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loudonuts's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
there was a bit of what i call “marvel movie-esque” banter from the main cast that i could’ve gone without (as well as some dirty old man jokes that made me roll my eyes) but still an engaging, gruesome read. i’m looking forward to the next two books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Child abuse, Murder, Violence, Physical abuse, Gore, Emotional abuse, Sexual harassment, Alcoholism, Torture, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Misogyny, Medical trauma, Car accident, Gaslighting, Animal cruelty, Infidelity, and Gun violence
rorlav22's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Gun violence, Child abuse, and Violence
singlasumit's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
JD Barker's "The Fourth Monkey" is a terrifying peek into the mind of a serial killer. We've all probably heard of the Ted Bundys and the Jeffrey Dahmers. But what makes a serial killer tick? That's the question at the heart of this explosively fast-paced novel.
The Fourth Monkey Killer (aka 4MK) is a serial killer with a philosophy revolving around Gandhi's three monkeys, 'hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" adage. As if it weren't enough for a serial killer to be drawn to nonviolent man's philosophy, there's an additional chilling twist - 'do no evil'.
From the outset, Barker draws readers in with a multi-layered narrative, seamlessly shifting between the perspectives of detectives chasing down leads and the memories of the killer, written in the form of a diary. As 4MK steps out in front of a bus and gets killed, his diary provides a dark insight into how his mind ticks and the detectives of Chicago Metro struggle to unravel the gory details.
How is a depraved killer dictating terms from even beyond the grave? There are macabre descriptions of murder and torture, so if you get that unsettling feeling in your stomach while reading about some of these aspects, stay away. The violence is almost aesthetic - not in a Dexter sort of a way, but darker and less gratuitous.
The author manages to create an atmosphere of constant dread, leading to the 'just one more page' aspect till you finally succumb to sleep at half-past midnight. The story moves at a breakneck speed, with each chapter offering a new twist or revelation that keeps you turning pages late into the night. Just when you think you have a grasp on the narrative, Barker throws in a curveball that leaves you reeling.
None of the situations seem contrived though, and the result is a deeply entertaining, if disturbing book.
The Fourth Monkey Killer (aka 4MK) is a serial killer with a philosophy revolving around Gandhi's three monkeys, 'hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" adage. As if it weren't enough for a serial killer to be drawn to nonviolent man's philosophy, there's an additional chilling twist - 'do no evil'.
From the outset, Barker draws readers in with a multi-layered narrative, seamlessly shifting between the perspectives of detectives chasing down leads and the memories of the killer, written in the form of a diary. As 4MK steps out in front of a bus and gets killed, his diary provides a dark insight into how his mind ticks and the detectives of Chicago Metro struggle to unravel the gory details.
How is a depraved killer dictating terms from even beyond the grave? There are macabre descriptions of murder and torture, so if you get that unsettling feeling in your stomach while reading about some of these aspects, stay away. The violence is almost aesthetic - not in a Dexter sort of a way, but darker and less gratuitous.
The author manages to create an atmosphere of constant dread, leading to the 'just one more page' aspect till you finally succumb to sleep at half-past midnight. The story moves at a breakneck speed, with each chapter offering a new twist or revelation that keeps you turning pages late into the night. Just when you think you have a grasp on the narrative, Barker throws in a curveball that leaves you reeling.
None of the situations seem contrived though, and the result is a deeply entertaining, if disturbing book.
One of the standout elements of "The Fourth Monkey" is its characterization. Each character, be it the main detectives, the killer, or the various supporting roles, is meticulously fleshed out (er, no pun intended). Barker's portrayal of the killer, in particular, is hauntingly realistic, giving readers a chilling window into the psyche of someone with darkness in their heart.
Overall, "The Fourth Monkey" is a tour-de-force of thriller writing. JD Barker has crafted a tale that is as disturbing as it is captivating. And I'm grateful for the recommendation to read the book from my indie bookstore owner friend.
Onwards to the next one!
Onwards to the next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Child abuse
uggy90's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Torture, Physical abuse, Murder, and Misogyny
Moderate: Misogyny, Incest, Gore, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Sexual content, and Child abuse
haleymcmahon's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, and Physical abuse
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