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ceruleanjen 's review for:
Dexter Is Dead
by Jeff Lindsay
Plot:
I was not a fan of how the previous book ended but I had to find out how the book series ended. Thankfully I found the plot for this book to be better paced, though it was a little slow at times. I really enjoyed seeing Brian return and the two of them working together again.
I also liked how the kidnapping subplot brought the kids and Deb back into Dexter's life. The last 25% of the plot was especially exciting and I liked how most of the loose ends were tied up. My only real complaint about the plot is that I felt the subplot with Vince was dropped a little soon because I found that to be really enjoyable as well.
Setting:
It was interesting seeing the correctional institute Dexter was being held in, enjoyed the various hotel rooms, as well as the yacht at the end.
Characters:
Dexter seemed to be more in character in this book, aside from one part in which he turns into a big coward and another in which he waves off two blue SUV sightings near him while drug lords are stalking him and his brother as coincidental. Sigh, I know he can be rather dense at times, but really? Other than that, I still rooted for him, even though I was still peeved at his behavior in the previous book. While I always like to see Dexter survive, I felt his send off in this one was better than in the TV show.
I never cared much for Brian's character and found him annoying in the last book he made an appearance in but I actually really enjoyed his presence in this one. I kind of hoped that he would make an appearance in the end and I liked how the series wrapped up with Brian since it also kind of started with him. I kind of felt bad that he died at the end, though it was for a good reason.
It was nice to see Debs again, too, and in her usual fury. While I was a little disappointed at her lack of faith in Dexter in the beginning, at the same time I can also see why she would be cautious. I feel her character really developed as she had to take a huge leap in Dexter's faith to get the kids back. She even had to tolerate Brian, who tried to kill her in the first book. I loved her snappy comebacks to Dexter and am happy that at least in the books that she survives.
I enjoyed seeing Vince's character be taken a little more seriously than in the last book.
I also found Dexter's lawyer to be an interesting addition.
Relationships:
I loved the relationship between Dexter and Brian in this book. It's always been an interesting one even when I didn't particularly enjoy Brian before but his character grew on me in this one. The similarities between the two were striking and I loved how they both also have this intense relationship with food.
I also liked how Dexter and Deb's relationship ended in this book VS how it did on the show. It seemed more realistic, had none of those weird romantic feelings, and didn't end as dismally for everyone.
The friendship between Dexter and Vince, though strange throughout the series, was especially cute in this one. They're both so weird.
Writing/Voice:
Lindsay does a great job with the writing and Dexter's voice. Thankfully this book is a much better finale than I anticipated.
Ending:
This ending was sad but also left me more satisfied than the one for the television show. For all of his talk of being a monster, Dexter actually becomes a hero. I feel that the end tied up well. It would have been nice to see a little peek at what happened after his death in regards to Debs, the kids, Vince, his reputation, etc, but I'm overall happy with the ending.
Overall, this book was much better than the last and my preferred ending for the series. It's not my favorite book but it was enjoyable and wrapped up well so 3.5 stars.