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Scream Catcher
This is how your life ends: Not with a whimper, but a scream! Jude Parish is afraid. The former violent crimes cop turned bestselling true crime author has a fear-filled demon lodged inside of him. A demon so real he can only imagine a slimy reptilian beast with scaly skin, black eyes, and razor-sharp fangs having taken up residence inside the place where his once confident and fearless soul resided. Now, in the wake of his literary success, the ever anxious Jude is hoping to lead a quiet, peaceful life in the idyllic Adirondack vacation town of Lake George, New York with his new pregnant wife, Rosie, and Jack, his young son from a previous marriage. But when Jude becomes the accidental witness to a bizarre “kill game” in which the killer, video game designer and master of disguise, Hector “the Black Dragon” Lennox, insists on recording the screams of his victims prior to shooting them dead, the ex-cop’s life is turned upside down. When Lennox is arrested by the L.G.P.D. and Jude is asked to act as the state’s “star witness,” he has no choice but to fight his demon-fear and take on the role. But what he doesn’t realize at the time, is that the killer’s arrest is actually the first level in what is a carefully designed and scripted first-person video kill game that will involve his entire family as “players” and “victims.” How will the kill game end? Like all violent video games, it will end in death. But it won’t be “Game Over” until Hector Lennox catches the screams of his tortured victims.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2011
25 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Vincent Zandri
249 books576 followers"Vincent Zandri is one of the most acclaimed thriller writers working today!" --Publishers Weekly
“Zandri (is) a veteran wordsmith who executes quality and quantity at superlative levels.” --Book Reporter
"The story of Vincent Zandri is the story of our times."
--Business Insider
"Vincent Zandri hails from the future."
--The New York Times
“Sensational . . . masterful . . . brilliant.”
--New York Post
"...big time author..."
--Digital Journal
Considered one of the most prolific writers of his generation, Vincent Zandri is the winner of the 2015 PWA Shamus Award and the 2015 ITW Thriller Award, both for MOONLIGHT WEEPS in the Best Original Paperback category. He is also the NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and AMAZON KINDLE OVERALL NO.1 bestselling author of hundreds of novels, novellas, and stories, including THE REMAINS, MOONLIGHT WEEPS, THE EMBALMER, THE SHROUD KEY and QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT. His list of domestic publishers includes Delacorte, Dell, Down & Out Books, Thomas & Mercer, Blackstone Audio, Tantor Media, and more. He is also the CEO of Bear Media. An MFA in Writing graduate of Vermont College, his work is translated in the Dutch, Russian, French, Italian, and Japanese. Having sold over 1 million editions of his books, Zandri has been the subject of major features by the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and Business Insider. He has also made appearances on Bloomberg TV and the FOX News network. In December 2014, Suspense Magazine named Zandri's, THE SHROUD KEY, as one of the "Best Books of 2014." Suspense Magazine selected WHEN SHADOWS COME as one of the "Best Books of 2016". He was also a finalist for the 2019 Derringer Award for Best Novelette. A freelance photojournalist, freelance writer, and the host of the popular YouTube Podcast, "The Writer's Life," Zandri has written for Strategy Magazine, RT, Living Ready Magazine, New York Newsday, Hudson Valley Magazine, The Times Union (Albany), Game & Fish Magazine, CrimeReads, Altcoin Magazine, The Jerusalem Post (ghost), Market Business News (ghost), Duke University (ghost), Colgate University (ghost), New York University (ghost), The Rice University Gazette (ghost), Yale University (ghost), Digital Journal (ghost), and many more. An Active Member of ITW, he lives in New York and Florence, Italy. For more go to WWW.VINZANDRI.COM
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 20, 2016
Well it's pretty hard not to love a Vincent Zandri book and this one does not disappoint. The stories are never the 'norm' and the characters are people you can't help but like. I even liked the killer. Maybe admired his creativity is a better way to say it. I would look like a horrible person if I liked the killer! I was not sure I would like this book with the story revolving so much around a video game but I got hooked. The action never stops.
I thought the murderer forcing his victims to scream while he recorded it for use in his real life video games was amazing. I also sat on the edge of my seat reading about Jude trying to stay alive when he was thrown into one of those games. Imagine what Jude was feeling when he was in the midst of that "game" fighting for his life, literally and knowing that the wrong move would be the end of you and your family! Add to that having to disarm a bomb for good measure! Oh yeah, Jude has a problem with freezing up in times of crisis which is why he left the police force in the first place. So, he also has to find a way to overcome these overpowering feelings while staying alive! Can you say heart pounding? Trust me, yours will be pounding along with your fists clenching and your teeth being gnawed down from clenching them together in anticipation of what is to come!
A must read for any thriller lover. Thank you Mr. Zandri, you have done it again!
I thought the murderer forcing his victims to scream while he recorded it for use in his real life video games was amazing. I also sat on the edge of my seat reading about Jude trying to stay alive when he was thrown into one of those games. Imagine what Jude was feeling when he was in the midst of that "game" fighting for his life, literally and knowing that the wrong move would be the end of you and your family! Add to that having to disarm a bomb for good measure! Oh yeah, Jude has a problem with freezing up in times of crisis which is why he left the police force in the first place. So, he also has to find a way to overcome these overpowering feelings while staying alive! Can you say heart pounding? Trust me, yours will be pounding along with your fists clenching and your teeth being gnawed down from clenching them together in anticipation of what is to come!
A must read for any thriller lover. Thank you Mr. Zandri, you have done it again!
August 26, 2021
The Scream Catcher - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Author Jude Parish is a former police officer who, since witnessing his parents' murders, years before, suffers from a debilitating reaction to trauma - he freezes and then passes out.
When Jude witnesses an even more shocking murder than one he 'froze' at once before, will he put his own family's lives in danger by going on record as chief witness?
What is the Chief Prosecutor's dark secret?
Vincent Zandri is the Master of Psychological Murder Mysteries and displays his outstanding ability to get the reader right inside the mind of a psychotic serial killer with a difference - he wants to get caught and prove himself 'innocent', while continuing his torturous schemes to collect and use victims' screams for his teisted video games.
Amazing flavours of The Silence of the Lambs, Terminator and even a nuance of The Hunger Games, are combined into a blend of horror and human endurance, worthy of a Steven King masterpiece.
An incredible story you absolutely must not miss...
get your copy today and double-lock your doors and windows before you begin...and check out what video game your child is playing too!
Author Jude Parish is a former police officer who, since witnessing his parents' murders, years before, suffers from a debilitating reaction to trauma - he freezes and then passes out.
When Jude witnesses an even more shocking murder than one he 'froze' at once before, will he put his own family's lives in danger by going on record as chief witness?
What is the Chief Prosecutor's dark secret?
Vincent Zandri is the Master of Psychological Murder Mysteries and displays his outstanding ability to get the reader right inside the mind of a psychotic serial killer with a difference - he wants to get caught and prove himself 'innocent', while continuing his torturous schemes to collect and use victims' screams for his teisted video games.
Amazing flavours of The Silence of the Lambs, Terminator and even a nuance of The Hunger Games, are combined into a blend of horror and human endurance, worthy of a Steven King masterpiece.
An incredible story you absolutely must not miss...
get your copy today and double-lock your doors and windows before you begin...and check out what video game your child is playing too!
April 17, 2024
Audiobook: This was my first experience with Vincent Zandri's work, and it was riveting. Jude Parish witnessed a murder, Jude agreed to be the prosecutor's witness in court. Hector "the Black Dragon" Lennox was a video game designer who liked to record the screams of his victims before they died. Once the audiobook started, the story gripped my attention, and it was difficult to leave the evolving cat and mouse story with so many twists and turns. The family was realistic, but the killer seemed a little too smart and a little too lucky. Andrew B. Wehrlen's narration was fine as his voice was pleasant and easy to understand. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
December 24, 2021
The Scream Catcher proved to be a couple of firsts for me, I had never read or listened to any of Vincent Zandri’s previous books, and I had never been exposed to Johnny Heller’s narration. Wow, what an experience Mr. Heller’s narration made this story feel like I was listening to an old radio serial, and I found myself hanging on his every word. The story is action packed, not to mention filled with characters who are all riddled with normal human failings/issues, not to mention a murderer who keeps things very interesting.
June 18, 2020
The author always delivers us a fresh new look with his books, the scenario of a cop who has seen it all, and wants a quiet life. Then he is a witness of a crime, that was just the beginning, the kill game video was the key. You like the characters, the tension is so very real, as is the nightmare. The narration was excellent of bringing this out. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
November 5, 2020
Hard Boiled Thriller
This is a well written thriller with some excellent twists and turns. Great characters and descriptions with page turning action made for a great read.
This is a well written thriller with some excellent twists and turns. Great characters and descriptions with page turning action made for a great read.
November 11, 2011
Damn you, Vincent Zandri.
I've barked at ol' Vince before for taking noir stereotypes and making them feel fresh (re: my review of Godchild). He's like the Green Day of crime fiction. He'll take a feel that isn't exactly new and turn it on its head. That's what makes him one of the best crime authors writing today. (Note: That's not an endorsement of Green Day.)
As a crime author myself who runs as far away from familiarity as possible (re: Cleansing Eden, 4 Killer Crime Stories in 4 Minutes, etc.), this bugs the crap out of me. You can't just recycle something that's been done before and make it exciting. That's, like, against the rules, right? The rules of Being an Author Club?
I am wrong. Vincent Zandri is right.
So I say, "Damn you, Vincent Zandri," before launching into a review of his new Scream Catcher. Damn you for taking my expectations, shoveling them in front of a steamroller and cackling at the bloody smear you wipe across your pages. Scream Catcher is one hell of a crime thriller novel.
The premise involves Jude, an ex-cop turned author (a move that, as in Concrete Pearl, quietly serves as a pantomime for the real Zandri), who witnesses a bizarre murder late one night. The killer appears to be hunting his victim in a gravel pit. Right before the kill shot, the killer holds up an iPhone and demands the victim scream.
These screams are recorded for use in the killer's popular video games. They add a dimension of realism that satisfies the killer's perverse personality.
For the same reasons, he puts his victims through real-world simulations of his video games in development. Jude tries his damnedest to avoid winding up in one, but sure enough the killer comes knocking.
Jude has to stay alive inside the killer's "game" long enough to save his family, disarm a bomb and overcome a fear of "freezing up" - something that cost him his job as a cop.
The whole "let's put a 'player' through a real-world video game" trope has been milked raw before, mostly in movies starring Gerard Butler. But as I said, this is Vincent Zandri. He knows how to make people grind their nails bloody. And he does. In spades.
Jude's marathon of pain through the killer's "game" has to be one of the most suspenseful chunk of pages I've ever read. If you need a thriller pick-me-up, you're not going to be disappointed with those passages.
I give Scream Catcher my full endorsement. This is a guaranteed good read.
I've barked at ol' Vince before for taking noir stereotypes and making them feel fresh (re: my review of Godchild). He's like the Green Day of crime fiction. He'll take a feel that isn't exactly new and turn it on its head. That's what makes him one of the best crime authors writing today. (Note: That's not an endorsement of Green Day.)
As a crime author myself who runs as far away from familiarity as possible (re: Cleansing Eden, 4 Killer Crime Stories in 4 Minutes, etc.), this bugs the crap out of me. You can't just recycle something that's been done before and make it exciting. That's, like, against the rules, right? The rules of Being an Author Club?
I am wrong. Vincent Zandri is right.
So I say, "Damn you, Vincent Zandri," before launching into a review of his new Scream Catcher. Damn you for taking my expectations, shoveling them in front of a steamroller and cackling at the bloody smear you wipe across your pages. Scream Catcher is one hell of a crime thriller novel.
The premise involves Jude, an ex-cop turned author (a move that, as in Concrete Pearl, quietly serves as a pantomime for the real Zandri), who witnesses a bizarre murder late one night. The killer appears to be hunting his victim in a gravel pit. Right before the kill shot, the killer holds up an iPhone and demands the victim scream.
These screams are recorded for use in the killer's popular video games. They add a dimension of realism that satisfies the killer's perverse personality.
For the same reasons, he puts his victims through real-world simulations of his video games in development. Jude tries his damnedest to avoid winding up in one, but sure enough the killer comes knocking.
Jude has to stay alive inside the killer's "game" long enough to save his family, disarm a bomb and overcome a fear of "freezing up" - something that cost him his job as a cop.
The whole "let's put a 'player' through a real-world video game" trope has been milked raw before, mostly in movies starring Gerard Butler. But as I said, this is Vincent Zandri. He knows how to make people grind their nails bloody. And he does. In spades.
Jude's marathon of pain through the killer's "game" has to be one of the most suspenseful chunk of pages I've ever read. If you need a thriller pick-me-up, you're not going to be disappointed with those passages.
I give Scream Catcher my full endorsement. This is a guaranteed good read.
December 30, 2011
Zandri's done it again! After reading and loving Moonlight Rises, I had high expectations for Scream Catcher and the author didn't disappoint. First and foremost, Zandri is exceptional with words and his descriptions throw the reader headfirst into the story. I really appreciate an author that can get me so involved with the characters in a crime thriller, instead of being all about the action, which totally bores me. Even more impressive than his actual writing is Zandri's ability to successfully beat a dead horse (ah, that made me laugh). I really thought the whole 'murdering people just to hear them scream' thing was old news, but Zandri brought new light to it by creating a murderer that develops games using real screams from his victims. It was actually fairly disturbing to imagine how in-tune with killing game developers of that genre need to be and how people prefer the most realistic simulations. I guess it's probably common sense, but the detail in Scream Catcher really made me think about it more than ever.
Although I really enjoyed Scream Catcher, there were a few things I wasn't too crazy about. At first, I thought the mention of an iPhone was tacky, but it makes sense when you find out what the killer does and how tech-savvy someone like that would reasonably be (although it still wasn't necessary). I got over that after the first few chapters, but it was a bit off-putting until I learned more about the killer. Another thing that bothered me was how unbelievable a couple situations were. I expect a fiction novel to be just that, but it's difficult to lose myself in a story when I keep thinking, 'well, that would never happen'.
Despite a couple minor issues, I was still very impressed with Scream Catcher. The short chapters and cliff hangers between them make it hard to put down, so plan to set aside the entire day to finish it. You'll keep convincing yourself, "just one more chapter", then realize your kid's been at soccer practice for the last 8 hours or something. I'm not sure if that says more about what kind of mother I'd make or about how freaking awesome Vincent Zandri is, but I'm hoping it's the latter.
Reviewed by Brittany for Book Sake.
Although I really enjoyed Scream Catcher, there were a few things I wasn't too crazy about. At first, I thought the mention of an iPhone was tacky, but it makes sense when you find out what the killer does and how tech-savvy someone like that would reasonably be (although it still wasn't necessary). I got over that after the first few chapters, but it was a bit off-putting until I learned more about the killer. Another thing that bothered me was how unbelievable a couple situations were. I expect a fiction novel to be just that, but it's difficult to lose myself in a story when I keep thinking, 'well, that would never happen'.
Despite a couple minor issues, I was still very impressed with Scream Catcher. The short chapters and cliff hangers between them make it hard to put down, so plan to set aside the entire day to finish it. You'll keep convincing yourself, "just one more chapter", then realize your kid's been at soccer practice for the last 8 hours or something. I'm not sure if that says more about what kind of mother I'd make or about how freaking awesome Vincent Zandri is, but I'm hoping it's the latter.
Reviewed by Brittany for Book Sake.
December 25, 2011
Jude Parrish is a troubled man. Although he has a wonderful son and a beautiful wife, who is about to give birth to his second child, Parrish is eaten up by demons in his past. Those demons led to him giving up his career as a cop and becoming a best-selling author. Just when he is ready to let himself be happy with his family, he witnesses a brutal murder. A murder committed by a serial killer who had been declared dead a long time ago. Now that killer has to stop Jude from being an eyewitness for the prosecutor.
Hector “the Black Dragon” Lennox is no ordinary killer. He also happens to be the designer of a killer video game which includes screams of his actual victims. Now he’s creating a new game and prepares himself to catch new screams. This time, he wants the screams of Parrish and his precious family. It becomes a race against time for the Parrish family as they desperately try to beat a murderer at his own game.
This book is amazing. It’s a rollercoaster ride from page one to the very last page. This is a fast-paced adventure that will have readers hanging on each and every word. I could not put this one down. It’s the second book I’ve read by this author and I really really need to collect his backlist and download them to my Nook. He’s truly a master storyteller.
One small warning: There is a lot of violence in this book, so if you don't like that aspect in your books, this one isn't for you.
FTC Disclosure: Partners in Crime Blog Tours provided me with a copy of this book to review for the blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Hector “the Black Dragon” Lennox is no ordinary killer. He also happens to be the designer of a killer video game which includes screams of his actual victims. Now he’s creating a new game and prepares himself to catch new screams. This time, he wants the screams of Parrish and his precious family. It becomes a race against time for the Parrish family as they desperately try to beat a murderer at his own game.
This book is amazing. It’s a rollercoaster ride from page one to the very last page. This is a fast-paced adventure that will have readers hanging on each and every word. I could not put this one down. It’s the second book I’ve read by this author and I really really need to collect his backlist and download them to my Nook. He’s truly a master storyteller.
One small warning: There is a lot of violence in this book, so if you don't like that aspect in your books, this one isn't for you.
FTC Disclosure: Partners in Crime Blog Tours provided me with a copy of this book to review for the blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 30, 2016
I bought Scream Catcher by Vincent Zandri through Amazon - thank you for third party options! I still prefer an actual book in my hands. The reviews from the Boston Herald and New York Post are not enough. This is currently my favorite book - ever! I only recently came to know Vincent Zandri's work - I've read half dozen or so. His style is unpredictable, his endings are surprising, you never know who he is going to save... or not! Without giving away any of the plot, this is a page-turning, keep you up at night and curse the author for your lack of sleep THRILLER. I am throwing away the romance novels, as now they bore me! I am impressed that Mr. Zandri can weave an intricate plot, again with a limited number of characters, without the use of sex and deplorable violence. Although I didn't get attached to the protagonist as I have in some of Vincent's other stories, I still wanted a "happy" ending and could not put the book down. This book should be at the top of the New York Times's Best Seller list. I see this as a movie on the big screen. Great Job Vincent - keep writing! Signed Number 1 Fan (might have to start a club)Vincent Zandri
Read
October 30, 2011The best quality of this novel was the high intensity. The reader will not have to read far before hitting plenty of action. The serial killer appears very realistic, the reader won't have to deal with a phony killer. The main character, Jude, was a likable character. He is protective, strong, and smart. The secondary characters were fun to get to know, particularly Jude's family. It isn't easy to make a character too personable in a thriller/mystery, but the author accomplishes that easily in this novel. One of Jude's best characteristics was his ability to admit his fear; too many characters are portrayed as "perfect." Jude's small imperfections were what made him so easy to like.
Many scenes were action-packed, very fast-paced. The reader will be entertained throughout the novel. There is always a note at the beginning of each chapter indicating the setting, day, and time; this is always helpful in a mystery/thriller book. The book is not very predictable, there are quite a few twists and surprises; the reader will be kept on his/her toes. Overall, this is a great book for reading on a long car drive or commute. This book is recommended to adult readers.
Many scenes were action-packed, very fast-paced. The reader will be entertained throughout the novel. There is always a note at the beginning of each chapter indicating the setting, day, and time; this is always helpful in a mystery/thriller book. The book is not very predictable, there are quite a few twists and surprises; the reader will be kept on his/her toes. Overall, this is a great book for reading on a long car drive or commute. This book is recommended to adult readers.
January 10, 2012
This is the second book I have read and reviewed of Mr. Zandri's and I was not disappointed. This book has a serial killer who is very clever and nasty. A witness to one of the Scream Catcher's murders, Jude has no idea what is in store for him until he decides to testify after the killer is arrested. The charges do not stick and the killer is free to go on his killing spree. What ensues is a fast paced, scary roller coaster ride of fear for Jude, his pregnant wife, his son and his father. The killer, self named The Black Dragon, is a video game developer who's recent game will target Jude and all he cherishes. Jude will do whatever it takes to rescue his family from this ruthless killer even with his own death if need be. I finished this book in two sittings and did not want to put it down. With twists and turns the author weaves a spellbinding story of revenge, murder and redemption. If you have not read anything by Vincent Zandri, you need to. Very scary stuff indeed.
October 13, 2011
Not Zandri's best. That's the problem with e-books (and it looks like this one went straight to e-book without going through a paper publishing house first)--conventional editors aren't just meanyhead gatekeepers to a hard-to-enter industry, they also perform a service for the book.
The plot itself is not bad if you like the "chased by an overthinking serial killer" genre (and if you do, then you don't mind knowing exactly where the book is going to go), but there are extraneous details and scenes, repeated phrases, some basic copyediting stuff, and a denoument that needs a lot of tightening.
The plot itself is not bad if you like the "chased by an overthinking serial killer" genre (and if you do, then you don't mind knowing exactly where the book is going to go), but there are extraneous details and scenes, repeated phrases, some basic copyediting stuff, and a denoument that needs a lot of tightening.
August 29, 2012
This book had a great premise, a serial killer who designs video games based on his kills. There is a lot of action, and a lot going on. Unfortunately this book did not "grab" me. I never felt invested in the characters, particularly Jude. I didn't feel compelled to keep reading, and I missed having that feeling. I like a book that I can't wait to get back to, and this one wasn't like that. The second half of the book is almost completely the events that are happing over the course of one night. It was a loooong night. Jude has to perform supernaturally in order to make it through the "kill game." How did Lennox get this all set up? Doesn't seem possible.
February 16, 2012
I enjoyed this book so much, great story, great action, always on the edge of my seat. I think they need to look carefully at these books before having people buy them. One minute the boy (Jack) is 10yrs old, then further in the story he's 8yrs old...... also, cheque, is spelled check a few times in the book. Not sure why these things were missed, but I see it alot in books lately, maybe it's a hurry to get them out, or ....whatever...
But as for the book itself, loved it. Will be reading more from this author...
But as for the book itself, loved it. Will be reading more from this author...
December 27, 2011
Official review coming soon.
July 21, 2015
Scream for me
Outstanding, anyone that enjoys a thriller of a story would enjoy this book.I found it better then I expected, very good.
Outstanding, anyone that enjoys a thriller of a story would enjoy this book.I found it better then I expected, very good.
October 17, 2016
Quite the read. I had a very hard time putting this one down. Exciting, fast paced, and tons of twisting, turning developments. I loved this read. Would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews