Book Review: Measure of Vengeance

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Measure of Vengeance     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Jerry Jellison
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Psychological Suspense   Thriller
Write Way, Feb 2000, $24.95, 293 pp.

Megan Roarke is an acquiring editor for New York based Gladiator Press. Megan is also an aspiring author. One day she receives an unsolicited black envelope containing a partial manuscript. It turns out to be the memoirs of a serial killer. Each chapter is devoted to a graphic depiction of a murder. Megan begins to believe she holds an autobiography and that she is the next chapter. Megan sends the manuscript to the lead police officer working the serial killer case.

When a serial killer murdered his daughter, the memories in his home proves too great for Lieutenant Oscar Volunga. He left New Mexico to work for the Connecticut police force. However, his current assignment leaves him filled with sad memories about his beloved Julia. When he receives a chapter from the notorious manuscript, Oscar vows to protect the proposed victim from a madman even if it means his own life. That is the only way he can put away his guilt of not being there when Julia needed him most.

Journey if you dare into MEASURE OF VENGEANCE to gain an entry into the mind of a serial killer seeking love in all the wrong ways. The story is narrated from the murderer’s point of view, the police officer tracking him, and that of the woman he wants to love/kill. This perspective allows author Jerry Jellison to guide his audience into the “soul” of pure evil, a being who wears the calm mask of sanity while going about his daily dealings in society. In this book, evil is so well hidden that readers will wonder if their neighbor or co-worker masquerades as a model citizen to hide a sinister side. This a powerful debut.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner