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I Hunt Killers #4
Every Hunter Is Hunted
From the world of Barry Lyga’s New York Times bestselling I Hunt Killers trilogy comes a thrilling adult mystery about the hunt for a monstrous serial killer.
Brides are being murdered on their wedding nights. Soaked in blood and draped in lace. With nothing left behind to help them find the killer, the FBI is at an impasse. Their only, desperate hope is to convince Jasper Dent, the son of two serial killers and a former teen prodigy at hunting down such monsters, to emerge from his self-imposed exile.
When he was a teenager, both of Jasper’s parents were members of a secret society of serial killers. Today, his father is in prison, and his mother is in a coma, both results of their final confrontation with Jasper years ago. Now wealthy from a bestselling memoir about his parents, Jasper still carries the scars from their parenting—and the uncanny, unwanted ability to understand killers that they instilled in him.
Jasper wants nothing more than to hide from his past – cash his royalty checks and never think about murder and blood again. But he knows the only way to find any meaning or redemption in his life is to face his demons once again. His skills rusty, his confidence shaken, Jasper races against a ticking clock, frantically seeking to solve the impossible mystery before more women meet a horrific end.
Brides are being murdered on their wedding nights. Soaked in blood and draped in lace. With nothing left behind to help them find the killer, the FBI is at an impasse. Their only, desperate hope is to convince Jasper Dent, the son of two serial killers and a former teen prodigy at hunting down such monsters, to emerge from his self-imposed exile.
When he was a teenager, both of Jasper’s parents were members of a secret society of serial killers. Today, his father is in prison, and his mother is in a coma, both results of their final confrontation with Jasper years ago. Now wealthy from a bestselling memoir about his parents, Jasper still carries the scars from their parenting—and the uncanny, unwanted ability to understand killers that they instilled in him.
Jasper wants nothing more than to hide from his past – cash his royalty checks and never think about murder and blood again. But he knows the only way to find any meaning or redemption in his life is to face his demons once again. His skills rusty, his confidence shaken, Jasper races against a ticking clock, frantically seeking to solve the impossible mystery before more women meet a horrific end.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2026
About the author
Barry Lyga
75 books2,212 followersBarry Lyga is a recovering comic book geek. According to Kirkus, he's also a "YA rebel-author." Somehow, the two just don't seem to go together to him.
When he was a kid, everyone told him that comic books were garbage and would rot his brain, but he had the last laugh. Raised on a steady diet of comics, he worked in the comic book industry for ten years, but now writes full-time because, well, wouldn't you?
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl is his first novel. Unsoul'd is his latest. There are a whole bunch in between, featuring everything from the aftermath of child abuse to pre-teens with superpowers to serial killers. He clearly does not know how to stick to one subject.
When he was a kid, everyone told him that comic books were garbage and would rot his brain, but he had the last laugh. Raised on a steady diet of comics, he worked in the comic book industry for ten years, but now writes full-time because, well, wouldn't you?
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl is his first novel. Unsoul'd is his latest. There are a whole bunch in between, featuring everything from the aftermath of child abuse to pre-teens with superpowers to serial killers. He clearly does not know how to stick to one subject.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Want to Read
January 15, 2026Well, guess I’m rereading the I Hunt Killers trilogy.
Want to Read
March 9, 2026EVERYBODY STAY CALM, ITS HAPPENING 😱🥳
June 25, 2026
"what’s a latte?" jasper. baby.
Want to Read
February 16, 2026I've really liked this series previously - as YA stories
interesting this one is a spin off - with an older mc. I'm excited to read this!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
interesting this one is a spin off - with an older mc. I'm excited to read this!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
June 29, 2026
Was so excited to read this, I had to reread the previous trilogy. I enjoyed the book very much. I'm excited to continue Jasper's tortured journey with him, but I was disappointed there was so little "Howie" in this book. I missed Howie's voice and comedic relief.
June 20, 2026
This felt like coming home. I’ve missed IHK sm.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for the ARC!
I loved the I Hunt Killers trilogy, so I was really excited to see Barry Lyga return to this world, this time in an adult mystery. While I found the original series darker and more twisted, I like the idea of the story growing up with its audience and leaning into a more mature tone.
This feels like a solid setup for a new series. Readers of the original trilogy, like me, might be hoping for a more complex and intense plot, but I’m hopeful book two will dig even deeper. I’m definitely curious to see where it goes next!
I loved the I Hunt Killers trilogy, so I was really excited to see Barry Lyga return to this world, this time in an adult mystery. While I found the original series darker and more twisted, I like the idea of the story growing up with its audience and leaning into a more mature tone.
This feels like a solid setup for a new series. Readers of the original trilogy, like me, might be hoping for a more complex and intense plot, but I’m hopeful book two will dig even deeper. I’m definitely curious to see where it goes next!
Want to Read
April 17, 2026i need this book please give it to me 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Every Hunter Is Hunted is apparently a return to Jasper Dent’s world, which is adorable because I had never been to Jasper Dent’s world before. I showed up with no map, no emotional support snacks, and the confidence of a woman who has absolutely made poor choices in bookstores. Suddenly everyone is like “Jasper, after everything you’ve been through,” and I’m in the corner whispering, I’m sorry, what exact flavor of everything are we discussing?
Here’s the setup: brides are being murdered on their wedding nights, covered in blood and lace, which is not so much a crime scene as it is a Pinterest board from hell. The FBI is stuck, because apparently every clue has packed a tiny suitcase and fled the jurisdiction, so they go looking for Jasper Dent. Jasper is the son of two serial killers, a former teenage murder-prodigy profiler type, and currently a man trying very hard to live off his bestselling memoir money and not be dragged back into the family business of nightmare behavior.
And listen, as a first-time Jasper reader, I did understand the basics. Barry Lyga gives you enough history to know Jasper’s parents were monsters, Jasper was trained in deeply horrifying ways, and his past is not baggage so much as an entire airport carousel on fire. But there is a difference between understanding the facts and feeling the full emotional damage, and I could absolutely tell I had missed the original trauma parade from the I Hunt Killers series. It’s like walking into a friend group where everyone survived the same haunted summer camp and nobody wants to explain the lake.
That said, Jasper works even if you meet him late. He has that deeply inconvenient thing where his best skill is also the thing that makes him hate himself. He knows how killers think because he was raised by them, shaped by them, basically handed a murder internship from hell before he was old enough to have a normal personality. Now he’s trying to be a person instead of a weapon, and the universe keeps tapping the glass like, hey, could the weapon come out for one more job?
The mystery itself is fast, bloody, and very readable, with that “just one more chapter” energy that turns into “why is it 1 a.m. and why do I suddenly distrust wedding venues?” The bridal murders are creepy, the ticking clock works, and Jasper stumbling back into the investigative mindset gives the whole thing a sharp little pulse. He is rusty, rattled, and clearly not having a cute comeback era, which made the case more interesting than it would have been with some slick genius strolling in like murder is Sudoku.
But because I had not read the earlier books, some of the emotional side characters felt like people I was told mattered rather than people I felt matter. Connie, Howie, G. William, all of them clearly come with history, heartbreak, loyalty, probably several emotional support flashbacks, and I wanted more. Not because the book failed to explain them, but because I could feel the story assuming I had already cried in this parking lot before. I had not. I was newly arrived and holding my little visitor badge.
The case also gets a bit obvious in places. Not enough to tank the fun, but enough that I was occasionally looking at the page like, are we all waiting for the killer to submit a résumé? Some mystery beats feel very procedural, very “suspect, chase, reveal, repeat,” but Jasper keeps it from feeling flat because his whole interior life is basically a haunted escape room with trust issues. The man cannot look at evil without wondering what it says about him, which is terrible for his mental health and great for narrative tension.
What I liked most is that Every Hunter Is Hunted doesn’t let Jasper’s trauma become a party trick. Yes, he can read monsters. Yes, he has that spooky insight thing going on. But the book keeps circling the uglier question underneath: how do you use the worst thing that ever happened to you without letting it own you? That part hit. Fast, hard, no violin solo needed.
So yes, this was a 3.5 star read for me, with the very specific caveat that I fully believe I would have gotten more out of it if I had read the I Hunt Killers series first like a normal person with respect for chronology. As an entry point, it works. As a continuation, I can tell it probably hits harder. As a personal reading choice, it was me barging into Jasper Dent’s adult trauma sequel and then acting surprised there was homework.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Realize I Started the Murder Trauma Saga in the Emotional Gift Shop
Huge thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC, because nothing says “fun little reading treat” like handing me a bloody bride mystery and accidentally bullying me into adding an entire YA serial killer trilogy to my TBR.
Here’s the setup: brides are being murdered on their wedding nights, covered in blood and lace, which is not so much a crime scene as it is a Pinterest board from hell. The FBI is stuck, because apparently every clue has packed a tiny suitcase and fled the jurisdiction, so they go looking for Jasper Dent. Jasper is the son of two serial killers, a former teenage murder-prodigy profiler type, and currently a man trying very hard to live off his bestselling memoir money and not be dragged back into the family business of nightmare behavior.
And listen, as a first-time Jasper reader, I did understand the basics. Barry Lyga gives you enough history to know Jasper’s parents were monsters, Jasper was trained in deeply horrifying ways, and his past is not baggage so much as an entire airport carousel on fire. But there is a difference between understanding the facts and feeling the full emotional damage, and I could absolutely tell I had missed the original trauma parade from the I Hunt Killers series. It’s like walking into a friend group where everyone survived the same haunted summer camp and nobody wants to explain the lake.
That said, Jasper works even if you meet him late. He has that deeply inconvenient thing where his best skill is also the thing that makes him hate himself. He knows how killers think because he was raised by them, shaped by them, basically handed a murder internship from hell before he was old enough to have a normal personality. Now he’s trying to be a person instead of a weapon, and the universe keeps tapping the glass like, hey, could the weapon come out for one more job?
The mystery itself is fast, bloody, and very readable, with that “just one more chapter” energy that turns into “why is it 1 a.m. and why do I suddenly distrust wedding venues?” The bridal murders are creepy, the ticking clock works, and Jasper stumbling back into the investigative mindset gives the whole thing a sharp little pulse. He is rusty, rattled, and clearly not having a cute comeback era, which made the case more interesting than it would have been with some slick genius strolling in like murder is Sudoku.
But because I had not read the earlier books, some of the emotional side characters felt like people I was told mattered rather than people I felt matter. Connie, Howie, G. William, all of them clearly come with history, heartbreak, loyalty, probably several emotional support flashbacks, and I wanted more. Not because the book failed to explain them, but because I could feel the story assuming I had already cried in this parking lot before. I had not. I was newly arrived and holding my little visitor badge.
The case also gets a bit obvious in places. Not enough to tank the fun, but enough that I was occasionally looking at the page like, are we all waiting for the killer to submit a résumé? Some mystery beats feel very procedural, very “suspect, chase, reveal, repeat,” but Jasper keeps it from feeling flat because his whole interior life is basically a haunted escape room with trust issues. The man cannot look at evil without wondering what it says about him, which is terrible for his mental health and great for narrative tension.
What I liked most is that Every Hunter Is Hunted doesn’t let Jasper’s trauma become a party trick. Yes, he can read monsters. Yes, he has that spooky insight thing going on. But the book keeps circling the uglier question underneath: how do you use the worst thing that ever happened to you without letting it own you? That part hit. Fast, hard, no violin solo needed.
So yes, this was a 3.5 star read for me, with the very specific caveat that I fully believe I would have gotten more out of it if I had read the I Hunt Killers series first like a normal person with respect for chronology. As an entry point, it works. As a continuation, I can tell it probably hits harder. As a personal reading choice, it was me barging into Jasper Dent’s adult trauma sequel and then acting surprised there was homework.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Realize I Started the Murder Trauma Saga in the Emotional Gift Shop
Huge thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC, because nothing says “fun little reading treat” like handing me a bloody bride mystery and accidentally bullying me into adding an entire YA serial killer trilogy to my TBR.
July 1, 2026
This is the long awaited continuation of the story of Jasper Dent. Set a while after the original trilogy this story takes things to a new level. It exceeded all expectations!
I went through a phase in 2012-13 where I read everything I could find that Lyga had in print. I have continued to read his books. But the book or series I recommend the most is this series. I have bought it for my teenage kids, and niece and nephews. I have recommended them to so many people over the years. And this new story takes it to a whole new level, and hopefully sets up more to come. But I am getting ahead of myself. The description of this volume states:
“Brides are being murdered on their wedding nights. Soaked in blood and draped in lace. With nothing left behind to help them find the killer, the FBI is at an impasse. Their only, desperate hope is to convince Jasper Dent, the son of two serial killers and a former teen prodigy at hunting down such monsters, to emerge from his self-imposed exile.
When he was a teenager, both of Jasper’s parents were members of a secret society of serial killers. Today, his father is in prison, and his mother is in a coma, both results of their final confrontation with Jasper years ago. Now wealthy from a bestselling memoir about his parents, Jasper still carries the scars from their parenting—and the uncanny, unwanted ability to understand killers that they instilled in him.
Jasper wants nothing more than to hide from his past – cash his royalty checks and never think about murder and blood again. But he knows the only way to find any meaning or redemption in his life is to face his demons once again. His skills rusty, his confidence shaken, Jasper races against a ticking clock, frantically seeking to solve the impossible mystery before more women meet a horrific end.”
This story hits hard on many levels. Jasper is living alone in the house he inherited from his grandmother. He is working behind the scenes to start a non-profit. Howie is working on that and has been to college. And Connie is on stage in New York. The FBI send someone to try and pull Jasper back in to help hunt a serial killer. And who better than the son of not only 2 serial killers, but who brought the Crows, a collective of killers to light to law enforcement.
Someone is killing brides, on their wedding night. Leaving the husbands incapacitated and wrecked. It has been a while and Jasper feels rusty. He doubts if he can help, and things start to go sideways. He stops communicating with his counsellor back home, and finds himself drawn to a retired therapist who is one of the victims. But things are not all as they appear. And having isolated himself in the Hob he is a little out of touch.
The sins of the father often visit the son. And Jasper knows he has a lot to make up for. But he needs to find out if he can really be of help. To find out read this excellent story!
To go back to my first impressions, wow! One of the greatest things about Lyga's stories is the characters, and the growth of the Jasper in this story is incredible. The pace of the story and plot twists are at times overwhelming. The story is masterfully written. This book was so addictive; I could just not put it down.
A fantastic fourth novel in this series, it is an amazing story in an excellent series.
I went through a phase in 2012-13 where I read everything I could find that Lyga had in print. I have continued to read his books. But the book or series I recommend the most is this series. I have bought it for my teenage kids, and niece and nephews. I have recommended them to so many people over the years. And this new story takes it to a whole new level, and hopefully sets up more to come. But I am getting ahead of myself. The description of this volume states:
“Brides are being murdered on their wedding nights. Soaked in blood and draped in lace. With nothing left behind to help them find the killer, the FBI is at an impasse. Their only, desperate hope is to convince Jasper Dent, the son of two serial killers and a former teen prodigy at hunting down such monsters, to emerge from his self-imposed exile.
When he was a teenager, both of Jasper’s parents were members of a secret society of serial killers. Today, his father is in prison, and his mother is in a coma, both results of their final confrontation with Jasper years ago. Now wealthy from a bestselling memoir about his parents, Jasper still carries the scars from their parenting—and the uncanny, unwanted ability to understand killers that they instilled in him.
Jasper wants nothing more than to hide from his past – cash his royalty checks and never think about murder and blood again. But he knows the only way to find any meaning or redemption in his life is to face his demons once again. His skills rusty, his confidence shaken, Jasper races against a ticking clock, frantically seeking to solve the impossible mystery before more women meet a horrific end.”
This story hits hard on many levels. Jasper is living alone in the house he inherited from his grandmother. He is working behind the scenes to start a non-profit. Howie is working on that and has been to college. And Connie is on stage in New York. The FBI send someone to try and pull Jasper back in to help hunt a serial killer. And who better than the son of not only 2 serial killers, but who brought the Crows, a collective of killers to light to law enforcement.
Someone is killing brides, on their wedding night. Leaving the husbands incapacitated and wrecked. It has been a while and Jasper feels rusty. He doubts if he can help, and things start to go sideways. He stops communicating with his counsellor back home, and finds himself drawn to a retired therapist who is one of the victims. But things are not all as they appear. And having isolated himself in the Hob he is a little out of touch.
The sins of the father often visit the son. And Jasper knows he has a lot to make up for. But he needs to find out if he can really be of help. To find out read this excellent story!
To go back to my first impressions, wow! One of the greatest things about Lyga's stories is the characters, and the growth of the Jasper in this story is incredible. The pace of the story and plot twists are at times overwhelming. The story is masterfully written. This book was so addictive; I could just not put it down.
A fantastic fourth novel in this series, it is an amazing story in an excellent series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The I Hunt Killers series remains one of my favorites (every book was an easy 5 stars) in the YA genre. When I saw Lyga is starting a new adult series featuring Jasper Dent, I might have screamed loud enough that my cat covered his ears.
Jasper lived a dark, disturbing childhood that damaged him in unimaginable ways. Raised by serial killer parents, he was trained to join in the family business and knew how to target a victim, dismember a body, and clean a crime scene at a young age. Thankfully, he was taken from his parents and raised by his grandmother. As a teen, he assisted law enforcement with profiling and understanding serial killers, but is wasn't without losses, chaos, and near death experiences along the way. Now in his twenties, Jasper lives off royalties from his memoir about his parents and tries to maintain healthy boundaries from his past. When he's contacted by the FBI about a killer murdering brides on their wedding night, Jasper agrees to help them. Guilt still weighs heavy on his shoulders as he continues to atone for his parents' past.
Jasper is the poster child for flawed characters. His dreams are filled with unsettling images and full of psychological implications, he knows therapy is crucial, but despises his therapist of several years, and he constantly reminds himself people are important and not prey. Afraid of what might happen if he loses control, Jasper steers clear of alcohol. He's a mess, but is also wickedly clever and remains on my list of favorite fictional characters. Characters from the YA series - girlfriend Connie, former police chief G. William, and best friend Howie - are included, but they're more in the background than primary characters. I'm hoping they get more page time in sequels.
The bridekiller leads Jasper on a cat and mouse game through the streets of Seattle. When the killer veers from Jasper's initial profile, he wonders if he's lost his touch. Seeing Jasper off balance and questioning himself captivated me just as much as the mystery. I had my suspicions about a certain character who seemed pretty obvious, but there are more layers to this story that add to the intrigue.
If you haven't read the YA series, enough backstory is included that you'll get the gist of things, but I'd encourage readers to start there for a deeper understanding. Highly recommended for fans of flawed, complex characters, psychological tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and crime procedurals.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Jasper lived a dark, disturbing childhood that damaged him in unimaginable ways. Raised by serial killer parents, he was trained to join in the family business and knew how to target a victim, dismember a body, and clean a crime scene at a young age. Thankfully, he was taken from his parents and raised by his grandmother. As a teen, he assisted law enforcement with profiling and understanding serial killers, but is wasn't without losses, chaos, and near death experiences along the way. Now in his twenties, Jasper lives off royalties from his memoir about his parents and tries to maintain healthy boundaries from his past. When he's contacted by the FBI about a killer murdering brides on their wedding night, Jasper agrees to help them. Guilt still weighs heavy on his shoulders as he continues to atone for his parents' past.
Jasper is the poster child for flawed characters. His dreams are filled with unsettling images and full of psychological implications, he knows therapy is crucial, but despises his therapist of several years, and he constantly reminds himself people are important and not prey. Afraid of what might happen if he loses control, Jasper steers clear of alcohol. He's a mess, but is also wickedly clever and remains on my list of favorite fictional characters. Characters from the YA series - girlfriend Connie, former police chief G. William, and best friend Howie - are included, but they're more in the background than primary characters. I'm hoping they get more page time in sequels.
The bridekiller leads Jasper on a cat and mouse game through the streets of Seattle. When the killer veers from Jasper's initial profile, he wonders if he's lost his touch. Seeing Jasper off balance and questioning himself captivated me just as much as the mystery. I had my suspicions about a certain character who seemed pretty obvious, but there are more layers to this story that add to the intrigue.
If you haven't read the YA series, enough backstory is included that you'll get the gist of things, but I'd encourage readers to start there for a deeper understanding. Highly recommended for fans of flawed, complex characters, psychological tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and crime procedurals.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book (expected publication date of June 23rd, 2026) in exchange for my honest feedback!
This is not really a stand-alone novel. Not in spirit, at least. It is apparently the continuation of the author’s I Hunt Killers young adult series (which I have not read). Sure, it explains past events enough that you don’t NEED to read the previous books to know what’s happening, but it just feels rather absurd to describe such intense events so passively. Upon learning that the protagonist was raped at six years old by his own mother, it felt like that deserved a bit more than just being casually stated as background information. Further, without reading the prior books, we are given no reason to feel bad that G. William is sick. The book keeps talking about how important of a figure G. William is to Jasper, but as the reader, I just didn’t care about him.
That, however, is more of an issue with marketing. I can’t fault the book itself for being a sequel. The book’s biggest offenses are that it is both painfully predictable, and insultingly formulaic and soulless.
It was so obvious who the killer was. Like, to the point where either I need to sign up for the FBI, or all of the agents featured in this book need to be fired immediately. I found at least six reasons why it had to be (yes, I counted), but even more obviously, the guilty character was just given too much unwarranted screen time to not be the killer.
This book also just felt so formulaic. It felt almost like the outline was spat out by AI after having watched a series of procedural cop shows. From the first three incorrect suspects (each one with increasing motive / opportunity), to the poorly described chase scenes, to the unearned character growth, it felt like a fill-in-the-blank mystery novel template.
I can see how someone could get sucked into a mystery book like this. It is very vanilla and cookie-cutter, but still exciting. Reading it felt like I was watching an episode of NCIS. Predictable but still engaging and fun.
I can’t imagine I will be recommending this book to anyone, and I doubt I’ll be picking up any sequels, but reading this book wasn’t a bad time.
This is not really a stand-alone novel. Not in spirit, at least. It is apparently the continuation of the author’s I Hunt Killers young adult series (which I have not read). Sure, it explains past events enough that you don’t NEED to read the previous books to know what’s happening, but it just feels rather absurd to describe such intense events so passively. Upon learning that the protagonist was raped at six years old by his own mother, it felt like that deserved a bit more than just being casually stated as background information. Further, without reading the prior books, we are given no reason to feel bad that G. William is sick. The book keeps talking about how important of a figure G. William is to Jasper, but as the reader, I just didn’t care about him.
That, however, is more of an issue with marketing. I can’t fault the book itself for being a sequel. The book’s biggest offenses are that it is both painfully predictable, and insultingly formulaic and soulless.
It was so obvious who the killer was. Like, to the point where either I need to sign up for the FBI, or all of the agents featured in this book need to be fired immediately. I found at least six reasons why it had to be (yes, I counted), but even more obviously, the guilty character was just given too much unwarranted screen time to not be the killer.
This book also just felt so formulaic. It felt almost like the outline was spat out by AI after having watched a series of procedural cop shows. From the first three incorrect suspects (each one with increasing motive / opportunity), to the poorly described chase scenes, to the unearned character growth, it felt like a fill-in-the-blank mystery novel template.
I can see how someone could get sucked into a mystery book like this. It is very vanilla and cookie-cutter, but still exciting. Reading it felt like I was watching an episode of NCIS. Predictable but still engaging and fun.
I can’t imagine I will be recommending this book to anyone, and I doubt I’ll be picking up any sequels, but reading this book wasn’t a bad time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read this in a single evening.
I haven't read the original series, although now I'm thinking I might (I love reading mystery in the fall...might pick it up then!). Therefore I can definitely say that you don't need to read the original series to understand this book and what's happening. It probably gives a bunch of good context, but I was still able to understand everything.
I grew up on criminal minds, ncis, psych, csi miami. My favorite podcast is one about true crime. I think it's because I find it so utterly hard to comprehend the mind of someone who can do something so badly to another human being while also wanting to bear witness to victim's stories. If it was my loved one, I wouldn't want them to be forgotten. I say this so one might be able to see why I ate this book up.
Jasper has a rather insane life -- his parents essentially ran a serial killer cult. He helped capture them as a teenager. He's now in his twenties, traumatized, in therapy, and the FBI needs his help on a case. Jasper's struggles were so realistic, and it made him a wonderfully three dimensional character to read about. You couldn't help but ache for him. A note here -- trigger warning for child abuse. It's dark and sickening, but Lyga balances it well I think. Jasper helps on this case, and it makes him to confront things about his past that he'd been avoiding.
The killer is crazy. The case is rather heart breaking. Jasper's emotional turmoil as well as growth here is truly great to witness. I was hooked, constantly flipping the page because I needed to know who did this & felt connected to Jasper.
I especially loved that there's room for future books. I'd love to keep on reading Jasper's stories!
Thanks so much to the author and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review.
I haven't read the original series, although now I'm thinking I might (I love reading mystery in the fall...might pick it up then!). Therefore I can definitely say that you don't need to read the original series to understand this book and what's happening. It probably gives a bunch of good context, but I was still able to understand everything.
I grew up on criminal minds, ncis, psych, csi miami. My favorite podcast is one about true crime. I think it's because I find it so utterly hard to comprehend the mind of someone who can do something so badly to another human being while also wanting to bear witness to victim's stories. If it was my loved one, I wouldn't want them to be forgotten. I say this so one might be able to see why I ate this book up.
Jasper has a rather insane life -- his parents essentially ran a serial killer cult. He helped capture them as a teenager. He's now in his twenties, traumatized, in therapy, and the FBI needs his help on a case. Jasper's struggles were so realistic, and it made him a wonderfully three dimensional character to read about. You couldn't help but ache for him. A note here -- trigger warning for child abuse. It's dark and sickening, but Lyga balances it well I think. Jasper helps on this case, and it makes him to confront things about his past that he'd been avoiding.
The killer is crazy. The case is rather heart breaking. Jasper's emotional turmoil as well as growth here is truly great to witness. I was hooked, constantly flipping the page because I needed to know who did this & felt connected to Jasper.
I especially loved that there's room for future books. I'd love to keep on reading Jasper's stories!
Thanks so much to the author and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Barry Lyga drops us right back into the dark, twisted mindscape that made I Hunt Killers so unforgettable—only this time, everything feels older, rougher, and a lot more haunted.
The premise alone is chilling: brides murdered on their wedding nights, “soaked in blood and draped in lace,” with no clues left behind. Enter Jasper Dent—older, richer, and desperately trying not to be the guy who understands monsters… except he still does. And of course, he gets pulled back in.
What worked:
Lyga absolutely nails the atmosphere. It’s bleak, tense, and full of that psychological cat-and-mouse he’s so good at. Jasper remains the highlight—damaged, sharp, and constantly walking the line between hunter and something much darker. The pacing is fast, and the stakes feel real, with a genuine sense of urgency as the body count threatens to rise.
What didn’t quite land (for me):
I spent a solid chunk of the book going, “C’mon! Can’t you see it’s THIS person?!” The mystery leans a little too hard on withholding obvious clues, which takes away some of the tension. Instead of feeling shocked by the reveals, I mostly felt like I was waiting for Jasper to catch up.
That said, the journey is still gripping. Even when you think you’ve figured it out, Lyga keeps things engaging through character depth and psychological tension rather than pure plot twists.
Overall:
A dark, compelling return to Jasper Dent’s world. Not quite as sharp on the mystery side as it wants to be, but still a solid, unsettling read for anyone who likes their crime fiction intense and a little disturbing.
If you love serial killer psychology, morally gray protagonists, and that constant “how close am I to becoming the monster?” tension—this is absolutely worth picking up.
The premise alone is chilling: brides murdered on their wedding nights, “soaked in blood and draped in lace,” with no clues left behind. Enter Jasper Dent—older, richer, and desperately trying not to be the guy who understands monsters… except he still does. And of course, he gets pulled back in.
What worked:
Lyga absolutely nails the atmosphere. It’s bleak, tense, and full of that psychological cat-and-mouse he’s so good at. Jasper remains the highlight—damaged, sharp, and constantly walking the line between hunter and something much darker. The pacing is fast, and the stakes feel real, with a genuine sense of urgency as the body count threatens to rise.
What didn’t quite land (for me):
I spent a solid chunk of the book going, “C’mon! Can’t you see it’s THIS person?!” The mystery leans a little too hard on withholding obvious clues, which takes away some of the tension. Instead of feeling shocked by the reveals, I mostly felt like I was waiting for Jasper to catch up.
That said, the journey is still gripping. Even when you think you’ve figured it out, Lyga keeps things engaging through character depth and psychological tension rather than pure plot twists.
Overall:
A dark, compelling return to Jasper Dent’s world. Not quite as sharp on the mystery side as it wants to be, but still a solid, unsettling read for anyone who likes their crime fiction intense and a little disturbing.
If you love serial killer psychology, morally gray protagonists, and that constant “how close am I to becoming the monster?” tension—this is absolutely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm a Jasper Dent fan. His YA trilogy was memorable, riveting, and aside from his age at the time, it didn't feel very YA what with the topic. See, in case you didn't know, Jasper's dad is an infamous serial killer. In the YA books, Jasper's mission was to right some wrongs, help law enforcement catch copycat killers, which eventually led to the final reckoning with his dad. Jasper didn't come out of that unscathed, but I wished him well when that series ended, thinking that's the last of Jasper Dent.
Am I so happy to be wrong! It's so cool to have a series "grow up" with its intended audience. Many years later, now an adult, Jasper returns for yet another hunt. This time it's the Bridekiller, and they're exactly what the moniker suggests. This was a good transition novel. We see Jasper's struggle with his legacy, finding his own version of normalcy, lead a purposeful life... while dealing with the lowest of society. Sadly, Jasper is so good at what he does because of his experience. I'm hoping this particular arc in Jasper's story gets resolved at some point in this new series, while also following his adrenaline fueled hunts.
PS You could probably skip the YA trilogy. There's a lot of references, but BLyga was kind enough to give a brief summary of that. That said, your reading experience will be better if you do take the time to read the trilogy.
Am I so happy to be wrong! It's so cool to have a series "grow up" with its intended audience. Many years later, now an adult, Jasper returns for yet another hunt. This time it's the Bridekiller, and they're exactly what the moniker suggests. This was a good transition novel. We see Jasper's struggle with his legacy, finding his own version of normalcy, lead a purposeful life... while dealing with the lowest of society. Sadly, Jasper is so good at what he does because of his experience. I'm hoping this particular arc in Jasper's story gets resolved at some point in this new series, while also following his adrenaline fueled hunts.
PS You could probably skip the YA trilogy. There's a lot of references, but BLyga was kind enough to give a brief summary of that. That said, your reading experience will be better if you do take the time to read the trilogy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I picked this one up as a palate cleanser so to speak during endless comp research and I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. I didn’t read the first three books because I didn’t realize there were previous books until it was too late for me to read them and get my review done. So I went back and read the synopses of the first three and hoped for the best. Honestly between that and the references to the previous books while reading, I felt like I understood the previous books pretty well. And yes, this book was super entertaining. At times it may have been a bit formulaic (I didn’t care) and I did know who the killer and attacker were right off the bat. However, the storyline was more than enough to keep me engaged the whole way through. I also really liked Jasper’s snarky persona. His attitude really fit his character. I also really liked the relationship between him and de la Croix. They seemed to fit really well together and I’m really interested to see what they get up to in future books. The premise is definitely enough to keep me reading!
Huge thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Huge thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jazz hasn’t really done anything since putting his father in prison and writing a book. But as all quiet ends in noise, so does Jazz’s when there is a knock on the door. It is a young, pretty FBI agent asking for his help as brides are being murdered on their wedding nights in their dresses. Jazz wants nothing more to do with serial killers, but is convinced to help the FBI on this so no more women are killed.
I don’t want to go too far into this as it is a mystery for the reader as well as Jazz, so I wish you well on your journey. I really loved this book, but I was a big fan of the other Jasper Dent books and was very happy to see this new one coming out. This is just as awesome as those were. They are action-packed, very suspenseful, and have a few twists and turns that might surprise. The characters are well curated for the story, and all of it fits together like a glove. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for more, and hopefully Jazz won’t take so much time off for a while.
Review copy was provided by Netgalley
I don’t want to go too far into this as it is a mystery for the reader as well as Jazz, so I wish you well on your journey. I really loved this book, but I was a big fan of the other Jasper Dent books and was very happy to see this new one coming out. This is just as awesome as those were. They are action-packed, very suspenseful, and have a few twists and turns that might surprise. The characters are well curated for the story, and all of it fits together like a glove. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for more, and hopefully Jazz won’t take so much time off for a while.
Review copy was provided by Netgalley
June 28, 2026
I always feel so bad for Jasper when I read these books. He just wants to live a normal life, but he's under the cloud of his parents actions and can't seem to get away from them. Regular people and the law enforcement seem to think Jasper is like his parents, despite being a kid when they went on their evil sprees. It does drive me nuts how then people from law enforcement still want Jasper's help.
The crimes in this one seemed so bad, mostly because of the promise that was lost with the lives. More so when you get to the end and find out the bad guy and why. It's so senseless. About midway through I had an inkling of the bad guy, was right and felt bad. This person was so manipulative, it sucked that Jasper was pulled into their orbit. Between that and someone with a grudge for past doings of Jasper's parents, he didn't stand a chance of things going easy.
I found the conversation Jasper had at the end to be interesting. I feel like it was a good thing, allows him to acknowledge his past and figure out a way to make that work for his future.
The crimes in this one seemed so bad, mostly because of the promise that was lost with the lives. More so when you get to the end and find out the bad guy and why. It's so senseless. About midway through I had an inkling of the bad guy, was right and felt bad. This person was so manipulative, it sucked that Jasper was pulled into their orbit. Between that and someone with a grudge for past doings of Jasper's parents, he didn't stand a chance of things going easy.
I found the conversation Jasper had at the end to be interesting. I feel like it was a good thing, allows him to acknowledge his past and figure out a way to make that work for his future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2026
This was such a fun summer thriller!☀️
When a civilian with a tragic and complicated past reluctantly joins forces with the FBI to track down a serial killer who may have ties to his own history, the result is a fast-paced and highly entertaining read.
The pacing kept me turning pages, and I thought the killer reveal was well done. Even though this isn’t the first book in the Jasper Dent series, I never felt lost and had no trouble following the story. That said, the glimpses into Jasper’s past were so intriguing and absolutely wild that they left me desperate to go back and read the earlier books.
I had a great time with this one and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, engaging summer thriller. And if the rest of the series is anything like the pieces of Jasper’s story we get here, I’ll definitely be picking up the previous books.
Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for a review! 🫶🏻
When a civilian with a tragic and complicated past reluctantly joins forces with the FBI to track down a serial killer who may have ties to his own history, the result is a fast-paced and highly entertaining read.
The pacing kept me turning pages, and I thought the killer reveal was well done. Even though this isn’t the first book in the Jasper Dent series, I never felt lost and had no trouble following the story. That said, the glimpses into Jasper’s past were so intriguing and absolutely wild that they left me desperate to go back and read the earlier books.
I had a great time with this one and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, engaging summer thriller. And if the rest of the series is anything like the pieces of Jasper’s story we get here, I’ll definitely be picking up the previous books.
Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for a review! 🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ok, I know I am biased because I so loved the I Hunt Killers trilogy! I am so excited that Barry Lyga is returning to this world for adult readers. However, new readers are more than welcome to the party. Lyga provides enough background information for new readers to understand Jasper's backstory and why the FBI is interested in his help catching a serial killer.
As Jasper, no longer Jazz, examines crime scenes and interviews potential witnesses, he has to face his past and try to come to terms with who he is and who he wants to become.
Part crime procedural, part psychological thriller, and part character study, readers will root for Jasper to solve the crime and evolve into a man who is finally comfortable in his own skin.
I recommend to readers of crime and mystery who are not bothered by a bit of gore.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this sneak peek!
As Jasper, no longer Jazz, examines crime scenes and interviews potential witnesses, he has to face his past and try to come to terms with who he is and who he wants to become.
Part crime procedural, part psychological thriller, and part character study, readers will root for Jasper to solve the crime and evolve into a man who is finally comfortable in his own skin.
I recommend to readers of crime and mystery who are not bothered by a bit of gore.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this sneak peek!
April 25, 2026
Barry Lyga returns to the world of the I Hunt Killers trilogy in a new adult mystery series!! 🥳
I have had the first book in the trilogy on my TBR for years! 🫣 I still want to and will read it, but I was really curious to see how the new series is and I was not disappointed! It definitely gives enough backstory on the trilogy that you can read this without reading the trilogy. That said, I think I would try to read the trilogy first because I have a feeling you would get even more out of this one! 🤓
This was definitely a fast-paced read that kept me engaged! A bit on the predictable side, but still a very enjoyable read especially if you like police procedurals around serial killers! 👏
Thank you Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️ Looking forward to book two!
I have had the first book in the trilogy on my TBR for years! 🫣 I still want to and will read it, but I was really curious to see how the new series is and I was not disappointed! It definitely gives enough backstory on the trilogy that you can read this without reading the trilogy. That said, I think I would try to read the trilogy first because I have a feeling you would get even more out of this one! 🤓
This was definitely a fast-paced read that kept me engaged! A bit on the predictable side, but still a very enjoyable read especially if you like police procedurals around serial killers! 👏
Thank you Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️ Looking forward to book two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book on Monday, its Wednesday now and I've officially read it in two states, between car rides, work, and even at the zoo, and I have to say how good it is to have Jasper Dent back.
The reveal of the killer wasn't a surprise because I've read each book in this series cover to cover, yearly. I know Jasper Dent as well as I know myself, and seeing him fall into his same old patterns didn't surprise me but I loved it - loved seeing that he's changed, but also hasn't changed in the ways that matter. I could probably write an entire essay about Jasper Francis Dent and why this series, this book, is amazing and worth the read.
Barry Lyga created a character that has come to life on page so realistically for me, that it feels like catching up with an old friend. I can't wait to see where the continuation of his story goes.
The reveal of the killer wasn't a surprise because I've read each book in this series cover to cover, yearly. I know Jasper Dent as well as I know myself, and seeing him fall into his same old patterns didn't surprise me but I loved it - loved seeing that he's changed, but also hasn't changed in the ways that matter. I could probably write an entire essay about Jasper Francis Dent and why this series, this book, is amazing and worth the read.
Barry Lyga created a character that has come to life on page so realistically for me, that it feels like catching up with an old friend. I can't wait to see where the continuation of his story goes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2026
Deserve, McCutcheon often said, was a difficult, complicated word. Very few people actually deserved much of anything, other than basic respect and decency, but as a society we’ve convinced ourselves that we individually and collectively “deserve” so much.
As a fan of the original series, I had a blast reading this. Loved being back in Jasper’s fucked up little world where he’s doing his very best to become his own person away from his parents’ shadow. It was a bit painful but still full of hope to see him experience things that a normal man in his 20s might like. A latte, some harmless flirting, places other than Lobo’s Nod, etc. I think it’s always Jasper’s character more than the plot that makes this more enjoyable and I’m going to keep reading them as Barry Lyga releases them.
Buckle up—there’s more to come!
Music to my ears!
As a fan of the original series, I had a blast reading this. Loved being back in Jasper’s fucked up little world where he’s doing his very best to become his own person away from his parents’ shadow. It was a bit painful but still full of hope to see him experience things that a normal man in his 20s might like. A latte, some harmless flirting, places other than Lobo’s Nod, etc. I think it’s always Jasper’s character more than the plot that makes this more enjoyable and I’m going to keep reading them as Barry Lyga releases them.
Buckle up—there’s more to come!
Music to my ears!
July 1, 2026
I went into this one without realizing it was a continuation of a young adult series. While it gives enough background that you can follow the story without reading those books first, I do think I would have connected with Jasper even more if I had.
That said, this was still a fast paced and entertaining read. Following Jasper as he was pulled back into a world he desperately wanted to leave behind kept me hooked from the beginning. He is such an interesting character, and his past adds so much depth to the story. The investigation moved at a great pace, and I flew through this one. If you’re already a fan of the original series, I think you’ll appreciate this one even more. Overall, it was a solid read that kept the pages turning!
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the gifted copy!
That said, this was still a fast paced and entertaining read. Following Jasper as he was pulled back into a world he desperately wanted to leave behind kept me hooked from the beginning. He is such an interesting character, and his past adds so much depth to the story. The investigation moved at a great pace, and I flew through this one. If you’re already a fan of the original series, I think you’ll appreciate this one even more. Overall, it was a solid read that kept the pages turning!
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the gifted copy!
July 1, 2026
It was actually so nice to be back in Jazz's head. I Hunt Killers would be one of the last series I would have picked for an adult continuation--the original trilogy was well rounded with a solid conclusion-- but, after picking up this book, it immediately makes so much sense. Jazz is a fascinating character, both relatable and alien, and it's so cool to see a more adult, more mature version of him. He's actively trying to work through his past, and working to come to terms with the fact that what he derives fulfillment from is so closely linked to what traumatized him.
This was a really solid start to a larger story, and I can't wait for the next one!
This was a really solid start to a larger story, and I can't wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨ARC Review✨
Brides are being killed on their wedding nights. The husbands have no idea what has happened. 👀
A fun, fast paced thriller to catch a serial killer.
The plot twist in this had me thrown for a loop, but once it hit everything just clicked.
If you love serial killer novels with twists and turns the you will love this!
Brides are being killed on their wedding nights. The husbands have no idea what has happened. 👀
A fun, fast paced thriller to catch a serial killer.
The plot twist in this had me thrown for a loop, but once it hit everything just clicked.
If you love serial killer novels with twists and turns the you will love this!
July 1, 2026
Despite not reading any of the prior books, this book was written in an easy to understand way that I appreciated.
I loved the story and the background of our main character, but did find the book a little long and dragged out, but this didn’t affect my rating.
Would highly recommend.
I loved the story and the background of our main character, but did find the book a little long and dragged out, but this didn’t affect my rating.
Would highly recommend.
June 26, 2026
4.75 Stars
This is a fantastic continuation of the series. It has the same feel, just with Jasper grown up.
This is a fantastic continuation of the series. It has the same feel, just with Jasper grown up.
July 2, 2026
Rating: 4 Stars
Loved this, however, it felt a bit too obvious at times, but I hope more books get published.
Loved this, however, it felt a bit too obvious at times, but I hope more books get published.
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