The Serial Killer Support Group by DB Stephens

 Thank you netgalley, the publishers, and DB Stephens for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Book contains subject matter that some readers may find disturbing. Book talks about domestic violence. Review contains spoilers.

On New Years Eve a young woman named Jess is abused by her boyfriend, which lands her in the hospital. Knowing she can not continue to stay in this relationship, she leaves. A flyer that had been shoved into her hands, advertises a domestic violence support group. Needing help, she attends, meeting women who are just like her. The group gives her life back. She forms a bond with these women, gains back her confidence, and stands up to her abusive ex.

We are also introduced to The Caretaker. A nameless man, a vigilante. He has one purpose, and that's to make these abusive men pay. At first he attacks these men the same way they attacked their partners. Then it elevates to murder. The victims, all the abusers of the women in the group. The police, especially a Sgt Salam, needs to figure out who the killer is. But is the killer a man or someone else? That's where the serial killer support group comes into play.

I have to say, I loved this book. It hits you right in the face from the start. It can get a bit brutal when describing the violence towards the men, but scales back when referring to the women. Don't get me wrong, it can be a bit graphic, but there is a respect given. Jess, the main character, grows as a person. And I found myself loving her and cheering for her when she stood up for herself. I suppose the criticism I have is with Sgt Salam. Not so much her as a character. She is a domestic abuse survivor, and while that's super important for this book, the brief introduction from her abuser wasn't. It was two lines and then nothing. Unnecessary. You don't have to introduce the abuser to show the damage he has done. Overall, I loved this book. And this is one of the books I will purchase a copy of when it comes out. Not something I do often. I suggest you do the same when it comes out.

5/5