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Serial Cortex
Breaking into a murderer’s mind is dangerous. Making it out alive could be impossible. Hanna Li is on the brink of a scientific breakthrough. With her pioneering tech that allows anyone to travel into another human’s mind, she’s found the perfect therapy for overcoming irrational fears. But with funds drying up, she reluctantly accepts a risky but lucrative bid to hijack a ruthless killer’s psyche. Partnering up with detectives from the Serial Crimes Bureau, Hanna infiltrates the mind of the prime suspect in a triple homicide. But what she uncovers is shockingly more disturbing than the memories of a psychopath… Can Hanna crack the consciousness of a deranged criminal before she becomes the next victim? Serial Cortex is a mesmerizing science fiction crime thriller. If you like brain-bending technology, fast-paced suspense, and glimpses into a dark future, then you’ll love Chris Yee’s action-packed novel. Buy Serial Cortex to enter the mind of a murderer today!
- GenresScience FictionMystery
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2020
38 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 31, 2020
3.5 review to follow
May 29, 2020
Science Fiction must have some level of plausibility. While the premise of "thought hopping" is feasible, there were too many holes in the technology for this to make much sense. While the immersion was reminiscent of The Matrix, some of those things that work in the Matrix (being a computer simulation) don't really translate if you enter someone else's mind.
Along with the stilted dialogue, flat characters, predictability (due to the characters being flat), shoddy police work by a supposedly elite group of detectives with this being their only case, questionable legality of many of the actions, the cliche of an outsider putting the pieces together (when said elite group of detectives couldn't), this is one to pass up on even if it is in the bargain bin.
Along with the stilted dialogue, flat characters, predictability (due to the characters being flat), shoddy police work by a supposedly elite group of detectives with this being their only case, questionable legality of many of the actions, the cliche of an outsider putting the pieces together (when said elite group of detectives couldn't), this is one to pass up on even if it is in the bargain bin.
August 4, 2021
all reviews in one place:
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: A mind can be a strange and scary place even on its own, when we’re left in silence, with ourselves. And Hanna Li is about to enter the mind of a suspected serial killer, a woman not of a cooperating mind. But three men are dead, after all…
My Opinion: Characters are so two dimensional, they might as well be inanimate objects. The story is awfully linear, predictable, and dull. For a tale where one can enter a mind of a serial killer, this was an upsetting lack of, well, anything.
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: A mind can be a strange and scary place even on its own, when we’re left in silence, with ourselves. And Hanna Li is about to enter the mind of a suspected serial killer, a woman not of a cooperating mind. But three men are dead, after all…
My Opinion: Characters are so two dimensional, they might as well be inanimate objects. The story is awfully linear, predictable, and dull. For a tale where one can enter a mind of a serial killer, this was an upsetting lack of, well, anything.
May 22, 2020
There are some books that are so bad you stop reading them within the first couple of chapters. There are some books that are so bad you stop reading then after just a few pages. And then there are those books that are so incredibly bad you read/skim all the way to the end because otherwise you would be letting the author win. This was one of those books. Was this ever one of those books!
First of all, if you don’t take my advice and do read this hot mess, do NOT miss out on the opportunity to play the “Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Drinking Game.” The rules are simple. Every time you come across the term “dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,” you take a drink. Now that I think about it, this may be the ONLY way to enjoy reading this book.
According to my search, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is mentioned something like 25 times. It is never abbreviated. It is always there in all its unnecessary glory. It is always right there beside the plot holes, the undeveloped characters, the stupid twists that were much more annoying than they were exciting, the inconsistent world building, and, perhaps the worst horror of all—the announcement that there will be a sequel to this pile of stinking crap.
First of all, if you don’t take my advice and do read this hot mess, do NOT miss out on the opportunity to play the “Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Drinking Game.” The rules are simple. Every time you come across the term “dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,” you take a drink. Now that I think about it, this may be the ONLY way to enjoy reading this book.
According to my search, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is mentioned something like 25 times. It is never abbreviated. It is always there in all its unnecessary glory. It is always right there beside the plot holes, the undeveloped characters, the stupid twists that were much more annoying than they were exciting, the inconsistent world building, and, perhaps the worst horror of all—the announcement that there will be a sequel to this pile of stinking crap.
November 24, 2020
Writing is okay-ish, but nothing is happening in the first quarter of the book. No tension, simply explaining how the mind-transfer-thingy is supposed to work.
October 14, 2021
I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did.
The premise, of thought hopping, is a bit silly, but it was developed well enough to not feel unplausible. It works well enough, in the context of the book, but there was some inconsistent things that were put out as facts, with no evidence to back them up. Things like what will happen if you're injured or killed in someone's mind, and the effects on real world you. It started as it will be catastrophic if you get hurt, then well you can be injured but don't get seriously hurt, then well that's OK, but don't die, I guess. The rules were never explained properly, never explained how they learned about consequences, and the goal posts kept moving as the story needed them to.
The mystery was poorly done. It was obvious from the start what was happening and clues that were thrown out there, were just dropped by the main character, never to be picked up again. Like the hairbrush. At no point was it ever mentioned again.
Also, as it's an experimental and largely unproven technology, how was it ever going to be allowed in court? Especially with the accused now submitting to it, and no court oder compelling it to be done to her. Where was her lawyer?
The characters were not fully fleshed out, but felt well enough for the world created. The characters were likable and it felt fun to tag along with them. But I never really felt I knew them.
Like when. The main character flips out at her client, because deep in his mind, he thought about having consensual sex with her. There was nothing in her character to suggest this reaction. No past trauma, or aversion to men, married men, etc. It all felt sudden and over blown. It was never clear, either, if the author was saying that men shouldn't fantasize about women they find attractive (even if they have no intention of pursuing anything) , or if she was over reacting.
This could have made more sense, if it had been incorporated into the character, but it was so one off and confusing, it felt out of place and made me question if I understood the main character at all.
The voice narration, by Stephanie Dillard, was pretty good. She did different voices for the female characters, and they were done well enough. Her male voices need some work, but she was easy to listen to and did a good job.
All in all, this is an enjoyable book that needs some polishing. Some more work on the characters, implications of the tech and the police part, would go a long way to make this a better read. The characters are likable, if a little unfinished. The voice narration is good, but needs some work on the men. It was an enjoyable experience, except the ending.
***spoilers***
I found the ending problematic. She has put her heart sweat and blood into her company, and it is just bought out by the cops. No talk about ownership or IP, or well anything. She is so brilliant, she never even asks if the cops toss her to the curb, who maintains control of the assets or if she can start her own company.
As well, she's going to be a police detective with no training or schooling. That should go well.
It would make more sense if she was given a signing bonus to come on as a special advisor and independent contractor. Hire her company to work exclusively with the cops. Or keep her company on retainer.
It left me feeling unsatisfied.
The premise, of thought hopping, is a bit silly, but it was developed well enough to not feel unplausible. It works well enough, in the context of the book, but there was some inconsistent things that were put out as facts, with no evidence to back them up. Things like what will happen if you're injured or killed in someone's mind, and the effects on real world you. It started as it will be catastrophic if you get hurt, then well you can be injured but don't get seriously hurt, then well that's OK, but don't die, I guess. The rules were never explained properly, never explained how they learned about consequences, and the goal posts kept moving as the story needed them to.
The mystery was poorly done. It was obvious from the start what was happening and clues that were thrown out there, were just dropped by the main character, never to be picked up again. Like the hairbrush. At no point was it ever mentioned again.
Also, as it's an experimental and largely unproven technology, how was it ever going to be allowed in court? Especially with the accused now submitting to it, and no court oder compelling it to be done to her. Where was her lawyer?
The characters were not fully fleshed out, but felt well enough for the world created. The characters were likable and it felt fun to tag along with them. But I never really felt I knew them.
Like when. The main character flips out at her client, because deep in his mind, he thought about having consensual sex with her. There was nothing in her character to suggest this reaction. No past trauma, or aversion to men, married men, etc. It all felt sudden and over blown. It was never clear, either, if the author was saying that men shouldn't fantasize about women they find attractive (even if they have no intention of pursuing anything) , or if she was over reacting.
This could have made more sense, if it had been incorporated into the character, but it was so one off and confusing, it felt out of place and made me question if I understood the main character at all.
The voice narration, by Stephanie Dillard, was pretty good. She did different voices for the female characters, and they were done well enough. Her male voices need some work, but she was easy to listen to and did a good job.
All in all, this is an enjoyable book that needs some polishing. Some more work on the characters, implications of the tech and the police part, would go a long way to make this a better read. The characters are likable, if a little unfinished. The voice narration is good, but needs some work on the men. It was an enjoyable experience, except the ending.
***spoilers***
I found the ending problematic. She has put her heart sweat and blood into her company, and it is just bought out by the cops. No talk about ownership or IP, or well anything. She is so brilliant, she never even asks if the cops toss her to the curb, who maintains control of the assets or if she can start her own company.
As well, she's going to be a police detective with no training or schooling. That should go well.
It would make more sense if she was given a signing bonus to come on as a special advisor and independent contractor. Hire her company to work exclusively with the cops. Or keep her company on retainer.
It left me feeling unsatisfied.
June 3, 2020
Preface: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review
This was a fun read, though it stressed my suspension of disbelief at times. Basically, a scientist teams up with a police detective to delve into a suspected serial murderer's head to try and get evidence to convict her. Shenanigans ensue. For the most part, this was well-paced and fun. The main character and detective were both interesting, and I enjoyed their dynamic. However, there were some plot points that just seemed really contrived or too obvious. Multiple times, the story stops in its tracks to stress little details about some of the secondary characters, in a way that just flashes a neon sign of "THIS IS SUPER IMPORTANT." There's also a really jarring moment where our serial killer offhandedly mentions an item being stolen from her - an item that has no monetary value and is related to hygiene, so it would have no use for anyone else besides her. Despite the weirdness of this, and the way it could super obviously link to her crimes, no one comments on this at all.
Overall, though, it was a fun read. If you're looking for a light sci-fi/police procedural mash-up, you'll enjoy this.
This was a fun read, though it stressed my suspension of disbelief at times. Basically, a scientist teams up with a police detective to delve into a suspected serial murderer's head to try and get evidence to convict her. Shenanigans ensue. For the most part, this was well-paced and fun. The main character and detective were both interesting, and I enjoyed their dynamic. However, there were some plot points that just seemed really contrived or too obvious. Multiple times, the story stops in its tracks to stress little details about some of the secondary characters, in a way that just flashes a neon sign of "THIS IS SUPER IMPORTANT." There's also a really jarring moment where our serial killer offhandedly mentions an item being stolen from her - an item that has no monetary value and is related to hygiene, so it would have no use for anyone else besides her. Despite the weirdness of this, and the way it could super obviously link to her crimes, no one comments on this at all.
Overall, though, it was a fun read. If you're looking for a light sci-fi/police procedural mash-up, you'll enjoy this.
November 8, 2020
"Enough of this nonsense!" Charles yelled.
Which perfectly sums up my feelings on this book. I was so excited to read it. I was promised weirdness. I was promised serial killers. The characters were all a bit bland, and frankly, I had to ship Hanna + Claire just to get through it. No one just holds your hand. No one just rubs your back while looking into your eyes. They could have spent more time flirting. They're good together.
In other areas, the explanations were terribly repetitive. Almost as bad as a character turning to another character and saying, "As you know..." which would be fine if it was funny, but it wasn't. Half of the book could probably be cut out and it would read a lot better.
The best part was the reference to Metal Chest. Which I will now read for a third time.
I am, however, willing to come back for Hanna and Claire, BUDDYCOPS! Tramping into people's weird brains for the truth! And making out!
Mr Yee, you haven't lost me as a reader, but after loving Metal Chest the way that I do, it's a hard act to follow. (Are personal notes to the author in reviews creepy or endearing?)
Which perfectly sums up my feelings on this book. I was so excited to read it. I was promised weirdness. I was promised serial killers. The characters were all a bit bland, and frankly, I had to ship Hanna + Claire just to get through it. No one just holds your hand. No one just rubs your back while looking into your eyes. They could have spent more time flirting. They're good together.
In other areas, the explanations were terribly repetitive. Almost as bad as a character turning to another character and saying, "As you know..." which would be fine if it was funny, but it wasn't. Half of the book could probably be cut out and it would read a lot better.
The best part was the reference to Metal Chest. Which I will now read for a third time.
I am, however, willing to come back for Hanna and Claire, BUDDYCOPS! Tramping into people's weird brains for the truth! And making out!
Mr Yee, you haven't lost me as a reader, but after loving Metal Chest the way that I do, it's a hard act to follow. (Are personal notes to the author in reviews creepy or endearing?)
July 6, 2020
This novel was entertaining, but there were far too many unbelievable elements. For example, the main character, Hanna, was so incredibly optimistic, despite huge setbacks, that she was irritating and seemed unlike any real person I've ever met.
Also, although Hanna was a normal-sized woman with no special self-defense training, she was able to run for a long distance carrying an unconscious woman, fought off eight adult males attacking her at once, and fell through the ice of the frozen Charles River, then struggled in the freezing water for an extended period of time, pulled herself out, dragged herself several blocks before finding people who could call for medical help, and showed up for work bright and early the next day with no significant health repercussions.
Since this was not supposed to be a magical realism novel, the author needs to make her characters more believable.
Also, although Hanna was a normal-sized woman with no special self-defense training, she was able to run for a long distance carrying an unconscious woman, fought off eight adult males attacking her at once, and fell through the ice of the frozen Charles River, then struggled in the freezing water for an extended period of time, pulled herself out, dragged herself several blocks before finding people who could call for medical help, and showed up for work bright and early the next day with no significant health repercussions.
Since this was not supposed to be a magical realism novel, the author needs to make her characters more believable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2020
I liked SERIAL CORTEX, I thought the technology was fascinating [albeit potentially dangerous]. I just did not enjoy it as much as METAL CHEST, which I found much more humanized and emotional [despite one of the two protagonists being a simulated intelligence, and the apocalyptic War having been "robots" vs. Humans].
As for the advanced technology in SERIAL CORTEX, I've read Science Fiction in which [in the future] detectives or technicians can read the victims' last moments on their eyes [or brain or some other technique] and so I was reminded of that. I think the most interesting aspect for me was the use of "thought-hopping" psychologically rather than in crime-solving, particularly in regards to aversion therapy.
As for the advanced technology in SERIAL CORTEX, I've read Science Fiction in which [in the future] detectives or technicians can read the victims' last moments on their eyes [or brain or some other technique] and so I was reminded of that. I think the most interesting aspect for me was the use of "thought-hopping" psychologically rather than in crime-solving, particularly in regards to aversion therapy.
September 30, 2020
While this was a fun story, it was lacking in a lot of really important areas: the characters were bland caricatures (and there were too many of them), the "twists" were over the top and telegraphed well in advance, the procedural aspect of the investigation was completely missing (ie they Mirandize and detain people just because a consultant points the finger?)
I was interested in the technology - and it was a cool concept - but between repetitive "dreamscape" passages and the way our main character sounded like a brochure every time she talked (between throwing out jargon in casual conversation and her "dumbed down" supportive / goody-goody vibes) and many other small things that added up made this a very uninspiring read.
Plus... A sequel? Pass.
I was interested in the technology - and it was a cool concept - but between repetitive "dreamscape" passages and the way our main character sounded like a brochure every time she talked (between throwing out jargon in casual conversation and her "dumbed down" supportive / goody-goody vibes) and many other small things that added up made this a very uninspiring read.
Plus... A sequel? Pass.
September 2, 2020
I didn’t love this book, but I LIKED this book. I enjoyed Hannah Lee, a researcher using “thought hopping” to help people get over their fears. But when she’s brought in to help a special police unit interrogate an alleged serial killer, thought hopping becomes a whole new experience.
I really liked the premise of this sci-fi thriller, and I really liked that the smartest person in the story was a strong female character. But some of the storyline wrapped up too easily, and I’m not sure if it was the story or the narration that didn’t sit with me 💯 . I do think I might have liked it better as a read rather than a listen.
Ultimately, this was a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨book.
I really liked the premise of this sci-fi thriller, and I really liked that the smartest person in the story was a strong female character. But some of the storyline wrapped up too easily, and I’m not sure if it was the story or the narration that didn’t sit with me 💯 . I do think I might have liked it better as a read rather than a listen.
Ultimately, this was a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨book.
May 14, 2020
4.5 Stars rounded to 5
Serial Cortex is the first book I have read by Chris Lee and I loved it! Excellent and likable characters, well written and a great plot. I was thrown a curve ball at the end when I realised I was wrong on all my guesses. I can't wait for round two with Hannah and her cool mind-hopping technology.
Thank you to Hidden Gems for the free digital copy in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
Serial Cortex is the first book I have read by Chris Lee and I loved it! Excellent and likable characters, well written and a great plot. I was thrown a curve ball at the end when I realised I was wrong on all my guesses. I can't wait for round two with Hannah and her cool mind-hopping technology.
Thank you to Hidden Gems for the free digital copy in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
June 9, 2020
This book had an interesting theory, and could have been a decent story if told in the right way. But, the author lacks the ability to tell a story without relying in dialog (one of my biggest pet peeves). There is very little action outside of conversations. No anticipation build-up. The true killer is so obvious, it's painful.
I'd skip this book.
I'd skip this book.
May 21, 2020
It was one of those books that you do not know who was the real serial killer until the end. It was scary because I really wouldn’t want someone traveling through my mind that way.
June 30, 2020
Very predictable
October 2, 2020
This was enjoyable, however the ending felt rushed and a bit contrived to me. I would have liked more on how the thought-hopping technology worked as well.
February 14, 2021
Interesting story themes combining a murder investigation and science fiction on thought infiltration. Character development is fairly shallow and plot development too transparent at times.
March 6, 2023
3.5/5
June 26, 2020
This book follows Hanna Li who is pioneering tech that allows anyone to travel into another human’s mind as a way to help people overcome their irrational fears. But with funds running low and only one person willing to let Hanna use the new tech on them, she reluctantly accepts a risky but lucrative job. Hanna along with the Serial Crimes Bureau must use her tech to enter the mind of a ruthless killer’s psyche. This book was defiantly interesting, it was a good mix of Inception and Thriller. Some parts are a bit predictable but the book will still keep you hooked from the start. #bookreview #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booksbooksbooks #booknerd #bookish #bookcommunity #booksofinstagram #reading #bookaddict #readingbeelee #serialcortex #chrislee
September 15, 2020
This is a fun book. The chapter headings gave a clue to the contents of the chapter. Interesting character development. I can't get away with the feeling that the story was . . . I won't say simple, because it wasn't. More like it was unconvoluted, fairly . . . hmmm . . . straightforward, I would say. It's sci-fi, but in a down-to-earth way. I forgot that it was sci-fi; it seemed almost like a normal murder mystery. I haven't come across anything quite like it. Easy read - try it.
November 6, 2022
Lordy, another misclassified book! Billed as SF but really just another crime story with the SF bit being some fairly unbelievable hokum to hang the unraveling of the crime on. And not a great crime story either, with the guilty party and the modus operandi being telegraphed pretty early on. And not particularly great writing either. All in all, meh. 3 stars.
March 1, 2020
Good enough to finish.
June 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this book...a nice blend of sci-fi and mystery. I hope to have more of Hannah and company.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews