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Saint Homicide
The other inmates called him Saint Homicide, the murderous man of God who heeded the voice of wrath when it told him to do the unthinkable.
Many consider him a fanatic. Others see him as a prophet. And some simply think he’s insane.
Here, he tells his story.
Many consider him a fanatic. Others see him as a prophet. And some simply think he’s insane.
Here, he tells his story.
- GenresFiction
76 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
56 people want to read
About the author
Jake Hinkson
20 books120 followersJake Hinkson, a native of the Arkansas Ozarks, is the author of HELL ON CHURCH STREET, THE POSTHUMOUS MAN, SAINT HOMICIDE, and THE BIG UGLY. His first two books are being translated into French by èditions Gallmeister and will be released in Europe in new hardcover editions in 2015. He lives in Chicago and blogs at http://thenighteditor.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 12, 2016
This is a quick-read novella from one of my new favorite authors, Jake Hinkson. It's about Daniel, an infamous prison inmate nicknamed "Saint Homicide" that is now presenting his confession of what led him to this point and why he completely accepts his guilt. In the first two novels I've read by Hinkson, there are elements that show a fascination with the darker side of Christianity and all of its contradictions. Here, he confronts this darker side head-on in this portrait of quite a compelling character.
Daniel is completely devout in his Christian beliefs, so devout he doesn't even relate to the extreme denominations. There was never a doubt for me that he was unwavering in his commitment that God had a plan for him and that's what makes him totally terrifying. But what also made him really fascinating was the fact that he is aware of the conflicting darkness and weaknesses within himself and struggles with it. I've always pondered on how tragic it must be for a man of such devout faith to also be a human being in this world all at the same time. And Hinkson's absolutely necessary use of first-person POV served to really thrust me into the mind of such a person. One thing I wished was for more of a sense of Daniel's prison life in the present day and the way his fellow inmates see him, just to get more of an idea of the way the outside world viewed him at this point. Hinkson is a completely underrated writer and I hope my reviews of his work helps to bring in more readers!
Daniel is completely devout in his Christian beliefs, so devout he doesn't even relate to the extreme denominations. There was never a doubt for me that he was unwavering in his commitment that God had a plan for him and that's what makes him totally terrifying. But what also made him really fascinating was the fact that he is aware of the conflicting darkness and weaknesses within himself and struggles with it. I've always pondered on how tragic it must be for a man of such devout faith to also be a human being in this world all at the same time. And Hinkson's absolutely necessary use of first-person POV served to really thrust me into the mind of such a person. One thing I wished was for more of a sense of Daniel's prison life in the present day and the way his fellow inmates see him, just to get more of an idea of the way the outside world viewed him at this point. Hinkson is a completely underrated writer and I hope my reviews of his work helps to bring in more readers!
February 20, 2014
Since his incarceration, Daniel has been dubbed Saint Homicide by fellow cellmates. The man does not believe he is innocent; he fully understands why he’s locked up. Declaring that he acted only in the service of God, Daniel did something very, very wrong and he’s going to explain why.
Daniel believes he is a good man. He studies the bible, cares for his ailing wife, and protests outside of abortion clinics by declaring the procedure murder. He says he allows the Lord to work through him, giving him strength and providing him with guidance. It isn't until the disappearance of his sister-in-law, that his life begins spiraling out of control.
I’m a big fan of Hinkson’s first two efforts, Hell on Church Street and The Posthumous Man, and Saint Homicide brings with it an author at the top of his game. Hinkson weaves together some outstanding storytelling and clocking in at only fifty-six pages, you get a sense that not a word is wasted. Throughout the story, I was carrying a sense of dread for what laid ahead for these characters and if a writer can grab me like that, they've got to be doing something right.
Easy five stars.
Also posted @ Every Read Thing
Daniel believes he is a good man. He studies the bible, cares for his ailing wife, and protests outside of abortion clinics by declaring the procedure murder. He says he allows the Lord to work through him, giving him strength and providing him with guidance. It isn't until the disappearance of his sister-in-law, that his life begins spiraling out of control.
I’m a big fan of Hinkson’s first two efforts, Hell on Church Street and The Posthumous Man, and Saint Homicide brings with it an author at the top of his game. Hinkson weaves together some outstanding storytelling and clocking in at only fifty-six pages, you get a sense that not a word is wasted. Throughout the story, I was carrying a sense of dread for what laid ahead for these characters and if a writer can grab me like that, they've got to be doing something right.
Easy five stars.
Also posted @ Every Read Thing
December 20, 2013
Once more Australia's Crime Factory Press has introduced me to the work of an exciting modern talent in the modern pulp crime genre, I'll buy whatever they put out at this point.
Jake Hinkson's black as night novella is a tight little story that builds to a hell bound climax. A prison cell confession of a self appointed lay preacher that sets you up for one thing, delivers another and then reminds you why you came in the first place all the while painting a portrait of a pious fanatic struggling with religious doubt who can only find solace in performing despicable acts.
This is a short and visceral tale that takes you to unexpected places whilst at the same time recalling George C. Scott's personal quest in Paul Schrader's Hardcore, a brief tour of small town sin straight from pulp 101 written with skill and style.
Jake Hinkson's black as night novella is a tight little story that builds to a hell bound climax. A prison cell confession of a self appointed lay preacher that sets you up for one thing, delivers another and then reminds you why you came in the first place all the while painting a portrait of a pious fanatic struggling with religious doubt who can only find solace in performing despicable acts.
This is a short and visceral tale that takes you to unexpected places whilst at the same time recalling George C. Scott's personal quest in Paul Schrader's Hardcore, a brief tour of small town sin straight from pulp 101 written with skill and style.
December 20, 2013
Jake Hinkson, author of the novella THE POSTHUMOUS MAN and novel HELL ON CHURCH STREET returns with a new novella, SAINT HOMICIDE to explore one man’s hidden urges and sickly sweet lust narrated with a naivety and undercurrent of malice that demands the reader’s attention.
In a misguided attempt to serve his creator, Daniel, a devout religious man, crosses the line between doing God’s work and being an agent of hell. Though Hinkson outlines the ending up front; we know Daniel ends up in prison, the writing consistently conveys a message of hope, morphing Daniel from a criminal to good-guy to ultimately a man who deserves his place in a cell.
The slow dilapidation and easy sway of decay that creeps over the character as the plot ticks along grows increasing violent and truer to the Saint Homicide moniker. Touted as a seemingly loving husband to a wife still recovering from the mental and physical injuries of an accident, Daniel at first looks to be the doting and caring husband his façade so alludes. Then his sister in law goes missing and he’s asked to help find her for fear it will burden his wife. This is where the story heads down that dark and non returnable place...
Tracking down someone who doesn’t want to be found, being confronted with that person performing acts you hadn’t thought them capable, and discovering disturbing and sinister truths about the family history culminate in Daniel undertaking a couple of brazenly violent acts that ultimately bring him back to his present day incarceration and conclude the single shot of noir that is SAINT HOMICIDE.
If you like your noir short and black then SAINT HOMICIDE is your poison.
This review also appears on my blog: http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
In a misguided attempt to serve his creator, Daniel, a devout religious man, crosses the line between doing God’s work and being an agent of hell. Though Hinkson outlines the ending up front; we know Daniel ends up in prison, the writing consistently conveys a message of hope, morphing Daniel from a criminal to good-guy to ultimately a man who deserves his place in a cell.
The slow dilapidation and easy sway of decay that creeps over the character as the plot ticks along grows increasing violent and truer to the Saint Homicide moniker. Touted as a seemingly loving husband to a wife still recovering from the mental and physical injuries of an accident, Daniel at first looks to be the doting and caring husband his façade so alludes. Then his sister in law goes missing and he’s asked to help find her for fear it will burden his wife. This is where the story heads down that dark and non returnable place...
Tracking down someone who doesn’t want to be found, being confronted with that person performing acts you hadn’t thought them capable, and discovering disturbing and sinister truths about the family history culminate in Daniel undertaking a couple of brazenly violent acts that ultimately bring him back to his present day incarceration and conclude the single shot of noir that is SAINT HOMICIDE.
If you like your noir short and black then SAINT HOMICIDE is your poison.
This review also appears on my blog: http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
May 30, 2016
What I enjoyed most about this short novella is that it went to completely unexpected places. At the start the narrator seems to relish that his fellow prisoners have named him Saint Homicide (echoing Sarte's biography of Jean Genet: Saint Genet: Actor and Martyr) because he revels in his guilt while they profess their innocence, so when he starts telling his story an expectation is created that some gruesome murders are to follow. Perhaps they do, but where this story goes first is a trip through the inner hell of a deeply religious man confronted with his own weakness and some choice encounters with some who've lost their faith. And just when you think he might be losing his faith, he doubles down and earns that name.
June 1, 2017
Brilliant novella
Hinkson is one of my favorite contemporary authors, particularly in the neo-noir subgenre.
This is a quick read about how a devout Christian man ended up in prison for homicide. It's a wild and perverse ride, even by Hinkson's standards. Daniel is a very unlikable but believable and compelling character. As a reader, I was so hooked on finding out how Daniel ended up on his path of murder, I lost track of time.
I don't want to give too much away, but I can't recommend this little book highly enough. If the best is yet to come from Hinkson, the future of crime fiction is bright indeed.
Hinkson is one of my favorite contemporary authors, particularly in the neo-noir subgenre.
This is a quick read about how a devout Christian man ended up in prison for homicide. It's a wild and perverse ride, even by Hinkson's standards. Daniel is a very unlikable but believable and compelling character. As a reader, I was so hooked on finding out how Daniel ended up on his path of murder, I lost track of time.
I don't want to give too much away, but I can't recommend this little book highly enough. If the best is yet to come from Hinkson, the future of crime fiction is bright indeed.
January 21, 2016
It's crazy to think so many layers can be included in a novella of this size. No matter the character you get something that gives you some sort of connection - regardless as to if you want it or not. You're exposed to the struggles of the main character, "Saint Homicide", and you're left wondering where it really went wrong for him - because there certainly are no shortage of triggers. This book feels like it's about struggle and while you're never left 'cheering' for the lead character, you're certainly made to think about his struggles. Hinkson is a fantastic author and this should really be a book you pick up and read.
April 30, 2014
Very few stories not only leave me at the literal edge of my seat on the bus, but even fewer manage to surprise and completely swallow me whole.
Jake Hinkson accomplished that easily.
Saint Homicide is immediately engaging, heartbreaking and jet black funny. A mix that entertains and had me eating the book alive in a two sit downs (a guy needs to take the bus to work and then back, pesky eight hour break between that).
Whole-heartedly recommended.
Jake Hinkson accomplished that easily.
Saint Homicide is immediately engaging, heartbreaking and jet black funny. A mix that entertains and had me eating the book alive in a two sit downs (a guy needs to take the bus to work and then back, pesky eight hour break between that).
Whole-heartedly recommended.
March 6, 2014
Everything Jake Hinkson writes, I read. For my money he's THE best pure noir author working today. Saint Homicide is further proof of that.
October 11, 2023
Just stop already. I can only get so erect.
February 27, 2017
I really liked this book. It was told from a different perspective
August 18, 2014
This novella explores themes that have interested me for a long time--in particular the relationship of psychology to religious belief. It reminded me of a modern-day twist on Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling--what do you do when you think you hear the voice of God commanding you to kill? Is it God or are you insane?
Nevertheless, the inside of the protagonist's mind is dark and full of hate for everyone. He opposes abortion, but you get the feeling that he is a bitter, disappointed believer who pinned all of his hopes on this one aspect of his beliefs. I found that I couldn't sympathize with him, even as I couldn't look away.
Nevertheless, the inside of the protagonist's mind is dark and full of hate for everyone. He opposes abortion, but you get the feeling that he is a bitter, disappointed believer who pinned all of his hopes on this one aspect of his beliefs. I found that I couldn't sympathize with him, even as I couldn't look away.
March 1, 2014
Crime Factory is 2 for 2. Hinkson's Saint Homicide is gritty as hell. One of those stories that fits perfectly as a novella - doesn't waste a word and builds from the first page. Daniel is a intriguing character and I give Hinkson kudos for running with such a challenging character. For fans of seriously dark noir, especially those who enjoy works like Les Edgerton's The Rapist and Jedediah Ayres' Fierce Bitches should put this on top of their list.
January 16, 2015
Very compelling. You're advised to take it in during one sitting. In part that's because of its length -- longer than a short story, not quite a novella either. Yet its arc is just right for what the tale sets out to achieve. The central concept is really inspired, and the way Hinkson takes you inside the mind of his main character and shows you Daniel's inner turmoil is really something to see. Hinkson returns to one of his favorite themes, religion, to great effect.
December 20, 2014
Great short story ,
Hinkson writes noir like it's the 1950's. Makes me want to visit Arkansas ,actually makes me want to drive THROUGH Arkansas. As a Yankee all the back road dealings scare the crap outta me, maybe I'd rather fly over the South.
Hinkson writes noir like it's the 1950's. Makes me want to visit Arkansas ,actually makes me want to drive THROUGH Arkansas. As a Yankee all the back road dealings scare the crap outta me, maybe I'd rather fly over the South.
April 26, 2014
Full review in the next issue of All Due Respect Issue 3. Our featured author for this issue will be the man himself, Jake Hinkson.
April 30, 2014
Dark and powerful. A short shot of noir really got under my skin. If you are looking to read a feel good story, look elsewhere. Hinkson is a master of his craft.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews