151 reviews for:

Killer Instinct

S.E. Green

3.42 AVERAGE


I didn't see the twist coming.

I really wanted to like this more than I did. It was too like Dexter but with a disappointing ending. But if there's a second installment I'll read it.

If the ending of the book, would of been supported by the plot the rating would be higher. We are told the story through Lane's perspective and she is too one sided to be likeable. The references to her sister poor choices with sex was not necessary nor the scene in the library between Lane and Zach. The badly alluded reference to other suspects fell flat. now the ending was pure shock effect and came too late to save a lackluster book.
dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I bought this as a freshly-no-longer-a-teenager with a true crime phase. It sat on my shelf for nearly 10 years. I finally picked it up.

This was sorta fun in a little campy and objectifying way and stereotyped everyone and everything. Until the final chapter. That did it for me, and I nearly threw this book across the room!

I read this in a day, but at what cost to my sanity?

3.5 stars
It gets downgraded for unnecessary language and sexual content. It was a good, quick read with a surprise ending. I was glad it wasn't a few of the red herrings because that would have been predictable in some cases.

Wow! What a twist ending!

me6hara's review

3.0

It's the story of a teenager who something is wrong with her. She doesn't have normal emotions like the people around her and she's interested in studying murderers. And she takes it upon herself to take them out whenever she can.
I read this book in a week or so and enjoyed every page. And I would like to say that I knew from page one who the serial killer was. I kind of want to show off too because my instincts are still on point.


My full review...
https://bookishisland.blogspot.com/2018/02/killer-instinct-by-se-green-book-review.html

Lane is obsessed with serial killers. She's studies them and learns their methods to find what makes them all tick. She knows there isn't quite something right with her. She doesn't feel emotions like her family and doesn't make an effort to pretend that she does. Both her parents (well, mother and step-dad, but he's been around since she was three as her birth father died before she was born), work for the FBI. This connection comes in handy when The Decapitator comes to the DC area. Lane becomes even more fascinated, especially once The Decapitator starts to contact her.

I was intrigued to find out who The Decapitator was and why the killer was contacting Lane, so the intrigue was there. I find these areas of the novel to be more interesting than when Lane goes after the people who get away with their crimes: a rapist, an animal abuser, etc. Yes, noble gestures and I appreciate the fact that she is annoyed by her nickname The Masked Savior, but I want more focus on the main baddie. These little mini-bad guys she decides to deal with, while the big bad is on the prowl, take away from the big mystery. It's more like their purpose is to fill empty space within the plot and show her abilities.

I definitely could have really really done without the slut-shaming of her sister, Daisy. For instance, Lane walks into her sister's room as she is giving her boyfriend a blowjob. Her sister notices her but doesn't stop and the next day informs Lane that he reciprocated. Why? Why is the necessary to the plot?

That's not to say everything about this novel is bad. I did enjoy it. S.E. creates a compelling mystery and an interesting character out of Lane. I would like to have a more in-depth look into Lane's character and more of her friendship with Reggie. She really only calls Reggie when she needs her to some investigating and breaking into FBI computer files.

Regarding the ending (Oh my gosh - the ending!), I have to admit that I am amazed. I don't normally use gifs in my reviews, but when the twist came . . .

The ending is above and beyond my favorite part. S.E. really took readers on a ride in that aspect. While I still have some questions, I found the ending to be extremely well done. (Dexter spoiler:
SpoilerNo lumberjacks here!
) I'm usually pretty iffy on epilogues, more often than not I don't find them necessary, but I like how this epilogue was approached. I wish I could tell you more, but being about the epilogue, it would be pretty spoliery.

Killer Instinct is not a bad book. I was interested throughout the novel and didn't feel as if it were a chore to read. I do think it could use another round of editing and some polishing, but I would recommend it, especially if you find yourself to be a fan of psychological thrillers with a healthy mix of mystery.

the reason why i found this book so intriguing is because it's not your typical 'oh there's a murderer on the loose. i'm scared. what should i do??'. this book runs on a different vibe. I LOVED the fact that the main character was also struggling on her own dark instincts. It reminded me A LOT of the TV show 'Dexter' and the plot twist at the end really reminded me of the twist that was also in the book 'The Naturals' (which is also a fantastic read). I found it fascinating how someone with a similar mindset would perceive someone with an even more disturbing mindset; what drives them to do the things they do, why do they do it, how they do it. It's all very interesting. I also loved how the author made sure to portray the main character as odd but still is capable of feeling affection and love.