Book Review: The Fourth Monkey Killer

It is no secret that I love a serial killer and of course a good cop chase. specially when I receive a book from an author I already have read and loved who now promises an ‘impossible to catch’ psychopath. Well I had to grab the chance to read The Fourth Monkey Killer by J D Barker.

I know you all love my rant induced reviews and are dying to read more from me. Of course you do. (YOU DO, right???). But for once I thought I will let you guys read something from a friend who is not a book reviewer as he begged for a chance to write for my blog (one of these is a lie). So here we go.

Book Name: The Fourth Monkey Killer elgeewrites Book Review: The Fourth Monkey Killer The Fourth Monkey Killer
Author: J D Barker
Genre: Fiction – Thriller
Characters: Sam Porter
Setting: Chicago, The USA

Three years after the critically acclaimed and multiple award winning Forsaken, Barker comes up the first book of the series named after the central character of the plot; The Fourth Monkey Killer (4MK).

A major portion of the novel covers events across just a couple of days and the narration moves at a brisk pace. Even the flashback portion that runs parallel to the live narration pertains to a reasonably short period of time and keeps the plot on its toes.

Non-linear narration has been handled professionally and I wouldn’t be far from truth when I say that this does not come across as the work of an author penning just his second novel.

The setting up of the flashback narration, read as: diary entries, is a small dampener in what is a near-flawless price of work. There aren’t many places where unnecessary details or deliberate mis-directions drag the story which helps sustain one’s interest. The fact that Barker has been able to give us a fabulous view into the killer’s head despite the brevity deserves appreciation.

Bottomline:

4MK would appeal to you if you are a fan of detective novels, if you are into stories involving serial killers and to those that like fast paced thrillers.

Hey, it is me again. Do you like the psychopath and troubled cop trope? Do you miss me already? Are you interested in posting on my blog? Talk to me in the comments. 

P.S Hint: I would be really glad if you did miss me!

30 Comments

  1. Shantala

    I don’t think I have read any serial killer books, just not my genre. But I can read them if they are not overly gore-y(is this a word?). I do love a good suspense thriller though!

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      I love the suspense part of serial killer, though I am not averse to gore as well.

      Reply
    • Gayathri

      Thanks!

      Reply
  2. Sim @ Flipping Through the Pages

    I don’t think that I have read any serial-killer book but I am glad that you liked it. I don’t personally pick-up a mystery book in the first place but this book sounds nice.

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      I am surprised to hear that. And I assumed (wrongly) that you would be loving mystery books like me.

      Reply
  3. Whispering Stories

    This sounds like my kind of book. Love a good serial killer thriller book. Great review.

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      You should try this. You will love it.

      Reply
  4. Finitha Jose

    I am a bit averse to serial killers. So this may not be for me

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      I love serial killers are my go-to fun reads.

      Reply
  5. Karla Strand

    I’m not much for detective books but glad you liked it!

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      I love them and hope you try them out some time.

      Reply
  6. Lara @ Words With Lara

    I haven’t read this, but I am a huge fan of thrillers/detective novels and I definitely do not read enough books in this genre. Awesome review, I have added this one to my tbr. (also how have a never heard of this before? a lot of people in the comments have already read it and I didn’t even know it existed)

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      There was a huge hype for this one a while ago. You should definitely try this.

      Reply
  7. Christine

    That cover is freaking me out. Great review though!

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      Yay, it is as good as well.

      Reply
    • Gayathri

      Yes I agree.

      Reply
  8. Cia Black

    Great review and a book I have spotted a few times.

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      Yes it had such a hype a few months ago online.

      Reply
  9. Tasha

    This book really appeals to me but the cover disturbs me.

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      Yes I agree.

      Reply
  10. Shana

    I loved this book! It is gory in parts but if you like serial killer thrillers this will definitely hit the spot. Great review!

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      I am glad we agree on that part!

      Reply
  11. DJ Sakata

    I like a good thriller if it’s not gruesome – I don’t want to deal with the gore

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      I love me some gore. Not too much though.

      Reply
  12. Jenn @ Bound to Writing

    You’ve found my weak spot!! 😅 Detective and serial killer books have always interested me and this one sounds great! Great review! And I did miss you!

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      You should find this book and read, I am sure you will like it.

      Reply
  13. Mridula Gupta

    I read this book last year and I really liked it. Except the dark and gory parts :p

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      Yes, the gory was too gory for my taste too. But I ended up liking it anyway.

      Reply

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Gayathri

Gayathri

Gayathri has been reviewing books since 2010. When she is not reading books or creating online content, she works as a writer and a digital marketer. Head over to meet me!