Book Summary and Reviews of Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey

Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey

Serial Killer Games

by Kate Posey

  • Critics' Consensus (4):
  • Readers' Rating (24):
  • Published:
  • Apr 2025, 384 pages
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About this book

Book Summary

What would you do if you thought your coworker was getting away with murder—literally?

A morbidly funny and emotionally resonant novel about the ways life—and love—can sneak up on us (no matter how much pepper spray we carry).

Dolores dela Cruz has been dying to spot one in the wild, and he fits the mold perfectly: strangler gloves, calculated charm, dashing good looks that give a leg up in any field ... including fields of unmarked graves.

The new office temp is definitely a serial killer.

Jake Ripper finds a welcome distraction in his combative and enigmatic new coworker. He hasn't come across anyone as interesting as Dolores in a long time. But when mere curiosity evolves into a darkly romantic flirtation, Jake can't help but wonder if, finally, he's found someone who really sees him, skeletons in the closet and all.

Until Dolores asks Jake's help to dispose of a body ...

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Reviews

Media Reviews

"[I]rresistable...Though the mystery plot mostly serves as window dressing for a macabre romance, Posey keeps things fast and funny enough that readers won't mind. It's a wickedly entertaining good time." —Publishers Weekly

"The dual perspectives let readers see the inner workings of the characters and their relationship when fate pushes them together. Throughout the novel, there are fun references to classic horror, plus clever chapter titles. The story gets more complicated as it moves along, while the well-written banter between Dolores and Jake is enjoyable. A humorously gruesome love story with a murder in the mix." —Library Journal

"This compelling blend of romance and mystery is beautifully written and utterly unique—let the games begin!" —Joanna Wallace, author of You'd Look Better as a Ghost

This information about Serial Killer Games was first featured in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.

Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.

Reader Reviews

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Labmom55

Great fun
I am not a fan of romance novels and with a title like Serial Killer Games, I hadn’t paid attention to the main genre for this book. Luckily, I am a big fan of snarky humor and Serial Killer Games has it in spades. It’s dark and twisted. But it is also heartwarming. I adored it.

Jake Ripper is a temp at a corporate office when he encounters Dolores Dela Cruz. They are drawn to each other, each seeking out the truth about the other and using what they learn to attempt to up the level of the cat and mouse games they’re playing. But the attraction outweighs their normal instincts. The book alternates between their two POVs. Smartly, Posey doesn’t make them into caricatures. She has imbibed them with real issues, feelings and concerns. But as much as I loved them, it was Cat that stole the show.

Every time I thought I knew where the plot was going, I was surprised. Not surprised. Shocked. This one really threw me for a loop. Time after time. I lost count of the number of twists. There are some hysterical scenes. Laugh out loud funny. I almost lost it during the scene with HR. This is perfect when you need something light but can’t handle saccharine.

This doesn’t read like a debut. I can’t wait to see what Posey does next. My thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for an advance copy of this book.

Mark S. (Blauvelt, NY)

Don't let the title fool you
What a fun read! I was already hooked on the Jake and Dodi's characters even before the big plot twist (which I did not see coming). What I loved even more about the book was the creative way that Posey brought all of the characters together in a way that never seemed forced or ridiculous. Probably the nicest compliment I can give it is that I read the last half of it in one evening when I really needed to be doing other things. I could not put it down until I found out how it all played out.

At times, it felt a little like reading Catch-22. I would find myself laughing at certain lines/scenes only to then feel mildly uncomfortable about what I was laughing at. I would have been fine if it was just the mystery and suspense story, but the emergence of characters like Aunt Laura and Cat made it even better.

I definitely was not expecting the romcom part when I requested the book, but even that was fun and just twisted enough to keep it from being either predictable or too sappy. Definitely an impressive debut novel!

Jennie W. (Denver, CO)

Serial Killer Games
This book is a well-written story with an engaging plot and witty, sarcastic characters. The main characters have fantastic chemistry, with back-and-forth banter that is both amusing and, at times, frustrating in the best way.

The fast-paced narrative makes it hard to put down, maintaining a compelling "whodunit" mystery with a bit of romance while also exploring fascinating family dynamics. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

Kristen H. (Lowell, MA)

Tension packed debut thriller
Well written strange characters and a tension filled plot makes for a thrilling page turner that should be savored but one can't help but speed through it. There are definitely some moments of red herrings and twists. Looking forward to the next book by this author. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.

Elizabeth V. (Bellbrook, OH)

A Killer of a Story
Serial Killer Games killed it. I loved the twisty plot and the characters. The story kept me engaged from beginning to end. The snarky, sarcastic tone and dialog were hilarious, and the ending was perfection. I hope Ms. Posey intends to be a serial author because I'm dying to read more books from her.

Gwen C. (Clearfield, PA)

Serial Killer Games
Serial Killer Games
by Kate Posey

   What a fabulous book! I'm already casting the movie in my mind. The book opens within a crowded corporate building elevator with people discussing "The Paper Pusher" who supposedly is responsible for 9 deaths by falling from 9 different buildings within the last 5 years. Immediate suspense is established. We have two different narrators: handsome, but odd man in grey - Jake Ripper, a temporary employee who seems to have a body stashed in his trunk and a mysterious lady in black, Dolores who quickly adds to the mystery.

   I don't want to give too much away as the plot twists and unexpected reveals are what keep you guessing, but the brilliant dialogue, snarky conversations, Las Vegas gambling spree, peoples' dying wishes and a macabre Christmas miracle are absolute fun. I found myself rereading passages and admiring the author's handiwork throughout.

   The cast of secondary characters are pure gems. Dear Aunt Laura and her profession's warped sense of humor, Grant who is truly an odd person/roommate/pervert (but oh, what living quarters!) Cynthia from HR and Pete, the over zealous, self important, fledgling cop to name a few.

   If you've ever succumbed to a True Crime podcast or wish there was more modern romance stories, this is the book for you!

...18 more reader reviews

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Author Information

Kate Posey

Kate Posey lives in British Columbia with her family. Serial Killer Games is her debut novel.

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