Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Darkly Dreaming Dexter
Book Review: Very Different!
Summary: 4 Stars
After reading previous reviews, I was curious to see how a novel of a self-proclaimed serial killer could work. I definitely think it works! Dexter is a very different protagonist, emotionally scarred from childhood and the reason is revealed to us. I do wish the author had delved deeper into Dexter's thought processes and the other characters. I do look forward to the author's next Dexter book.Book Review: Great Idea. Poor Implementation.
Summary: 2 Stars
I really wanted to like this book. The idea is great--very original and funny in a dark, dark way. The book starts off in an interesting way and Dexter is an intriguing character I wanted to get to know. However, the other characters in the book are mere charicatures. None of them act like real human beings. Even Dexter is a bit flat. I never really understood why he did what he did or believed that someone like Dexter could actually be so coherent in conveying his thoughts to the reader. Still, the plot kept me going. I wanted to see where it was going. But the ending of this novel was just awful. It was both obvious and completely unbelievable. I was pretty disappointed in this book because I think the premise is much stronger than the delivery. Book Review: Welcome adjustment to the serial-killer trope; great fun
Summary: 5 Stars
A deeply black humorous riff on the serial-killer trope and it's, well, delightful isn't exactly the work but comes close. Set mostly in Broward and also Dade counties in and around Miami, the semi-tropical urban setting is well rendered and the cop detail fascinating. A beaut of a read.
Book Review: A fun twist on a well-worn genre
Summary: 4 Stars
I read this last night, having asked the library to order it after seeing several mentions in "2004 Summer Books" lists around the web.
Here's the thing -- there was a time, years ago, when I read serial killer books ravenously. Kellerman(s), Patterson, Cornwell, you name it. Finally, I realized that they were giving me a warped view of the world, not to mention causing me nightmares. So I went cold turkey on the genre, in favor of reading that was a little more positive, or at least true-to-life.
But when I heard about this book -- a serial killer novel in which the protagonist is himself a serial killer (that's not a spoiler, BTW) -- I couldn't resist. And I'm glad I didn't.
Dexter Morgan is a blood-spatter specialist for the Miami police. He's super-intelligent, excellent at his job, well-liked by most of his coworkers, and even has a girlfriend. He's also a complete sociopath and a serial killer. The upside of this is that he uses his unusual experience to subtly aid the police department find others of his kind.
I don't want to spoil it by revealing the plot, so I'll just say that it's written in the first person, and Dexter is remarkably funny and sympathetic, while also being deeply and fundamentally broken. The gore in the novel is implied and not very graphic -- the main themes in this book are more about motivations and impulses than the killings themselves.
It read quickly, and it's not great literature. The external dialogue was the weakest (almost laughable in places); the strongest parts were when Dexter talked about his own unique take on being what he is. But I recommend it as a fun take on a well-worn genre. Grade: B.
Book Review: A great summer read!
Summary: 5 Stars
I love books about serial killers (which is why the books I write have serial killers in them), and I try to read everything in this sub-genre.
What struck me immediately about DDD was its playfulness--this book is fun. Dexter, though psychotic, is an amusing and sympathetic character. There were even moments where I laughed out loud.
The plot--Dexter chasing a serial killer who is eerily similar to himself--kept me guessing up until the very end.
If you're looking for a fun, fast read; one that will keep you up all night, check this book out. You won't be disappointed.