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Dexter #2
Dearly Devoted Dexter
See alternate cover edition: here
He's a charming monster... A macabre hero... A serial killler who only kills bad people.
Dexter Morgan has been under considerable pressure. It's just not easy being an ethical serial killer - especially while trying to avoid the unshakable suspicions of the dangerous Sergeant Doakes (who believes Dexter is a homicidal maniac...which, of course, he is). In an attempt to throw Doakes off his trail, Dexter has had to slip deep into his foolproof disguise. While not working as a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Police Department, he now spends nearly all his time with his cheerful girlfriend, Rita, and her two children, sipping light beer and slowly becoming the world's first serial couch potato. But how long can Dexter play Kick the Can instead of Slice the Slasher? How long before his Dark Passenger forces him to drop the charade and let his inner monster run free?
In trying times, opportunity knocks. A particularly nasty psychopath is cutting a trail through Miami - a man whose twisted technique leaves even Dexter speechless. As Dexter's dark appetite is revived, his sister, Deborah (a newly minted, tough-as-nails Miami detective), is drawn headlong into the case. It quickly becomes clear that it will take a monster to catch a monster - but it isn't until his archnemesis is abducted that Dex can finally throw himself into the search for a new plaything. Unless, of course, his plaything finds him first...
With the incredible wit and freshness that drew widespread acclaim to Darkly Dreaming Dexter, Jeff Lindsay now takes Dexter Morgan to a new level of macabre appeal and gives us one of the most original, colorful narrators in years.
He's a charming monster... A macabre hero... A serial killler who only kills bad people.
Dexter Morgan has been under considerable pressure. It's just not easy being an ethical serial killer - especially while trying to avoid the unshakable suspicions of the dangerous Sergeant Doakes (who believes Dexter is a homicidal maniac...which, of course, he is). In an attempt to throw Doakes off his trail, Dexter has had to slip deep into his foolproof disguise. While not working as a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Police Department, he now spends nearly all his time with his cheerful girlfriend, Rita, and her two children, sipping light beer and slowly becoming the world's first serial couch potato. But how long can Dexter play Kick the Can instead of Slice the Slasher? How long before his Dark Passenger forces him to drop the charade and let his inner monster run free?
In trying times, opportunity knocks. A particularly nasty psychopath is cutting a trail through Miami - a man whose twisted technique leaves even Dexter speechless. As Dexter's dark appetite is revived, his sister, Deborah (a newly minted, tough-as-nails Miami detective), is drawn headlong into the case. It quickly becomes clear that it will take a monster to catch a monster - but it isn't until his archnemesis is abducted that Dex can finally throw himself into the search for a new plaything. Unless, of course, his plaything finds him first...
With the incredible wit and freshness that drew widespread acclaim to Darkly Dreaming Dexter, Jeff Lindsay now takes Dexter Morgan to a new level of macabre appeal and gives us one of the most original, colorful narrators in years.
292 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2005
About the author
Jeff Lindsay
71 books3,983 followersJeff Lindsay lives in Florida with his wife, author Hilary Hemingway, daughter of Leicester Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway's brother.
Lindsay is best known for writing the Dexter series of novels. Several of his earlier published works include his wife as a co-author.
Jeff graduated from Middlebury College, Vermont, in 1975, and Celebration Mime Theatre's Clown School the same year. He received a double MFA, in Directing and Playwriting, from Carnegie-Mellon University, and has written 25 produced plays. He has also worked as a musician, singer, comedian, actor, TV host, improv actor, and dishwasher.
Lindsay is best known for writing the Dexter series of novels. Several of his earlier published works include his wife as a co-author.
Jeff graduated from Middlebury College, Vermont, in 1975, and Celebration Mime Theatre's Clown School the same year. He received a double MFA, in Directing and Playwriting, from Carnegie-Mellon University, and has written 25 produced plays. He has also worked as a musician, singer, comedian, actor, TV host, improv actor, and dishwasher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,702 reviews
July 11, 2021
(B+) 78% | Good
Notes: Charming yet gross, but not disturbingly so; there's little immediacy as Dexter's never really threatened or in danger.
Notes: Charming yet gross, but not disturbingly so; there's little immediacy as Dexter's never really threatened or in danger.
May 18, 2007
Dexter is an interesting character. However, Lindsay is not a particularly strong writer. These books would probably work better as pure character studies, because the thriller elements don't work. Everything wrapped up too quickly, and there were some big jumps (Deb and Kyle? I had to go back and look to make sure I hadn't missed a few chapters where they suddenly became attached). I may read the next book this summer just to see what happens with Dexter and Cody, but I hope the story is better next time around.
November 20, 2013
Can Dexter come out to play?
Alas, no, dear Dark Passenger. Dexter is in time-out.
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In book two- Sergeant Doakes is keeping a close watch on Dexter, which makes it impossible for our anti-hero to get up to any of his usual mischief. Luckily there is a case that will keep him occupied and entertained...for the most part.
When an unknown man is found brutally mutilated, the officers of Miami-Dade are told to keep quiet and stay out of it- and a man called Kyle Chutsky gets sent down from Washington to take over the case. Kyle recruits Deborah- who in turn asks Dexter, to use his special "psycho" tracking skills -to help them find the killer/serial mutilator, called "Dr. Danco".
This was a tough read for me. The "murders" in DEARLY DEVOTED DEXTER are quite gruesome and disturbing, and stayed with me well after I put the book down. Not that it is fair to compare the books to the TV series, but so far I really have to say I prefer the series. I am going to keep reading though because my curiosity is peaked. I just may have to skim over some of the nasty bits or have a vomit bucket close at hand...
I kid. It's not that bad...most people will love "the ick" factor. I just tend to be a little on the wimpy side.
Alas, no, dear Dark Passenger. Dexter is in time-out.
In book two- Sergeant Doakes is keeping a close watch on Dexter, which makes it impossible for our anti-hero to get up to any of his usual mischief. Luckily there is a case that will keep him occupied and entertained...for the most part.
When an unknown man is found brutally mutilated, the officers of Miami-Dade are told to keep quiet and stay out of it- and a man called Kyle Chutsky gets sent down from Washington to take over the case. Kyle recruits Deborah- who in turn asks Dexter, to use his special "psycho" tracking skills -to help them find the killer/serial mutilator, called "Dr. Danco".
This was a tough read for me. The "murders" in DEARLY DEVOTED DEXTER are quite gruesome and disturbing, and stayed with me well after I put the book down. Not that it is fair to compare the books to the TV series, but so far I really have to say I prefer the series. I am going to keep reading though because my curiosity is peaked. I just may have to skim over some of the nasty bits or have a vomit bucket close at hand...
I kid. It's not that bad...most people will love "the ick" factor. I just tend to be a little on the wimpy side.
January 24, 2020
Dearly Devoted Dexter (Dexter, #2), Jeff Lindsay
Dearly Devoted Dexter (2005) is a crime/horror novel by Jeff Lindsay, the second in his series about psychopathic vigilante Dexter Morgan, which has been adapted into a television series. It is narrated by the title character. When an unknown man is found bizarrely mutilated, Doakes recognizes the work of "Doctor Danco", a torturer who served with Doakes in the Special Forces during the Salvadoran Civil War and has come to Miami to take revenge on his former comrades. Danco drugs his victims with painkillers and psychotropics and, over episodes lasting several days or weeks, surgically removes various body parts.
Dexter is drawn into the case when Danco abducts his sister Deborah's new boyfriend, Detective Kyle Chutsky. Amidst all the chaos, Dexter finds himself accidentally engaged to his girlfriend Rita Bennett. While trying to bond with Rita's children, Astor and Cody, he discovers that they are showing the same signs of sociopathy that he did at their age. Dexter looks forward to teaching them to control their "Dark Passengers" as his foster father, Harry, had taught Dexter to control his.
Dexter learns that Danco's murder ritual includes a word game resembling hangman. Each victim is asked to guess a word chosen for them by Danco, a description of a grievous offense against Danco for which the victim is to atone. Each wrong or unintelligible answer results in the amputation of a body part. The maximum number of pieces removed corresponds to the number of letters in the mystery word that has been carefully chosen for that particular victim. The torture is conducted patiently and methodically to allow the victim time enough to recuperate and begin healing before the next atrocity is perpetrated. This devious process is designed to maximize the psychological as well as physical devastation without ever actually killing the subject.
Dearly Devoted Dexter (2005) is a crime/horror novel by Jeff Lindsay, the second in his series about psychopathic vigilante Dexter Morgan, which has been adapted into a television series. It is narrated by the title character. When an unknown man is found bizarrely mutilated, Doakes recognizes the work of "Doctor Danco", a torturer who served with Doakes in the Special Forces during the Salvadoran Civil War and has come to Miami to take revenge on his former comrades. Danco drugs his victims with painkillers and psychotropics and, over episodes lasting several days or weeks, surgically removes various body parts.
Dexter is drawn into the case when Danco abducts his sister Deborah's new boyfriend, Detective Kyle Chutsky. Amidst all the chaos, Dexter finds himself accidentally engaged to his girlfriend Rita Bennett. While trying to bond with Rita's children, Astor and Cody, he discovers that they are showing the same signs of sociopathy that he did at their age. Dexter looks forward to teaching them to control their "Dark Passengers" as his foster father, Harry, had taught Dexter to control his.
Dexter learns that Danco's murder ritual includes a word game resembling hangman. Each victim is asked to guess a word chosen for them by Danco, a description of a grievous offense against Danco for which the victim is to atone. Each wrong or unintelligible answer results in the amputation of a body part. The maximum number of pieces removed corresponds to the number of letters in the mystery word that has been carefully chosen for that particular victim. The torture is conducted patiently and methodically to allow the victim time enough to recuperate and begin healing before the next atrocity is perpetrated. This devious process is designed to maximize the psychological as well as physical devastation without ever actually killing the subject.
October 18, 2023
[3.5]
very wisely they did not adapt it to the screen
very wisely they did not adapt it to the screen
July 3, 2022
WOW!!! What a book! Please don't expect any profound life-changing insights from this thriller. But. we don't read thrillers to find such insights - do we!! Of course not! We read thrillers for suspense, excitement, the thrill and of course - the fear.
I had watched the TV series with my friend a long time back. Didn't like the character in the first few episodes, but still something made us stick with it. Then we became fans - glued to the screen - virtually biting our nails as our dear old Dexter carried out his "work" and also managed to evade arrest.
In case you don't know who Dexter is, then let me enlighten you dear reader that Dexter is a serial killer based out of Miami. A self-proclaimed "monster" who works as a blood spatter analyst in the police, and along with his Dark Passenger he dispenses his own brand of justice - punishing monsters who prey on the innocent. Hats off to Jeff Lindsay, the author, who thought of having a serial killer as the protagonist. Trust me dear readers - the Dexter in the book is a better version compared to the the Dexter in the series. The self-deprecatory twisted humour is way more pronounced in the books and made the read such a fun experience. I also realised that a lot of things were changed in the series and that is fine.
While reading I kept visualising Michael C. Hall as Dexter, C. S. Lee as Masuka, Erik King as Doakes, Jennifer Carpenter as Debs, James Remar as Harry and the list goes on! :)
I won't spoil your fun by providing any info about the adventure. But, I will say that a psycho even more dangerous than Dexter has arrived at Miami and doing stuff to his enemies which is enough to make cops and paramedics vomit. Also, something big is about to happen in Dexter's personal life.
If you are not a fan of gore and dark humour - then please avoid this book. But, if you are a Dexter fan who has not read the books or a thriller-buff who does not mind gore - then go ahead. You might enjoy the ride. :)
I had watched the TV series with my friend a long time back. Didn't like the character in the first few episodes, but still something made us stick with it. Then we became fans - glued to the screen - virtually biting our nails as our dear old Dexter carried out his "work" and also managed to evade arrest.
In case you don't know who Dexter is, then let me enlighten you dear reader that Dexter is a serial killer based out of Miami. A self-proclaimed "monster" who works as a blood spatter analyst in the police, and along with his Dark Passenger he dispenses his own brand of justice - punishing monsters who prey on the innocent. Hats off to Jeff Lindsay, the author, who thought of having a serial killer as the protagonist. Trust me dear readers - the Dexter in the book is a better version compared to the the Dexter in the series. The self-deprecatory twisted humour is way more pronounced in the books and made the read such a fun experience. I also realised that a lot of things were changed in the series and that is fine.
While reading I kept visualising Michael C. Hall as Dexter, C. S. Lee as Masuka, Erik King as Doakes, Jennifer Carpenter as Debs, James Remar as Harry and the list goes on! :)
I won't spoil your fun by providing any info about the adventure. But, I will say that a psycho even more dangerous than Dexter has arrived at Miami and doing stuff to his enemies which is enough to make cops and paramedics vomit. Also, something big is about to happen in Dexter's personal life.
If you are not a fan of gore and dark humour - then please avoid this book. But, if you are a Dexter fan who has not read the books or a thriller-buff who does not mind gore - then go ahead. You might enjoy the ride. :)
October 3, 2017
Delicious. The first one was so good that I took a second helping. Cheers, PirateSteve!
If book one, DARKLY DREAMING DEXTER, was an eight on the horrifying scale then turn the dial right up to eleven. So what if it only goes to ten, this is an eleven. Just push the envelope further. More suspense, more emotion, and definitely more investment in Dexter as a hero. A flawed, dark knight.
The nemesis here is quite impressive and the events are more gruesome. I won't lie, I really liked this one. What is truly a boon to the series is Dexter's developing character and his interpersonal relationships, which for someone who is incapable of emotions is very interesting to watch how he navigates.
There is something sweet about Dexter, an earnestness that shine through that makes him lovable. He may not be capable of emotional attachments, but he uses logic to validate his relationships in the finest form of rationalization I've seen in awhile. I suppose being able to understand his motivations completely makes me feel an empathy for him.
If book one, DARKLY DREAMING DEXTER, was an eight on the horrifying scale then turn the dial right up to eleven. So what if it only goes to ten, this is an eleven. Just push the envelope further. More suspense, more emotion, and definitely more investment in Dexter as a hero. A flawed, dark knight.
The nemesis here is quite impressive and the events are more gruesome. I won't lie, I really liked this one. What is truly a boon to the series is Dexter's developing character and his interpersonal relationships, which for someone who is incapable of emotions is very interesting to watch how he navigates.
There is something sweet about Dexter, an earnestness that shine through that makes him lovable. He may not be capable of emotional attachments, but he uses logic to validate his relationships in the finest form of rationalization I've seen in awhile. I suppose being able to understand his motivations completely makes me feel an empathy for him.
September 13, 2022
Un nuevo asesino esta suelto, esta vez le gusta desmembrar a sus victimas todavia vivas y dejarlas sufriendo con la locura de su destino. Dexter esta intrigado, le gustaria conocer la tecnica de este nuevo asesino, pero su hermana Deborah lo que quiere es capturarlo, y ahora con mas ganas, ya que la persona enviada para capturarlo la tiene "enamorada". Pero eso no es lo unico que pasa en la vida de Dexter, el sargento Doakes lo tiene vigilado y eso ha impedido que pueda volver a usar su don, y le ha obligado a vivir la fantasia de un hombre que va a casa de su novia a pasar el rato, e incluso acostarse con ella. Esa vida de "normal" no es algo que le guste a Dexter, pero no puede evitar mantener la rutina para ver si es posible que Doakes se canse.
El problema es que el asesino captura al hombre que estaba con su hermana, y Dexter se ve de nuevo envuelto en el desafio de ayudar a su hermana a atrapar a este asesino, y si por casualidad tambien pudiera liberarse de Doakes, quizas su vida volveria a ser tan feliz y tranquila como antes.
Dexter es uno de los asesinos mas sarcasticos que he leido hace mucho, con esta lectura me rei muchisimo, con las cosas que piensa, dice y le pasan a Dexter. El misterio del asesino fue casi secundario, como si no fuera importante, en lo que la vida de Dexter se volvio, asi que aunque el crimen fue horroroso, oscuro y el asesino realmente espeluznante, fue en lo menos que pense cuando lo leia.
Ahora, me gusta mucho esta serie, quiero saber que va a pasar con Dexte cuando se case, como va a criar a los ninos y sobre todo, como va a seguir alimentando al Oscuro Pasajero, pero creo que lo voy a dejar para mas adelante, quizas este ano, quizas el proximo, lo cierto es que es una de esas series que vale la pena leer, y quizas ver en tv, si la serie de tv se parece aunque sea un poquito a los libros.
El problema es que el asesino captura al hombre que estaba con su hermana, y Dexter se ve de nuevo envuelto en el desafio de ayudar a su hermana a atrapar a este asesino, y si por casualidad tambien pudiera liberarse de Doakes, quizas su vida volveria a ser tan feliz y tranquila como antes.
Dexter es uno de los asesinos mas sarcasticos que he leido hace mucho, con esta lectura me rei muchisimo, con las cosas que piensa, dice y le pasan a Dexter. El misterio del asesino fue casi secundario, como si no fuera importante, en lo que la vida de Dexter se volvio, asi que aunque el crimen fue horroroso, oscuro y el asesino realmente espeluznante, fue en lo menos que pense cuando lo leia.
Ahora, me gusta mucho esta serie, quiero saber que va a pasar con Dexte cuando se case, como va a criar a los ninos y sobre todo, como va a seguir alimentando al Oscuro Pasajero, pero creo que lo voy a dejar para mas adelante, quizas este ano, quizas el proximo, lo cierto es que es una de esas series que vale la pena leer, y quizas ver en tv, si la serie de tv se parece aunque sea un poquito a los libros.
October 23, 2011
Dexter the man who finds it hard to feel, in this story Dexter does not get down bloody and as dark as i have seen on the tv-series or read in Darkly Dreaming Dexter. He plays the role well as a caring brother and as a family man and loves kids but as he tries to keep up with the crowd his sociopath personality is dying to kill. To kill those who hurt children and the rest of the scum that live on the grid. He is a superhero of modern times a sort of Robin Hood that robs the evil from the street. His arch enemy Doakes is a pain in Dexters side in this novel, him and Dexter find themselves in a jam.
The hunt is on for a killer who dismembers bodies. This story serves up some more ramblings of Dexter's mind and dark humour, its not a tense or gripping thriller but provides a good dose of entertainment in Dexter trying to keep the Dark passenger at bay.
The hunt is on for a killer who dismembers bodies. This story serves up some more ramblings of Dexter's mind and dark humour, its not a tense or gripping thriller but provides a good dose of entertainment in Dexter trying to keep the Dark passenger at bay.
June 5, 2007
Oh, why do I do these things to myself? I knew from reading Darkly Dreaming Dexter last November that I really preferred the TV show to the books, but curiosity won out and I read the second novel anyway. Big mistake. While Dearly Devoted is actually in many ways a better book than Darkly Dreaming—it’s way less rushed, for one, and funnier—it is so deeply disturbing that I’m still feeling freaked out several days after finishing it. And not in a fun way. The show, yes, is also disturbing—but it’s an interesting disturbing. What makes Dexter the way he is and the ways in which he interacts with other people are fully explored—interesting questions are raised, and there is emotional development, even if it’s in Dexter-appropriate tiny, stunted, sick amounts. The books, though…they’re disturbing to no purpose. All the characters besides Dexter are cardboard-thin, which may be in part due to the limits of the books’ first person POV, but is especially frustrating if you’ve watched the show and are used to the rounder versions. And the violence is excessive and meaningless: people are reduced to meat. Maybe that’s the point—our little peek into how people like Dexter see the world—but if so, that would be interesting once. As part of a series, where things would (I would hope) change and develop, it’s just gratuitous slaughter, and it made me feel icky. I’m still eagerly awaiting the start of the show’s 2nd series, but I don’t think I’ll be reading the third book.
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May 1, 2023دكستر المُتفاني بإخلاص أنت وحش لطيف ومُهذب للغاية....
يبدو إنني أصبحت شريرة 🤪
هناك راكب مُظلم يسكن بداخلك يُملي عليك بصوت خافت موغل في الظُلمة بإتباع القواعد عندما تتأكد من الشخص الوغد الذي يستحق القتل...
حياتك تبدو متوازنة ومُنظمة إلى حد يثير الخوف والدهشة معاً...ولكن حياة خالية من المشاعر الحقيقية ، كل شيء يبدو مُقّنَّعاً ومُصطنعاً وهذا يدعو للأسى يا " دكستر "...
هنا يترصد له الرقيب " دوكس " ويُعطل الراكب المُظلم مُحتجزاً لفترة طويلة للغاية ، كيف يمكن التخلص من تلك المراقبة اللعينة !...
ستطفو جرائم مروعة على السطح تستدعي تدخل دكستر كمحلل بالطب الشرعي مع فريق العمل المُحقق من الشرطة وبذكاء بارع إن لم يكن دهاء ماكر سيعرف كيف يتخلص من المُراقبة التي كانت تشدد قبضتها على الراكب المظلم ويتنفس الصعداء وينزلق إلى تلك الذات الحقيقية البعيدة هناك....
هل أبدي تعاطفاً أو تشجيعاً لك يا " دكستر " ...لا
لا تُسيء الفهم...
قد أُبدي إعجاباً بذكائك...قدرتك على الإنتظار والتمسك الشديد بهدفك...أنت صائد ماهر بدون شك
ولكن الأمر ليس أكثر من ذلك....
يبدو إنني أصبحت شريرة 🤪
هناك راكب مُظلم يسكن بداخلك يُملي عليك بصوت خافت موغل في الظُلمة بإتباع القواعد عندما تتأكد من الشخص الوغد الذي يستحق القتل...
حياتك تبدو متوازنة ومُنظمة إلى حد يثير الخوف والدهشة معاً...ولكن حياة خالية من المشاعر الحقيقية ، كل شيء يبدو مُقّنَّعاً ومُصطنعاً وهذا يدعو للأسى يا " دكستر "...
هنا يترصد له الرقيب " دوكس " ويُعطل الراكب المُظلم مُحتجزاً لفترة طويلة للغاية ، كيف يمكن التخلص من تلك المراقبة اللعينة !...
ستطفو جرائم مروعة على السطح تستدعي تدخل دكستر كمحلل بالطب الشرعي مع فريق العمل المُحقق من الشرطة وبذكاء بارع إن لم يكن دهاء ماكر سيعرف كيف يتخلص من المُراقبة التي كانت تشدد قبضتها على الراكب المظلم ويتنفس الصعداء وينزلق إلى تلك الذات الحقيقية البعيدة هناك....
هل أبدي تعاطفاً أو تشجيعاً لك يا " دكستر " ...لا
لا تُسيء الفهم...
قد أُبدي إعجاباً بذكائك...قدرتك على الإنتظار والتمسك الشديد بهدفك...أنت صائد ماهر بدون شك
ولكن الأمر ليس أكثر من ذلك....
April 18, 2020
Now that I have finished this tale for the second time, last time via an audiobook a long time back, I can say that I liked this story then, I like this story now. Dear Dangerous Dexter is in some other bounds as he faces against a ruthless man who loves to reduce human beings to a pathetic lump of meat with nothing to look forward too. This is the point where the TV series started to differ from the books and this particular story was never put on the screen though some elements were woven into the second season but I believe that the books would be fairly different from the TV series and it's not a bad thing at least now he have faces to attach the names to and enjoy the story more.
So pick it and pick it soon and enjoy the TV and the Book and then just Keep on Reading.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genre but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
So pick it and pick it soon and enjoy the TV and the Book and then just Keep on Reading.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genre but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
May 22, 2019
While I did very much enjoy this book and the first in the series, for me this is one of those rare cases where I enjoyed the tv/movie adaptation more. I do think if I had read the books first that I would have enjoyed them more, I just couldn’t get the tv show out of my head while I was reading and it kind of spoiled it for me. There’s no denying though that Jeff Lindsay is a phenomenal writer and came up with a truly fascinating story and characters!
July 2, 2008
Okay, dude, this not-killer takes the cake. I think this may be the most gruesome, horrifying torture I can think of. It's the taking of the eyelids and propping them in front of a mirror, in addition to reducing a human being to a torso, that really cranks it to eleven. There's something viscerally terrifying about not being able to close your eyes. (Explains a bit about A Clockwork Orange, too, eh?)
I was somewhat more frustrated by the mystery surrounding this killer (or not) than with the one in the first book, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. The backstory felt, I don't know. Skimpy. Dodgy. Which it was supposed to, but it lacked a little je ne sais quoi. Maybe the first one did, too, but the personal ties and broader narrative structure tying those killings to Dexter made it much easier to overlook. The hazard, I suppose, of a second book following a similar format to the first, but you can't have every killer be related to Dexter. The author stuck the landing but maybe didn't nail all the technical elements along the way. (No sit spin?)
Two things stuck out for me in this book, and my enjoyment of both probably says nothing good about my mental state. :D One, I love that the author really went through with mutilating Doakes, getting him out of Dexter's way, and having Dexter show no remorse and even glee over Doakes' rather grisly demise. It's part of the cleverness of these novels that you (me?) genuinely want Dexter to be free to go torture the child molesters. What make the whole thing marvelously distressing is that in many ways, Doakes is the flip-coin of Dexter, and in many ways, you can't help but sympathize with his impulses, just as much as you sympathize with Dexter. But Dexter does not sympathize, even as he understands, and so he is gleeful at Doakes's fate.
The second is my somewhat bizarre happiness that Cody likes to kill things and Astor likes to watch, so Dexter has kids, in his own special way. I like that Dexter is going to have someone(s) who get him, in a way I don't think he's ever had. It's hard to get that upswell of not-aloneness with Brian for Dexter, because he came out of nowhere, and because in many ways he wants to take away Dexter's agency by trying to force him to kill Deborah when he doesn't really want to (which apparently I have an issue with, but not that of the ice rink murders? okay, maybe I am creepier than I thought!). Cody and Astor aren't demanding anything of Dexter, just understanding. And that makes me feel good for Dexter.
In short, I guess I like how the author can provoke a genuine positive emotional reaction (yay! Dexter has small children to mentor!) even as that positivity is conflicted (he's going to mentor them in the proper way to kill people!)
Oh, vigilante justice taken to its quasi-logical conclusion. I bet Batman confuses the hell out of Dexter.
I was somewhat more frustrated by the mystery surrounding this killer (or not) than with the one in the first book, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. The backstory felt, I don't know. Skimpy. Dodgy. Which it was supposed to, but it lacked a little je ne sais quoi. Maybe the first one did, too, but the personal ties and broader narrative structure tying those killings to Dexter made it much easier to overlook. The hazard, I suppose, of a second book following a similar format to the first, but you can't have every killer be related to Dexter. The author stuck the landing but maybe didn't nail all the technical elements along the way. (No sit spin?)
Two things stuck out for me in this book, and my enjoyment of both probably says nothing good about my mental state. :D One, I love that the author really went through with mutilating Doakes, getting him out of Dexter's way, and having Dexter show no remorse and even glee over Doakes' rather grisly demise. It's part of the cleverness of these novels that you (me?) genuinely want Dexter to be free to go torture the child molesters. What make the whole thing marvelously distressing is that in many ways, Doakes is the flip-coin of Dexter, and in many ways, you can't help but sympathize with his impulses, just as much as you sympathize with Dexter. But Dexter does not sympathize, even as he understands, and so he is gleeful at Doakes's fate.
The second is my somewhat bizarre happiness that Cody likes to kill things and Astor likes to watch, so Dexter has kids, in his own special way. I like that Dexter is going to have someone(s) who get him, in a way I don't think he's ever had. It's hard to get that upswell of not-aloneness with Brian for Dexter, because he came out of nowhere, and because in many ways he wants to take away Dexter's agency by trying to force him to kill Deborah when he doesn't really want to (which apparently I have an issue with, but not that of the ice rink murders? okay, maybe I am creepier than I thought!). Cody and Astor aren't demanding anything of Dexter, just understanding. And that makes me feel good for Dexter.
In short, I guess I like how the author can provoke a genuine positive emotional reaction (yay! Dexter has small children to mentor!) even as that positivity is conflicted (he's going to mentor them in the proper way to kill people!)
Oh, vigilante justice taken to its quasi-logical conclusion. I bet Batman confuses the hell out of Dexter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2018
Dexter is being followed by Sergeant Doakes, preventing him from doing what he does. He tools around. Dexter gets sucked into an investigation with his sister, when she seems to fall for a fed from a super secret agency. It seems they are trying to find a guy known for dirty tricks in the dirty wars in Central America. I kept expecting to see Doc Ford make an appearance.
It's okay, but Dexter really isn't my thing.
It's okay, but Dexter really isn't my thing.
September 1, 2019
A funny book with an interesting premise—the serial killer who knows he can't control his urges, so he limits himself to only killing bad guys (mostly other serial killers).
His foster father recognized Dexter's dark side, so he taught Dexter to fake having emotions and a conscience, and pass as a normal human. He was a cop, so he also taught Dexter how to find the bad guys, AND how to escape detection from other cops. He knew that Dexter would kill, could not stop himself from killing, so he basically raised Dexter to become a weapon for the good guys--even though the good guys mostly don't know it!
Dexter works in the crime scene industry, so he has contacts within law enforcement that help him be aware of bad guys and select who to exterminate. While this is not the first book that uses the Serial Killer Who Only Kills Bad Guys character (Dean Koontz did it for one), this is definitely the funniest hero and the most engaging.
In this book, Dexter's attempts at pretending to be a normal guy work better than he anticipates, and he accidentally gets himself involved in an actual relationship. This particular book in the series involves a serial killer who is nasty even by Dexter's standards, and Dexter has to make choices that may compromise his own ability to remain under the radar.
This book was funny, and our hero is both completely amoral and yet charming. He can fake it well enough to fool most people, although not all!
I recommend this to anyone who likes serial killer books, thrillers, police procedurals, or books where the hero is not a purely good guy!
His foster father recognized Dexter's dark side, so he taught Dexter to fake having emotions and a conscience, and pass as a normal human. He was a cop, so he also taught Dexter how to find the bad guys, AND how to escape detection from other cops. He knew that Dexter would kill, could not stop himself from killing, so he basically raised Dexter to become a weapon for the good guys--even though the good guys mostly don't know it!
Dexter works in the crime scene industry, so he has contacts within law enforcement that help him be aware of bad guys and select who to exterminate. While this is not the first book that uses the Serial Killer Who Only Kills Bad Guys character (Dean Koontz did it for one), this is definitely the funniest hero and the most engaging.
In this book, Dexter's attempts at pretending to be a normal guy work better than he anticipates, and he accidentally gets himself involved in an actual relationship. This particular book in the series involves a serial killer who is nasty even by Dexter's standards, and Dexter has to make choices that may compromise his own ability to remain under the radar.
This book was funny, and our hero is both completely amoral and yet charming. He can fake it well enough to fool most people, although not all!
I recommend this to anyone who likes serial killer books, thrillers, police procedurals, or books where the hero is not a purely good guy!
June 21, 2015
"Freedom is such a fragile, fleeting thing, isn't it?"
I think I have enjoyed more this one than the first one.
Dexter is great. I love how he thinks; he is so funny!
With this second book of the series, we can discover a little bit more about his life.
The plot is really hard and disgusting but really well written.
I like very much how the writer mix Dexter's life and "hobby" with homicides and investigations.
But... after finishing the book a question remains in my head:
I think I will read the third part soon! :D
"You're driving me normal!"
"- That's bullshit
-It doesn't matter what kind of shit it is". I love this answer.
"Homicidus interruptus"
"Ah, memory. Isn't it a lovely thing? Even when we are in the middle of the worst of times, we have our memories to cheer us."
I think I have enjoyed more this one than the first one.
Dexter is great. I love how he thinks; he is so funny!
With this second book of the series, we can discover a little bit more about his life.
The plot is really hard and disgusting but really well written.
I like very much how the writer mix Dexter's life and "hobby" with homicides and investigations.
But... after finishing the book a question remains in my head:
I think I will read the third part soon! :D
"You're driving me normal!"
"- That's bullshit
-It doesn't matter what kind of shit it is". I love this answer.
"Homicidus interruptus"
"Ah, memory. Isn't it a lovely thing? Even when we are in the middle of the worst of times, we have our memories to cheer us."
December 14, 2010
In my opinion, this book was much better than the first novel. Although a lot of my opinion is based on the fact that I knew the entire plot of the first book before I even read one page.
The writing in this book is clever, intelligent, and funny. I know this doesn't seem like things which go with a book series about a serial killer. But, this novel was at times hilarious. Besides the comedic relief the author provides with this novel, there are parts in the book which are entirely bone-chilling and mentally enthralling. This was a fast-paced crime novel which didn't slow until the very last page. Jeff Lindsay is a true artist in the crime novel genre and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
The writing in this book is clever, intelligent, and funny. I know this doesn't seem like things which go with a book series about a serial killer. But, this novel was at times hilarious. Besides the comedic relief the author provides with this novel, there are parts in the book which are entirely bone-chilling and mentally enthralling. This was a fast-paced crime novel which didn't slow until the very last page. Jeff Lindsay is a true artist in the crime novel genre and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
January 1, 2019
Adoro Dexter. Peccato che la mia Mondadori li prenda con il contagocce. Forse dovrei fare un salto alla Feltrinelli in centro per il prossimo anche se non avrei lo sconto. 😆
Mi piace questo libro perchè è dal punto di vista del sociopatico. Dexter appunto. E poi mi immagino il passegero oscuro tipo come l'ombra dei criminali di Meitantei Conan.
Mi piace questo libro perchè è dal punto di vista del sociopatico. Dexter appunto. E poi mi immagino il passegero oscuro tipo come l'ombra dei criminali di Meitantei Conan.
January 25, 2012
So it seems that Dear Dark Dexter has become poorly written, zero character development Dexter. Even worse, he is surrounded by static characters, cops who are strangely uninterested in doing police work, and people who actually form a conga line at at bachelor party. Really, who does that???
I think that in the hands of a better writer this story could be so much better. (After all, the show is filled with an amazing cast of characters.) Unfortunately, in the books author Jeff Lindsay focuses on portraying Dexter as an emotionless and cold blooded predator. As is the case with Darkly Dreaming Dexter, this is written in the first person. The reader follows Dexter's inner monologue and occasionally gets to see him acting either stoic or witty in horrific situations. This technique would work if the supporting cast was written a little better. But the rest of the characters are written to have even less personality than emotionally and psychologically fucked up Dexter. And this hurts the novel a great deal.
Considering how detached Dexter is from the world around him, and how little emotion he displays towards the people in his life, this story would have worked so much better as a short, or a novella. Even though I love reading Dexter's inner-monologue, it gets to be a bit boring after awhile. This is a book I only recommend to hard core fans of the show. (And even then I recommend it cautiously.) As a lover of books, it makes me beyond sad to find myself preferring a television show to the books the show is based on. But based on the writing here, I can't help but wonder how many of these books would have been published if the show had never been made?
I think that in the hands of a better writer this story could be so much better. (After all, the show is filled with an amazing cast of characters.) Unfortunately, in the books author Jeff Lindsay focuses on portraying Dexter as an emotionless and cold blooded predator. As is the case with Darkly Dreaming Dexter, this is written in the first person. The reader follows Dexter's inner monologue and occasionally gets to see him acting either stoic or witty in horrific situations. This technique would work if the supporting cast was written a little better. But the rest of the characters are written to have even less personality than emotionally and psychologically fucked up Dexter. And this hurts the novel a great deal.
Considering how detached Dexter is from the world around him, and how little emotion he displays towards the people in his life, this story would have worked so much better as a short, or a novella. Even though I love reading Dexter's inner-monologue, it gets to be a bit boring after awhile. This is a book I only recommend to hard core fans of the show. (And even then I recommend it cautiously.) As a lover of books, it makes me beyond sad to find myself preferring a television show to the books the show is based on. But based on the writing here, I can't help but wonder how many of these books would have been published if the show had never been made?
July 12, 2014
Too be honest I did read this book due to the very good tv-show by the name of Dexter. And while reading the book that is the face I saw when it comes to Dexter, as were all the faces of the characters mentioned in the book like Deborah, sarge Doakes and the gorgeous Rita. Where the book failed for me is that somehow the tv series managed to have a better storylines and the characters are better shown. Which must be frustrating for its writer.
In this 2nd story Dexter cannot go about enjoying his dark passenger as one sarge Doakes is following him all the time convinced that Dexter is a awefull man. WHich brings Dexter to Rita and the kids a lot showing his innocence and the same time giving her the idea that she is more than special.
A killer enters the area and his methods alarm the higher authorities and the case gets taken away and everybody is told t forget what they have seen or heard. Deb, dexters sister, gets to be the liaison with special agent Lyle and loses her head and heat to this policeman.
When while chasing this sadistic killer, somehow part of Doakes shady life before entering the policeservice, Kyle gets taken and Deb relies on her smart brother to return him to her.
The book lacks the strength and charm to tv show does have and is for me a bit of a putdown. And somehow the tv writers have managed to improve on Lindseys Dexter character in way the writer seems to have not. Sadly I prefer the tv product easily over this book, and that basis I probably will not read another one as I found the experience frustrating and disappointing,
In this 2nd story Dexter cannot go about enjoying his dark passenger as one sarge Doakes is following him all the time convinced that Dexter is a awefull man. WHich brings Dexter to Rita and the kids a lot showing his innocence and the same time giving her the idea that she is more than special.
A killer enters the area and his methods alarm the higher authorities and the case gets taken away and everybody is told t forget what they have seen or heard. Deb, dexters sister, gets to be the liaison with special agent Lyle and loses her head and heat to this policeman.
When while chasing this sadistic killer, somehow part of Doakes shady life before entering the policeservice, Kyle gets taken and Deb relies on her smart brother to return him to her.
The book lacks the strength and charm to tv show does have and is for me a bit of a putdown. And somehow the tv writers have managed to improve on Lindseys Dexter character in way the writer seems to have not. Sadly I prefer the tv product easily over this book, and that basis I probably will not read another one as I found the experience frustrating and disappointing,
November 1, 2019
Dexter, quite possibly one of fictions most charming serial killers, is back in book 2 dodging punches from Deb, spouting off quips and doing a little righteous slaying. This time he’s hunting down a pedophile to calm his “dark passenger” but he‘s having a hard time finding some “me” time because of the unavoidable humans in his life.
Dexter is being shadowed by Sergeant Doakes who suspects he is up to no good in his free time (and he is or would be if people would leave him alone). This forces Dexter to pretend to be a boring human and spend most nights with his faux girlfriend Rita and her two kids watching tv. As if all that weren’t bad enough, his sister Detective Deb insists she needs his assistance on a case and drags him along with her to do some sleuthing. When he sees the first limbless, lipless, tongue-less (well, you get the picture) but still breathing victim he is intrigued by the man’s work and cheers up a bit, hoping to find the man and learn his secrets. Mayhem, murder and an unexpected change in his “romance” with Rita follow.
I found it all quite entertaining in a darkly sarcastic and humorous way but I’m not a hardcore murder mystery/police procedural fan and this is more of a quirky character study. If it’s hardboiled crime and air-tight plots you’re looking for you will probably find a lot of holes in this story because it relies on a lot of improbable situations, most of it slightly humorous. There is also no overly described violence or gore here and the situations Dexter finds himself in can border on the ridiculous but it always amused me. The author has a knack for funny descriptions, like this one, that just work for me.
But the writing is not without its annoying quirks. Listening to Dexter refer to himself as “Dear Departed Dexter”, “Dour Dutiful Dexter, “Dutifully Dashing Dexter”. “Dimpled Dexter” and “Dexter the Sofa Spud” gets old quickly on audio. Dexter in the third person was often too cutesy for his own good and started to sound really corny as the book went along.
As with Darkly Dreaming Dexter, I again listened to the audio version read by author Jeff Lindsay. If you’ve read my review for that audiobook all of the same narration complaints hold true here. Once again, Deb is portrayed as a woman who never simply speaks but barks out every word with impatience and unpleasantness. She alternates between being a grouchy, demanding bitch and a hysterical mess. Jeff Lindsay does a very good job voicing Dexter though. His voice is calm, funny and a little geeky so I guess I can deal with the obnoxious Deb even if the performance makes me cringe!
Dexter is being shadowed by Sergeant Doakes who suspects he is up to no good in his free time (and he is or would be if people would leave him alone). This forces Dexter to pretend to be a boring human and spend most nights with his faux girlfriend Rita and her two kids watching tv. As if all that weren’t bad enough, his sister Detective Deb insists she needs his assistance on a case and drags him along with her to do some sleuthing. When he sees the first limbless, lipless, tongue-less (well, you get the picture) but still breathing victim he is intrigued by the man’s work and cheers up a bit, hoping to find the man and learn his secrets. Mayhem, murder and an unexpected change in his “romance” with Rita follow.
I found it all quite entertaining in a darkly sarcastic and humorous way but I’m not a hardcore murder mystery/police procedural fan and this is more of a quirky character study. If it’s hardboiled crime and air-tight plots you’re looking for you will probably find a lot of holes in this story because it relies on a lot of improbable situations, most of it slightly humorous. There is also no overly described violence or gore here and the situations Dexter finds himself in can border on the ridiculous but it always amused me. The author has a knack for funny descriptions, like this one, that just work for me.
“He stood there for a moment, gaping around, his receding reddish hair looking like it had gone through a storm and his pale belly hanging slightly over the waist of his dingy pajama bottoms. He did not look terribly dangerous to me, but of course I was not a five-year-old boy. After a moment, in which he stood with his mouth open, and scratched himself, and looked like he was a modeling for a statue of the greek God of Stupidity. . .”
But the writing is not without its annoying quirks. Listening to Dexter refer to himself as “Dear Departed Dexter”, “Dour Dutiful Dexter, “Dutifully Dashing Dexter”. “Dimpled Dexter” and “Dexter the Sofa Spud” gets old quickly on audio. Dexter in the third person was often too cutesy for his own good and started to sound really corny as the book went along.
As with Darkly Dreaming Dexter, I again listened to the audio version read by author Jeff Lindsay. If you’ve read my review for that audiobook all of the same narration complaints hold true here. Once again, Deb is portrayed as a woman who never simply speaks but barks out every word with impatience and unpleasantness. She alternates between being a grouchy, demanding bitch and a hysterical mess. Jeff Lindsay does a very good job voicing Dexter though. His voice is calm, funny and a little geeky so I guess I can deal with the obnoxious Deb even if the performance makes me cringe!
August 11, 2021
Well, the poor thing was obviously drunk, but even so,Cute? Me? I suppose too much alcohol can blur the sight, but come on.what could possibly be cute about someone who would rather cut you open than shake your hand?
yeah ok so i finally bought book two and i had to settle with this ugly ass cover because i don't buy books from the internet *i'm suffering*.believe it or not, there is a reason it took me like 6years to buy it.the universe just doesn't want me to read this series...let's see how long it will take me to get Dexter in the Dark
back to the review.i loved it.i know shocker.the violence was great and i love Dexter as a character.btw i love Rita and i missed her.what an onlivious queen.bitch went from dating a drunk and abusive asshole to dating an emotionless serial killer.she needs to stay single
...
side note,i'm so tempted to go and buy Dexter is Dead.i just need to good series finale because i STILL refuse to aknowledge the series finale
yeah ok so i finally bought book two and i had to settle with this ugly ass cover because i don't buy books from the internet *i'm suffering*.believe it or not, there is a reason it took me like 6years to buy it.the universe just doesn't want me to read this series...let's see how long it will take me to get Dexter in the Dark
back to the review.i loved it.i know shocker.the violence was great and i love Dexter as a character.btw i love Rita and i missed her.what an onlivious queen.bitch went from dating a drunk and abusive asshole to dating an emotionless serial killer.she needs to stay single
...
side note,i'm so tempted to go and buy Dexter is Dead.i just need to good series finale because i STILL refuse to aknowledge the series finale
August 18, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Thriller/Police Procedural
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: twisted people
Trigger Warnings: murder, torture, vivisection
My Thoughts: This book opens with a scene that plays on our expectations of Dexter... and then turns them on their ear. I just love that! This book is filled with scenes like that, scenes that turn our expectations against us and make us look at things from a slightly different perspective.
Watching Dexter's complete confusion over how to deal with Rita is always hilarious. However, I always wondered why no one ever mentioned that the ring was actually Kyle's and that Dexter would need to somehow retrieve it for him. That wasn't the only comment in the book that didn't really make sense. There is a scene toward the end where Dexter thinks to himself about the three remaining potential victims being unaware, and includes Acosta among them, although Acosta not only was aware but had fled. I was a bit surprised something like that would make it through the final editing process. However, these are very minor things, and with all the busyness, I'm sure a lot of people would not even noticed these minor, questionable situations.
I remember back when I first read this book I was so excited to see where the series was going with the children. I still find this a really interesting idea, and was disappointed when the TV series did not include this. I suppose involving the children was just too much and not nearly “sexy” enough, but to me I much prefer the direction the story is going in the books over what I saw in the first four seasons of the TV show.
If you have a really dark and twisted sense of humor, and like reading about rather dark and twisted vigilantes, then you definitely need to spend some time with Dexter Morgan.
Series Information: Dexter Morgan series
Book 1: Darkly Dreaming Dexter, review linked here
Book 2: Dearly Devoted Dexter
Book 3: Dexter in the Dark
Book 4: Dexter by Design
Book 5: Dexter is Delicious
Book 6: Double Dexter
Book 7: Dexter's Final Cut
Disclosure: I purchased this book for myself. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Dexter Morgan has been under considerable pressure. It's just not easy being an ethical serial killer—especially while trying to avoid the unshakable suspicions of the dangerous Sergeant Doakes (who believes Dexter is a homicidal maniac... which, of course, he is). In an attempt to throw Doakes off his trail, Dexter has had to slip deep into his foolproof disguise. While not working as a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Police Department, he now spends nearly all his time with his cheerful girlfriend, Rita, and her two children, sipping light beer and slowly becoming the world's first serial couch potato. But how long can Dexter play Kick the Can instead of Slice the Slasher? How long before his Dark Passenger forces him to drop the charade and let his inner monster run free?
In trying times, opportunity knocks. A particularly nasty psychopath is cutting a trail through Miami—a man whose twisted technique leaves even Dexter speechless. As Dexter's dark appetite is revived, his sister, Deborah (a newly minted, tough-as-nails Miami detective), is drawn headlong into the case. It quickly becomes clear that it will take a monster to catch a monster—but it isn't until his archnemesis is abducted that Dex can finally throw himself into the search for a new plaything. Unless, of course, his plaything finds him first...
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: twisted people
Trigger Warnings: murder, torture, vivisection
My Thoughts: This book opens with a scene that plays on our expectations of Dexter... and then turns them on their ear. I just love that! This book is filled with scenes like that, scenes that turn our expectations against us and make us look at things from a slightly different perspective.
Watching Dexter's complete confusion over how to deal with Rita is always hilarious. However, I always wondered why no one ever mentioned that the ring was actually Kyle's and that Dexter would need to somehow retrieve it for him. That wasn't the only comment in the book that didn't really make sense. There is a scene toward the end where Dexter thinks to himself about the three remaining potential victims being unaware, and includes Acosta among them, although Acosta not only was aware but had fled. I was a bit surprised something like that would make it through the final editing process. However, these are very minor things, and with all the busyness, I'm sure a lot of people would not even noticed these minor, questionable situations.
I remember back when I first read this book I was so excited to see where the series was going with the children. I still find this a really interesting idea, and was disappointed when the TV series did not include this. I suppose involving the children was just too much and not nearly “sexy” enough, but to me I much prefer the direction the story is going in the books over what I saw in the first four seasons of the TV show.
If you have a really dark and twisted sense of humor, and like reading about rather dark and twisted vigilantes, then you definitely need to spend some time with Dexter Morgan.
Series Information: Dexter Morgan series
Book 1: Darkly Dreaming Dexter, review linked here
Book 2: Dearly Devoted Dexter
Book 3: Dexter in the Dark
Book 4: Dexter by Design
Book 5: Dexter is Delicious
Book 6: Double Dexter
Book 7: Dexter's Final Cut
Disclosure: I purchased this book for myself. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Dexter Morgan has been under considerable pressure. It's just not easy being an ethical serial killer—especially while trying to avoid the unshakable suspicions of the dangerous Sergeant Doakes (who believes Dexter is a homicidal maniac... which, of course, he is). In an attempt to throw Doakes off his trail, Dexter has had to slip deep into his foolproof disguise. While not working as a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Police Department, he now spends nearly all his time with his cheerful girlfriend, Rita, and her two children, sipping light beer and slowly becoming the world's first serial couch potato. But how long can Dexter play Kick the Can instead of Slice the Slasher? How long before his Dark Passenger forces him to drop the charade and let his inner monster run free?
In trying times, opportunity knocks. A particularly nasty psychopath is cutting a trail through Miami—a man whose twisted technique leaves even Dexter speechless. As Dexter's dark appetite is revived, his sister, Deborah (a newly minted, tough-as-nails Miami detective), is drawn headlong into the case. It quickly becomes clear that it will take a monster to catch a monster—but it isn't until his archnemesis is abducted that Dex can finally throw himself into the search for a new plaything. Unless, of course, his plaything finds him first...
July 16, 2023
I think I just found a new level of appreciation for Anti heroes. For a man who doesn't understand or feel human emotions, Dexter is sure bombarded by a barrel of mixed emotions from all sides and its leaving him a little bewildered. Still, he has his day time and night time jobs to keep him centred. This story is full of action, gore and madness. I found myself immersed in the mystery, grinning at Dexter's hilarious predicaments and laughing out loud at moments full of irony, corny puns and morbid sense of humour. Lindsay has a talent for finding dark humour in disturbing events. And I for one am grateful for it.
October 2, 2017
Meh. I just keep reading. But the narration gets less and less novel. And the plot is expected. Most of the story is filled with YA thrillers.
December 6, 2013
I was a dearly devoted fan of the Showtime series from day one. This is the first (and the last) of the Dexter books I will be reading.
Oh my dear Dexter, I like you way better on my TV screen than in this novel. Deviant as you are, Dexter, nothing ever happened in the delicious series that repulsed and disgusted me like this book did. And poor Deborah, how can you stand being called “Debs” by your brother, not to mention putting up with his constant, peculiar sense of humor, which really strained my patience and was not that funny?
Besides being repugnant, the plot was just silly. Many times along the way, I was saying What? (spoilers follow) Rita is wearing a man’s ring for her engagement ring, and it actually fits her? Not to mention she actually likes it? And what will happen when certain other people see it and recognize where it came from, which is sure to happen some day? Chutsky is severely “injured” by the psychopath, yet Dexter never thinks of calling for medical aid or for that matter for back up, and simply drops him off at the curb of his hotel before going home to his own bed as if it’s just another night. What? What? The Dexter I know just wouldn’t be so illogical and irrational.
Oh my dear Dexter, I like you way better on my TV screen than in this novel. Deviant as you are, Dexter, nothing ever happened in the delicious series that repulsed and disgusted me like this book did. And poor Deborah, how can you stand being called “Debs” by your brother, not to mention putting up with his constant, peculiar sense of humor, which really strained my patience and was not that funny?
Besides being repugnant, the plot was just silly. Many times along the way, I was saying What? (spoilers follow) Rita is wearing a man’s ring for her engagement ring, and it actually fits her? Not to mention she actually likes it? And what will happen when certain other people see it and recognize where it came from, which is sure to happen some day? Chutsky is severely “injured” by the psychopath, yet Dexter never thinks of calling for medical aid or for that matter for back up, and simply drops him off at the curb of his hotel before going home to his own bed as if it’s just another night. What? What? The Dexter I know just wouldn’t be so illogical and irrational.
August 30, 2019
Rating:
4 creepy stars
Trigger:
This is Dexter, all bets are off.
Short review:
This is Miami and our poor Dexter is going through some serious drama. He can't hunt since Doakes is on his tail and someone is selecting people and turning into 'yodeling potato'. This crazy person is playing hangman in very twisted way, I was disappointed this monster's death was so easy. oh Dr Danco...
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Yes
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
I still am confused how Dexter is engaged! that makes 3 of us, you, me and Dexter...
4 creepy stars
Trigger:
This is Dexter, all bets are off.
Short review:
This is Miami and our poor Dexter is going through some serious drama. He can't hunt since Doakes is on his tail and someone is selecting people and turning into 'yodeling potato'. This crazy person is playing hangman in very twisted way, I was disappointed this monster's death was so easy. oh Dr Danco...
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Yes
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
I still am confused how Dexter is engaged! that makes 3 of us, you, me and Dexter...
August 23, 2020
woah. it took me longer than normal to read this book so i don’t remember all of the beginning of the book, just some of it and the last half.
i enjoyed this book in the way i enjoyed watching the show, despite the two being VERY different. dexter’s inner monologue was fun to read as always. his dry humor and narration was very entertaining at times. i didn’t like this book as much as i liked the first one, but it was still really good.
dexter is such an interesting character and i feel like the books perfectly exemplify that. and this book was just a great read. i was constantly wondering what was happening and what was going to happen next and i loved that.
3.5 stars
i enjoyed this book in the way i enjoyed watching the show, despite the two being VERY different. dexter’s inner monologue was fun to read as always. his dry humor and narration was very entertaining at times. i didn’t like this book as much as i liked the first one, but it was still really good.
dexter is such an interesting character and i feel like the books perfectly exemplify that. and this book was just a great read. i was constantly wondering what was happening and what was going to happen next and i loved that.
3.5 stars
February 13, 2018
The book was another amazing edition of everyone's favorite serial killer. Full of twists, humor and a broad underlying storyline with so many possibilities.
Normally, I love hearing the author read their own work as they simply have the attachment to the characters and story like no one else. However, Jeff Lindsay did not do justice to the dialogue of the varied characters. I guess I can't expect to be wowed by every author's speaking voice, but having had such great experiences with several others, I was a bit let down in this instance.
Normally, I love hearing the author read their own work as they simply have the attachment to the characters and story like no one else. However, Jeff Lindsay did not do justice to the dialogue of the varied characters. I guess I can't expect to be wowed by every author's speaking voice, but having had such great experiences with several others, I was a bit let down in this instance.
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