I like it when books really explore a character, especially in romance. The characters are not just there to fall in love. They have layers and their own growth is as important to the story as is the romance part. That’s what I liked the most about Alicia Thompson’s Love in the Time of Serial Killers. It’s not your typical romance, and there are some dark themes that the author acknowledges, but it has a character who is so much more than she seems and is just as worthy of love as anyone else.
Phoebe Walsh has always been obsessed with true crime to the point that she’s writing her dissertation on the subject. Despite still needing to finish it, she ends up back in Florida to help her brother clean out their childhood home after their father passes away. Phoebe was never really close to her dad and is still trying to understand their complicated relationship. Meanwhile, she has a sneaking suspicion that her neighbor, Sam Dennings, is secretly a serial killer. He may seem friendly, but even she knows that “nice guy” is synonymous with murderer. However, as she gets to know Sam, he turns out to be genuinely kind and humble who likes and accepts her as she is - and that’s what’s even scarier.
This book really surprised me and I liked it so much more than I expected. Initially, I thought it was going to be a quirky romcom, but it took a risk and delved deeper into trauma and what it means to open your heart. I will admit that I wasn’t sure I would like Phoebe at first, but as the story progressed I began to understand her better. She’s guarded in part because of her childhood and she’s scared to let people in who could hurt her. It explains why she’s so into analyzing true crime. What is more terrifying than vulnerability and complicated parents? Serial killers. It’s an interesting take and I liked how the book dissects this and how Sam helps Phoebe break down those barriers. As friends or possibly more, I loved the chemistry that develops between them that was felt just in the conversations they had.
This was a gem to read that was unafraid to explore its character and her struggles, while still giving us sweet moments we love reading about in romance.
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