Title: I Am Not A Serial Killer
Author: Dan Wells
Publisher: Headline
Publication Date: 5 March 2009
Paperback: 281 pages
Genre: Horror
Young Adult
Rating: 9/10
Summary:
John works in his family’s mortuary and has an obsession with serial killers. He wants to be a good person, but fears he is a sociopath, and for years he has suppressed his dark side through a strict system of rules designed to mimic ‘normal’ behavior.
Then a demon begins stalking his small town and killing people one by one, and John is forced to give in to his darker nature in order to save them. As he struggles to understand the demon and find a way to kill it, his own mind begins to unravel until he fears he may never regain control. Faced with the reality that he is, perhaps, more monstrous than the monster he is fighting, John must make a final stand against the horrors of both the demon and himself.
Review:
I Am Not A Serial Killer gives a fascinating glimpse into the psyche of a fifteen year old boy on the verge of possibly becoming a serial killer. It delves into the human side of what it’s like to have dark, murderous thoughts and how to keep them in check.
I was surprised at how much I liked the main protagonist, John Cleaver. Wells has created a character that I sympathise with rather than fear and I’m certainly intrigued to find out what kind of person he grows up to be. John is completely aware of his unnatural feelings and behaviour, which he refers to as Mr Monster. He knows who he is and who he doesn’t want to become. His character also made me question whether this is how all serial killers started out and would I have liked them too. However, the issues John Cleaver has as a possible sociopath/serial killer are chilling.
John visits a therapist on a regular basis talking through his disturbing thoughts. He also has a list of rules to prevent him from becoming the serial killer he thinks he is. Rules to not stare at someone for too long as he may become obsessed and begin to stalk them; say nice things to people even if he’s thinking otherwise; not harm animals etc. These rules make him feel in control even if sometimes he ends up breaking them.
John enjoys helping his mother and aunt in the mortuary, working with the dead bodies, examining them, touching them. He’s very inquisitive but most importantly it keeps him calm. His mother is worried about him as well as a little fearful, but as this is a first person narrative we don’t get to hear what she is thinking, but through John and the dialogue between them, we get to feel her emotion and feelings of helplessness and confusion.
There are strong visual scenes, especially with the description of how a body is embalmed, so if you’re not used to this kind of thing then just be warned it isn’t for the faint hearted and certainly has the ‘ick’ factor. As the book suggests, a strong stomach is essential.
The story is great and there is an element of fantasy with the inclusion of a demon, although I think this book would have worked equally well without the demon and in many ways may have made it even darker. I thoroughly enjoyed following John’s process to catch and kill the demon, but It’s the human side of the story that interested me the most. I really enjoy reading and watching anything to do with serial killers. Jack the Ripper being my favourite. I find these kinds of people fascinating and monstrous in equal measure.
Verdict:
I Am Not A Serial Killer is easy to read without being simplistic and flows throughout each chapter really well. There isn’t a dull moment anywhere and the action is consistent enough to keep you turning the page, but John Cleaver is the star. An interesting and likable character with a dark side that keeps you completely engrossed in the story. Although it’s a fairly dark and sinister tale, it’s not morbid and has a fair amount of humour to lighten the tone. I Am Not A Serial Killer is a fantastic read and one that I highly recommend.
This book was purchased by me.
You can find out more about the author here:
16 Comments
I am going to have to read this one too now! I cheated and read Mr Monster first, look forward to hearing what you think of that one!
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I really want to read this. I can't believe I picked up Mr monster and forgot to grab a copy of this at the Headline event!
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I got a copy of Mr. Monster in the mail, from Sweden, and it freaked me out a little. While intriguing, I'm just not sure I want to hand a book to students that is about a boy who fantasizes about holding his mother at knife point!
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Great review, I loved this one too
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oooh this looks very interesting…will definitely have to pick it up
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This, along with Mr. Monster, will be a part of the next order I place with Book Depository!
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Dot – Reading MR MONSTER, I think it can be read as a stand alone novel, but I would definitely read I AM NOT A SERIAL KILLER, just because it's so good!
So Many Books – After receiving MR MONSTER for review (and as I like to read my series in order) I rushed out and bought a copy of I AM NOT A SERIAL KILLER myself. I suggest you do too as it's brilliant!
Ms Yingling – If a young person is going to hold his mother at knife point then obviously they have serious issues to begin with, a book is not going to change that. I believe that most intelligent young people realise that this is fiction and will just enjoy it for what it is, a story. To think otherwise is a little patronising. I would have loved this book as a teenager.
Jenny – thanks! Half way through MR MONSTER now and loving it!
Wings – Oh definitely pick it up, you won't be disappointed.
Jenn – Hehe, I love to see my recommendations ending up in your virtual basket! I know you will love these stories. Can't wait to hear what you think!
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will definitely add this one to my list,sounds really good.Good review!
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Great review (as always), BCC.
This book sounds fascinating (and a little creepy). Must go immediately to add to my TBR list and see if my local Barnes & Noble has it.
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I would have thought this one almost too dark to read, but your review makes me think otherwise. I'll have to add it to my wish list!
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Sounds like a really great book. I'm going to have to get my hands on this one. Thanks for the great review!
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This sounds fantastic! Looks like I need to add it to the tbr list.
I have an award for you: http://not-really-southernvamp.....ime-2.html
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Tribute Books – Glad you liked the review. I would definitely add this to your list!
Lori – Thanks! It really is fascinating as well as a bit creepy but it's a really good story too. A definite for the TBR pile
Melissa – It is a dark read, as I do say in my review, but there is humour that lightens it. I would add this too your wishlist and my advice… buy it SOON!!
Falling of Shelf – It really is a good book. There are so many layers to it. Glad you liked the review
Amanda – Definitely add to your TBR list, I'm sure you won't be disappointed, it really is a great read. And thanks for the award, so nice of you. Off to your blog now
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Well I'm sold. I was looking for a new book to order this week. I love books about serial killers and this sounds like an interesting tale. Another great review from you that causes me to buy a book! I cannot decide whether you are a good, or bad influence.
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Sharon – I'm good, honest! I love being able to influence your buying *feel very powerful*
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did, nearly finished with MR MONSTER (second book in series) and it's really good too – so I advise to buy both!! Hehe 
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A friend of mine received this book for her fifteenth birthday, and she really enjoyed it. She lent it to me and the girl who bought it fo her (who is fourteen) and we loved it too. I even went out and bought it just so I could read it again! Although I am a teenager the book was still fantastic. Obviously, it's not something you give to a sociopath but for any mature teen it's great fun!
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