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Darkly Dreaming Dexter, Jeff Lindsay
Orion
Reviewed by Lisa Hoult (Courtesy of Taranaki Daily News)

I often always wonder at the minds behind some of these murdering, blood-soaked psychological thrillers – where do they get their ideas from?

This particular plot is more interesting than most because it is both disturbing and appealing. But I'll bet some experts may be looking sideways at their fellow workers after this one!

Dexter Morgan is a forensic blood-splatter expert for the Miami vice squad. He was adopted at a young age into an all-police family – both Dad and his sister are cops. He is a shy, fairly geeky but likeable guy who is top in his field of expertise. He also has a pastime that nobody knows about – he is an accomplished serial killer. So far he's killed dozens of people and has never been caught – because he knows exactly how to cover up his trail! But soon his well-organised life is disrupted when another serial killer turns up on his turf.

The most annoying thing for Dexter is that this new killer seems to be copying his M.O. and taunting him at the same time. Soon though, he realises it's more than that – this murderer wants him to come and play. He's torn between doing his job to try and to catch him or taking him up on his offer – and just imagine what they could do together! This is a fascinating insight into the mind of a psychopath – fictional or otherwise – and is great reading. The scary thing is how likeable and rational Dexter seems to be. The clear, concise narrative lulled me into acceptance of his "minor" character flaw and left me wide open for the knockout ending.

Definitely a new angle for the serial killer theme and one that Jeff Lindsay has handled brilliantly. Make sure you've got a cast-iron stomach – and grab a copy.