Marin Haggerty, the daughter of a notorious serial killer, was only a child when they arrested her father. Ripped from her home and given a new identity, Marin disappeared.
Twenty years later, Gwen Tanner keeps everyone at a distance, preferring to satirize the world around her than participate in it. It’s for her safety—and theirs. But when someone starts sending body parts to her front door, the message is clear: I Know Who You Are.
To preserve her secrets, Gwen must hunt down the killer, a journey which immerses her in the twisted world of true crime fandom and makes her confront her past once and for all. Maybe she is capable of deep, human connections, but she’s not the only one keeping secrets. Will opening herself up to others help her find the killer, or remind her why it was necessary she hide her true self in the first place?
Haven’t Killed in Years is a psychological thriller with elements of true crime, serial killer mystery, satire, and hidden identity. For those who’ve read of Matchmaking for Psychopaths by Tasha Coryell, there are similarities—both books feature sharp, self‑aware protagonists who appear outwardly “normal” with new identities and hidden ties to serial killer parents, and both books are equally addictive!
This book story follows Gwen Tanner, a seemingly normal HR recruiter whose life is a lie. She was born Marin Haggerty, daughter of notorious serial killer Abel Haggerty, and 20 years after her father’s capture and her witness protection disappearance, someone starts sending body parts to her doorstep with terrifying notes that only Marin would understand.
The story is mainly told from Gwen/Marin’s POV. She’s a quirky, morally grey/black antihero whose inner monologues are filled with sardonic humour and determination—and readers will find her brave/admirable even if they don’t like her! In part two, the POV briefly switches to Natalie, a figure from Gwen’s past who’s obsessed with her and whose emotionally unhinged perspective is a big contrast to Gwen. The story also briefly toggles between the present and the past when the girls shared a room at boarding school—giving insight into their complex connection and Natalie’s volatility and uncontrollable urges. There are so many additional suspicious characters—Gwen’s parents, old and new friends, and Elyse, a survivor of a family that Gwen’s father murdered—that guessing the killer becomes near impossible until it’s just about to be revealed! The mix of suspicious culprits, alternating POVs/timelines, and engaging dialogue will keep readers completely addicted and turning the pages late into the night—perfect for a binge read!
The story hooks readers right away with a feeling of creeping dread and Gwen’s sharp, satirical inner monologues. By the midsection, the list of suspects grows, and Gwen’s amateur sleuthing gives the story a true‑crime feel. The pacing slows briefly as alternating timelines dive deeper into her past, but this only heightens the suspense and makes the twists even more unpredictable. Brace yourself for a heart-pounding climax packed with shocking twists—and be prepared to suspend disbelief at a few of the characters’ reactions and dialogue. It’s a wild ride of an ending that delivers both tension and entertainment!
Overall, Haven’t Killed in Years is a sharp, binge-worthy thriller that’s perfect for those who love morally complex characters, satirical thrillers, and unexpected twists! It’s also a perfect choice for fans of Dexter or anyone who enjoys a heroine who’s as unpredictably terrifying as she is fascinating!
Narrator Performance
The audiobook of Haven’t Killed in Years is an addictive, suspenseful listen read by award‑winning audiobook narrator Stephanie Németh‑Parker.
Németh‑Parker brings protagonist Gwen Tanner (aka Marin) vividly to life using a sarcastic, introspective tone that perfectly mirrors the character’s inner conflicts and high intelligence. As a woman with a buried past and identity, Németh‑Parker’s dynamic delivery perfectly captures Gwen and gives the character a unique balance of wry humor and underlying vulnerability, making her very compelling! Gwen’s dialogues with Porter and Dominic are a highlight of the audiobook—Németh‑Parker perfectly conveys Gwen’s chemistry with both men, while simultaneously keeping them shrouded in mystery—and on the list of possible suspects! In addition, Németh‑Parker makes every interaction Gwen has during her investigations suspenseful, keeping listeners glued to their headsets while constantly second-guessing everyone’s motives!
Németh‑Parker gives Natalie (the other major POV in the story) a completely distinct portrayal, and one that is just as compelling! At times it almost feels like a completely different voice actor is voicing Natalie, as she fully embodies the character just as much as Gwen. Natalie is given an anxious, unsteady (and sometimes unhinged-sounding) voice that speeds up when the character’s inner turmoils start to spiral. The scenes between Natalie and Wesley are especially well executed and tense, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of unease.
Németh‑Parker’s pacing is one of the audiobook’s strengths. She mirrors the story’s rhythm—deliberate and thoughtful during inner monologues or sarcastic banter, and quick and sharp during murder reveals or chase scenes. Transitions between characters are delivered effortlessly, making it simple for listeners to know who’s speaking and keeping the listening experience smooth and engaging!
Overall, Stephanie Németh‑Parker’s performance elevates the story significantly with her dynamic, emotionally nuanced character portrayals and expert pacing. This audiobook is a must-listen for those who love fast-paced, twisty psychological thrillers and single-narrator performances that are engaging from start to finish and give the feel of a professionally produced multicast production!
Narrator Performance
The audiobook of Haven’t Killed in Years is an addictive, suspenseful listen read by award‑winning audiobook narrator Stephanie Németh‑Parker.
Németh‑Parker brings protagonist Gwen Tanner (aka Marin) vividly to life using a sarcastic, introspective tone that perfectly mirrors the character’s inner conflicts and high intelligence. As a woman with a buried past and identity, Németh‑Parker’s dynamic delivery perfectly captures Gwen and gives the character a unique balance of wry humor and underlying vulnerability, making her very compelling! Gwen’s dialogues with Porter and Dominic are a highlight of the audiobook—Németh‑Parker perfectly conveys Gwen’s chemistry with both men, while simultaneously keeping them shrouded in mystery—and on the list of possible suspects! In addition, Németh‑Parker makes every interaction Gwen has during her investigations suspenseful, keeping listeners glued to their headsets while constantly second-guessing everyone’s motives!
Németh‑Parker gives Natalie (the other major POV in the story) a completely distinct portrayal, and one that is just as compelling! At times it almost feels like a completely different voice actor is voicing Natalie, as she fully embodies the character just as much as Gwen. Natalie is given an anxious, unsteady (and sometimes unhinged-sounding) voice that speeds up when the character’s inner turmoils start to spiral. The scenes between Natalie and Wesley are especially well executed and tense, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of unease.
Németh‑Parker’s pacing is one of the audiobook’s strengths. She mirrors the story’s rhythm—deliberate and thoughtful during inner monologues or sarcastic banter, and quick and sharp during murder reveals or chase scenes. Transitions between characters are delivered effortlessly, making it simple for listeners to know who’s speaking and keeping the listening experience smooth and engaging!
Overall, Stephanie Németh‑Parker’s performance elevates the story significantly with her dynamic, emotionally nuanced character portrayals and expert pacing. This audiobook is a must-listen for those who love fast-paced, twisty psychological thrillers and single-narrator performances that are engaging from start to finish and give the feel of a professionally produced multicast production!
The audiobook of Haven’t Killed in Years is an addictive, suspenseful listen read by award‑winning audiobook narrator Stephanie Németh‑Parker.
Németh‑Parker brings protagonist Gwen Tanner (aka Marin) vividly to life using a sarcastic, introspective tone that perfectly mirrors the character’s inner conflicts and high intelligence. As a woman with a buried past and identity, Németh‑Parker’s dynamic delivery perfectly captures Gwen and gives the character a unique balance of wry humor and underlying vulnerability, making her very compelling! Gwen’s dialogues with Porter and Dominic are a highlight of the audiobook—Németh‑Parker perfectly conveys Gwen’s chemistry with both men, while simultaneously keeping them shrouded in mystery—and on the list of possible suspects! In addition, Németh‑Parker makes every interaction Gwen has during her investigations suspenseful, keeping listeners glued to their headsets while constantly second-guessing everyone’s motives!
Németh‑Parker gives Natalie (the other major POV in the story) a completely distinct portrayal, and one that is just as compelling! At times it almost feels like a completely different voice actor is voicing Natalie, as she fully embodies the character just as much as Gwen. Natalie is given an anxious, unsteady (and sometimes unhinged-sounding) voice that speeds up when the character’s inner turmoils start to spiral. The scenes between Natalie and Wesley are especially well executed and tense, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of unease.
Németh‑Parker’s pacing is one of the audiobook’s strengths. She mirrors the story’s rhythm—deliberate and thoughtful during inner monologues or sarcastic banter, and quick and sharp during murder reveals or chase scenes. Transitions between characters are delivered effortlessly, making it simple for listeners to know who’s speaking and keeping the listening experience smooth and engaging!
Overall, Stephanie Németh‑Parker’s performance elevates the story significantly with her dynamic, emotionally nuanced character portrayals and expert pacing. This audiobook is a must-listen for those who love fast-paced, twisty psychological thrillers and single-narrator performances that are engaging from start to finish and give the feel of a professionally produced multicast production!
