A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage

A Novel

By: Asia Mackay

Narrated by: Georgia Tennant, Kyle Soller

Two former serial killers trying to keep their past buried realize that old habits die hard in this “wildly original, razor-sharp thriller” (Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestsellingauthor of All the Colors of the Dark).

“An invaluable manual that I return to again and again.”―Hugh Grant

I wasn't smashing the patriarchy; I was killing it. Literally.

Hazel and Fox are an ordinary married couple with a baby. Except for one small thing: they're murderers. Well, they used to be. They had it all. An enviable London lifestyle, five-star travels, and plenty of bad men to rid from the world. Then Hazel got pregnant.

Now, they’re just another mom-and-dad-and-baby. They gave up vigilante justice for life in the suburbs: arranged play dates instead of body disposals, diapers over daggers, mommy conversations instead of the sweet seduction right before a kill. Hazel finds her new life terribly dull. And the more she forces herself to play her monotonous, predictable role, the more she begins to feel that murderous itch again.

Meanwhile, Fox has really taken to being a father. Always the planner, he loves being five steps ahead of everyone and knowing exactly what’s coming around the bend. Plus, if anyone can understand Hazel needing one more kill, it’s Fox. But then Hazel kills someone without telling Fox. And when police show up at their door, Hazel realizes it will take everything she has to keep her family together.

Critic reviews

“An invaluable manual that I return to again and again.”—Hugh Grant

“Sexy, stylish, thrilling, and funny . . . Asia Mackay rips up the rulebook in this wildly original, razor-sharp tale of marriage and murder, mundanity and mayhem. I loved it.”—Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author of All the Colors of the Dark

“Certain to be your sassy, twisted must-read of 2025.”—Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal

“Murder has never been so funny. If you liked Mr. & Mrs. Smith, you’ll love this original and darkly funny thriller.”—Clare Mackintosh, New York Times bestselling author of Hostage

“A killer idea! This is a laugh-out-loud page-turner that has insightful things to say about modern motherhood and marriage. A dark, twisted riot—I loved it from cover to cover!”—Ellery Lloyd, New York Times bestselling author of The Club

“Whip-smart and laugh-out-loud funny . . . I loved every page of this slick, witty thriller.”—Andrea Mara, author of Someone in the Attic

“I absolutely gobbled up this darkly funny and clever thriller about one of the most dysfunctional marriages to ever make it onto the page. Loved it.”—Katy Brent, bestselling author of How to Kill Men and Get Away with It

“So razor sharp, it had me reaching for the plasters. . . . A fresh and original voice in a genre we’re all fascinated with.”—John Marrs, bestselling author of What Lies Between Us

“Huge fun with a dark beating heart, a game of cat and mouse with sharpened tooth and claw . . . You won’t dare to put it down.”—Harriet Tyce, bestselling author of Blood Orange

“A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage had me from page one. It was enthralling, exciting, and so totally badass. Mackay’s writing is so compelling and engrossing, and she writes characters that continue to live rent free in your head.”—Lucy Vine, author of Seven Exes

“Wildly entertaining . . . Mackay brilliantly exaggerates the stifling aspects of parenthood through the eyes of her charismatic killers, wringing both laughs and pathos from her deliciously outlandish premise. This is sensational.”―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A dark comedy indeed . . . As a metaphor for modern family life, it’s entertainingly astute. Fans of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, this one’s for you.”—Kirkus Reviews

Entertainment purposes only

Great listen, very entertaining. I did laugh out loud a few times. It is not believable at all but it was a fun story, kept me interested and entertained the entire story.

Great narration & fun concept

Really enjoyed the narration, especially the female narrator. The whole concept was a fun twist on the dull, suburban, married couple getting their groove back. I laughed out loud and had several enthusiastic,, head-nodding moments where I had to stop myself from saying "I know, right?" out loud. So, per the clever ask at the very end of the credits, I am leaving a 5-star review (my first review ever, as I'm generally too lazy despite listening to hundreds of books a year-I know, I'm the worst!). I look forward to the rainbows and bells!

Outstanding book and awesome two narrators

Wow, this was an incredible book to be honest. I only picked it up because it was narrated in part by Georgia Tennant. But the book was absolutely incredible and I’m so glad that I listened to it. It is such an intriguing premise, and it was a really well done book. I look forward to more books by this author!

Spectacular! Complexellent! Riveting!

Well, spin me around, show me the meaning of true love over time, then shock me with that jaw-dropping ending. I'm absolutely delighted to give two thumbs way, way up to “A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage” by the incredibly talented Asia Mackay, exquisitely narrated by the fabulous Georgia Tennant and the phenomenal Kyle Soller. This triple crown is a winner in suspense, intrigue and jaw-dropping twists. The story follows Hazel and Fox, two former serial killers who’ve hung up their murderous gloves for a life in the suburbs with their adorable baby. But old habits die hard, and as they navigate the mundane world of playdates and diapers, the lines between their past and present begin to blur. When Hazel's murderous itch returns, Fox must confront his own demons to keep their family together and prevent their dark secrets from spilling out into the open. What makes this novel truly sensational is the way Mackay expertly weaves together themes of love, marriage and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface. Narration by Tennant and Soller is pitch-perfect, bringing the characters to life with depth, nuance and a dash of wicked humor. The way they play off each other's strengths and weaknesses is pure genius. A wildly original, razor-sharp thriller, it kept me guessing until the very end. With its shocking twists and turns, never a dull moment. With the talented Tennant and Soller bringing the story to life, it's a true double-feature delight. Mackay's writing is superb, the devious characters are complex and multi-dimensional and the plot is expertly crafted. Her prose is engaging, witty and insightful, making this novel a true audiction. And the themes of marriage, parenthood and the blurred lines between good and evil are thought-provoking and expertly woven throughout the story. For those looking for more from Mackay, I have high hopes she makes this a series. With its unique blend of suspense, intrigue and dark humor, this novel is sure to appeal to fans of suspenseful thrillers. Worth a cherished credit, however, I struck gold as I found this gem during an Audible 2-for-1 sale. Epic, indeed! Don’t miss out on this exceptional novel.

💥👏✍️🎙️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🎙️✍️👏💥

Out of this world! I am speechless at how good this book was!

My new favorite author and by far the very best narrator I have encountered, and I have listed to offer 200 audiobooks!