DARKLY DREAMING DEXTER (DEXTER, NO 1)

by Jeff Lindsay

Paperback, 400 pages

Published 2005 by Vintage Books.

ISBN:: 978-0-7528-6472-3

(62 reviews)

Darkly Dreaming Dexter is a 2004 novel by Jeff Lindsay, the first in his crime horror series about American forensic analyst/serial killer killer Dexter Morgan. It formed the basis of the Showtime television series Dexter and won the 2005 Dilys Award and the 2007 Book to TV award.

12 editions

ridel reviewed Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeffry P. Lindsay (Dexter (1))

Review of 'Darkly Dreaming Dexter' on 'Goodreads'

2 stars

I had watched all of Dexter nearly a decade ago so I don't remember much of the early seasons. As I read this, I am happy to say that the TV series is very faithful to the source material. Having been so long, it was almost like rewatching the show. Events that unfolded triggers memories and I just recalled the final twists before they arrived.

That said, I personally feel that Dexter is better on screen than in novel form. The primary problem is his narration - on screen, his internal monologue is accompanied by action, exposition, and just visual appeal. Within a book though, it's just pages of internal ranting that you will likely skim until actual plot progression occurs. This key difference leads me to prefer Dexter's on screen presence.

At the same time, because the novel is strictly from Dexter's viewpoint and narration, you really see things "his way". People are seem absurd -- as befitting of someone whose whole personality is about human mimicry. Debra has always been frustrating but the book really takes it to another level. I honestly cannot sympathize with her attitude and that's likely the way Dexter describes situations from his sociopathic point of view. The standout surprise is LaGuerta -- on screen she was more of a lead for the B-Plot. Within the novel, I find her character to be richly complex mix of political savvy and real police attitudes.

In summary, even if you're a fan of the show, I think this novel is fine to skip. I didn't mind reading it, but I wouldn't recommend it. There's a small amount of deviation in the plot that I look forward to exploring in the sequel.

Cari Fisher reviewed Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeffry P. Lindsay (Dexter (1))

Review of 'Darkly Dreaming Dexter' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

Hmm, I'd recommend skipping this one in the series...

LaDragonista reviewed Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeffry P. Lindsay (Dexter (1))

Review of 'Darkly Dreaming Dexter' on 'Goodreads'

1 star

I can't remember another time when a TV show (or movie) was so good but the book(s) were so awful.

ghostchaser reviewed Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeffry P. Lindsay (Dexter (1))

Review of 'Darkly Dreaming Dexter' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

in a very good way its not like the TV show, and I enjoy both.

bodam2005 reviewed DARKLY DREAMING DEXTER (DEXTER, NO 1) by Jeff Lindsay

None

3 stars

It was OK but I prefer the show to the book.

Realgnomidad reviewed Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeffry P. Lindsay (Dexter (1))

Review of 'Darkly Dreaming Dexter' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

A novel about a serial killer who only kills serial killers. The cleverness overwhelms! Darkly funny though, quick pace, and all around good time.

Scott Killen reviewed Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeffry P. Lindsay (Dexter (1))

Review of 'Darkly Dreaming Dexter' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

This was interesting, especially in the way it turned traditional story telling on its head.

waconner reviewed Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeffry P. Lindsay (Dexter (1))

Review of 'Darkly Dreaming Dexter' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

When I set out to read this novel, I fully expected that I would enjoy the novel more than the TV series, but I would be lying if I said that. The reality is that the TV show tells a story with an even more compelling character, who seems to have more at stake.

I will probably read Jeff Lindsay's other Dexter novels, but only because I want see how Lindsay viewed Dexter differently from the TV adaptation. I hope I am more captivated with them than I was with Darkly Dreaming Dexter.

Wolfie reviewed Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeffry P. Lindsay (Dexter (1))

Review of 'Darkly Dreaming Dexter' on 'Storygraph'

3 stars

Dexter's tale has taken a strange twist

pophyn reviewed Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeffry P. Lindsay (Dexter (1))

Review of 'Darkly Dreaming Dexter' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

I'm a huge fan of the tv series. This book lived up to the promise, although the series actually added to the story, and in a good way. But the book still holds up great. Going to read the next one soon :-)

Stonebender reviewed Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeffry P. Lindsay (Dexter (1))

Review of 'Darkly Dreaming Dexter' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

I read this because I really enjoyed the first season of Dexter on DVD. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it for those who like this sort of thing. Fair warning: children are an endangered in this story. The ending of the book is very different from the television show.