I am not a serial killer - Dan Wells

John Cleaver is not a serial killer, but he is fascinated with them and he is concerned about the monster in his head. It's not just his monster that's an issue though, there is another monster in the small town of Clayton, an actual serial killer and John finds himself drawn in.

A while ago this book would have have created a stir because of it's twisted morality and gore, but we have Dexter now. Actually given the age group it's aimed at no doubt someone somewhere will eventually try to ban it, which will be great because then everyone will want to read it. And they should.

It's very dark, occasionally funny, a little gross and fairly disturbing. I loved it, read it in one sitting. I can't help thinking i'd have been even more entranced by this as a kid, back when I had a strong enough stomach for the Books of Blood, not that this is that graphic.

John's internal debate, his management system to keep control and his recognition of his own lack of normal empathy make this a fascinating book. The struggle to stop the killer there already is without realeasing the killer he could be draws you in and holds you.

Dan doesn't write down to his teenage audience making this, unlike some books for the mid teens, an easy read for adults too. A must for fans of Dexter or a good slightly paranormal psychological thriller. The notes in the back assure us (and Dan's family) that this is in no way biographical. Good to know.