“Oliver’s debut is sharp and funny, and the mystery that drives the story is pleasingly twisty. The author’s most impressive accomplishment, though, is crafting a protagonist who slowly becomes relatable even if she never quite becomes sympathetic... A terrific entertainment for readers who love an unlikable heroine.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"[A] hilarious first-person account of a woman who will stop at nothing to win the earmarks of a successful marriage and family… Lalla’s maneuvers lead to an unguessable, satisfying conclusion.”
—Booklist

“[A]musing… a sly and satirical caper that will leave readers grinning.”
—Publishers Weekly

“[A] story of social climbing and domestic intrigue, where extreme self-interest and casual violence are commonplace… This bold and provocative psychological thriller will appeal to readers who appreciate grim humor and unreliable narrators.”
—Library Journal

"A wickedly funny account of the lengths to which a woman may go to get everything she wants from her marriage...Lalla is a wonderful creation, utterly appalling and wholly irresistible."
—Literary Review Magazine

“What a tightrope M.K. Oliver walks in A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage, the most wildly entertaining novel you'll read this year: suspenseful but funny, shocking yet stylish... and sophisticated, too—a story with cold blood in its veins and bright ideas in its head. Part crime, part comedy, A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage introduces Lalla Rook, a name fated to be widely known in our world, if not in hers. You wouldn't want to be Lalla's enemy. You probably wouldn't want to be her friend, either—but you'll definitely want to be her audience, as she raises a family, commits murder, disposes of corpses, and prepares the perfect birthday cake (or does she?)... all with wit, imagination, and good taste. This is that very rare novel that's fun enough for a binge read but provocative enough for book clubs. May Lalla return soon, please, with more messes to be sorted, more bodies to be buried, and more cakes to be baked (sort of).”
—A.J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window

"Lalla Rook is ruthless, unapologetic and shamelessly murderous, you're going to love her. This is a gripping and hilarious read, full of razor-sharp wit."
—Gillian McAllister, New York Times bestselling author of Wrong Place Wrong Time

"A wickedly dark and hilarious debut. The writing is witty, wise and wildly entertaining, with well-drawn characters you will love to hate. Motherland meets Killing Eve. Utterly brilliant."
—Alice Feeney, New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Ugly

“Does being a sociopath make you a bad wife and mother? Not necessarily! But when everything and everyone that Lalla has been (really trying hard) to hold dear gets threatened, what’s a sociopath to do? Defend herself, that’s what! And maybe (just maybe, if necessary, but only then), plan a couple of homicides. I mean, they started it, right? The twists and turns will leave you questioning right and wrong, in the best way.”
—Catherine Mack, USA Today bestselling author of Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies

“Deliciously dark, clever satire. Lalla Rook is a genius creation. I absolutely loved it!”
—Shari Lapena, bestselling author of She Didn’t See It Coming

"One of the funniest and paciest novels I’ve read in some time with twists aplenty to boot. Straight-talking Lalla Rook is uniquely fascinating and strangely endearing and I’ve been missing her witty commentary since I finished reading."
—Kit Conway, author of Cat Fight

"A cracker! Lalla is a brilliant creation, there are plenty of twists and turns you’ll never see coming—and a lot of laughs."
—R.S. Burnett, author of Whiteout

"What a debut! I devoured this razor-sharp, darkly funny thriller. Murder, ambition, and domestic perfection collide in a wickedly wonderful way. Look no further for your new favourite anti-hero."
—John Marrs, author of The Family Experiment