Review of Memoirs of a Serial Killer

[Bertha Jackson]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Memoirs of a Serial Killer" by J.J. Franks.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Henry Paul Heart was born into a middle-class family that adored him. As a small child, he bit another child and got away with it because that child had bit someone else. He was the boy all the girls wanted to date, played sports, and held an office on the student council in high school. He finishes college, gets married, and has a good life. Amelia is a detective in a small police force in her hometown of Lake Shore. Her chief tells her that the son of a member of the police force is missing. The little boy, Robby, has autism and is ten years old. Then a six-year-old boy goes missing, too. Memoirs of a Serial Killer: Children and Strangers by J.J. Franks is the story of a serial killer and the detective who wants to stop him. Is she able to? What makes someone turn into a serial killer? Do they find the two boys?

This first book in the series has many positive aspects. The author explains why it is easier for a serial killer or any criminal to target small towns. For instance, people in small towns tend to leave their doors unlocked and allow their children to play outside alone because they feel safe. Crime only happens in the big cities, right? The character development in this book is impressive. I felt the parents and detectives fear, heartbreak, and worry when a child went missing. I could sense the killer's enthusiasm while committing his crimes. The chapters are written in the first tense from either Henry's or Amelia's perspective, and they flow smoothly between each of them. The author includes humor to offset the darkness of serial killings. For example, I laughed when Gramps sent a text that his phone autocorrected, saying something different from what he intended. "People see what they want to see" and "idle hands and an idle mind are the devil's playground" are my favorite quotes in this book because they are so true.

There is nothing I disliked about this 124-page book. The book has a fast-paced and smooth-flowing plot that is full of mystery. The cliffhanger ending makes me anxious to read the next book in the series.

This book deserves no less than 4 out of 4 stars. There are only six minor errors in this professionally edited book that did not distract from my reading.

I recommend this book to enthusiasts of mystery and crime thriller books. I caution readers that you will have a hard time putting this book down, so allow time to read it in one sitting. Only the most sensitive readers will find anything offensive in this book as it has only borderline profanity. Although the book is about murder, there are no descriptive scenes.

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Memoirs of a Serial Killer
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[Review Writer]

I guess I'll love this book, because l always love action and thrillers. And it's a good thing that the book is fast paced.

[Ahñ Mèiã]

Thank you for the review. Sounds like an interesting detective novel! That's a style of thriller that I like! Added it to my TBR list.

[Uchechukwu Okereke]

Thank you for your review. You always do a great job summarizing books and I can't wait to find out as well why serial killers target smaller towns. This sounds like a very interesting book and i cannot wait to get started on it.

[Steinkar]

I love books in this genre. (I hope that doesn't make me weirdly sadistic.) Your review has piqued my interest, and I'm going to put it at the top of my list. Do I have to read the series in chronological order?

[Rishi_reviews]

I always like a good crime thriller novel and by the looks of it this one seems like an amazing story. The plot is so intriguing I can't wait to read it. Thanks for the great review.

[Jydel]

This book sounds interesting. I love fast paced books as they immerse you in the novel. I think it will make a good read for me.

[Valerie Garske]

Thanks for the important details. While I like mysteries and crime novels, I prefer when more of the gory details are left to my imagination. I would likely have passed on this book, based on the title, now I am intrigued ...

[Kibabcock]

I absolutely love murder mystery and thrillers. This review definitely has me wanting to read this book. It sounds intriguing and full of mystery. I love reading any book that pulls you in and makes you feel what the characters feel. Great review, I look forward to reading this book.

[NetMassimo]

This seems like an intriguing crime thriller offering an unconventional point of view. I'll look into this series. Thank you for your great review!

[Rebi]

I guess I'll love this book, because l always love action and thrillers. And it's a good thing that the book is fast paced.