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A Serial Killer's Cookbook
Amelia Stark is just trying to get by as a single mother in the small town of Madison, Indiana, balancing her job at a furnace company, her precocious 12-year-old son, and her sobriety. But her already complicated life takes a darkly comedic turn when her sleazy boss, Larry Reece, is found dead at his desk—pants undone, bottle of lotion nearby, and two black eyes courtesy of Amelia’s well-placed punch after an inappropriate advance. Naturally, the police—and the town—consider her the prime suspect.
As more people with grudges against Amelia turn up dead, she begins to worry that clearing her name might be harder than it looks. With nosy neighbors gossiping, a persistent (and attractive) detective on her tail, and her son offering unhelpful advice about Roman emperors and murder motives, Amelia must juggle the chaos of her life while staying one step ahead of scandal and suspicion.
Throw in a budding romance with her high school admirer turned town doctor, a surprise visit from her enigmatic private-investigator uncle, and a string of increasingly bizarre funerals, and Amelia’s quiet life becomes a recipe for disaster. Now, she has to rely on her wit, resilience, and maybe even her famous chili recipe to prove she’s not Madison’s newest serial killer.
As more people with grudges against Amelia turn up dead, she begins to worry that clearing her name might be harder than it looks. With nosy neighbors gossiping, a persistent (and attractive) detective on her tail, and her son offering unhelpful advice about Roman emperors and murder motives, Amelia must juggle the chaos of her life while staying one step ahead of scandal and suspicion.
Throw in a budding romance with her high school admirer turned town doctor, a surprise visit from her enigmatic private-investigator uncle, and a string of increasingly bizarre funerals, and Amelia’s quiet life becomes a recipe for disaster. Now, she has to rely on her wit, resilience, and maybe even her famous chili recipe to prove she’s not Madison’s newest serial killer.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2025
23 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Roberts
4 books96 followersStacey Roberts was born in a smoky hospital in New Jersey in 1971. Nine years later, he and his family moved into a Winnebago and traveled across the country. After several near-death experiences, they settled first in California and then Florida.
He attended college at Florida State University and University of Miami, where he received his B.A. in English Literature instead of Finance, which was a great disappointment to his mother.
He went on to get a Master’s degree in Early Modern European History at the University of Cincinnati, to which his mother said, “SSSStace. History? What do you need that for? What is wrong with you?”
His mother was right. He didn’t need it for anything, except to make arcane references about the Roman Empire or Henry VIII that no one else understands.
He founded a computer consulting firm outside of Cincinnati, Ohio in 1994, and resides in Northern Kentucky with his two brilliant daughters and their less than brilliant yellow dog Sophie.
He attended college at Florida State University and University of Miami, where he received his B.A. in English Literature instead of Finance, which was a great disappointment to his mother.
He went on to get a Master’s degree in Early Modern European History at the University of Cincinnati, to which his mother said, “SSSStace. History? What do you need that for? What is wrong with you?”
His mother was right. He didn’t need it for anything, except to make arcane references about the Roman Empire or Henry VIII that no one else understands.
He founded a computer consulting firm outside of Cincinnati, Ohio in 1994, and resides in Northern Kentucky with his two brilliant daughters and their less than brilliant yellow dog Sophie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 7, 2025
This book was such a hoot. I loved Lurleen and her precocious 12 year old son, Gene 4. I’m sad that it’s not the start of a series because I’m going to miss them and the town. It’s so rare to find a good mystery, much less one with such likable characters. With the delightfully snarky humor it was a home run for me. Great fun.
I read a digital ARC of this book via netgalley.
I read a digital ARC of this book via netgalley.
October 17, 2025
2.75 rounded to 3 stars for me.
Amelia Stark,a single mother in the small town of Madison is a suspect in a murder. Her boss Larry Reece was found dead, and only days before she give him two black eyes for grabbing her. Now all around Amelia body's start to drop off, and all of them had some problem with her.
Will Amelia find out who is responsible, or will she end up in prison?
It was a ok mystery read, I could do without all those recipes, and it was dragging for me a bit.I would say for me what saved it from lower rating was killer POV ,it was interesting ,and the cover is beautiful.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc ,my review is honest and my own.
Amelia Stark,a single mother in the small town of Madison is a suspect in a murder. Her boss Larry Reece was found dead, and only days before she give him two black eyes for grabbing her. Now all around Amelia body's start to drop off, and all of them had some problem with her.
Will Amelia find out who is responsible, or will she end up in prison?
It was a ok mystery read, I could do without all those recipes, and it was dragging for me a bit.I would say for me what saved it from lower rating was killer POV ,it was interesting ,and the cover is beautiful.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc ,my review is honest and my own.
October 18, 2025
I didn't know how I'd feel about this one but I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read it. Gene Four was so lovable and his personality shone through, while Amelia was protective, strong, and the ideal mother. The epilogue was a bit of a surprise and I loved that that was how the story ended. The recipes were a fun way to start the chapters and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author. Overall really enjoyed this one - thank you netgalley for an ARC.
August 26, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book, but in a very short time I became very involved in Amelia's life.
Her son Gene 4 is a colorful, fun character who always made me laugh with his witty remarks.
Her ex husband Gene 3 is something else, and not in a good way, and her boss Larry, ew, just ew.
When Larry is found dead at his desk, with his penis out and a bottle of lotion at the ready, Amelia becomes a prime suspect, because she won't let him dry hump her in the office.
This is an excellent story and I hope the author will continue to entertain us with this cast of unique characters.
Her son Gene 4 is a colorful, fun character who always made me laugh with his witty remarks.
Her ex husband Gene 3 is something else, and not in a good way, and her boss Larry, ew, just ew.
When Larry is found dead at his desk, with his penis out and a bottle of lotion at the ready, Amelia becomes a prime suspect, because she won't let him dry hump her in the office.
This is an excellent story and I hope the author will continue to entertain us with this cast of unique characters.
July 23, 2025
Excellent read !
Now I have to read all her books and make Lemon Scones. Loved the story and the recipes too! This was the perfect cozy mystery, with an edge.
Now I have to read all her books and make Lemon Scones. Loved the story and the recipes too! This was the perfect cozy mystery, with an edge.
September 22, 2025
In the quaint town of Madison, Indiana, single mom Amelia Stark juggles the chaos of everyday life: a meddlesome ex-husband, a sleazy boss with wandering hands, and her whip-smart 12-year-old son, Gene Four, who's equal parts precocious historian and comic relief. But when that boss turns up dead, complete with a black eye courtesy of Amelia's righteous punch, the small-town gossip mill cranks into overdrive, painting her as the prime suspect in what looks like the work of a serial killer. As bizarre funerals pile up and suspicion mounts, Amelia must channel her inner detective, leaning on her budding romance with the town doctor, a surprise visit from her private-investigator uncle, and yes, her killer chili recipe to clear her name before the real murderer strikes again.
What makes this rather unique cozy mystery stand above the trope-filled shelves is Stacey Roberts' razor-sharp wit and authentic small-town vibe, read: think judgmental locals who know your business before you do, laced with laugh-out-loud sarcasm that had me snorting over lines like Gene's deadpan Roman history quips during tense stakeouts. The recipes kicking off each chapter aren't just clever gimmicks; they're mouthwatering interludes (that Crime Scene Chili? I'm trying it this weekend) that tie into the plot without feeling forced, adding a delicious layer to the suspense. Roberts nails the character arcs too—Amelia's no-nonsense resilience shines as a beacon for single parents everywhere, while Gene steals every scene with his insightful banter and quirky facts, making their mother-son dynamic the heartfelt core that lingers long after the twisty reveal. Sure, the setup simmers slowly at first, and genre fans might spot the killer coming, but the epilogue's payoff and those innovative backstory flashbacks make it all worthwhile. This isn't just a page-turner, it's a warm, hilarious reminder that even in murder central, family and a good meal can conquer anything. Five stars—Roberts, hurry up with book two!
What makes this rather unique cozy mystery stand above the trope-filled shelves is Stacey Roberts' razor-sharp wit and authentic small-town vibe, read: think judgmental locals who know your business before you do, laced with laugh-out-loud sarcasm that had me snorting over lines like Gene's deadpan Roman history quips during tense stakeouts. The recipes kicking off each chapter aren't just clever gimmicks; they're mouthwatering interludes (that Crime Scene Chili? I'm trying it this weekend) that tie into the plot without feeling forced, adding a delicious layer to the suspense. Roberts nails the character arcs too—Amelia's no-nonsense resilience shines as a beacon for single parents everywhere, while Gene steals every scene with his insightful banter and quirky facts, making their mother-son dynamic the heartfelt core that lingers long after the twisty reveal. Sure, the setup simmers slowly at first, and genre fans might spot the killer coming, but the epilogue's payoff and those innovative backstory flashbacks make it all worthwhile. This isn't just a page-turner, it's a warm, hilarious reminder that even in murder central, family and a good meal can conquer anything. Five stars—Roberts, hurry up with book two!
September 16, 2025
A mystery that simmers slowly, then comes to a full boil with unforgettable characters.
A Serial Killer’s Cookbook follows Amelia, a single mom trying to hold her life together when murders around town start pointing the finger at her. What begins as a slow simmer soon boils over into a sharp, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt mystery.
What worked: I absolutely loved the dialogue and writing style. Amelia is a tough, no-nonsense woman but also a caring mother who values her son Gene’s quirks and interests. She supports him in such a genuine way, buying him history books and encouraging his curiosity. Gene has quickly become one of my favorite characters in fiction. He’s quirky, has fun historical facts, and I absolutely loved how his life turned out in the epilogue. He and his mom get along sooo well I would not mind reading a book based off their everyday scenarios. Their dialogue together is script worthy for a show series.
What I hoped for more of: The story started a little slow for me, but when it picked up it became so entertaining and I couldn’t put the book down. As someone who reads a lot of mystery thrillers, I was able to guess the killer. However, the reveal worked because of the strong character work and I REALLY enjoyed the backstory flashbacks of the killings, this is something I never see authors do in books and the author did this phenomenally.
Overall, this was one of my most enjoyable reads lately, full of heart, humor, and suspense. I can absolutely see why it has so many positive reviews, and I hope to see this become a series that leads up to the epilogue. 4 stars.
That’s my Vivid take ✔️📚
Thank you to NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
A Serial Killer’s Cookbook follows Amelia, a single mom trying to hold her life together when murders around town start pointing the finger at her. What begins as a slow simmer soon boils over into a sharp, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt mystery.
What worked: I absolutely loved the dialogue and writing style. Amelia is a tough, no-nonsense woman but also a caring mother who values her son Gene’s quirks and interests. She supports him in such a genuine way, buying him history books and encouraging his curiosity. Gene has quickly become one of my favorite characters in fiction. He’s quirky, has fun historical facts, and I absolutely loved how his life turned out in the epilogue. He and his mom get along sooo well I would not mind reading a book based off their everyday scenarios. Their dialogue together is script worthy for a show series.
What I hoped for more of: The story started a little slow for me, but when it picked up it became so entertaining and I couldn’t put the book down. As someone who reads a lot of mystery thrillers, I was able to guess the killer. However, the reveal worked because of the strong character work and I REALLY enjoyed the backstory flashbacks of the killings, this is something I never see authors do in books and the author did this phenomenally.
Overall, this was one of my most enjoyable reads lately, full of heart, humor, and suspense. I can absolutely see why it has so many positive reviews, and I hope to see this become a series that leads up to the epilogue. 4 stars.
That’s my Vivid take ✔️📚
Thank you to NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2025
Such a fun read
This was a really good mystery. The recipes within the story made it all the more entertaining. The characters were likable. I loved the humor in the story and the pacing was just right. I really enjoyed Stacey's style of writing. This story will have you shocked by the end. Hopefully this won't be the last we see from these characters. Will be looking for more of his novels.
Thank you Netgalley and Sons of Joy,LLC for the eARC. This review is that of my own.
This was a really good mystery. The recipes within the story made it all the more entertaining. The characters were likable. I loved the humor in the story and the pacing was just right. I really enjoyed Stacey's style of writing. This story will have you shocked by the end. Hopefully this won't be the last we see from these characters. Will be looking for more of his novels.
Thank you Netgalley and Sons of Joy,LLC for the eARC. This review is that of my own.
September 27, 2025
A Serial Killer’s Cookbook was such a fun and quirky read! I loved the mix of dark humor, small-town gossip, and mystery. Amelia and her son Gene were such a great duo, his funny comments made me laugh a lot. The recipes at the start of each chapter were a unique touch and fit really well into the story.
The mystery wasn’t too hard to guess, but I still enjoyed the ride because the characters and humor kept it interesting. It’s a cozy yet slightly darker mystery, perfect if you want something entertaining and different.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The mystery wasn’t too hard to guess, but I still enjoyed the ride because the characters and humor kept it interesting. It’s a cozy yet slightly darker mystery, perfect if you want something entertaining and different.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2025
Rating: 4.40
My first 5 star read of August!
I was a little bit wary going into this one as the plot didn't seem like there would be all that much to it but I still wanted to give it a go and I am so glad I did.
From the get go we meet Lurleen (Amelia - don't ask) and her boss Larry. Larry's the one sitting at his desk with his penis out and some lotion on the desk - oh and he's dead.
Unfortunately, all fingers point to Lurleen. Now, life in her small town becomes difficult for her and her son, Gene Four (a fourth generation Gene) - and now she can't even get her lemon blueberry scones because everyone thinks she's a murderer.
This book was incredibly addicting once I got started and it wasn't even because I wanted to see where the plot went. The relationship between Amelia and Gene Four is genuine and laugh out loud and I could read a 30 part series of them just doing day-to-day things. The writing helped massively with this as their relationship and dialogue doesn't come across as wooden or awkwardly written.
The plot twist is relatively easy to see coming but I noticed that as it came around, I hadn't even tried to guess ahead, I was in this moment for moment, something I very rarely get from books anymore.
I'm struggling to review this properly as I feel like words aren't enough for how much I loved this book and these characters. I already want to re-read it because I feel I would enjoy just as much a second time around!
My first 5 star read of August!
I was a little bit wary going into this one as the plot didn't seem like there would be all that much to it but I still wanted to give it a go and I am so glad I did.
From the get go we meet Lurleen (Amelia - don't ask) and her boss Larry. Larry's the one sitting at his desk with his penis out and some lotion on the desk - oh and he's dead.
Unfortunately, all fingers point to Lurleen. Now, life in her small town becomes difficult for her and her son, Gene Four (a fourth generation Gene) - and now she can't even get her lemon blueberry scones because everyone thinks she's a murderer.
This book was incredibly addicting once I got started and it wasn't even because I wanted to see where the plot went. The relationship between Amelia and Gene Four is genuine and laugh out loud and I could read a 30 part series of them just doing day-to-day things. The writing helped massively with this as their relationship and dialogue doesn't come across as wooden or awkwardly written.
The plot twist is relatively easy to see coming but I noticed that as it came around, I hadn't even tried to guess ahead, I was in this moment for moment, something I very rarely get from books anymore.
I'm struggling to review this properly as I feel like words aren't enough for how much I loved this book and these characters. I already want to re-read it because I feel I would enjoy just as much a second time around!
September 23, 2025
Don’t judge a book by its cover on this one! It wasn’t what I expected at all but I was pleasantly surprised! This was such a good story with a character that steals the show which is of course Gene four! I really thought this was going to be a book about serial killers cooking whatever because I went into this book blind but oh my god it was so good!
Also the most fun of it all was each chapter name and recipe!
Also the most fun of it all was each chapter name and recipe!
September 27, 2025
I had no idea of what to expect when I picked up this story, but I greatly enjoyed it! Amelia Stark and her son’s lives are completely over turned when bodies start showing up in their small, Indiana town. And the kicker, each of the bodies has a common link, Amelia. Soon the entire town is convinced that she’s responsible for each of the untimely deaths. I feel like some mystery’s are easily solvable, but I did not guess this one. I was thoroughly shocked by how this one played out and I greatly enjoyed it! The writing style was unique, and I really liked it!
September 21, 2025
The Serial Killer’s Cookbook immediately caught my attention with its intriguing title and unique storyline. While I loved the concept, the book just didn’t quite hit the mark for me, it felt like it was missing a certain something. That said, there were definitely moments I really enjoyed; some parts had me laughing out loud, and the quirky humor definitely adds a unique flavor to the story. Overall, while it wasn’t my favorite, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others who enjoy dark humor and offbeat thrillers.
September 6, 2025
A Serial Killer’s Cookbook by Stacey Roberts is an incredibly fun and hilarious read. Amelia, the FMC, is a single mom who is independent, sarcastic, and not afraid to put people in their place. This book had me laughing out loud and Amelia reminded me of Lorelai Gilmore if she lived in the South. The side characters are fantastic and Gene Four is absolutely lovable. Each chapter begins with a recipe, with a few added ingredients. I will be trying a few of them, minus the added ingredients, because they sound fantastic. As a mother, the epilogue pulled on my heartstrings and I couldn’t help but to look over at my son and see his future. I will definitely be reading more from Stacey Roberts.
September 8, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! I saw the title and seemed like a fun and interesting read. I went in completely blind. I wasn’t expecting what I read. I had many moments I laughed, and was very much into the book I almost forgot we were trying to figure out who done it! It’s a very quick and fast read. The twist wasn’t a crazy one, but it fit and made perfect sense. Even though I’m rating this 3.25⭐️ I do think many will like it. Just not a 5⭐️ for me. It’s quick, funny, witty, and will leave you satisfied with the end.
September 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. While there was a lot of murder/death throughout, there was a lot of humour. Amelia's(aka Lurleen) son Gene Four was hilarious. There were also a lot of other interesting characters throughout the town.
I loved how each chapter started with a new recipe that Amelia was about to cook as well. It was well written and it had me hooked until I finished.
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read this.
I loved how each chapter started with a new recipe that Amelia was about to cook as well. It was well written and it had me hooked until I finished.
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read this.
September 7, 2025
Really really enjoyed this book!
Such good fun, witty, fast moving and was so glad I picked it up!
The last 20% did seem a little bit odd and added on, but still enjoyed the extra it offered.
All good fun, I want to read more books like these!
Such good fun, witty, fast moving and was so glad I picked it up!
The last 20% did seem a little bit odd and added on, but still enjoyed the extra it offered.
All good fun, I want to read more books like these!
August 28, 2025
What a completely quirky read! I picked this book on Net Galley, without any expectations. Mostly I loved the cover and because the blurb was OK. Hungry for newer names to read, I plunged into this.
Loved the way it is written. And the cook in me, loved the recipes too. Simply written, with clever wit and endearing characters. Completely loved the slightly acidic sense of humour and the world weary acceptance of small town existence. Predictable as it was for the thriller/mystery buff in me, it felt very clearly to the reader in me that Stacey Robert’s was not even aiming for an intensive whodunnit.
All in all a quick and impressive page turner. Looking forward to reading up his other titles now.
Loved the way it is written. And the cook in me, loved the recipes too. Simply written, with clever wit and endearing characters. Completely loved the slightly acidic sense of humour and the world weary acceptance of small town existence. Predictable as it was for the thriller/mystery buff in me, it felt very clearly to the reader in me that Stacey Robert’s was not even aiming for an intensive whodunnit.
All in all a quick and impressive page turner. Looking forward to reading up his other titles now.
August 31, 2025
I absolutely adored this book. There is great character development and a fast paced plot that will leave you unable to put the book down. The main character, Amelia, is funny and witty despite everything that happens to her life throughout this book. The book ending beautifully buttons up the story and the characters you grow to love!
August 31, 2025
3.5 Stars - It’s a good read, wasn’t sure what to expect but I enjoyed the read and the change of pace. I thought the book was well paced with the story telling
August 15, 2025
this was a cozy suspense, I'd say.
it was a little of slow burn. there were some funny parts like the nicknames she gave to the hillbilly men.
it was a little of slow burn. there were some funny parts like the nicknames she gave to the hillbilly men.
September 16, 2025
First, let me say, I really enjoyed this book. It’s clever. It’s entertaining. It has some mouth-watering recipes. It has some great characters. and a great plot.
Amelia is a single mom with the requisite ex-husband that has the ability to cause her grief and frustration. If this was all she had to put up with, life might not be too bad. But, the addition of a sleazy boss makes it more complicated. Especially when the aforementioned boss is found dead shortly after Amelia has given him a black eye for being a bit too “friendly”. Now it seems like most of the town thinks she’s guilty of murder.
While this plot may seem similar to dozens of other mystery books, Stacey Roberts offers a new spin, with fresh characters and recipes to introduce some of the chapters. And don’t overlook the wit and sarcasm. It’s all done so well. For me, the star of the story is Gene Four (as in fourth generation), Amelia’s precocious 12-year-old son. Wise beyond his years, his conversations are heartwarming, insightful, informative, and sometimes just downright funny. I love that kid.
Meanwhile, I’m adopting Amelia and Gene Four’s mantra – “let’s just keep control of ourselves”. It’s so perfect. I’m bumping this book up to five stars. Mr Roberts is definitely on my radar and he can’t write his next book fast enough for me! NetGalley provided an advance reader copy.
Amelia is a single mom with the requisite ex-husband that has the ability to cause her grief and frustration. If this was all she had to put up with, life might not be too bad. But, the addition of a sleazy boss makes it more complicated. Especially when the aforementioned boss is found dead shortly after Amelia has given him a black eye for being a bit too “friendly”. Now it seems like most of the town thinks she’s guilty of murder.
While this plot may seem similar to dozens of other mystery books, Stacey Roberts offers a new spin, with fresh characters and recipes to introduce some of the chapters. And don’t overlook the wit and sarcasm. It’s all done so well. For me, the star of the story is Gene Four (as in fourth generation), Amelia’s precocious 12-year-old son. Wise beyond his years, his conversations are heartwarming, insightful, informative, and sometimes just downright funny. I love that kid.
Meanwhile, I’m adopting Amelia and Gene Four’s mantra – “let’s just keep control of ourselves”. It’s so perfect. I’m bumping this book up to five stars. Mr Roberts is definitely on my radar and he can’t write his next book fast enough for me! NetGalley provided an advance reader copy.
October 15, 2025
A Serial Killer's Cookbook, Madison Mysteries 1, (ongoing series but published July 7, 2025).
I picked this up as a cover pickup, intrigued of course by the title, I had to know more. This book delivered more than I expected, as I went in blind.
I loved following Amelia, inner dialogue, really fighting hard to provide for her son. I loved the strong female and single mother MC. Her son, precorious 12 year old son was my favorite character in the story. He was so forward I loved it. Their relationship was so precious to read, I loved when Amelia's mama bear dynamic would come out.
The pace of this book was well done and kept me guessing who killed Larry (Amelia's boss). Amelia's annoyance over the whole thing. We did see some classic tropes come to life, 'sleeping with the boss' which was eye rolling.
I absolutely loved the dark comedy in this book, so well done! I loved the excerpt being a dark recipe for each chapter. I was laughing throughout this book it was so good!
The setting was perfect as a small town and well executed. I found the detective scenes enjoyable and easy to follow. As well as the inner town politics, influence, and dynamic was so relatable.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sons of Joy LLC for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. I look forward to reading book 2.
I picked this up as a cover pickup, intrigued of course by the title, I had to know more. This book delivered more than I expected, as I went in blind.
I loved following Amelia, inner dialogue, really fighting hard to provide for her son. I loved the strong female and single mother MC. Her son, precorious 12 year old son was my favorite character in the story. He was so forward I loved it. Their relationship was so precious to read, I loved when Amelia's mama bear dynamic would come out.
The pace of this book was well done and kept me guessing who killed Larry (Amelia's boss). Amelia's annoyance over the whole thing. We did see some classic tropes come to life, 'sleeping with the boss' which was eye rolling.
I absolutely loved the dark comedy in this book, so well done! I loved the excerpt being a dark recipe for each chapter. I was laughing throughout this book it was so good!
The setting was perfect as a small town and well executed. I found the detective scenes enjoyable and easy to follow. As well as the inner town politics, influence, and dynamic was so relatable.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sons of Joy LLC for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. I look forward to reading book 2.
September 23, 2025
This was my first book by Stacey Roberts (who is not a woman, by the way...just FYI), and I absolutely loved it! I don’t think I’ve laughed out loud this much while reading in a long time. I really enjoyed Stacey’s writing style.
The twist was a little predictable, but I loved the story so much that I didn’t even care. It was such a clever and witty mystery.
Lurleen was my favorite. I want to be her friend. Her snarky sarcasm and wit were so fun, and her son, Gene Four, was equally clever and precocious. I loved them both. The whole cast of characters around them was entertaining, too. Maybe it’s because I grew up in a town similar (minus all the murder), but I recognized the type of people instantly and the town they were in and how it all 'worked'.
I really hope the author continues Lurleen’s story. Honestly, I could see this working so well as a TV series, and I’d watch it in a heartbeat.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this ARC.
The twist was a little predictable, but I loved the story so much that I didn’t even care. It was such a clever and witty mystery.
Lurleen was my favorite. I want to be her friend. Her snarky sarcasm and wit were so fun, and her son, Gene Four, was equally clever and precocious. I loved them both. The whole cast of characters around them was entertaining, too. Maybe it’s because I grew up in a town similar (minus all the murder), but I recognized the type of people instantly and the town they were in and how it all 'worked'.
I really hope the author continues Lurleen’s story. Honestly, I could see this working so well as a TV series, and I’d watch it in a heartbeat.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this ARC.
October 24, 2025
I cant put into words how much i absolutely adored this story, there was just something so real about it that had been pulled in, and did not let go until the end.
It’s a murder mystery, who done it, with humour and realism that you don’t get very often. It’s your typical (okay, not actually typical) small town murder mystery, the type you're likely to see on the Hallmark channel, and has you screaming at your screen because why are the cops always so stupid? And why are the townsfolk always so quick to throw you under the bridge despite knowing them all your life?
This was what it felt like reading this book, and that was why i loved it. There was not a single character I didn’t like, outside of the ones that you were supposed to dislike, but all of the characters, from the main to the side characters, were all so well written, and it wasn’t until the reveal at the end that I was like how could I not have seen this coming?
Easiest 5 star i’ve given.
It’s a murder mystery, who done it, with humour and realism that you don’t get very often. It’s your typical (okay, not actually typical) small town murder mystery, the type you're likely to see on the Hallmark channel, and has you screaming at your screen because why are the cops always so stupid? And why are the townsfolk always so quick to throw you under the bridge despite knowing them all your life?
This was what it felt like reading this book, and that was why i loved it. There was not a single character I didn’t like, outside of the ones that you were supposed to dislike, but all of the characters, from the main to the side characters, were all so well written, and it wasn’t until the reveal at the end that I was like how could I not have seen this coming?
Easiest 5 star i’ve given.
September 16, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a digital review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I expected a thriller of some kind, but what I got was a comedy. Because of that jarring difference in mood and storytelling, I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book, but once I got past the 20% mark, I couldn't stop reading. Who knew murder could be so damn funny? This book was an absolute delight. I found myself grinning ear to ear all the way through, although I gotta say I enjoyed the epilogue a little bit less, don't get me wrong, it was still funny, but it dragged the suspension of disbelief just a little bit too far. If a murder mystery with copious amounts of dry, snarky humor and delicious food descriptions sounds like your kind of book, I highly recommend it.
I expected a thriller of some kind, but what I got was a comedy. Because of that jarring difference in mood and storytelling, I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book, but once I got past the 20% mark, I couldn't stop reading. Who knew murder could be so damn funny? This book was an absolute delight. I found myself grinning ear to ear all the way through, although I gotta say I enjoyed the epilogue a little bit less, don't get me wrong, it was still funny, but it dragged the suspension of disbelief just a little bit too far. If a murder mystery with copious amounts of dry, snarky humor and delicious food descriptions sounds like your kind of book, I highly recommend it.
September 11, 2025
I wanted to give NetGalley a try so I signed up and found this book available with 5 star reviews. I was happily rewarded with a witty and entertaining story filled with quirky characters. Loved Gene Four! I figured out the murder mystery fairly early, but the journey was what this one was all about. Rounded up from a 4.5 star rating since I rushed through this book in a day or two. And I loved the recipes, though I don't know many people who make meatloaf for the sandwiches. Isn't that what you do with the leftovers? I think I need to make meatloaf this week...
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this book for an honest review.
content: language (yep, there's F-words), a few sexual references, and briefly described death scenes (not graphic)
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this book for an honest review.
content: language (yep, there's F-words), a few sexual references, and briefly described death scenes (not graphic)
September 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.
I was a bit sceptical when I started this book but I was definitely invested in Amelia (Lurleen) and her sone Gene 4, they make a great pair. and Gene 4 funny remarks made me laugh out loud. All the people in her life were definitely a colourful bunch with plenty of issues, especially her boss Larry (yuck) It was great how the recipes at the start of each chapter were intertwined with the story, I'll definitely be trying some, maybe without the extras mentioned at the end of each one.
The ending was a bit of a surprise but not entirely unexpected as you read through.
I received an advanced review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
I was a bit sceptical when I started this book but I was definitely invested in Amelia (Lurleen) and her sone Gene 4, they make a great pair. and Gene 4 funny remarks made me laugh out loud. All the people in her life were definitely a colourful bunch with plenty of issues, especially her boss Larry (yuck) It was great how the recipes at the start of each chapter were intertwined with the story, I'll definitely be trying some, maybe without the extras mentioned at the end of each one.
The ending was a bit of a surprise but not entirely unexpected as you read through.
I received an advanced review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
September 13, 2025
A Serial Killer's Cookbook by Stacey Roberts is just the right book if you want one that is filled with a lot of things that will keep you turning the pages.
The recipes at the start of each chapter were totally unexpected and yet so very satisfying. The development of the characters was just right. The mystery was a good one. I liked this book so much that I will think about it long after I have finished it. This was a cozy mystery and yet so much more. Reading this was a great way to use my time. The cover is eye catching!
Thank you NetGalley, Stacey Roberts and Sons of Joy, LLC for the copy of A Serial Killer's Cookbook. This is my personal review.
The recipes at the start of each chapter were totally unexpected and yet so very satisfying. The development of the characters was just right. The mystery was a good one. I liked this book so much that I will think about it long after I have finished it. This was a cozy mystery and yet so much more. Reading this was a great way to use my time. The cover is eye catching!
Thank you NetGalley, Stacey Roberts and Sons of Joy, LLC for the copy of A Serial Killer's Cookbook. This is my personal review.
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