
Carver answers that question with the brilliantly written protagonist Maeve of Psychopaths Anonymous.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Carver is the best British crime writer today. His narrative voices are all extremely cynical and pitch black but also very humorous. There’s a poetry in his cynicism towards modern culture, dissecting pop culture with such brutal accuracy you can’t help but place him right next to authors such as Chuck Palahniuk and Brett Easton Ellis.
Psychopaths Anonymous is definitely not for the easily offended but it is one of the freshest, most original crime novels of the last few years.
Carver is a helluva storyteller and writer.
If you’re not reading him, you should be. Right now.
June 8, 2022
3.5 stars for this really shocking read.
I’m not one easily perturbed by the gruesome and the more horror the better. However, in this instance I personally felt that it was over the top! Excessive in an unnecessary way, for shock value rather than entertainment.
The premise is excellent and I was thoroughly engaged with the plot and characters. And then, it went on (and on), with brutal killings and unlikely scenarios.
There are some fantastic five-star reviews, so don’t let me put you off, but for me it lost its shine two-thirds of the way through.
I’m not one easily perturbed by the gruesome and the more horror the better. However, in this instance I personally felt that it was over the top! Excessive in an unnecessary way, for shock value rather than entertainment.
The premise is excellent and I was thoroughly engaged with the plot and characters. And then, it went on (and on), with brutal killings and unlikely scenarios.
There are some fantastic five-star reviews, so don’t let me put you off, but for me it lost its shine two-thirds of the way through.
November 3, 2021
As much as I wanted to love this book, and as much as I loved the IDEA of it, the execution just didn’t match my expectations. An interesting storyline with a diverse set of characters, it just felt like there was something missing. The blurb didn’t match the story until way past the half way mark - not what I expected.
November 29, 2021
Having previously reviewed Will Carver’s The Beresford this year, we are being spoiled in true ambassador fashion with another from the mercurial mind of a truly unique- some would say warped- writer. It’s always a singular challenge when reviewing Carver’s books to put your thoughts into some kind of coherent order, and then find the right words to express these thoughts in an equally coherent order.
Which begs the question of where the hell to begin with this one?
Let’s begin with Maeve the central character, who regular readers of Carver may recognise, now given her time in the spotlight, and boy, does she own it. It’s not easy to give a straightforward summary of Maeve, her likes, her dislikes, her hopes, her fears, because as a high-functioning psychopath- yes, you read that right- her world view is slightly on a different trajectory to the rest of us. To all intents and purposes, she is a normal young woman with a steady job, and a seemingly normal existence. Sure, she loves drinking, and sex, and reality television, and more sex, bemoaning the state of the world, railing against the things in society that cause annoyance or bewilderment on a daily basis, and dissing the Almighty, much like the rest of us, but Maeve is special for rather more nefarious reasons.
“It’s not his fault that I’m going to kill him. It doesn’t always have to be something heinous. It doesn’t have to be retribution. It doesn’t require some deep motivation. Sometimes a person is just in my way. Sometimes it’s for fun. Sometimes, it’s just that it’s been a while.”
As Maeve loves killing. And dissection. And being introduced to new, streamline body disposal methods. What a gal. As she cruises the world of AA meetings, not only as a crusade against the mealy mouthed God-centric simplicity of the programme of steps to overcome addiction, but to scope out potential victims to sate her favourite extra-curricular activity of killing, Carver immerses us in a world of darkness and murderous intent with such a matter of factness that you quickly become immune to the horror that lies within these pages. Instead at numerous points within the book, Maeve becomes like a touchstone, as her world view encapsulates the very notion of freedom, with her calmly overturning all the conventions and rules of polite behaviour that we are all so conditioned to adhere to. She questions everything, she challenges everything, and has a wonderfully laissez faire attitude, as the quote above says, to who she should terminate, whether for revenge, convenience or just because she feels an itch to do so. As she sets up her own support group for those with similar psychopathic tendencies, the story takes an even more deliciously dark turn, and interestingly we discover that Maeve is not completely infallible. Along the way we see her one weakness- a weakness that leads to a beautifully twisted fairy tale ending, that warms the heart.
Weirdly.
No Will Carver book would be complete without the tangential ranting against the absurdity of modern life, and the attendant stupidity of the masses that defines it. In Carver’s world, stupidity appears to be the new opium of the masses, and once again, you find yourself surreptitiously nodding in agreement as the tirades against religion, the love/hate relationship with reality television, social media, greed, vanity, the quest for happiness and just the sheer- insert anguished noise here- of modern life, rain down throughout the book, either through the words of Maeve herself, or in the very obvious passages of authorial intrusion. This commentary on the aspects of society that define our lives, or influence our behaviours and beliefs is highly irreverent, darkly funny, strident and bold, so if you are of a weak disposition it’s probably best to look away now.
And the serial killing bits and the graphic animalistic sex are probably best to be avoided too.
I don’t know what it says about me, but I loved all of the above, and think we should start a movement. Not just #FriendsOfMaeve but #BeMoreMaeve.
Just don’t get caught….
A totally recommended read as always.
Which begs the question of where the hell to begin with this one?
Let’s begin with Maeve the central character, who regular readers of Carver may recognise, now given her time in the spotlight, and boy, does she own it. It’s not easy to give a straightforward summary of Maeve, her likes, her dislikes, her hopes, her fears, because as a high-functioning psychopath- yes, you read that right- her world view is slightly on a different trajectory to the rest of us. To all intents and purposes, she is a normal young woman with a steady job, and a seemingly normal existence. Sure, she loves drinking, and sex, and reality television, and more sex, bemoaning the state of the world, railing against the things in society that cause annoyance or bewilderment on a daily basis, and dissing the Almighty, much like the rest of us, but Maeve is special for rather more nefarious reasons.
“It’s not his fault that I’m going to kill him. It doesn’t always have to be something heinous. It doesn’t have to be retribution. It doesn’t require some deep motivation. Sometimes a person is just in my way. Sometimes it’s for fun. Sometimes, it’s just that it’s been a while.”
As Maeve loves killing. And dissection. And being introduced to new, streamline body disposal methods. What a gal. As she cruises the world of AA meetings, not only as a crusade against the mealy mouthed God-centric simplicity of the programme of steps to overcome addiction, but to scope out potential victims to sate her favourite extra-curricular activity of killing, Carver immerses us in a world of darkness and murderous intent with such a matter of factness that you quickly become immune to the horror that lies within these pages. Instead at numerous points within the book, Maeve becomes like a touchstone, as her world view encapsulates the very notion of freedom, with her calmly overturning all the conventions and rules of polite behaviour that we are all so conditioned to adhere to. She questions everything, she challenges everything, and has a wonderfully laissez faire attitude, as the quote above says, to who she should terminate, whether for revenge, convenience or just because she feels an itch to do so. As she sets up her own support group for those with similar psychopathic tendencies, the story takes an even more deliciously dark turn, and interestingly we discover that Maeve is not completely infallible. Along the way we see her one weakness- a weakness that leads to a beautifully twisted fairy tale ending, that warms the heart.
Weirdly.
No Will Carver book would be complete without the tangential ranting against the absurdity of modern life, and the attendant stupidity of the masses that defines it. In Carver’s world, stupidity appears to be the new opium of the masses, and once again, you find yourself surreptitiously nodding in agreement as the tirades against religion, the love/hate relationship with reality television, social media, greed, vanity, the quest for happiness and just the sheer- insert anguished noise here- of modern life, rain down throughout the book, either through the words of Maeve herself, or in the very obvious passages of authorial intrusion. This commentary on the aspects of society that define our lives, or influence our behaviours and beliefs is highly irreverent, darkly funny, strident and bold, so if you are of a weak disposition it’s probably best to look away now.
And the serial killing bits and the graphic animalistic sex are probably best to be avoided too.
I don’t know what it says about me, but I loved all of the above, and think we should start a movement. Not just #FriendsOfMaeve but #BeMoreMaeve.
Just don’t get caught….
A totally recommended read as always.
November 25, 2021
I have to admit this; I find it so so difficult to review Will Carver's books. I don't find them in the least bit difficult to read. He is incredibly talented, his writing is fresh and unique. His books are different, and funny, and sweary and often cringy, but God, it's so hard to write about them.
Readers of Carver's previous novel; Good Samaritans, will have met Maeve before. In Psychopaths Anonymous we discover far more about her, we come to realise what makes her tick, and although you don't have to read Good Samaritans, you'll understand so much more about this character by doing so.
We really really shouldn't like Maeve. She's a functioning alcoholic who loves dirty sex, preferably with someone she hardly knows. Oh, and she also likes to kill people. She's also articulate, intelligent, with a great job, and maybe, just maybe some readers may envy her .... a little bit ... maybe?
Maeve has a habit of visiting self-help groups. She knows them all, with their multiple steps, their mantras and their increasing dependence on a God who Maeve dismisses. She's not satisfied with any of them, in fact she's going to create her own group: Friends of Maeve, or Psychopaths Anonymous.
There are people who worry about what goes on in Will Carver's head. They wonder how this bloke can create these characters who do these things? Some people even think he's a bit of a psychopath himself. I don't think he is. I think he's one of the most perceptive and brutally honest writers out there.
What he does, and probably more in this book than any of his others, is look at humans. He takes the most mundane and everyday behaviours and he breaks them down, piece by piece until the reader can see just how shallow and how hypocritical we are as a race. Reality TV? Check. That 'nice' bit at the end of the news? Check. Self help groups, memes, inspirational messages, mentors and spiritual guides? Check.
It's brutally done, but oh my goodness, it is eye-opening, and I think I actually squirmed in places.
Please don't think that this is a preachy, shouty novel though. It's not. It's a fabulously entertaining romp with a lead character who is so grotesque that she's adorable. It's hilarious, it's blunt and yes, sometimes, it's even a little bit subtle.
If this is your first outing with Carver, then welcome to our world. Return reader? You know what to expect ... but it's even better than usual. What a genius this guy is. I have no more to say here.
Readers of Carver's previous novel; Good Samaritans, will have met Maeve before. In Psychopaths Anonymous we discover far more about her, we come to realise what makes her tick, and although you don't have to read Good Samaritans, you'll understand so much more about this character by doing so.
We really really shouldn't like Maeve. She's a functioning alcoholic who loves dirty sex, preferably with someone she hardly knows. Oh, and she also likes to kill people. She's also articulate, intelligent, with a great job, and maybe, just maybe some readers may envy her .... a little bit ... maybe?
Maeve has a habit of visiting self-help groups. She knows them all, with their multiple steps, their mantras and their increasing dependence on a God who Maeve dismisses. She's not satisfied with any of them, in fact she's going to create her own group: Friends of Maeve, or Psychopaths Anonymous.
There are people who worry about what goes on in Will Carver's head. They wonder how this bloke can create these characters who do these things? Some people even think he's a bit of a psychopath himself. I don't think he is. I think he's one of the most perceptive and brutally honest writers out there.
What he does, and probably more in this book than any of his others, is look at humans. He takes the most mundane and everyday behaviours and he breaks them down, piece by piece until the reader can see just how shallow and how hypocritical we are as a race. Reality TV? Check. That 'nice' bit at the end of the news? Check. Self help groups, memes, inspirational messages, mentors and spiritual guides? Check.
It's brutally done, but oh my goodness, it is eye-opening, and I think I actually squirmed in places.
Please don't think that this is a preachy, shouty novel though. It's not. It's a fabulously entertaining romp with a lead character who is so grotesque that she's adorable. It's hilarious, it's blunt and yes, sometimes, it's even a little bit subtle.
If this is your first outing with Carver, then welcome to our world. Return reader? You know what to expect ... but it's even better than usual. What a genius this guy is. I have no more to say here.
December 13, 2021
This is Will Carver’s latest novel and I think I’ve just read my book of the year !!
The main protagonist of the novel is Maeve, a character who will already be familiar to readers of Carver’s previous novels. She is a functioning alcoholic, has an extremely active sex life but her most deadly obsession is her need to kill. In the first half of the novel we follow Maeve as she attends various Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, not to try and quit her drinking but to listen to the attendees stories and to pick up both drinking and sexual partners and the occasional potential victim. As she attends these meetings she also explains to us the twelve step plan and which aspects appeal to her and how these steps are supposed to work. In the latter half of the novel Maeve initiates her own group of the title and we meet the various members and she also explains her own twelve step plan, as it applies to her own group of psychopaths. To further complicate matters Maeve embarks on a relationship with a man, Seth, from whom she must hide her darkest secrets.
I found this to be an totally brilliant and enthralling novel which is sexy, violent and also very, very funny, in the darkest possible way. Maeve is a uniquely complicated character who despite her chaotic lifestyle still manages to hold down a high powered job and maintain a seemingly ‘normal’ exterior. The novel dwells into the darkest recesses of the human mind but is extremely readable and very accessible. Despite all her faults I still found myself empathising with some of her views and opinions and I started to wander if there is maybe a bit of psychopathy in everyone’s character to a certain degree ? Although this book is number four in the D/S Pace series, he only makes a couple of fleeting appearances and is not even mentioned by name. I also enjoyed how Will Carver inserts characters and incidents from his previous novels into this one but you’ve got to be sharp to notice them.
This may just be my favourite novel of 2021 and apparently Will Carver, according to his social media, has also been busy writing recently, so there’s lots more to look forward too. In the meantime though, I’ve still got a few of his earlier novels to catch up with.
The main protagonist of the novel is Maeve, a character who will already be familiar to readers of Carver’s previous novels. She is a functioning alcoholic, has an extremely active sex life but her most deadly obsession is her need to kill. In the first half of the novel we follow Maeve as she attends various Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, not to try and quit her drinking but to listen to the attendees stories and to pick up both drinking and sexual partners and the occasional potential victim. As she attends these meetings she also explains to us the twelve step plan and which aspects appeal to her and how these steps are supposed to work. In the latter half of the novel Maeve initiates her own group of the title and we meet the various members and she also explains her own twelve step plan, as it applies to her own group of psychopaths. To further complicate matters Maeve embarks on a relationship with a man, Seth, from whom she must hide her darkest secrets.
I found this to be an totally brilliant and enthralling novel which is sexy, violent and also very, very funny, in the darkest possible way. Maeve is a uniquely complicated character who despite her chaotic lifestyle still manages to hold down a high powered job and maintain a seemingly ‘normal’ exterior. The novel dwells into the darkest recesses of the human mind but is extremely readable and very accessible. Despite all her faults I still found myself empathising with some of her views and opinions and I started to wander if there is maybe a bit of psychopathy in everyone’s character to a certain degree ? Although this book is number four in the D/S Pace series, he only makes a couple of fleeting appearances and is not even mentioned by name. I also enjoyed how Will Carver inserts characters and incidents from his previous novels into this one but you’ve got to be sharp to notice them.
This may just be my favourite novel of 2021 and apparently Will Carver, according to his social media, has also been busy writing recently, so there’s lots more to look forward too. In the meantime though, I’ve still got a few of his earlier novels to catch up with.
April 20, 2022
A bonkers read about a sweary, rude, murdering, alcoholic psychopath. Don't read this if you are easily offended. Often hilarious and very, very dark. Great stuff.
November 23, 2021
This brave work of fiction is guaranteed to offend some readers. Before reaching for this book you need to be warned that this book contains everything you might be sensitive to, language, sex, violence, animal cruelty and most importantly the character challenges religious beliefs all the way through. However, should you decide to pick up this book you are going to experience an entertaining read, that challenges everything about life as you know it. The author doesn’t hold back any punches, making this an intriguing read that you will be keen to see through even when you find yourself a little offended.
The story is told from Maeve’s perspective, and you find yourself inside this woman’s mind from start to finish. The author created a character that you love and hate as she fascinates you with her obscene take on the world. Part of this book is thought-provoking. Leave you curious about how much this woman will end up getting away with.
The world is full of addicts. Addicts of all kinds; alcoholics, drug addicts, sex addicts, food addicts, even social media addicts. People who need a fix and will do anything to obtain the pleasure they derive from that addiction. We know they exist among us. But what about a psychopath that needs to kill to get a fix? How do these people fit into the world? How do they manage their needs and urges? How do they conform to a society that is so very different to their way of thinking?
Maeve has needs, and she has spent a lot of time figuring out how she can function in the world that we know and still sustain her desires. After exploring Alcoholics Anonymous and their 12 step programme, Maeve designs her own 12 steps for Psychopaths Anonymous. A group she started to teach fellow psychopaths not to apologise for who they are, but instead to embrace themselves. However, when her anonymous group is facing the risk of exposure, she needs to ensure she maintains anonymity.
This book is a harsh read, the author really did not hold back any punches. However, his/the character’s attack on the world we live in was direct and sometimes thought-provoking. There is a lot wrong with the world we live in, and some aspects of life could be a lot better. This book while offering extremely unrealistic solutions based on a psychopath’s way of thinking highlights that humanity has lost the plot. That we have lost focus on what is important.
The first few pages of this book left me tempted to put it down, but as I persisted and kept reading, I found myself intrigued and eager to see where it was going. This brave work of fiction is creative, clever and thought-provoking.
I found that I loved and hated Maeve. This woman has a strange view of the world, and her solution to anyone who annoys or irritates her is to kill them. Good luck to anyone who crosses her path because it does not take much to get on this woman’s wrong side. She lives life by her own rules and nothing stirs any emotion. She is in control at all times and plans the perfect revenge. I found myself wondering how much the worlds population numbers would decrease if we all lived by Maeve’s rules.
Psychopaths Anonymous is going to offend a lot of readers, I suggested religious readers steer clear. However, those readers out there who can pick up this book and understand that it is a work of fiction, a book that drops you into the mind of a psychopath and does not take it too seriously, is sure to enjoy this as a brave, creative read that will even manage to bring a smile to your face when you least expect it.
Psychopaths Anonymous is a brilliant, creative read that will keep you intrigued and leave you looking at the world in a slightly different way. Hopefully not with the same extremes as Maeve, but you should be left considering the changes our world needs.
I certainly recommend this book to brave, open-minded readers. I loved it!
The story is told from Maeve’s perspective, and you find yourself inside this woman’s mind from start to finish. The author created a character that you love and hate as she fascinates you with her obscene take on the world. Part of this book is thought-provoking. Leave you curious about how much this woman will end up getting away with.
The world is full of addicts. Addicts of all kinds; alcoholics, drug addicts, sex addicts, food addicts, even social media addicts. People who need a fix and will do anything to obtain the pleasure they derive from that addiction. We know they exist among us. But what about a psychopath that needs to kill to get a fix? How do these people fit into the world? How do they manage their needs and urges? How do they conform to a society that is so very different to their way of thinking?
Maeve has needs, and she has spent a lot of time figuring out how she can function in the world that we know and still sustain her desires. After exploring Alcoholics Anonymous and their 12 step programme, Maeve designs her own 12 steps for Psychopaths Anonymous. A group she started to teach fellow psychopaths not to apologise for who they are, but instead to embrace themselves. However, when her anonymous group is facing the risk of exposure, she needs to ensure she maintains anonymity.
This book is a harsh read, the author really did not hold back any punches. However, his/the character’s attack on the world we live in was direct and sometimes thought-provoking. There is a lot wrong with the world we live in, and some aspects of life could be a lot better. This book while offering extremely unrealistic solutions based on a psychopath’s way of thinking highlights that humanity has lost the plot. That we have lost focus on what is important.
The first few pages of this book left me tempted to put it down, but as I persisted and kept reading, I found myself intrigued and eager to see where it was going. This brave work of fiction is creative, clever and thought-provoking.
I found that I loved and hated Maeve. This woman has a strange view of the world, and her solution to anyone who annoys or irritates her is to kill them. Good luck to anyone who crosses her path because it does not take much to get on this woman’s wrong side. She lives life by her own rules and nothing stirs any emotion. She is in control at all times and plans the perfect revenge. I found myself wondering how much the worlds population numbers would decrease if we all lived by Maeve’s rules.
Psychopaths Anonymous is going to offend a lot of readers, I suggested religious readers steer clear. However, those readers out there who can pick up this book and understand that it is a work of fiction, a book that drops you into the mind of a psychopath and does not take it too seriously, is sure to enjoy this as a brave, creative read that will even manage to bring a smile to your face when you least expect it.
Psychopaths Anonymous is a brilliant, creative read that will keep you intrigued and leave you looking at the world in a slightly different way. Hopefully not with the same extremes as Maeve, but you should be left considering the changes our world needs.
I certainly recommend this book to brave, open-minded readers. I loved it!
October 15, 2022
Will Carver messes with my head. Is this dark and twisted fiction or somehow a commentary on the self absorbed 21st century of the western world?
Hi I’m Mark and I’m a psychopath.
“It’s hard to spot a psychopath these days. Before humans puked out every inane thought we had or took a picture of every meal we ate or attacked somebody we never met before from the safety of our home, hidden behind a screen and an avatar, people weren’t worried about what they looked like to others at every moment of the day. They took 24 pictures of an entire holiday. They had an inner monologue....” p142
Enter Maeve, and Carver sets the scene for one hell of a ride, straddling that blurry line between fiction and fact, myth and reality. Maeve kinda scares me yet I am drawn to her big time. Why do I want to be a little bit like her even though she kinda completely intimidates me? What does that say about me? These are the type of questions that mess with my head whenever I read Will Carver’s books which I am kinda addicted to.
Hi I’m Mark and I’m an addict of Carver books.
Psychopaths Anonymous revolves around the 12 steps. There’s a support group underpinning frame and I’m drawn to the motivations we have for attending such groups, hopes and dreams and what is shared intentionally and not shared deliberately. Is there a little bit of Maeve in all of us? Or maybe a lot?
Do you find yourself lying more than you think you should?
Have you ever been described by others as manipulative?
Do you act against society’s rules and ‘normal’ behaviours?
Is it difficult for you to show remorse? p169
And then there’s Seth. And I’m wondering why I was so pleased to see him again after first encountering him in the delicious Good Samaritans novel which was my first encounter with the inimitable Carver? Psychopaths Anonymous is almost like a prequel to Good Samaritans and I loved a couple of little references to a couple of Carver’s Detective Sergeant Pace books. I was almost waiting for Detective Sergeant Pace to turn up.
Look, I loved this book. It’s dark, over the top, gruesome, all too honest in some ways and makes way too many statements about modern living. 5 stars as always for a Will Carver book.
Hi I’m Mark and I’m a psychopath.
“It’s hard to spot a psychopath these days. Before humans puked out every inane thought we had or took a picture of every meal we ate or attacked somebody we never met before from the safety of our home, hidden behind a screen and an avatar, people weren’t worried about what they looked like to others at every moment of the day. They took 24 pictures of an entire holiday. They had an inner monologue....” p142
Enter Maeve, and Carver sets the scene for one hell of a ride, straddling that blurry line between fiction and fact, myth and reality. Maeve kinda scares me yet I am drawn to her big time. Why do I want to be a little bit like her even though she kinda completely intimidates me? What does that say about me? These are the type of questions that mess with my head whenever I read Will Carver’s books which I am kinda addicted to.
Hi I’m Mark and I’m an addict of Carver books.
Psychopaths Anonymous revolves around the 12 steps. There’s a support group underpinning frame and I’m drawn to the motivations we have for attending such groups, hopes and dreams and what is shared intentionally and not shared deliberately. Is there a little bit of Maeve in all of us? Or maybe a lot?
Do you find yourself lying more than you think you should?
Have you ever been described by others as manipulative?
Do you act against society’s rules and ‘normal’ behaviours?
Is it difficult for you to show remorse? p169
And then there’s Seth. And I’m wondering why I was so pleased to see him again after first encountering him in the delicious Good Samaritans novel which was my first encounter with the inimitable Carver? Psychopaths Anonymous is almost like a prequel to Good Samaritans and I loved a couple of little references to a couple of Carver’s Detective Sergeant Pace books. I was almost waiting for Detective Sergeant Pace to turn up.
Look, I loved this book. It’s dark, over the top, gruesome, all too honest in some ways and makes way too many statements about modern living. 5 stars as always for a Will Carver book.
October 15, 2022
This is my second novel by this author and I bought the audiobook with my last Audible credit. I thought I started off on the wrong foot with the first one but now I'm having to admit that this author is probably not a match for me.
First of all, I have come to realize that I prefer books with a clear and predictable structure, a question at the start of a novel waiting for an answer, a heads up on what mystery needs to be solved. I however got into this novel without anything to hold on to except the 12 steps of AA. But where will it lead after reaching step 12, what is the purpose of the story? After a good part of the story, when it dawned on me what ticked Maeve's boxes, I was questioning if she would get caught as a serial killer, who the next victim would be, and if she would kill her sexual partner in the end, but her overall thoughts didn't really interest me as much as wanted them to.
Lots of people are fascinated by psychopaths and how their brain works, as am I, and I probably read and watched a few too many romanticized versions where you can find some redeeming qualities in the characters because there was nothing sympathetic about Maeve. I'm definitely not 'A Friend of Maeve' in any way. She's this know-it-all alcoholic psychopath who joins several group meetings (including AA with the intent to steal some ideas for her own group meeting of Psychopaths Anonymous) because she loves other people's misery and it obviously feeds her feelings of superiority. I didn't like Maeve at all, but it might be more worrisome if I did.
Psychopaths Anonymous is not for the faint of heart. Even I found it quite crude when Maeve describes one of her murders in gruesome detail, I must be turning soft now I'm a year older. There is a big dose of violence, alcohol and sex within these pages but I'm somewhat surprised myself that what probably bothered me most were her opinions on God and faith. It was a recurring theme and it didn't sit well with me how she ridiculed people who find support and solace in their belief. Each to their own of course, and I'm an atheist as well but it felt quite harsh and repetitive.
I looked up the traits of a psychopath and she's a 100% perfect fit so the author did a great job. I won't spoil where this story is going to go and if she's able to keep on hiding body parts in her freezer from Seth, the one person she doesn't grow tired of. I don't know what the chances are in real life of this ending happening as it was in this novel, but as far as fictional worlds go, I have to say I'm feeling ok with the way the author ended things for Maeve. I don't regret sticking to it till the end because I simply had to know how it was going to be wrapped up but in all honesty I probably won't give it a third shot.
First of all, I have come to realize that I prefer books with a clear and predictable structure, a question at the start of a novel waiting for an answer, a heads up on what mystery needs to be solved. I however got into this novel without anything to hold on to except the 12 steps of AA. But where will it lead after reaching step 12, what is the purpose of the story? After a good part of the story, when it dawned on me what ticked Maeve's boxes, I was questioning if she would get caught as a serial killer, who the next victim would be, and if she would kill her sexual partner in the end, but her overall thoughts didn't really interest me as much as wanted them to.
Lots of people are fascinated by psychopaths and how their brain works, as am I, and I probably read and watched a few too many romanticized versions where you can find some redeeming qualities in the characters because there was nothing sympathetic about Maeve. I'm definitely not 'A Friend of Maeve' in any way. She's this know-it-all alcoholic psychopath who joins several group meetings (including AA with the intent to steal some ideas for her own group meeting of Psychopaths Anonymous) because she loves other people's misery and it obviously feeds her feelings of superiority. I didn't like Maeve at all, but it might be more worrisome if I did.
Psychopaths Anonymous is not for the faint of heart. Even I found it quite crude when Maeve describes one of her murders in gruesome detail, I must be turning soft now I'm a year older. There is a big dose of violence, alcohol and sex within these pages but I'm somewhat surprised myself that what probably bothered me most were her opinions on God and faith. It was a recurring theme and it didn't sit well with me how she ridiculed people who find support and solace in their belief. Each to their own of course, and I'm an atheist as well but it felt quite harsh and repetitive.
I looked up the traits of a psychopath and she's a 100% perfect fit so the author did a great job. I won't spoil where this story is going to go and if she's able to keep on hiding body parts in her freezer from Seth, the one person she doesn't grow tired of. I don't know what the chances are in real life of this ending happening as it was in this novel, but as far as fictional worlds go, I have to say I'm feeling ok with the way the author ended things for Maeve. I don't regret sticking to it till the end because I simply had to know how it was going to be wrapped up but in all honesty I probably won't give it a third shot.
November 4, 2021
First of all, this can be read as a standalone book. I had read Good Samaritans previously though some time ago and although it links in to some of the characters, you don't need to have read that one first.
Well, what a woman Maeve is! She is a nasty piece of work but as Will Carver reveals the workings of her mind, I can sort of see why she's propelled to carry out her one woman crusade though of course I cannot excuse her behaviour! I loved Maeve's dark humour.
She has a good job in marketing, a comfortable home in an affluent area, is a functioning alcoholic, manipulates people, doesn't suffer fools gladly and enjoys, for the most part, gratuitous sex. She doesn't really care much for people (until she discovers love). It's very shocking in parts, but this is after all, the mind of a psychopath and it is all the more chilling for that because I found myself actually liking Maeve (in a way!) and I knew I really shouldn't because she is so awful - and of course, she kills people. By the end of the book though I really hated her, such is the skill of the author. There appears to be nothing in her upbringing that could have triggered her psychopathic ways and Will Carver reminds us that anyone could be a psychopath. They, of course, move among us and can be from any walk of life.
This is a brutal, uncomfortable, raw, violent, disturbing book (some of the means of dispatching people are truly horrific). The ending made me gasp and I'm not really a gasper.
Don't touch it with a bargepole if you're likely to be offended by explicit sexual scenes, gruesome murders or gristle! A riveting, gory read and four stars from me.
Well, what a woman Maeve is! She is a nasty piece of work but as Will Carver reveals the workings of her mind, I can sort of see why she's propelled to carry out her one woman crusade though of course I cannot excuse her behaviour! I loved Maeve's dark humour.
She has a good job in marketing, a comfortable home in an affluent area, is a functioning alcoholic, manipulates people, doesn't suffer fools gladly and enjoys, for the most part, gratuitous sex. She doesn't really care much for people (until she discovers love). It's very shocking in parts, but this is after all, the mind of a psychopath and it is all the more chilling for that because I found myself actually liking Maeve (in a way!) and I knew I really shouldn't because she is so awful - and of course, she kills people. By the end of the book though I really hated her, such is the skill of the author. There appears to be nothing in her upbringing that could have triggered her psychopathic ways and Will Carver reminds us that anyone could be a psychopath. They, of course, move among us and can be from any walk of life.
This is a brutal, uncomfortable, raw, violent, disturbing book (some of the means of dispatching people are truly horrific). The ending made me gasp and I'm not really a gasper.
Don't touch it with a bargepole if you're likely to be offended by explicit sexual scenes, gruesome murders or gristle! A riveting, gory read and four stars from me.
November 3, 2021
This is the second book I have read now by Will Carver having previously read The Good Samaritans. As ever this book is not for the easily offended with lots of violent and sexual descriptions and Maeve's strong blasphemous and crude language. But for me, all the ingredients for a wildly entertaining story! I enjoyed the dark humour and the ending was a nice little surprise. I also liked the lay out of the book covering each step in the groups road to recovery. Overall a good fun read!
June 28, 2025
Mostly well written but I felt slightly 'grubby' by the end (which felt rushed and confused). Maeve has no redeeming features whatsoever and the book has a bigger 'downer' on God than Richard Dawkins. Give me Dexter Morgan any time!
October 29, 2021
What must go on in the mind of an author to come up with a character such as Maeve??!! Probably best not to ask! And to just to enjoy the madness of his creation!!
I loved the way this story was told. We're in the mind of Maeve - not a sane place to be! - but we hear every train of thought as she process her life, her encounters and everything in between! She's a woman with zero empathy! Her views are cynical, cold and calculating! Yes she can appear 'normal' on the outside, but that illusion is quickly shattered when you're alone with her!
We follow her in this story as she seeks to quench her thirst for all the bad addictions in her life - drugs, drink, sex and killing! She is very careful with who she picks out as a victim, and the more she gets away with the more driven she becomes! You wonder just what it is she is looking for throughout this journey, and to be fair, I don't think she knows either! She just has a need to be in control, like a true psychopath!
You're always wondering if her way of dealing with life is going to catch up with her, and the author does a fantastic job of immersing you in her world and watch her playing with fire - with very little concern for the outcome! She's the kind of killer who will judge the goings on in reality tv while torturing a victim! Zero F's given for any of her victims!!
There's a ton of sex, drugs and violence (not rock and roll!), and it's a book that stays long in the mind for very dark reasons!! Will Carver is a master at creating such twisted and insane offerings - and as a reader I am very thankful!!!
I loved the way this story was told. We're in the mind of Maeve - not a sane place to be! - but we hear every train of thought as she process her life, her encounters and everything in between! She's a woman with zero empathy! Her views are cynical, cold and calculating! Yes she can appear 'normal' on the outside, but that illusion is quickly shattered when you're alone with her!
We follow her in this story as she seeks to quench her thirst for all the bad addictions in her life - drugs, drink, sex and killing! She is very careful with who she picks out as a victim, and the more she gets away with the more driven she becomes! You wonder just what it is she is looking for throughout this journey, and to be fair, I don't think she knows either! She just has a need to be in control, like a true psychopath!
You're always wondering if her way of dealing with life is going to catch up with her, and the author does a fantastic job of immersing you in her world and watch her playing with fire - with very little concern for the outcome! She's the kind of killer who will judge the goings on in reality tv while torturing a victim! Zero F's given for any of her victims!!
There's a ton of sex, drugs and violence (not rock and roll!), and it's a book that stays long in the mind for very dark reasons!! Will Carver is a master at creating such twisted and insane offerings - and as a reader I am very thankful!!!
September 25, 2021
There aren't too many books that I have read within 24hrs of release, but when this little beauty dropped onto my kindle at midnight, I couldn't not have a quick nosy! 20% later and I finally put it down to get some sleep, but didn't take long to pick it back up again today!
If you are a fan of this authors work, you will be pleased to know it ticks all the usual boxes that we have come to expect and love about his amazing writing -
Dark ✔
Disturbing ✔
Gritty ✔
Clever ✔
Memorable ✔
Intense ✔
Not for the faint-hearted ✔
Unputdownable ✔
I loved seeing the nods to the other books in this series and, although I wholly recommend reading everything this author has written and it will give a clearer insight into the story, it could be read as a standalone.
Highly recommended!
If you are a fan of this authors work, you will be pleased to know it ticks all the usual boxes that we have come to expect and love about his amazing writing -
Dark ✔
Disturbing ✔
Gritty ✔
Clever ✔
Memorable ✔
Intense ✔
Not for the faint-hearted ✔
Unputdownable ✔
I loved seeing the nods to the other books in this series and, although I wholly recommend reading everything this author has written and it will give a clearer insight into the story, it could be read as a standalone.
Highly recommended!
May 21, 2022
I enjoyed this up to the end and was left completely baffled and had to go back and check the beginning few pages in case I'd missed something crucial for it to make sense. It seemed to end with no conclusion so please enlighten me if this isn't the case! Having now read the blurb from Good Samaritans I think it ties into that but the blurb of Psychopaths Anonymous doesn't mention that it's part of a series so it makes it hard to read as a stand alone and be satisfied with the conclusion. I will of course edit this review if it's my error!
It's amusingly gruesome and graphic, both sexually and murderously so definitely not for those easily shocked!
It's amusingly gruesome and graphic, both sexually and murderously so definitely not for those easily shocked!
November 10, 2021
An enjoyable read, I laughed out loud at parts but I'm so confused by the ending, so much so I havnt been able to stop thinking about it. What happened to Jill. Was or real or not, did he just ignore the body in the freezer or was it not really there. I need more, for me it just ended so I found that disappointing as not everything was resolved. But I would reccomend the book to others. I read this as a stand alone but after reading other reviews I realised this is a series of books but it didn't impact my enjoyment
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2021
This book is well written.
I was at first drawn into this book but slowly it became repetitive.
I have refrained from describing the contents for this reason.
I believe this book was let down by the story being virtually totally described in its blurb, which I feel didn’t do this author any favours.
I was at first drawn into this book but slowly it became repetitive.
I have refrained from describing the contents for this reason.
I believe this book was let down by the story being virtually totally described in its blurb, which I feel didn’t do this author any favours.
July 29, 2022
I had high expectations for this one, as I was so intrigued by Maeve’s character in Good Samaritan. This was a little underwhelming compared to my expectations. Still graphic and engaging but not my favourite from this author.
January 28, 2023
“Psychopaths Anonymous ” (PA) is by British author Will Carver. While not strictly part of the Detective Sergeant Pace series it is in the same universe and reprises key characters.
For many reasons I can’t really discuss the plot in any great detail (outside of what is in the blurb) due to potential spoilers for the other DS Pace novels. PA acts as a prequel to the the first book, “Good Samaritans”, where we originally meet Maeve and Seth but I would definitely recommend NOT reading PA before reading at least the first two books in the series (the joy of the Easter eggs and the way PA finishes would give too much away).
What I will talk about is how once more Carver has delivered a book that can read on multiple levels. On the surface PA is the story of how Maeve (a fully functioning alcoholic) deals with her own desires, needs, and addictions whilst hiding her true self from a new boyfriend.
Below the surface Carver uses his darkly satirical wit to critically examine the 12 Step Program that support recovery from substance and behavioural addictions and compulsions. A key focus here is on the religious foundations and the need to accept a higher power and commit one’s will and life to God. As part of this examination Carver has his main character Maeve create the Psychopaths Anonymous group where its own similar but different set of steps, including that there is no higher power than oneself.
In addition Carver, through Maeve, provides a commentary on other darker aspects of today’s society, such as the invasive and insidiously addictive elements of social media, the availability, pervasiveness, and impact of on-line porn, but also the subtle differences between addiction and obsession.
For those new to Will Carver be warned - there are no punches pulled from first page to last. Violence, sex, and language are all there; but in many ways it’s these extremes which are used to further make help punctuate the point that Carver is making.
Books are good if they make the reader think about things as they are reading; they are brilliant if the reader continues to think about the points being made after they finish. PA falls, for this reader, definitely in the latter category.
PA gets 4.5 anonymous meetings, for alcoholics or psychopaths alike, out of 5.
For many reasons I can’t really discuss the plot in any great detail (outside of what is in the blurb) due to potential spoilers for the other DS Pace novels. PA acts as a prequel to the the first book, “Good Samaritans”, where we originally meet Maeve and Seth but I would definitely recommend NOT reading PA before reading at least the first two books in the series (the joy of the Easter eggs and the way PA finishes would give too much away).
What I will talk about is how once more Carver has delivered a book that can read on multiple levels. On the surface PA is the story of how Maeve (a fully functioning alcoholic) deals with her own desires, needs, and addictions whilst hiding her true self from a new boyfriend.
Below the surface Carver uses his darkly satirical wit to critically examine the 12 Step Program that support recovery from substance and behavioural addictions and compulsions. A key focus here is on the religious foundations and the need to accept a higher power and commit one’s will and life to God. As part of this examination Carver has his main character Maeve create the Psychopaths Anonymous group where its own similar but different set of steps, including that there is no higher power than oneself.
In addition Carver, through Maeve, provides a commentary on other darker aspects of today’s society, such as the invasive and insidiously addictive elements of social media, the availability, pervasiveness, and impact of on-line porn, but also the subtle differences between addiction and obsession.
For those new to Will Carver be warned - there are no punches pulled from first page to last. Violence, sex, and language are all there; but in many ways it’s these extremes which are used to further make help punctuate the point that Carver is making.
Books are good if they make the reader think about things as they are reading; they are brilliant if the reader continues to think about the points being made after they finish. PA falls, for this reader, definitely in the latter category.
PA gets 4.5 anonymous meetings, for alcoholics or psychopaths alike, out of 5.
November 3, 2021
The Fourth Detective Pace book in the series, but as it is part of a Will Carver series it can be read before or after the other books. This series is second to none for me. Will Carver is most definitely a master of his craft. I always tend to be unable to find the words to fully convey the absolute brilliance that is a Will Carver book.
This particular story brings us Maeve, a woman who has been part of another Will Carver book, Good Samaritans. If you have read that one you will have an idea of her odd way of looking at life. If not well - welcome to Maeve's world! She isn't your boring run of the mill woman and I do worry about the state of Will Carver's brain at times...reading his books, I mean, we have had one that was narrated by Evil himself. Maeve tops that though. A character that you would think you would hate as she is so horrible. This woman is a killer and an alcoholic, to put it mildly. You just can't help turning the pages to see what Maeve's next move will be. It's like having a dirty Little Secret...following this woman and hanging back to see what her twisted mind will bring next!
Maeve decides to set up a Psychopaths Anonymous group after attending Alcoholics Anonymous (and every other group she can find). Yes, this is how twisted Maeve is. She wants her own little group and she is willing to go that far to create it too. I am not going to give you too much about the story- suffice to say you can find that out for yourself.
Such a gore fest with Maeve but so funny too, okay, darkly funny but oh, I enjoyed the humour. Just the way Maeve's internal dialogue goes was enough for me. I do love how Will Carver has other characters from different books popping in as well. Psychopaths Anonymous is a gruesome and gripping story that I would say, if you love a book that makes you laugh, cringe and shake your head...all in one chapter, go and check out Will Carver.
This particular story brings us Maeve, a woman who has been part of another Will Carver book, Good Samaritans. If you have read that one you will have an idea of her odd way of looking at life. If not well - welcome to Maeve's world! She isn't your boring run of the mill woman and I do worry about the state of Will Carver's brain at times...reading his books, I mean, we have had one that was narrated by Evil himself. Maeve tops that though. A character that you would think you would hate as she is so horrible. This woman is a killer and an alcoholic, to put it mildly. You just can't help turning the pages to see what Maeve's next move will be. It's like having a dirty Little Secret...following this woman and hanging back to see what her twisted mind will bring next!
Maeve decides to set up a Psychopaths Anonymous group after attending Alcoholics Anonymous (and every other group she can find). Yes, this is how twisted Maeve is. She wants her own little group and she is willing to go that far to create it too. I am not going to give you too much about the story- suffice to say you can find that out for yourself.
Such a gore fest with Maeve but so funny too, okay, darkly funny but oh, I enjoyed the humour. Just the way Maeve's internal dialogue goes was enough for me. I do love how Will Carver has other characters from different books popping in as well. Psychopaths Anonymous is a gruesome and gripping story that I would say, if you love a book that makes you laugh, cringe and shake your head...all in one chapter, go and check out Will Carver.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews