4 out of 4 stars
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Have you ever delved into the mind of a serial killer? Have you ever wondered about their intentions, their thoughts, and how they weave their plans? Brian Gallagher's novel Serial K Returns gives us a full reading experience how a murderer thinks and acts in his story.
Serial K Returns is a sequel to Gallagher's Serial K. However, there is no need to read the first book since Serial K Returns can act as a standalone. Basically, this sequel introduces the serial killer, Craig Breedlove, who had apparently survived back in Serial K and is out for revenge. Being a victim of priest molestation when he was young, he assumes a new identity and sets out to avenge the other boys who had their lives ruined because of the same trauma he experienced. The protagonists, two FBI agents named Ryan O’Callahan and Lea Pucci, seek to reveal the mystery behind these unprecedented murders.
The thing that I like about this book is the manner in which the author portrayed his character, serial killer Craig Breedlove, and how his mind worked. Gallagher wrote him in such a way that it made me have mixed feelings about him. I disliked the way he went about his revenge — which is the rather brutal killings — but there was always this nagging feeling inside me that those priests deserved what was coming for them. Even the way they tried to justify their actions left me flabbergasted at how they believed that they had already been forgiven of their sins and were reserved a spot on Heaven. There were also times when I sympathized with Craig, especially the moments whenever he seemed almost vulnerable.
On the other hand, there’s not much to dislike, actually. The plot’s pace is good enough for me, and even though I was more invested in Craig Breedlove rather than the two FBI agents, the story managed to draw me in. Lea Pucci amazed me with her strong, independent self as well as her empathetic side when she finally confronted Craig. It just made me realize all the more that childhood traumas can really shape a person into a deeply confused and twisted adult, especially when no one in their lives understood them and their pain.
All in all, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. There were very little typos, and the story flowed rather well for a thriller genre. I especially liked the ending of the book because it showed that there are reasons, no matter how skewed they may be, behind every intention. A fair warning, though: this book is not for the softest of hearts due to the detailed descriptions of gore. However, I am definitely recommending this to those who love thrillers and crime/mystery.
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Serial K Returns
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