Lane is a typical teenager. Loving family. Good grades. After school job at the local animal hospital. Martial arts enthusiast. But her secret obsession is studying serial killers. She understands them, knows what makes them tick.
Why?
Because she might be one herself.
Lane channels her dark impulses by hunting criminals—delivering justice when the law fails. The vigilantism stops shy of murder. But with each visceral rush the line of self-control blurs.
And then a young preschool teacher goes missing. Only to return... in parts.
When Lane excitedly gets involved in the hunt for “the Decapitator,” the vicious serial murderer that has come to her hometown, she gets dangerously caught up in a web of lies about her birth dad and her own dark past. And once the Decapitator contacts Lane directly, Lane knows she is no longer invisible or safe. Now she needs to use her unique talents to find the true killer’s identity before she—or someone she loves—becomes the next victim...
Kindle Edition, 272 pages
Expected publication:
May 6th 2014
by Simon Pulse
Genre: Young Adult/ Mystery
Kristine's Thoughts:
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from Simon Pulse via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Killer Instinct was an odd, dark and kind of weird book for me. I've read a lot of reviews saying that it is too much like Dexter and that fans will not like the book. Having never seen Dexter I went into the story with an open and unbiased mind. Did that help me enjoy the book more?? I don't know...
Lane showed all kinds of signs of turning into a serial killer with her fascination with them, her "itch" and anti-social behaviour. I was hoping the story would dig deeper into her behaviours and give us a little more insight. Yes, things come to light that could explain why she is the way she is but it is more assumed than explained. I guess I was hoping for more definitive answers.
I enjoyed the mystery of the Decapitator but couldn't quite understand the relevance of some of the side stories and characters that were mixed in with it. Also, why was it so easy for Lane to find clues and answers when the FBI couldn't. It was a little too convenient. Having said that, the book is a YA book and geared to that audience. In my younger years I probably wouldn't have questioned so much and just went along for the ride.
If you are looking for a quick and easy YA mystery this one fits the bill. There are twists and turns that keep you guessing. If you want a book that ties everything up neatly at the end, this book will not do that. I actually had more questions than answers by the time I was done.
In the end I didn't love it and didn't hate it and it entertained me for a few short hours.
About the Author
I think as I am getting older, I am getting more and more cynical and asking questions when it comes to events in a book. Sometimes things can be a little too convenient and it is a shame that it stuck out a bit. Maybe we are getting old? ;D
ReplyDeleteThat aside it seems that this is still a good read and would definitely check it out. One thing that I lack on my shelf is YA mysteries!
Thanks for sharing & great review!
Alex @ The Shelf Diaries