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Haven't Killed in Years by Amy K. Green

Haven't Killed in Years

by Amy K. Green

  • Critics' Consensus (4):
  • Readers' Rating (24):
  • Published:
  • Nov 2025, 368 pages
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There are currently 11 reader reviews for Haven't Killed in Years
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Melissa_R

Unexpectedly Fun Thriller
Haven’t Killed in Years is an unexpectedly fun thriller that I really enjoyed for its unique tone and compelling protagonist. Gwen Tanner(once Marin Haggerty, daughter of a notorious serial killer) lives a quiet, controlled life until a severed arm appears at her door, forcing her past into the spotlight. I loved how the story balances dark humor with suspense, making even unsettling moments strangely entertaining. Gwen’s complexity, along with characters like Porter and Dominic, kept me invested, and the mix of present-day mystery and flashbacks added depth. It’s a fast-paced, original read that kept me hooked throughout.
Alison_W

Enjoyable!
I found the protagonist to be rather funny, given the situation. Although her life was riddled with abandonment, she seems to take it in stride as she embarks on her journey to uncover the mystery of who wants to dig up her family’s sordid past, especially her father. The writer’s style is engaging and while the subject is thrilling, it’s also quite humorous in places. Enjoyed it!
Cindy R

Secrets aren't secret forever
Authorities changed Marin Haggerty's name to Gwen Tanner years ago when she was a little girl. Her life revolves around going to work - back home - work again - never letting anyone get close.

Her father, a notorious serial killer sits behind bars, her mother was his accomplice, but served no time in prison. Gwen was legally disappeared to protect her life. Now twenty years later body parts are showing up at Gwen's front door. Her secret is a secret no more. "I know who you are."

She knows she has to dive deep into her past to find the murderer. Crime fandom is all the rage, so she starts there trying to keep her secrets, secret while hunting for the killer.
Carol_B

Confusion of Characters
The evil protagonist is locked up in prison, yet he seems to influence most of the characters, who are not really who they say they are. Add that some also have aliases. Add that the time dimension and the milieu shift back and forth. The writing was OK, but not exceptional. I had a hard time sticking with it. I guessed some, but not all, of the twist ending. I kept wondering why there was no police involvement when body parts show up on p. 1.
Becky_S

an edgy winding road
I loved the premise of this book and even though it is not my normal genre, I dove in and got caught up in the story. It really kept me engrossed for about the first third of the book, but then I started getting bogged down with the characters and their aliases and trying to keep everyone straight. The story started to feel very far fetched and too coincidental, and then in steps the character of Natalie, and I was totally caught up again. The story line of her and Marin (Gwen)'s friendship really had me hanging on the edge of my seat. But as that part of the story twisted back to the modern day, I started to feel like the story was just too unbelievable again.

All in all, the story was pretty entertaining and did have some plot twists that I didn't see coming, but at the finish, I still rate it a 3.5
Sherie_W

Interesting story
The daughter of a serial killer is given a new identity and grows up in a boarding school. Some is stalking her, leaving arms and messages with her real name.

The group of characters in this book truly are characters. An odd grouping of people. Because there were so many, I felt that they weren't written with much depth. Particularly in Part One.

It was an easy read, the book was better in Parts Two and Three, a few characters became the suspects, but, I have to say, the actual culprit was not who I had suspected.

I will read other books by this author in hopes of more well rounded characters as she develops as a writer.
Power Reviewer
Cheryl_Winter

Kind of creepy read
This was an easy read but new characters kept appearing and for a "who done it" it was kind of all over the place.
George_M

Unbelievable!
First off, knowing the blood, sweat and tears that an author puts into the work, I would never denigrate the work. That said, when you read this book be prepared to have your sense of credibility tested. While a good read, there are scenes where credibility is thrown out the window. Not to worry, though. Your job is to enjoy the ride. It is a good read that will thoroughly entertain you and make you want more.
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