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Dexter in the Dark: A Novel by Jeff Lindsay
Book Summary InformationAuthor: Jeff Lindsay Edition: Hardcover Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 2007-09-18 ISBN: 0385518331 Number of pages: 320 Publisher: Doubleday
Book Reviews of Dexter in the Dark: A NovelBook Review: Happy departure Summary: 5 Stars
First off, if you like the dexter TV series, this book may not be for you. If you like the lovable Dexter who claims he's not human, but still loves, cares, and has honest true feelings for his sister and a few other characters, this ABSOLUTELY is not for you.
This 2007 novel, the third in the popular "Dexter" series, took a strong departure into the spiritualistic nature of our favorite serial killer. With supernatural entities, and cult like elements running rampant throughout this book, many criticized it for it's strong paranormal overtones. I, however applaud it.
I have not read any comments from Jeff Lindsay as to WHY he took this series into a darker, less realistic course, but I have my ideas. Either way, it is not relevant to the review itself. The key is, it is not the same as it's previous incarnations. You need to get into this book willing to accept that in this imaginary world, the dark passenger is a separate entity. It is recommended that you already like supernatural horror books. If you need a comparison, look to H.P. Lovecraft, or Clive Barker's early works.
Without giving any more away than the dust jacket, Dexter finds himself lost, with his "normal" life about to take over, when his Dark Passenger is scared away by someone or something. Using this odd twist of events, Lindsay unfolded a much different tale than he is used to, and we are used to. Lindsay's unfamiliarity shows, as he stumbles on occasion with his storytelling. But these awkward moments can be easily forgiven if you remind yourself that this is his first foray into the supernatural.
I would give this book 4 1/2 stars if Amazon would let me, but in this case, I'm rounding up. The minor imperfections can be forgiven, and the different story path should be embraced. But you HAVE to go into this story open minded.
Summary of Dexter in the Dark: A Novel?One of the most likable vigilante serial killers? (The New Yorker) faces his ultimate adversary?an evil so terrifying it scares away Dexter?s inner monster?and nearly dries up his sense of humor?in this wickedly witty, darkly suspenseful novel.
In his work as a Miami crime scene investigator, Dexter Morgan is accustomed to seeing evil deeds?particularly because, on occasion, he rather enjoys committing them himself. Guided by his Dark Passenger (the reptilian voice inside him), he lives his outwardly normal life adhering to one simple rule: he kills only very bad people. Dexter slides through life undetected, working as a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Police Department, helping his fiancé raise her two adorable (if somewhat?unique) children, and always planning his next jaunt as Dexter the Dark Avenger under the light of the full moon. But then everything changes. Dexter is called to a crime scene that seems routine: a gruesome double homicide at the university campus, which Dexter would normally investigate with gusto, before enjoying a savory lunch. And yet this scene feels terribly wrong. Dexter?s Dark Passenger senses something it recognizes, something utterly chilling, and the Passenger?mastermind of Dexter?s homicidal prowess?promptly goes into hiding.
With his Passenger on the run, Dexter is left to face this case all alone?not to mention his demanding sister (Sergeant Deborah), his frantic fiancée (Rita), and the most frightening wedding caterer ever to plan a menu. Equally unsettling, Dexter begins to realize that something very dark and very powerful has its sights set on him. Dexter is left in the dark, but he must summon his sharpest investigative instincts not only to pursue his enemy, but to locate and truly understand his Dark Passenger. To find him, Dexter has to research the questions he?s never dared ask: Who is the Dark Passenger, and where does he come from? It is nothing less than a search for Dexter?s own dark soul?fueled by a steady supply of fresh doughnuts.
Macabre, ironic, and wonderfully entertaining, Dexter in the Dark goes deeper into the psyche of one of the freshest protagonists in recent fiction. Jeff Lindsay?s glorious creativity is on full display in his most accomplished novel yet.
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