Death is always an inconvenience, and never comes when you expect it. Enter Dylan Delgado. Mass murderer, psychopath, magician and the last person you'd expect to be called upon when the police need help.
A man becomes a splatter on the wall of his safe room. Can Dylan figure out the connection to his past, before his past catches up with him.
When an inexplicable and gory murder baffles police, they turn to their caged psychopath to shed light on what is going through the killer's mind.
I bought a copy from the author at the UK Indie Lit Fest this summer, after listening to his reading of the opening chapter. I admit that I was a bit hesitant, after I struggled with the author's debut In Memory; but the reading really got my attention. It starts with Dylan Delgado, a magician who uses blood and death to fuel his spells; and with the long list of his kills, he's considered a serial killer by everyday people. Locked up for his crimes, he escapes the death sentence because the police find his way of thinking useful for solving inexplicable murders. As Dylan recounts the things that led him to this prison, I found it dark, gory, and unexpectedly amusing. For all that he is a psychopath, Dylan was fun to read about. I kept getting Dexter vibes, where you are connecting to your main character, despite the fact that he isn't a good guy.
I thought the story had a very strong start, as Dylan is unleashed back into the world, to uncover the truth of the murder. He's kept on a long leash, and is relatively free, as long as he is useful. The story expands beyond mundane killings, as Dylan's history gradually comes to light; revealing how much magic and demons actually influence this world. I have to admit, at that point, I was ready to give a solid four or five stars to the book.
It unravelled a bit along the way. The copy I had needed an editor, there were a lot of misspelled words and misplaced speechmarks, etc. This is a short book, at 130 pages, which I thought was an absolute shame. I was enjoying, and getting into it, but there were the occasional time jumps, as Sutton keeps the story focused on the main plot. You have this big, juicy possibility, with our psycho allowed back into public. I was looking forward to seeing how Dylan handled all these muggles around him. There were time jumps of days and weeks, and it's kinda glossed over. Did anything happen? Was he tempted to drain the blood out of anyone?
The only person Dylan really interacts with is his police escort. She's a nice enough character, and open-minded enough to take a gamble on letting a serial killer loose; but that's about all you learn.
When I read Sutton's debut, I struggled with the lack of focus, stemming from multiple narrators with multiple storyline. I kinda feel Sutton has gone the other way on this one, keeping the focus solely on Dylan and the job at hand. I'd love to see Dylan's story expanded, so it includes some of the little human (or not-human) moments; so the people that Dylan hang around with are more well-rounded - surely Dylan has opinions, or at least speculations on their character?
Overall, this was about 3.5 out of 5 for me. I'd definitely read more of the Cameraman story.
This is not for the faint of heart! This dark tale takes us into the mind of a killer…with a twist. In the story, we meet a psychopath, one who is devoid of remorse and revels in his power over others. Not someone you would normally find yourself liking but I found myself drawn to his darkness, the epitome of an anti-hero. This story takes you on a journey into the mind of the twisted and introduces you to the world of the occult, supernatural and just plain creepy. I loved this book and personally can’t wait to see what happens next!
Really enjoyed this story with its dark magical undertones involving the main character Dylan Delgado psychopathic murderer who is called upon by the police to help them with a case.
I think this book could well benefit from a glossary of terms at the back. There were so many terms used that could well be ficticious but it would be great to help with the ease of reading. I found myself stopping midway through a paragraph wondering what on earth was being talked about.
Well worth a read though but really not for the faint hearted. There are some pretty gruesome descriptions in this story.
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a horror enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!
This is a fascinating story following the incarcerated Dylan Delgado as his supernatural powers are used to assist the police with their investigations when crimes cannot be explained through the normal (mortal) routes.
It is a fast paced story which keeps you on your toes throughout with gruesome detail which is not for the faint hearted. Time is occasionally skipped over which helps to keep up the pace, avoiding the usual long drawn out explanations with some fantasy writing.
There is a leading male protagonist but he has an unlikely sidekick in female agent Jamie, and it is great to see their relationship alter throughout without crossing the line of intimacy, although seeming to teeter on the edge.
I look forward to reading more of the Cameraman’s antics and seeing where he ends up next.
I downloaded this book after reading the In Memory trilogy and found it very enjoyable. It had elements that were reminiscent of my favourite TV show "Supernatural", which made it very relatable as a paranormal book. I am interested to read the second in this series when it becomes available!