Graham Downs reviewed Fourth Monkey by J. D. Barker
Review of 'Fourth Monkey' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Before I begin, I have a confession to make: I don’t read very many serial killer stories. Something I should probably rectify at some point.
The reason I mention that is that I want you to take what I’m about to say with a pinch of salt: I don’t think I’ve ever read a serial killer story like this one.
It hooked me from the first page, as we get introduced to our primary character, police detective Porter (I’ve forgotten his Christian name), and his relationship with his wife. Then he gets called to come look at what appears to be a routine traffic accident... and the game is on.
There are so many plot twists and surprises that you’re left hanging onto your seat. It isn’t overwhelming, though; the pacing is brilliant, and the story giving you little lulls and breathers exactly when you need them, before shifting up …
Before I begin, I have a confession to make: I don’t read very many serial killer stories. Something I should probably rectify at some point.
The reason I mention that is that I want you to take what I’m about to say with a pinch of salt: I don’t think I’ve ever read a serial killer story like this one.
It hooked me from the first page, as we get introduced to our primary character, police detective Porter (I’ve forgotten his Christian name), and his relationship with his wife. Then he gets called to come look at what appears to be a routine traffic accident... and the game is on.
There are so many plot twists and surprises that you’re left hanging onto your seat. It isn’t overwhelming, though; the pacing is brilliant, and the story giving you little lulls and breathers exactly when you need them, before shifting up a gear again and plunging you down the next drop of the rollercoaster (hmm, bit of a mixed metaphor there, wasn’t it? Oh well, you get the idea).
The ending was a delightful surprise which I didn’t see coming, and although this is the first book in a series, it wraps up all the loose ends and there’s no cliffhanger.
I will say that, near the end of the book, it gets a bit confusing because the team gets split up and each of them goes to a different place. When you read three or four chapters about Porter, then go to bed, and the next morning you start with a chapter about Claire, you can sometimes forget who’s doing what and where.
Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I will absolutely read the next one in this series. If you enjoy serial killers, I don’t doubt you’ll love it too!
Click here to find out where you can get your hands on a copy: books2read.com/u/b6Zjlp
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