About the Book:

“Dexter Morgan has been under considerable pressure. It’s just not easy being an ethical serial killer – especially while trying to avoid the unshakable suspicions of the dangerous Sergeant Doakes (who believes Dexter is a homicidal maniac … which, of course, he is). In an attempt to throw Doakes off his trail, Dexter has had to slip deep into his foolproof disguise. While not working as a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Police Department, he now spends nearly all his time with his cheerful girlfriend, Rita, and her two children, sipping light beer and slowly becoming the world’s first serial couch potato. But how long can Dexter play Kick the Can instead of Slice the Slasher? How long before his Dark Passenger forces him to drop the charade and let his inner monster run free?” In trying times, opportunity knocks. A particularly nasty psychopath is cutting a trail through Miami – a man whose twisted technique leaves even Dexter speechless. As Dexter’s dark appetite is revived, his sister, Deborah (a newly minted, tough-as-nails Miami detective), is drawn headlong into the case. It quickly becomes clear that it will take a monster to catch a monster – but it isn’t until his arch nemesis is abducted that Dex can finally throw himself into the search for a new plaything. Unless, of course, his plaything finds him first.

Book Review:  ★★★★★★

I am frequently identified with reading deeper, more challenging books — and that is when I am not reading straight out history.  I generally love things that have a little more depth, and challenge my thinking and understanding.  But sometimes I just need something that is completely off the wall, which is less challenging and more of just an easy read, and fun story — without the mental challenge.  But, when it comes to entertaining reads, and things that I find down right amusing — Lindsay has provided one of the more original alternatives out there.

I have always been amused by gallows humor.  The dark, and amusing side that I am around so much due to my profession is something that has just become a part of me.  For that reason, I have really come to appreciate Dexter Morgan as a character, and his not exactly deep, but very amusing jokes — and while they are corny — they are also great for lightening the mood.  It also helps to find something in life that you can just simply laugh at, while enjoying a story — removed from the everyday chaos of the world.

While the language is a little harsh — I also find the paradox of a serial killer, self professed anti-social character, claiming to be a well healed monster and amusing oxymoron.  The book provides a very interesting insight into human nature, and the challenges of interpersonal relationships.  Add to that the amusing perceptions of a character who is emotionally removed from the ongoing story (and of course the crimes as well) — and offers an attempt at a strictly objective narration throughout the book, and there is a great deal of depth added to the humor that I find so entertaining.

This is one of those books that I just love to listen to while I am driving.  And the subject provides a great mystery, that is different from the stereo typical presentation of the detective, murder mysteries.  I also find the ethical nature of Dexter as a serial killer with standards to be something of an intriguing idea.  It is also a unique twist on having a killer that holds himself to a strong standard for killing only truly evil individuals.  But, aside from that he has serious hang ups about messes, blood (even though he works as a forensic blood spatter analyst), and he’s very sensitive to others needs, even though he constantly claims to not be able to feel anything.

While this book isn’t a real high demand book, and it isn’t all that complex as far as the plot goes.  And while most of the characters are pretty basic — I find that I really love the character of Dexter — if for nothing else than he gives me something to laugh at.

Tags: Crime, Murder, Mystery, Searial Killer, Suspense

Category: Fiction, Mystery, Suspense/Thriller