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jkellyjr 's review for:

Bad Men by Julie Mae Cohen
3.0

"Bad Men" by Julie Mae Cohen presents a unique twist on the serial killer genre, featuring a morally complex female protagonist who follows her own code of ethics in choosing her victims—sort of like a female Dexter. The story is fast-paced and offers a fun, wild ride.

The book alternates between the perspectives of the two main characters, adding depth and variety to the storytelling. Although marketed as a thriller, the book leans more toward romance, with relatively few killings by the serial killer. This surprised me and might disappoint others expecting a darker, more intense exploration of the protagonist's lethal tendencies.

Cohen's novel includes feminist overtones, though some actions taken by characters seem to undermine these ideals. The protagonist is a morally gray (or rather, dark gray) character, driven by her personal code. While some characters come off as a bit cliché, the overall story is decent and enjoyable.

In summary, "Bad Men" is a good beach read. While not heavy on the thriller aspect, it is suspenseful and wraps up at the end. It’s an entertaining and engaging novel, though it may not fully satisfy those seeking a deep dive into the darker aspects of a serial killer’s psyche.