Reviews tagging 'Murder'

The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker

23 reviews

theycallmeriss's review

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

singlasumit's review

Go to review page

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.

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!






Expand filter menu Content Warnings

girlandherdoggos's review

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

clairebonney's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark

4.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

katyannreads's review

Go to review page

dark mysterious

4.5


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

lomahongva's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

denisesbookstory's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

danaslitlist's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Edit on Jan. 27th 2024: JD Barker sent emails out to young female readers and reviews to solicit sexually provocative ads for his books. Absolutely appalling and unprofessional. I do not recommend supporting him or reading his books.



Expand filter menu Content Warnings

soobooksalot's review

Go to review page

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

hazelgirl21's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings