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theycallmeriss's review
- 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
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Death, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse
singlasumit's review
- 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
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.
Onwards to the next one!
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Child abuse
girlandherdoggos's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
Moderate: Murder, Violence, and Torture
clairebonney's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Suicide, Torture, Animal death, and Gore
Mention of killing a cat in Ch. 11 and mention of killing puppies in Ch. 45katyannreads's review
4.5
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Animal cruelty, Gun violence, Cancer, Torture, Death, Murder, Violence, Mental illness, and Medical content
This book was a rollercoaster! Lots of twists and turns. I really liked how it showed journal entries from the serial killer himself, POV from a victim, and also the police investigation. The only reason I didn’t give this 5 stars is because the beginning was a little slow, and I found some of the characters annoying. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.lomahongva's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Torture, Murder, Violence, and Animal cruelty
denisesbookstory's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Blood, Confinement, Body horror, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Torture, and Death of parent
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Cancer, and Emotional abuse
danaslitlist's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Murder, Suicide, Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Gore, Sexism, Torture, and Gun violence
Moderate: Abandonment, Grief, Cancer, Blood, and Alcohol
Minor: Animal cruelty and Animal death
soobooksalot's review
- 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
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Blood, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Gun violence, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, and Murder
hazelgirl21's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Torture
Moderate: Grief, Homophobia, Animal cruelty, Gun violence, and Animal death