Saratoga Schaefer’s Serial Killer Support Group takes a wild, darkly humorous idea and turns it into a biting feminist thriller about vengeance, morality, and the thin line between justice and obsession. Part The Final Girl Support Group, part My Sister, the Serial Killer, this debut offers a chilling yet oddly entertaining descent into a world where monsters meet once a week to unpack their feelings and one woman walks in pretending to be one of them.
The Story
When Cyra Griffin’s younger sister is brutally murdered, she knows better than to wait for the justice system to deliver answers. The investigation is already fading into silence, so she takes matters into her own hands. With a mix of insider intel and reckless determination, Cyra infiltrates a secret support group for serial killers, posing as one of their own. Her goal is simple: find her sister’s murderer. But nothing about this group or about Cyra’s own motives remains simple for long.
As she gets deeper into the circle, Cyra faces the disturbing charisma of the killers, the ethical limits of her mission, and the question of how far she’s willing to go before becoming what she hates most.
The Hook
It’s hard not to love the premise. The idea of a support group for serial killers a parody of self-help culture twisted into something macabre is as clever as it is chilling. Schaefer wastes no time plunging readers into the action, balancing grim subject matter with sardonic wit. There’s a sense of fun even in the horror, as though the author invites readers to enjoy the absurdity while still being unsettled by it.
The Execution
Cyra is a fascinating protagonist: flawed, impulsive, and driven by grief that borders on madness. She’s not a clean-cut heroine, and her moral grayness makes the story compelling. The early chapters move quickly, delivering a few well-placed twists that keep the tension sharp. Some readers might see them coming, but the pacing and tone make the reveals satisfying regardless.
The support group itself, however, doesn’t always live up to its potential. While the killers’ individual backstories are intriguing, many of them feel underdeveloped like sketches rather than full portraits. A few reviewers noted that the book relies on familiar “movie serial killer” tropes rather than deeply researched psychological profiles, which weakens some of its credibility. Still, the concept remains fresh enough to carry the story.
Schaefer’s dialogue crackles with energy, and her dark humor often lands perfectly. She uses satire to critique not just crime culture but also society’s fascination with evil and the myth of the righteous avenger. Cyra’s growing instability adds an extra layer of tension, forcing readers to question whether she’s still seeking justice or simply feeding her own rage.
The Verdict
Serial Killer Support Group is messy, fast-paced, and full of sharp edges exactly what a debut thriller like this should be. It’s not flawless, but it’s bold and entertaining, and it delivers on its promise of twisted fun with a feminist bite. Fans of queer thrillers, morally ambiguous protagonists, and clever social commentary will find plenty to enjoy here.
Schaefer proves she’s not afraid to play with fire, and while not every spark ignites perfectly, the result is a dark and gripping page-turner that dares to ask what happens when a woman decides she’s done waiting for justice.
If you’re ready to join the group (at your own risk), you can grab your copy of Serial Killer Support Group here: https://amzn.to/3KzcmPI
