Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Debut novel!? Are you kidding me, Kate Posey!?
I am in love with this novel. It felt completely unique, heartfelt and macabre, all at the same time, and happened to be a sensational fit for my tastes.
I went through every emotion over the course of this story, predicting I would cry, and I certainly did. I mean, just a little, but still, that’s a big deal for me.
This story follows Dolores dela Cruz and Jake Ripper, who meet in a fairly common place, the office. Jake is there as a temp, but makes an impression on Dolores, in that she thinks he’s sus as heck.
With his odd behavior and distrustful good looks, she’s pretty sure he’s a serial killer. In a way, she has a right to be suspicious, because Jake has definitely taken a special interest in her. Her F-all-the-way off, combative attitude is incredibly intriguing for Jake.
When their mutual interest in one another blossoms into a dark flirtation, both parties are left with a lot of questions. Is this love, or something much more sinister?
For the first 40% of this novel, I had no clue where it was going. I wasn’t sure how much was going to be Romance, how much Mystery, or Thriller. I know now, and there’s no way I’m spoiling it for you.
I feel like this is so smartly-constructed. It snuck up on me, completely capturing my heart and attention. For me, Posey took this in an unexpected direction, and I appreciated all the different levels she delivered with this narrative.
I know this won’t be for every oen. Marketed as Romance, I feel like there’s an expectation recently for A LOT of steam and this doesn’t have it. There’s a little, but not to the level many might desire. I think that lack may make certain Readers walk away feeling unfulfilled.
For my personal tastes, and maybe you’re the same, that actually works in its favor. There’s so much more time for character development. I much prefer pining, ‘will they won’t they’, and slow burn vibes of characters actually living life, and getting to know each other in a real way.
Unpopular opinion, I know.
I also feel this was the perfect fit for me in regards to the macabre nature of these MCs. I got them. The way their minds work. It’s no secret, Horror is my favorite genre. I could see my own inner dialogue displayed in both MC’s perspectives. It was so fun and refreshing to see.
I wouldn’t call this a Dark Romance though, because it’s really not. It’s not psychopaths pushing limits, it’s two people struggling to be seen and understood in a world that doesn’t necessarily make it easy for them to fit.
I would highly recommend this to Readers like me; who prefer Dark Fiction, but like to add in a Romance, or Contemporary story, every once in while, maybe to feel something different, or to switch things up.
Overall, I really enjoyed how the author developed this story with such care. You think you are getting one thing, and then as it evolves, it’s just so compelling.
It’s also much, much deeper than I anticipated, but not in an irritating, ooey-gooey way that generally annoys the piss out of me. It was just so enjoyable.
I felt like I was actually in it with these characters. I felt everything they were feeling, for better or worse, and the plot was just enthralling to me.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I cannot wait to read more from Kate Posey.
I feel like we’re gonna have a long and beautiful friendship.