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THR3E
Three men are trapped in a triangle of madness and murder…
In California, Sonny Boden, fresh out of prison for killing his grandparents, hides behind a mask of normalcy while luring hitchhikers to their deaths. But when paranoid schizophrenic Dwight Paulson witnesses one of Sonny's murders, he believes they share a twisted bond and begins his own killing spree.
Meanwhile, Joe Wilder, a shattered family man plagued by apocalyptic voices, is drawn into the carnage. As their paths intertwine, bodies amass, and Sonny’s carefully constructed lie begins to unravel. He’s caught between two killers—each one threatening to expose his crimes.
Sonny hatches a desperate plan. But in a world of madness, even the best plans fall apart…
Based loosely on real events, THR3E is a dark psychological thriller, perfect for true crime fans, which will leave you breathless…
This book contains scenes of violence, death, blood, injury, sexual violence and crime.
In California, Sonny Boden, fresh out of prison for killing his grandparents, hides behind a mask of normalcy while luring hitchhikers to their deaths. But when paranoid schizophrenic Dwight Paulson witnesses one of Sonny's murders, he believes they share a twisted bond and begins his own killing spree.
Meanwhile, Joe Wilder, a shattered family man plagued by apocalyptic voices, is drawn into the carnage. As their paths intertwine, bodies amass, and Sonny’s carefully constructed lie begins to unravel. He’s caught between two killers—each one threatening to expose his crimes.
Sonny hatches a desperate plan. But in a world of madness, even the best plans fall apart…
Based loosely on real events, THR3E is a dark psychological thriller, perfect for true crime fans, which will leave you breathless…
This book contains scenes of violence, death, blood, injury, sexual violence and crime.
292 pages, Paperback
First published January 27, 2025
209 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 18, 2025
This was a well written but highly disturbing story. A tale of three serial killers, all living in the same locality but carrying out their crimes independently. This story was about the murders, from the point of view of each killer. What drove them to kill and mutilate their victims? Was it sexual? Was it religious fervour? Was it drug induced?
This really was a difficult and sickening story to read, but the writing was captivating, and I was desperate to know how it would end.
This is not a tale for everyone, and you definitely will need a strong stomach. However. it really was a thought-provoking morality tale!
This really was a difficult and sickening story to read, but the writing was captivating, and I was desperate to know how it would end.
This is not a tale for everyone, and you definitely will need a strong stomach. However. it really was a thought-provoking morality tale!
February 10, 2025
Into the mind of a serial killer.
This is undoubtedly dark and not for the feint hearted.
More of an expose than a police procedural; indeed the local law enforcement seem unable to solve multiple crimes within a small area of California. This is the killer speaking about his crimes, his motivations and the strange people who he meets during his killing spree.
It is written with skill and in a page turning manner. If like me, the opening chapter grabs you, you’ll be into it until the very end.
In part it is a reflection on society and a culture in America during this historical time. When a lack of technology, CSI advancement and extensive CCTV meant suspects were less visible. However, rather than this being an attempt at a true crime story it is intricately plotted to make the story hyper-incredible to the point it can only be fiction.
I loved some of the dialogue and drugged fuelled circumstances some of the protagonists find themselves in, and ultimately participating in some horrendous crimes. The question the author perhaps poses: Is it legitimate entertainment, if it is drug psychosis or severe mental health. As opposed to Sonny, who is more in control, plans to avoid leaving evidence and whose crimes are mostly pre-mediated?
Is such fiction a guilty pleasure? A secret fantasy that meets the reader’s voyeuristic nature. All interesting ideas and a measure of the writer’s approach to this genre.
As someone who doesn’t really enjoy true crime novels this is a wonderfully fictional fantasy. While it is not real, such murders do happen but there remains this safe distance from which to view these events. When the writing is this good you perhaps understand the nuances of perpetrator and victim.
It is an escape not an invitation to cross to your dark side.
This is undoubtedly dark and not for the feint hearted.
More of an expose than a police procedural; indeed the local law enforcement seem unable to solve multiple crimes within a small area of California. This is the killer speaking about his crimes, his motivations and the strange people who he meets during his killing spree.
It is written with skill and in a page turning manner. If like me, the opening chapter grabs you, you’ll be into it until the very end.
In part it is a reflection on society and a culture in America during this historical time. When a lack of technology, CSI advancement and extensive CCTV meant suspects were less visible. However, rather than this being an attempt at a true crime story it is intricately plotted to make the story hyper-incredible to the point it can only be fiction.
I loved some of the dialogue and drugged fuelled circumstances some of the protagonists find themselves in, and ultimately participating in some horrendous crimes. The question the author perhaps poses: Is it legitimate entertainment, if it is drug psychosis or severe mental health. As opposed to Sonny, who is more in control, plans to avoid leaving evidence and whose crimes are mostly pre-mediated?
Is such fiction a guilty pleasure? A secret fantasy that meets the reader’s voyeuristic nature. All interesting ideas and a measure of the writer’s approach to this genre.
As someone who doesn’t really enjoy true crime novels this is a wonderfully fictional fantasy. While it is not real, such murders do happen but there remains this safe distance from which to view these events. When the writing is this good you perhaps understand the nuances of perpetrator and victim.
It is an escape not an invitation to cross to your dark side.
February 10, 2025
"Thr3e" is not for the faint of heart—it's a chilling and gruesome journey into the twisted minds of three deranged serial killers. With plenty of trigger warnings, this dark tale unveils their stories as their deadly paths intertwine. As the dark narratives unfold, the killers' lives intertwine in unexpected ways, revealing the stark contrast between their twisted personalities. However, I found it challenging to keep track of the characters, especially Sonny and Dwight, as their similarities and differences sometimes blurred.
The setting contributed to my confusion, as well. Living in Colorado, I got sidetracked by the mention of Buena Vista, which caused me to block out references to California. It wasn't until a character traveled to CO that everything clicked for me!
This book is not a light, breezy read—it's a rich tapestry of intricate detail that demands your full attention. While I typically don't revisit books, I imagine a second read would be rewarding. Unfortunately, a reread isn't in my cards with so many new titles on my reading list.
This story has the makings of a thrilling movie or even an edgy miniseries.
The setting contributed to my confusion, as well. Living in Colorado, I got sidetracked by the mention of Buena Vista, which caused me to block out references to California. It wasn't until a character traveled to CO that everything clicked for me!
This book is not a light, breezy read—it's a rich tapestry of intricate detail that demands your full attention. While I typically don't revisit books, I imagine a second read would be rewarding. Unfortunately, a reread isn't in my cards with so many new titles on my reading list.
This story has the makings of a thrilling movie or even an edgy miniseries.
February 5, 2025
After reading the first page I was hooked. Psychological thrillers aren't something I read a lot. But this was captivating and I found it hard to put it down. Okay, it's dark, violent and disturbing, but the excellent writing and all the twists (yeah, you'll love the twists) kinda make it okay to keep going. I can highly recommend TRH3R and say it is one of the most gripping books I've read. It also makes you question yourself at times. There is some humour in there and so, at times, I thought should I find this funny?
Sonny is the main character, and his views on other killers are... I'll say entertaining. His attention to detail is quite rigorous, but scary. It's difficult to say much more without giving anything away. So I'll just say. "Read the first one or two pages and you'll be hooked."
Sonny is the main character, and his views on other killers are... I'll say entertaining. His attention to detail is quite rigorous, but scary. It's difficult to say much more without giving anything away. So I'll just say. "Read the first one or two pages and you'll be hooked."
November 8, 2025
The novel is not for the faint of heart. It’s disturbing and gives you chills down to your core. It’s uncomfortable to read and very sadistic. The writing was five stars for me with how captivating it was and how the author drew you into each serial killers lives. The storyline of three serial killers living in the same small town wreaking havoc and crossing paths many times however did not do it for me. It was messy.
February 18, 2025
Set in 1970’s California, and what the author describes as ‘loosely based on real events’, this is a psychological thriller which will appeal to true crime, as well as fiction readers. I am not normally a true crime fan.
The story deals with three men each of whom, at around the same time, independently embark on their own killing spree in a relatively small town, and whose paths become entangled.
Dwight Paulson is a junkie, keeping himself on high using marijuana and LSD. He’s mentally damaged due to his drug abuse, frequently slipping in and out of reality, and has been diagnosed as schizophrenic.
Joe Wilder has a girlfriend and young child and has suffered a bad head injury in a car accident having been catapulted through the windscreen. After the accident, he though he’d heard a voice ‘from outside’, saying “You’ll die if you drive again.” His girlfriend’s brother stayed with them for a couple of days, and left Joe some mescaline, pushing him to try it. A few days later, he took all of the mescaline the brother had left, a huge dose, and it fractured his mind, leaving him with a permanent third-party internal voice, instructing him to be the instrument of some sort of god – to be a Reaper of souls.
Lastly, Sonny Boden. Sonny’s mother is an abusive alcoholic. As a young teenager, Sonny was placed to live with his grandparents, and at the age of 15, he shot them both. After his eventual parole release from prison, having been certified as being psychologically stable and no risk to society, his mother insists on having him back living with her as a condition of the parole, and restarts her verbal and mental abuse. Sonny is an intelligent, sober, calculating psychopath.
The story is written in the first person from Sonny’s point of view. From the opening line, he is in prison looking back on the events that took place. He’s given himself up, because he’s finished his killing (mostly young female university students hitch hiking), and he was confident he wouldn’t be caught, but his entanglements with the other two during the time they were committing their murders created doubt for him. They were both so mentally off balance they were totally careless and killed without regard to the mess and evidence they left behind them.
The storyline is very compelling, and whilst gruesome in places, keeps you reading. The author’s choice to narrate from Boden’s first person point of view, and effectively get inside a serial killer’s head, adds to the page turning effect, and for me, provided a very different perspective.
Whilst Thr3e is based on a true set of murders over a relatively short period of time, the direct interactions between the three killers, their victims, and others involved, are necessarily fictional. A very tight and pacy plot line, extremely well written. A very good read.
I was provided with an advanced reader copy by the publisher and author in and thank them both.
The story deals with three men each of whom, at around the same time, independently embark on their own killing spree in a relatively small town, and whose paths become entangled.
Dwight Paulson is a junkie, keeping himself on high using marijuana and LSD. He’s mentally damaged due to his drug abuse, frequently slipping in and out of reality, and has been diagnosed as schizophrenic.
Joe Wilder has a girlfriend and young child and has suffered a bad head injury in a car accident having been catapulted through the windscreen. After the accident, he though he’d heard a voice ‘from outside’, saying “You’ll die if you drive again.” His girlfriend’s brother stayed with them for a couple of days, and left Joe some mescaline, pushing him to try it. A few days later, he took all of the mescaline the brother had left, a huge dose, and it fractured his mind, leaving him with a permanent third-party internal voice, instructing him to be the instrument of some sort of god – to be a Reaper of souls.
Lastly, Sonny Boden. Sonny’s mother is an abusive alcoholic. As a young teenager, Sonny was placed to live with his grandparents, and at the age of 15, he shot them both. After his eventual parole release from prison, having been certified as being psychologically stable and no risk to society, his mother insists on having him back living with her as a condition of the parole, and restarts her verbal and mental abuse. Sonny is an intelligent, sober, calculating psychopath.
The story is written in the first person from Sonny’s point of view. From the opening line, he is in prison looking back on the events that took place. He’s given himself up, because he’s finished his killing (mostly young female university students hitch hiking), and he was confident he wouldn’t be caught, but his entanglements with the other two during the time they were committing their murders created doubt for him. They were both so mentally off balance they were totally careless and killed without regard to the mess and evidence they left behind them.
The storyline is very compelling, and whilst gruesome in places, keeps you reading. The author’s choice to narrate from Boden’s first person point of view, and effectively get inside a serial killer’s head, adds to the page turning effect, and for me, provided a very different perspective.
Whilst Thr3e is based on a true set of murders over a relatively short period of time, the direct interactions between the three killers, their victims, and others involved, are necessarily fictional. A very tight and pacy plot line, extremely well written. A very good read.
I was provided with an advanced reader copy by the publisher and author in and thank them both.
June 6, 2025
Is it wrong to say I enjoyed this book? It's dark, but it also has this weird, almost comedic undertone with all the chaos of multiple killers and a growing number of bodies. The way in which these serial killers kill is told in a matter fact way, like it's just normal to have those urges and just what they do. And that final chapter leaves you wondering...
June 2, 2025
Wow! Loved love loved this. It’s dark, it’s visceral & the end left me in deep thought. One of the best books I’ve read in a while.
May 30, 2025
really enjoyed the story telling. good book.
February 28, 2025
When I first heard about this book I was genuinely so excited to read it. Ordered it immediately and started it straight after my previous read.
What a disappointment.
The best word I can use to describe this book is boring, which is not something I’d expect when reading about three serial killers. The whole time I was willing this to get better, desperate even, but when your 280 page book finally starts getting interesting at the 200 page mark, it’s too little too late.
The only redeeming part of this book, and probably the most under-utilised of the three main killers was the character of Joe. He felt like such a breath of fresh air when compared to the other two and any time he showed up, my interest was piqued. It’s a shame that was usually for 4 or 5 pages at a time.
I’m sure there are plenty of people that will love this dark and twisted look into the minds of serial killers, but sadly it didn’t live up to the hype for me.
What a disappointment.
The best word I can use to describe this book is boring, which is not something I’d expect when reading about three serial killers. The whole time I was willing this to get better, desperate even, but when your 280 page book finally starts getting interesting at the 200 page mark, it’s too little too late.
The only redeeming part of this book, and probably the most under-utilised of the three main killers was the character of Joe. He felt like such a breath of fresh air when compared to the other two and any time he showed up, my interest was piqued. It’s a shame that was usually for 4 or 5 pages at a time.
I’m sure there are plenty of people that will love this dark and twisted look into the minds of serial killers, but sadly it didn’t live up to the hype for me.
February 14, 2025
Wait for the ending
This narrated by one of the three serial killers because the other two are too crazy to tell the story. Each one is a unique monster though there stories intermesh. It's easy to scan a fair portion of the book. There is death and murder and rape and profanity but nothing really graphic or nauseating.
The ending is very thought provoking, will be the most memorable conclusion to a thriller.
This narrated by one of the three serial killers because the other two are too crazy to tell the story. Each one is a unique monster though there stories intermesh. It's easy to scan a fair portion of the book. There is death and murder and rape and profanity but nothing really graphic or nauseating.
The ending is very thought provoking, will be the most memorable conclusion to a thriller.
February 18, 2025
Being familiar with a couple of Matt Stanley’s literary novels, I was curious about his approach to a nominal thriller involving not one, but three serial killers. I was not disappointed. Stanley is a versatile storyteller and the style he chose for this novel is precise, compact, clinical even, and matches perfectly the matter-of-fact voice of Sonny, one of the killers, through whose eyes we see most of the action.
What we have here is not only a story that rapidly becomes a page turner as the reader tries to guess how the chaotic and intertwining lives of the three killers will finally unravel, but also an examination of madness and the extent to which someone so far beyond the moral pale can be humanized. This latter thread is the real core of the novel.
Stanley doesn’t set out to make heroes of his protagonists or to absolve them of their horrific crimes, but to suggest that sanity and madness are, to some extent, relative terms. Sonny, with respect to his own rationale for murdering young women, appears entirely sane – especially in juxtaposition to the other killers, who are heavily schizophrenic or psychotic – while the drug-fueled, dissolute counter-culture in which he finds himself is feckless, self-destructive and not a little mad. For example, in a wider locality in which young women are being murdered and raped in terrifying numbers, young ‘coeds’ are still out alone, some high on drugs, hitchhiking with abandon.
In essence, the task that Stanley set himself here was to try to make a monster understandable – not admirable or worthy of sympathy, but simply understandable. And in that he succeeds. But Stanley goes further. In a final twist at the end of the book, as Sonny reflects on his life and crimes, the lens is turned 180 degrees and we are forced to question something about ourselves.
Overall, this is a clever, thoughtful, and engaging novel. Well worth your time.
(For anyone worried about misogyny and gratuitous violence against women in a sexual context, this is quite definitely not a ‘slasher’ novel. Although the violence in the book is technically graphic, it is not sensationalized in any way. If anything, the tone is matter-of-fact, suggestive of a police report, though not without a little dark humour…)
What we have here is not only a story that rapidly becomes a page turner as the reader tries to guess how the chaotic and intertwining lives of the three killers will finally unravel, but also an examination of madness and the extent to which someone so far beyond the moral pale can be humanized. This latter thread is the real core of the novel.
Stanley doesn’t set out to make heroes of his protagonists or to absolve them of their horrific crimes, but to suggest that sanity and madness are, to some extent, relative terms. Sonny, with respect to his own rationale for murdering young women, appears entirely sane – especially in juxtaposition to the other killers, who are heavily schizophrenic or psychotic – while the drug-fueled, dissolute counter-culture in which he finds himself is feckless, self-destructive and not a little mad. For example, in a wider locality in which young women are being murdered and raped in terrifying numbers, young ‘coeds’ are still out alone, some high on drugs, hitchhiking with abandon.
In essence, the task that Stanley set himself here was to try to make a monster understandable – not admirable or worthy of sympathy, but simply understandable. And in that he succeeds. But Stanley goes further. In a final twist at the end of the book, as Sonny reflects on his life and crimes, the lens is turned 180 degrees and we are forced to question something about ourselves.
Overall, this is a clever, thoughtful, and engaging novel. Well worth your time.
(For anyone worried about misogyny and gratuitous violence against women in a sexual context, this is quite definitely not a ‘slasher’ novel. Although the violence in the book is technically graphic, it is not sensationalized in any way. If anything, the tone is matter-of-fact, suggestive of a police report, though not without a little dark humour…)
February 18, 2025
Thr3e is the book you're looking for if you're a fan of dark and twisted thrillers with trigger warnings as long as your arm. There's never a dull moment when you're reading about three serial killers all on the loose at the same time whose lives all become inexplicably intertwined. It is messy, but draws you in instantly and it remains difficult to put down right until the end.
The author did a phenomenal job writing through the perspective of our "main" killer Sonny Boden. We see both first person and third person perspectives blended together. Sonny tells his story in first person, while recounting the experiences of both Joe and Dwight in third person. It's a unique approach that is executed well. The transitions between perspectives felt effortless and smooth, with the story unfolding in a way that feels natural while staying intense. Sonny is the only real sane one of the bunch and reading his perspective as a prolific serial killer is entirely believable. He embodies everything you would expect, for those of us who are fascinated by serial killers and consume a lot of true crime. I couldn't find any definitive information about which real-life events the author may have loosely based this on, but I'm getting strong Joel Rifkin vibes.
I have only a few small criticisms that stopped this from being a full five star rating, the biggest one being that Joe starts to feel increasingly irrelevant as the story progresses. The book’s pace builds momentum quickly at the start, but then the middle section drags, especially once the initial shock value begins to wear off. This may have benefitted with focusing on a few select victims instead of continuing on with the spree. The ending feels a bit rushed, though that may have been unavoidable as things continuously spiral out of control.
If you're not squeamish and are a fan of true crime, serial killers and can handle the graphic and violent subject matter, then I'd highly recommend this. Thanks to the publisher Bernard's Books who provided me with a copy for review!
The author did a phenomenal job writing through the perspective of our "main" killer Sonny Boden. We see both first person and third person perspectives blended together. Sonny tells his story in first person, while recounting the experiences of both Joe and Dwight in third person. It's a unique approach that is executed well. The transitions between perspectives felt effortless and smooth, with the story unfolding in a way that feels natural while staying intense. Sonny is the only real sane one of the bunch and reading his perspective as a prolific serial killer is entirely believable. He embodies everything you would expect, for those of us who are fascinated by serial killers and consume a lot of true crime. I couldn't find any definitive information about which real-life events the author may have loosely based this on, but I'm getting strong Joel Rifkin vibes.
I have only a few small criticisms that stopped this from being a full five star rating, the biggest one being that Joe starts to feel increasingly irrelevant as the story progresses. The book’s pace builds momentum quickly at the start, but then the middle section drags, especially once the initial shock value begins to wear off. This may have benefitted with focusing on a few select victims instead of continuing on with the spree. The ending feels a bit rushed, though that may have been unavoidable as things continuously spiral out of control.
If you're not squeamish and are a fan of true crime, serial killers and can handle the graphic and violent subject matter, then I'd highly recommend this. Thanks to the publisher Bernard's Books who provided me with a copy for review!
March 27, 2025
FINALLY!
Well…it was concept was interesting, the crossing paths of serial killers. Out of the three main characters, I really like Sonny. However, it was just completely too unbelievable. First, this “small town” literally has FOUR active serial killers (that all meet at some point) and 1 rapist! They are ALL killing and rapping at the SAME time! That was just too big a stretch for me. Not to mention how messy and in plain sight they were! There is no way they wouldn’t have been discovered after their first kills if not very shortly after. At least Joe got rid of all his evidence. I also don’t believe a mandate to live with your alcoholic mother would be something that would happen after you literally killed your grandparents-rehabilitated or not! I can’t say I’d take my son back into my home after that anyway. I completely and wholeheartedly despised her and would not mourn her death! It took me forever to finish this book. I just never felt the need to rush back to it. There was never an urgent need to find out what happens next - mainly because it was just more of the same. The ending was an interesting concept and could elicit the reader to feel embarrassed, indifferent, angry, or possibly contemplate the reflective comments Sonny made. I think the majority of us are desensitized with a morbid curiosity for insight into the minds of the deranged. We seek reasons and understanding for the why or how. I wish the author would’ve done a better job with this story. It really could’ve been amazing. I would’ve liked to have seen two serial killers “bumping” into each other and trading stories and making challenges to out do the other. That would’ve been at least a bit more realistic. It would’ve also worked if they had a whole group that met through an underground dark web thing. It just didn’t work for me in the careless/excessive manner it was executed.
Well…it was concept was interesting, the crossing paths of serial killers. Out of the three main characters, I really like Sonny. However, it was just completely too unbelievable. First, this “small town” literally has FOUR active serial killers (that all meet at some point) and 1 rapist! They are ALL killing and rapping at the SAME time! That was just too big a stretch for me. Not to mention how messy and in plain sight they were! There is no way they wouldn’t have been discovered after their first kills if not very shortly after. At least Joe got rid of all his evidence. I also don’t believe a mandate to live with your alcoholic mother would be something that would happen after you literally killed your grandparents-rehabilitated or not! I can’t say I’d take my son back into my home after that anyway. I completely and wholeheartedly despised her and would not mourn her death! It took me forever to finish this book. I just never felt the need to rush back to it. There was never an urgent need to find out what happens next - mainly because it was just more of the same. The ending was an interesting concept and could elicit the reader to feel embarrassed, indifferent, angry, or possibly contemplate the reflective comments Sonny made. I think the majority of us are desensitized with a morbid curiosity for insight into the minds of the deranged. We seek reasons and understanding for the why or how. I wish the author would’ve done a better job with this story. It really could’ve been amazing. I would’ve liked to have seen two serial killers “bumping” into each other and trading stories and making challenges to out do the other. That would’ve been at least a bit more realistic. It would’ve also worked if they had a whole group that met through an underground dark web thing. It just didn’t work for me in the careless/excessive manner it was executed.
February 1, 2025
A dark thriller for lovers of Serial killer stores and crime stories in general
In Thr3e the lives of three serial killers cross and then become entangled in an ever increasing web of violence that pulls them down further into the undercurrent of their secrets, dark ambitions and violence
At the outset Stanley tells us that This story is loosely inspired by true events which I take have occurred in the 1970s near Santa Cruz California which was known briefly as the murder capital of the World. The main character, Sonny Boden, was inspired by Edmond Emil Kemper III who was nicknamed the "Co-ed Killer. Stanley uses only the rudiments of Kempler’s life to create a fascinating character of evil. In addition to Boden the other two killers, Dwight Paulson and Joe WilderI am not familiar with their real life counterparts, if any.
This is not simply a rehashing of known events but a thoughtful dramatic tale of three men trapped by their own compulsions for violence. As Sonny attempts to extradite himself from the darkness he only plunges more deeply into the abyss of his own making.
This is far different than a cozy murder mystery. It is a dark ride with violence only the beginning but tit is ride once you are on you will not want to quit reading until the end.
Disclosure: the publisher provided me a prerelease copy of the book. This review is voluntary.
In Thr3e the lives of three serial killers cross and then become entangled in an ever increasing web of violence that pulls them down further into the undercurrent of their secrets, dark ambitions and violence
At the outset Stanley tells us that This story is loosely inspired by true events which I take have occurred in the 1970s near Santa Cruz California which was known briefly as the murder capital of the World. The main character, Sonny Boden, was inspired by Edmond Emil Kemper III who was nicknamed the "Co-ed Killer. Stanley uses only the rudiments of Kempler’s life to create a fascinating character of evil. In addition to Boden the other two killers, Dwight Paulson and Joe WilderI am not familiar with their real life counterparts, if any.
This is not simply a rehashing of known events but a thoughtful dramatic tale of three men trapped by their own compulsions for violence. As Sonny attempts to extradite himself from the darkness he only plunges more deeply into the abyss of his own making.
This is far different than a cozy murder mystery. It is a dark ride with violence only the beginning but tit is ride once you are on you will not want to quit reading until the end.
Disclosure: the publisher provided me a prerelease copy of the book. This review is voluntary.
February 10, 2025
After reading the first page, I was hooked. It’s dark, violent, and disturbing, yet the excellent writing and twists make it hard to put down. I highly recommend TRH3R; it's one of the most gripping books I’ve ever read and prompts self-reflection.
The story examines American society during a time when technology and forensic science were limited, making it difficult to identify suspects. Instead of following a typical true crime format, it tells an incredible tale. I enjoyed the dialogue and the drug-fueled situations that lead the characters into terrible crimes. The author asks an important question: is it real entertainment when characters are in a state of psychosis, or is it more acceptable when someone like Sonny acts with a planned and careful approach?
This book provides an intriguing perspective on true crime, showcasing how such events can be examined through a lens that maintains a safe distance for the reader. The writing effectively explores the complex dynamics between perpetrators and victims, allowing for deeper insights into these relationships. Rather than inviting readers to confront darker themes, it serves as a narrative device that encourages reflection and understanding, making it a valuable contribution to the genre.
The story examines American society during a time when technology and forensic science were limited, making it difficult to identify suspects. Instead of following a typical true crime format, it tells an incredible tale. I enjoyed the dialogue and the drug-fueled situations that lead the characters into terrible crimes. The author asks an important question: is it real entertainment when characters are in a state of psychosis, or is it more acceptable when someone like Sonny acts with a planned and careful approach?
This book provides an intriguing perspective on true crime, showcasing how such events can be examined through a lens that maintains a safe distance for the reader. The writing effectively explores the complex dynamics between perpetrators and victims, allowing for deeper insights into these relationships. Rather than inviting readers to confront darker themes, it serves as a narrative device that encourages reflection and understanding, making it a valuable contribution to the genre.
April 8, 2025
Not the ending calling out the reader 😂 but guilty, I guess
First and foremost, serial killers are spooky boots and reading this from the POV of one was pretty unsettling
Dwight, although insane was so entertaining (and not the parts of him killing people) just his dialogue and the random shit he did.
Joe should’ve, at the very least, saved his own baby. His ending was someone expected with the weight of that guilt.
Now Sonny, that man is scary. So seemingly normal on the outside and then come to find out he’s having sex with dead bodies in his room for days at a time.
Couple things didn’t sit right with me, one being the repetitive mention of the “black rapist” throughout the book (if I’m remembering correctly) there’s two active rapists, yet even after we learn the name of one he’s still mentioned as the “black rapist” over and over. It felt unnecessary and irked me
The second being, and this is just because it’s so highly unlikely Sonny wouldn’t have been caught sooner, was him dismembering heads in the truck of his car. If his trunk reeked of blood when he opened it, you mean to tell me no one could smell that much blood from multiple victims outside of his vehicle? I doubt it lol
A solid 4 stars!
First and foremost, serial killers are spooky boots and reading this from the POV of one was pretty unsettling
Dwight, although insane was so entertaining (and not the parts of him killing people) just his dialogue and the random shit he did.
Joe should’ve, at the very least, saved his own baby. His ending was someone expected with the weight of that guilt.
Now Sonny, that man is scary. So seemingly normal on the outside and then come to find out he’s having sex with dead bodies in his room for days at a time.
Couple things didn’t sit right with me, one being the repetitive mention of the “black rapist” throughout the book (if I’m remembering correctly) there’s two active rapists, yet even after we learn the name of one he’s still mentioned as the “black rapist” over and over. It felt unnecessary and irked me
The second being, and this is just because it’s so highly unlikely Sonny wouldn’t have been caught sooner, was him dismembering heads in the truck of his car. If his trunk reeked of blood when he opened it, you mean to tell me no one could smell that much blood from multiple victims outside of his vehicle? I doubt it lol
A solid 4 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2025
I received a free copy of this book for the purposes of a review.
Naturally, given the description, this is a dark story. The protagonist, Sonny, is a serial killer. He describes his murders in a detached fashion. Shooting a woman in the back of the head is described as casually as if he had laid a blanket over her. He wants the bodies intact. This leads to descriptions of how he can kill his victim and achieve that aim. It is written in the same manner as a chef detailing the perfecting of a recipe.
That is what makes the story so chilling.
I'm not sure 'enjoyed' is the right word for how I felt about this book. It is very well written.
The detected tone works because we are not dealing with an ordinary person. The downside is that that style means it can't fully express the horror of what is going on. For example one woman is killed by Sonny then her family is murdered by another killer as they return from her funeral.
Overall this is a very well written book and I might even read it again someday - when I can stomach it.
Naturally, given the description, this is a dark story. The protagonist, Sonny, is a serial killer. He describes his murders in a detached fashion. Shooting a woman in the back of the head is described as casually as if he had laid a blanket over her. He wants the bodies intact. This leads to descriptions of how he can kill his victim and achieve that aim. It is written in the same manner as a chef detailing the perfecting of a recipe.
That is what makes the story so chilling.
I'm not sure 'enjoyed' is the right word for how I felt about this book. It is very well written.
The detected tone works because we are not dealing with an ordinary person. The downside is that that style means it can't fully express the horror of what is going on. For example one woman is killed by Sonny then her family is murdered by another killer as they return from her funeral.
Overall this is a very well written book and I might even read it again someday - when I can stomach it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2025
What an In-depth story!
This story is very detailed, scary and I am sure so very much truth to some people. Mental Health is nothing to look down on! This story is so very understandable and scary for not only the people going through the issues, but their family and friends, too.
As I read, I wondered if they were all connected somehow, and then the dawning happened, realizing that life will step in and change a person's projectory.
I hope many people read this story, get thru to the end, and see the enlightenment within the scary.
Thank you, Matt Stanley, for a great story! Your weaving of words to show the whole story, was truly wonderful!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Bernard's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is very detailed, scary and I am sure so very much truth to some people. Mental Health is nothing to look down on! This story is so very understandable and scary for not only the people going through the issues, but their family and friends, too.
As I read, I wondered if they were all connected somehow, and then the dawning happened, realizing that life will step in and change a person's projectory.
I hope many people read this story, get thru to the end, and see the enlightenment within the scary.
Thank you, Matt Stanley, for a great story! Your weaving of words to show the whole story, was truly wonderful!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Bernard's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2025
Oh what a book, great writing, tension from beginning to end, characters that you really want to hate and that deep down each of them there's a reason why they do what they do.
Interesting insight of three killers's minds and what makes them tick, and at some point you might feel empathy for at least our main character Sonny.
You start reading this book and can't believe the things you're reading but you hang in there and suddenly this horrible things become just part of the narrative and the minds of the killers become the main focus. At the intersection moment of the three of them you question yourself, which one of the three is the sanest one?
This was an incredible book to read.
Interesting insight of three killers's minds and what makes them tick, and at some point you might feel empathy for at least our main character Sonny.
You start reading this book and can't believe the things you're reading but you hang in there and suddenly this horrible things become just part of the narrative and the minds of the killers become the main focus. At the intersection moment of the three of them you question yourself, which one of the three is the sanest one?
This was an incredible book to read.
February 27, 2025
This was a very disturbing tale of three serial killers as told by one of them, through his own eyes and words.
It’s very disturbing and tells you about killing in graphic detail. The how, why and feeling behind each kill. I had to skip parts of animal killing and abuse as it made me sick to my stomach. There is no boundary that this book doesn’t cross.
In parts, this was quite comical in the way the three killers. lives all intersect and the easy acceptance of each others “proclivities” and serious mental health issues they all display.
Not for the feint-hearted, not for parents and DEFINITELY not for animal lovers. Read it at your own peril!
It’s very disturbing and tells you about killing in graphic detail. The how, why and feeling behind each kill. I had to skip parts of animal killing and abuse as it made me sick to my stomach. There is no boundary that this book doesn’t cross.
In parts, this was quite comical in the way the three killers. lives all intersect and the easy acceptance of each others “proclivities” and serious mental health issues they all display.
Not for the feint-hearted, not for parents and DEFINITELY not for animal lovers. Read it at your own peril!
January 29, 2025
It's very psychological but also confusing with there being 3 murders that end using each other's guns that's a set up for all 3 of them, I did feel it was long winded to read like it was stretch out l, but I really enjoy reading this book. With coming from the main murders perspective I hope it would be abit more gritty they are all homicidal Insane it's thrilling to read it from there side of murders.
February 5, 2025
After reading the first page I was hooked. Psychological thrillers aren't something I read a lot. But this was captivating and I found it hard to put it down. Okay, it's dark, violent and disturbing, but the excellent writing and all the twists (yeah, you'll love the twists) kinda make it okay to keep going. I can highly recommend TRH3R and say it is one of the most gripping books I've read. It also makes you question yourself at times. There is some humour in there and so, at times, I thought should I find this funny?
Sonny is the main character, and his views on other killers are... I'll say entertaining. His attention to detail is quite rigorous, but scary. It's difficult to say much more without giving anything away. So I'll just say. "Read the first one or two pages and you'll be hooked."
Sonny is the main character, and his views on other killers are... I'll say entertaining. His attention to detail is quite rigorous, but scary. It's difficult to say much more without giving anything away. So I'll just say. "Read the first one or two pages and you'll be hooked."
April 16, 2025
Crazy Good!
This story was INSANE in the very best way. I literally could not put it down. The way the stories of the 3 killers were interwoven was like reading a puzzle. The graphic descriptions,especially Sonny's,were totally cringe worthy. One of the very best serial killer narratives I've read.
Highly recommend.
This story was INSANE in the very best way. I literally could not put it down. The way the stories of the 3 killers were interwoven was like reading a puzzle. The graphic descriptions,especially Sonny's,were totally cringe worthy. One of the very best serial killer narratives I've read.
Highly recommend.
May 21, 2025
3.5 stars
In the same town there are 3 serial killers killing independently and we’re in each of their minds. This was weird, disturbing and sad read but also it was so well written that I couldn’t stop reading (listening) it and I enjoyed it. I definitely recommend checking trigger warnings before reading this one.
In the same town there are 3 serial killers killing independently and we’re in each of their minds. This was weird, disturbing and sad read but also it was so well written that I couldn’t stop reading (listening) it and I enjoyed it. I definitely recommend checking trigger warnings before reading this one.
February 3, 2025
Wow what happens when thr3e serial killers paths cross. A good story that deals well with mental health. This is a dark thriller just the sort I love and I did love this one. Plenty to get into with a good story and good characters. Worth a read.
February 17, 2025
This is very dark and not for the faint hearted. It worked well and it is different from the normal crime drama that I read - it said on the blurb loosely based on a true story. I am not sure how true it is but that didnt really matter.
March 19, 2025
I liked this book. It was definitely different and not really what I expected. It took me a minuet to figure out who everyone was & what was happening but once it clicked I enjoyed it. It was pretty brutal and Dwight was ruthless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2025
I was really excited to read this. Super disappointed. So much to work with and it was so slow. I also dislike errors that sound have been caught before publishing. And the ending almost made me feel guilty for even reading it.
March 28, 2025
Definitely read the trigger warnings before starting this journey, I definitely didn’t do that and was caught off guard by the darkness of portions of the book. Very well written though and kept me interested the whole time. Not for the faint hearted though that’s for sure
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