Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Vintage (2006), Paperback, 304 pages
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Suspense. Thriller. HTML:Meet Dexter Morgan, a polite wolf in sheep�s clothing. He�s handsome and charming, but something in his past has made him abide by a different set of rules. He�s a serial killer whose one golden rule makes him immensely likeable: he only kills bad people. � The Killer Character That Inspired the Hit Showtime Series Dexter And his job as a blood splatter expert for the Miami police department puts him in the perfect position to identify his victims. But when a series of brutal murders bearing a striking similarity to his own style start turning up, Dexter is caught between being flattered and being frightened�of himself or some other fiend.
Media reviews
For the last word on serial killers, leave it to the witty narrator of Jeff Lindsay's ghoulish first novel, DARKLY DREAMING DEXTER (Doubleday, $22.95). Articulate, well-mannered and charming in a way that makes women want to iron the loud bowling shirts he wears, Dexter Morgan is a contented man
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because he loves his work -- not his day job as a blood-spatter-pattern analyst for the Miami Police Department, but his moonlight career as a vigilante serial killer. Show Less
Dexter Morgan, the strenuously affable narrator of Jeff Lindsay's Darkly Dreaming Dexter, may be the first serial killer who unabashedly solicits our love. A psychopath so cuddly and upstanding that he only murders ''bad people,'' Dex introduces himself one moonlit night as he gleefully snuffs the
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life of a child-killing priest. ''A few more neatly wrapped bags of garbage and my one small corner of the world is a neater, happier place,'' he announces. ''I enjoy my work. Sorry if that bothers you. Oh, very sorry, really. But there it is.'' Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member raistlinsshadow
For those of you familiar with your extended cable or satellite TV, there's a show on Showtime called Dexter. The first season finished, and it's been renewed for a second season. The show centers around Dexter, a serial killer who abides by a self-imposed set of rules, and who is a blood spatter
These are the books that the TV series was based on, and for those of you who have watched the TV show and not read the books [or vice-versa], there are some significant plot differences. The first season was based on Darkly Dreaming Dexter, and while there are key similarities between the novel and the show, there are still distinct differences.
The novels are narrated by Dexter and contain significant amounts of his thought processes, letting the reader know that he had been orphaned at a young age and had been adopted by a policeman, Harry, and his wife. He's protective of his foster sister, Deborah, who knows a little bit of his "condition". Harry spotted his homicidal tendencies first and taught Dexter the framework to what Dexter adopted as his guidelines for killing people--first and foremost, for instance, the person in question must be deserving of being killed.
Now, Dexter's narration adds a depth to the books that wouldn't otherwise be present had it been told in the third person, or if it had been in a more detached first person style. Dexter portrays himself as not-quite-a-human--though he acts normal, that's all it is. He [and before that, Harry] had taught himself to blend in with other people, to mask his lack of emotions with words and appropriate facial expressions. He even has a girlfriend to further his seeming normalcy. Because of all this, no one he works with aside from Deborah [who is a homicide detective in the same precinct as Dexter] knows about his true self.
A character called the Dark Passenger is an alter ego of sorts for Dexter--this is his killer instinct, and the one who insists upon things being killed in general. Due to Harry's rules, Dexter is able to control the Dark Passenger to some extent while still interacting with it.
Dexter is completely logical in all he does because he doesn't feel emotion at all. In the books, it seems to be implied that this is what makes him a good cop--that, and his firsthand knowledge of how killers act gives him an insight. The narration is full of his mental processes and all of the thought that goes into making his decision: when he's preparing to kill someone, he researches them first and ensures that they actually deserve to be killed.
The thing about these books that I like so well is that in addition to being compelling stories [I went to bed an hour later than I had planned to because I kept telling myself "One more chapter..." last night], they're also well written, or at least well-written enough to keep me from noticing any shoddy writing. The tone of the book, since it's Dexter's thoughts, is very conversational and very casual, simply lacking in the emotion that comes with most other novels, much less those written in first person.
The only caveat I would give about these books is that they're fairly graphic. An excerpt from the second book [having nothing to do with the plot] gives a better example of what "graphic" would mean in this case:
"The day passed quickly, with only one trip out to a homicide scene, a routine dismemberment with garden equipment. It was strictly amateur work; the idiot had tried to use an electric hedge clipper and succeeded only in making a great deal of extra work for me, before finishing off his wife with the pruning shears. A truly nasty mess, and it served him right that they caught him at the airport. A well-done dismemberment is neat, above all, or so I always say. None of this puddled blood and caked flesh on the walls. It shows a real lack of class."
That's part of the narration--and in that passage, you could also see the calculating nature of Dexter as a character. He hates blood, but in spite of the gore in the scene, he doesn't reveal anything about that. In fact, the only time he really does reveal that he hates blood, he says straight out that he hates the mess it makes.
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analyst for the Miami police department. Sound good? Excellent.These are the books that the TV series was based on, and for those of you who have watched the TV show and not read the books [or vice-versa], there are some significant plot differences. The first season was based on Darkly Dreaming Dexter, and while there are key similarities between the novel and the show, there are still distinct differences.
The novels are narrated by Dexter and contain significant amounts of his thought processes, letting the reader know that he had been orphaned at a young age and had been adopted by a policeman, Harry, and his wife. He's protective of his foster sister, Deborah, who knows a little bit of his "condition". Harry spotted his homicidal tendencies first and taught Dexter the framework to what Dexter adopted as his guidelines for killing people--first and foremost, for instance, the person in question must be deserving of being killed.
Now, Dexter's narration adds a depth to the books that wouldn't otherwise be present had it been told in the third person, or if it had been in a more detached first person style. Dexter portrays himself as not-quite-a-human--though he acts normal, that's all it is. He [and before that, Harry] had taught himself to blend in with other people, to mask his lack of emotions with words and appropriate facial expressions. He even has a girlfriend to further his seeming normalcy. Because of all this, no one he works with aside from Deborah [who is a homicide detective in the same precinct as Dexter] knows about his true self.
A character called the Dark Passenger is an alter ego of sorts for Dexter--this is his killer instinct, and the one who insists upon things being killed in general. Due to Harry's rules, Dexter is able to control the Dark Passenger to some extent while still interacting with it.
Dexter is completely logical in all he does because he doesn't feel emotion at all. In the books, it seems to be implied that this is what makes him a good cop--that, and his firsthand knowledge of how killers act gives him an insight. The narration is full of his mental processes and all of the thought that goes into making his decision: when he's preparing to kill someone, he researches them first and ensures that they actually deserve to be killed.
The thing about these books that I like so well is that in addition to being compelling stories [I went to bed an hour later than I had planned to because I kept telling myself "One more chapter..." last night], they're also well written, or at least well-written enough to keep me from noticing any shoddy writing. The tone of the book, since it's Dexter's thoughts, is very conversational and very casual, simply lacking in the emotion that comes with most other novels, much less those written in first person.
The only caveat I would give about these books is that they're fairly graphic. An excerpt from the second book [having nothing to do with the plot] gives a better example of what "graphic" would mean in this case:
"The day passed quickly, with only one trip out to a homicide scene, a routine dismemberment with garden equipment. It was strictly amateur work; the idiot had tried to use an electric hedge clipper and succeeded only in making a great deal of extra work for me, before finishing off his wife with the pruning shears. A truly nasty mess, and it served him right that they caught him at the airport. A well-done dismemberment is neat, above all, or so I always say. None of this puddled blood and caked flesh on the walls. It shows a real lack of class."
That's part of the narration--and in that passage, you could also see the calculating nature of Dexter as a character. He hates blood, but in spite of the gore in the scene, he doesn't reveal anything about that. In fact, the only time he really does reveal that he hates blood, he says straight out that he hates the mess it makes.
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LibraryThing member ariebonn
I got to know about this book from a group on Shelfari, I knew about the TV series but I had no idea that it was based on books by Jeff Lindsay. I have never watched the series but after reading this book I plan to watch it, as well as read the rest of the books in the series.
The character of
This is an unusual way how to portray a murderer which is what makes it so enjoyable to read in my opinion. The ending was a little confusing, I really wanted to know what happened in between the end of the story and the epilogue, but was glad of the outcome.
The character of
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Dexter is great, it makes you fall in love with him even though he is a murderer. Being written from Dexter's view you feel like you're in the mind of a serial killer, the way he thinks and the way he feels, what makes him need to do such horrible things. Being that he's funny, quite charming and that he only kills the bad guys makes you soften up for him and make his hobby seem justified otherwise who would like a serial killer?This is an unusual way how to portray a murderer which is what makes it so enjoyable to read in my opinion. The ending was a little confusing, I really wanted to know what happened in between the end of the story and the epilogue, but was glad of the outcome.
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LibraryThing member dgmillo
Darkly Dreaming Dexter is a pulpy mystery that wasn't much of a mystery populated by pulpy characters that were complex only in the number of ways that they managed to annoy me. Lindsey really sails along on the conceit itself: a serial killer who hunts other serial killers. And honestly, it was an
I don't know if I've ever said this before but if you want actual complexity and character development, put down the book and go watch the TV show.
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interesting enough idea to get me through the book. I hope his storytelling improves because it won't be enough to get me through the next. I don't know if I've ever said this before but if you want actual complexity and character development, put down the book and go watch the TV show.
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LibraryThing member goose114
I started reading this series after watching the TV show. While the show is my favorite TV show the books are better. The book series creates a main character that is more sinister and cold. There were times when I genuinely did not like Dexter. The action is more gruesome than the TV series which
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created a story that was both frightening and exciting. I would recommend this book series to anyone who is not squeamish and enjoys a good action mystery. Show Less
LibraryThing member ctmslimea
Its no secret I enjoy reading books that Hollywood has adapted int a TV series or film and once I had to started to watch the showtime series titled as "Dexter" I was instantly hoked and had to know the whole story behind this cleverly cunning character. To start off "Dexter" can be a rather
Dexter also works for Miami Metro Homicide which is a perfect position for his dark passenger/ killer Dexter to identify his next target, and all is going well until Miami is hit with another serial killer who becomes known as "the Ice Truck Killer" (this name makes sense if you read the book). This killer and Dexter become familiar with each other and it carries the story throughout the remaining parts of this book.
"Darkly Dreaming Dexter" is honestly one of the best written book I have ever had the pleasure of reading and is as good as the tv show is, therefore i am giving it a fully deserved 5 out of 5 stars.
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difficult story to rap your head around for the main reason the main character "Dexter" is a serial killer. I can see how easy it would be for one person to drop this book by how simply dark this author gets at certain points in these books. Anyway to the story Dexter is a serial killer who's killer characteristic makes him very likable and that is he only kills other killers.Dexter also works for Miami Metro Homicide which is a perfect position for his dark passenger/ killer Dexter to identify his next target, and all is going well until Miami is hit with another serial killer who becomes known as "the Ice Truck Killer" (this name makes sense if you read the book). This killer and Dexter become familiar with each other and it carries the story throughout the remaining parts of this book.
"Darkly Dreaming Dexter" is honestly one of the best written book I have ever had the pleasure of reading and is as good as the tv show is, therefore i am giving it a fully deserved 5 out of 5 stars.
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LibraryThing member eyrehead247
I thought that Dexter was a very well-written character. However, I felt that the other characters and the plot were underdeveloped. That being said, I am still eager to see the show.
LibraryThing member ngabriel
A strange case of the book not being nearly as good as the TV series. I like the slightly darker tone the book takes however the writing is so sub-par I couldn't even finish this novel.
LibraryThing member DanaJean
I'm doubting I can honestly review this book because I love the T.V. series so much. In fact, I prefer the screen version to the written word. The premise is good, but the book doesn't draw me into this character like the series. If you are a fan of the show, you will definitely see some big
If I had read this first before seeing the show, I'm not sure I would have been interested enough to keep reading the follow-up books. Having seen the visual take of it first, I found the book lacking. All the bits and pieces are there, but the creators of the TV version really deserve the credit for making it the break-out hit that it has become. I will continue to read the books as I am interested in how they are the same and how they are different from what we are shown.
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differences between the two, and again, I prefer Showtimes's take on it. But it is fun to see how creative types can read something and see the potential it has and make it so much more. If I had read this first before seeing the show, I'm not sure I would have been interested enough to keep reading the follow-up books. Having seen the visual take of it first, I found the book lacking. All the bits and pieces are there, but the creators of the TV version really deserve the credit for making it the break-out hit that it has become. I will continue to read the books as I am interested in how they are the same and how they are different from what we are shown.
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LibraryThing member ctmsmimu
Dexter has suspense, thrills, and gore all through the book. Darkly Dreaming Dexter is the first of the Dexter series and it was pretty good.
This book is all about Dexter Morgan, a blood expert for the Miami Police. At night Dexter is a serial killer who kills only bad guys. During the day he is a
I found Dexter to be pretty fun to read although the book could get get really dry at points. The book is almost excatly the same as the hit TV show "Dexter" on "Showtime". That did make me feel as though I was reading the book for a second time. At points I could really feel the suspense when Dexter was almost caught. I do plan on reading the whole Dexter series eventually. I enjoyed this book a lot
This book is all about Dexter Morgan, a blood expert for the Miami Police. At night Dexter is a serial killer who kills only bad guys. During the day he is a
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lab geek who helps catch killers. Dexter must deal with a terrible serial killer known as the "Ice Truck Killer".I found Dexter to be pretty fun to read although the book could get get really dry at points. The book is almost excatly the same as the hit TV show "Dexter" on "Showtime". That did make me feel as though I was reading the book for a second time. At points I could really feel the suspense when Dexter was almost caught. I do plan on reading the whole Dexter series eventually. I enjoyed this book a lot
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LibraryThing member br14kabu
Deep magenta blood. We all fear it. Showing when we are in pain, or injured, its vile scent descending us into insanity. But what if it was a necessity, for say your job, or even your little "hobby"? In the dark and gruesome novel, Darkly Dreaming Dexter, you will learn the true true nature of the
Being quirky, sweet and comedic on the outside, Dexter has a much darker side of himself, waiting deep inside of his head. He has a daytime job of a blood spatter analyst, which is strangely amusing, as he hates the sight of blood, preferring to be tidy with his victims. He has a girlfriend, Rita, who he uses as a disguise for a normal life. He seems to have no true emotions left, only showing his true feelings of compassion to his foster sister, Deborah. Throughout the story, Dexter will narrate how he kills those he believes deserve justice. His "Dark Passenger" guides him when he is murdering someone. He believes, in the story, that the killer is very skilled and intriguing, as he makes sure his victims are cold and no blood on them.
This mystery is thrilling, and shows a darker side of a seemingly innocent young man. Killing those who are "bad". It is a must read, and is not to be missed. For recommendations, I would read the rest of the Dexter series, if you can find them. They are all magnificent and beautifully written, and gritty, as well as mature. If blood and gore is not what you prefer, then stay away from this book. We may not like blood, but neither does Dexter.
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main protagonist Dexter, who's dark desire, is killing those who have done others wrong.Being quirky, sweet and comedic on the outside, Dexter has a much darker side of himself, waiting deep inside of his head. He has a daytime job of a blood spatter analyst, which is strangely amusing, as he hates the sight of blood, preferring to be tidy with his victims. He has a girlfriend, Rita, who he uses as a disguise for a normal life. He seems to have no true emotions left, only showing his true feelings of compassion to his foster sister, Deborah. Throughout the story, Dexter will narrate how he kills those he believes deserve justice. His "Dark Passenger" guides him when he is murdering someone. He believes, in the story, that the killer is very skilled and intriguing, as he makes sure his victims are cold and no blood on them.
This mystery is thrilling, and shows a darker side of a seemingly innocent young man. Killing those who are "bad". It is a must read, and is not to be missed. For recommendations, I would read the rest of the Dexter series, if you can find them. They are all magnificent and beautifully written, and gritty, as well as mature. If blood and gore is not what you prefer, then stay away from this book. We may not like blood, but neither does Dexter.
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LibraryThing member tiananmen
I found it difficult to read due to the lack of quality in writing, plot and characterization.
LibraryThing member bribre01
An original, suspenseful book that has you rooting for the "good" serial killer! The book kept me on the edge of my seat, and the dark humor made me laugh. While Dexter is creepy and sometimes disturbingly possessed by evil thoughts, he is also extremely likable. I really liked Lindsay's writing
As a sidenote, I am glad that I have only seen a few episodes of the show. I think being a fan of the show would have ruined the book for me, because I have heard that many fans say the show is better than the books.
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style. I will definitely read more of this series. As a sidenote, I am glad that I have only seen a few episodes of the show. I think being a fan of the show would have ruined the book for me, because I have heard that many fans say the show is better than the books.
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LibraryThing member figre
Let's face it. There is something very disturbing about rooting for a serial killer. Jeff Lindsay, in this first installment of what has turned out to be a very successful franchise (including being turned into a successful television series – one I admit I have not watched – so everything that
Odds are you already know this, but I'll lay it out for you anyway. Dexter is a sick and twisted person who enjoys killing people. Yes, we are manipulated to believe in Dexter and cheer for Dexter and want Dexter to succeed. But there is no other way to put it; he is a serial killer. However, he has learned to keep this compulsion under check – to be used only for "good". How can serial killing be used for good? The only time Dexter allows his "dark passenger" out to play is when he identifies another serial killer. After meticulously researching the individual to ensure this is a serial killer who "deserves" to die, Dexter lets the passenger run free.
(At this point I have to note one of the biggest flaws with the book and with the series. There are really that many serial killers roaming around?! And they all live next door to Dexter?! But I am picking nits. If there can be that many murders in Cabot Cove, then Dexter can have a playground full of serial killers.)
Now, just to complicate things a little, Dexter works for local law enforcement. This allows him to indulge his talents (he is in forensics) and it also helps lead him to potential candidates for the dark passenger. And, just a little more complication – his sister also works as a detective.
Lindsay does not sugarcoat this situation. Yes, he wants us to root for Dexter. But the real truth is never buried. What Lindsay has done is given us insight into this twisted individual. We understand (and somehow want to accept) the excuses for what he has become. And, by exploring a man who is divorced from his real feelings, Lindsay provides us that understanding.
In this first installment of the series we are introduced to Dexter and to the life he leads. At first, we are (justifiably) horrified by what Dexter does. However, as we learn who Dexter is and the way he uses his sickness/talent, we begin to accept him for what he is. And we start to believe that, given his circumstances, the right choices have been made.
Of course, Dexter's "routine" is upset by a very special serial killer. And this all leads us to a deeper understanding of Dexter's life. But, in a way, the plot is secondary to the way the book explores and slowly exposes who Dexter is. That is one of the two things that set this apart from most other books of this type. (Are there really any other books of this type? But I digress...) The plot – a good plot, don't get me wrong – is really secondary to the exploration of why Dexter is the way he is.
And the other thing that sets it apart? That one is easy – it is a book where we root for a serial killer.
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follows has not been hampered by preconceptions from the series), has succeeded.Odds are you already know this, but I'll lay it out for you anyway. Dexter is a sick and twisted person who enjoys killing people. Yes, we are manipulated to believe in Dexter and cheer for Dexter and want Dexter to succeed. But there is no other way to put it; he is a serial killer. However, he has learned to keep this compulsion under check – to be used only for "good". How can serial killing be used for good? The only time Dexter allows his "dark passenger" out to play is when he identifies another serial killer. After meticulously researching the individual to ensure this is a serial killer who "deserves" to die, Dexter lets the passenger run free.
(At this point I have to note one of the biggest flaws with the book and with the series. There are really that many serial killers roaming around?! And they all live next door to Dexter?! But I am picking nits. If there can be that many murders in Cabot Cove, then Dexter can have a playground full of serial killers.)
Now, just to complicate things a little, Dexter works for local law enforcement. This allows him to indulge his talents (he is in forensics) and it also helps lead him to potential candidates for the dark passenger. And, just a little more complication – his sister also works as a detective.
Lindsay does not sugarcoat this situation. Yes, he wants us to root for Dexter. But the real truth is never buried. What Lindsay has done is given us insight into this twisted individual. We understand (and somehow want to accept) the excuses for what he has become. And, by exploring a man who is divorced from his real feelings, Lindsay provides us that understanding.
In this first installment of the series we are introduced to Dexter and to the life he leads. At first, we are (justifiably) horrified by what Dexter does. However, as we learn who Dexter is and the way he uses his sickness/talent, we begin to accept him for what he is. And we start to believe that, given his circumstances, the right choices have been made.
Of course, Dexter's "routine" is upset by a very special serial killer. And this all leads us to a deeper understanding of Dexter's life. But, in a way, the plot is secondary to the way the book explores and slowly exposes who Dexter is. That is one of the two things that set this apart from most other books of this type. (Are there really any other books of this type? But I digress...) The plot – a good plot, don't get me wrong – is really secondary to the exploration of why Dexter is the way he is.
And the other thing that sets it apart? That one is easy – it is a book where we root for a serial killer.
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LibraryThing member yeremenko
Simply a wonderful character. Dexter of the novel is much like the Dexter in the TV show, but the differences favor the book. The paper version is darker and the lines are blurrier. Truly original.
LibraryThing member GingerbreadMan
Not only am I the last person in the world reading this, I also haven’t seen a single minute of the TV series. Not that I don’t think I’d like it. It’s just been the DVD box after the next one after the next one for a long time. And as such, I’ve also quickly zapped when Dexter has shown
That being said, I haven’t been unaware of the “serial killer killing serial killers” premise. I don’t live under a rock after all. And premise is a lot of what it’s about here. The fact that we see the world through our narrator’s…um, slightly distorted eyes is a lot of what makes this book tick. Lindsay is no Mark Haddon, and at times Dexter is one very annoyingly compulsively witty serial killer indeed, but his voice and his world are entertaining and feel real enough. Also, Lindsay has managed to create a nice balance in this character, where Dexter is strangely likeable at the same time as the reader is never allowed to forget the darkness he harbours inside.
The other characters are perhaps not necessarily that nicely balanced. There is a cartoony quality here that is sort of hit and miss. Seen as incomprehensible creatures through Dexter’s eyes, his sister Deb and his girlfriend Rita work. Sexy Latina cop LaGuerta or doughnut-munching colleague Vince…well, maybe not so much. The Miami backdrop is nicely painted though, and with a strong visual imagery, it’s easy to see how this became a TV series.
I didn’t particularily like the blunt and steep ending. Way too much deus ex machina for my taste, and not very well executed (pun intended). But the whodunnit in itself isn’t really in focus here of course. The voice telling the story is, and even though there are about twelve references to inner emptiness too many here, I look forward to reading some more about this loveable psychopath.
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up on my TV screen, looming on some crime scene with “Season three spoiler” written in splashed blood all over it. That being said, I haven’t been unaware of the “serial killer killing serial killers” premise. I don’t live under a rock after all. And premise is a lot of what it’s about here. The fact that we see the world through our narrator’s…um, slightly distorted eyes is a lot of what makes this book tick. Lindsay is no Mark Haddon, and at times Dexter is one very annoyingly compulsively witty serial killer indeed, but his voice and his world are entertaining and feel real enough. Also, Lindsay has managed to create a nice balance in this character, where Dexter is strangely likeable at the same time as the reader is never allowed to forget the darkness he harbours inside.
The other characters are perhaps not necessarily that nicely balanced. There is a cartoony quality here that is sort of hit and miss. Seen as incomprehensible creatures through Dexter’s eyes, his sister Deb and his girlfriend Rita work. Sexy Latina cop LaGuerta or doughnut-munching colleague Vince…well, maybe not so much. The Miami backdrop is nicely painted though, and with a strong visual imagery, it’s easy to see how this became a TV series.
I didn’t particularily like the blunt and steep ending. Way too much deus ex machina for my taste, and not very well executed (pun intended). But the whodunnit in itself isn’t really in focus here of course. The voice telling the story is, and even though there are about twelve references to inner emptiness too many here, I look forward to reading some more about this loveable psychopath.
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LibraryThing member ctmslusc
Darkly Dreaming Dexter is a story about a man with a secret. Dexter appears to be a happy-go-lucky man, when in reality he’s a killer. Dexter only kills the scum of the Earth, not just any innocent man. When a new killer is after the “ladies of the night” in Miami, Dexter discovers something
Darkly Dreaming Dexter is an amazing book. The detail and thought put into it is incredibly good. The variation between third and first person also adds a new tone to the story. The whole event leading up to the fantastic ending is nail biting. Once I picked the book up, I couldn’t put it down. I am now reading the rest of the series and so far enjoying it just as much as the first book. The book has made me become a fan of the TV series also. I would recommend this book and series to anyone.
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he’s never dealt with--himself.Darkly Dreaming Dexter is an amazing book. The detail and thought put into it is incredibly good. The variation between third and first person also adds a new tone to the story. The whole event leading up to the fantastic ending is nail biting. Once I picked the book up, I couldn’t put it down. I am now reading the rest of the series and so far enjoying it just as much as the first book. The book has made me become a fan of the TV series also. I would recommend this book and series to anyone.
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LibraryThing member c17h19no3
A fun, pulpy book that's great as a "beach read". The premise is interesting enough, though the actual writing leaves a lot to be desired. Don't expect anything great, just fun gore.
The differences from the television series are numerous, and many readers may prefer the TV Dexter to the original.
The differences from the television series are numerous, and many readers may prefer the TV Dexter to the original.
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The series, in what I feel to be good taste, skims over the grizzly parts of Dexter's life and puts emphasis on the buildup. Though the book reads nothing like a police report, there are more details, specifically in the case of the janitor. Show Less
LibraryThing member blocked
What a novel and delicious story. It was like trying a new chocolate dessert. Dexter's narrative turned the really gruesome bits into a slice of black comedy that was so enticingly rich that long after I started cringing, I couldn't help still wanting more.
LibraryThing member swl
I read the first 2 dex books out of order, and I shouldn't have. But by doing so I think I figured out what my little niggling criticism of this series is.
I mean it's brilliant, unique, and irrisistible. Dragged this book everywhere, read it at stoplights. Told everone about it.
BUT: for a mystery
And the problem here is that Dexter IS the story. The mystery is just a map to another twisting path in his mind. And this is fascinating, and it rates a 4, for me. BUT how can it be retold again and again and stay fresh? My fear is that each time it JL comes out with a book the impact will pale a little. Because in the end, we won't accept a Dexter who TRULY grows and changes - because everyone knows a sociopath cannot. And while some might suggest his growth is to morph back into his human beginnings, I think that would be a mistake; he would then be just another ordinary detective.
Clever to introduce Rita, Deborah, and now little Cody. I will definitely be right in line to buy the next book. However, it would be a real shame if this all ended up like the last season of LA Law, where all the brilliance of the early years had degraded into pure silliness.
I mean it's brilliant, unique, and irrisistible. Dragged this book everywhere, read it at stoplights. Told everone about it.
BUT: for a mystery
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series to work, I think, the continuing characters become secondary to the PLOT. Or in other words, the villain/mystery becomes the main character. It's not that we don't love the characters/world. In fact, they may be the reason we keep returning to the series (like Dennis Lehane's Genarro/whoever series.)But without the story structure to motivate and hang their journey on, it reads a little flat.And the problem here is that Dexter IS the story. The mystery is just a map to another twisting path in his mind. And this is fascinating, and it rates a 4, for me. BUT how can it be retold again and again and stay fresh? My fear is that each time it JL comes out with a book the impact will pale a little. Because in the end, we won't accept a Dexter who TRULY grows and changes - because everyone knows a sociopath cannot. And while some might suggest his growth is to morph back into his human beginnings, I think that would be a mistake; he would then be just another ordinary detective.
Clever to introduce Rita, Deborah, and now little Cody. I will definitely be right in line to buy the next book. However, it would be a real shame if this all ended up like the last season of LA Law, where all the brilliance of the early years had degraded into pure silliness.
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LibraryThing member ctait17
creepy, gory and unsettling, but interesting look into the mind of a murderer
LibraryThing member hoosgracie
This is a case where the TV show has improved on the book. HBO's Dexter is based on Lindsay's book and I think ultimately brings it to life. In either case though, you can't help but root for Dexter - a serial killer.
LibraryThing member coolmama
Really enjoyed this book. Although I have only seen the the first three episodes of the Showtime series, this book did indeed "read" like a screenplay. However, Like Jeff's writing, and look forward to more about this serial killer.
LibraryThing member kingsportlibrary
The story is about Dexter, who saw his mother murdered at age three. He is trained by his foster father to use his deep seeded angst for good. Very dark and strange.
LibraryThing member pophyn
I'm a huge fan of the tv series. This book lived up to the promise, although the series actually added to the story, and in a good way. But the book still holds up great. Going to read the next one soon :-)
LibraryThing member mtnbiker1
I picked this book up after watching the entire first season of Dexter, the Showtime series, based on Jeff Lindsay's novels. The book is a more fun and in depth examination of the characters in the show, and I enjoyed reading the book. There are some definite forks in the road between the novel and
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the show. This is one case where I am having a hard time deciding which I like better, and why. There is a slightly manic feeling to the way Lindsay has Dexter recite his tale, and I suppose that is to keep him in character, but it is sometimes darkly funny. I am looking forward to reading more of Dexter's tales and watching them on Showtime too. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Barry Award (Nominee — Novel — 2005)
Macavity Award (Nominee — Novel — 2005)
Lincoln Award: Illinois Teen Readers' Choice Award (Nominee — 2007)
Dilys Award (Winner — 2005)
Language
Original publication date
2004
Physical description
288 p.; 8.03 inches
ISBN
0307277887 / 9780307277886