Death of the Black Widow, by James Patterson and J. D. Barker

Eight stars

Some of James Patterson’s strongest collaborations come when he works alongside J. D. Barker. Fabulous stories and sensational writing emerge, keeping the reader hooked until the final page turn. In a story that spans a few decades, the authors present a crime thriller that offers up something somewhat supernatural, while also highly intense. A killer is on the loose, but her elusive nature baffled many and has become a massive woman hunt, though no one around Detroit is safe in the meantime. Patterson and Barker prove a formidable team and have me hoping they will collaborate again soon!

During his first night on patrol, Detroit PD Officer Walter O’Brien attends a crime scene with his veteran partner. What they find is a murder that leaves them both baffled. A man lays mutilated on the ground and a 20 year-old woman pleads that she was kidnapped and did what she could to get loose. What follows is a moment of disbelief, as the woman not only plays the victim, but eludes the officers and ends up on the lam, shoving rookie O’Brien as she does. O’Brien cannot help but think that he may have been duped by the woman, who is likely a killer working her own angle. This is one case O’Brien won’t soon forget, or drop.

As the years progress, O’Brien makes detective, though his desire to find the mysterious woman has not waned. Thinking that he may have spotted her one day, O’Brien renews his search, much to the chagrin of his new partner and those working alongside him. Still, O’Brien cannot shake that this woman could be committing murders without regard for anyone but herself. As a number of bodies emerge with odd markings on them and missing fingers, O’Brien is sure this is the work of the woman. She has gone by a variety of names over the years when people spotted her and it is only recently that things appear to be falling into place. These monikers are all the names of female serial killers from earlier times, black widows who went around killing men and taking all they had. While O’Brien has yet to catch up to her, he’s hopeful and willing to take whatever method is needed to stop a killer.

O’Brien discovers the killings may not be isolated to Detroit, having found other victims as far away as Atlanta. She continues to leave victims in various states of mutilation, none with any recognisable connection to the others, save an interaction with her. O’Brien continues to age, eventually tossed from Detroit PD for his own vices, but will do anything he can to stop the killings and neutralise the killer before she can spin a larger web. This is one black widow who has little regard for her victims, but lures them in with a variety of charms. A chilling story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as they try to decipher what’s going on. Patterson and Barker work so well together, offering up a story that will resonate with readers as they make their way through the many twists.

I have long expressed that the work of James Patterson can be a real hit and miss, depending on the day and those who are collaborating. As I have read a number of novels J.D. Barker has published in his own right, I knew what to expect and was not disappointed. Barker appears to take the lead here, with his rich narrative and strong foundation setting. Patterson’s crime ideas emerge, though he is surely letting the master work his own magic. Characters are well-developed and never appear to wane as they engage with one another. Plot twists come early and often, providing the reader with something on which they can feast. The longer and more complex chapters are surely a Barker doing, as Patterson’s quick delivery is shelved in order to create a more impactful story. The case is on and both authors find ways to leave their own flavouring with this piece, but the reader’s greatest takeaway is a story that leaves more questions than answers.

Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Barker, for providing yet another winning novel that has unique and supernatural elements.

The Noise, by James Patterson and J.D. Barker

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley; James Patterson; J.D. Barker; and Little, Brown and Company for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I have enjoyed the few collaborative efforts by James Patterson and J.D. Barker, which offer a scintillating look into psychological thrillers with a unique twist. Mixing their two styles, the authors have come up with a sure page-turner here, keeping the reader on their toes throughout this piece. A rural community in Oregon soon turns to panic, leaving two young girls to flee for the family’s underground bunker as a piercing noise permeates their surroundings. The elder child appears unharmed, but her little sister begins spouting gibberish and acting in a highly troublesome manner. Soon, a handful of scientists are herded aboard a military chopper and sent to the area, in hopes of better understanding what’s taken place. However, it is baffling to everyone and there seems neither rhyme nor reason for any of it. Many have died and appear to be piled in large crevasses, while those who are alive have fevers like no other. What’s happened and who or what is responsible for all this. One doctor vows to get answers, even if the government seeks to cover it up from the public.

Things are quiet in a rural mountain Oregon for Tennant and Sophie Riggin, who have lived off the grid for their entire lives. However, all this soon changes when an odd vibration emanates from the forest and their father rushes the girls into a bunker. The piercing noise escalates, leaving Tennant worried and Sophie acting strangely. The younger sister, all of eight, begins spouting odd phrases and complaining of severe pain in her ears. Tennant can only hope to protect her sister until all of this passes.

Soon after the baffling incident in around Mount Hood, military officials begin gathering top-ranked scientists and medical professionals to help assess the damage and fallout. This includes, Dr. Martha Chan, a medical doctor, who is as confused as ever about why she was chosen for this mission. What Chan and the others witness is baffling and highly unusual: massive crevasses in the ground, many bodies piled up, as well as destruction of the earth like nothing seen or predicted. What’s even more troubling is the top secret nature of the event, where military officials will not even allow those viewing the fallout to converse with one another.

After Chan and the others are permitted on the ground, it’s discovered that many of those who are alive have fevers that are off the charts, climbing into the 104 degree Fahrenheit range. This includes young Sophie Riggin, who continues to spout odd phrases, one of which can be traced back to a dead language used in the Bible. Might this be some sort of End of Times event? If not, could an enemy nation be testing a new weapon? Military officials scramble for answers and try to brief the president with what they know.

As Tennant remains unharmed, Dr. Chan is unsure what’s kept her safe and how Sophie could be so affected. Chan will do all she can to get answers, even if that means defying the orders of military personnel. Something is behind this noise and Chan will not rest until she gets answers, sure that someone is not telling the truth. The larger question remains, when the truth is discovered, how will the US Administration handle it and what message will there broadcast to the world? A chilling story that will sober many readers into wondering what could happen right under their noses.

Many will know that I have a love/hate relationship with the works of James Patterson, depending on the series collaborators. Those who don’t can find my comments elsewhere, as I wish to focus on the collaborative efforts that Patterson has with J.D. Barker. This is a duo that has worked from the outset, combining their individual skills to create something really enticing and easy to read. While the novels may be longer than many Patterson fans have come to expect, they are always filled with twists and narrative nuggets that push them to the top of the genre. Psychological thrillers are hard to perfect, as the reader must commit fully, but Patterson and Barker make that easy with the caliber of their work.

The numerous narratives make it difficult to choose a single protagonist, though the authors have highlighted a few characters to assume the role, namely Tennant and Martha Chan. While they come from completely different backgrounds, both seek the same thing, to get answers and to help Sophie. The collaborative efforts both make throughout the story make them targets for the military and political actors, but this only adds to their development. Many readers will likely affix themselves to at least one of these leading ladies, if only to get to the core of the plot.

The authors have done well to craft a collection of supporting characters who use individual agendas to clash with the aforementioned protagonists. Many serve within the US Administration, trying to uncover and then whitewash what’s happened in Oregon. This tension works well throughout the novel, pushing the reader to see how good and evil (or at least curiosity and pragmatic secret keeping) butt heads throughout. The description of some other supporting characters helps to show the dire straights in which this segment of the population has found itself, something that resonates throughout for the attentive reader.

The goal I suspect authors strive for in standalone novels is to allow each to succeed on their own merits. While James Patterson’s books have often been given a ‘cookie cutter plot’ label, his work alongside J.D. Barker makes these novels stand out as being some of the best, with no prediction where things will go. The narrative, told through the eyes of many, is strong and builds constantly, while the characters are varied enough to be of interest to the reader. The plot is anything but linear and gains momentum in all the right spots. Short chapters push things along and keep the reader from getting too bogged down in minutiae. I am always pleased to see collaborative efforts between these two international bestselling authors, as I see it brings out the best in them both. One can only hope there are more novels, series or standalone, to come.

Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Barker, for another winning recipe when it comes to thrill writing. I hope many of your respective fans will rush to get this book, as it checks all the boxes.

Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.

https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/the-noise/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

A Caller’s Game, by J.D. Barker

Nine stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, J.D. Barker, and Hampton Creek Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

J.D. Barker is back with another explosive psychological thriller that mixes the sass some present as an emotional wall with the wily planning of someone scorned. In his latest novel, Barker turns a sarcastic radio shock jock into a piece on a sadistic chess board in A Caller’s Game. What seems to be a caller seeking their moment of fame soon turns deadly as New York City is the playground for someone’s vendetta for a past wrong. Readers will find themselves unable to put the book down, surely the literary version of ‘don’t touch that dial!’.

Jordan Briggs is a popular morning radio host with her own program on SiriusXM. Use the satellite airwaves, she is able to reach a larger audience across the country and uses her soapbox quite effectively. Jordan’s quick to cut people off and make it her point. When a caller asks that she help him out with a small game, she agrees, if only to pass the time. Her choice of taxi cab over Uber soon shows that this is anything but an innocent request, as the famed yellow cabs behind blowing up around the intersections of the studio. ‘Bernie’, as he calls himself, has a plan and nothing is going to stop him, though he places the blame solely at Jordan’s feet.

NYPD Homicide Detective Cole Hundley happens to be in the area and was following Jordan for another reason. Hundley is pulled into the middle of this game and finds himself trying to locate the elusive Bernie while limiting any future carnage. It would seem that Bernie has a plan and nothing is going to impede him from it, even as Hundley seeks to stop the body count.

While Jordan tries to keep Bernie at bay, new evidence emerges to tie her to this reckless caller. It all comes back to a prank that Jordan ran at the start of her career; one in which a woman did something on a dare and ended up paying a price, leaving many dead in her wake. While Bernie works on destroying Jordan for that, Detective Hundley must find the man and stop him before he can continue the rampage.

As fires burn and listeners tune in, what was once a simple call-in show seeking to elicit shock value has become the platform for murder, with no one safe from harm. Jordan Briggs will come face to face with how her treatment of others can have dire consequences and leave her with nothing, much like she’s done for those who are forgotten as soon as their entertainment value wanes!

It appears to me as though J.D. Barker has quite the handle on his writing, able to lure readers in with whatever he has on the go. His solo work, as well as collaborative efforts, always turn out to be highly captivating and leaves evetoyne wanting a little more. Barker admits to writing ‘literary popcorn’ and I am pleased to devour this snack any time I am able.

Sharing the protagonist spotlight, Jordan Briggs and Cole Hundley do well in their role. Both have some intriguing backstory that comes out as the piece progresses, as well as a slice of character development that evolves as the narrative picks up its pace. The struggles they have are intertwined, though their usually work in tandem, both seek to limit the blowback that Bernie has over the situation. Readers will feel their presence in competing first-person narratives, which enrich the overall story experience.

Barker carefully crafts a strong collection of supporting characters as well, eager to give the reader new perspectives on this most macabre situation. Offering up angles to both the smaller and major plots, Barker effectively finds ways to keep the reader interested in even the most minute development through the eyes of those who are living them.

The story was a winner from the beginning, pulling me in and never letting me catch my breath. The premise is strong and the embedded twists keep the reader from guessing too much at once. There’s a lot to explore in this piece and Barker provides a slow and intense rollout of where things are headed, all without allowing anyone to peek under the curtain. With a strong narrative told from two perspectives, Barker keeps the reader informed of the larger picture throughout. Short chapters tease effectively and keep the reader forging ahead to discover the twists that await them. I always enjoy J.D. Barker’s work and this standalone has me begging for more. Crisp writing complements a strong plot and will surely have those new to Barker’s realm rushing for more.

Kudos, Mr. Barker, for another winner. I cannot say enough about this piece and hope others feel the same when they have the opportunity to read it for themselves.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Dracul, by Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker (a re-read)

Nine stars

There are surely many who have wondered where Bram Stoker got his idea for Dracula. After creating an interesting sequel to his ancestor’s popular book, Dacre Stoker decided to team up with J.D. Barker to pen this prequel of sorts, though its exploration is less of Prince/Count Dracula than of a younger Bram Stoker. It is here that the seeds of all things ghoulish germinated, or so the reader is led to believe.

Bram Stoker was quite a sickly child, being bedridden for the first number of years of his life. The family’s nanny, Nanna Ellen, did all that she could to help, though caring for many children kept her occupied. It was only when Bram’s uncle came to bleed him with leeches that things took an interesting turn. At that time, Nanna Ellen also visited her young charge and, by all of Bram’s accounts, undertook a unique form of medicinal care through a small bite along his arm.

Soon thereafter, Bram was healed, though to everyone it was thought that the leeches did the job. Upwardly mobile, Bram and his sister, Matilda, begin exploring their environs in the Irish countryside, which includes a closer examination of Nanna Ellen. What they discover serves to shock and concern them, for she acts in such a unique manner. When she disappears one day, Bram and Matilda can only surmise that something extremely mysterious is going on and they might have witnessed a key that relates to her disappearance.

Moving forward more than a dozen years, Bram and Matilda are again witnesses to some odd happenings, both related to their nanny and some other folks from the town. Could the mysteries they uncovered as children be back again, in new and curious forms? As they press to understand what is going on, they discover the world of vampires and the un-dead, a realm that is highly dangerous for adults and children alike. However, nothing has prepared them for what is to come, or the residue it will have on their lives.

Contrasted nicely with a more ‘modern’ Bram Stoker, who struggles with some additional demons, Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker instil a significant chill into the narrative that is perfect for fans of the Dracula novel. Highly recommended, especially during the haunting month of October, when ghosts and ghouls begin to emerge!

I have some experience with Barker’s work and have come to admire Dacre Stoker, as he penned that aforementioned sequel to the extremely popular Dracula. Now, it’s time to look back and allow these two authors to paint some interesting pictures for the reader, taking their own liberties with Bram Stoker and his life, though they make clear that some of their story is based on his writings and early journals.

The authors handle Bram Stoker in a very interesting light here, even more interestingly than Dacre did his ancestor in the <i> Dracula </i> sequel. Bram is seen not only as a precocious boy, but one who is driven to understanding the mysteries of the world, particularly when oddities pop up around him. The reader will see his progression throughout the story, both in the ‘journal format’ and in his elder form, where he surely undergoes many events that shaped him before writing his novel about the prince from Transylvania. The attentive reader will see this progression and the crumbs of information in this text that relate to the best known work, utilizing many interesting themes and ideas.

Many of the other characters, who play strong roles as well as minor narrative flavouring, must also receive great recognition, as their presence keeps the reader enthralled until the final pages.

The narrative is wonderfully strong and filled with nuggets of wonderful speculation which, through to the authors’ note at the end, can be left to hang in the air, wondering how much was real. Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker dispel much of the fiction versus fact in their note at the end, as well as exploring how much of Dracula itself was based on real happenings, as opposed to a fictional account of a monster from history. While the use of journals and clippings may not be to everyone’s liking, it serves a wonderful purpose and is a true adage to Bram’s original work, deserving praise for that writing format. At this time of ghouls and monsters, this story hit the spot and will surely make it onto my annual reading list.

Kudos, Messrs. Stoker and Barker, for such an intense story. I am eager to see if you two will work together again, as this was surely a strong collaborative effort.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Coast-to-Coast Murders, by James Patterson and J.D. Barker

Nine stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley; James Patterson; J.D Barker; and Little Brown and Company for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

This first-time collaborative effort shows that some authors have amazing chemistry with James Patterson, adding depth and intrigue to a novel that keeps the reader enthralled until the very end. With great psychological build-up and stunning development throughout, James Patterson and J.D. Barker take the reader on the most intense journey as a serial killer is revealed. When Michael Kepler (Fitzgerald) is called back to his apartment by a nosy neighbour, he suspects it’s a burst water pipe that has flooded his place. When he discovers the body of a woman in his tub, he is not only disturbed, but highly agitated. After calling the authorities, it is soon discovered that this cross-country truck driver may not be telling the truth, as the victim seems to know him quite well. Her apartment is full of photos of Michael and they seem to have shared quite the intense relationship. However, Michael is sure he has never met her, even if a great deal of evidence says otherwise. When he is taken into custody and questioned, the attorney provided for him violently helps Michael flee LAPD custody and off they go. Michael’s sister, Megan, receives many calls from her brother and is trying to piece this all together. Both are unsure what’s going on, but they fear telling their mother, a renowned psychologist, who is sure to judge them both harshly. When FBI Special Agent Jessica Gimble is alerted to the crimes, she reaches out to let the LAPD know that Michael Fitzgerald is a wanted serial killer for many murders across the country, the manhunt is on to find him. As the story progresses, Michael tries to assert his innocence, though there is something about his past that leads him to second guess himself. Adopted at four by a wily psychiatrist, Michael becomes a test subject in a number of highly intense studies based on his horrible early childhood. As the chase continues, Megan tries her best to help a brother she thought she knew well, but has come to believe that he might be the monster everyone seems certain he has become. It will take a great deal of effort to keep Michael out of the hands of authorities, though the bodies are piling up and there does not seem to be any way to explain it all away…. or is there? A chilling story that will take the reader on one of the most far-flung rides of their reading career, as the pieces slowly fall into place. Stunning in its delivery, this is sure to show that James Patterson does still have some magic left in him, depending on who is collaborating with him. Recommended to those who love the work of J.D. Barker, as well the reader whose enjoyment of intense psychological thrillers is second to none.

I always enjoy a great psychological thriller, particularly when it is penned by one of the greats in the genre. This unique collaboration has proven to be one of the great surprises of my reading adventure this year and it works so very well, as the story flows smoothly without being too quick to end. Michael Kepler/Fitzgerald is quite a complex character, though all becomes a little more understandable as the story progresses. Taken from a horrific situation, Michael was placed in an institution and then adopted by a family who saw him more as a lab rat than anything else. He is intensely scarred by the experience, which is revealed throughout the piece, especially as he remembers bits of his past. There is some obvious development to his character throughout, though it remains somewhat questionable as more is revealed about his life and the murders he is said to have committed. The banter between Michael and Megan is also key to this story, as she takes on a secondary protagonist role in this piece, helping to fill in many of the gaps the reader might not understand otherwise. This pair help lead the story in many curious directions, though the full cast of characters do a wonderful job of keeping the reader entertained throughout this long and meandering piece. There are so many angles and such flavouring of the narrative that the characters all play an integral role in the story’s overall success. This is definitely one of the most thrilling rides I have taken in a novel in a long time, as the story gains momentum, so did my interest. While the size of the book may seem daunting, the action and constant story development help to propel things forward. Using the usual Patterson quick chapter recipe, the reader can tackle large chunks without feeling the onerous task of wading through this piece, finding a rhythm and working with it until all is revealed. There are also numerous perspectives told in the story, offering the reader an even more intense look at the overall development of the piece as it progresses. Patterson and Barker have so many interesting ideas and some strong subplots in this piece, there is no doubt that this is sure to be one of those novels people talk about for months to come, while many hope to see another piece by these two heavyweights before too long. I am still trying to wrap my head around what I read and hope others feel as strongly as I do about this novel.

Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Barker, for this sensational piece. While there is always a gamble when collaborating, you two have hit the nail on the head and I cannot wait to see what’s next!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

She Has a Broken Thing Where Her Heart Should Be, by J.D. Barker

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, JD Barker, and Hampton Creek Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

A fan of JD Barker and his off the wall work, I was happy to get my hands on this ARC of his latest standalone. This book kept me up late, wondering how things would fall into place, while also impressing me with the twists embedded in the narrative. John Edward ‘Jack’ Thatch suffered quite the loss when he was four, as both his parents died in an automobile accident. He visits their gravestones every year on August 8th and when he does so in 1984, young Jack meets Stella, a mysterious little girl. Captivated by her, Jack sees her every year on the same day, but cannot understand who she is there to see or what brings her back. With no parents of her own, Stella is accompanied by a group who wear white coats and travel in sleek vehicles. Jack’s infatuation grows over the years, though Stella remains aloof about his interest. Jack’s day-to-day life heats up in Pittsburgh as he becomes a teenager, particularly when his aunt passes away and leaves him a sum of money. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh PD have been chasing down a number of cold cases, all committed around August 8th. Each of the victims seems to be ‘scorched’ but the surroundings are untouched. Acting on some curious intel, the authorities wonder if Stella might be behind the murders, even though she was just a baby when they began. At the standoff, many die, but Stella is able to elude capture. She flees into the night, on the run for crimes about which she knows all too well. Jack also falls off the grid after learning his father kept a monumental secret from him, which could explain the connection to Stella. This baffling mystery might bring Jack and Stella even closer, while explaining some of the odd things taking place around Pittsburgh for so long. A mind-bending novel that only Barker could concoct. It will leave the reader more confused than when they started, but in the best possible way. Recommended to those who love something that challenges the norms of mystery and thriller writing.

When I first discovered JD Barker, I knew I was in for an exciting ride. His stories are never a simple A to B, meandering around and keeping the reader enthralled until the very end. There is so much to them that the reader must pay close attention and hope that their comprehension hat is firmly affixed. Jack is a wonderfully complex character who develops so well throughout this book, but seems to do so in fits and starts. His backstory is thorough and keeps revealing itself, much as his developments throughout will keep the reader trying to sketch out what they know and how it all fits. There is so much on the go and yet it does not seem overwhelming when taken in small doses. Others, including Stella, develop nicely throughout, as Barker peels back their layers to discover some wonderfully juicy tidbits of their own. Many characters complement what Jack is doing, though some take the story in many tangents. Speaking of the larger story, this is a massive one and goes in so many directions. That being said, Barker keeps it grounded enough that the reader can follow what is going on and see the progression with ease. Broken into multiple parts—which are themselves divided into ‘annual chapters’—the story is more easily digested, without losing the needed narrative momentum. I found myself in awe as I finished, to see where I had come in this reading journey. This book is not for the weak of heart or superficial reader, but I can assure any who take the journey, it will not be easily forgotten.

Kudos, Mr. Barker, for a great tale that took me on quite the adventure.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Sixth Wicked Child (4MK Thriller #3), by J.D. Barker

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, J.D. Barker, and Hampton Creek Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

As the riveting 4MK trilogy comes to an end, J.D. Barker offers the most explosive novel to date. Chilling in its delivery and full of unexpected twists, fans of the series should brace themselves as all the pieces finally come together. As the 4MK cases continues to gain momentum, the obvious suspect remains Anson Bishop, who turns himself in to the authorities. However, there are more victims that keep emerging, a single message binding them all together in his sick and twisted web. While this would seem to be a slam-dunk case, the fact that the bodies appear almost simultaneously on opposite sides of the country is an issue, denoting that this could not be the work of a single man. While minds stir about this, a hospital becomes the scene of a lockdown, as a virus makes its way through the air and chooses even more victims to add to the horror. While trying to shed some light on the entire situation, Chicago PD and FBI investigators listen to Bishop tell a complex story from his past, one that could reveal more about the real killer than first suspected. All comes to light in a set of diary entries, which could prove to be the best piece of evidence on offer. If he is to be believed, Bishop can finger a rogue cop as the real killer and the one with the greatest motive to shut the investigation down. Trouble is, everything is marred in a fog and what is on paper seems too outrageous to accept. Truths will be revealed and a killer’s identity shall be unmasked, but it may be too much for some to accept as they attempt to wrap their minds around what’s gone undetected and how many other lives have been cut short. A troubling novel, though one that fits right into the series and allows Barker to show just how sadistic things can get with a serial killer, given the opportunity. Recommended to series fans and those who want out of their comfort zone.

The concept for this series caught my attention when it was released and I knew I would have to find the time to add this to my ever-growing list of books to read. From the outset, the story pulled me in and kept me wanting to know more, especially since the serial killer stood out as being highly unique in their actions and the thrill of the chase. Returning as a quasi-protagonist again, Sam Porter offers the reader some insight into his personality and desire to get this killer off the streets. While there is no time for backstory, the reader does learn some interesting aspects about his life as well as how he is seen by his colleagues. Porter has little time for banter, wanting to get to the root of the matter, but fearful of tripping up and costing the investigation its best lead. He will have to remain level-headed and stay the course, or risk it all. Anson Bishop remains the other character to share the spotlight, though Barker seems to want to share the glory all around. Depicted as the mastermind killer, Bishop has a lot to say and won’t let himself face all the blame without opening up one more can of worms. What he reveals is both troubling and shocking, proof that may turn the case on its head, should anyone want to listen. In a story packed with interesting characters, Barker leaves no stone unturned in an attempt to flesh-out the truth, chilling the reader as the plunge deeper. The story remained strong throughout, climbing in its intensity through short chapters that tease just enough to keep the reader wanting to know more. I love this technique, as I find myself devouring things without being able to stop, promising myself and those around me that “one more chapter” will do. Matched with that, use of a diary to tell a captivating backstory leaves nothing to the imagination. In. trilogy set over six days, any reader wishing to binge the series can do so and feel the full impact of the story, allowing Barker to take over control and leave the reader at his mercy. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and the series, which brings together some great writing, strong narrative guidance, and a plot that has more twists than it does answers. Not to be missed, for those who have the stomach for the adventure.

Kudos, Mr. Barker, on another great book. I have loved everything of yours to date and cannot wait to discover more.A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Dracul, by Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker

Eight stars

There are surely many who have wondered where Bram Stoker got his idea for Dracula. After creating an interesting sequel to his ancestor’s popular book, Dacre Stoker decided to team up with J.D. Barker to pen this prequel of sorts, though its exploration is less of Prince/Count Dracula than of a younger Bram Stoker. It is here that the seeds of all things ghoulish germinated, or so the reader is led to believe. Bram Stoker was quite a sickly child, being bedridden for the first number of years of his life. The family’s nanny, Nanna Ellen, did all that she could to help, though caring for many children kept her occupied. It was only when Bram’s uncle came to bleed him with leeches that things took an interesting turn. At that time, Nanna Ellen also visited her young charge and, by all of Bram’s accounts, undertook a unique form of medicinal care through a small bite along his arm. Soon thereafter, Bram was healed, though to everyone it was thought that the leeches did the job. Upwardly mobile, Bram and his sister, Matilda, begin exploring their environs in the Irish countryside, which includes a closer examination of Nanna Ellen. What they discover serves to shock and concern them, for she acts in such a unique manner. When she disappears one day, Bram and Matilda can only surmise that something extremely mysterious is going on and they might have witnessed a key that relates to her disappearance. Moving forward more than a dozen years, Bram and Matilda are again witnesses to some odd happenings, both related to their nanny and some other folks from the town. Could the mysteries they uncovered as children be back again, in new and curious forms? As they press to understand what is going on, they discover the world of vampires and the un-dead, a realm that is highly dangerous for adults and children alike. However, nothing has prepared them for what is to come, or the residue it will have on their lives. Contrasted nicely with a more ‘modern’ Bram Stoker, who struggles with some additional demons, Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker instil a significant chill into the narrative that is perfect for fans of the Dracula novel. Highly recommended, especially during the haunting month of October, when ghosts and ghouls begin to emerge!

I was so very excited to learn of this book and awaited its publication so that I could add it to my October holiday reading list. I have some experience with Barker’s work and have come to admire Dacre Stoker, as he penned that aforementioned sequel to the extremely popular Dracula. Now, it’s time to look back and allow these two authors to paint some interesting pictures for the reader, taking their own liberties with Bram Stoker and his life, though they make clear that some of their story is based on his writings and early journals. The authors handle Bram Stoker in a very interesting light here, even more interestingly than Dacre did his ancestor in the Dracula sequel. Bram is seen not only as a precocious young boy, but one who is driven to understanding the mysteries of the world, particularly when oddities pop up around him. The reader will see his progression throughout the story, both in the ‘journal format’ and in his elder form, where he surely undergoes many events that shaped him before writing his novel about the prince from Transylvania. The attentive reader will see this progression and the crumbs of information in this text that relate to the best known work, utilizing many interesting themes and ideas. Many of the other characters, who play strong roles as well as minor narrative flavouring, must also receive great recognition, as their presence keeps the reader enthralled until the final pages. The narrative is wonderfully strong and filled with nuggets of wonderful speculation which, through to the authors’ note at the end, can be left to hang in the air, wondering how much was real. Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker dispel much of the fiction versus fact in their note at the end, as well as exploring how much of Dracula itself was based on real happenings, as opposed to a fictional account of a monster from history. While the use of journals and clippings may not be to everyone’s liking, it serves a wonderful purpose and is a true adage to Bram’s original work, deserving praise for that writing format. At this time of ghouls and monsters, this story hit the spot and will surely make it onto my annual reading list.

Kudos, Messrs. Stoker and Barker, for such an intense story. I am eager to see if you two will work together again, as this was surely a strong collaborative effort.

This books fulfils Topic #6: A Book About the Current Equinox, for the Equinox #5 Reading Challenge.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Fifth to Die (4MK Thriller #2), by J.D. Barker

Eight stars

After his stunning series debut, talk about J.D. Barker and his 4MK thriller has many eager to get their hands on the next novel. Sam Porter is still trying to come to terms with the Four Monkey Killer, a.k.a. Anson Bishop, who rocked Chicago before he slipped through the fingers of authorities. With his own wife also dead, Porter had the case wrestled from him by the FBI without even a consultation with the seasoned detective. Now, in the dead of a Chicago winter, Ella Reynolds has gone missing. Missing Children is alerted and works alongside Chicago Metro until a body is found under the ice. The biggest problem? The water’s been solid for months and the body went missing only a few weeks ago. The buzz says that Bishop is back, but Porter cannot be sure, thinking that the killings are too different, particularly when the teen’s body is soaked in salt water. While Porter goes on a manhunt to find Bishop, he is left to follow a single lead and a hint that Bishop’s mother might hold the key to it all. When more teenage girls go missing, Metro rush to piece it all together, seeing some parallels to the previous 4MK deaths, though the oddity of the bodies leaves them baffled. Within the killer’s lair, the reader learns about an odd fascination with visions, which could be the key the authorities need to bring things together. As Barker pushes an interesting subplot with an old Bishop journal, the story takes on a new and bone-chilling perspective, while the bodies continue to mount. Barker does a sensational job of luring the reader in and finding new ways to create a stellar thriller. Perfect for those who loved the debut novel and readers who enjoy dark crime thrillers.

Barker’s return has been much anticipated and the wait can said to be justified. In a story equally as thrilling, the reader is taken on another journey down to the depths of a killer’s psyche and through some of the triggers that might have helped shape the man Anson Bishop became. The cast of characters is large, which can cause confusion, though those who are able to keep names and plots straight will revel in the detail used throughout the piece. Detective Same Porter definitely makes his mark in this book, though the dilution of storylines has him serving on but a part of the larger narrative. Bishop’s presence, both in the current story and through a detailed backstory in the form of journal entries, enriches the narrative and adds a dark flavour that Barker developed in the opening novel. The reader can better understand the man, while also being baffled by this new killer who has a penchant for teenage girls. The story is longer, but has also been broken into scores of chapters, making the narrative move at a clipped pace. Barker effectively breaks down not only the perspective, but a short timeline, to give the reader a true bang for their buck. Events flow wonderfully, though there is always a sense of panic, even over the short time period needed from first discovery until gruesome finale. Barker is an author not to be missed, as he haunts the reader with his style and skill, a sense that lingers long after the final paragraph.

Kudos, Mr. Barker, for another wonderful piece of work. I am eager to read more of your work, both in this series and in a collaborative effort with the distant relative of the author who honed thrill writing as a genre.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Fourth Monkey (4MK#1), by J.D. Barker

Nine stars

In this captivating series debut, J. D. Barker pulls the reader into the depths of a serial killer’s mind and how a spark in youth can erupt into a wildfire of indifference. Chicago Homicide Detective Sam Porter has been working to capture the Four Monkey Killer for over five years, watching as the victim count mounts with minimal clues, saving the severed pieces sent in boxes. When called to the scene of an early morning pedestrian-vehicle accident, Porter is baffled as to why he would be involved. What awaits him is perhaps the most curious and yet relieving scene; apparently the Four Monkey Killer has been neutralized after being launched through the air. Within a box like all the others, an ear sits inside and the address of a prominent real estate mogul penned on the label. Additionally, there is a diary that recounts some of the early thoughts of the killer There is little time for victory dances, as Porter must locate the victim before it’s too late. Taking time to read the diary, Porter learns that the writing depicts a man remembering his childhood and how one summer day, his peaceful life was rocked when he discovered the depravity his parents found entertaining. The reader collects much of the backstory here as the story evolves and a neighbourly indiscretion has severe consequences. With the victim completely isolated, Emory Conners tries to reason with herself to learn why she has been taken and what awaits her. Is there someone there, bantering with her, or has the terror led her to hallucinate at the worst possible moment? Just as Porter thinks he has it all figured out, the case turns on its head and the entire foundation comes crumbling down. Will the Four Monkey Killer have the final laugh in his macabre game of monkey and… zookeeper? Is Emory the final victim, or are there more in other locations, waiting to be slain as well? Barker spins a sadistic, but enthralling, story here and keeps the reader wondering until the very last page. He refuses to tie things off entirely, even at that point, paving the way for a sequel that will be much anticipated. Perfect for those who can handle some psychopathy with their thrill reading.

I have heard much about this book over the last while, as it fills my Goodreads review emails. I am happy to have taken the plunge and have already signed myself up to read and review the sequel. Barker does much in this first novel, entertaining and educating the reader on many levels. The split narrative forces the reader to keep up with three essential and interconnected pieces, while also following the progression of the individual storylines. Porter may seem like a well-adjusted detective, but he has much in his own life that has him unsettled, which only goes to thicken the plot and the development the reader finds herein. The story itself, based loosely on an expansion of the popular “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” monkeys from Chinese lore, looks to the lesser known “do no evil”, which serves as the fourth monkey. Barker explains the history while developing a gut-wrenching narrative to tie it all together. The plot itself is not overly unique, but the way it is expressed individualises the story nicely, which leaving much open for interpretation. It is one of the better psychological thrillers I have read and I can only hope that Barker will keep the series going, whether Sam Porter remains in the protagonist’s chair after the sequel or not. There is much found herein that leads the reader to see much potential and I can only hope that fans will stumble upon this book in short order and discover that the hype is justified.

Kudos, Mr. Barker for this wonderful debut. I am eager to see what else you have in store in the coming novels.