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lmkensmoe's review against another edition
5.0
Picked up this book awhile ago but finally had time to read it. The book drew me in right away. I felt for the characters and noticed I read faster during dramatic parts wanting to find out what happens sooner. I haven't read a book by Ted Dekker I haven't enjoyed thoroughly. One of my favorite shows is criminal minds and this was very similar but in a book.
catrev's review against another edition
4.0
The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker is another terrifying novel from the king of Christian horror. Brad Raines is tracking a serial killer who has come to be known as the Bride Collector for his posing of the victims. When the FBI runs out of leads, a letter the killer leaves behind takes Brad to a mental institution where he finds that some of the residents may have insight into the mind of the psychopathic murderer. One of the residents, Paradise, is rumored to see ghosts and be able to see the last moments of the dead, but when Brad pulls her into the case, they both find that the case has suddenly become frightening personal. Dekker, who is the Stephen King of Christian fiction, creates a surprisingly intelligent twist on the typical serial killer pursued by the FBI novel. Paradise, and the rest of the patients, are treated with enormous compassion, and the reader will find their eyes and hearts opened to their need to be loved right alongside Brad. Often when an author reveals the murderer to the reader early on, the story loses some suspense, but Dekker keeps the tension ratcheted skintight as the killer continues to evade and outwit the police. His ability to so convincingly climb inside the head of the criminally insane gives the story an unsettling believability. The climax is completely unexpected and shattering. I do hope that Dekker isn't finished with Paradise, Roudy, Andrea, and Cass, they make a fascinating set of crimefighters.
pjmurphy3's review
5.0
I really enjoyed reading this book. There is so many great twists and turns that kept you on your feet and wanting to read and the buildup of the characters and how their interactions are shaped by their psychosis where was really an interesting view upon the world. I felt that not only were the marrying characters well written and well-rounded but the villainous character also had a nice well-rounded quality to it them. I think that's what made this book more enjoyable was that seeing the killers point of view and how their mind was warped gave it a unique flare. On top of that you had the great sense of mystery and suspense with certain events that happened and not knowing how the next chapter was going to be effective. I'd recommend this book to anyone that likes murder mysteries and gets into the psychological effects of the colors and those that hunt them.
coralcrab77's review
3.0
This was a typical Dekker book. It had a white, male serial killer that was OCD and strived for perfection in the women he killed. it ended with a cliche and EXTREMELY cheesy ending. I think Dekker could've done better in that department. and to be honest, Roudy was my favorite character, albeit not a big part. this was not my favorite book and by far, more of a chore than a willingness to read. I recommend others to read Dekker's earlier novels. now he has become so commercialized that he just writes and writes. lately it's more about quantity than quality.
fletches's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting, but mostly for the musing on psychosis. Not the most thrilling crime I've ever read and all my favourite characters were insane, which was probably my favourite part about it! I liked the details of the villain, and I liked the quartet from the mental institution. To be honest, all of the characters from the FBI felt quite one dimensional to me, and the too-good-looking-to-be-true partners in crime solving? Blah, done to death. It was an ok book, but only if you're looking for a fairly light or somewhat preachy crime thriller. If you want nitty gritty realism, go elsewhere.
quinnster's review against another edition
1.0
Not having good luck with books lately. This was labeled as horror by my library, which it's not. It's more like religious tedium. So much crazy god talk! Had a hard time getting into it, then a hard time caring about the characters and finally a hard time making it through to the end. I should have shelved it and moved on.
linmeih's review against another edition
5.0
Ted Dekker has a way of twisting the story. I would have never thought that the serial killer was that kind of men (or if you would ever call that a man), his character was fascinating. The scenes that got my skin crawling was how he left the bodies to be found. I can say that this book was an excitement to read; nevertheless, I would be reading more of his books!!!
jessibutler's review against another edition
5.0
Another great thriller by Ted Dekker! I love how all of his books keep me guessing until the end. Right when I think the book is over he throws another kink in the chain!