A Serial Killer's Cookbook by Stacey Roberts, Reviewed

 

I am so excited to post this book review because I don't know when I last had this much fun reading.

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 A Serial Killer's Cookbook 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.

Be warned, 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. An enthusiastic five stars. I cannot wait for book two!

You can get a copy here.

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