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To Probe a Beating Heart: The Fall of a Serial Killer
In the autumn of 1991, a young girl disappears from a Cleveland Heights, Ohio neighborhood. She was last seen talking to a man as the clouds opened and a rain began. Th e only witness is an elderly woman whose description of the possible kidnapper could fi t any number of people. As police, friends and family search the immediate area for Annette, she is taken farther away and becomes one of the predator’s early victims.
Over the course of the next several years, along the interstate 90 corridor between Toledo, Ohio, and Albany, New York, a number of young girls disappear without a trace. Jim McLarry, Annette’s cousin and a rookie cop with the Cleveland Heights police force, pursues his own investigation of the missing girls in hopes of finding his cousin. As he feeds information to the detectives assigned to the case, McLarry demonstrates his ability as an investigator.
Years earlier, a boy, born and raised in difficult circumstances, determined that he will kill his adoptive mother and sister. Each summer a new victim is another rehearsal for his intended goal. As he plans and executes his annual killings, he leaves virtually no clues. Only little mistakes, the dogged determination of the Cleveland Heights cop and the intervention of Annette’s extended family, the Clan, lead to Averell’s downfall.
To Probe a Beating Heart is a fi ctional, but realistic study in the creation of a killer. Th e monster that Averell has become must be stopped and if the authorities cannot make that happen, the Clan will.
Over the course of the next several years, along the interstate 90 corridor between Toledo, Ohio, and Albany, New York, a number of young girls disappear without a trace. Jim McLarry, Annette’s cousin and a rookie cop with the Cleveland Heights police force, pursues his own investigation of the missing girls in hopes of finding his cousin. As he feeds information to the detectives assigned to the case, McLarry demonstrates his ability as an investigator.
Years earlier, a boy, born and raised in difficult circumstances, determined that he will kill his adoptive mother and sister. Each summer a new victim is another rehearsal for his intended goal. As he plans and executes his annual killings, he leaves virtually no clues. Only little mistakes, the dogged determination of the Cleveland Heights cop and the intervention of Annette’s extended family, the Clan, lead to Averell’s downfall.
To Probe a Beating Heart is a fi ctional, but realistic study in the creation of a killer. Th e monster that Averell has become must be stopped and if the authorities cannot make that happen, the Clan will.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2011
33 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
John B. Wren
6 books12 followers Born in Pittsburgh, PA, raised in Western New York State, educated in Northeast Ohio and currently residing in Northern Virginia with his wife, Lois. He began his writing career in 2009, publishing the first of six novels and six short stories.He is currently working on sequels to two of his novels.
Wren worked as a design engineer in the construction industry for over 40 years and now, retired, he spends his time writing.
His writing crosses a few genres, including Thrillers, Mysteries, Historical Fiction and Science Fiction.
All of his published works are available on Amazon.
Wren worked as a design engineer in the construction industry for over 40 years and now, retired, he spends his time writing.
His writing crosses a few genres, including Thrillers, Mysteries, Historical Fiction and Science Fiction.
All of his published works are available on Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 16, 2016
REVIEW:
Abandoned as a baby, Averell Danker was adopted by a couple who were quite unfit for the role of parents. We follow him through his growing up years, a rough and hostile upbringing. Love is unknown to him. He doesn't know what it is. Averell has another personality, Stelian. After a stint in the military, he became a traveling salesman. His only intent in life was to murder the two people who had hurt him the most in those years when he was growing up. Those two people were his adoptive mother and his half sister. He;s not read yet to kill them. He has to work on the when, where and how he would do it. He starts practicing on little girls that he picks up off the street. One little girl in particular, Annette, would possibly be his downfall. Why just the one little girl when there had been many.? She was related to someone who was related to someone, The Clan. I don't want to tell you any more about that. You must read it to find out. They author, Mr. Wren, weaves a web that allows you into the shocking, intelligent mind of a murderer. I felt like he was more about the suffering and watching his victims fear when he probed them. The actual dying was just the end of one and the beginning of another. Averell was quite intelligent, or at least I thought. He planned out his trips and kidnappings with pretty much exact detail. Most of the time he was cool and calm. I think it was Stelian who helped keep him at least halfway sane. He remained undetected for many years and after many innocent little girls suffering and dying. The author leads you slowly and builds you up for each kill. Danker wanted to see their beating heart and he probed them without mercy. You can feel the fear as you turn the pages. The author has built the suspense up so slowly, you haven't even realized you are a little scared to turn the page, but you can't help yourself. You have to know what is going to happen next. What a page turner! The author developed the characters well, especially Danker. It was like you knew him and needed to know him better, to try to understand what made him tick. An abandoned child turns into a serial killer. I believe the two main parts to this story was Danker, of course, and the Clan. I'm sure you want to know who the Clan is and what part they had in Danker's life. I suggest you pick up this book and read it, if you dare. It is a fabulous read. I must say that when I read the title, I sure didn't think about a serial killer. That was a big surprise.
I would give this book 5 STARS
I was given a complimentary copy of TO PROBE A BEATING HEART by the author, John B. Wren for an honest review.
The cover is magnificent. Couldn't have been better
Abandoned as a baby, Averell Danker was adopted by a couple who were quite unfit for the role of parents. We follow him through his growing up years, a rough and hostile upbringing. Love is unknown to him. He doesn't know what it is. Averell has another personality, Stelian. After a stint in the military, he became a traveling salesman. His only intent in life was to murder the two people who had hurt him the most in those years when he was growing up. Those two people were his adoptive mother and his half sister. He;s not read yet to kill them. He has to work on the when, where and how he would do it. He starts practicing on little girls that he picks up off the street. One little girl in particular, Annette, would possibly be his downfall. Why just the one little girl when there had been many.? She was related to someone who was related to someone, The Clan. I don't want to tell you any more about that. You must read it to find out. They author, Mr. Wren, weaves a web that allows you into the shocking, intelligent mind of a murderer. I felt like he was more about the suffering and watching his victims fear when he probed them. The actual dying was just the end of one and the beginning of another. Averell was quite intelligent, or at least I thought. He planned out his trips and kidnappings with pretty much exact detail. Most of the time he was cool and calm. I think it was Stelian who helped keep him at least halfway sane. He remained undetected for many years and after many innocent little girls suffering and dying. The author leads you slowly and builds you up for each kill. Danker wanted to see their beating heart and he probed them without mercy. You can feel the fear as you turn the pages. The author has built the suspense up so slowly, you haven't even realized you are a little scared to turn the page, but you can't help yourself. You have to know what is going to happen next. What a page turner! The author developed the characters well, especially Danker. It was like you knew him and needed to know him better, to try to understand what made him tick. An abandoned child turns into a serial killer. I believe the two main parts to this story was Danker, of course, and the Clan. I'm sure you want to know who the Clan is and what part they had in Danker's life. I suggest you pick up this book and read it, if you dare. It is a fabulous read. I must say that when I read the title, I sure didn't think about a serial killer. That was a big surprise.
I would give this book 5 STARS
I was given a complimentary copy of TO PROBE A BEATING HEART by the author, John B. Wren for an honest review.
The cover is magnificent. Couldn't have been better
August 19, 2013
"A Psychological Thriller"
This is a very interestingly told story, a story which reveals from a very young age of how one man is made into a serial killer. Stelian Lupasco is born to a young woman in Bucharest. She does not want him, thus he is placed in an orphanage. Almost a year later, Stelian is adopted by Ellie and Allen Swall, Americans. They name their new son, Averell Swall, bringing him home to Syracuse, New York. He is a destructive child, his new parents grow to hate him. He only feels safe in his room, huddled in a corner. However, Averell is intelligent, learning to read at a very young age. Profanity, abuse, and arguments plague his young life and by five years of age he knows numerous cuss words not often spoken by a child of his age. Being ignored was a blessing to him, and soon he starts hearing a voice. The voice has a name ... Stelian, his birth name. Soon his parents divorce, neither parent really want Averell, but he continues living with his mother who soon becomes remarried and gives birth to a daughter, Sarah. He continues to stay distant and prefers Stellian, who lives inside Averell. Soon, Averell explores the local woods, begins to kill small animals ... rabbits, squirrels, cats. He dissects them, but his pleasure is probing them in different parts of their bodies with probes he's made from coat hangers. Yes, he becomes obsessed with torture and as he grows to be an adult, his goal is to eventually push his piercing probe through Ellie's neck, as well has her daughter, Sarah, who now also hates him. But first, he has to develop and practice a plan .... This story is analytically written, easy to read, and slowly creeps into your bones. It's a story that captivated me. The story line is potent, the characters well defined. It's fiction, but in today's world, some where, it could be happening. A unique thriller I highly recommend.
This is a very interestingly told story, a story which reveals from a very young age of how one man is made into a serial killer. Stelian Lupasco is born to a young woman in Bucharest. She does not want him, thus he is placed in an orphanage. Almost a year later, Stelian is adopted by Ellie and Allen Swall, Americans. They name their new son, Averell Swall, bringing him home to Syracuse, New York. He is a destructive child, his new parents grow to hate him. He only feels safe in his room, huddled in a corner. However, Averell is intelligent, learning to read at a very young age. Profanity, abuse, and arguments plague his young life and by five years of age he knows numerous cuss words not often spoken by a child of his age. Being ignored was a blessing to him, and soon he starts hearing a voice. The voice has a name ... Stelian, his birth name. Soon his parents divorce, neither parent really want Averell, but he continues living with his mother who soon becomes remarried and gives birth to a daughter, Sarah. He continues to stay distant and prefers Stellian, who lives inside Averell. Soon, Averell explores the local woods, begins to kill small animals ... rabbits, squirrels, cats. He dissects them, but his pleasure is probing them in different parts of their bodies with probes he's made from coat hangers. Yes, he becomes obsessed with torture and as he grows to be an adult, his goal is to eventually push his piercing probe through Ellie's neck, as well has her daughter, Sarah, who now also hates him. But first, he has to develop and practice a plan .... This story is analytically written, easy to read, and slowly creeps into your bones. It's a story that captivated me. The story line is potent, the characters well defined. It's fiction, but in today's world, some where, it could be happening. A unique thriller I highly recommend.
August 24, 2013
The story of the evolution of a serial killer. Averell Danker is his name, a child adopted out of Europe and a problem from the start. He'd been adopted because his mother couldn't get pregnant.
Then she did. A blond girl with blue eyes and little Averell was virtually ignored from that point. Mother goes through a divorce, remarries and the siblings get adopted. the new father abuses the boy, mother doesn't mind, and little sister as she grows older starts to mimic her mother.
We see his development of 'skills' on animals, always in secret, before he moves to little girls after his service in the army. Always the same: blond hair, blue eyes, blue denim shorts and white running shoes.
We also get the police as they work toward developing a picture. One of them is a family member of the first victim: eight year old Annette.
There is one more difference.
Officer Jim McClarry is one of the cops related to little Annette. It's a widespread family, known informally as the Clan, and they take care of their own. McClarry won't do anything illegal, but the Clan will institute justice on their own.
They just need to find the right killer, know he;s the right killer, and it will be taken from there.
This is author John B. Wren's first novel. I read the second, KILLING HIS FEAR, first. McClarry plays a part there as well.
But Averell Danker is evil personified here. Quite enjoyed this one as well.
Then she did. A blond girl with blue eyes and little Averell was virtually ignored from that point. Mother goes through a divorce, remarries and the siblings get adopted. the new father abuses the boy, mother doesn't mind, and little sister as she grows older starts to mimic her mother.
We see his development of 'skills' on animals, always in secret, before he moves to little girls after his service in the army. Always the same: blond hair, blue eyes, blue denim shorts and white running shoes.
We also get the police as they work toward developing a picture. One of them is a family member of the first victim: eight year old Annette.
There is one more difference.
Officer Jim McClarry is one of the cops related to little Annette. It's a widespread family, known informally as the Clan, and they take care of their own. McClarry won't do anything illegal, but the Clan will institute justice on their own.
They just need to find the right killer, know he;s the right killer, and it will be taken from there.
This is author John B. Wren's first novel. I read the second, KILLING HIS FEAR, first. McClarry plays a part there as well.
But Averell Danker is evil personified here. Quite enjoyed this one as well.
March 21, 2013
About the book:
Averell Danker was abandoned as a baby and adopted by an unfit couple. He has a rough upbringing in a hostile environment and never learns what love is. His only "friend" is his other personality Stelian. Years later, his only goal in life is to kill the two people who hurt him the most, his adoptive mother and half-sister, but first he has to perfect his techniques. He practices through a string of young girls and one his victim is a girl named Annette who leads to his downfall.
Jim McLarry becomes a cop to find out what happened to his cousin Annette. Jim follows Averell's victims’ reports and investigates every lead that might bring him closer to the truth.
My thoughts:
After reading the introduction, I was hooked. I needed to keep on reading to see where the story would go. I loved how Wren incorporated the clan in the story and I liked the ending a lot. However, I did have some issues with it, I found a lot of unnecessary details in the beginning that slowed down the story for me and the fact that I couldn't form a connection with any of the characters. Overall, I enjoyed the book but there was just something lacking for me. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a dark realistic thriller.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
*I received this book for review. All opinions are my own.*
Averell Danker was abandoned as a baby and adopted by an unfit couple. He has a rough upbringing in a hostile environment and never learns what love is. His only "friend" is his other personality Stelian. Years later, his only goal in life is to kill the two people who hurt him the most, his adoptive mother and half-sister, but first he has to perfect his techniques. He practices through a string of young girls and one his victim is a girl named Annette who leads to his downfall.
Jim McLarry becomes a cop to find out what happened to his cousin Annette. Jim follows Averell's victims’ reports and investigates every lead that might bring him closer to the truth.
My thoughts:
After reading the introduction, I was hooked. I needed to keep on reading to see where the story would go. I loved how Wren incorporated the clan in the story and I liked the ending a lot. However, I did have some issues with it, I found a lot of unnecessary details in the beginning that slowed down the story for me and the fact that I couldn't form a connection with any of the characters. Overall, I enjoyed the book but there was just something lacking for me. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a dark realistic thriller.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
*I received this book for review. All opinions are my own.*
September 23, 2013
"Impressive Debut"
I enjoy reading and supporting Indie authors – like any traditionally published books, some are obviously better than others, but it’s especially satisfying to finish an Indie book and be able to write the author and say what a fantastic job he’s done. That’s the case with TO PROBE A BEATING HEART.
The author has created a taut psychological thriller that showcases the birth of a serial killer and his ultimate demise. It’s not a book for the weak of heart – graphic violence and cold psychotic evil abound, but perhaps one reason books with this subject matter do so well is there’s a part of us all that’s at least a little bit intrigued with the dark side of humanity, and let me tell you, it’s on full display in this book.
If mystery / psychological / thrillers is your genre then I highly recommend you take the time to read author John B. Wren.
Reviewer’s note: I was provided a review copy by the author – however, I do not personally know the author and the review and opinions expressed here are entirely my own and were not influenced by the author.
I enjoy reading and supporting Indie authors – like any traditionally published books, some are obviously better than others, but it’s especially satisfying to finish an Indie book and be able to write the author and say what a fantastic job he’s done. That’s the case with TO PROBE A BEATING HEART.
The author has created a taut psychological thriller that showcases the birth of a serial killer and his ultimate demise. It’s not a book for the weak of heart – graphic violence and cold psychotic evil abound, but perhaps one reason books with this subject matter do so well is there’s a part of us all that’s at least a little bit intrigued with the dark side of humanity, and let me tell you, it’s on full display in this book.
If mystery / psychological / thrillers is your genre then I highly recommend you take the time to read author John B. Wren.
Reviewer’s note: I was provided a review copy by the author – however, I do not personally know the author and the review and opinions expressed here are entirely my own and were not influenced by the author.
August 27, 2013
As usual I didn't pay for this book, it came to me from the author who was kind enough to send me a copy for review. Despite that kind consideration, I'll give my candid thoughts on the novel.
This is the story of a serial killer, from the first moments of his conception to his own grisly end. As story concepts go, this is a grand one. The author has cracked quite a meaty nut and one that is sure to entertain. If you've ever wondered how someone could be so depraved... here's your answer.
On the negative side, while the story arc is appealing, the execution of it is profoundly lacking. The author has a very choppy and simplified writing style that reminds me strongly of Dick-and-Jane first readers. The author is certainly factual enough but just lacks writing flair and polish.
In summary, a great story but jot not very professional in the telling. I'm hopeful that future novels will acquire a more literary feel.
This is the story of a serial killer, from the first moments of his conception to his own grisly end. As story concepts go, this is a grand one. The author has cracked quite a meaty nut and one that is sure to entertain. If you've ever wondered how someone could be so depraved... here's your answer.
On the negative side, while the story arc is appealing, the execution of it is profoundly lacking. The author has a very choppy and simplified writing style that reminds me strongly of Dick-and-Jane first readers. The author is certainly factual enough but just lacks writing flair and polish.
In summary, a great story but jot not very professional in the telling. I'm hopeful that future novels will acquire a more literary feel.
September 13, 2013
This book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Still not sure of my final feelings. The main character is a serial killer. At the beginning of the book you feel nothing but empathy and sadness for the birth and early life of this character. All the known about symptoms appear as he ages and escalates. When he starts killing his typical female type, you loathe him and are extremely upset. He is using them as practice substitutes for his stepsister and really has no empathy or concern about who they are themselves. The killings are described very graphically. The ending is not what you will expect and in some ways it is disturbing, also. Legal justice vs. vigilante justice. Should mental illness be taken into consideration? Thought provoking.
September 5, 2013
This was a very good book but the subject matter and the in depth descriptions of the main character's crimes against his child victims were difficult to read and the stuff nightmares are made of. It's not a book for the weak of heart. That being said, the book showed the development of a psychotic serial killer, literally from birth. Wren took the time to carefully develop the main character, Averell in such a Way that allowed you to understand the making of the monster he becomes without feeling sympathetic toward the man he becomes. A tough read but well written, however I don't know that it is a book I would recommend others read.
August 15, 2013
This book by Wren is certainly different from the normal. We witness the creation of a serial killer and his creation plays out in his execution of his actions. Won't tell you about the plot, but the concept is scarry and, if our reading of psycology is correct, it is true. A different conclusion that you would imagine. A good read.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" and "Wesley's Wars"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" and "Wesley's Wars"
September 22, 2013
This is an impressive debut novel by John B. Wren. The writing is edgy and kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. Each page was dripping with fear and anticipation. I found it refreshing that there was little, if any, swearing in the novel. If you don't enjoy crime fiction, this is not the book for you. It is disturbing and gruesome but the ending is most satisfying and makes it very worth the ride. I love this book and I love indie writers!!
September 9, 2013
This book had me weeping for this man as a child and growing increasingly afraid of him as he grew. The detail in Wren's writing made this a rare book that scared the hades out of me at times! I am thoroughly impressed by this book and will have to read it again one day.
September 12, 2013
way too long. Felt the author kept repeating events, which h made the story quite boring and drug out!
October 12, 2019
A FASCINATING STORY ABOUT A REPREHENSIBLE PERSON
“TO PROBE A BEATING HEART” tells a tale of a psychologically damaged person - Averell Danker - whose upbringing was a horror story of abuse, neglect, and both verbal & physical assaults by everyone in his family including his baby sister.
When he becomes emancipated and goes out on his own, his lust for revenge against his mother and sister becomes all-consuming.
To put it mildly, John Wren’s captivating story and the descriptions of Mr. Danker’s acts is repulsive, while at the same time, fascinating. I would warn that, anyone with a squeamish stomach might prefer something less graphic.
“TO PROBE A BEATING HEART” tells a tale of a psychologically damaged person - Averell Danker - whose upbringing was a horror story of abuse, neglect, and both verbal & physical assaults by everyone in his family including his baby sister.
When he becomes emancipated and goes out on his own, his lust for revenge against his mother and sister becomes all-consuming.
To put it mildly, John Wren’s captivating story and the descriptions of Mr. Danker’s acts is repulsive, while at the same time, fascinating. I would warn that, anyone with a squeamish stomach might prefer something less graphic.
September 4, 2017
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
April 15, 2019
Very good book especially for a first! Enjoyed reading it!
Easy to read , kept my interest, good story line. I would recommend it to anyone who has like intetests.
Easy to read , kept my interest, good story line. I would recommend it to anyone who has like intetests.
September 11, 2023
Chilling, sometimes difficult to read. But enjoyed the justice served at the end even if it was not legal...
May 14, 2023
Captures the inexorable dread we should feel when viewing society from the mind of a dispassionate serial killer. The narcissism of the self-possessed mind bleeds through in every thought of this murderer. Victims are just projects to be experimented on and then thrown away. The progression is predictable but the ending may shock you!
August 24, 2013
A Dark Horror Story of a Psychopath
Baby Stelian is a bastard baby in Romania available for adoption. Allen and Ellie Swall, unprepared and innocent of the massive task that is involved in raising a child, adopt Baby Selian and change his name to Averell. In the following few years, Allen is away from home on his job, and Ellie is left with the raising of this little boy, who initiates her to the “terrible twos.” She resents her husband and takes it out on Averell. No matter what he does or how young, she restricts him to his bedroom for a week and as time passes, Averell soothes his hurt by wedging himself between two walls as if they are the loving arms he needs. In time he begins to have conversations with a voice he calls Stelian. Ellie continually tells him she hates him, that he is the root of all her unhappiness and begins to visit the bar scenes taking lovers. She conceives a baby girl, Sarah, Allen and Ellie divorce and Ellie marries Steve Danker who adopts Sarah and Averell. But Steve treats Averell violently also and eventually Steve and Ellie break up. But Ellie forever tells Averell how she hates him and works him unfairly, never giving him any kudos and kindness. She favors Sarah to the extent that every time Ellie tells Averell she hates him, Sarah repeats that.
The voice Stelian becomes stronger and placates Averell’s need for love. Eventually Averell unintentionally kills a man and finds that gives him some satisfaction, which overwhelms him with the need to punish and torture others, who are substitutes for Sarah and Ellie. Over eight years, he walks a path of abduction, torture and murder. The blow-by-blow descriptions of his torture is so gory that I didn’t think I could finish the book.
The first half of the book is mostly narrative describing these characters and circumstances, moving slowly, and the last half of the book has dialogue and descriptive scenes. There are many typos, poor punctuation and grammar, which defeat the book being professional. The author did a good job of setting up Averell’s attentiveness to each of his murders so that he couldn’t be caught and then did a good job of defining the processing that the police departments of the various murder locations applied to try to catch this illusive maniac. Perhaps there are readers who enjoy horror such as is so aptly described here and if so, they will enjoy this story.
This e-book was given me by the author for an honest review.
Baby Stelian is a bastard baby in Romania available for adoption. Allen and Ellie Swall, unprepared and innocent of the massive task that is involved in raising a child, adopt Baby Selian and change his name to Averell. In the following few years, Allen is away from home on his job, and Ellie is left with the raising of this little boy, who initiates her to the “terrible twos.” She resents her husband and takes it out on Averell. No matter what he does or how young, she restricts him to his bedroom for a week and as time passes, Averell soothes his hurt by wedging himself between two walls as if they are the loving arms he needs. In time he begins to have conversations with a voice he calls Stelian. Ellie continually tells him she hates him, that he is the root of all her unhappiness and begins to visit the bar scenes taking lovers. She conceives a baby girl, Sarah, Allen and Ellie divorce and Ellie marries Steve Danker who adopts Sarah and Averell. But Steve treats Averell violently also and eventually Steve and Ellie break up. But Ellie forever tells Averell how she hates him and works him unfairly, never giving him any kudos and kindness. She favors Sarah to the extent that every time Ellie tells Averell she hates him, Sarah repeats that.
The voice Stelian becomes stronger and placates Averell’s need for love. Eventually Averell unintentionally kills a man and finds that gives him some satisfaction, which overwhelms him with the need to punish and torture others, who are substitutes for Sarah and Ellie. Over eight years, he walks a path of abduction, torture and murder. The blow-by-blow descriptions of his torture is so gory that I didn’t think I could finish the book.
The first half of the book is mostly narrative describing these characters and circumstances, moving slowly, and the last half of the book has dialogue and descriptive scenes. There are many typos, poor punctuation and grammar, which defeat the book being professional. The author did a good job of setting up Averell’s attentiveness to each of his murders so that he couldn’t be caught and then did a good job of defining the processing that the police departments of the various murder locations applied to try to catch this illusive maniac. Perhaps there are readers who enjoy horror such as is so aptly described here and if so, they will enjoy this story.
This e-book was given me by the author for an honest review.
April 25, 2015
This book is not for the faint-hearted, in fact it is very graphic, gruesome and cruel. After just a few pages I found myself gripped by the world of a serial killer and I actually couldn't wait for him to get another victim. This is a crime novel with a difference. We usually follow the police/detectives in finding clues to finally get the bad guy. In this book we follow the bad guy and get a feeling of why he's so hell bent on acting out terrible crimes. The police are in there but they are not the centrepoint of the story.
John B. Wren has a real talent for storytelling and his characters are well formed and realistic - not that I've ever met a real life killer ! We start the story of Averell/Stelian with his birth in Hungary and follow his adoption by American parents, through his childhood formative years in which he was unloved, uncared for and verbally abused. When he is also taunted by his little sister he starts with a deep seated anger which he covers at home but starts a vicious cruelty with animals he catches in the local woods. The anger against his sister and mother festers in his mind and once he becomes an adult he acts out various unimaginables on young girls that have the same blue eyes and blonde hair that his sister has. He is very clever and very plausible, but what Averell/Stelian doesn't know, is that there is a 'Clan family' throughout the States that mete out their own punishment when the law can't or doesn't deal with a crime against a family member of the great Clan family - a bit like an eye for an eye.
I was really impressed by this book and would recommend to anyone who likes a gory, blood and guts crime story. I've just started John B. Wren's second book Killing His Fear, and that's going down really well too.
John B. Wren has a real talent for storytelling and his characters are well formed and realistic - not that I've ever met a real life killer ! We start the story of Averell/Stelian with his birth in Hungary and follow his adoption by American parents, through his childhood formative years in which he was unloved, uncared for and verbally abused. When he is also taunted by his little sister he starts with a deep seated anger which he covers at home but starts a vicious cruelty with animals he catches in the local woods. The anger against his sister and mother festers in his mind and once he becomes an adult he acts out various unimaginables on young girls that have the same blue eyes and blonde hair that his sister has. He is very clever and very plausible, but what Averell/Stelian doesn't know, is that there is a 'Clan family' throughout the States that mete out their own punishment when the law can't or doesn't deal with a crime against a family member of the great Clan family - a bit like an eye for an eye.
I was really impressed by this book and would recommend to anyone who likes a gory, blood and guts crime story. I've just started John B. Wren's second book Killing His Fear, and that's going down really well too.
January 27, 2016
This is a story of the development of a serial killer. A young man, left in an orphanage in Romania is adopted by an American family, who turn out to be somewhat dysfunctional. As an adult, he is obsessed with killing his adoptive mother and sister and begins by practicing on other young victims who remind him of the sister. He commits about one kidnapping/murder/torture a year.
At the same time, a young police officer whose cousin was one of the early victims, sets out on him own to investigate by preparing and keeping a detailed data base of details of missing persons to try to find a common thread. He shares all information with his police detectives.
The third entity is The Clan, an extended family, most of whom do not know each other, but who protect and defend the individuals in the family. They have a history going back a hundred plus years. The work outside the law, when the law is unable to provide the justice they seek.
This was an interesting book, and certainly a little different. I found it instructive being in the head of a serial killer as he goes through childhood and slowly becomes one. The police investigation was good, too, although it was a pretty big leap from a tiny "maybe" clue to being so sure the killer had been identified. I actually liked the Clan part the least. It was a bit too contrived.
At the same time, a young police officer whose cousin was one of the early victims, sets out on him own to investigate by preparing and keeping a detailed data base of details of missing persons to try to find a common thread. He shares all information with his police detectives.
The third entity is The Clan, an extended family, most of whom do not know each other, but who protect and defend the individuals in the family. They have a history going back a hundred plus years. The work outside the law, when the law is unable to provide the justice they seek.
This was an interesting book, and certainly a little different. I found it instructive being in the head of a serial killer as he goes through childhood and slowly becomes one. The police investigation was good, too, although it was a pretty big leap from a tiny "maybe" clue to being so sure the killer had been identified. I actually liked the Clan part the least. It was a bit too contrived.
August 19, 2017
To Probe A Beating Heart...3 stars
a gruesome, sad and disturbing book
This is the story of something going terribly wrong in a little boys world, that little boy who grew up to become a monster is Averell.
This book is more a look at how a serial killer comes to life, from birth till capture, each crime becoming worse, starting with animals and progressing to children, more police procedural as opposed to a thrill ride, cops chasing bad guys, nail biting type of book.
There is also a vigilante aspect going on that I enjoyed as it was an Irish and so am I, the “clan” who were taking up the slack of the police who very often could not or would not do their job.
If you are looking for a good read from beginning to the ending of a life gone wrong, this is the book for you.
The author asked me for a fair and honest review of his book and I would like to thank him for the opportunity to do so…:)
a gruesome, sad and disturbing book
This is the story of something going terribly wrong in a little boys world, that little boy who grew up to become a monster is Averell.
This book is more a look at how a serial killer comes to life, from birth till capture, each crime becoming worse, starting with animals and progressing to children, more police procedural as opposed to a thrill ride, cops chasing bad guys, nail biting type of book.
There is also a vigilante aspect going on that I enjoyed as it was an Irish and so am I, the “clan” who were taking up the slack of the police who very often could not or would not do their job.
If you are looking for a good read from beginning to the ending of a life gone wrong, this is the book for you.
The author asked me for a fair and honest review of his book and I would like to thank him for the opportunity to do so…:)
November 1, 2013
Perhaps it is me, but I did not enjoy the basic story in this book. The pace of the author’s writing was fine for me, but as the main character is a criminal, I found myself rushing on to see how / when he would receive his just rewards. I am not a fan of horror or psychological murder stories, and the murders in this book are described in great detail, which for me, is a strong negative. I did consider not finishing the book, but that would have been unfair to the author whose writing I enjoyed, even if his story is not to my taste. I read the book on my Kindle and there were a number of formatting problems, which did not detract from the story. I mention the formatting for the author’s benefit, not as a criticism of the book. I have another book by this author so I will be interested to see if the story is in the same genre.
June 22, 2014
Spoilers
I met this author and found out that he lives about a mile from me. That being said, I really wanted to like this book. It has potential but I wasn't able to get past the infallible police and the justice system of the clan. Development of the serial killer is fairly good, but he gets a little stereotypical at times. The police and others investigating the case never make a single wrong move and make huge leaps to bring "justice" to Averell. Not only that their solution is overly simple and totally wrong. The person who should be the worst person in the book was who I ended up liking most and was disgusted at how he was dealt with. In the end I was left liking no characters in the book.
I met this author and found out that he lives about a mile from me. That being said, I really wanted to like this book. It has potential but I wasn't able to get past the infallible police and the justice system of the clan. Development of the serial killer is fairly good, but he gets a little stereotypical at times. The police and others investigating the case never make a single wrong move and make huge leaps to bring "justice" to Averell. Not only that their solution is overly simple and totally wrong. The person who should be the worst person in the book was who I ended up liking most and was disgusted at how he was dealt with. In the end I was left liking no characters in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2013
While this is a book I enjoyed I am not sure it is a book I would recommend to all. The murder and torture scenes are very graphic. I had to finish because I wanted to see how he tracked down and punished.
January 22, 2015
Over the course of several years along the interstate 90 corridor young girls are taken.
This story chronicles the development of a serial killer and his kills and of the investigation into those kills.
This story chronicles the development of a serial killer and his kills and of the investigation into those kills.
April 8, 2016
Not for the faint of heart
The writer captured the story of the serial killer and actually I felt sorry for him. Then BAM the killing starts. True evil from there on. Make sure your daughters are safe.
The writer captured the story of the serial killer and actually I felt sorry for him. Then BAM the killing starts. True evil from there on. Make sure your daughters are safe.
September 5, 2013
very good
March 6, 2014
one of the darkest books I've read in a while. chilling details actually made me nauseous at times amd I put the book down for a few days. amazing piece of work right till the chilling end.
Read
May 30, 2014SO dark - I just couldn't read past chapter 3. If you can read horror, you might still like this, but just not for me.
October 22, 2014
Well written, however, the plot itself caused it to be a little redundant. To it's credit, there was a surprise ending...
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