A Book A Week

How long do you give a book to win you over? For me, it’s usually within the first 50 pages. I can tell pretty quickly if I’m going to connect with a story, and if not, I’d rather move on. There are too many great books waiting to be read to waste time on something that doesn’t click. When I picked up Jennifer Hillier’s The Butcher, though, I didn’t need 50 pages. A coworker had recommended it, warning that it was dark, twisted, and impossible to put down. By the end of the first chapter, I knew exactly what they meant. I was hooked, and I tore through the rest of the novel in a single breathless rush.

The Beacon Hill Butcher terrorized Seattle for years, abducting and murdering young women with his signature brutality. That reign of terror ended in 1985, when Rufus Wedge—the alleged Butcher—was gunned down by police officer Edward Shank. Overnight, Shank became a hometown hero, celebrated for his bravery and eventually rising to the role of police chief before retiring decades later.

But that was a lifetime ago. Now in his eighties, widowed and slowing down, Edward is ready for one last transition. He's moving into a retirement community and passing his longtime home to his grandson, Matt. Matt Shank has gained local fame as the chef behind a fleet of popular food trucks and a hot new restaurant. Raised by his grandparents, he’s eager to settle back into the house that shaped him. But when backyard renovations uncover a buried, locked crate, Matt pries it open and finds a secret so dark it threatens to unravel not just his family’s legacy, but his entire life.

Jennifer Hillier wastes no time dragging readers into the twisted world of The Butcher. The very first chapter ends with a staggering revelation that reshapes everything you think this story will be. From there, the tension comes from watching the other characters circle around a secret we already know and wondering how long it will take before it all comes bubbling up to the surface.

Hillier doesn’t pull punches when it comes to grotesque violence or the disturbing realities of sexual assault. But she balances the horror with sharp pacing, ratcheting up suspense through a steady stream of reveals and flashbacks. Even though I guessed the final twist long before it landed, I still enjoyed watching it play out. The Butcher is a grim, twisted, and highly original thriller that kept me hooked straight through to the last page.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2025, 70)

New Orleans, a city brimming with life, culture, and music, is overshadowed by a wave of dread. The Butcher—a sadistic serial killer—has made the vibrant streets his hunting ground. Each victim endures harrowing and bizarre medical experiments before meeting a grisly end, their remains left as grotesque evidence of the killer’s chilling methods. With every new arrival at the city morgue, the pressure to catch The Butcher mounts, yet he leaves no trace—no DNA, no physical evidence—only terror and a growing body count.

Dr. Wren Muller, a seasoned medical examiner renowned for her skill and expertise, has faced her share of horrors, but nothing like this. Her meticulous work has helped solve countless cases, but The Butcher remains elusive. His crimes taunt her at every turn. As his killings grow more brazen and the city descends into panic, Wren is locked in a desperate race against time. Can she uncover the truth before The Butcher strikes again? Or will New Orleans succumb entirely to the darkness he brings?

Alaina Urquhart, co-host of Morbid: A True Crime Podcast, is well-acquainted with the sinister depths of human behavior. In her fiction debut, The Butcher and the Wren, she seamlessly channels her knowledge of real-life horrors into a chilling and gripping thriller. The novel's dual perspectives—those of Dr. Wren Muller, a brilliant medical examiner, and the sadistic killer, The Butcher—create a tense, immersive narrative.

Through Wren's perspective, we delve into the meticulous work of forensic investigation, exploring the science and intuition that guide her deductions. Her character reminded me of Patricia Cornwell's iconic Kay Scarpetta. Wren's expertise and determination shine through the darkness of the crimes she studies. Meanwhile, The Butcher's perspective offers a disturbing glimpse into a twisted psyche, revealing the motivations and methods behind his monstrous acts.

Urquhart doesn’t hold back in her descriptions of the crimes, lending an unsettling authenticity to the story that might be overwhelming for some readers. The narrative's mid-plot twist is a standout, reshaping the entire trajectory of the story and adding urgency to the already propulsive pacing. The climax delivers a shocking finale that sets the stage for future installments. It left me eager for whatever comes next. The Butcher and the Wren is a dark, intense cat-and-mouse thriller that showcases Urquhart’s knack for tackling harrowing stories. It’s a must-read for fans of true crime-inspired fiction and anyone seeking a new twist on the genre.

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads. 

(2025, 3)

September has arrived, bringing a slight chill to the air. Though the season is slowly changing here in South Texas, at least the temperatures aren’t as blistering as they were this summer! Even though it’s a bit early, I couldn’t resist diving into my favorite fall traditions—opening the windows to welcome the breeze, indulging in pumpkin spice everything, and, of course, starting some spooky season reads. I turned to a reliable favorite, Stephen Graham Jones. His previous novels, My Heart is a Chainsaw and The Only Good Indians, delivered some genuine scares, so I was excited to pick up his latest, I Was a Teenage Slasher. As expected, this new book blends memorable characters, a fresh plot, and spine-tingling chills that kept me turning the pages.

Lampasas, Texas, is about as remote as it gets. In 1989, this small town looked much the same as it does today, sustained by oil wells and cotton fields, the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else’s business because there’s little else to do. No one would have ever imagined that such a quiet town would produce a serial killer—least of all, the killer himself.

Tolly Driver considered himself a decent kid, even though he never quite fit in with the other teens in town. As he geared up for his senior year of high school, Tolly attended a party where most of his classmates gathered. But instead of blending in, he made a fool of himself, ending the night in a near-fatal accident that changed his life forever. That night sparked a transformation in Tolly, setting him on a dark path of revenge and turning him into a full-fledged serial killer.

I Was a Teenage Slasher might be Stephen Graham Jones' most accessible novel yet—at least as accessible as a story about a brutal serial killer can be. Jones takes the familiar tropes of a '90s teen slasher and gives them his own twisted spin. The story is told from the main character's perspective as he recounts his descent into darkness through a stream-of-consciousness flashback. Jones plays with the morally gray nature of his protagonist, adding a surprising sense of humor that provides some much-needed levity to the dark story. It’s a mix of classic slasher horror and a coming-of-age tale, resulting in a compelling page-turner I couldn’t put down. This is my favorite novel from Jones to date, and it was the perfect way to kick off my spooky season reading.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 65)

Over the past few months, I've plunged deeply into the realm of true crime literature. Something about how these books capture real-life perspectives and experiences within extraordinary circumstances has consistently interested me. Elon Green's Last Call recently garnered attention as it was adapted and expanded into an HBO miniseries. This book delves into the chilling account of a serial killer who terrorized gay men in New York during the '80s and '90s. The moment I first heard about it, I was intrigued. Before diving into the television adaptation, though, I knew it was crucial to read the book. So, I borrowed a copy of Last Call from my library and eagerly immersed myself in its pages.

In the year 1992, The Townhouse Bar in Midtown, New York City, held a special significance for gay men in the city. It was a refuge where they could embrace their true selves without the looming fear of ridicule or violence. At the bar's heart, a group of men gathered around the piano, their voices raised in enthusiastic harmony with their favorite show tunes, relishing a precious moment of genuine self-expression.

Amidst this exuberant crowd, one man chose to stand slightly apart. He nursed a scotch and water, his demeanor utterly inconspicuous, blending seamlessly into the background. He was intentionally unmemorable, ensuring that no one in the bar could later recall his face. This very anonymity was his greatest weapon. His eyes were fixed on an older, gray-haired man, but not with romantic intentions. Instead, he saw his next unsuspecting victim. 

The Last Call Killer preyed upon gay men in New York during the '80s and '90s, displaying the chilling characteristics commonly associated with the most notorious serial killers. However, the memory of his murders has faded into obscurity due to the high murder rates of that era, the impact of the AIDS epidemic, and the sexual orientation of his victims. Elon Green's book provides a detailed chronicle of the lengthy pursuit to unmask this elusive killer. Simultaneously, it paints a poignant portrait of his victims and the resilient community that navigated the constant threat while demonstrating remarkable strength in the face of adversity.

Being a gay man myself, I was deeply struck by the apparent negligence of the authorities in their pursuit of the killer and the quest for justice. The prevalent homophobia within the NYPD blinded them to the connections between the murders, resulting in a decades-long delay in bringing the perpetrator to account. It was also disheartening to witness how many of the victims were compelled to lead closeted lives, often maintaining a double existence with a spouse and children. Tragically, their authentic selves remained hidden until their untimely deaths exposed their true identities.

Elon Green's work comprehensively examines the case, offering insights from various angles, including perspectives from law enforcement, the victims' families, and their friends. It is both astonishing and troubling that a case of such magnitude, unfolding in one of the world's largest cities, remained relatively obscured for an extended period due to deep-seated biases. Last Call accomplishes the vital task of giving a voice to those who were silenced while delivering a compelling and essential story that demands to be shared.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 80)

“End of watch is what they call it, but Hodges himself has found it impossible to give up watching"

I'm an avid reader, so it's not uncommon for a few books to slip through the cracks. In anticipation of Stephen King's latest release, Holly, which came out earlier this month, I had a realization—I had missed reading End of Watch, the final installment in the Bill Hodges Trilogy, and the third book featuring the character Holly Gibney. It's a bit puzzling, considering I had already read the first two books and also enjoyed The Outsider and If It Bleeds. Somehow, I managed to overlook this particular story. Determined to correct this oversight, I promptly borrowed End of Watch from my local library. I can confidently say it provides a satisfying conclusion to the narrative that commenced with Mr. Mercedes.

Brady Hartsfield, the deranged mastermind behind the horrifying Mercedes Massacre, has languished in a vegetative state ever since his nefarious plans to bomb a massive concert were thwarted by the unlikely heroes Bill Hodges and Holly Gibney. Holly, in particular, is the one responsible for delivering blows to his head that left him seemingly devoid of cognitive function. Hodges, with his keen instincts, refuses to be deceived. He recognizes true evil when encountering it and remains convinced that the monster is still lurking "in there" somewhere within Hartsfield. The vacant stares and the wheelchair-bound existence do little to convince him otherwise.

Hodges hasn't quite settled into retirement. The cop in him never truly fades. Even in his new role as a private detective, he finds himself yearning for the thrill of the chase. When his former partner calls upon him and Holly to investigate a suicide victim connected to the original Mercedes case, Hodges is chilled by what he discovers. While the police perceive it as a straightforward, self-inflicted death, Hodges cannot shake the gnawing suspicion that Hartsfield may somehow be linked to this tragedy. Could it be possible that the malevolent presence is orchestrating terror from the confines of his hospital bed?

I've always admired how Stephen King used the first two books in the Bill Hodges series to illustrate that true horror can exist in the real world. Instead of relying on supernatural monsters, these stories centered around an ordinary man determined to unleash evil upon the world. It was a chilling departure from King's usual style and deepened my appreciation for his storytelling skills.

End of Watch takes a slightly different tone from the first two books. While it continues to explore profound themes like the battle between good and evil and the struggle to let go of one's past, King introduces a new element to the narrative. Without giving away too much, a supernatural aspect is woven into the story, adding an eerie new layer to the tale. If I had read this book in its intended sequence within the series, I might have found this shift into the realm of fantasy somewhat unexpected. It arrives without a clear explanation, requiring readers to simply accept it and enjoy the ride. However, when considered within the broader context of this literary world, including the newer books featuring Holly, the introduction of the supernatural element begins to make more sense.

Regardless of the subject matter, End of Watch is a fitting conclusion to the Bill Hodges series. It kept me engrossed in its pages, and I was apprehensive about what terrors would unfold right up to the very end.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 61)

As an avid reader devouring at least one book every week, striking a balance between my towering TBR list and ongoing series can be quite the juggling act. When I launched my blog, crime fiction was my bread and butter. I delved deep into series like Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta novels and John Sandford's Virgil Flowers stories, savoring every page. Although I occasionally dip back into these series when time permits, one collection holds an unwavering grip on my reading routine: James Patterson's Alex Cross books. 

It all started with Mary, Mary, a gift from my Mom during my freshman year of high school, a tale that hooked me onto the genre with its breakneck pace and mind-bending twists. A cherished tradition now, every Christmas, like clockwork, my Mom presents me with the latest Alex Cross installment. With the year winding down (seriously, how is it almost September?), I decided to finally delve into the book that found its way to me last year. The 30th installment in the series, Triple Cross, follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, delivering another rapid and exhilarating read.

In the shadows of Washington, DC, a systematic killer targets families spanning generations, operating under the shroud of darkness and leaving behind a baffling absence of any physical clues or alarms. While Alex Cross diligently investigates the chilling case, a charismatic true-crime author also examines the perplexing puzzle, unraveling patterns that elude the grasp of the detectives. Branded as "The Family Man," this eerie killing spree is hailed by the writer as an exemplar of a flawless crime, a notion that Alex contests. For Alex, every crime is a puzzle waiting to be solved. But could this be the one that defies resolution?

James Patterson's writing undeniably follows a formula. Characterized by concise chapters, non-stop action, and shifting perspectives, it is a winning recipe. As the 30th installment featuring his iconic protagonist, it's no surprise that much of this formula remains intact. The captivating mystery takes root from the outset, propelling the narrative's energy. Patterson inserts a clever twist by pitting Alex Cross against a formidable investigative rival, stirring doubts in Cross's established beliefs. While the moments of familial depth centered around Alex Cross's grandmother Nana Mama offer emotional resonance, they've become somewhat predictable over the series. In the grand scheme, Triple Cross upholds the tradition of providing immersive escapism within the Alex Cross series. It remains faithful, delivering the anticipated entertainment without veering off course. It is a dependable choice that firmly cements its place in my reading rotation.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 50)

Reading a book each week leaves little time for me to circle back and reread a book that I previously enjoyed. There have been a few humorous occasions where I've found myself accidentally reading a book that I've already read, but those cases aren't intentional. I was then hesitant to accept the new paperback edition of James Paterson's Alex Cross novel Roses Are Red from the publisher. Beyond the fact that I read this sixth installment in the series more than a decade ago, I also have the current thirtieth novel sitting on my TBR. It would make more sense for me to read that one than this reprint. But then the book arrived at my house. I read the synopsis and was reminded how much I enjoyed this old-school Patterson thriller. Despite my best intentions, I couldn't help but crack it open and give it a read. 

A bank heist is no small undertaking. Each detail has to be meticulously planned out. Failure to do so risks the entire operation. No one understands the complexities of this task like the Mastermind. They've overseen several bank robberies in the Washinton D.C. area, leaving a trail of dead bodies along the way. It is these murders that bring the involvement of Metro PD Detective Alex Cross. Cross has a knack for psychoanalysis, and the powers that be want him to stop this 'mastermind' before they strike again. Facing personal turmoil and pressures from interdepartmental jurisdiction wars, Alex will have to mentally fortify himself to face off against the most sadistic killer of his career. 

Over the course of the past thirty novels, Alex Cross has become one of my favorite crime heroes. Revisiting this early installment in the series helped to illustrate how much has changed over the years while reminding me why I fell in love with the character in the first place. There are a few elements like short chapters and driving plots that have become staples in James Patterson's writing. All of those ingredients are present here. In fact, I'd argue that this is one of Patterson's most tightly plotted books of his career. The action and suspense never let up, and there's a twist ending that completely blindsided me. Seriously, I knew how this one ended from the last time I read it, but I was still shaken! The true power of the Cross series has always been the way Alex interacts with his family. As a fan of the books, I enjoyed taking a trip back in time to see the family as they used to be. It really illustrated how complex their development has been over the course of the series. Overall, I enjoyed my time revisiting Roses Are Red. It is as thrilling and entertaining as I remembered it. I'm eager to blast back to the present day and see what Alex Cross is up to next. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 7)

What's the longest-running series that you read? In the crime fiction genre, establishing a well-received character and spawning a series featuring that character is like capturing lightning in a bottle. Not every detective is shaped up to star in a series. John Sandford's Lucas Davenport is one who has withstood the test of time. The first book to feature the character, Rules of Prey, was published back in 1989, and the 32nd installment Righteous Prey released earlier this year. I've read and enjoyed both books, but I haven't routinely kept up with the series. In fact, I've only read that first novel and the latest two releases. Needless the say the Lucas Davenport of thirty years ago is quite different from the character that appears in Sandford's series today. I've enjoyed Sandford's writing enough that I decided to venture back in time again and pick up the second book in the Prey series. 

Murder is a grisly affair no matter how you shake it. The brutal execution of a slumlord in Minneapolis, an up-and-coming politician in New York, and a judge in Oklahoma City would be newsworthy in their own right, but it is the similarities in each instance that make the murders all the more unsettling. Each of the victims' throats has been ritualistically slashed with a type of knife most commonly used in Native American ceremonies. The killer seems driven by a primal force to murder. Not even those closest to him will be able to stop his reign of terror. 

Lucas Davenport, an investigator with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, is called to the case when the first murder occurs. He's got a few things working against him from the very start. For one, his usual strategy of planting himself within the community and working with his contacts to gather information is narrowed by the close-knit Native American community's unwillingness to work with an outsider. He's also got a few distractions on the home front. He's still in a relationship with the mother of his young daughter, but Lucas's eyes have strayed to that of a New York cop who is also investigating the murders. As his personal life begins to tangle, the killer and those who are driving the crimes set their target upon him. He'll have to overcome every obstacle to make it out alive and bring the murderer to justice. 

Books can be seen as something of a time capsule to the time in which they were written. Shadow Prey, the second Davenport novel by John Sandford, is certainly an example of this idea. Davenport is still in his raw form. Sandford works to give him some higher stakes in this book, but I could tell that the character lacked the confidence that he owns in the more recent installments. The underbaked elements of the character aside, it is the cultural ramifications of this book that really took me out of the entertainment. The main plot centers around some troubling stereotypes about Native Americans that I found to be alarmingly out of date. Sandford toys with a few social commentary moments, but they just ring so wrong to my modern ears. Having read his more recent works, it is clear that Sandford, like many of us, has evolved with the times. Still, some of the more blatant elements of this novel are pretty tough to reconcile with. There are the bones of a solid thriller here, but I feel this story may be one that is better left in the past. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2022, 59)

Martin Reese is harboring a secret that threatens to completely alter his life as he knows it. He knows that his unique hobby is unconventional. That's putting it mildly. Others might see it as downright obscene, but Martin sees it as a kind of public service, an act of vigilantism that only he can perform. He keeps it secret from his wife and daughter. It's easier to keep this part of his life hidden. He's developed a pretty solid routine that helps him separate this piece of himself from the rest of his life. Retirement and a mass fortune from the tech company that he founded certainly help. Now, his years of caution seem to be for naught. Someone has discovered his secret.

Martin's obsession started innocently enough. He carefully took notice of his future wife Erin when he realized they attended the same university. How could he not notice the woman whose sister disappeared and was purported to be the victim of the brutal serial killer Jason Shurn? When Erin realized she was being watched, she approached Martin. Strangely, the two began a romantic relationship and the rest is history. Years later, the couple is married, have a daughter, and seem to be living a picture perfect life. If only Erin knew what Martin did during his periodic "camping trips".

Detective Sandra Whittal has seen a quick rise in her professional life due to a quick instinct and superior record of closing cases. She's been haunted by the work of the Finder, a mysterious person who has taken it upon themselves to dig up the long-lost bodies of murder victims. Some of her colleagues see this Finder as nothing more than a lone crazy person who is not harming anyone by his intermittent antics. If anything, at least some families are finally getting closure. Sandra is not so optimistic. There is something about the Finder's digitally altered voice that sends a chill down her spine. No sane person would investigate decades-old murder cases and dig up the victims' remains. When the freshly murdered body of a girl is discovered at the site of the Finder's latest dig, Sandra is convinced. She must find and stop this Finder.

Find You in the Dark sees author Naben Ruthnum (writing here as Nathan Ripley) present an intricately plotted and darkly thought-provoking thriller that will have you questioning where the line between good and evil truly lies. Both Martin Reese and Sandra Whittal are flawed characters who face grim realities that only add to the intrigue and believability of this novel. At first, I wasn't sure what to make of the novel. Ripley purposefully omits the darker details of the Reese family during the opening portions of the book. This allows for an adequate development of the family dynamic that created even higher stakes when the more traditional thriller elements kicked in later in the story. Beyond being the kind of slow-burning, read into all hours of the night novel I've come to expect of a summer release, Find You in the Dark breaks the mold by providing an intelligent commentary on justice, grief, and good vs. evil. All in all, you really can't ask for more from a serial killer thriller.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

(2018, 26)

A couple years before I began my blog, I became enamored with Chelsea Cain's Archie Sheridan and Gretchen Lowell series.  In Gretchen Lowell, Cain created a sexy, sadistic killer who seemed to draw upon the best (and by best I mean most twisted) aspects of Hannibal Lector and combined them with a sensual allure that made her all the more threatening. Archie Sheridan, the cop tasked with capturing her, can't help but fall under her spell. I rapidly devoured the first three novels and found myself caught up with the series. Cain took her time crafting the next novel, and it has languished on my "to be read" list ever since.

The Night Season is quite a departure from Cain's original trilogy. It begins with Portland facing the kind of record flooding that hasn't been seen in decades. In fact, the last time this much rain came down, the entire town of Vanport and many of the townspeople were washed away. The casualties of this latest flood are already stacking up. As the bodies are inspected, the medical examiner makes a shocking discovery. These people were not drowned. These people were murdered.

Archie Sheridan is tasked with investigating the murders. The days of tangling with the Beauty Killer Gretchen Lowell are long behind him, but the memories still haunt him.  The bodies recovered from the flooded river come back positive for a toxic poison produced by a rare species of octopus. To kill a person by these means confirms one thing. The person responsible for these murders is cool, calculated, and extremely dangerous. Archie elicits the help of Susan, a reporter who is investigating the skeletal remains of what she believes to be a victim of the original Vanport flood. The two race against the mounting storm to stop the most twisted killer to reign since Gretchen Lowell herself.

It has been several years since I finished the last novel in the series, Evil at Heart. I'm happy to report that Cain's writing is as vibrant and appealing as I remember it. The irony of reading a novel about a flood taking over a town as I seek refuge from the flooding of Hurricane Harvey is not lost on me. Thankfully, I've fared better than the poor residents of the fictional Vanport! Gretchen Lowell is absent for most of the novel, allowing Archie and Susan to blossom into even more deeply drawn characters. This story works really well as a standalone work, but I'd still recommend reading the original novels before diving into this one. Knowing what Archie had to overcome to reach this point in his life really adds to the depth of the character and helps explain his motivations. For her part, Cain has written a thrilling novel that takes her characters into new territory while maintaining the elements that made me fall in love with her writing in the first place. The Night Season is a worthy addition to this stellar series.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

(2017, 37)

"The world was a wonderful place. Full of nightmares"

Detective Valerie Hart is no stranger to the nightmares that fill the world. Unable to cope with the pressure of solving an impossible mystery, Valerie sabotaged her relationship with the only man she ever loved and fell into an alcohol laced depression. Her friends and colleagues worried about her wellbeing, but Valerie was too stubborn to accept any help. Even worse, her personal demons caused the force to question her ability to properly do her job. With a new string of murders surfacing, Valerie continues her downward spiral of overworking and personal neglect and faces the most sadistic serial killer that she's ever encountered.

Five days away from Christmas, ten-year-old Nell Cooper is facing a nightmare of her own. Her older brother is dead, and her single mother lies in a pool of blood downstairs. The two men who entered her home and caused all of this misfortune still don't know that Nell is there. Her mother uses her last breath to desperately urge her young daughter to run from the house and to find help. As one of the murderers becomes aware of the girl's presence, Nell escapes the terrors of her home to the equally inhospitable rural forest that surrounds the estate.

Xander King's whole life has been a nightmare, but he's beginning to put those days behind him. After years of going through life unnoticed and unloved, he's finally found a cause that he can put pride in. This cause . . . capturing, torturing, and murdering innocent women. What started as a solo endeavor was soon made more complicated by the addition of an accomplice who doesn't share King's vision. Now as he exacts his reign of terror, King struggles to maintain the composure and stealth that has kept the authorities in the dark about his true identity and intent.

In The Killing Lessons author Saul Black, a pseudonym for British author Glen Duncan, crafts a masterful story of intrigue and suspense. While the story follows many conventions of the genre, a detective on the verge of professional and personal collapse, a raging serial killer, etc, Black infuses it with enough depth and originality to make it stand out from the pack. Substantial time is devoted to the development of each character, allowing them to brim with a life and reality that keeps the reader engaged throughout. I've read many books featuring insane serial killers, but Black's character is written with a restraint and backstory that makes him one of the most terrifying villains that I've ever read. The Killing Lessons is the rare thriller that manages to be as smart as it is entertaining, and I highly recommend it.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

(2016, 1)

Jeff Lindsay's novels featuring serial killer Dexter Morgan have not only become a bestselling book series, but they have also spawned a critically and commercially successful television series. Despite this success, the novels have continually decreased in quality, culminating in a disappointing cliffhanger in the previous novel Dexter's Final Cut. I was ready to give up on this series, but was too intrigued by the title of this novel to not give it a read. After a two year hiatus, Lindsay returns to bring the saga of Dexter Morgan, the affable psychopath, to a definitive conclusion.

After years of living a double life, Dexter Morgan finds himself in the very place that he has so diligently avoided. By day, Dexter is a forensic scientist for the Miami Police Department. By night, a serial killer. Focusing his "dark passenger" on those who truly deserve death, mostly criminals, Dexter has maintained a low profile. But now all of that has changed. In a darkly ironic twist of events, Dexter's wife and the man who murdered her are both dead, and Dexter is the only suspect. Take growing circumstantial evidence, add a lead detective's personal vendetta, and you've got one damning case against everyone's favorite murderer. As a result, Dexter finds himself locked in a maximum security prison facing an eternity of confinement for a murder he did not commit.

In the previous novel, Dexter went from amiable perpetrator to adulterous prick, making him very difficult to root for. Fortunately, Lindsay corrects this error by stacking the deck completely against him. Beyond the wrongful arrest, the police department is manipulating evidence, falsifying documents, and threatening anyone who dares to question their methods. As diabolical as Dexter's actions are, it is even more deplorable to see the justice system abused in this way. Normally, Dexter's adopted sister Deborah would be the first person to step in and help her only surviving family member, however Dexter's actions in the previous novel have left her unwilling to speak to her brother. With all hope seemingly lost, Dexter finds himself with only one person to turn to. . . his murderous brother Brian.

It is refreshing to see an author bring a bestselling series to a definitive conclusion. Like most popular fiction series, the Dexter saga has had its ups and downs. With this final novel, Lindsay recaptures all of the elements that made Dexter a thoughtful, engaging, and satisfying read. Dexter's witty inner dialogue makes him surprisingly accessible. As much as readers can find small ways to identify with the character, Dexter is still a psychopathic killer who has no empathy. Throughout the series, Dexter was motivated by not revealing his secret and keeping his family safe. But he was never able to truly connect to the "family" he camouflaged himself with. By freeing his protagonist from the bonds of his elaborate facade, Lindsay allows Dexter to finally express his genuine thoughts with unapologetic honesty. In the end, Dexter receives a fitting conclusion that is true to the essence of this darkly intriguing character and satisfying to the fans who have read or watched his story over the last eleven years.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

(2015, 15)

Dexter Morgan likes his privacy. He shares his life with his wife and three children, but they only know Dexter the father and husband. His colleagues at the Miami Police Department know him as the quiet blood splatter analyst who brings donuts. This job affords Dexter the privacy he seeks and allows him to feed the secret side of his life. A side only his sister Deborah, who happens to be a homicide detective at the department, knows about. Dexter is a murderer. Years ago, when Dexter's father realized that his son possessed this "Dark Passenger", he devised a code for Dexter to live by. By following Harry's code, Dexter has been able to satisfy his need to kill while maintaining his anonymity.

James Patterson is known as much for his fast paced, escapist thrillers as he is for his prolific output and controversial use of co-authors. The Alex Cross series, perhaps Patterson's most popular creation, is notable in that it is the only series that Patterson continues to author on his own. With Alex Cross, Run, the twentieth entry in the series, Patterson continues to give readers everything they have come to expect from this fantastic character.

Plastic surgeon Elijah Creem's life is in a downward spiral. It began when detective Alex Cross busted him in an underage sex scheme. In an instant, he lost his career, wife, and children. Now he is determined to escape. He turns to an old college friend for help. Together they begin to revive a game that they played years ago. Using his expertise of the human body and ability to disguise his looks, Creem's game soon takes a deadly turn, leaving bodies across D.C for Cross to discover.

But Alex has more pressing matters to deal with. Readers of the series will recall the way Patterson uses Cross's family as a means to manipulate his emotions and distract him from his job. He does this again, this time using the Cross Family's newest edition, Ava. Ava is a foster child who lost her mother the previous year. Despite her cautious personality, she seems to be adapting to her new family well. All of this changes when she does not make it into the prestigious private school that Jannie, Alex's daughter, is accepted to. Soon she becomes withdrawn and the Cross family fears she is using drugs. Unfortunate circumstances surrounding Alex's job soon force the state to remove Ava from the Cross home. Now Alex must try to solve the gruesome murders while dealing with an increasingly stressful personal life.

Recently I've noticed a shift in focus within this series. Before, it seemed that Patterson's main intent was providing the most thrilling and original mysteries that he could. Recently, probably beginning with, Cross, he has shifted his focus to his main character, Alex Cross. Originally I praised this decision, as it brought a fresh perspective and much needed depth to the series. This is the first time, however, that I feel this focus on character development has actually made the mystery suffer. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy the book, but I feel that the crimes, and there were a lot of them, took a backseat to Alex's personal problems. Hopefully the next installment with get back to the kind of unique mystery that made me fall in love with this series from the first book. Still, this is a fine continuation of Alex Cross's story.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

(2013: week 18, book 16)

I'll admit it, sometimes I just feel like reading a quick, entertaining, James Patterson novel. With a really crazy schedule that barely left time for sleep, let alone reading and reviewing novels, I knew I could count on Patterson to provide a non-taxing read that I could pick up in short bursts and not be completely lost with. Unfortunately, its the entertainment factor that seems to be more hit or miss when it comes to Patterson's recent efforts. As he has grown into a novel producing brand, releasing numerous books with various co-authors, the quality of his stories seems to have suffered. With all this in mind, curiosity got the better of me, and I found myself plowing through one of Patterson's latest series novels, Private.

As any reader of any of Patterson's novels can attest, pace is rarely an issue. I easily found myself 80 pages deep into the book with no problems, but was surprised at the amount of time the authors (Maxine Paetro co-authors this narrative) spent setting up the characters and upcoming action. The novel follows former Marine pilot Jack Morgan who, after inheriting 15 million dollars from his imprisoned father, starts his own private investigation firm. Within 5 years, Jack's company, Private, quickly becomes a success with branches around the globe. Jack oversees the LA branch, and has recently become very busy with three urgent cases.

To start things off, his best friend, Andy, has called him to investigate the murder of his wife, Shelby. As is always the case, Andy is the police's prime suspect, but Jack knows Andy would never kill the wife he loved. Jack tasks Private with finding the real killer before Andy is hauled off by the LAPD. In addition, Jack's uncle Fred, a high level executive of the NFL, has hired Private to investigate the possibility of referees fixing games through bad calls. With several examples, the evidence seems to support this theory. Jacks firm has to prove this case before it reaches the public and completely destroys the integrity of the game. Finally, there is the case of the schoolgirl killer. Thirteen girls have been killed and even stranger, none of the killing were done the same way. With the rate of the killings quickly rising, Private is in a race to catch the killer before more innocent lives are lost.

This is probably one of my favorite Patterson novels in recent memory. Considering some of his other attempts, the characters were generally well thought out, and the mysteries were intriguing without ever getting completely over the top. With all the cases coming to a satisfying, if somewhat predictable, conclusion, this novel was brisk while still providing enough entertainment to make it an enjoyable read.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

(2013: week 9, book 6)

Someone is killing Vietnam War Veterans. Each time, the deceased man is left at a veteran's memorial with a lemon in his mouth. After two of these murders, it is clear to Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigator, Lucas Davenport, that there is a connection. Unable to devote his own skills, (Davenport is featured in Sandford's "Prey" series), he calls in the only man who can clean up the mess. It is time to call in the man he hired to solve "the hard stuff".

Enter Virgil Flowers, the thirty something detective, whose quirky, off the cuff reputation is as well known as his ability to solve the cases that no one else can. To say Flowers doesn't fit the standard law enforcement mold would be an understatement. He keeps is blond hair at shoulder length, wears rock band t-shirts and cowboy boots, occasionally writes for national outdoors magazines, and keeps in contact with various women and ex-wives, all of whom he has fallen in love with. Despite all of this apparent baggage, Flowers gets the job done, and he does it well. As he begins investigating the deaths of the veterans, he realizes that they are being killed professionally, as if they are each being checked off of a list. When he discovers the connections, he is immersed in a global conspiracy dating back to the time of the war.

There is no denying Sandford's ability to create riveting mysteries with relatable characters. He writes with an urgency that keeps the plot moving, never allowing the suspense to ease. As I read, I continued to be sucked deeper into the mystery as each twist and turn was unveiled. Virgil Flowers has a charismatic everyman charm that forced me to root for him. It has been almost a year since I read the first Virgil Flowers novel, and I forgot how much I enjoyed the world that Sandford has provided. There is a kind of timelessness to the story that will surely appeal to any mystery fans. With two solid novels, this series is quickly becoming my new favorite!

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

(2013: week 5, book 5)

Last year, I stumbled upon the Matt Royal series by author H. Terrell Griffin. The novels follow Matt Royal, a middle-aged lawyer who, fed up with the state of the legal system, retired to the small island of Longboat Key, Florida. But small town life didn't stop Royal from finding excitement. Over the course of six novels, Matt found himself directly involved in conspiracies that rocked his hometown. Through his friendship with Bill Lester, Longboat Key's chief of police, and with the help of his drinking buddy Logan, and his friend Jock, who conveniently works for a top secret, high ranking government agency, Matt became a kind of extension of the local law enforcement.

Things seemed to change when J.D. Duncan, a female detective from Miami, joined the Longboat Key force. Her addition, and insistent moral code, caused Matt to not only re-evaluate his actions, but to discover emotions he thought he would never feel again.

In Fatal Decree, the latest novel to feature Royal, we find the characters facing the biggest mystery they have ever faced. When the body of a local woman is discovered floating in the bay, Matt is immediately called by J.D.  It turns out, the body has a whale tail earring in her ear, and the initials KKK carved into the back of her neck. Even more terrifying, this is the signature of of a serial killer from Miami who J.D. investigated, and who hasn't been active for years. Now Matt must help solve the case before more islanders or killed. He hates to imagine the worst, but he is scared that the killer may target J.D. next.

I was completely invested in this series the moment I began reading. Unlike other series authors, Griffin has managed to maintain his standards of both quality and content. Seven books in, he still manages to explore unique cases and take his characters into different emotional territory. It was really nice to see Matt and J.D.'s budding relationship come to a head, especially because it didn't play out in the predictable way I feared it was going to. Griffin love of Florida and the people who inhabit it is made obvious by his detailed descriptions of settings and the inclusion of small town characters that give the sometimes outlandish story a much needed dose of reality. With Fatal Decree, Griffin proves that he is very much at the top of his game. Any fan of fast paced and original mysteries is sure to enjoy this novel.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

(2013:week 4, book 4)

There is really only one rule that all criminals must follow: Don't Get Caught!. In the latest Dexter novel by author Jeff Lindsay, Dexter finds himself in this exact situation.

For those who are not familiar with the novels or the hit television show based off of the characters, Dexter Morgan seems like a normal guy. He has a solid job working as a blood splatter analyst at the Miami Police Department. He has a wife, Rita, a new born baby girl, two step kids, and a sister, Deborah, who is his only living blood relative and who happens to be a detective at the Miami P.D. While Dexter seems like the perfect example of a suburban father, he harbors a dark secret. Dexter is a serial killer. He feeds this habit by only killing those who "deserve their punishment."

The novel opens as Dexter is "punishing" a pedophile in a vacant home. Everything seems to be going as planned until he hears someone enter the home. He rushes to make sure he isn't seen, but he is too late. He sees the person leaving, shadowed by the night, and is left to worry that he has been seen. On top of this, someone is killing cops in Miami. Dexter is summoned by his sister to assist in the gruesome murder investigation, which adds to his stress of family life and trying to discover the person who witnessed his crime. When that person beats him to the punch, contacting Dexter through a blog and threatening to expose his secrets, Dexter becomes engulfed in a race to put a stop to this unknown witness before his entire facade of a life comes crashing down.

The Dexter series has certainly gotten better with age. Jeff Lindsay writes with an assured voice that has grown into a unique style that can only be related to this series. The introspective narratives by the main character perfectly capture the twisted, sometimes sarcastic qualities of Dexter. I particularly appreciate the way Lindsay keeps the novels in their own world. This allows the universe of the novels and the television show to coexist without one seemingly copying the other. While this is by no means a "great" work of fiction, it is certainly an entertaining way to spend an afternoon. Six novels into the series and six seasons into the show, I am definitely hooked!