Book Description:
Se7en meets The Silence of the Lambs in this dark and twisting novel from the author Jeffery Deaver called, “A talented writer with a delightfully devious mind.”
For over five years, the Four Monkey Killer has terrorized the residents of Chicago. When his body is found, the police quickly realize he was on his way to deliver one final message, one which proves he has taken another victim who may still be alive.
As the lead investigator on the 4MK task force, Detective Sam Porter knows even in death, the killer is far from finished. When he discovers a personal diary in the jacket pocket of the body, Porter finds himself caught up in the mind of a psychopath, unraveling a twisted history in hopes of finding one last girl, all while struggling with personal demons of his own.
With only a handful of clues, the elusive killer’s identity remains a mystery. Time is running out and the Four Monkey Killer taunts from beyond the grave in this masterfully written fast-paced thriller.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2snTdGX
Our Review:
Reviewed by Donna ~ 5 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***
“Sorry it took me so long to
visit, I’ve been a very busy boy.”
This book had me at “Se7en meets Silence of the Lambs,” two
of my favourite films EVER!! I love my crime thrillers, sometimes when I need a
break from the world of romance my other love comes into play. I love CSI, I
love Criminal Minds and this book was the perfect mix of the two, along with a
gripping, thrilling investigation. JD Barker is a new to me author and if this
book is any indication of his talents then I have quite a few books to look
forward to. This was a book that I would love to see on the big screen, the
scene setting, this authors play on words, an all-consuming plot all led to an
unputdownable read, one that held my attention from the very first word until
the very last.
JD Barker turns the world of criminal thrillers on its head
with The Fourth Monkey in so far as it starts with the death of The Fourth
Monkey killer, a serial killer that has evaded capture in Chicago for over five
years. A serial killer that never leaves any evidence, a serial killer so smart
the police have nothing to go on, a serial killer that taunts them, teases them
and makes them look like amateurs, time and time again. The clues are all there
on the body, now it just needs someone with just as sick a mind to interpret
them, to understand them and to find The Fourth Monkey Killers last victim. It
is a race against time.
“Pawns must be sacrificed for the
king to fall.”
We all know the story of the three wise monkeys, hear no
evil, see no evil and speak no evil. According to lore there was a fourth
monkey…do no evil. So why would a serial killer be labelled The Fourth Monkey?
Quite a contradiction considering the field this man excels in. The Fourth
Monkey got his name from the three white boxes that he sends to his victim’s
family, first the ears, then the eyes and then the tongue. While I felt the
killing was a necessity for this serial killer, the thrill of the chase was
what got this man off. The Fourth Monkey Killer was a master manipulator, he
trails bread crumbs, he leads the investigating officers on a merry dance, a
dance that had my rapt attention throughout.
Detective Sam Porter is the lead on this case and the gift
of The Fourth Monkey Killers diary is where it all begins and ends. The diary
entries are what gives us an understanding of the man The Fourth Monkey Killer
was, a diary that goes some ways into describing the events that moulded the
man. From childhood to present all pertinent facts and events are described in
all their gut churning glory. A vigilante of sorts who kills the innocent to
punish the guilty. The morality of his reasoning will make you think and while
you know it is wrong that streak of empathy will keep rearing its ugly head.
JD Barker sugar coats nothing. This is a book that will turn
your stomach, not only with actions but also with thoughts. I had goose bumps
and the fear was real. This author really gets into your head and plays with
your mind and that is the sign of an amazing psychological thriller. The twists
and turns you will never see coming, the prose utterly engaging and positively
chilling, but this is a story that you will never forget and will sickly want
more of.
“Luckily, it was downhill. Mr.
Carter had been a large man.”
This book is incredibly graphic at times and is definitely
not for the faint of heart, many a time my hands were over my eyes as if I
could somehow shield myself from what I was reading. This is where JD Barker
exceeded with the visceral scene setting…letting your imagination run riot and
mine is extremely vivid. Engaging, absorbing, compelling, intriguing,
suspenseful, sick and twisted but as I said above, one unforgettable read. If
you love psychological thrillers then this is the cream of the crop. Totally
loved every single sick second of it.
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