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Total Victim Theory
Six months have passed since a faded, black ledger mysteriously appeared on FBI Agent Jake Radley's doorstep. Puzzling over the document's sinister entries, Jake pieces together a story of mass murder near the Texas-Mexico border two decades before. If Jake's theory is correct, the names listed on the ledger's final page are the victims of a previously unknown serial killer. Leads are scarce until a gruesome new crime scene, deep in the Mexican desert, shows a chilling connection to the border deaths of long ago.
392 pages, Paperback
First published June 19, 2013
370 people are currently reading
1524 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
February 14, 2016
Totally impressed. Seriously. Now and again one uncovers such a treasure in the troves of Kindle freebies from unknowns. And I'm using the word trove somewhat facetiously, since it's really such a mixed bag with lo to no quality control and yet here's this terrific serial killer thriller that genuinely managed to thrill. Impressively well written, particularly for a debut, the author seamlessly weaves numerous narratives past and present, north and south of the great divide between US and Mexico. I liked it so much I didn't even particularly mind the fact that I figured out a crucial plot point fairly early on due to a well placed hint. It was interesting, original, demented, riveting, certainly not for the faint of heart. The story is incredibly graphic in parts, not gratuitously so it does serve to advance the plot, but reader should really be aware, this isn't for the squeamish. However, if you have a tough stomach (or whatever part of anatomy you process the visceral points with), this is well wroth a read. Exciting and fun. Highly recommended.
August 1, 2014
I really, really liked this story! It was so realistic and very well descriptive that it was like something you see on ID (investigation discovery) tv show or Dateline. It was very graphic and very disturbing but also very exciting to read. I didn't care for a couple of areas about them growing up and they had killed their pets - as I am a total animal lover, but I see why they had included it in he story because it had taken you into the minds of serial killers and made it so believable. The story did have lots of twists and left you guessing up until the very end. The ending, I think should have been stretched out a little. I think it ended to abruptly. Does contain graphic details and like I said, it takes you on a journey in the mind of a serial killer but it was definitely worth reading and would recommend it. Looking forward to future reads by this author
May 26, 2016
The story, itself, was riveting, but plot holes abounded. Some of the prose (especially Luke's chapters) were so affected; the author was trying way too hard. The "twists" weren't twists for me, because I figured it all out pretty early on (a skill at which I am normally quite bad). The ending was probably the worst I've ever read; I kept yelling out "Preposterous!" and "Give me a break!" (The love story angle was almost insulting.) And a word of WARNING: If, like myself, you are sensitive to descriptions of animal abuse, steer clear of TVT. I wasn't ready for it, and am still haunted by one particular scene.
June 8, 2014
Unnecessarily gory. I did enjoy the tension between Chris and Nicole and the plot was interesting, but found the book incredibly gory. some of the events were contrived and the ending was just weird. I didn't get it at all.
May 18, 2014
This is an interesting and sometimes difficult book to read. Our protagonist is an FBI agent who has no independent recollection of his life before the approximate age of fifteen, when he awoke in an American hospital. He bore scars from burns. Partially in an attempt to try to restore order and meaning in his life, our guy completed college and sought a career in law enforcement. When on assignment tracking down an American serial killer, "Handyman," he's summoned to Mexico to assist in a the investigation of another serial killer, "Ropes." The two sets of facts bear similarities, but they cannot be perpetrated by the same individual. Eventually we are flashed back two decades to Mexico, and a family of demented individuals and their actions is outlined. Then we are put in the shoes of one of the killers, as he shares his thoughts and actions with us. Eventually all of this is tied together, but it's a bumpy ride for the reader, and the atrocities are graphic and not for the squeamish.
August 6, 2014
I normally love a good murder mystery - this book was just hard to read - not that it wasn't well written but the gore factor even got to me. can't recommend
June 11, 2015
Good. Reading
It moved slow in some places but a sturdy serial killer suspense novel .you can't put it down in spots
It moved slow in some places but a sturdy serial killer suspense novel .you can't put it down in spots
July 15, 2021
My planned rating for this review was all over the place as I went through the book. For most of it, it was a solid three, maybe 3.5, since I could not put it down and could not figure it out. Toward the end, it dropped closer to a 2, largely on based on the decisions the characters were making and the disbelief-stretching nature of the plot twists.
At the end, it was an enraged 1, as I was table-flipping angry at the final resolution, if you want to call them that, of story. If I’d been holding a physical copy of the book, it would have gone flying across the room.
After I calmed down a bit, and got ready to actually write the review, I ended up rethinking the sharp drop in stars. Was I angry because the quality of the book itself had declined, or because I was mad at the characters? Part of it was definitely the former; some of the final reveals beggared belief, and the twists and turns got out of control—I’m not sure you could trace all the threads through, even with a dedicated wall and a lot of post it notes. Part of that could be the fact that there were multiple POV characters, and more than one 1st person POV, which DRIVES ME NUTS. Constantly shifting POVs and even tenses made a hash of the timelines, and also opens the possibility of unreliable narrators.
So yes, that was part of the issue. However, I think it’s also fair to say that part of my rage was because I had become so invested in the main characters, and their baffling decisions had me screaming at the book. I remain unsure of the psychology behind the choices one of the characters made (I am being deliberately obscure because any details at all would be massive spoilers), but I’ve definitely seen people in real life make choices just as bad, so it clearly happens. And, in the press of panic, people do immensely stupid things that they wouldn’t do if they took a minute to think.
That, in the end, is why I went back to my 3 star rating. The issues with the writing and structure had been there all along, and I was still going to give it a 3 on the basis of how engrossing it was. And I was angry because I cared about the characters, which is really the point.
I will add here, and maybe should have put it up higher, to be aware of SERIOUS TRIGGER WARNINGS, including graphic depictions of murder, torture, and violence against children. This is not a read for the gentle soul or the queasy stomach…but most of what happens on our border comes with the same warning label.
In the final result, glad I read it; will never, ever read it again.
At the end, it was an enraged 1, as I was table-flipping angry at the final resolution, if you want to call them that, of story. If I’d been holding a physical copy of the book, it would have gone flying across the room.
After I calmed down a bit, and got ready to actually write the review, I ended up rethinking the sharp drop in stars. Was I angry because the quality of the book itself had declined, or because I was mad at the characters? Part of it was definitely the former; some of the final reveals beggared belief, and the twists and turns got out of control—I’m not sure you could trace all the threads through, even with a dedicated wall and a lot of post it notes. Part of that could be the fact that there were multiple POV characters, and more than one 1st person POV, which DRIVES ME NUTS. Constantly shifting POVs and even tenses made a hash of the timelines, and also opens the possibility of unreliable narrators.
So yes, that was part of the issue. However, I think it’s also fair to say that part of my rage was because I had become so invested in the main characters, and their baffling decisions had me screaming at the book. I remain unsure of the psychology behind the choices one of the characters made (I am being deliberately obscure because any details at all would be massive spoilers), but I’ve definitely seen people in real life make choices just as bad, so it clearly happens. And, in the press of panic, people do immensely stupid things that they wouldn’t do if they took a minute to think.
That, in the end, is why I went back to my 3 star rating. The issues with the writing and structure had been there all along, and I was still going to give it a 3 on the basis of how engrossing it was. And I was angry because I cared about the characters, which is really the point.
I will add here, and maybe should have put it up higher, to be aware of SERIOUS TRIGGER WARNINGS, including graphic depictions of murder, torture, and violence against children. This is not a read for the gentle soul or the queasy stomach…but most of what happens on our border comes with the same warning label.
In the final result, glad I read it; will never, ever read it again.
June 16, 2017
I honestly don't know how I feel about this book. The writing was superb, very easy to read and enthralling - I read it in a day (something I very rarely do). I was trying to piece how everything fit together but was surprised by some of it.
I do agree with a few reviewers who said the ending was a bit of a let down, but I also have no idea how I would have ended it if I were to write it. I think for me it just went somewhere I didn't envision, and that may have jarred me out of it a bit.
In saying that I liked the style of multiple storylines/time lines. The flashbacks added to the story and it's mystery. I did find myself remiss a few times when I found myself at a different setting than the one in the previous chapter because I was intrigued by some characters/storylines more than others and wanted to follow those through.
I'm sickened in myself by how charming I found the 'Chris' character to be - a testament to the authors writing choices. I also found I had to walk away and take a moment during certain graphic scenes in the story - which given the nature of I don't think we're completely over the top. I also found myself angry at some character decisions that I felt were out of character to how I imagined them given their set up.
I think the author made some very bold decisions that worked along the way,and some more towards the end that felt a bit flat. In saying that though, I look forward to reading their next book, whenever that may be and think they did an excellent job.
I do agree with a few reviewers who said the ending was a bit of a let down, but I also have no idea how I would have ended it if I were to write it. I think for me it just went somewhere I didn't envision, and that may have jarred me out of it a bit.
In saying that I liked the style of multiple storylines/time lines. The flashbacks added to the story and it's mystery. I did find myself remiss a few times when I found myself at a different setting than the one in the previous chapter because I was intrigued by some characters/storylines more than others and wanted to follow those through.
I'm sickened in myself by how charming I found the 'Chris' character to be - a testament to the authors writing choices. I also found I had to walk away and take a moment during certain graphic scenes in the story - which given the nature of I don't think we're completely over the top. I also found myself angry at some character decisions that I felt were out of character to how I imagined them given their set up.
I think the author made some very bold decisions that worked along the way,and some more towards the end that felt a bit flat. In saying that though, I look forward to reading their next book, whenever that may be and think they did an excellent job.
December 27, 2016
The book is well written and a good suspense is built up.
The book is a good read although there were a few things which didn't quite work for me.
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1. the book has gory descriptions. maybe that wasn't really required.
2. there are some inconsistencies in the story - for instance - when Rose is looking for Roscoe, the shed is locked and she has to enter from the window. She hasn't open the door of the shed. Yet she is able to run outside without opening the door.
3. After a certain point, the plot became predictable. I could easily guess the next event (trust me i am horrible at guessing the next event).
4. The ending is bizarre to say the least. It does not explain many things and just leaves the reader in a situation as to - what just happened?
The book is a good read although there were a few things which didn't quite work for me.
<>
1. the book has gory descriptions. maybe that wasn't really required.
2. there are some inconsistencies in the story - for instance - when Rose is looking for Roscoe, the shed is locked and she has to enter from the window. She hasn't open the door of the shed. Yet she is able to run outside without opening the door.
3. After a certain point, the plot became predictable. I could easily guess the next event (trust me i am horrible at guessing the next event).
4. The ending is bizarre to say the least. It does not explain many things and just leaves the reader in a situation as to - what just happened?
September 1, 2020
Terrifying read
This book actually made my blood run cold. The examination of brutal and sadistic killing was extremely convincing. The writer can describe landscapes, mental states of agitation and worry. Reading this is like an excursion through the mind of a serial killer and those close to the crime. The mystery was well-crafted. The interspersed timelines and the unfolding of the story added to the horror.
This book actually made my blood run cold. The examination of brutal and sadistic killing was extremely convincing. The writer can describe landscapes, mental states of agitation and worry. Reading this is like an excursion through the mind of a serial killer and those close to the crime. The mystery was well-crafted. The interspersed timelines and the unfolding of the story added to the horror.
May 20, 2017
Strange in a Weird Way
This was one of the strangest mystery novels that I have ever read. The story line had unexpected twists and turns right up until the last page. I was tempted to put it down several times, but kept forging ahead. The author was a good writer but, in the end, a bit too heavy for me.
This was one of the strangest mystery novels that I have ever read. The story line had unexpected twists and turns right up until the last page. I was tempted to put it down several times, but kept forging ahead. The author was a good writer but, in the end, a bit too heavy for me.
October 10, 2017
Great thought process without the disgust
Writer does a good job penning a multi storyline with decent cross overs and flash forwards. This serial killer duo, with victims and the tormented catchers is a great read without a lot of the in depth vulgarity of killing that a lot of books can have. Shows a mature writer, who surprised me and kept me hanging... thanks.
Writer does a good job penning a multi storyline with decent cross overs and flash forwards. This serial killer duo, with victims and the tormented catchers is a great read without a lot of the in depth vulgarity of killing that a lot of books can have. Shows a mature writer, who surprised me and kept me hanging... thanks.
January 7, 2019
Wow
Don’t know what to say. This book was complex. Set up was slow and seemed unnecessarily bloody but necessary set up for the rest of the book. Middle had action and surprises galore. The end was a study in humanity and it’s pain. Well written. Looking forward to other books by the author
Don’t know what to say. This book was complex. Set up was slow and seemed unnecessarily bloody but necessary set up for the rest of the book. Middle had action and surprises galore. The end was a study in humanity and it’s pain. Well written. Looking forward to other books by the author
September 5, 2021
Gory and gruesome
Who thinks this stuff up? This book is extremely and explicitly gruesome. If you don't like reading about animals or kids being hurt, please don't read this. I like the idea of the book, being good versus evil. But I probably could have enjoyed that with a little less blood and gore.
Who thinks this stuff up? This book is extremely and explicitly gruesome. If you don't like reading about animals or kids being hurt, please don't read this. I like the idea of the book, being good versus evil. But I probably could have enjoyed that with a little less blood and gore.
Read
February 1, 2022Almost any description of this book would be a spoiler. But also, no matter what you are expecting this book won't be that. So, be warned, it's graphic beyond belief, but the gory details are almost incidental to the gripping story that it tells. I couldn't ever read it again, and I'm not really sure I'm glad I read it in the first place, but it sure was interesting.
August 3, 2017
Fascinating story and very much liked it. Pretty much a 4.5. Gory and explicit violence but not glamorised, and strangely intimate, and gives an immediate feel of how a serial killer and his victim feel and think. Engrossing.
July 10, 2018
Tedious and nasty
Like so many self-published crime novels, this one lacks a tight plot - there are too many stories trying to be told. And, worse, the author seems to revel in the nastiness of the killers’ methods, so it all leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.
Like so many self-published crime novels, this one lacks a tight plot - there are too many stories trying to be told. And, worse, the author seems to revel in the nastiness of the killers’ methods, so it all leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.
July 25, 2018
Great read with an unexpected twist
Anyone who loves police procedurals, twisted and demented antagonists, and unexpected plot twists will love this book. It has plenty of action and can be read quickly. Super great read! Two thumbs up!
Anyone who loves police procedurals, twisted and demented antagonists, and unexpected plot twists will love this book. It has plenty of action and can be read quickly. Super great read! Two thumbs up!
August 4, 2020
Initially really enjoyed this novel so I almost gave it four stars but the latter part of the book stretched credibility a little too far for my liking. Found some of the prose and the self analysis by the characters to be hard work too.
December 18, 2020
Great psychological thriller
This book had some great twists and turns. They really kept me guessing even when I thought I’d figured some of the twists out. Definite warning for child and animal murder mentions.
This book had some great twists and turns. They really kept me guessing even when I thought I’d figured some of the twists out. Definite warning for child and animal murder mentions.
February 9, 2022
Not worth reading.
This is one messed up books. I have enjoyed reading some very messed up books, but not this one it is just bad. Only good enough to finish reading and then wonder why I bothered.
This is one messed up books. I have enjoyed reading some very messed up books, but not this one it is just bad. Only good enough to finish reading and then wonder why I bothered.
December 30, 2016
A bit predictable and too gory for my usual taste. It was just very odd, but I guess getting inside of a serial killer's head would be.. idk. Wasn't my favorite.
March 18, 2017
WOW
Shocked by the twisted outcome. Characters well crafted. Just finished, still reeling. Need time to process. Want a hard to find thriller? Read this.
Shocked by the twisted outcome. Characters well crafted. Just finished, still reeling. Need time to process. Want a hard to find thriller? Read this.
July 15, 2017
I wish I had stopped reading this part way through. This author held nothing back; no one was off limits. So gruesome and horrible. This might give my nightmares.
July 24, 2017
Very graphic, if you can stomach it, it's a good read.
December 23, 2017
Good book
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
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 17, 2018
Boring
Do not read unless you like boring books. It took 6days to get to 34% of this book and then stopped reading it.
Do not read unless you like boring books. It took 6days to get to 34% of this book and then stopped reading it.
October 24, 2018
Total Victim, totally engrossed
This book may be the most engrossing book I have read in many years. It is a gut wrenching story of the evil a person can be born with.
This book may be the most engrossing book I have read in many years. It is a gut wrenching story of the evil a person can be born with.
February 4, 2019
Hard to put down!
Not what I expected... impressive story... not sure how I feel about the ending but the story getting there was a great read!
Not what I expected... impressive story... not sure how I feel about the ending but the story getting there was a great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews