by
Nick Landrum
ISBN: 1-4025-9632-4 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com Amazon.com Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com
A truly unusual protagonist and macabre wit take this enjoyable mystery, filled with cynical and yet warm observations of Miami humanity, a step above the average.
Reviewed by David on May 28, 2005
Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural)
Synopsis: Dexter Morgan is a blood-spatter crime technician at Miami Police Department. His good looks, perfect grooming, intelligence and professional skill attract both departamental envy and feminine attention. But what makes him stand out is his occasional brilliant insight in investigating serial murders. Dexter's urbane manner hides a chilling desire to kill. Normally he picks his targets among the worst of the worst, those that amply deserve death.
The latest string of gruesome murders to hit the corrupt and vibrant city expose strong emotions, from fear to political ambitions. But Dexter feels none of these—instead he is filled with artistic appreciation.
Full Review: The main protagonist is indeed unusual, and experiencing first-person narration and cogitation of a sociopathic killer may sometimes jar. And yet the wit of the author and the delicate, blackly humorous balance of a monster trying to do well for humanity he doesn't understand, work remarkably well. The humor, indeed, is what keeps the shudders at bay, and for all his lack of emotion, Dexter is a suprprisingly sympathetic observer of human folly and virtue.
The plot itself is a bit melodramatic, but on the way there is apprehension, suspense, solid investigation, self-doubt and pleasure. And, even, fun.
I for one look forward to Dexter's next adventure.
Overall: 6.5; Plot: 6; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 7;
Copyright date 2004, Recorded Books, 2004, Compact Disc, 7 compact discs
ISBN: 1-4025-9632-4 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com Amazon.com Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com