It’s confession time – Being of a pragmatic mindset, I generally find typical romances uninteresting. I only bought this book because the title involved serial killers and it had great ratings on Goodreads. After all, with divorce rates going up everywhere it is hard to believe that you bump into someone pretty or handsome, fall in love and it is happily ever after! However do not make the mistake of thinking that I do not believe in love, I just believe love to be hard work after the initial phase of attraction passes away, it isn’t fluff and candies. But more about that some other time, let us get back to our book review of ” Love in the Time of Serial Killers. Over to the detailed review of “Love in the Time of Serial Killers” written by Alicia Thompson.
About the Author Alicia Thompson
Alicia Thompson is a romance Novelist who has written four bestselling novels in that genre. “Love in the Time of Serial killers ” is her latest novel. She currently lives with her husband, children and cat in Florida(USA).
Book Specifications
Title – Love in the Time of Serial killers
Author – Alicia Thompson
Language – English
Genre – Rom-com, Chick-lit, Romance, mystery, Young adults, Contemporary romance
Pages – 340
Publisher – Transworld Digital
Price – Rs 322/- (Paper cover) , Kindle edition and Audiobook available too
The Characters
Phoebe Walsh – The leading lady of this novel, Phoebe is young ,emotionally unattached and is pursuing a Ph.D. in literature
Sam Dennings – The young and attractive Elementary school music teacher who is Phoebe’s Dad’s neighbour
Conner Walsh – The younger brother of Phoebe , who always sees the good in all and still is a kid at heart.
Shani – Shani is a nurse and also the love interest of Conner.
The Plot
Phoebe Walsh, a Ph.D. candidate, who has chosen “True Crime “as the subject her dissertation,finds herself bang in the middle of that very genre if she can carve out time to complete it. Currently spending the summer in Florida, she’s tasked with clearing out her childhood home, after her Father’s unexpected death. All this while tolerating her overly cheerful younger brother, and navigating the complex emotions tied to mourning a father she’d been estranged from for years, and trying to submit her final report for her PhD.
Quite expectedly Phoebe’s deep interest in the minds and lives of serial killers as a genre makes her doubtful of everything.Complicating matters is her burgeoning suspicion that her new neighbor, Sam Dennings, might be a serial killer.This handsome looking man is a kind and good neighbour the surface but his nighttime activities ring alarm bells in Phoebe’s mind.
Even though Phoebe is rude and curt with him, Sam manages to pull something off no one has ever managed so far, he breaks through her defenses and touches her vulnerable heart.But what about the serial killer? You will have to read the book to find out for yourself!
More about “Love in the time of Serial Killers”
Body Positivity
While Alicia Thompson confessed in an interview that describing Phoebe as a full figured woman was a conscious choice , I still find it funny that Sam Dennings’ looks were what attracted Phoebe to him in the first instance. Despite her major mistrust of him, she kept going to him because of his attractiveness.To give credit to the author, this body positivity still is a good thing as it helps young girls if they are allowed to believe that being overweight is no deal breaker for a relationship or for being loved.
Narration
I am at a loss because it is tough to club it into one single style.It ranges from very simple one where boy meets girl, but seems to go too much into crime references (as I describe later ) and further at some point towards the end it becomes drab with so much literary language and devices used that I think it would only appeal to students of literature. Thankfully such slow sections were short. I had to skip much of it.Maybe the author was trying to show how sincere and deeply involved Phoebe was with advancing her career in literature by going into such details.
The author comes alive when describing Phoebe and Conner’s bond and childhood and when she describes the sex between the Sam an Phoebe, that is when she seems energetic and on fire.
As a matter of fact I did like Alicia ‘s humor, it is dry, well timed but not one that will inspire hard laughter.That is my kind of witty and clever writing.
References to True Crime
Since Phoebe Walsh is writing her thesis on True Crime as a genre and how writing about it has evolved over the years , there are a lot of references to the popular non-fiction book “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote.Having been estranged from her own Father and Brother for a long time Phoebe often seems to sympathise with the family of Serial killers , to whom the Serial killer were good Father or husband.She would often refer to this even when talking to her friends, how it is tough to really know a person even after spending years with them.
The Chemistry between the lead couple
Honestly speaking , while Sam was always a good sport when it came to Phoebe, she herself was unable to trust or love easily so she would often be curt and rude to him to avoid getting involved. It is an off and on relationship (as it is in most romance books, blah). Finally of course, things fall into place and they hopefully liver happily ever after , at least Phoebe becomes Dr. Phoebe Walsh for sure, one big cause for her to be happy.
My thoughts about “Love in the time of Serial Killers”
I must say that my hopes of finding a main plot (or even a sub -plot) of a detective story were majorly dashed after reading this book. “Love in the time of Serial Killers ” turned out to be a sweet and over simplified witty slow burn romance between a girl who finds herself hard to be loved and a boy who is hell bent on proving her wrong.
“This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile
This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge.
If you love Indian romances , here is my list of Best Contemporary Indian Romance books
I have written a lot of reviews on Goodreads, Check them out Here
#Bookishleague #sinplyprettyreads #Books #bookreviews #romance #chicklit #mystery #bookclub #bookish #Romcom
Honest reflections on the chemistry between the lead couple and overall thoughts present a nuanced take on this unconventional love story. I thoroughly enjoyed the detailed character analysis and insightful commentary on body positivity, narration style, and references to true crime that added depth to this review.
I love the character details you have given out. It seems interesting. I have been reading a lot of adult romances recently. I would like to get my hands on this too.
Thank you so much Sadvik, I am glad you find it interersting.
Your review has raised my interest in the book. But I’m into a whole range of serious reading now, so let this wait.
Your book review is very interesting. I am completely intrigued about the serial killer part. Did she really suspect her good neighbor to be harboring criminal tendencies?
Oh yes, only someone who has deep knowledge of crime and criminal minds can suspect what looks ordinary to others!
Hmm… love and serial killings?! Interesting combo!
Yes , that’s what I too thought and picked it up.
Love the title. Love the cover even more. But as much as I love romances, I don’t think I’ll be picking up this book after reading your review.
“Love in the Time of Serial Killers” seems to offer a unique blend of romance, mystery, and personal growth. Phoebe’s journey, from navigating her dissertation on true crime to grappling with her father’s death and her complicated relationship with Sam, promises an engaging read.
Oh no, this sounded like such a promising book, right up my alley but after reading your review I don’t think I’ll pick it up. Thanks for the great review!
‘Love in the Time of Serial Killers’ has some punch in it as the title of a book. For that, I was hoping to get a copy of it. However, your review that it is an oversimplified, witty romance makes me doubt whether I would enjoy that.
Love & serial killers sounds like an interesting premise, but it looks like there’s really no crime or serial killing in the story. Now bringing those two together somehow — maybe with shades of Dexter — would have made for a really cool book!
I loved reading your review, it is so detailed and nuanced. I really liked your insights about the writing style of the author. It is a problem when they don’t stick to one thing no?
I am a fan of slow-burn romance, but serial killers? will have to think about it I guess.
An unusual combo for a title as well as the book. Generally by the end of it, one theme weighs heavier. So, I guess the serial killer part took a backseat. I enjoyed your rivetting review.
OKAY. I HAVE to read this book. Even Ali Hazelwood says so! I love how you’ve broken down your review, it really explains the different angles at which you’ve looked at this book. I can’t believe I haven’t read this book. *adds to TBR asap*
I will be keenly looking out for your review,Ahana!
The style of presenting the review is quite interesting with many highlights about the book.
Thank you Anuradha , I am glad you likes it, I have been experimenting with my presentation lately.
These days I avoid watching movies or web series or reading books on the theme of serial killing. But how love blooms amidst such serious atmosphere this is where it makes difference and intrigues readers. I liked how you write this honest review.
Thank you Swarnali
The title and your review, both are tempting me to pick up the book and give it a read. I love thrillers and this as per your review even has layers of romance in it, so am sure I won’t be disappointed by the book.
Your review leaves me a little perplexed–to read or not to read. I guess, the day I need a HEA, I shall pick it up, it certainly sounds like a mood booster.
Even I could not make up my mind if I loved it or not because even though it is basically a love story , the narration in some areas is beautiful and emotional but that has mor eto do with loss of a father and a troubled childhood and not really romance.
Really loved the honesty in your review! It’s been so long since I picked a crime novel but this one seems to swaying from romance to crime so giving it a miss!
Oh, and by the way I loved your detailed review especially the manner in which you have described the various aspects of characters, narration, plot, and storyline. Though I found the combo interesting, I am not sure if I wanna pick up this book.
Yes if you love serial killer mysteries then this is not the book for you.
A very honest and on point review of the book. I am glad that you said a spade ♠️ a spade ♠️ and present the honest opinion of yours for this book. I like reviewers like you who feature the book in right shade.
Thank you Samata!
This book is just on time suggestion, I just finished my Last ARC from NetGaleey. I love Serial Killers… I loved the plot.. I will check it out on Amazon.
I loved your detailed review. It encompasses so many aspects. But not sure if I would want to read this.
After reading your review, I’m intrigued by “Love in the Time of Serial Killers.” The blend of romance and intrigue seems captivating, and your honest insights into the characters and plot make me eager to dive into the story myself. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Crime, romance and detective story…it looks quite interesting. But at the same time you said, it is burn out…I want to know what it is exactly?
Not really a burnout, I meant slow burn – slow-paced gradually warming romance.
The premise sounded so very interesting! A girl doing her Ph.D is already a major and on-going life crisis if you ask me, throw in all these other components, and it would be one ride! The potential of where all this story could have gone and grown is immense.
Glad you understand the turmoil of the lead character!
interesting review. Love the detailing you have provided and the demarcations of the characters. I agree often we get duped by titles. This review of yours reminded me of how to kill men and get away with it. It was marketed as a thriller but was far from it but it didnt spoil my reading experience.
“I just believe love to be hard work after the initial phase of attraction passes away, it isn’t fluff and candies.”
Totally agree. However I love reading slow burn romance. Maybe because it’s a beautiful way to feel that unrealistic kind of love? 🙂
Sounds like an interesting love story. I like the way you reviewed it point wise, however I didn’t understand whether you actually liked it or not. Didn’t like it, I guess?
You words and the descriptive way you have written the review is beautiful felt like reading the book myself. Keep up the good work of making all of read books.
I was quite intrigued when I read the title but going by your review, I will probably skip it. Never expected it to be a sweet and slow-burn romance. Thanks for sharing an honest review, Preeti.
The book sounds interesting. It looks like a mix of romance and mystery. I don’t care much for romances but I love reading mysteries. Thanks for sharing the review.