Book Review: Darkly Dreaming Dexter

Reviewed By: Woodstock - RAM

[5 stars]

Darkly Dreaming Dexter Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Jeff Lindsay
Class/Genre: Mystery Thriller Serial Killer

One of the most original books of the last few years, Lindsay's debut novel has a spot on my "best of 2004" list for sure.

Dexter Morgan is a blood spatter analyst for the Miami police department. In his spare time, he is a serial killer. The dark side of his persona was recognized fairly early on by Dexter's foster father. Harry Morgan, a respected Miami cop, took care to channel Dexter's tendencies into paths which would not land Dexter in the arms of the law, but eventually Harry himself sends Dexter on his first mission of murder.

This brief synopsis sounds grim indeed, but in Lindsay's hands Dexter's story becomes light hearted and at times, almost comic. That Lindsay manages to pull this off makes me want more books from him, and soon.

Dexter is confused and mystified when a second serial killer begins to work in the Miami area, and disposes of the bodies in a manner remarkably similar to Dexter's style. But in contrast to Dexter's activities the second killer wants the spotlight and draws attention to the deaths. As the killings begin, Dexter begins to have disturbing dreams, as if he himself knew details of the latest series of dismembered bodies.

Dexter is a fully realized character, a sociopath with no conscience, no normal sexual feelings, no real love for any other person. And yet - he has warm memories of his supportive foster father and a supportive relationship with his foster sister. And perhaps this is the key to why he is likable - he is aware of the differences between himself and other "normal" people. His comments on these differences provide the light humorous tone of the narrative.

A very different protagonist, indeed!

Woodstock - RAM

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