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Next of Kin
Even the worst of us need someone to come home to. And Jacob Mallory is the worst of all. Jake, a thrill-seeking psychopathic serial killer, has lived under the radar for years, operating within the city of New York, making kill after kill and emboldened by his lack of capture. But Jake has one big surprise coming his way. When he gets a call from the hospital to pick up a vulnerable patient, one who claims that Jake is his emergency contact, he feels like he's won the lottery. But is there more to Nathan McGuire than meets the eye? And will this supposedly vulnerable young man make or break the city's most notorious uncaught killer?American Psycho meets Romeo and Juliet, and this satirical horrormance will have you rooting for the bad guy as he makes space in his heart for something more. Even if that something proves to be his undoing. Everybody needs someone to come home to, and what is life without family? The family you choose is the one you deserve.
202 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2024
4 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 14, 2024
A section of flooring or a forest floor with deep shades of crimson. Frustration and need beg for release with rips and tears of the flesh. Darkness rises in stages within worn hearts and conducts rage and innermost influence. The heart can be shattered in the most unexpected of ways. Thank you, Elton Skelter, for this ARC that just splintered me.
February 22, 2024
Excellent!!!
Next of Kin by Elton Skelter is excellent!
I loved it so much!
I've never read a story like this. I loved the plot, the sometimes poetic writing style and the evolution of the characters. There is everything I like to read in this book. It's the story of Jake, a brutal serial killer who can't stop killing in gruesome ways. He meets Nathan unexpectedly who awakens in him a feeling he didn't think he could feel.
I will remember this tragic and violent story. It has become one of my favorites.
I highly recommend it!
Next of Kin by Elton Skelter is excellent!
I loved it so much!
I've never read a story like this. I loved the plot, the sometimes poetic writing style and the evolution of the characters. There is everything I like to read in this book. It's the story of Jake, a brutal serial killer who can't stop killing in gruesome ways. He meets Nathan unexpectedly who awakens in him a feeling he didn't think he could feel.
I will remember this tragic and violent story. It has become one of my favorites.
I highly recommend it!
May 23, 2024
You can't fix a man who's too wrapped up in darkness either you will die trying or you'll drown with him.
That's what happens here with Nathan, although he didn't try to fix Mallory he tolerate him and He stayed because there's something about Mallory that's keeping him alive.
They were both doomed from start, its just matter of time but I do still believed they were meant for each other.
I already see how this wasn't gonna work out it's toxic and depraved, for each kill its a relived or pleasure for Mallory but for Nathan he could barely tolerate it while he was slowly losing his sanity.
It was love, I hope they meet each other again in the afterlife with better circumstances.
That's what happens here with Nathan, although he didn't try to fix Mallory he tolerate him and He stayed because there's something about Mallory that's keeping him alive.
They were both doomed from start, its just matter of time but I do still believed they were meant for each other.
I already see how this wasn't gonna work out it's toxic and depraved, for each kill its a relived or pleasure for Mallory but for Nathan he could barely tolerate it while he was slowly losing his sanity.
It was love, I hope they meet each other again in the afterlife with better circumstances.
January 18, 2024
'Utterly brilliant! - a case of a modern day Romeo and Julio.'
This is one truly classical Neo-Shakespearean Tragedy to be sure, with acute destruction and gruesome, glorious and complete ruination being the undoubted order of the day.
Jacob, a more than enthusiastic sadistic psychopath is merrily going about his business in expert fashion until one day he receives a phone-call from hospital to inform him that a male suicide case has named him as their 'next of kin' and is need of his assistance. Being none the wiser about their identity, Jacob decides to go attend and find out who this mystery man is...before making him his next victim. Initially, pretending to take young Nathan under his wing, Jacob takes him back to his apartment to 'aid recovery', but matters then seriously spiral out of control, becoming worse and in the mostly deadly of ways. Let the bloody games, and the simmering, tension-packed, sinister sexual relationships begin. But, be in no doubt, more homicidal chicanery and treacherous behaviour lays ahead, but for how long...and why?
A classic, clever and brutally fantastic adventure into the murky world of queer horror - I absolutely loved it!
Great work Elton. Thank you so much for the advanced copy, a pleasurable treat to help slake my voracious, and on-going, blood lust...until next time.
Highly recommended.
Rating: 5 full, glowingly radiant, ultra-hot stars. Yes, a real hit, to be sure!
This is one truly classical Neo-Shakespearean Tragedy to be sure, with acute destruction and gruesome, glorious and complete ruination being the undoubted order of the day.
Jacob, a more than enthusiastic sadistic psychopath is merrily going about his business in expert fashion until one day he receives a phone-call from hospital to inform him that a male suicide case has named him as their 'next of kin' and is need of his assistance. Being none the wiser about their identity, Jacob decides to go attend and find out who this mystery man is...before making him his next victim. Initially, pretending to take young Nathan under his wing, Jacob takes him back to his apartment to 'aid recovery', but matters then seriously spiral out of control, becoming worse and in the mostly deadly of ways. Let the bloody games, and the simmering, tension-packed, sinister sexual relationships begin. But, be in no doubt, more homicidal chicanery and treacherous behaviour lays ahead, but for how long...and why?
A classic, clever and brutally fantastic adventure into the murky world of queer horror - I absolutely loved it!
Great work Elton. Thank you so much for the advanced copy, a pleasurable treat to help slake my voracious, and on-going, blood lust...until next time.
Highly recommended.
Rating: 5 full, glowingly radiant, ultra-hot stars. Yes, a real hit, to be sure!
December 7, 2023
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this latest novel by Elton Skelter.
This novel has all of my favorite things you can find in Elton's work - gore, queer characters, thrilling and horrifying scenes, HOT spice, and more!
This story follows Jacob Mallory - a man whose dark needs have taken a dark hold upon his life. His unquenchable thirst for blood sets the stage and drives this novel. Upon meeting Nathan, a young man who lists Jacob as his emergency contact, Jacob's life changes drastically. Their entwined lives truly set the stage for a thrilling and exciting read.
Readers everywhere are going to love Next of Kin! Elton Skelter is an auto-buy author for me and Next of Kin continues to cement that. His writing style is truly one that I love. It's full of horrific elements, realistic terror and gore, romance, delicious spice, thrilling action, and shocking twists. This story is no different.
Next of Kin shocked me and the ending of this novel had my jaw on the floor. It's so hauntingly beautiful and horrific. I know fans of Elton's work are going to love this latest story, and new fans are going to flock to this thriller.
Do yourself a favor and check this out! You're going to love it!!
Perfect for fans of Hannibal and American Horror Story!
Thank you so much to Elton for sending me a copy early!
This novel has all of my favorite things you can find in Elton's work - gore, queer characters, thrilling and horrifying scenes, HOT spice, and more!
This story follows Jacob Mallory - a man whose dark needs have taken a dark hold upon his life. His unquenchable thirst for blood sets the stage and drives this novel. Upon meeting Nathan, a young man who lists Jacob as his emergency contact, Jacob's life changes drastically. Their entwined lives truly set the stage for a thrilling and exciting read.
Readers everywhere are going to love Next of Kin! Elton Skelter is an auto-buy author for me and Next of Kin continues to cement that. His writing style is truly one that I love. It's full of horrific elements, realistic terror and gore, romance, delicious spice, thrilling action, and shocking twists. This story is no different.
Next of Kin shocked me and the ending of this novel had my jaw on the floor. It's so hauntingly beautiful and horrific. I know fans of Elton's work are going to love this latest story, and new fans are going to flock to this thriller.
Do yourself a favor and check this out! You're going to love it!!
Perfect for fans of Hannibal and American Horror Story!
Thank you so much to Elton for sending me a copy early!
December 29, 2023
I'm reeling and I'm feeling. Whew.
Next of Kin is the newest killer horror by Elton Skelter. This book is unapologetically dark, sexy, and devastating. And gay.
My favorite aspect of this book is how completely it drew me into the characters' emotional turmoil: the highs, the lows, and the shaky middle grounds threatening to drop out any second. And oh boy, do they drop. Not to mention some witty phrasing that earned a horrified laugh on more than one occasion.
Skelter writes queer horror like no one else! If that's your thing, and you're on the fence...this is your sign to check this book out.
Thank you so much to Elton for the advance copy! I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
Next of Kin is the newest killer horror by Elton Skelter. This book is unapologetically dark, sexy, and devastating. And gay.
My favorite aspect of this book is how completely it drew me into the characters' emotional turmoil: the highs, the lows, and the shaky middle grounds threatening to drop out any second. And oh boy, do they drop. Not to mention some witty phrasing that earned a horrified laugh on more than one occasion.
Skelter writes queer horror like no one else! If that's your thing, and you're on the fence...this is your sign to check this book out.
Thank you so much to Elton for the advance copy! I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
January 10, 2024
“Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;
Whole misadventured piteous overthrows
Do with their death bury their parents' strife.
The fearful passage of their death-mark'd love,
And the continuance of their parents' rage,
Which, but their children's end, nought could remove,
Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage;
The which if you with patient ears attend,
What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.”
To piggyback on Wrath James White’s signifier that we have not entered a new wave of extreme horror, I believe we have entered a new wave of transgressive fiction, and this is a prime example of it.
From the sardonicism of Bret Easton Ellis, to the eroticism of Poppy Z. Brite, this tale could easily be viewed an an homage to the subgenre in its entirety, like a love letter unto itself.
This book is just so beautifully written, and most intriguingly, or should I say ingeniously, the writing style evolves with the characters as their stories progress, making certain influences more apparent.
This one’s gonna fuck your day up, kids. Well done.
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;
Whole misadventured piteous overthrows
Do with their death bury their parents' strife.
The fearful passage of their death-mark'd love,
And the continuance of their parents' rage,
Which, but their children's end, nought could remove,
Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage;
The which if you with patient ears attend,
What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.”
To piggyback on Wrath James White’s signifier that we have not entered a new wave of extreme horror, I believe we have entered a new wave of transgressive fiction, and this is a prime example of it.
From the sardonicism of Bret Easton Ellis, to the eroticism of Poppy Z. Brite, this tale could easily be viewed an an homage to the subgenre in its entirety, like a love letter unto itself.
This book is just so beautifully written, and most intriguingly, or should I say ingeniously, the writing style evolves with the characters as their stories progress, making certain influences more apparent.
This one’s gonna fuck your day up, kids. Well done.
January 10, 2024
I received this book for an honest opinion
This book was great kinda like romeo and juliet, American psycho and exquisite corpse all got together and made one delightful, dark, disturbing and surprisingly romantic book.p, reminded me of natural born killers if it were a book! The story was awesome and the characters were amazing, you know they're good when they're a murderer and you still root for them. The story started a little slow but once it picked up pace it just didn't stop and got better and better!
This book was great kinda like romeo and juliet, American psycho and exquisite corpse all got together and made one delightful, dark, disturbing and surprisingly romantic book.p, reminded me of natural born killers if it were a book! The story was awesome and the characters were amazing, you know they're good when they're a murderer and you still root for them. The story started a little slow but once it picked up pace it just didn't stop and got better and better!
January 3, 2024
This book was another fucking MASTERPIECE. Freakin love Skelter and his writing. One of the authors where they can make me lol & lmfao with reading EHB(Extreme Horror Books). 🖤
February 13, 2024
Elton Sassafras Skelter! I’m not supposed to love people who hurt me yet every damn time I read one of your books, you do. You hurt my soul and I can’t stop reading you. NEXT OF KIN is the latest in making me weep.
Jacob has a secret. A secret that has been going on for a very long time. Nathan knows about his secret and is willing to risk his life to stop Jacob. But… what happens when everything you have planned goes up in flames and all that’s left is the unknown?
Elton pulls in the reader immediately with his Chandler Morrison/Bret Easton Ellis prose. And if you know me, I don’t compare anyone to Morrison. He’s elite but if someone WAS to be compared in prose and nihilistic characters, it’s Skelter. He nails it in this novel between different POV shifts and the reader’s inability to see the ending.
Not a shocking star rating: A HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND 5/5.
Jacob has a secret. A secret that has been going on for a very long time. Nathan knows about his secret and is willing to risk his life to stop Jacob. But… what happens when everything you have planned goes up in flames and all that’s left is the unknown?
Elton pulls in the reader immediately with his Chandler Morrison/Bret Easton Ellis prose. And if you know me, I don’t compare anyone to Morrison. He’s elite but if someone WAS to be compared in prose and nihilistic characters, it’s Skelter. He nails it in this novel between different POV shifts and the reader’s inability to see the ending.
Not a shocking star rating: A HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND 5/5.
January 26, 2024
Elton Skelter's 'Next of Kin' is queer horror at its finest: a serial killer novel that transforms into a gay romance, which in turn goes into brutal, totally unexpected directions, ending as a very disturbing love story. It's not easy to relate to the characters: they're both extremely unusual, one a serial killing machine, the other a victim of long-term abuse who turns to have an agenda of his own. Skelter succeeds wonderfully in balancing the romantic and the horror aspects: there are some nicely described scenes of intimacy, preceded (but also followed) by violence, violations of trust, and the revelation of very dark secrets. Enjoy this nightmare as much as you can: it's rare to find such a deranged and daring portrayal of the monsters hidden in the most familiar aspects of love.
February 19, 2024
A haunting read at times with a great mix of emotion and gore. Very dark, but very enjoyable. Really liking Eltons work and definitely going to read more.
January 17, 2024
So I have very mixed feelings on this one, not my usual cup of tea as in someway I'd consider this a fucked up love story. Too much love, not enough violence, I guess 🤷♀️
Had a very 'American psycho' feel to it with Mallory, also a hint of Fight Club with the internal dialogue and the back and forth between perspectives, which I did enjoy seeing both sides. It was very well written, and I'd be very interested in trying some other stories by the author. I just didn't like these characters, I didn't feel much for them.. I was lucky to get an ARC from the author and will be checking out more of their work as I did enjoy the writing style and pace of the book.
Had a very 'American psycho' feel to it with Mallory, also a hint of Fight Club with the internal dialogue and the back and forth between perspectives, which I did enjoy seeing both sides. It was very well written, and I'd be very interested in trying some other stories by the author. I just didn't like these characters, I didn't feel much for them.. I was lucky to get an ARC from the author and will be checking out more of their work as I did enjoy the writing style and pace of the book.
April 11, 2024
Received a digital ARC from the author.
American Psycho meets Romeo and Juliet... but make it gay.
One thing Skelter does that I greatly enjoy: he gives humanity to deplorable people. Reading through Next of Kin, I developed empathy for both characters and at the end, I actually cried! Cried! I have a black stone heart and somehow Skelter broke through it.
If you like complex characters, artfully written gore and sex, and a twist... this story is for you!
American Psycho meets Romeo and Juliet... but make it gay.
One thing Skelter does that I greatly enjoy: he gives humanity to deplorable people. Reading through Next of Kin, I developed empathy for both characters and at the end, I actually cried! Cried! I have a black stone heart and somehow Skelter broke through it.
If you like complex characters, artfully written gore and sex, and a twist... this story is for you!
October 11, 2025
"He looks so sad, but he’s lit with this angelic glow I want to inhale. He is this tragic, beautiful thing; nothing will give me greater pleasure than destroying it. I can’t say I won’t enjoy it because I will. This could be my greatest achievement, my pièce de résistance, my magnum opus."
Holy Hell. This book. This is the one. When I saw my Libby had this available, I never checked a book out from the library so fast. Elton Skelter is an author I just started reading this year, and after just one short story, I became a huge fan. Every time I read a book by them, I know my entire life is going to be destroyed and I'll be left staring at the wall for ten minutes, but goodness do I love those types of stories… and this one was even more amazing than I could’ve imagined.
Serial killer POV. Victim POV. Then add some effed up love. It’s like American Psycho had a baby with Romeo and Juliet. Which is funny, because when I saw the synopsis say the same thing, I was like “YEP, NAILED IT!”
I am unsure how this book isn’t being spammed in every horror book group/social media in general, because it really is such a unique take on popular topics amongst readers. And it’s written brilliantly. Elton Skelter is a master at their craft and an author I implore everyone to check out. This is one of those times that the words I have to say could never do this book the justice it deserves.
Holy Hell. This book. This is the one. When I saw my Libby had this available, I never checked a book out from the library so fast. Elton Skelter is an author I just started reading this year, and after just one short story, I became a huge fan. Every time I read a book by them, I know my entire life is going to be destroyed and I'll be left staring at the wall for ten minutes, but goodness do I love those types of stories… and this one was even more amazing than I could’ve imagined.
Serial killer POV. Victim POV. Then add some effed up love. It’s like American Psycho had a baby with Romeo and Juliet. Which is funny, because when I saw the synopsis say the same thing, I was like “YEP, NAILED IT!”
I am unsure how this book isn’t being spammed in every horror book group/social media in general, because it really is such a unique take on popular topics amongst readers. And it’s written brilliantly. Elton Skelter is a master at their craft and an author I implore everyone to check out. This is one of those times that the words I have to say could never do this book the justice it deserves.
September 15, 2024
Whew, this might be the most messed up horrifying love story I've ever read. It's a vicious and gore soaked affair but, it's still a twisted love story at it's heart.
A gay serial killer, Jacob, gets a surprise when he's asked to pick up a man, Nathan , at the hospital who has tried to commit suicide. They've never met though.
Nathan has no family or friends. Jacob's business card was used to provide him as the emergency contact for Nathan.
While Jacob relishes the idea of such an easy kill, things are going to take several horrific twists and turns. Nathan has secrets and motivations of his own. When they begin a more romantic type of relationship, they become intwined in a series of brutally gruesome murders.
This book is horrifying and bleak. Each of these characters are monsterous in their own right. Their love is one bound in blood and violence. And when certain events begin to unfold, the consequences are swift and bloody.
I really loved this sick take on a love story. The characters are so well written and their motivations are nothing but depraved. Yet there is love between them. Held together by secrets and a very thin thread but there nonetheless.
I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a bloody twisted love story with extreme horror elements.
A gay serial killer, Jacob, gets a surprise when he's asked to pick up a man, Nathan , at the hospital who has tried to commit suicide. They've never met though.
Nathan has no family or friends. Jacob's business card was used to provide him as the emergency contact for Nathan.
While Jacob relishes the idea of such an easy kill, things are going to take several horrific twists and turns. Nathan has secrets and motivations of his own. When they begin a more romantic type of relationship, they become intwined in a series of brutally gruesome murders.
This book is horrifying and bleak. Each of these characters are monsterous in their own right. Their love is one bound in blood and violence. And when certain events begin to unfold, the consequences are swift and bloody.
I really loved this sick take on a love story. The characters are so well written and their motivations are nothing but depraved. Yet there is love between them. Held together by secrets and a very thin thread but there nonetheless.
I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a bloody twisted love story with extreme horror elements.
February 16, 2024
OMG! I am not sure where to start.
I read the blurb and so was prepared for the gore / horror.
Jake is a serial killer who one day at work gets a call from a local hospital to say somebody who has him as his contact is on suicide watch. Jake goes along and meets Nathan.
The relationship is certainly different and the ending. Well I am not spoiling anything for you.
If you can stomach the killing then you should certainly read this book as it will give you something to think about.
I read the blurb and so was prepared for the gore / horror.
Jake is a serial killer who one day at work gets a call from a local hospital to say somebody who has him as his contact is on suicide watch. Jake goes along and meets Nathan.
The relationship is certainly different and the ending. Well I am not spoiling anything for you.
If you can stomach the killing then you should certainly read this book as it will give you something to think about.
March 9, 2024
Next of Kin is as exhilarating as it is twisted - sexy, gay, and compulsively repulsive. Skelter's signature sharp voice and chiseled characters shine through in this inventive horroromantic cat and mouse thriller. I loved the insane premise he created, the diligence that his serial killer main character showed, and (as always) his unique blend of heart and chilling brutality. I would recommend this to thriller fans across the board, but, specifically, fans of Caroline Kepnes' Joe Goldberg series or Dexter would probably love Next of Kin!
Huge shoutout to Rain Corbyn, the narrator who brought this story brightly to life in audiobook format!
Huge shoutout to Rain Corbyn, the narrator who brought this story brightly to life in audiobook format!
April 20, 2024
Oh my STARS! Where has Elton been my whole life? This story is one of the most messed up and tragic (but also strangely sweet) romances I've witnessed since Natural Born Killers. I went into this without knowing much about it, wanting to give Skelter a shot and came out of it with a new author I totally admire. I cannot recommend this one highly enough. An easy five stars for me.
December 10, 2024
F*cked up short read. Exquisite Corpse and American Psycho. Left me traumatized and miserable like I wanted.
March 24, 2024
Extraordinary!
I had a blast with this one. EXQUISITE CORPSE meets AMERICAN PSYCHO in a serial-killer romance for the ages. If you haven't read Skelter, you don't know what you’re missing. Highly recommended for fans of extreme fiction!
I had a blast with this one. EXQUISITE CORPSE meets AMERICAN PSYCHO in a serial-killer romance for the ages. If you haven't read Skelter, you don't know what you’re missing. Highly recommended for fans of extreme fiction!
March 21, 2024
‘Next of Kin’ is a wicked little slice of psychodrama with a twist of dark romance. When vicious serial killer Jacob Mallory is summoned to hospital to look after attempted suicide victim Nathan McGuire, the stage is set for an encounter that will test the both of them to their emotional limits. Mysteriously, Jacob has been named next of kin by Nathan, a total stranger. While Jacob dreams of murdering the innocent in his unfortunate care, desires both sexual and depraved come bubbling to the surface.
With snappy prose and engaging internal dialogue, Skelter presents the reader with two sides of a broken coin. The scenes of slaughter and debauch are oft explicit and vivid, wryly balanced against a queer love affair that’s reminiscent of both Exquisite Corpse by Poppy Z. Brite and Romeo & Juliet. Dashes of American Psycho also pervade the novella, though the author carves his own path (quite literally) in thrilling modern slasher fiction. Not a word here is wasted and the twists are delivered like the stab of a kitchen knife, wrongfooting the reader to the end. Despite the violent and (often brutal) scenario, one can’t help sympathising with Jacob and Mallory and their outsider courtship. No mean feat. The contrasting themes lend the novella a vicious streak of satire.
An R-rated thriller that pays fitting homage to its influences, and appals and entertains from start to finish, ‘Next of Kin’ reveals Elton Skelter as a horror author to watch.
With snappy prose and engaging internal dialogue, Skelter presents the reader with two sides of a broken coin. The scenes of slaughter and debauch are oft explicit and vivid, wryly balanced against a queer love affair that’s reminiscent of both Exquisite Corpse by Poppy Z. Brite and Romeo & Juliet. Dashes of American Psycho also pervade the novella, though the author carves his own path (quite literally) in thrilling modern slasher fiction. Not a word here is wasted and the twists are delivered like the stab of a kitchen knife, wrongfooting the reader to the end. Despite the violent and (often brutal) scenario, one can’t help sympathising with Jacob and Mallory and their outsider courtship. No mean feat. The contrasting themes lend the novella a vicious streak of satire.
An R-rated thriller that pays fitting homage to its influences, and appals and entertains from start to finish, ‘Next of Kin’ reveals Elton Skelter as a horror author to watch.
May 1, 2025
Next of Kin by Elton Skelter
4/5
Thats to Erica Summers for the recommendation on this one!
Next of Kin is every bit as bonkers as you'd expect from a writer named Elton Skelter. If that's not a pseudonym then I apologise to Mr and Mrs Skelter, Elton is a lovely name.
What can you expect in here? American Psycho meets Romeo and Juliet? Seems like a fair assessment in my book.
What you do get is a story about a cold hearted killer, committing despicable acts which will grab you by the throat while unexpectedly plucking at your heart strings.
The prose is beautiful, the violence shocking and the spicy stuff is enough to steam up your monacle.
I'm not really one to bring up if a book is lgbtq, because stories are all just as valid as each other in my opinion. I will love a queer protagonist as much as a. straight one, but if that's something you're looking for, this is the book for you.
Come to think of it, I'd recommend it to someone who doesn't think they'd enjoy a gay love story, because I think Next of Kin will prove you wrong.
I'll be sure to try more of Elton's work and this one will stay with me for a long time.
4/5
Thats to Erica Summers for the recommendation on this one!
Next of Kin is every bit as bonkers as you'd expect from a writer named Elton Skelter. If that's not a pseudonym then I apologise to Mr and Mrs Skelter, Elton is a lovely name.
What can you expect in here? American Psycho meets Romeo and Juliet? Seems like a fair assessment in my book.
What you do get is a story about a cold hearted killer, committing despicable acts which will grab you by the throat while unexpectedly plucking at your heart strings.
The prose is beautiful, the violence shocking and the spicy stuff is enough to steam up your monacle.
I'm not really one to bring up if a book is lgbtq, because stories are all just as valid as each other in my opinion. I will love a queer protagonist as much as a. straight one, but if that's something you're looking for, this is the book for you.
Come to think of it, I'd recommend it to someone who doesn't think they'd enjoy a gay love story, because I think Next of Kin will prove you wrong.
I'll be sure to try more of Elton's work and this one will stay with me for a long time.
May 13, 2024
Violent, Twisted, Toxic, Amazing
A very toxic dynamic between a serial killer and his perspective victim, who also has a bit of darkness of his own.
This book was violent, personal, visceral, and beautifully gay.
I was absolutely engaged throughout the entire book, I loved the two protagonists, and getting to know their individual perspectives on the situation and wondering where this was all leading to.
I particularly like the way Skelter found a way to make you like and dislike his characters at the same time, and creating a conflict in the reader of being charmed by their interactions, while at the same time recognizing the level of toxicity in them. It kept me jumping from liking to this liking to liking each character a different times.
Definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes serial killer stories, and a dissection of toxic relationships.
A very toxic dynamic between a serial killer and his perspective victim, who also has a bit of darkness of his own.
This book was violent, personal, visceral, and beautifully gay.
I was absolutely engaged throughout the entire book, I loved the two protagonists, and getting to know their individual perspectives on the situation and wondering where this was all leading to.
I particularly like the way Skelter found a way to make you like and dislike his characters at the same time, and creating a conflict in the reader of being charmed by their interactions, while at the same time recognizing the level of toxicity in them. It kept me jumping from liking to this liking to liking each character a different times.
Definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes serial killer stories, and a dissection of toxic relationships.
dnf
April 11, 2024I feel a special kind of distaste for writings that “stray from the rules". Of course every author has a unique style, but when it's beyond unique fmp I can't help but find it exasperating.
DNF @ 57%. The story was fine leaning towards meh and my reading slump played some role. The writing was just the last straw.
He asks: “Are you in trouble?”
And I say: “No”.
And he asks: “Did you know him?”
And I reply: “Never met him before”.
And he asks: “What would you have done if I hadn’t followed you?”
DNF @ 57%. The story was fine leaning towards meh and my reading slump played some role. The writing was just the last straw.
February 24, 2024
Genuinely excellent, with moments of gorgeous, dark brilliance. I read the whole thing in one setting, it's that addictive and immersive!
Only thing keeping it from five stars is the ending, which is not a *bad* ending - some readers will approve immensely - but I found it too predictable, especially after a book that had so many great twists before that!
Also, the editor needs to be paying more attention; there were a lot of 'week' instead of 'weak' type typos that were pretty annoying.
But the actual writing itself? Epic. Skelter is going on my list of authors to watch!
Only thing keeping it from five stars is the ending, which is not a *bad* ending - some readers will approve immensely - but I found it too predictable, especially after a book that had so many great twists before that!
Also, the editor needs to be paying more attention; there were a lot of 'week' instead of 'weak' type typos that were pretty annoying.
But the actual writing itself? Epic. Skelter is going on my list of authors to watch!
February 8, 2025
First, the guttural shock and HORROR of reading how Jacob was murdering people, was insane! The author was very descriptive & did great with personality/story building from Jacob’s perspective. Second, Nathan coming in was so random BUT I CAUGHT ON VERY QUICKLY- it made my brain itch! I liked it. Wasn’t the biggest fan of the abuse kink- THAT felt icky. I was hoping Jacob would redeem himself to be a better man for Nathan, but the story played out realistically and i was sad about how it went for Nathan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2024
Even serial killers need love…
Keeping under the radar is an essential life skill for Jake. When he needs release, he selects his prey. When a call from the hospital asking him to collect a stranger, he throws caution to the wind - an easy way to sate his desire for blood. But that desire is turned on it’s head as love and commitment become his new obsession.
The gradually exposed dual narrative of this book works wonderfully and instills mixed emotions in the reader at every reveal.
Keeping under the radar is an essential life skill for Jake. When he needs release, he selects his prey. When a call from the hospital asking him to collect a stranger, he throws caution to the wind - an easy way to sate his desire for blood. But that desire is turned on it’s head as love and commitment become his new obsession.
The gradually exposed dual narrative of this book works wonderfully and instills mixed emotions in the reader at every reveal.
February 14, 2024
This book is the perfect anti valentine story!
I loved/hated reading every gory, gruesome, violent and bloody detail: sometimes with both hands in front of my eyes to make it less real.
"the scariest monsters are the ones that lurk within our souls"- yes Edgar Allan Poe, and have you met Jake?
Bloody brilliant!
I loved/hated reading every gory, gruesome, violent and bloody detail: sometimes with both hands in front of my eyes to make it less real.
"the scariest monsters are the ones that lurk within our souls"- yes Edgar Allan Poe, and have you met Jake?
Bloody brilliant!
February 26, 2024
Good news for those who read American Psycho and wanted a little more heart! Elton Skelter has done it again: crammed equal parts viscera and love into one book.
Next of Kin take the reader down a dark path. Mystery abounds from page one. The characters are easy to love, easy to hate, but above all, impossible to look away from.
Next of Kin take the reader down a dark path. Mystery abounds from page one. The characters are easy to love, easy to hate, but above all, impossible to look away from.
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