Is the son of a notorious serial killer about to follow in his Father’s footsteps?
People are being killed in the town of Lobo’s Nod and Jasper Dent soon recognises a modus operandi. The perpetrator is mimicking his Father, the most prolific serial killer in American history, Billy Dent.
Tormented by memories of his horrific upbringing, Jasper decides to use the terrifying skills taught to him by his deranged Dad to track the killer down while also resisting the murderous urges instilled in his psyche.
This is a treat for fans of Dexter and The Silence Of The Lambs. It has echoes of both of these excellent serial killer tales while retaining its own individuality. As well as Jasper and Billy there are some fantastic supporting characters. Connie, Jasper’s feisty girlfriend is a force to be reckoned with as she attempts to keep the troubled young man on the straight and narrow. Haemophiliac best friend Howie also contributes greatly to the tale and then there’s crazy Grandma Dent to contend with.
By using the unique perspective of the main character Barry Lyga has provided a refreshing twist in what is often a tired genre and even though I did manage to guess most of the ending, that didn’t make it any less enjoyable.
I Hunt Killers is available from 12th April 2012.
Ric’s Rating: Highly Recommended
People are being killed in the town of Lobo’s Nod and Jasper Dent soon recognises a modus operandi. The perpetrator is mimicking his Father, the most prolific serial killer in American history, Billy Dent.
Tormented by memories of his horrific upbringing, Jasper decides to use the terrifying skills taught to him by his deranged Dad to track the killer down while also resisting the murderous urges instilled in his psyche.
This is a treat for fans of Dexter and The Silence Of The Lambs. It has echoes of both of these excellent serial killer tales while retaining its own individuality. As well as Jasper and Billy there are some fantastic supporting characters. Connie, Jasper’s feisty girlfriend is a force to be reckoned with as she attempts to keep the troubled young man on the straight and narrow. Haemophiliac best friend Howie also contributes greatly to the tale and then there’s crazy Grandma Dent to contend with.
By using the unique perspective of the main character Barry Lyga has provided a refreshing twist in what is often a tired genre and even though I did manage to guess most of the ending, that didn’t make it any less enjoyable.
I Hunt Killers is available from 12th April 2012.
Ric’s Rating: Highly Recommended
This is the first book in a series of I don't know how many, and there is a lot to set-up for the next book, but I was never bored while reading. The author places many red herrings throughout, so I was constantly guessing and going back and forth as to who the killer was. Lyga does a great job of keeping the reader invested in the story and invested in Jazz. I couldn't help but love him. Jazz, raised by a serial killer and groomed to be one himself, is in a constant struggle with who he is and who he will (or won't) become. The cast of secondary characters aren't as complex as Jazz (nor should they be!), but I found them just as entertaining. On a quick side-note, Jazz's girlfriend, Connie, is African-American and I would like to give kudos to Lyga for including an interracial couple in his novel. It's not something one sees much in YA. Now back to the review:
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