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Jessica Coran #1
Killer Instinct
DR. JESSICA CORAN
A brilliant and determined FBI medical examiner, she was an expert student of the criminal mind who thought she could face anything.
That was before Wisconsin. Before she saw one of his victims...
THE VAMPIRE KILLER
The FBI agent had a special code name for his unusual method of torture: Tort 9, the draining of the victims blood. The newspapers called him the Vampire-Killer. But his own twisted love letters were signed "Teach"... and were addressed to the one woman he wanted most of all: His hunter, his prey, Dr. Jessica Coran.
(This book is first in Robert W. Walker's Instinct series. It was previously published in paperback. This ebook also features an excerpt of WHISKEY SOUR by J.A. Konrath.)
About the Author
Robert W. Walker is the author of more than forty thriller novels, including 11 books in the acclaimed INSTINCT series featuring FBI medical examiner Jessica Coran.
A brilliant and determined FBI medical examiner, she was an expert student of the criminal mind who thought she could face anything.
That was before Wisconsin. Before she saw one of his victims...
THE VAMPIRE KILLER
The FBI agent had a special code name for his unusual method of torture: Tort 9, the draining of the victims blood. The newspapers called him the Vampire-Killer. But his own twisted love letters were signed "Teach"... and were addressed to the one woman he wanted most of all: His hunter, his prey, Dr. Jessica Coran.
(This book is first in Robert W. Walker's Instinct series. It was previously published in paperback. This ebook also features an excerpt of WHISKEY SOUR by J.A. Konrath.)
About the Author
Robert W. Walker is the author of more than forty thriller novels, including 11 books in the acclaimed INSTINCT series featuring FBI medical examiner Jessica Coran.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 9, 1995
65 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Robert W. Walker
184 books75 followersAka Geoffrey Caine, Glenn Hale, Evan Kingsbury, Stephen Robertson
Master of suspense and bone-chilling terror, Robert W. Walker, BS and MS in English Education, Northwestern University, has penned 44 novels and has taught language and writing for over 25 years. Showing no signs of slowing down, he is currently juggling not one but three new series ideas, and has completed a film script and a TV treatment. Having grown up in Chicago and having been born in the shadow of the Shiloh battlefield, near Corinth, Mississippi, Walker has two writing traditions to uphold--the Windy City one and the Southern one--all of which makes him uniquely suited to write City for Ransom and its sequels, Shadows in White City and City of the Absent. His Dead On will be published in July 2009. Walker is currently working on a new romantic-suspense-historical-mainstream novel, titled Children of Salem. In 2003 and 2004 Walker saw an unprecedented seven novels released on the "unsuspecting public," as he puts it. Final Edge, Grave Instinct, and Absolute Instinct were published in 2004. City of the Absent debuted in 2008 from Avon. Walker lives in Charleston, West Virginia.
Master of suspense and bone-chilling terror, Robert W. Walker, BS and MS in English Education, Northwestern University, has penned 44 novels and has taught language and writing for over 25 years. Showing no signs of slowing down, he is currently juggling not one but three new series ideas, and has completed a film script and a TV treatment. Having grown up in Chicago and having been born in the shadow of the Shiloh battlefield, near Corinth, Mississippi, Walker has two writing traditions to uphold--the Windy City one and the Southern one--all of which makes him uniquely suited to write City for Ransom and its sequels, Shadows in White City and City of the Absent. His Dead On will be published in July 2009. Walker is currently working on a new romantic-suspense-historical-mainstream novel, titled Children of Salem. In 2003 and 2004 Walker saw an unprecedented seven novels released on the "unsuspecting public," as he puts it. Final Edge, Grave Instinct, and Absolute Instinct were published in 2004. City of the Absent debuted in 2008 from Avon. Walker lives in Charleston, West Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 9, 2021
Anfangs hat es sich etwas gezogen, doch am Ende ging es sehr rasant und wahr unheimlich spannend.
Ich hab lesen über schlafen gestellt... Das will was heißen xD
Ich hab lesen über schlafen gestellt... Das will was heißen xD
May 19, 2025
This book took me a long time to read, which is quite telling.
It's not that it's a bad book, it has a good plot, and some well developed characters. But there are some aspects which frustrated me.
For a start, I found it too "wordy", especially in the first half. There is too much unnecessary explanation, and I found it way too literal and clumsy in exploring how the characters were feeling, making it heavy going and rather dull. As for the interaction between Coran and Boutine, it wasn't so much "will they or won't they" as "we all know they will, just get it over with". Then there was the inconsistent and erratic character traits and questionable decision making of these two main characters which didn't really ring true.
The villain is chilling enough, the manhunt eventually builds suspense (once it gets going) and the pace does accelerate as the story progresses, but even then the highly trained and experienced FBI agents making poor strategic choices is a bit implausible.
Overall not a bad book, but could be better. Personally I found it rather more dull than a thriller should be.
It's not that it's a bad book, it has a good plot, and some well developed characters. But there are some aspects which frustrated me.
For a start, I found it too "wordy", especially in the first half. There is too much unnecessary explanation, and I found it way too literal and clumsy in exploring how the characters were feeling, making it heavy going and rather dull. As for the interaction between Coran and Boutine, it wasn't so much "will they or won't they" as "we all know they will, just get it over with". Then there was the inconsistent and erratic character traits and questionable decision making of these two main characters which didn't really ring true.
The villain is chilling enough, the manhunt eventually builds suspense (once it gets going) and the pace does accelerate as the story progresses, but even then the highly trained and experienced FBI agents making poor strategic choices is a bit implausible.
Overall not a bad book, but could be better. Personally I found it rather more dull than a thriller should be.
January 7, 2024
This book was really graphic just as a heads up. But I liked the suspense and the characters. I did think that the ending took a lot from the Silence of the Lambs but it was an enjoyable read.
May 26, 2018
*Abgebrochen* bei 30%.
Die Idee hörte sich so gut an, aber leider hab ich schnell das Interesse verloren das Buch zu ende zu lesen, was zum größten Teil an den Charakteren lag.
Schade!
Die Idee hörte sich so gut an, aber leider hab ich schnell das Interesse verloren das Buch zu ende zu lesen, was zum größten Teil an den Charakteren lag.
Schade!
January 19, 2014
The Quick Review:
Killer instinct is an excellent murder-mystery, and the first in what should be a very strong series. This is my first murder-mystery, and I believe anyone not common with the genre would do well to start here. I felt like I was reading a good ‘cop show.’ I pictured the main character to be very much like Kate Beckett from Castle, but in more of CSI type of story. I could see the entire series potentially coming back to events in this story, this story sets the pace for the Instinct series to go very far and get more thrilling throughout the series
The Longer Review:
Robert Walker writes a very realistic, full depth character in Dr. Jessica Coran. The murder scenes in Killer Instinct leave little to the imagination and really give you a shocking picture in your head. The story seemed uncharacteristic for a first in a series. The murder takes on a very supernatural persona and is not the typical serial killer. Turn of events for both Dr. Coran and Detective Otto Boutine take surprising turns at the end of the novel. This story line would be one I expect later in a series, but Walker digs deep and puts his characters to the test in the very first novel.
The story has a lot of focus on the politics of the fictional FBI. Dr. Coran being a strong woman in a man’s world makes for a good, realistic character. At times I though too many of the male characters felt crotchety, yet even these characters opinions change as the story goes.
I have 2 big critiques. First, most of the story seemed in the realm of possibility, even if a real expert would deem the actions inaccurate to what actually happens. However, Dr. Coran going to a house completely alone…in a taxi… just didn’t work for me. It set up a very dark and exciting ending that I enjoyed very much. I just didn’t like how the story led up to it when Dr. Coran went at it alone.
Second critique is the relationship between Dr. Coran and Otto just didn’t connect for me. I am perfectly fine with a relationship with a big age gap; I just couldn’t understand why Jessica Coran found Otto so appealing. It felt like her emotions really played the pity card, like she fell for a wounded puppy. She is young and a stunner and Otto is near retirement and nothing special in the looks department, so physical attraction is not a factor for Jessica. She didn’t really seem to fall for him because of his status or out of respect. She seemed to care for him based on proximity to each other and because she felt bad for him in his current relationship status. The relationship could have been left at a close friendship with no detriment to the story. A relationship with JT would have struck me as more believable and interesting.
The Story:
(Taken from Goodreads) Dr. Jessica Coran, a brilliant and determined FBI medical examiner, was an expert student of the criminal mind who thought she could face anything. That was before Wisconsin. Before she saw one of his victims… The FBI had a special code name for his unusual method of torture: Tort 9, the draining of the victim’s blood. The newspapers called him the Vampire-Killer. But his own twisted love letters were signed ‘Teach’…and were addressed to the one woman he wanted most of all: His hunter, his prey, Dr. Jessica Coran
The Writing:
Walker creates excellent, graphic visuals. At times I cringed because I can stand to see some of the crime scene visuals; and I did feel like I could see them.
He creates perspective from both the FBI and killer POV’s, which makes for better understanding of the ‘why’ behind the ‘who’ of the story. Most of the story is set from the POV of Dr. Coran, and much of the story progress as if we are in her head and can hear what she is thinking
The Characters:
Walker’s main cast has very deep backgrounds and depth. Dr. Jessica Coran’s and Otto Boutine’s characters are very in depth right from the beginning, while their progression really layers them as the story progresses. Dr. Coran is going to make for a great main series character moving forward. I can see her being taken in a variety of different directions and am interested to see how her story unfolds.
Walker brought a level of understanding to his murderer. Not enough to sympathize with him, but enough to understand him and really help round out the story. This particular killer has the potential to come back over and over, opening many avenues for the series.
Conclusion:
I really enjoyed this book. It is not what I normally read, yet kept me entertained. I think first time murder-mystery readers will really get hooked to the series and potentially the genre after reading Killer Instant.
Killer instinct is an excellent murder-mystery, and the first in what should be a very strong series. This is my first murder-mystery, and I believe anyone not common with the genre would do well to start here. I felt like I was reading a good ‘cop show.’ I pictured the main character to be very much like Kate Beckett from Castle, but in more of CSI type of story. I could see the entire series potentially coming back to events in this story, this story sets the pace for the Instinct series to go very far and get more thrilling throughout the series
The Longer Review:
Robert Walker writes a very realistic, full depth character in Dr. Jessica Coran. The murder scenes in Killer Instinct leave little to the imagination and really give you a shocking picture in your head. The story seemed uncharacteristic for a first in a series. The murder takes on a very supernatural persona and is not the typical serial killer. Turn of events for both Dr. Coran and Detective Otto Boutine take surprising turns at the end of the novel. This story line would be one I expect later in a series, but Walker digs deep and puts his characters to the test in the very first novel.
The story has a lot of focus on the politics of the fictional FBI. Dr. Coran being a strong woman in a man’s world makes for a good, realistic character. At times I though too many of the male characters felt crotchety, yet even these characters opinions change as the story goes.
I have 2 big critiques. First, most of the story seemed in the realm of possibility, even if a real expert would deem the actions inaccurate to what actually happens. However, Dr. Coran going to a house completely alone…in a taxi… just didn’t work for me. It set up a very dark and exciting ending that I enjoyed very much. I just didn’t like how the story led up to it when Dr. Coran went at it alone.
Second critique is the relationship between Dr. Coran and Otto just didn’t connect for me. I am perfectly fine with a relationship with a big age gap; I just couldn’t understand why Jessica Coran found Otto so appealing. It felt like her emotions really played the pity card, like she fell for a wounded puppy. She is young and a stunner and Otto is near retirement and nothing special in the looks department, so physical attraction is not a factor for Jessica. She didn’t really seem to fall for him because of his status or out of respect. She seemed to care for him based on proximity to each other and because she felt bad for him in his current relationship status. The relationship could have been left at a close friendship with no detriment to the story. A relationship with JT would have struck me as more believable and interesting.
The Story:
(Taken from Goodreads) Dr. Jessica Coran, a brilliant and determined FBI medical examiner, was an expert student of the criminal mind who thought she could face anything. That was before Wisconsin. Before she saw one of his victims… The FBI had a special code name for his unusual method of torture: Tort 9, the draining of the victim’s blood. The newspapers called him the Vampire-Killer. But his own twisted love letters were signed ‘Teach’…and were addressed to the one woman he wanted most of all: His hunter, his prey, Dr. Jessica Coran
The Writing:
Walker creates excellent, graphic visuals. At times I cringed because I can stand to see some of the crime scene visuals; and I did feel like I could see them.
He creates perspective from both the FBI and killer POV’s, which makes for better understanding of the ‘why’ behind the ‘who’ of the story. Most of the story is set from the POV of Dr. Coran, and much of the story progress as if we are in her head and can hear what she is thinking
The Characters:
Walker’s main cast has very deep backgrounds and depth. Dr. Jessica Coran’s and Otto Boutine’s characters are very in depth right from the beginning, while their progression really layers them as the story progresses. Dr. Coran is going to make for a great main series character moving forward. I can see her being taken in a variety of different directions and am interested to see how her story unfolds.
Walker brought a level of understanding to his murderer. Not enough to sympathize with him, but enough to understand him and really help round out the story. This particular killer has the potential to come back over and over, opening many avenues for the series.
Conclusion:
I really enjoyed this book. It is not what I normally read, yet kept me entertained. I think first time murder-mystery readers will really get hooked to the series and potentially the genre after reading Killer Instant.
September 4, 2011
Robert W. Walker introduces Dr. Jessica Coran, pathologist, to readers in Killer Instinct, the first in his Instinct Thrillers. Dr. Coran is an easy to like character who is intelligent and ambitious. While at times, the reader will want to smack her for decisions she makes, she always justifies her decisions, at least to herself. She is strong, quick witted, and intense while remaining feminine. Walker exposes a vampire story that isn't a vampire story in the usual sense. He introduces us to a character who is vampiristic in thought and behavior but all too human complete with frailties. Killer Instinct is populated with characters who will draw the reader in, upset the reader, and confuse the reader all the time keeping the reader fully engaged. As the investigation progresses into a series of murders resulting from blood being slowly drained from the victims and the crime scenes providing little to go on, the skills of Dr. Coran and FBI agent, Otto Boutine, who is dealing with personal issues and the growing attraction between him and Dr. Coran, uncover overlooked evidence, hidden evidence, and previously unnoticed links between other unsolved murders. They, along with a team at the FBI, seek the killer with an almost obsessive need. Killer Instinct never lacks intensity or the details to keep the reader reading. Walker leaves the reader wanting to spend more time with Dr. Jessica Coran.
February 4, 2019
I found the forensic and profiling information to be very interesting, but I was annoyed that a young forensic expert was interested in developing a relationship with an older married man she works with (the wife was in coma, making it "ok".) This problem was solved in the end of the book though. Be aware there are some graphic passages that could be upsetting for some. I doubt I will read other books in the series, but it was ok.
February 22, 2023
There’s nothing quite like curling up in the evening with a griping thriller of a book. If you’re a fan of the genre then this is the perfect book to do that with. The plot will hook you in from the first page and keep you reading until the early hours of the morning or until you finish. The storyline has twists and turns, is action filled and keeps the reader engaged throughout.
I like reading stories with strong female characters and I like Jessica as a character. She’s intelligent, intuitive and spirited. It’s really enjoyable for the leading female character to be more than a sidekick detective or out of their depth in a new job. I liked that she’s competent, knowledgeable and also respected. I also liked the supporting characters and the changing perspectives a reader gets about them as the book progresses.
This is an enjoyable first book introduction to a series and I can already see that I will be reading more both in the series and by this author in general.
I like reading stories with strong female characters and I like Jessica as a character. She’s intelligent, intuitive and spirited. It’s really enjoyable for the leading female character to be more than a sidekick detective or out of their depth in a new job. I liked that she’s competent, knowledgeable and also respected. I also liked the supporting characters and the changing perspectives a reader gets about them as the book progresses.
This is an enjoyable first book introduction to a series and I can already see that I will be reading more both in the series and by this author in general.
Read
March 1, 2023Mr. Walker’s Killer Instinct (book 1 in the Instinct series) is a murder mystery that will take you on a journey through the diabolical murders of a serial killer that calls himself ‘Teach’ but the media calls ‘The Vampire Killer.’
It is a both terrifying and engrossing, as Dr. Jessica Coran an FBI medical examiner helps chase down this killer. This book is brilliantly written and left this reader waking up at night whenever I heard a noise. I was glued to the story. Would she find herself his next victim?
It is a both terrifying and engrossing, as Dr. Jessica Coran an FBI medical examiner helps chase down this killer. This book is brilliantly written and left this reader waking up at night whenever I heard a noise. I was glued to the story. Would she find herself his next victim?
March 1, 2023
I’ve read many mysteries, and yes some with serial killers and medical examiners, but none had the attention to detail, the medical knowledge, and a way to kill that puts one’s teeth on edge. Mr. Walker’s book Killer Instinct (book 1 in the Instinct series) is that book. It draws you in from the first page and is superbly written. You know the characters; they are real at least while you are reading and for days and weeks later. I will be reading the rest of the series, and more of Mr. Walker’s books.
February 24, 2023
Exciting thriller that give you perspective from the authorities and the killer. Dr Jessica Coram. FBI medical examiner. is known for her precise and detail work on cases. The killer ,known as a "vampire" sadist , who is obsessed with blood, leaves few clues. Behinds the scene looks from both side is intriguing and gruesome. Follow the case from beginning to end with the parties involved. Lots of action, detail information and great characters and writing make this an great read.
March 4, 2023
Dark, evil, twistwd
This book will drag you into the world of a dark twisted man. Into the world that only the bravest and smartest forensic scientists work. The evil that this twisted evil monster does to his victims will definitely keep you glued to the pages. The twist and turns as you follow along with the good Dr. Jessica to find the killer will keep you awake to the late hours of the night. I highly recommend this book, it is a definite page turner.
This book will drag you into the world of a dark twisted man. Into the world that only the bravest and smartest forensic scientists work. The evil that this twisted evil monster does to his victims will definitely keep you glued to the pages. The twist and turns as you follow along with the good Dr. Jessica to find the killer will keep you awake to the late hours of the night. I highly recommend this book, it is a definite page turner.
March 8, 2023
A gripping thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. A beyond scary tale that includes descriptions of vivid and gruesome crime scenes, an intriguing look in the serial killer's mind and actions, and some determined investigators in pursuit of this killer. Jessica certainly is one smart and strong woman.
March 11, 2023
Killer instinct is my first book by author Robert Walker and i am personally not a fan of this type of suspense thriller, however i can say that it was a really good book. Killer instinct was a very good book definitely a page turner. Wouldn't recommend to someone who is squeamish as it is a bit gory I really liked Dr. Jessica though sometimes she made me mad with her decisions.
April 10, 2020
Great and creepy 1st in the series. I hope the rest of the series lives up to this first one.
January 18, 2022
For a doctor, she did stupid things. It was enjoyable until the end.
December 19, 2022
This is a reread if a series I read many years ago. Still a great thriller!
August 9, 2023
Good series
November 13, 2018
DNF
Ok, not true, I’m still trying.
“Many a victim ‘invited’ attack; many people were perfect victims.”
True, I’m still reading...
DNF
:/
Ok, not true, I’m still trying.
“Many a victim ‘invited’ attack; many people were perfect victims.”
True, I’m still reading...
DNF
:/
October 13, 2012
The book kicks off pretty intensely, police searching for a missing girl, who they find tied up by the ankles, completely drained of blood and mutilated badly. The FBI are called in, introducing us to the main players in the book, doctor Jessica Coran and Agent Otto Boutine.
The descriptions were fantastic, the speech realistic and tense and I soon found myself liking the character deveopements throughout the book. Unfortunately I never seemed to connect fully with either Jess or Otto, though I enjoyed their personal romance. I did, however, connect with the killer of this book, a man with many issues, a man with an addiction and a man with a very intelligent mind. I looked forward to his POV and learning how he viewed the world around him, how he planned his murders and every day life. But every villian has his weakness...
The middle of the story was a little slow for me, with huge blocks of description which, honestly, I skipped past to get to the juicy bits then, a little further on the murders came thick and fast and as the evidence was revealed I was absorbed back in to the book. By then I was gripped until the end...where I reached the part I chose not to give a full 5 stars to Killer Instinct. There was an abrupt end to what could have been fantastic drama/healing period and the death of one of the characters was shocking(though, I guess, intended)and sudden, not giving the reader any time for the loss to sink in. It seemed, though this character had a big part in the book that the death was...overlooked, hurried and it felt a little cold. It didnt feel right, though I think this is my personal opinion and does not take away from the brilliance of the story.
I look forward to reading another of Robert W. Walker's books and have a feeling he has added a stroke of genius to all his works.
The descriptions were fantastic, the speech realistic and tense and I soon found myself liking the character deveopements throughout the book. Unfortunately I never seemed to connect fully with either Jess or Otto, though I enjoyed their personal romance. I did, however, connect with the killer of this book, a man with many issues, a man with an addiction and a man with a very intelligent mind. I looked forward to his POV and learning how he viewed the world around him, how he planned his murders and every day life. But every villian has his weakness...
The middle of the story was a little slow for me, with huge blocks of description which, honestly, I skipped past to get to the juicy bits then, a little further on the murders came thick and fast and as the evidence was revealed I was absorbed back in to the book. By then I was gripped until the end...where I reached the part I chose not to give a full 5 stars to Killer Instinct. There was an abrupt end to what could have been fantastic drama/healing period and the death of one of the characters was shocking(though, I guess, intended)and sudden, not giving the reader any time for the loss to sink in. It seemed, though this character had a big part in the book that the death was...overlooked, hurried and it felt a little cold. It didnt feel right, though I think this is my personal opinion and does not take away from the brilliance of the story.
I look forward to reading another of Robert W. Walker's books and have a feeling he has added a stroke of genius to all his works.
April 25, 2015
Audio book edition
This is the first in the FBI medical examiner Jessica Coran series.
I was given a review copy of the last in this series (book 11) Absolute Instinct (which I thoroughly enjoyed)
I was thinking that i would like to hear how the whole series started and then was lucky enough to see this one also offered as a listen/review copy, so I grabbed at the chance.
This is a very gory, serious and bone chilling thriller ,very grafic, so not for the faint hearted , but just what you would expect of a M.E. hunting a serial killer plot.
Although I already knew some of the plot- as it was mentioned in book 11(there was only one real spoiler for me)
I still found the story very exciting and intruiging. It has a good pace throughout .
I remember seeing this audiobook advertised before and although I liked the sound of the storyline I was put off by the negative reviews of the narrator . At the start of the book i did find him rather irritating , although I could not really put my finger on what was wrong , he did seem to settle down in his narration and I found he did not spoil the story for me.
This is the first in the FBI medical examiner Jessica Coran series.
I was given a review copy of the last in this series (book 11) Absolute Instinct (which I thoroughly enjoyed)
I was thinking that i would like to hear how the whole series started and then was lucky enough to see this one also offered as a listen/review copy, so I grabbed at the chance.
This is a very gory, serious and bone chilling thriller ,very grafic, so not for the faint hearted , but just what you would expect of a M.E. hunting a serial killer plot.
Although I already knew some of the plot- as it was mentioned in book 11(there was only one real spoiler for me)
I still found the story very exciting and intruiging. It has a good pace throughout .
I remember seeing this audiobook advertised before and although I liked the sound of the storyline I was put off by the negative reviews of the narrator . At the start of the book i did find him rather irritating , although I could not really put my finger on what was wrong , he did seem to settle down in his narration and I found he did not spoil the story for me.
August 9, 2012
I have always loved a fantastic murder mystery, and when a touch of the thriller is added, it makes for an award winning novel.
Robert W. Walker adds just the right amount of thriller to make your heart beat faster and your mind spin. In Killer Instinct, the first in the Instinct series, we meet Jessica Coran, medical examiner extraordinaire. She is new to Otto Boutine’s team with the FBI, when she is sent on her first case, and discovers one of the most horrific scenes imaginable.
Mastiak or Teach as he likes to be called has a rare medical condition and loves the sport of killing and drinking the blood of his victim. He is a Torte Nine killer, because he loves to delay the suffering, and torture of his victim.
Walker’s masterful grasp of details is such that if you are weak of stomach you might not want to eat before reading. The characters are well rounded and believable.
The story is an absolute must read for anyone who likes mystery, murder, mayhem, and thrills.
Robert W. Walker adds just the right amount of thriller to make your heart beat faster and your mind spin. In Killer Instinct, the first in the Instinct series, we meet Jessica Coran, medical examiner extraordinaire. She is new to Otto Boutine’s team with the FBI, when she is sent on her first case, and discovers one of the most horrific scenes imaginable.
Mastiak or Teach as he likes to be called has a rare medical condition and loves the sport of killing and drinking the blood of his victim. He is a Torte Nine killer, because he loves to delay the suffering, and torture of his victim.
Walker’s masterful grasp of details is such that if you are weak of stomach you might not want to eat before reading. The characters are well rounded and believable.
The story is an absolute must read for anyone who likes mystery, murder, mayhem, and thrills.
June 25, 2011
Pretty good criminal series. I'm happy my mother got me into this author.
This is the first book of Robert Walker's "Instinct" series. You're POV is Jessica Coran, a patholigist/medical examiner for the FBI that really gets into the action. Obviously fictitious in that a pathologist isn't going into the field to battle criminals, but the mischievousness she finds is great reading. Caution- It's a pager-turner.
Jessica is called to the scene of a pretty nasty crime scene in the woods. I lack the vocabulary to describe the scene (and possibly the stomach?), but this is the opening of a very long chase for a modern-day, professional "vampire".
It's been some time since I've read this book but I clearly remember spending many hours flipping the pages.
This is the first book of Robert Walker's "Instinct" series. You're POV is Jessica Coran, a patholigist/medical examiner for the FBI that really gets into the action. Obviously fictitious in that a pathologist isn't going into the field to battle criminals, but the mischievousness she finds is great reading. Caution- It's a pager-turner.
Jessica is called to the scene of a pretty nasty crime scene in the woods. I lack the vocabulary to describe the scene (and possibly the stomach?), but this is the opening of a very long chase for a modern-day, professional "vampire".
It's been some time since I've read this book but I clearly remember spending many hours flipping the pages.
February 14, 2010
FBI ME Jessica Coran is called to join a a forensic profiling team in examining the scene of the gruesome murder of young woman. The body was found hanging by the ankles, mutilated and bloodless. There was not enough blood at the scene and vampire rummers arise and Jessica determines that she may not be the first victim as is not going to be the last as she and the team work to solve the mystery that eventually brings her in to jeopardy for her own life
ISBN - 1-55773-743-6, Suspense, Pages - 336, Print Size - R, Rating - 3.75
All books reviewed are from the library or purchased by the reviewer.
ISBN - 1-55773-743-6, Suspense, Pages - 336, Print Size - R, Rating - 3.75
All books reviewed are from the library or purchased by the reviewer.
October 25, 2012
SUCH a disappointment. I've been steadily downloading this series and finally got around to getting to read this first one in the series and it was terrible !! There are spelling mistakes galore like flare for flair and bizarrely coffee'11 as opposed to coffee'll !! HOW these made it past any sort of editing I have to wonder at. I got 8% in and when cdr was replacing the word car I gave up in disgust. Such a shame as I really thought this series was going to be a terrific find.
November 22, 2012
Started November, 20th (today) 2012.
No 5 star book, but not bad.
That no one is save from bad things happening to them makes it great, you know no one is save.
I hate books where sympathetic main characters are introduced and you can tell early one they will not be harmed.
Not as dark and gruelling as Cody McFayden, but in that direction.
On finishing this I started the next book in the series, and might buy all of them.
No 5 star book, but not bad.
That no one is save from bad things happening to them makes it great, you know no one is save.
I hate books where sympathetic main characters are introduced and you can tell early one they will not be harmed.
Not as dark and gruelling as Cody McFayden, but in that direction.
On finishing this I started the next book in the series, and might buy all of them.
January 27, 2013
A vampire killer is on the loose - can he be caught?
I liked the concept of this, and the unusual way of killing, and the characters were fairly likeable, although I wasn't taken in by the romance element. It would have had 4 stars had it not been for the formatting issues that kept taking you out of the story.
I liked the concept of this, and the unusual way of killing, and the characters were fairly likeable, although I wasn't taken in by the romance element. It would have had 4 stars had it not been for the formatting issues that kept taking you out of the story.
January 16, 2013
Started out well (3-4 stars). When the author decided to send the main character, an ME with the FBI, to suspect's house alone...well that did me in. So exactly what you would expect to happen, did. Lack of creativity on the author's part.
Want to read
January 31, 2012Book 1 in the Jessica Coran series
March 6, 2013
I just could not get interested in the story. The characters were felt a bit forced in the beginning. I just had no desire to pick it up and keep reading.
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