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Murder in the Dark #1
I Hear They Burn for Murder
“We’re playing Murder in the Dark, Agent.”
Special Agent Ezekiel Herod knows the game well, but he’s never played it quite like this before.
Rainer Bryssengur is only a professor of English and Ezekiel doesn’t expect to gain any insight from him into his case, only to cross him off the list as a person of interest. Then he meets him and gets a glimpse behind the carefully crafted mask Rainer wears every day to the monster he is at heart.
“Which one of us is the liar?”
Sometimes even a psychopathic serial killer gets tired of killing people and that’s where Rainer is when Ezekiel walks into his office and stirs things up. The serial killer the media has dubbed The Lamplighter has been dormant because Rainer’s heart just isn’t in it anymore. But Ezekiel presents him with a new opportunity, a challenge… a game. Rainer sees in him the perfect adversary.
They’re more alike than either of them suspect and soon Ezekiel gets pulled in deeper than he thought possible, past the point of no return.
“Which one of us isn’t? That’s the real question.”
Special Agent Ezekiel Herod knows the game well, but he’s never played it quite like this before.
Rainer Bryssengur is only a professor of English and Ezekiel doesn’t expect to gain any insight from him into his case, only to cross him off the list as a person of interest. Then he meets him and gets a glimpse behind the carefully crafted mask Rainer wears every day to the monster he is at heart.
“Which one of us is the liar?”
Sometimes even a psychopathic serial killer gets tired of killing people and that’s where Rainer is when Ezekiel walks into his office and stirs things up. The serial killer the media has dubbed The Lamplighter has been dormant because Rainer’s heart just isn’t in it anymore. But Ezekiel presents him with a new opportunity, a challenge… a game. Rainer sees in him the perfect adversary.
They’re more alike than either of them suspect and soon Ezekiel gets pulled in deeper than he thought possible, past the point of no return.
“Which one of us isn’t? That’s the real question.”
551 pages, ebook
First published February 11, 2016
21 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Aarne
16 books114 followersJ.L. Aarne currently lives in the Northwest United States. She was born in Washington, but she has moved around a lot and lived in many other places. She has two cats, Jack and Wally, and she is a compulsive collector of notebooks and coffee mugs, which she drinks tea out of. Aarne studied English and literature at the University of New Orleans. Her favorite fictional characters always seem to be the villains.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 16, 2022
WARNING! RANT! UNPOPULAR OPINION! MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS but the GOOD KIND.. umm MAYBE?
Oi! it went all wrong! It’s NOT ME! it’s the book.
I really wanted it to be good! expectations! expectations!
I mean, read the blurb, isn’t it just beautiful! you can’t help but picture a dark, FBI-serial killer crime/mystery story, then look at this beautiful quote at the beginning of the book!
Rainer cut off a thick, red strip of meat and tossed it to Aeolus. The coyote darted forward to snatch it up and retreated again from the fire. The man Rainer was feeding to them was bound and gagged, staked to the ground with his arms over his head and his legs together. He had told Rainer that his name was Jack at the club where they met.
GAAAHH! I knew this was my kind of book.. then a couple of pages we meet Rainer’s brother.
Rainer’s brother Thomas lived in a house in Hancock Park. He was the owner of and executive chef at the posh Centzon Totochtin restaurant.
Then BOOM! BAM! This! And I am dead! Deceased! Goner!
Come here,” Thomas said. Rainer set his glass down and walked around the counter to him. Thomas met him, backed him up against the doorway and kissed him. Rainer kissed him back, moving away from the doorway partition to back him into the living room, his hands pulling at Thomas’s shirt until he got it untucked, then moving to yank open his belt
We meet Ezekiel the tough determined FBI agent and his twin brother Jacob, they also have a relationship going on, and they are werewolves.
So far we got, BROCEST! TWINCEST! WEREWOLVES, SERIAL KILLER! I was like, who did I bribe? The book gods are on my side.
That was the first 30%, the writing was good, I was in book heaven! then… then… poof! The story took a nosedive.
When Ezekiel the FBI met Rainer the serial killer, and then Rainer decided it was fun to start taunting him, it all went south. We dived into Dexter quoting monologues, Law & Order, Criminal Mind watching sessions, I have watched and read Dexter, I HAVE watched Law & Order and Criminal minds, I don’t want to read about a serial killer and an FBI agent sitting on the couch watching those shows and the said FBI agent reading Dexter, and telling me about Dexter, I know Dexter like I know my Kindle! Where is my cat and mouse, edge of the seat, adrenaline inducing FBI/Serial killer chase story?
The middle part became boring and repetitive, at one point we got Ezekiel’s POV and forgot about Rainer. Ezekiel POV was boring, he came off as mean and he was really bad at his job, yet he is a Doctor of forensic psychology. Can you imagine Agent Hotchner, sitting outside a serial killer’s house, knowing very well the guy is a serial killer, (the said serial killer knows an FBI agent is watching him) and listening to the serial killer have sex with his brother and then going back home and jerking off to that memory? Yeah! Yeah! I know it is fiction, but please give me a tiny bit of believable story.
This book could have benefited from serious editing, there was too much, too much stuff going on. We had Why not just pick one and stick to it.
The story ends with a cliffy and even that part was a disappointment. Shocker! 😱😱
It’s like when I watched the Vampire Diaries, and I was really into it then at some point everyone became a vampire. That is why I stick to Supernatural! Sam and Dean never disappoint! Give me two characters, develop a story around them and we are good to go up to season 20. I have now gone off topic!
Anyhoo, back to this! Eeeeh! don’t mind me, look at all the sparkling 5 stars, I am the odd ball out.
Wait! Just remembered, another thing that bothered me a lot was constantly being educated about psychopaths and being told that Rainer is one. (More than 30 times) I know this already from the 1st chapter, Aye! no need to convince me!
*It was possible, even likely, that he was a psychopath.
*Ezekiel stood in front of Rainer’s door. When studying the psychopath in the wild, it is best to do so from a safe distance and not to interact or interfere with the creature.
*It is well known that psychopaths have poor impulse control.
*He wouldn’t necessarily be nervous because psychopaths weren’t nervous people
*In high functioning, intelligent psychopaths, violent outbursts are less common, but they still occur, often without warning and with very little provocation. Such outbursts are more likely to occur in territory that the psychopath has claimed and marked as his own.
*Anything can trigger such an extreme reaction in the psychopath
*“Like what, love?” Ezekiel asked, amused to be having such a conversation with a psychopath.
*“Off the record, I think Rainer Bryssengur’s a psychopath,” Ezekiel said honestly. “Whether he’s a murderer or not, I couldn’t say. It’s not illegal to be a psychopath though, Detective. You want to keep that in mind.”
GAAAH! this one had real potential to become one of the best dark books out there! I feel cheated.
Ok! I will stop now! For real!
Thank you so much Impatient Elf, for gifting me this book.
Oi! it went all wrong! It’s NOT ME! it’s the book.
I really wanted it to be good! expectations! expectations!
I mean, read the blurb, isn’t it just beautiful! you can’t help but picture a dark, FBI-serial killer crime/mystery story, then look at this beautiful quote at the beginning of the book!
Rainer cut off a thick, red strip of meat and tossed it to Aeolus. The coyote darted forward to snatch it up and retreated again from the fire. The man Rainer was feeding to them was bound and gagged, staked to the ground with his arms over his head and his legs together. He had told Rainer that his name was Jack at the club where they met.
GAAAHH! I knew this was my kind of book.. then a couple of pages we meet Rainer’s brother.
Rainer’s brother Thomas lived in a house in Hancock Park. He was the owner of and executive chef at the posh Centzon Totochtin restaurant.
Then BOOM! BAM! This! And I am dead! Deceased! Goner!
Come here,” Thomas said. Rainer set his glass down and walked around the counter to him. Thomas met him, backed him up against the doorway and kissed him. Rainer kissed him back, moving away from the doorway partition to back him into the living room, his hands pulling at Thomas’s shirt until he got it untucked, then moving to yank open his belt
We meet Ezekiel the tough determined FBI agent and his twin brother Jacob, they also have a relationship going on, and they are werewolves.
So far we got, BROCEST! TWINCEST! WEREWOLVES, SERIAL KILLER! I was like, who did I bribe? The book gods are on my side.
That was the first 30%, the writing was good, I was in book heaven! then… then… poof! The story took a nosedive.
When Ezekiel the FBI met Rainer the serial killer, and then Rainer decided it was fun to start taunting him, it all went south. We dived into Dexter quoting monologues, Law & Order, Criminal Mind watching sessions, I have watched and read Dexter, I HAVE watched Law & Order and Criminal minds, I don’t want to read about a serial killer and an FBI agent sitting on the couch watching those shows and the said FBI agent reading Dexter, and telling me about Dexter, I know Dexter like I know my Kindle! Where is my cat and mouse, edge of the seat, adrenaline inducing FBI/Serial killer chase story?
The middle part became boring and repetitive, at one point we got Ezekiel’s POV and forgot about Rainer. Ezekiel POV was boring, he came off as mean and he was really bad at his job, yet he is a Doctor of forensic psychology. Can you imagine Agent Hotchner, sitting outside a serial killer’s house, knowing very well the guy is a serial killer, (the said serial killer knows an FBI agent is watching him) and listening to the serial killer have sex with his brother and then going back home and jerking off to that memory? Yeah! Yeah! I know it is fiction, but please give me a tiny bit of believable story.
This book could have benefited from serious editing, there was too much, too much stuff going on. We had Why not just pick one and stick to it.
The story ends with a cliffy and even that part was a disappointment. Shocker! 😱😱
It’s like when I watched the Vampire Diaries, and I was really into it then at some point everyone became a vampire. That is why I stick to Supernatural! Sam and Dean never disappoint! Give me two characters, develop a story around them and we are good to go up to season 20. I have now gone off topic!
Anyhoo, back to this! Eeeeh! don’t mind me, look at all the sparkling 5 stars, I am the odd ball out.
Wait! Just remembered, another thing that bothered me a lot was constantly being educated about psychopaths and being told that Rainer is one. (More than 30 times) I know this already from the 1st chapter, Aye! no need to convince me!
*It was possible, even likely, that he was a psychopath.
*Ezekiel stood in front of Rainer’s door. When studying the psychopath in the wild, it is best to do so from a safe distance and not to interact or interfere with the creature.
*It is well known that psychopaths have poor impulse control.
*He wouldn’t necessarily be nervous because psychopaths weren’t nervous people
*In high functioning, intelligent psychopaths, violent outbursts are less common, but they still occur, often without warning and with very little provocation. Such outbursts are more likely to occur in territory that the psychopath has claimed and marked as his own.
*Anything can trigger such an extreme reaction in the psychopath
*“Like what, love?” Ezekiel asked, amused to be having such a conversation with a psychopath.
*“Off the record, I think Rainer Bryssengur’s a psychopath,” Ezekiel said honestly. “Whether he’s a murderer or not, I couldn’t say. It’s not illegal to be a psychopath though, Detective. You want to keep that in mind.”
GAAAH! this one had real potential to become one of the best dark books out there! I feel cheated.
Ok! I will stop now! For real!
Thank you so much Impatient Elf, for gifting me this book.
April 23, 2017
In depth, different review on the blog. Heed tags.
http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
Holy crap. This book was something else and everything I wanted and needed. It saved me from my current reading ennui - I totally relate to your thoughts, Rainer. I hate being bored. A big thank you to J.L. Aarne. I had never heard of this author before this book but now I'll be going on a crazed reading spree of their other books, waiting impatiently for book #2 in this series.
The following points will either make you love or hate the sound of the book, they work for both :
Good writing and fantastic story telling
A well developed world, but it's still a work in progress
Beyond fascinating twisted, amoral, warped MCs. Quirky, fringe-y, enabling secondary characters - most of whom I totally loved and adored
There are fabulous interpersonal relationships between everyone. The byplay between other characters and plots - coyotes, that there are other twisted people in the world, fellow FBI agents, police getting involved, Ezekiel jealously keeping facts about Rainer from his colleagues but still giving some snippets, victims, Caleb who lives next to Rainer, a monster in the dark, unexplored shifters- all add layers. Things like Rainer's brother has a restaurant and doesn't care his brother kills, don't ask don't tell, but god forbid his employees do something slightly out of line, and he's also a misanthropic germophobe. But while Rainer is quite the open book with Thomas, it appears there is something Rainer doesn't know about his dear brother. Jacob, Ezekiel's twin, has deep psychological problems after two major traumas, and he breaks with reality here and there. Jacob is also a Dr of psychology, super smart but not able to work. There's also things he does not know categorically but suspects about Ezekiel. These arcs all make me want to explore and explore some more. They make this 551 Kindle page book seem so much shorter and I didn't want it to end
Sociopathy and psychopathy are done right within the context of the story and genre. It is eerie and at times subtle, and sometimes it's in your face. I think the words psychopath and impulse control can be cut back because you've done your job so right, dear author. We can see very clearly what's happening on page because of your vivid writing
I revelled in the humour in this book. The banter between Rainer and Ezekiel is delicious, as my son would say. The back and forth between Rainer and his friend Elijah and his wife, Erzsé, is delightfully gruesome but seems so everyday and perfectly normal
"Erzsé put a hand out and touched his arm. “Do sit down and eat first,” she said. “You’ll need your strength and there’s all this food and it’s quite lovely. Try the chicken. It’s perfect. You can kill the people after, they’re not going anywhere.”
The book starts with a brutal bang and keeps on going - this is quite the (very) gruesome read. The book is not gratuitous, it's true to the plot and storyline. It is what it is - a perversely dark, transgressive contemporary read about a serial killer, with a building paranormal world, not meant for the faint of heart
There is a glowing slow burn in this book, which flows off Rainer and Ezekiel onto the page - both sexually and psychologically. The serial killer and the obsessed FBI agent are perfection. Smouldering. But there is sex and psychology going on elsewhere as both Rainer and Ezekiel fuck their respective brothers, Thomas and Jacob - the sex is not on every page and it's paced well within a book of murder, mayhem, familial issues, love, cat and mouse games, and gore. And it's all kinds of wrong and super hot at the same time. The author went for it. You want pedal to the metal? J L Aarne serves it
Because I know it bothers some readers I'm adding this reader warning - there's cheating in this book and it's intense because of the added deflection of guilt. If cheating normally bothers you then this book will likely piss you off, so maybe avoid it. Honestly, given the nature of the book and everything else going on, this is the bottom of the food chain, in my opinion, although I suspect it will become incendiary and highly topical in the next book
Last and by no means least are Rainer and Ezekiel. Two men on different sides of the law but not so different. Both men are in love with their brothers - but there is this game going on, and, well... Anyway, both have dark natures. Both have a warped and funny sense of humour and I laughed out loud on a few occasions. They really shouldn't be likeable, not if you're being rational, but incredibly likeable they are for those of us who love dark and flawed. Ezekiel, the FBI profiler, is alpha and intense and has an angry inner beast, he is far removed from a good-guy FBI agent. Rainer. What can I say? A liked and respected English professor by day - with a very small group of crazy, twisted friends who are either like him, or enable him, or don't care - and a multiple case serial killer by night.
I loved this book. Loved it. Didn't want to put it down. I went to bed with it and kept thinking about it after I turned the light out. When I woke up in the morning I was so excited to know I was joining Rainer and Ezekiel and Thomas and Jacob and their intriguing friends and world. I am fascinated by their implausible and perverse cat and mouse game, and I have no idea how it can end well - although a game changer seems to have been thrown into the loop. Give me a draw. Please. This is what I want when I read - addictive characters, passion, emotion, and depth. To be slightly off balance by, to feel an obsessive connection to the characters
For those in the group, this is DMC material
The book ends on a cliff hanger. I really hope J L Aarne is writing furiously right now because I'm feeling stabby - when I'm invested I am not a patient reader.
Full review is coming to the blog in a few days because I want to add more, and I want to GIF and meme and quote the shit out of this irreverent and amazing book. Nothing less than 5 stars all the way.
http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
Holy crap. This book was something else and everything I wanted and needed. It saved me from my current reading ennui - I totally relate to your thoughts, Rainer. I hate being bored. A big thank you to J.L. Aarne. I had never heard of this author before this book but now I'll be going on a crazed reading spree of their other books, waiting impatiently for book #2 in this series.
The following points will either make you love or hate the sound of the book, they work for both :
Good writing and fantastic story telling
A well developed world, but it's still a work in progress
Beyond fascinating twisted, amoral, warped MCs. Quirky, fringe-y, enabling secondary characters - most of whom I totally loved and adored
There are fabulous interpersonal relationships between everyone. The byplay between other characters and plots - coyotes, that there are other twisted people in the world, fellow FBI agents, police getting involved, Ezekiel jealously keeping facts about Rainer from his colleagues but still giving some snippets, victims, Caleb who lives next to Rainer, a monster in the dark, unexplored shifters- all add layers. Things like Rainer's brother has a restaurant and doesn't care his brother kills, don't ask don't tell, but god forbid his employees do something slightly out of line, and he's also a misanthropic germophobe. But while Rainer is quite the open book with Thomas, it appears there is something Rainer doesn't know about his dear brother. Jacob, Ezekiel's twin, has deep psychological problems after two major traumas, and he breaks with reality here and there. Jacob is also a Dr of psychology, super smart but not able to work. There's also things he does not know categorically but suspects about Ezekiel. These arcs all make me want to explore and explore some more. They make this 551 Kindle page book seem so much shorter and I didn't want it to end
Sociopathy and psychopathy are done right within the context of the story and genre. It is eerie and at times subtle, and sometimes it's in your face. I think the words psychopath and impulse control can be cut back because you've done your job so right, dear author. We can see very clearly what's happening on page because of your vivid writing
I revelled in the humour in this book. The banter between Rainer and Ezekiel is delicious, as my son would say. The back and forth between Rainer and his friend Elijah and his wife, Erzsé, is delightfully gruesome but seems so everyday and perfectly normal
"Erzsé put a hand out and touched his arm. “Do sit down and eat first,” she said. “You’ll need your strength and there’s all this food and it’s quite lovely. Try the chicken. It’s perfect. You can kill the people after, they’re not going anywhere.”
The book starts with a brutal bang and keeps on going - this is quite the (very) gruesome read. The book is not gratuitous, it's true to the plot and storyline. It is what it is - a perversely dark, transgressive contemporary read about a serial killer, with a building paranormal world, not meant for the faint of heart
There is a glowing slow burn in this book, which flows off Rainer and Ezekiel onto the page - both sexually and psychologically. The serial killer and the obsessed FBI agent are perfection. Smouldering. But there is sex and psychology going on elsewhere as both Rainer and Ezekiel fuck their respective brothers, Thomas and Jacob - the sex is not on every page and it's paced well within a book of murder, mayhem, familial issues, love, cat and mouse games, and gore. And it's all kinds of wrong and super hot at the same time. The author went for it. You want pedal to the metal? J L Aarne serves it
Because I know it bothers some readers I'm adding this reader warning - there's cheating in this book and it's intense because of the added deflection of guilt. If cheating normally bothers you then this book will likely piss you off, so maybe avoid it. Honestly, given the nature of the book and everything else going on, this is the bottom of the food chain, in my opinion, although I suspect it will become incendiary and highly topical in the next book
Last and by no means least are Rainer and Ezekiel. Two men on different sides of the law but not so different. Both men are in love with their brothers - but there is this game going on, and, well... Anyway, both have dark natures. Both have a warped and funny sense of humour and I laughed out loud on a few occasions. They really shouldn't be likeable, not if you're being rational, but incredibly likeable they are for those of us who love dark and flawed. Ezekiel, the FBI profiler, is alpha and intense and has an angry inner beast, he is far removed from a good-guy FBI agent. Rainer. What can I say? A liked and respected English professor by day - with a very small group of crazy, twisted friends who are either like him, or enable him, or don't care - and a multiple case serial killer by night.
I loved this book. Loved it. Didn't want to put it down. I went to bed with it and kept thinking about it after I turned the light out. When I woke up in the morning I was so excited to know I was joining Rainer and Ezekiel and Thomas and Jacob and their intriguing friends and world. I am fascinated by their implausible and perverse cat and mouse game, and I have no idea how it can end well - although a game changer seems to have been thrown into the loop. Give me a draw. Please. This is what I want when I read - addictive characters, passion, emotion, and depth. To be slightly off balance by, to feel an obsessive connection to the characters
For those in the group, this is DMC material
The book ends on a cliff hanger. I really hope J L Aarne is writing furiously right now because I'm feeling stabby - when I'm invested I am not a patient reader.
Full review is coming to the blog in a few days because I want to add more, and I want to GIF and meme and quote the shit out of this irreverent and amazing book. Nothing less than 5 stars all the way.
October 27, 2017
4.3 Stars
I'd have rated this a bit higher were it not for that cliffhanger. I could see it coming when I got to about 80% and there was no clear resolution on the horizon and I started to get a bit frustrated. That definitely impacted my enjoyment because up until that point (were Ezekiel goes off the reservation and not only cheats but lies, gas-lighting an already mentally fragile Jacob) I was in absolute hog heaven. Even with the murder and the mindfuckery going on between the killer and the cop.
Considering the procedural/LEO genre, I expected this to be wrapped up and the BAU moving on to another case for Book 2 (of which, there is none). That is definitely, NOT the case, so if cliffhangers are a deal-breaker for you, I'd advise waiting until the next one is out (if there's gonna be one). Also, this is the first book where I can see why a history of that would push people off the deep-end and keep them from reading certain series or authors' books. It's my first by JL Aarne, so I can't say it's a pattern...
That said - HOLY SHITBALLS. If it had been SciFi instead of Paranormal I think this book would have hit every.single.one of my favorite things in MM fiction. DOUBLE brothercest! (I planned to read it for that reason alone, so yay for unexpected surprises.) Procedural! Dark & Gritty! Flawed characters and an engaging plot! YES YES YES YES YES! It's really really killing me that I can't immediately move on to the next one.
I do have to say, though, I'm not sure the paranormal aspect adds much (yet) except as it might be used metaphorically? The fully human character acting as a monster vs the monster trying to solve the crime? I kinda like that but unless something special happens in the next one (arrrrgh!) I think it could have been done without the shifter angle. Still, that next book? Better come out soon or I'm gonna get pissssssssssssed.
I'd have rated this a bit higher were it not for that cliffhanger. I could see it coming when I got to about 80% and there was no clear resolution on the horizon and I started to get a bit frustrated. That definitely impacted my enjoyment because up until that point (were Ezekiel goes off the reservation and not only cheats but lies, gas-lighting an already mentally fragile Jacob) I was in absolute hog heaven. Even with the murder and the mindfuckery going on between the killer and the cop.
Considering the procedural/LEO genre, I expected this to be wrapped up and the BAU moving on to another case for Book 2 (of which, there is none). That is definitely, NOT the case, so if cliffhangers are a deal-breaker for you, I'd advise waiting until the next one is out (if there's gonna be one). Also, this is the first book where I can see why a history of that would push people off the deep-end and keep them from reading certain series or authors' books. It's my first by JL Aarne, so I can't say it's a pattern...
That said - HOLY SHITBALLS. If it had been SciFi instead of Paranormal I think this book would have hit every.single.one of my favorite things in MM fiction. DOUBLE brothercest! (I planned to read it for that reason alone, so yay for unexpected surprises.) Procedural! Dark & Gritty! Flawed characters and an engaging plot! YES YES YES YES YES! It's really really killing me that I can't immediately move on to the next one.
I do have to say, though, I'm not sure the paranormal aspect adds much (yet) except as it might be used metaphorically? The fully human character acting as a monster vs the monster trying to solve the crime? I kinda like that but unless something special happens in the next one (arrrrgh!) I think it could have been done without the shifter angle. Still, that next book? Better come out soon or I'm gonna get pissssssssssssed.
Want to read
October 25, 2016This sounds amazing. Why haven't any of my GR friends read it? D: Dem reviews!
edit: OH, IT'S BCUZ THE KINDLE VERSION IS $7.81 CDN.
edit: OH, IT'S BCUZ THE KINDLE VERSION IS $7.81 CDN.
July 12, 2018
Well, I feel like I have had my world turned upside down after reading this book. Unlike anything I have read before, this is a twisted, dark, intensely intriguing tale that is refreshing in its unpredictability and shocking in its approach. Rainer and Ezekiel are complex men, supported by characters that are absolutely essential to the story, and their relationship development is a glorious mix of slow burn, UST and explosive resolution! It opens with a bang and keeps this level going throughout what is essentially a pretty long book (>500 pages) but one which also never seems long enough.
An absolute must read, but beware that this is incredibly gruesome in places and has a mix of storylines that will keep you on the edge of your seat for every page. It has a conclusion, but the story clearly continues in book 2 - which I am eagerly awaiting.
I will definitely seek out more of this author's work.
An absolute must read, but beware that this is incredibly gruesome in places and has a mix of storylines that will keep you on the edge of your seat for every page. It has a conclusion, but the story clearly continues in book 2 - which I am eagerly awaiting.
I will definitely seek out more of this author's work.
February 20, 2021
“Like with anything, I can see where it would lose its novelty after a while. You bake enough cakes and you get tired of baking cakes. You kill enough people and you get tired of killing people. How many ways can you really dismember someone before it stops being a thrill and it just becomes a routine?”
“I don’t know, you tell me,” Ezekiel said. “How many?”
Rainer laughed softly and glanced back up at him. “I was speaking hypothetically, Agent.”
I really enjoyed this book! Loved the banter, the sexual tension, and everything else. The inclusion of shifters surprised me a bit since it was not even hinted in the blurb. I've never read anything with shifters before but this book was full of surprises, so it never felt out of place. I loved it. I've been very busy with work lately but I found myself looking forward to have time so that I can read this and I was sad when it ended, the book seemed shorter even though it has 551 pages and I didn't want it to end. The only thing I didn't like about this book was the ending, I hate cliff-hangers and I didn't notice that this was supposed to be the book 1 of the series and this was published 5 years ago and it looks like there wont be more books in the series and there were still so many plot threads left dangling, unaddressed and forgotten. I will just imagine all the issues were solved and Rainer and Ezekiel live happily ever after or something. But despite all of that I just can't bring myself to rate this book lower because I really enjoyed reading this before the ending happened and it somehow became my stress reliever these past few days. I'm still hoping the author will decide to publish the next book someday.. So if you hate cliff-hanger, cheating, incest, psychopath murderer, and shifters avoid this book at all cost. 😂
“I don’t know, you tell me,” Ezekiel said. “How many?”
Rainer laughed softly and glanced back up at him. “I was speaking hypothetically, Agent.”
I really enjoyed this book! Loved the banter, the sexual tension, and everything else. The inclusion of shifters surprised me a bit since it was not even hinted in the blurb. I've never read anything with shifters before but this book was full of surprises, so it never felt out of place. I loved it. I've been very busy with work lately but I found myself looking forward to have time so that I can read this and I was sad when it ended, the book seemed shorter even though it has 551 pages and I didn't want it to end. The only thing I didn't like about this book was the ending, I hate cliff-hangers and I didn't notice that this was supposed to be the book 1 of the series and this was published 5 years ago and it looks like there wont be more books in the series and there were still so many plot threads left dangling, unaddressed and forgotten. I will just imagine all the issues were solved and Rainer and Ezekiel live happily ever after or something. But despite all of that I just can't bring myself to rate this book lower because I really enjoyed reading this before the ending happened and it somehow became my stress reliever these past few days. I'm still hoping the author will decide to publish the next book someday.. So if you hate cliff-hanger, cheating, incest, psychopath murderer, and shifters avoid this book at all cost. 😂
September 9, 2016
A great book with some amazing characters and great prose.
The only thing keeping this away from a five star rating was the inclusion of shifters (which surprised me, it was not hinted in the description) which felt sort of out of place. Why were there shifters? It contributed nothing to the story. In fact, the story wouldn't change with an all-human cast. Even the characters would work perfectly as humans - sure, some past background bits would change, but it's still manageable with humans.
Maybe the shifter aspect will play a bigger role in the next book , but as for now it just felt so redundant and unnecessary and the story would work perfectly as a (non-paranormal) detective thriller about serial killers and the FBI.
The only thing keeping this away from a five star rating was the inclusion of shifters (which surprised me, it was not hinted in the description) which felt sort of out of place. Why were there shifters? It contributed nothing to the story. In fact, the story wouldn't change with an all-human cast. Even the characters would work perfectly as humans - sure, some past background bits would change, but it's still manageable with humans.
Maybe the shifter aspect will play a bigger role in the next book , but as for now it just felt so redundant and unnecessary and the story would work perfectly as a (non-paranormal) detective thriller about serial killers and the FBI.
April 22, 2017
imagine hannibal, but gay.
might have been 5 stars but i felt like it was a tad too long and could be benefited from some cutting out of unnecessary scenes, and the paranormal aspect felt somewhat underdeveloped and out-of-place. a+ characters though.
might have been 5 stars but i felt like it was a tad too long and could be benefited from some cutting out of unnecessary scenes, and the paranormal aspect felt somewhat underdeveloped and out-of-place. a+ characters though.
September 5, 2021
Its been a long time since I've read something that I've loved so much. Dark and twisted and brilliantly written, it's everything I could ever wish for in a story. I think I read somewhere that there's no second book in sight, and that would be a shame.
August 19, 2016
Super dark, terribly twisted, but so frickin good.
May 3, 2024
This... was a huge letdown.
I still liked it. But it left a lot to be desired.
Rainer was a psychopath. Sure. And I do appreciate a lot of how that was portrayed. But I also feel like besides his dialogue and inner thoughts, it was barely anything more. (Other than Ezekiel's "narrator".) Really a missed opportunity with the psychopath serial killer bit. Mostly steeped in surrounding relationships.
I didn't like how both the MCs were in relationship with their respective brother. Not for the fact that they're their brother but it was just too farfetched. It's rare enough for people to be in that type of relationship with their family member to begin with, let alone a gay one, let alone a brother. It was too unbelievable. Almost to the point where I (super briefly) entertained the thought of Rainer and Ezekiel actually being one and the same person.
There are so many similarities between Rainer and Ezekiel as wellbesides the whole incest bit like their killer instincts, their thought processes, their boredom and need to play, their need for familiarity... Don't get me wrong, they were definitely different people but they melded in spots that dropped my interest at times.
Ezekiel, though. He was the real asshole. At least with Rainer, ironically, the people around him knew where they stood. He even points part of that out to Ezekiel after he cheats on Jacob is that Thomas knows when/if he's having sex with other people since he's honest with him. Ezekiel has this whole build up (and blow out) about Jacob and how everything he does is for him (his whole personality) and that he absolutely was. not. cheating and then goes and cheats on him after a big fight to spite him. Later he goes back home to Jacobafter ignoring him for two days, sees the state Jacob is in/their home is in and Jacob ends up apologizing to Ezekiel's piece of shit ass and feels guilty himself. Then Jacob even goes so far as sucking up to Ezekiel and Ezekiel has the fucking nerve to become irritated by Jacob's behavior. I just can't...
I get that Ezekiel went through a lot and his whole personality changed because of Jacob's disappearance when they were children but... Fuck. Jacob did too! They're in completely different ways but I can't help but think that - with Ezekiel's behavior at the end especially - that Ezekiel is just there to take advantage of his twin who can't seem to function without him.
The cheating, if you couldn't tell, royally pissed me off. Ezekiel also just becomes a complete and utter asshole to everyone around him, even stooping so low and bullying - knocking over one of his colleague's pen holders to the floor to make him pick it up. Knowing he's being an asshole to someone who's already being picked on and then, when another colleague mentions it is all like I commend your skills of observation. Harhar. -.-
I did like Ezekiel and Jacob's long history. I liked how they had the explanations and backgrounds of the different people they've had to become over the span of 150 some-odd years (based off them being in a sexual relationship for 140 years). I thought it was really sweet (even if poor timing) how they speak about the times and, since being gay was becoming more accepting, they could be lovers in their next "life" instead of the brothers they are so they can be "out" in public.
The shapeshifting had very little play here. It seemed mostly for convenience on Ezekiel's part for overhearing things and picking up on scents; not only for police business but otherwise. It did work out in other areas too (like the above) but it would have been nice to not have it just thrown in.
Speaking of... the end. Ugh. Talk about beyond predictable. And the way that Rainer acts... It was actually rather touching. But disappointing. Maybe it would have been better if we had a next book to go to after this cuz... It's seemingly never coming. But, honestly, I don't know if I'd actually read it. I didn't like where any of the characters left off at. I also just didn't get how Rainer is supposed to be so intelligent and so calculating but never realized something was up with the people around him, especially with Thomas. All of a sudden, he starts disappearing the same time every month without warning (when he always lets Rainer know what's up) and he never thought any further...? I could understand with the other people in his life that are all apparently shifters but Thomas...? Even if this is a new development for Thomas, like he was newly turned, nope. He's obsessed with his brother. I don't care how much "fun" he was having with Ezekiel in any way shape or form. Rainer even mentions that he'd drop anyone and everything for Thomas multiple times.
Side note: Another detective that enters the story and just knows that Rainer is the Lamplighter killer. Again, seems too convenient. Why we have two of these? Rainer must be super overrated... It also took some away from the whole aspect of the book when Thomas kills under the guise to save Rainer from the police. Think it would've been better if the "saving" wasn't implied as needed.
Despite everything above (and damn, I didn't realize I had so much rant in me, yikes), I did enjoy quite a few things. Even though the bits with all the police procedural shows were eye-roll worthy, there were some cute bits with it that did help lead into Rainer and Ezekiel's relationship. There were some fun scenes as well and I liked where this was going at first between everyone. All the friends were rather OTT but were still interesting and added a bit more to the story without being in the way. I really liked Thomas and Rainer together and Jacob and Ezekiel together (before the assholery) and think it would have made a better story if kept to that. Or maybe if all relationships were gone about honestly. Pogo, Rainer's cat, was... weird actually. Why was he such a special cat? I almost expected something to come from it...
I digress again... All-in-all, after all this, I guess I cannot say that waiting this long was really worth the wait, but it was entertaining and a quick read. I'll probably check out this author again...
Actually, after all this, I just noticed and check out Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus' review. Sums my thoughts up mostly.
Heed the warnings!
I still liked it. But it left a lot to be desired.
Rainer was a psychopath. Sure. And I do appreciate a lot of how that was portrayed. But I also feel like besides his dialogue and inner thoughts, it was barely anything more. (Other than Ezekiel's "narrator".) Really a missed opportunity with the psychopath serial killer bit. Mostly steeped in surrounding relationships.
I didn't like how both the MCs were in relationship with their respective brother. Not for the fact that they're their brother but it was just too farfetched. It's rare enough for people to be in that type of relationship with their family member to begin with, let alone a gay one, let alone a brother. It was too unbelievable. Almost to the point where I (super briefly) entertained the thought of Rainer and Ezekiel actually being one and the same person.
There are so many similarities between Rainer and Ezekiel as well
Ezekiel, though. He was the real asshole. At least with Rainer, ironically, the people around him knew where they stood. He even points part of that out to Ezekiel after he cheats on Jacob is that Thomas knows when/if he's having sex with other people since he's honest with him. Ezekiel has this whole build up (and blow out) about Jacob and how everything he does is for him (his whole personality) and that he absolutely was. not. cheating and then goes and cheats on him after a big fight to spite him. Later he goes back home to Jacob
I get that Ezekiel went through a lot and his whole personality changed because of Jacob's disappearance when they were children but... Fuck. Jacob did too! They're in completely different ways but I can't help but think that - with Ezekiel's behavior at the end especially - that Ezekiel is just there to take advantage of his twin who can't seem to function without him.
The cheating, if you couldn't tell, royally pissed me off. Ezekiel also just becomes a complete and utter asshole to everyone around him, even stooping so low and bullying - knocking over one of his colleague's pen holders to the floor to make him pick it up. Knowing he's being an asshole to someone who's already being picked on and then, when another colleague mentions it is all like I commend your skills of observation. Harhar. -.-
I did like Ezekiel and Jacob's long history. I liked how they had the explanations and backgrounds of the different people they've had to become over the span of 150 some-odd years (based off them being in a sexual relationship for 140 years). I thought it was really sweet (even if poor timing) how they speak about the times and, since being gay was becoming more accepting, they could be lovers in their next "life" instead of the brothers they are so they can be "out" in public.
The shapeshifting had very little play here. It seemed mostly for convenience on Ezekiel's part for overhearing things and picking up on scents; not only for police business but otherwise. It did work out in other areas too (like the above) but it would have been nice to not have it just thrown in.
Speaking of... the end. Ugh. Talk about beyond predictable. And the way that Rainer acts... It was actually rather touching. But disappointing. Maybe it would have been better if we had a next book to go to after this cuz... It's seemingly never coming. But, honestly, I don't know if I'd actually read it. I didn't like where any of the characters left off at. I also just didn't get how Rainer is supposed to be so intelligent and so calculating but never realized something was up with the people around him, especially with Thomas. All of a sudden, he starts disappearing the same time every month without warning (when he always lets Rainer know what's up) and he never thought any further...? I could understand with the other people in his life that are all apparently shifters but Thomas...? Even if this is a new development for Thomas, like he was newly turned, nope. He's obsessed with his brother. I don't care how much "fun" he was having with Ezekiel in any way shape or form. Rainer even mentions that he'd drop anyone and everything for Thomas multiple times.
Side note: Another detective that enters the story and just knows that Rainer is the Lamplighter killer. Again, seems too convenient. Why we have two of these? Rainer must be super overrated... It also took some away from the whole aspect of the book when Thomas kills under the guise to save Rainer from the police. Think it would've been better if the "saving" wasn't implied as needed.
Despite everything above (and damn, I didn't realize I had so much rant in me, yikes), I did enjoy quite a few things. Even though the bits with all the police procedural shows were eye-roll worthy, there were some cute bits with it that did help lead into Rainer and Ezekiel's relationship. There were some fun scenes as well and I liked where this was going at first between everyone. All the friends were rather OTT but were still interesting and added a bit more to the story without being in the way. I really liked Thomas and Rainer together and Jacob and Ezekiel together (before the assholery) and think it would have made a better story if kept to that. Or maybe if all relationships were gone about honestly. Pogo, Rainer's cat, was... weird actually. Why was he such a special cat? I almost expected something to come from it...
I digress again... All-in-all, after all this, I guess I cannot say that waiting this long was really worth the wait, but it was entertaining and a quick read. I'll probably check out this author again...
Actually, after all this, I just noticed and check out Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus' review. Sums my thoughts up mostly.
Heed the warnings!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2019
Right. HOLY SHIT!
I don't think I'd ever be the same person again after reading this. This is some seriously disturbing stuff over here. It's sickening and intriguing and mindfuckingly amazing on so many levels I can't even begin to unpack it. It keeps me hanging by a thread until the very last page. It also makes me seriously question about my own morale compass because I found it really, really good.
It started out simple, really. I got bored, stumbled upon this book, skimmed the blurb, downloaded it, and started reading it without bothering to read the reviews. Easily with no expectations, like any other underrated books that just happened to fall on my radar.
And then on page 2:
"Gregory Alan Beck had passed out twenty minutes ago after watching Rainer feed his left bicep to a coyote Rainer called Pied".
Wait, WHAT? That surely got my attention.
The book tells a story about the unexpected parallel between Rainer the (figuratively) inhuman serial killer who sleeps with his brother and Zeke the (literally) inhuman FBI agent who sleeps with his twin. Take that, Game of Thrones.
It's so twisted that one moment you'd think you've understood the plot, and the next moment you'd be busy scooping your jaw off the floor.
"Does knowing yourself to be more human than you think I am do anything to soothe the overwhelming feeling of existential confusion and profound ennui that comes with it?"
Layer upon layer upon layer and if you could get orgasmic by reading a book, I think I just did. Multiple times.
Author, you're seriously disturbed and I'm a fan.
June 12, 2016
J.L. Aarne is officially now my favorite author. Wow, another perfect, well written masterpiece!
November 23, 2021
3.5 stars because the characterization was excellent and the writing was good but it was too long & got a bit boring in the middle. I think the biggest issue I have is that this is not the thriller I thought it was. It's more of a dark romance with shifter side-action. I got irked with it because I kept on expecting it to go somewhere but the author just kept writing about the central characters' relationships.
June 14, 2017
4.5* rounded up to 5* because oh boy, oh boy, how much I enjoyed it!
This story was something I most certainly did not expect. It's dark, it's shocking (and I have read shocking), it's captivating and it leaves you wanting more. So good, but oh, so wrong.
The relationships are twisted and the characters leave you wide-eyed at first, but then you learn to love them. You don't often find yourself enamoured with serial killers... Several of them ;)
The only element I'm not sure I like is the supernatural. On the one hand, it makes sense. On the other, it just feels a bit random, and, in my opinion, it would make the story even more creepy if it was completely left out.
But all in all I absolutely loved the book, loved the characters and the story... and the fact that there's no book 2 has left me weeping in a fetal position :/
This story was something I most certainly did not expect. It's dark, it's shocking (and I have read shocking), it's captivating and it leaves you wanting more. So good, but oh, so wrong.
The relationships are twisted and the characters leave you wide-eyed at first, but then you learn to love them. You don't often find yourself enamoured with serial killers... Several of them ;)
The only element I'm not sure I like is the supernatural. On the one hand, it makes sense. On the other, it just feels a bit random, and, in my opinion, it would make the story even more creepy if it was completely left out.
But all in all I absolutely loved the book, loved the characters and the story... and the fact that there's no book 2 has left me weeping in a fetal position :/
May 13, 2017
5 STARS
OK, so that was hard core, but an excellent ride. I’ve had an amazing run with books but I discovered J.L. Aarne a few months ago but only read one book. It was book one of the Dale Bruyer series. So I read books #2 & #3 this week and I found them excellent too, they’re very distinctive in nature.
Then realised I’d been recommended I Hear They Burn for Murder a few weeks back as I was already reading some of J.L Aarne's other work. I really, really like the writing style. The imaginative plot's are also quite quirky in places which I found refreshing. They constantly turn rapidly in nature keeping things fresh, then rather dark while keeping a great pace. I love finding new authors that write urban fantasy like this which is very light on in book #1. It’s not just the personal writing style though, this book was exceptionally well written too.
It held it’s mystique back for book #2 but the intriguing characters have yet to be revealed in their full nature. Then the storyline is like an added bonus, that retains the air of mystery and basically, just what the hell is going on. It’s like a writhing snake one moment, then becomes fun which then turns quite creepy. I found it so engaging at times that I’d gone off into my subconscious trying to figure things out. That’s my sign or tell for a good book if I’m easily distracted with my over active imagination. This made for a great page turner and you can’t put it down, sometimes I was having to turn pages back in the opposite direction because I couldn’t figure out where it was heading. Don’t let that put you off, it makes you think but you really don’t find that much out. I do believe this will become a highly sort out series.
The MC’s and other male characters are all very dominant Alpha Male types. Actually most men in the four books I’ve read by J.L Aarne so far, all have very brash and hardened exteriors. To the point where they can be quite malicious and it comes out under extreme duress which I loved. I also like that some of his male characters cry too. There’s no sob fest’s either, it's not like they’re walking around snivelling throughout the entire book. This was not so common with I Hear They Burn For Murder compared to the Dale Bruyer series.
Now that crazy and insane cliffhanger was really up there, like I’m talking top ten of WTF, when the next sentence has slipped into. . . if you liked this book. . . I hate them but I think it’s OK for them to drop a hook in book #1 of a new series, but geez that was harsh and so sudden. I let that pass but seriously people what is the deal with literally finishing a novel mid sentence at an HETP (Highly Emotional Turning Point) It really annoys me. Yet your audience is clearly aimed at older readers to me, and not so much for younger people. That has nothing to do with the content either. There’s no inane romance in what I’ve read of your work so far, THANK YOU! It’s balls out and gritty realistic love, warts and all.
You leave the perfect amount of resolution between books in the Dale Bruyer series. It was just enough to keep you really content for the next one and not fret. This book is so good though but it was like having a big hardcover slammed shut in my face mid sentence, LOL. It nearly took my nose off. I do not envy the relentless amount of e-mail's asking you for the next books release date! Because it was that good and I’m also eagerly awaiting book #4 of Dale Bruyer too.
However I did visit your blog and you’re working full time, people have to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table, then you have life to deal with. I hope it doesn’t throw you too many curve balls and allows you enough time to write without hassles. I can honestly say that you’re one of three author’s I've come across over the last year that I hope will not be working full time for much longer.
OK, so that was hard core, but an excellent ride. I’ve had an amazing run with books but I discovered J.L. Aarne a few months ago but only read one book. It was book one of the Dale Bruyer series. So I read books #2 & #3 this week and I found them excellent too, they’re very distinctive in nature.
Then realised I’d been recommended I Hear They Burn for Murder a few weeks back as I was already reading some of J.L Aarne's other work. I really, really like the writing style. The imaginative plot's are also quite quirky in places which I found refreshing. They constantly turn rapidly in nature keeping things fresh, then rather dark while keeping a great pace. I love finding new authors that write urban fantasy like this which is very light on in book #1. It’s not just the personal writing style though, this book was exceptionally well written too.
It held it’s mystique back for book #2 but the intriguing characters have yet to be revealed in their full nature. Then the storyline is like an added bonus, that retains the air of mystery and basically, just what the hell is going on. It’s like a writhing snake one moment, then becomes fun which then turns quite creepy. I found it so engaging at times that I’d gone off into my subconscious trying to figure things out. That’s my sign or tell for a good book if I’m easily distracted with my over active imagination. This made for a great page turner and you can’t put it down, sometimes I was having to turn pages back in the opposite direction because I couldn’t figure out where it was heading. Don’t let that put you off, it makes you think but you really don’t find that much out. I do believe this will become a highly sort out series.
The MC’s and other male characters are all very dominant Alpha Male types. Actually most men in the four books I’ve read by J.L Aarne so far, all have very brash and hardened exteriors. To the point where they can be quite malicious and it comes out under extreme duress which I loved. I also like that some of his male characters cry too. There’s no sob fest’s either, it's not like they’re walking around snivelling throughout the entire book. This was not so common with I Hear They Burn For Murder compared to the Dale Bruyer series.
Now that crazy and insane cliffhanger was really up there, like I’m talking top ten of WTF, when the next sentence has slipped into. . . if you liked this book. . . I hate them but I think it’s OK for them to drop a hook in book #1 of a new series, but geez that was harsh and so sudden. I let that pass but seriously people what is the deal with literally finishing a novel mid sentence at an HETP (Highly Emotional Turning Point) It really annoys me. Yet your audience is clearly aimed at older readers to me, and not so much for younger people. That has nothing to do with the content either. There’s no inane romance in what I’ve read of your work so far, THANK YOU! It’s balls out and gritty realistic love, warts and all.
You leave the perfect amount of resolution between books in the Dale Bruyer series. It was just enough to keep you really content for the next one and not fret. This book is so good though but it was like having a big hardcover slammed shut in my face mid sentence, LOL. It nearly took my nose off. I do not envy the relentless amount of e-mail's asking you for the next books release date! Because it was that good and I’m also eagerly awaiting book #4 of Dale Bruyer too.
However I did visit your blog and you’re working full time, people have to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table, then you have life to deal with. I hope it doesn’t throw you too many curve balls and allows you enough time to write without hassles. I can honestly say that you’re one of three author’s I've come across over the last year that I hope will not be working full time for much longer.
May 18, 2019
I can't believe I am writing this, but I loved loved this book. This book that has so many many taboo subjects and triggers. This review may contain spoilers. Sorry I don't know how to hide spoilers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
spoiler:
I am amazed that a story that is literally filled with multiple scenario's of incest, serial killers, and revenge murders, cheating, and all round blatant immorality. And yet, as the reader I was filled with a gleeful fervor, rooting for these characters to lie, cheat murder and get away with it. I come away feeling slightly abashed but unapologetic with how much I loved this story.
spoiler:
The main characters are Ranier and Ezekiel, with their brothers Thomas and Jacob playing large supporting roles. This story is not a cat and mouse one, but rather one of two predators who are mostly equally matched in the game of "murder in the dark". This was a wonderful, nice long book with well rounded characters, descriptive writing and clever dialog.
I am also angry that the story ended very abruptly with a pretty huge cliffhanger, only to realize that this book was published over 2 years ago with no sequel in site.
I will be saddened if this book goes the way of other hotly anticipated sequels that never appeared.
(yes I'm talking about several m/m genre favorites that have left readers hanging....(sad face),( Dani Alexander...Shattered Glass 2), (Taylor Donovan....by Degrees 3), and several others I can't think of at the moment.
~~~~~~~~~~*****Please dear author....write #2 book**********~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ETA, PLEASE DEAR AUTHOR WRITE A SEQUEL TO THIS TERRIFIC BOOK.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
spoiler:
I am amazed that a story that is literally filled with multiple scenario's of incest, serial killers, and revenge murders, cheating, and all round blatant immorality. And yet, as the reader I was filled with a gleeful fervor, rooting for these characters to lie, cheat murder and get away with it. I come away feeling slightly abashed but unapologetic with how much I loved this story.
spoiler:
The main characters are Ranier and Ezekiel, with their brothers Thomas and Jacob playing large supporting roles. This story is not a cat and mouse one, but rather one of two predators who are mostly equally matched in the game of "murder in the dark". This was a wonderful, nice long book with well rounded characters, descriptive writing and clever dialog.
I am also angry that the story ended very abruptly with a pretty huge cliffhanger, only to realize that this book was published over 2 years ago with no sequel in site.
I will be saddened if this book goes the way of other hotly anticipated sequels that never appeared.
(yes I'm talking about several m/m genre favorites that have left readers hanging....(sad face),( Dani Alexander...Shattered Glass 2), (Taylor Donovan....by Degrees 3), and several others I can't think of at the moment.
~~~~~~~~~~*****Please dear author....write #2 book**********~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ETA, PLEASE DEAR AUTHOR WRITE A SEQUEL TO THIS TERRIFIC BOOK.
July 4, 2017
This book literally took on an emotional roller-coaster, I was tempted to just put it down and try to push some images from my mind at many instances but somehow I couldn't.
I just had to read through it, because the premise was sort of original and so interesting, so I carried on, I forced myself to read through some parts that I honestly felt repulsed by but still saw the importance of.
The author let us delve into the mind of a psychopathic serial killer, and didn't sugarcoat anything, and to be honest I thought I'd hate it. Turns out I LOVED everything about him.
Sure, he was way too messed up but his appeal as a charaacter was that there really was no implication of redemption or anything since he embraced the moster he was.
Now the romance (or lack thereof) was brilliant, I found myself engaged in the little games played between Rainer and Zeke, and rooting for them. Not gonna lie, their other relationships didn't really appeal to me, but it wasn't enough of a reason to put down this book or hate on it.
OHH and the sex? Damn, when they finally had it, it was burn your screen hot, and I had to bit out groans (I was reading that in front of my boyfriend's parents) when things got too scorching. It also perfectly reflected their messy abnormal and chaotic relationship.
I just had to read through it, because the premise was sort of original and so interesting, so I carried on, I forced myself to read through some parts that I honestly felt repulsed by but still saw the importance of.
The author let us delve into the mind of a psychopathic serial killer, and didn't sugarcoat anything, and to be honest I thought I'd hate it. Turns out I LOVED everything about him.
Sure, he was way too messed up but his appeal as a charaacter was that there really was no implication of redemption or anything since he embraced the moster he was.
Now the romance (or lack thereof) was brilliant, I found myself engaged in the little games played between Rainer and Zeke, and rooting for them. Not gonna lie, their other relationships didn't really appeal to me, but it wasn't enough of a reason to put down this book or hate on it.
OHH and the sex? Damn, when they finally had it, it was burn your screen hot, and I had to bit out groans (I was reading that in front of my boyfriend's parents) when things got too scorching. It also perfectly reflected their messy abnormal and chaotic relationship.
January 22, 2021
4.75 stars
WOW
This book GRABS you from page 1 and does NOT let go!
Did you notice how long this book is? I was never bored.
This is NOT a romance, although there is MM elements. This is a raw, dark, sexual, gripping story that fits in multiple sub-genres. But you’ll figure that out for yourself as you become enmeshed in these characters’ lives.
Technically there’s 2 MCs, Ezekiel and Rainer, but they both have brothers that play a huge role in their lives and the story.
It’s not quite a 5 star read as there is several grammatical errors and the “extracurricular activities” of Rainer really should have played out a bit more.
**This was published in 2016 and ends on a cliffhanger, with no sequel in sight. So, while this is a fantastic read, I probably would not have read it had I known no sequel was in the works.
Great author...
WOW
This book GRABS you from page 1 and does NOT let go!
Did you notice how long this book is? I was never bored.
This is NOT a romance, although there is MM elements. This is a raw, dark, sexual, gripping story that fits in multiple sub-genres. But you’ll figure that out for yourself as you become enmeshed in these characters’ lives.
Technically there’s 2 MCs, Ezekiel and Rainer, but they both have brothers that play a huge role in their lives and the story.
It’s not quite a 5 star read as there is several grammatical errors and the “extracurricular activities” of Rainer really should have played out a bit more.
**This was published in 2016 and ends on a cliffhanger, with no sequel in sight. So, while this is a fantastic read, I probably would not have read it had I known no sequel was in the works.
Great author...
January 4, 2017
*************Spoilers************
This literally a monster of a book.It has a morally challenged FBI agent who is in bed with a serial killer,an FBI agent who is a serial killer,it has mild cannibalism,it has rampant incest between siblings.
It has cheating.Can you cheat on the brother that you have been sexually faithful to for over a hundred years?It is confusing ,it is frustrating,it is dark.It takes the myth of the were-creature to new creepy heights.It has an open ending.
This literally a monster of a book.It has a morally challenged FBI agent who is in bed with a serial killer,an FBI agent who is a serial killer,it has mild cannibalism,it has rampant incest between siblings.
It has cheating.Can you cheat on the brother that you have been sexually faithful to for over a hundred years?It is confusing ,it is frustrating,it is dark.It takes the myth of the were-creature to new creepy heights.It has an open ending.
December 22, 2016
WHOA!!! That was..... Awesome, Amazing, Fascinating, Unpredictable.
Just Damn Good. Anxiously waiting for the next.
Just Damn Good. Anxiously waiting for the next.
May 5, 2023
3.5 stars
Well. That was certainly different. Definitely wasn't expecting the copious amounts of incest, but I rolled with it pretty affably. It was actually pretty good in that turn-your-brain-off-and-don't-think-about-it-too-hard way. A few years ago, I might not have thought I would want to consume a story about a serial killer falling for the guy who was tasked with stopping him, but then I watched Hannibal and all bets were off.
Hannibal is one of the best shows I've ever watched in my life and it's gay as hell. When I read the premise of this, I was really looking forward to a similar dynamic. And I was really enjoying it, sadistic murders and incest aside. But one thing Hannibal and Will Graham were not, were boring and unlikeable.
Not sure when it happened, maybe halfway through, but the story really started to drag. It really could have benefitted from being shorter and keeping the pace brisk. As it was, I'm not sure it fully crossed the line into being boring, but it definitely flirted with it. Once these two started their song and dance, they weren't as compelling, and the dialogue between them wasn't nearly as cut-throat or psychological as I would have liked.
And as for unlikeable...you would think a sadistic killer who fucks his brother and eats people's hearts would be the unlikeable one, but nope. Ezekiel (Mr. FBI man) became more and more unlikeable as the book progressed. Like, it's one thing to eat someone's heart and masturbate afterwards, it's another to cheat on your partner (read: brother), be a COMPLETE asshole about it when he calls you out on it, gaslight the fuck out of him, make HIM feel guilty for not trusting you, then continue cheating. Standards, ya know? And I remain unconvinced that he's actually good at his job or capable of catching the monsters he hunts.
Notice I have said nothing about the supernatural elements of the story. That's because they didn't really have any impact on the story at all. Although, giving how the book ended, that will clearly change.
This book is definitely twisted, but it didn't bother me much. Probably because the characters weren't portrayed in a good or romantic light at all. I can't stand that shit. Like, have shitty or horrific characters in a story by all means, but don't tell me their really Prince Charming in disguise, or that their actions are in any way justifiable or noble.
Despite my complaints, this was still written better than a LOT of other books in this genre...but do NOT read it if any of the aforementioned triggers bother you.
Well. That was certainly different. Definitely wasn't expecting the copious amounts of incest, but I rolled with it pretty affably. It was actually pretty good in that turn-your-brain-off-and-don't-think-about-it-too-hard way. A few years ago, I might not have thought I would want to consume a story about a serial killer falling for the guy who was tasked with stopping him, but then I watched Hannibal and all bets were off.
Hannibal is one of the best shows I've ever watched in my life and it's gay as hell. When I read the premise of this, I was really looking forward to a similar dynamic. And I was really enjoying it, sadistic murders and incest aside. But one thing Hannibal and Will Graham were not, were boring and unlikeable.
Not sure when it happened, maybe halfway through, but the story really started to drag. It really could have benefitted from being shorter and keeping the pace brisk. As it was, I'm not sure it fully crossed the line into being boring, but it definitely flirted with it. Once these two started their song and dance, they weren't as compelling, and the dialogue between them wasn't nearly as cut-throat or psychological as I would have liked.
And as for unlikeable...you would think a sadistic killer who fucks his brother and eats people's hearts would be the unlikeable one, but nope. Ezekiel (Mr. FBI man) became more and more unlikeable as the book progressed. Like, it's one thing to eat someone's heart and masturbate afterwards, it's another to cheat on your partner (read: brother), be a COMPLETE asshole about it when he calls you out on it, gaslight the fuck out of him, make HIM feel guilty for not trusting you, then continue cheating. Standards, ya know? And I remain unconvinced that he's actually good at his job or capable of catching the monsters he hunts.
Notice I have said nothing about the supernatural elements of the story. That's because they didn't really have any impact on the story at all. Although, giving how the book ended, that will clearly change.
This book is definitely twisted, but it didn't bother me much. Probably because the characters weren't portrayed in a good or romantic light at all. I can't stand that shit. Like, have shitty or horrific characters in a story by all means, but don't tell me their really Prince Charming in disguise, or that their actions are in any way justifiable or noble.
Despite my complaints, this was still written better than a LOT of other books in this genre...but do NOT read it if any of the aforementioned triggers bother you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2017
Oh my oh my! I'll say, the characters are very unique. This is my first time reading about a character who is an active psychopath and treats murder like doing groceries. And they were talking about the killings over food so casually like it's the most common thing. But I like that the narrator, or the POV did not sway the readers in any way and we are left to decide on our own how we feel about it.
The shifter thing came out of no where, but it was elegantly done subtly, which was great. It's not the main focus of the story, or at least not yet. I was rather confused in the beginning when Ezekiel implied how old he was. The only issue I have with this is why is EVERYONE a shifter? Every other secondary character is a shifter and Rainer's the only one blind about all this? The story could still be strong without this shifter aspect, and I can only hope the author had very good reason to put this in.
The romance aspect was rather messy, which is the only reason I'm not giving this a 5. Too many relationships going on and I have no idea how to feel. And I fail to comprehend why the author decided to put an incest element in the story. On both sides as well? I'm not sure how this helps shape the characters but again, maybe this will also be further explored in the future.
All in all, a great ride. I only wished there were more intense scenes and more cat and mouse chase, Rainer and Ezekiel actually up the ante in their game to make it more thrilling. There wasn't a really exciting climax and it ended rather abruptly. It left on a cliffhanger but I'm pretty sure everybody already knew what was going to happen
The shifter thing came out of no where, but it was elegantly done subtly, which was great. It's not the main focus of the story, or at least not yet. I was rather confused in the beginning when Ezekiel implied how old he was. The only issue I have with this is why is EVERYONE a shifter? Every other secondary character is a shifter and Rainer's the only one blind about all this? The story could still be strong without this shifter aspect, and I can only hope the author had very good reason to put this in.
The romance aspect was rather messy, which is the only reason I'm not giving this a 5. Too many relationships going on and I have no idea how to feel. And I fail to comprehend why the author decided to put an incest element in the story. On both sides as well? I'm not sure how this helps shape the characters but again, maybe this will also be further explored in the future.
All in all, a great ride. I only wished there were more intense scenes and more cat and mouse chase, Rainer and Ezekiel actually up the ante in their game to make it more thrilling. There wasn't a really exciting climax and it ended rather abruptly. It left on a cliffhanger but I'm pretty sure everybody already knew what was going to happen
September 11, 2018
Wow. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow.
Where has this book been all my life?
Earlier today I was, in a fit of boredom, paging through Goodreads lists looking for something new to read and then I find this amazing, horrifying, so fucked up yet so good book.
I've never been so conflicted about liking characters before. Some of them are horrible people with such blatant disregard for human life but at the same time you want to know more about them, where they came from and why they are the way they are. You almost like them. Several times I stopped reading to wonder "Am I psychopath for liking this book so much?". All the characters are so flawed and it makes them come to life right before your eyes.
An example of the fucked-up-edness,
There's some aspects of the book that are, rightly so, not in the blurb but you find out about in the first few chapters. These things took me by surprise and I actually really enjoyed the inclusion of these particular genres (if that's the right word). I'm dying to know more about where the unexpected plot line will take us. The end of the book leaves us at a bit of a cliffhanger!
I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel. Fantastic book, I loved every second of it!
Where has this book been all my life?
Earlier today I was, in a fit of boredom, paging through Goodreads lists looking for something new to read and then I find this amazing, horrifying, so fucked up yet so good book.
I've never been so conflicted about liking characters before. Some of them are horrible people with such blatant disregard for human life but at the same time you want to know more about them, where they came from and why they are the way they are. You almost like them. Several times I stopped reading to wonder "Am I psychopath for liking this book so much?". All the characters are so flawed and it makes them come to life right before your eyes.
An example of the fucked-up-edness,
There's some aspects of the book that are, rightly so, not in the blurb but you find out about in the first few chapters. These things took me by surprise and I actually really enjoyed the inclusion of these particular genres (if that's the right word). I'm dying to know more about where the unexpected plot line will take us. The end of the book leaves us at a bit of a cliffhanger!
I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel. Fantastic book, I loved every second of it!
March 15, 2018
This is the first for me by this author and it took some time for me to consider my feeling on reading this book but there is only one thing and as much as i tried i could help but skip just for my own personal feel towards this issue it shouldn't deter anyone who doesn't mind but the author doesn't shy away from what she want to write about for fan sake or hold any punches and i'm not sure if this was her intention to show it this way in her work i must admit the first 20% of this book i kept putting down because the two main characters Rainier is in love and also sexual relationship with his own brother thomas and Ezekiel is also the same with his twin brother jacob and we find this out within the first few chapters and as open minded as i am i did skip the bedroom scene with the brothers but this didn't take much away only about 2% of the book so i am glad i kept reading it is a thrilling dark tale of cat and mouse with an explosive chemistry with Rainer a psychopathic serial killer and Ezekiel Special Agent of the FBI kept me reading and found i couldn't put this book down and will continue with this series and read the next when it is published but for now i will definitely read another book from this author :-)
June 24, 2018
Aarne masterfully navigates the dark and depraved neural pathways of the human brain, skillfully constructing the shifter and serial killer tropes into new and original mindscapes.
While the book is only the first of the series, the world-building and characterisation is richly detailed and shows an eloquence and sophistication rare in the contemporary instant gratification culture.
The themes lurking within the confines of this 550 page book are definitely not for the faint of heart, but those seeking to sojourn along more shadowed pathways will find the journey perfectly suited to their liking.
What is genuinely commendable about the novel is the way in which sexual orientation is incidental, rather than central to the story. It is not - as Aarne points out in the postscript and Tumblr page - a work of romance fiction. This does not, however, detract from the eroticism and gritty sexuality of the protagonists/antagonists.
The book is guaranteed to grip you from the very onset and never let you go. No matter how much you struggle and scream. In fact, it may very well like it when you scream. ;-)
While the book is only the first of the series, the world-building and characterisation is richly detailed and shows an eloquence and sophistication rare in the contemporary instant gratification culture.
The themes lurking within the confines of this 550 page book are definitely not for the faint of heart, but those seeking to sojourn along more shadowed pathways will find the journey perfectly suited to their liking.
What is genuinely commendable about the novel is the way in which sexual orientation is incidental, rather than central to the story. It is not - as Aarne points out in the postscript and Tumblr page - a work of romance fiction. This does not, however, detract from the eroticism and gritty sexuality of the protagonists/antagonists.
The book is guaranteed to grip you from the very onset and never let you go. No matter how much you struggle and scream. In fact, it may very well like it when you scream. ;-)
December 15, 2022
god i am so disappointed, i thought i finaly found the perfect book for killer-detective, and instead, i had very weird relationship dinamic between actual brothers and wolves in the middle. I didn’t mind the incest at the beginning, but their relationships were so weird and disfunctional that i just couldn’t get it. I understand this is not romance, but what’s the meaning in the relationship between Ezekiel and Rainer then? They are just… obssesed with each other? And it makes sense and it’s okay, but then it just became guilt and secrets and i felt so disgusted by Ezekiel’s cheating and the way he treats his brother. So the book had no sense: anything happened with the investigation of the murders, anything happened with the weird wolf thing, anything happened between their relationships and how they are standed about each other, anything happened about Ezekiel’s job. At the end, anything happened, and yet, i read like 400 pages of… Nothing. The beginning was just so good and i hoped a lot of things.
Not reading the next one.
Not reading the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2017
This book was good but dark. It had the squeamish factor with some of the murder descriptions but it was good. This story plot didn't really go where I thought it was going, yes there was the cat and mouse game between the murderer and detective, that game where the murderer plays to the police "come and catch me" but the detective seems to come embroiled into the murderers psyche. There was incest, graphic violence and sex basically a handful of the extreme. Some of the characters were werewolves which gave it that paranormal factor although maybe the story didn't necessarily have to go down that route as I feel it didn't really give much to the story but maybe there be more detail in the next book. Won't be for everyone but your know within the first chapters, for me I was like uhh but it inevitably drawn me in, that I can't wait for the next book after this one left it on a cliff hanger but a good dark read.
November 21, 2018
A good book, which is not entirely surprising as I often hear the title batted around in recommendation groups. At its core it's a fascinating tale of an FBI agent hunting down a serial killer, and that in itself makes the book amazing. There is however another layer that's not addressed at all in the blurb and that the said FBI agent is also a shifter, and there are other shifters in the book. I seriously thought I'd never read a shifter book on accident, but it seems I have. In this book, it's not obvious why that element was added. There are so many plot threads left dangling, unaddressed and forgotten... or possibly not, since this is the first book of a series and loose threads will possibly be addressed in later volumes. I am eager to read additional volumes. Sexiness heat level was Ghost Pepper hot. Highly recommended just for that. Warning, does contain graphic scenes of murder, incest, cheating, and a cliffhanger ending.
October 27, 2017
Where is the sequel? Where is it? There better be one.
This one was dark, crazy, well written and once again, dark.
I didn't like two things:
1. Switching points of view in the same scene is wrong and annoying. No author should do that, cause that's the easy way out.
2. I didn't like the fact that the two main characters are basically ass holes. There should always be at least one guy to cheer for. I thought one of them was, but not really.
Anyway, I couldn't put this book down. Great cast of characters and fantastic dialogues.
Where, the hell, is the second part?
I will literally take one star down if there isn't a sequel, plus go to the author home and piss on the front door.
This one was dark, crazy, well written and once again, dark.
I didn't like two things:
1. Switching points of view in the same scene is wrong and annoying. No author should do that, cause that's the easy way out.
2. I didn't like the fact that the two main characters are basically ass holes. There should always be at least one guy to cheer for. I thought one of them was, but not really.
Anyway, I couldn't put this book down. Great cast of characters and fantastic dialogues.
Where, the hell, is the second part?
I will literally take one star down if there isn't a sequel, plus go to the author home and piss on the front door.
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