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From a Killer's Mind

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"Fans of Thomas Harris' The Silence of the Lambs and Shane Stevens' By Reason of Insanity may find a new favorite author here."
-Kirkus Reviews

John has been a successful serial killer for his entire adult life, committed to his craft without detection or disruption. He’s spent years perfecting his process and meticulously planning out each kill, honing his abilities to horrible heights; however, when one kill doesn’t go as planned, his confidence is shattered, and his dark life starts down an even darker road, to either his salvation…or his ultimate downfall. John finds his private sanctum infiltrated by chaotic characters from the most unlikely of places, putting him through an existential crisis of the soul. As John loses control, his true crucible begins.

From a Killer’s Mind, the debut novel of writer Jason Helford, is a mind-bending, scary, and emotionally honest trip through the life of a serial killer, laying bare the killer’s soul for all readers to see. The remarkable twist at the core of this novel is something that will leave you open-mouthed, shocked, and completely hooked, until the very last page.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 29, 2013

42 people want to read

About the author

Jason Helford

2 books5 followers
Jason Helford has written two books: Written in Hell and From a Killer’s Mind. He’s a devoted husband and father, an avid comic book collector and an enthusiastic craft beer drinker. Prizing originality and creativity more than anything else, some of his favorite authors are Hunter S. Thompson, Chuck Palahniuk, Ray Bradbury, Terry Brooks, Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, Robert Asprin and Albert Camus. Please don’t be offended if you are an author and your name wasn’t mentioned, he probably likes you, too. He lives in Maryland with his wonderful wife, Bella, his awesome-sauce daughter, Maddie, and his goofy dog, Sunset.

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Icy_Space_Cobwebs  Join the Penguin Resistance!.
5,654 reviews330 followers
November 8, 2014
FROM A KILLER'S MIND is a vividly-expressed, intricately-detailed, and quite literally fulfills its title. As we quickly learn, John is not your normal, ordinary citizen; he is not even the ordinary socially-functionable sociopath. John has issues and he has problems. Unlike, say, Ted Bundy, who rolled on charm and frequently "passed for normal," John is off the wall and functions efficiently ONLY when stalking and killing. I would love to read a forensic psychological autopsy of John, to compare his genetic heritage with the beyond-dysfunctional , psychopathic environment of his upbringing.

FROM A KILLER'S MIND is a stand-out thriller that will burrow its way into a niche in your mind.
Profile Image for Ashley Scott.
Author 5 books61 followers
January 9, 2016
From a Killer's Mind
By Jason Helford

To be honest I truly don't even know where to begin with From a Killer's Mind by Jason Helford other than to say HOLY COW!! I'm not exaggerating when I say that I have NEVER EVER read or seen on TV - or in the movies for that matter - anything quite like this; however, i must say I'm perplexed still as to whether that's a negative or positive reaction.
John is the center of this psychological thriller - leaning more towards a piece of horror fiction at times. The victim of the most extreme physical and verbal abuse at the hands of not just his father but his mother as well. It's safe to say his chances at a normal adulthood would've been slim to none. As you may have guessed, John is the killer the title speaks of - a serial killer to be exact. Readers may not initially be aware of this or what's actually going on until about a quarter of the way into the book but you are so enamored with trying to figure out what’s going on in his head that you keep reading.


As the storyline progresses from there it becomes apparent that time in John's mind is going to be anything but a smooth ride or close to the likes of any serial killer known thus far; to the extent that I honestly question the mind that wrote this book! Helford definitely transports us to a place I personally have never ventured before, nor am I sure I want to go back there any time in the near future.

From a sociological and psychological standpoint Helford's work challenges the notion of nature versus nurture. Are killers born or raised? I have to wonder after reading this book. It's certainly an interesting question especially when you can't often differentiate as to whether what's taking place is only occurring in his mind, really happening, or is some sort of paranormal thing.

I must admit that although I don't regret reading From a Killer's Mind, it did make me uncomfortable at times to put it mildly. There is a plentitude of adult content in general. In fact I'd say this book would be difficult for an adult to read, much less anyone younger. Sexual content is present, of which is not always consensual. As aforementioned, there is plenty of violence including child abuse.

I think the only way to conclude this review is to say that the title, From a Killer's Mind, speaks for itself. You spend time in the mind of a killer and it’s up to each of us to figure out if that’s something you can handle. Do I recommend picking it up? I truly don't know how to answer that. I, personally, couldn't put it down but it was more like that car accident you drive past and just can't stop watching.

www.tabbyafae.com
Profile Image for Michelle.
185 reviews21 followers
June 18, 2017
First up I just have to say that this book would have to be one of the most disturbing books I have read in a very long time.
The mental pictures it put into my head while I was reading it were so unpleasant at times that it actually made me feel ill during certain scenes.
The level of psychological abuse and violence in this book was uncomfortable to read at times and it really did make me wonder about the imagination of the author and how one thinks about writing such things.
I struggled at times to decipher if what was going on was actually real or just happening inside the mind of the main character. It really did stop and make me think a few times about what it really would be like inside the mind of a serial killer, especially to know how they internalise and justify their own actions to themselves.
If you like to be shocked or disturbed in your reading, then this is the book for you.
112 reviews22 followers
August 29, 2016
Title: A Publisher’s Read
From a Killer’s Mind by Jason Helford

Reviewed by K. Royce
7/24/16
8:00 p.m.

John has a need that drives his every move. This need tells him when to eat, when to wake up and when to go “shopping”. After one of his shopping trips, to get a middle-aged blonde woman, things begin to unravel. A passing sign triggers some repressed memories of his childhood abuse and causes John to start a break from reality. Things continue to spiral out of John’s control when he gets home and has further dissociative blackouts. When he finally comes to, a woman is die. And once the police are involved, John fears he will no longer be able to hide his dark side.

Jason Helford gives the reader a disturbing glance into the mind of a serial killer. The kind of story that should not be read alone at night, well honestly it doesn’t matter when its read. This story lingers within your thoughts long after the pages have stopped turning. It is believed that matters of the psyche always leave readers examining their own consciousness. And when the author starts a story at 100mph, not conforming to similar books within this genre which take a steady pace, hooking the reader after several chapters and some never find that sweet spot, “From a Killer’s Mind” is the opposite. This read plagues the mind and hooks readers instantaneously.

This read is for anyone that enjoys a good thrill. It is not a typical horror story where after a few chapters the plot is easily figured out. The twists continue to come from start to finish and the language of the story pulls the reader in, almost as if they are the one suffering the psychotic break. Helford’s writing style and descriptions of the crime scene are not for the faint of heart, but if that can be tolerated this book is definitely worth a read.

I give this story 5 out of 5 stars.

Enjoy!

K. Royce
Profile Image for Heather.
162 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2014
A psychological thriller! Detailed murders that paint a vivid scene putting you right in the midst of it all.

This is one of those books that lingered in my mind when I had to put it down. The killer, John, is beyond demented. Haunted by what I would call his horrific and very abusive childhood. His true feelings manifest into what the Author describes as deformed cherubim beings, that are far from angelic. Poor John only feels peace while acting out his plans of murder. Once his feelings manifest into these beings, the peace eludes him. This causes John to have flashbacks of his torturous childhood. It doesn't stop there, not by a long shot. Soon John's cherubim are joined by manifestations of his mother and father. Inflicting more and more memories to arise. Causing more and more turmoil. This in turn, makes John step outside of his usual meticulous planning, in search of the peace and control he craves. After a failed attempt at gaining his peace. He somewhat learns to control these manifestations with his mind, by thinking of them doing something and they respond by doing what his thoughts entail. John tests this process by sending them on test run, away from him. Once away from John, his manifestations take their on their own personalities. The groups splits up. Some cross paths with citizens and police. Sending John's already chaotic world into a tailspin.

The concept of this story is mind boggling. I absolutely loved it. So many unexpected twists and turns. It definitely kept me guessing. The details jumped right off the page holding me hostage to the graphic horror of "A Killer's Mind". If blood and gore make you queasy this might not be a book for you. If you're a fan, I recommend you snatch this one up. You won't be disappointed.
1 review
December 13, 2013
A very clever psychological thriller, written primarily from the serial killer's point of view, which is pretty original.

The prologue of the book is like a stand-alone short story; it sets the tone for a good old-fashioned scary read, but I realized later that the prologue actually takes place years later. The book (not including the prologue) takes place over the course of just several days - it's one of those books that's packed full of tension and action - it's very fast paced. "From a Killer's Mind" is a clever title because we meet characters that come straight out of the killer's mind, nightmares, memories, fears - the interactions between the killer and the psychoses that he's made into flesh and blood are very intense. We get a lot of flashbacks into the killer's past which explain how he was shaped into who he becomes. The author of the book definitely doesn't shy away from giving you the horrific details that shaped the serial killer and the paranormal beings that he's created, but it's not gratuitously violent or slasher-happy, it feels emotionally raw and realistic. The tension keeps ratcheting up as the writer weaves in a police investigation that the main character (the serial killer) is unaware of.

The writing style is very crisp and clear, with lots of dialogue that always comes across as authentic - there's nothing worse than dialogue in a book that sounds like nothing you'd ever hear in real life - but this author knows how to write dialogue that "sounds" genuine. The writing is very evocative and visual. I'd recommend this book very highly to fans of contemporary suspense, thrillers, horror, crime fiction, and general fiction.
Profile Image for Shh I am Reading Leticia.
299 reviews27 followers
May 3, 2016
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. If you'd like to read more reviews like this, please visit me at Shh, I Am Reading

Wow. Uh, this book was…a really tough read. Even for me, someone who loves all things zombies, psychological thrillers and paranormal/supernatural horrors.

I definitely struggled with this book. I had to stop reading it before bed because hot damn, the nightmares batman! Whew. The younger version of me would have been utterly thrilled by this book, though.

Nevertheless, it was REALLY good! For a debut novel, this was amazing. It was tough to put down even though I needed to. Jason Helford had some extremely seamless writing. It flowed and the build up to the horrors were perfectly placed.

This book reminded me of one of my favourite psychological thrillers The Cell. More in the sense of the obvious break down in John’s psyche. The manifestations John created were a clear cut line to paranoid schizophrenic. I’m deeply fascinated by people and how they think, and have taken many psychology courses so in a way, I was almost studying John.

But ahh, my heart broke for John reading his flashbacks to his parents and the cruelty he suffered at both their hands. Mainly his father. My heart cried for the boy that John wasn’t allowed to be and the man they created. It’s no wonder that John turned into the man and monster in the book.
Profile Image for Gmr.
1,252 reviews
October 5, 2014
This book is so TWISTED!
Though the story walks the line of psychological thriller, making you think you are forever in his head as the other beings come into play, the truth is a bit harder to digest. I mean there is actual interaction between his "other selves" and the world at large....grant it they definitely wish they never met them, but that's beside the point...and yet when the final curtain is falling, nothing. Just POOF.

I will admit, the powers of interaction the author bestowed upon these others was curious; what they could and couldn't do, how they listened and whether their response was what John intended, and then of course there's the way they can umm...."process" his targets. Then there's the fact that we're experiencing everything John is and watching him struggle with reality from the inside out is pretty darn trippy.

In short, a story perfect for the time of year for fans of dark Fiction and/or Horror. It can be quite graphic at times and in truth, paints anything but a pretty picture; then again, when your medium is flesh and blood (emphasis on the blood), I do believe it was never meant to be. So consider this for your next creepy-in-your-face read...you won't be sorry!


**review copy received in exchange for my honest review....full post can be seen on my site*
Profile Image for Tammy-&-Michelle.
28 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2013
Disclaimer: There are vulgar terms, gore, and sexual references.

John is a loner, the product of an abusive household, and a serial killer. He has spent years honing his craft to not be caught. However, after one outing he wakes to find his mind turned into real life manifestations. As the story progresses he remembers events from his past that have shaped him into the man he has become.

The idea that what is in his head has come to life is a great plot. The execution in my opinion was a little rough. I had a hard time visualizing the surroundings. I like very descriptive scenery. I couldn’t really feel the emotions or tension between the characters. This caused me to not be as emotionally invested as I would have liked. There are also several statements in the Greek language repeatedly used. These are not explained the first few times they are said which caused me to have to stop and look up the definitions. I did like the flashbacks to explain why he was having specific reactions to circumstances. While I think it has great potential, I wasn’t as attached to it as I hoped. Good debut novel.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Jason Helford for a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced our review.
Profile Image for Bill.
242 reviews9 followers
December 18, 2014
From a Killer’s Mind was a very hard book for me to read. It was just too intense! I don’t really want to spend time inside a sadistic serial killer’s mind. Mr. Helford puts you right there, with all the horrific, and terrible thoughts and desires that are living inside of John’s sick, twisted mind. You relive his childhood abuse, and every page brings some new horror. There just is no relief.

If you can take such a vividly lifelike horror story and not have nightmares, and you want to feel the insanity of a totally crazed killer, then this is the book for you. Mr. Helford will grab your mind and twist it, pushing it to new depths of depravity and ugliness. He won’t let up.

Everything was perfect about this book. The writing was tight and convincing. John was portrayed as a completely horrible person. His life was a nightmare. Way too much of a nightmare for me. I could only read this book by day. So how do I rate this? If this is your kind of book, I bet that you will rate it a 5, but I could barely stand to finish it. So I guess I will compromise and come to a middle ground.

I’m going to rate From a Killer’s Mind 4 Stars out of 5. If this book sound like something you might like, you probably will eat it up.

I received this book from the author.
Profile Image for Victoria Brinius.
763 reviews35 followers
December 19, 2013
This is why I love the web. I was able to read this book that I never would have even known about, if not for today's technology. I would have missed a great book. I am so glad that I read this after halloween. I started reading Stephen King when I was 8, and I am used to horror and gore. It takes a very scary book to scare me. This one did. The mind of a killer is scary enough, but to humanize him really startled me. I was in his head, and I could not stop what he was going to do. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.


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Profile Image for Elisa .
1,520 reviews27 followers
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December 31, 2013
Holy crap, this book was disturbing. Most serial killer books i have read alternate between the good guy about to take down the bad guy and the tormented crazy serial killer doing his "work". This is all about John, his issues, his past, his parents and every horrible thing he ever did.
I have to admit, I put this book down a lot because it was grotesque, bloody and totally upsetting. But I kept picking it up because it was fascinating.
I did have an issue with his fears manifesting. Totally unique, but a bit wonky at times.
Anyway, very interesting if you like this kind of sick stuff.
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