Atmosphere: 👌

Mostly Miami Beach setting paired with feel-it, see-it writing. Immersive even though we are also deep in our MCs mind and viewpoint.

Main POV: 👌

TLDR; a morally grey serial killer. Our MC is complex, open-minded, intuitive, loving, empathetic, perceptive, intelligent…but also judgemental, protective, quick to act, technically evil, and the type of person who will step up to fix a problem when society doesn’t seem to have a good (or legal) solution.

Growls and Howls: 🐺

I think if you don’t identify with, like, or appreciate the MC then this book will not be fun at all for you. I think that because the murders are not the focus; the thriller aspects come from caring about the MC and what happens to them. 

Cred Rating: 👍

Plausible to realistic depending on the era and forensic competence. The plotting around key witnesses near the end seemed a bit convenient but not unbelievable necessarily. A serial killer like this seems a fantasy - I don’t think the human mind has managed to balance being ‘moral and murderous’.

Show’n’tell: 👌
 Show and tell exactly how I like it. Tell me when it’s necessary, otherwise show me everything. Like a captivating kindergarten session where you go home and play school after. 

Reading Journey: 👍
Meandering evening summer drive alone with the windows down

Great match if you like:

-literary fiction vibes with a side of thriller/suspense from false accustion

-exploring complexities of growing up, families, relationships, friendships, and grief

-character study from childhood to adulthood

-antihero elements (haven’t we all pondered if we could act on “I could just kill ___” if we knew we’d get away with it?)

-thought-provoking discussion points on morality and what to do with incurable abusers

-legal thriller elements (defendant focus)

Vibes: 🥰🫢🥳

Format: Library E-book via Libby