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Murderabilia
When you're the son of a serial killer, you can never escape your past.
William MacNary was eight years old when his father went to prison. Since then, he's carefully built a life as a family man and a private banker for the wealthy. He tries to forget that his father dismembered and photographed thirteen women. And he tries to forget those exquisitely composed photos of severed hands, heads, and feet that launched the "murderabilia" art market.
William has not spoken to his father for thirty-one years. No one at his tony bank knows whose son he is. Not until his wife's colleague is murdered and carved up in the same way his father would have done it.
All the evidence points to William. And only one person can understand the copycat killer—the monster William hasn't seen since he was a child.
Praise:
"Murderabilia [is] a story that will lay a cold finger of dread on the back of your neck. Vonderau is a terrific writer who has written a terrific book."—Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of The Good Daughter
"Murderabilia is a fascinating crime novel and a look into the human soul and all that makes us the men and women we become. An excellent read!"—Heather Graham, New York Times bestselling author of A Dangerous Game
"Murderabilia explores the dark corners of the soul in a riveting story sure to grab your attention and keep you reading till the final page. This is a superb debut from a striking new voice."—William Bernhardt, author of The Last Chance Lawyers
"Murderabilia is a dark, tense, sophisticated story about just how deep and far the sins of the father can reach into the innocent lives of his children. Carl Vonderau is a new (and very scary) voice."—Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of The Deep End of The Ocean
"Murderabilia offers a rare insider's view into the mysterious world of private banking. International landscapes, deep family secrets, and religious overtones create the perfect backdrop for a brilliant debut. Vonderau's fresh prose and heart-stopping twists promise that he is a writer to watch!"—K.J. Howe, internationally bestselling author of The Freedom Broker and Skyjack
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2019
16 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
July 10, 2019
Murderabilia is the debut crime thriller of Mr Vonderau. They always say write what you know and that is exactly what the author has done as like our protagonist he is a private banker from a religious family. What I loved was the originality in a genre saturated with identikit thrillers and because of this, I read it in a single nail-biting sitting. The pace is sound; just quick enough to ensure excitement and shocks around every corner but not so fast that it gives rise to poor characterisation. This is an all-round gripping and fascinating read. Many thanks to Midnight Ink for an ARC.
May 29, 2019
Somewhere between 3-4 stars. I've no idea where though...
Murderabilia started off strong, capturing my attention with the sure-fire dangling carrot of a serial killer. Well, sure-fire for me. This particular serial killer seems to be harassing/stalking the son of an infamous serial killer.
actual footage of me discovering there were serial killers aplenty.
William is a mid-level banker happily married to a school teacher. They have two kids and live a quiet life in San Diego. Totally nondescript but I think he's deliberately built a life that's safe and ordinary to both escape and distance himself from his atypical childhood with a serial killer father and a religious fanatic mother.
Then a man claiming to be his brother throws his world into upheaval and he soon finds himself the prime suspect in a murder!
#MuchExcite
So... in case you haven't figured it out yet. The beginning of Murderabilia was a win at Casa de Cupcake. Part psychological thriller and part police procedural, both of which sent me into some spontaneous jazz hands.
The middling bits I didn't think were as strong. The narrative shifts more into 'the making of a serial killer', examining the factors that can contribute to becoming a sociopath. This is much covered territory for me so my attention waned but I don't think others will necessarily have the same issue. Nevertheless, Murderabilia finished strong. I thoroughly enjoyed the cat and mouse shenanigans and The Preying Hands actually reminded me a little of...
Vonderau did a fine job with the characterizations of the main characters. Polly, the sister, was my favorite. She's ballsy, kind of a hot-head and thus amusing. But both Polly and William I thought were well constructed with regard to their feelings surrounding their father and how the ramifications of being raised by their parents have manifested themselves in their adult lives, respectively. The sick and twisted part of me really loved the photography and how that played a role for William, the self-proclaimed "son" of The Preying Hands as well as the man himself.
Overall, I enjoyed it but I do wish the pacing were more consistent and that it was a tad more... mind-fucky? stabby? bad wrong? *shrugs* Regardless, I would recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers, police procedurals and whodunits. Triggers for murder and violence (obvs), mentions of childhood abuse and animal cruelty.
An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Murderabilia started off strong, capturing my attention with the sure-fire dangling carrot of a serial killer. Well, sure-fire for me. This particular serial killer seems to be harassing/stalking the son of an infamous serial killer.
actual footage of me discovering there were serial killers aplenty.
William is a mid-level banker happily married to a school teacher. They have two kids and live a quiet life in San Diego. Totally nondescript but I think he's deliberately built a life that's safe and ordinary to both escape and distance himself from his atypical childhood with a serial killer father and a religious fanatic mother.
Then a man claiming to be his brother throws his world into upheaval and he soon finds himself the prime suspect in a murder!
#MuchExcite
So... in case you haven't figured it out yet. The beginning of Murderabilia was a win at Casa de Cupcake. Part psychological thriller and part police procedural, both of which sent me into some spontaneous jazz hands.
The middling bits I didn't think were as strong. The narrative shifts more into 'the making of a serial killer', examining the factors that can contribute to becoming a sociopath. This is much covered territory for me so my attention waned but I don't think others will necessarily have the same issue. Nevertheless, Murderabilia finished strong. I thoroughly enjoyed the cat and mouse shenanigans and The Preying Hands actually reminded me a little of...
Vonderau did a fine job with the characterizations of the main characters. Polly, the sister, was my favorite. She's ballsy, kind of a hot-head and thus amusing. But both Polly and William I thought were well constructed with regard to their feelings surrounding their father and how the ramifications of being raised by their parents have manifested themselves in their adult lives, respectively. The sick and twisted part of me really loved the photography and how that played a role for William, the self-proclaimed "son" of The Preying Hands as well as the man himself.
Overall, I enjoyed it but I do wish the pacing were more consistent and that it was a tad more... mind-fucky? stabby? bad wrong? *shrugs* Regardless, I would recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers, police procedurals and whodunits. Triggers for murder and violence (obvs), mentions of childhood abuse and animal cruelty.
An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2021
Murderabilia is a dark mystery of a son who cannot escape the fact that his father was a serial killer.
Older now, William has built a life as a family man and banker for the wealthy. However, when his wife's colleague is murdered and carved up in the same way his father used to do it everything comes to light.
Now with no choice, he must speak with his father again if she wants to prove his innocence.
A riveting story where the stakes are high and nothing is at it seems.
Older now, William has built a life as a family man and banker for the wealthy. However, when his wife's colleague is murdered and carved up in the same way his father used to do it everything comes to light.
Now with no choice, he must speak with his father again if she wants to prove his innocence.
A riveting story where the stakes are high and nothing is at it seems.
July 4, 2019
When you're the son of a serial killer, you can never escape your past.
Murderabilia follows the lives of William and Polly, the children of The Preying Hands serial killer, a man who has been in prison for 30+ years...for murdering 13 (or is it more?) women. The premise, almost Dexter-like, had so much potential. Unfortunately, the story just seemed disconnected and overly contrived.
With the exception of Polly, a gritty, fire-ball of a woman...all the characters seem like cardboard cut-outs. Even Harvey, the murderous psychopath, was disappointingly generic. Oddly, there was also a weird Scientology thread throughout the story. It was preachy, annoying, and caused me to dock the story half a star.
The conclusion? Meh. Underwhelming. 2.5 stars rounded down
Thanks to NetGalley, Midnight Ink, and Carl Vonderau for my advanced digital copy of this novel.
Publication date: July 8, 2019
Goodreads review published: July 4, 2019
Murderabilia follows the lives of William and Polly, the children of The Preying Hands serial killer, a man who has been in prison for 30+ years...for murdering 13 (or is it more?) women. The premise, almost Dexter-like, had so much potential. Unfortunately, the story just seemed disconnected and overly contrived.
With the exception of Polly, a gritty, fire-ball of a woman...all the characters seem like cardboard cut-outs. Even Harvey, the murderous psychopath, was disappointingly generic. Oddly, there was also a weird Scientology thread throughout the story. It was preachy, annoying, and caused me to dock the story half a star.
The conclusion? Meh. Underwhelming. 2.5 stars rounded down
Thanks to NetGalley, Midnight Ink, and Carl Vonderau for my advanced digital copy of this novel.
Publication date: July 8, 2019
Goodreads review published: July 4, 2019
February 13, 2019
The perfect book for fans of Dexter (both the books and the tv series), Chris Carter, Chelsea Cain and Fiona Cummings.
William McNarry hasn’t seen his father for 31 years, not since he was incarcerated for murdering and dismembering 13 women. His father, Harvey Dean Kogan, didn’t just stop there. He then posed the limbs artfully for macabre photographs which spurred the murderabilia phenomenon (think poetry by Dhamer etc.) and earned him the moniker The Preying Hands.
In the present, someone has started targeting William in a sadistic plot to frame him for a murder which echoes those of his father.
It quickly becomes a terrifying game of cat and mouse as William strives to protect his wife, children and older sister. The pacing in this book is great as the more you discover about William, his father and the crimes he committed the faster it ramps up the tension of the current unfolding nightmare.
The characters were great! William and Polly (his sister) both have their issues which is totally understandable given their past, and yet this just seems to make them all the more determined to find out what the hell is going on now, and who is tormenting them.
It’s exciting, full of twists and really enjoyable.
I’m not 100% sure about the cover, and I’d probably have titled it The Preying Hands rather than murderabilia but that’s just my opinion and it has no bearing on the enjoyment of this book!
It would definitely make a great film of tv show (ideally a tv show so we could have a dual time line of present murders and then Kogan’s original murders!)
Thank you very much to the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this.
William McNarry hasn’t seen his father for 31 years, not since he was incarcerated for murdering and dismembering 13 women. His father, Harvey Dean Kogan, didn’t just stop there. He then posed the limbs artfully for macabre photographs which spurred the murderabilia phenomenon (think poetry by Dhamer etc.) and earned him the moniker The Preying Hands.
In the present, someone has started targeting William in a sadistic plot to frame him for a murder which echoes those of his father.
It quickly becomes a terrifying game of cat and mouse as William strives to protect his wife, children and older sister. The pacing in this book is great as the more you discover about William, his father and the crimes he committed the faster it ramps up the tension of the current unfolding nightmare.
The characters were great! William and Polly (his sister) both have their issues which is totally understandable given their past, and yet this just seems to make them all the more determined to find out what the hell is going on now, and who is tormenting them.
It’s exciting, full of twists and really enjoyable.
I’m not 100% sure about the cover, and I’d probably have titled it The Preying Hands rather than murderabilia but that’s just my opinion and it has no bearing on the enjoyment of this book!
It would definitely make a great film of tv show (ideally a tv show so we could have a dual time line of present murders and then Kogan’s original murders!)
Thank you very much to the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this.
July 18, 2019
Murderabilia by Carl Vonderauis a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Midnight Ink, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Harvey Dean Kogan is a serial killer. He has been in prison for over 30 years for the murder of thirteen women. He became even more famous for the pictures he took of his victims, and the press ended up calling him The Preying Hands for the way he arranged their bodies. His photos started the “murderabilia” market as fans bought up his pictures.
Kogan's wife changed their names and took her 8-year old son and 13-year old daughter to live in California. But they have always lived in fear that someone will realize who they were. That day has come. William McNary is now a private banker, and his sister Polly owns a restaurant. They have done well for themselves. William has a wife and two children, but the past is coming back to haunt him and his family.
Someone has discovered his secret, and is now framing him for a murder which is very similar to those committed by his father. To clear his name, and keep his family safe, William is going to have to ask for help from the very man he has avoided almost all of his life.
My Opinions:
I admit to struggling with the first few chapters of this book, but am unsure why. I think I was overly excited about the premise, and it didn't seem to live up to the hype initially. So while I anticipated a book about a serial killer's son, the beginning just felt like a book about a wrongly accused man.
However, once I got into the book, the plot and characters sucked me in, and the more I read, the more I wanted to. I loved the characters of Polly and William, whose attributes sounded right for children of a killer. I really loved hot-headed Polly. As well, the writing was so clear that I felt I was there in the room with the characters. I could see this becoming a movie.
This book explored the mind of a serial killer, and the impact on the remaining family. I think this was done really well. It felt very real. Beware, there is a bit of gore in this one, and it's fairly dark, but those of course are the reasons I wanted to read it. Go figure!
For a debut novel, this author is definitely one to watch!
On another matter....I hope they give it a better cover....don't like this one.
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
August 31, 2019
Disturbing and deeply creepy...so an ideal thriller!
📸
.
Murderabilia follows William McNary, a personal banker who's life would seem boring except for the fact his father is a notorious serial killer. He's successfully avoided telling anyone and almost forgotten about his weird childhood until his wife's co-worker is murdered and photographed in the same fashion as his father's signature style. .
An impressive debut novel about dark family secrets and learning to forgive.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📸
.
Murderabilia follows William McNary, a personal banker who's life would seem boring except for the fact his father is a notorious serial killer. He's successfully avoided telling anyone and almost forgotten about his weird childhood until his wife's co-worker is murdered and photographed in the same fashion as his father's signature style. .
An impressive debut novel about dark family secrets and learning to forgive.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 12, 2019
Thank you to Midnight Ink and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A compelling and dark read, with well-drawn characterizations of the two siblings (Polly and William). Not all the other characters were as well-written, but the family history - and the agonizing consequences of having to live with their father's actions/crimes - drew me in. Some of the back story could have been more stringently edited, but it's tense and suspenseful, and culminates in a strong ending.
Excellent debut, and I look forward to reading more from this author!
A compelling and dark read, with well-drawn characterizations of the two siblings (Polly and William). Not all the other characters were as well-written, but the family history - and the agonizing consequences of having to live with their father's actions/crimes - drew me in. Some of the back story could have been more stringently edited, but it's tense and suspenseful, and culminates in a strong ending.
Excellent debut, and I look forward to reading more from this author!
March 18, 2022
This well written thriller kept me glued to the page. Vonderau did an amazing job developing characters who were the family members of a serial killer, each with a different take on their father/husband. I enjoyed this fast-paced story and highly recommend it.
July 8, 2019
Can you ever escape your past when you’re the son of a serial killer? This is the dilemma that William MacNary has been trying to solve his entire life. When he was eight-years-old his father was sent to prison after being convicted of killing thirteen women. Not only did he abduct these women, he also brutally murdered them and then staged their bodies in tableaus he would photograph. Thirty-one years have passed since William last saw his father. Not a day has passed since he last thought about him or the photos he took.
William has built a new life for himself. He has a family and is making a successful living as a banker. When a colleague of his wife goes missing and then turns up dead, his world shifts. This woman’s body has been staged to look just like the work of William’s father and to make matters worse, the scene and body are littered with fingerprints and DNA that all point to William as the killer. William maintains his innocence and claims the murder is a result of a copycat killer. In order to prove his case he’ll need to rely on the one person who knows the original crimes best. He’ll need to contact his father.
MURDERABILIA is a front row seat into the world of William MacNary, who is desperately trying to live a normal life after being subject to shame and fear when his father was convicted of being a serial killer during William’s childhood. For thirty-one years William has kept the truth about his father close to his heart and only let a select few know about his past. The death of his wife’s colleague quickly shatters this fragile reality he has built, as William is swept up into a murder investigation.
Vonderau’s writing is paced at a speed that keeps the reader on their toes. Just as you’re getting to know William and the secrets he holds close, you’re thrown head first into a murder investigation. Can the reader believe what William is telling them? While the delicate balance of trust is brief, that flicker with the truth concerning William, opens the door for the reader to bond with him. Can you imagine being framed for a crime you never committed? Can you imagine looking to the outside world like you have picked up where your father’s crimes left off?
There are a lot of winning aspects to MURDERABILIA. There is the look into William’s childhood, how he grew up thinking of his father and his home life. There is William’s current threat with a copycat killer who potentially could be targeting William’s family. Then there is my favorite aspect: meeting William’s father. It’s always interesting to be face-to-face with a serial killer in any crime fiction novel, but when there is an actual relationship between that killer and the narrator, the level of intrigue greatly increases. I’ll keep the specifics limited to avoid spoilers, but I will say that the dynamic between William and his father is excellent!
MURDERABILIA is a great addition to the crime fiction, thriller, suspense reading worlds. This is a story that will keep you guessing and keep you wanting to know more! You will feel unsettled and yet fascinated by the events unfolding between the pages.
Disclosure: Thank you to JKS Communications and Midnight Ink for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
William has built a new life for himself. He has a family and is making a successful living as a banker. When a colleague of his wife goes missing and then turns up dead, his world shifts. This woman’s body has been staged to look just like the work of William’s father and to make matters worse, the scene and body are littered with fingerprints and DNA that all point to William as the killer. William maintains his innocence and claims the murder is a result of a copycat killer. In order to prove his case he’ll need to rely on the one person who knows the original crimes best. He’ll need to contact his father.
MURDERABILIA is a front row seat into the world of William MacNary, who is desperately trying to live a normal life after being subject to shame and fear when his father was convicted of being a serial killer during William’s childhood. For thirty-one years William has kept the truth about his father close to his heart and only let a select few know about his past. The death of his wife’s colleague quickly shatters this fragile reality he has built, as William is swept up into a murder investigation.
Vonderau’s writing is paced at a speed that keeps the reader on their toes. Just as you’re getting to know William and the secrets he holds close, you’re thrown head first into a murder investigation. Can the reader believe what William is telling them? While the delicate balance of trust is brief, that flicker with the truth concerning William, opens the door for the reader to bond with him. Can you imagine being framed for a crime you never committed? Can you imagine looking to the outside world like you have picked up where your father’s crimes left off?
There are a lot of winning aspects to MURDERABILIA. There is the look into William’s childhood, how he grew up thinking of his father and his home life. There is William’s current threat with a copycat killer who potentially could be targeting William’s family. Then there is my favorite aspect: meeting William’s father. It’s always interesting to be face-to-face with a serial killer in any crime fiction novel, but when there is an actual relationship between that killer and the narrator, the level of intrigue greatly increases. I’ll keep the specifics limited to avoid spoilers, but I will say that the dynamic between William and his father is excellent!
MURDERABILIA is a great addition to the crime fiction, thriller, suspense reading worlds. This is a story that will keep you guessing and keep you wanting to know more! You will feel unsettled and yet fascinated by the events unfolding between the pages.
Disclosure: Thank you to JKS Communications and Midnight Ink for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
February 15, 2019
Don’t you just love a good serial killer thriller. And Murderabilia was a very good one, indeed. Not just dark and twisted as it ought to be, but also one offering an original premise and a clever dramatic narrative. The author chose the high road, putting guts and gore aside (though don’t worry genre fans, not avoiding it all together), to craft a story about a serial killer’s family, the people that formed him and the people left in the wake of his crimes. For me that makes for an infinitely more interesting and compelling story that a straight forward procedural or something like that. Vonderau really delves into the dark side of the mind, even his depiction of the murderers themselves is nuanced, although the bulk of the novel belong to Will, the son of the notorious serial killer, who finds himself haunted and hunted by his father’s horrific past 31 years later. Will was merely 8 years old when his father was arrested, which creates for a complex dual perspective wherein he still recalls affectionately his dad, while having had to live consciously as an adult under the dark shadow his father’s cast over his life. And now there’s someone claiming to be his brother, someone who follows in the bloody footsteps his father left, someone who threatens Will’s life, family and sanity. Let the games begin. A thriller that’s actually thrilling, finally. Suspense maintained throughout. An ending you won’t be able to predict. Complex, well developed, engaging characters. This book checks all the right boxes, it genuinely excites. I enjoyed it very much, it was a lovely (read dark and demented) vacation from all the female driven the killer is your friend/spouse/neighbor sort of thrillers dominating the genre currently. A delight for genre fans. You’ll be thoroughly entertained, but give yourself some time, this one is tough to put down. Very dynamic, fun read. Thanks Netgalley.
October 19, 2019
I enjoyed this book very much; I love books that get into the mind of a psychopath (Ruth Rendell does this very well). It was hard to believe this is Vonderau's first book; I hope he has more thrillers in him for the future. The story starts out well, grabs the reader, and continues on at a nice clip. Vonderau seems to avoid cliches; he throws in a couple of well-placed red herrings. The dialog flowed nicely, it was believable and realistic. The book could have used a little better editing there is some redundancy of plotline/action that slows it down a bit in the middle; but did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the story. Hoping that Vonderau's next book will be picked up by a bigger publishing house. I liked the way that each character's depth was explored; it was a natural progression. The brother and sister relationship; and the husband and wife's; were depicted well. The father/son relationship was well-done; I liked the author's working out the guilt that William felt towards his father; juxtaposed with his memories of his family and not knowing about his father's crimes when he was a boy. The siblings relationship with their mother; and her denial of reality was explored in depth. All in all, a great read; I could not put it down. If you like thrillers I think you will be happy with this one.
May 23, 2019
I read a lot of thrillers and they can get a little same-y at times but this one is nothing like the standard offerings.
I would recommend this book to fans of true crime who perhaps, would rather read about fictional serial killers every now and again and for fans of dark thrillers. The characters are so believable and well written that I actually googled Harvey because I thought he could be a real serial killer, the triple name is such a smart move. The murders are dark and twisted but not gory to the point that you'll want to put the book down. It's the perfect balance.
The book sadly lost my attention a little bit around the 20 to 30% mark but once I was past that point, it was captivating, fast paced and absolutely grabbed my attention right to the end.
Murders aside, I loved the element of family and memories and the conflict between what you know and believe as a kid to what you know to be true as an adult.
A very interesting read, I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for what this author releases next!
I would recommend this book to fans of true crime who perhaps, would rather read about fictional serial killers every now and again and for fans of dark thrillers. The characters are so believable and well written that I actually googled Harvey because I thought he could be a real serial killer, the triple name is such a smart move. The murders are dark and twisted but not gory to the point that you'll want to put the book down. It's the perfect balance.
The book sadly lost my attention a little bit around the 20 to 30% mark but once I was past that point, it was captivating, fast paced and absolutely grabbed my attention right to the end.
Murders aside, I loved the element of family and memories and the conflict between what you know and believe as a kid to what you know to be true as an adult.
A very interesting read, I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for what this author releases next!
October 12, 2023
Review to come
March 7, 2019
Usually with thrillers, I feel like it's a quick ride, but not one that will stick with me for a while. Well this was the opposite! These characters, especially William, and their stories, have been running around in my thoughts ever since I started this book, and I don't see them leaving anytime soon. Creepy, smart and twisty -- you've gotta pick this one up!
March 11, 2022
Fascinating multi-layered characters that made me feel empathy for the children of these very sick killers. Several subplots, including religion and photography move the main story along at a fast pace. The writing and detailed descriptions are excellent. A very well done book.
August 1, 2019
Murderabilia is must read
August 15, 2019
Murderabilia: "also known as murderbilia, is a term identifying collectibles related to murders and murderers or other violent crimes."
"I manage secrets. Sometimes" starts Murderabilia by Carl Vonderau. I have watched numerous movies and read quite a few books where the serial killer keeps items of the victims as "keepsakes". Definitely creepy and wrong. The cover of this book intrigued me to want to review a book about a serial killer and how he can destroy his family from a jail cell that he has been in for 30+ years.
This book is a story of a family and the father, Harvey Dean Kogan, who seemed like a normal person, the son and daughter had a normal father, or so they thought. This book is about living with a person who you later find out was a serial killer and the aftermath of that.
William Mcnary, a banker with a good job at a bank, has a wife and children. He also has a close relationship with his sister Polly. He thought he had kept his previous life hidden but someone is bound and determined to shatter that. With a phone call, William's safety and the safety of his family comes into question. When a co-worker of his wife is murdered and dismembered and posed in the same way as "The Preying Hands" Harvey Dean Kogan, his father William becomes suspect and because of this, Williams life is on a course that threatens to destroy his secrets and his family.
What follows is a tense, suspenseful thriller. I read this book in two sittings, written in the point of view of William, the reader learns about his job, his family, his mother, and his past. A taut realistic story that kept me turning the pages. Characters that are believable and the storyline. I found William to be a very strong, vulnerable man who has successfully put his past, in the past.
Love a good suspenseful story? Then you really need to read this one.
4 stars!
"I manage secrets. Sometimes" starts Murderabilia by Carl Vonderau. I have watched numerous movies and read quite a few books where the serial killer keeps items of the victims as "keepsakes". Definitely creepy and wrong. The cover of this book intrigued me to want to review a book about a serial killer and how he can destroy his family from a jail cell that he has been in for 30+ years.
This book is a story of a family and the father, Harvey Dean Kogan, who seemed like a normal person, the son and daughter had a normal father, or so they thought. This book is about living with a person who you later find out was a serial killer and the aftermath of that.
William Mcnary, a banker with a good job at a bank, has a wife and children. He also has a close relationship with his sister Polly. He thought he had kept his previous life hidden but someone is bound and determined to shatter that. With a phone call, William's safety and the safety of his family comes into question. When a co-worker of his wife is murdered and dismembered and posed in the same way as "The Preying Hands" Harvey Dean Kogan, his father William becomes suspect and because of this, Williams life is on a course that threatens to destroy his secrets and his family.
What follows is a tense, suspenseful thriller. I read this book in two sittings, written in the point of view of William, the reader learns about his job, his family, his mother, and his past. A taut realistic story that kept me turning the pages. Characters that are believable and the storyline. I found William to be a very strong, vulnerable man who has successfully put his past, in the past.
Love a good suspenseful story? Then you really need to read this one.
4 stars!
March 2, 2020
A dark, intense story of murder and family destruction, this novel, after a slow start, will engage readers in a way that will leave them in thoughtful contemplation of family relationships.
Will McNary has a successful career as a private banker who works with individual clients on their financial investments and other monetary activities. He’s married with two young children and living in San Diego. His life is generally calm and ordinary, although he’s feeling a little heat in the form of competition from other officers of the bank. His sister Polly and their aging mother share an unsettling secret.
When Will was a child of only eight, his father was sent to prison for murdering and butchering several women. He compounded his heinous crime by posing and photographing the women, pictures that were circulated and sold on the underground market. McNary’s father was convicted and when the novel opens, has been in prison for more than thirty years. Now, a copy-cat killer linked to Will’s father has emerged, one who appears to be targeting Will and his family.
The story follows Will along a sordid twisting trail as he attempts to protect his loved ones, help law enforcement find the vicious copy-cat, and plumb the emotional depths of the knowledge that he is the son of an incredibly twisted killer.
The novel is well-written and once moving along its trail, enthralling. I hesitate to call it a page turner, however, for those readers attracted to the truly dark side of humanity in several of its manifestations, this carefully crafted story is insistently engaging.
March 18, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle ARC of
Murderabilia.
I thought this was okay; not great. I can't even say I liked it, and I think it's because the plot sounds familiar.
William MacNary is the son of a serial killer. He and his sister, Polly, have spent their whole lives in hiding from this shameful secret.
But when a local teacher is brutally murdered in a copycat fashion, William will have to turn to the person he fears the most for help in locating this new killer.
I didn't dislike William and I didn't hate him.
But, there was something...contrived about him, as if the author was trying too hard to describe a man who didn't want to be like his father but who couldn't stop thinking about him, giving into some of his impulses like his talent for photography.
We get plenty of exposition about Will, his brief time as a photojournalist, the atrocities he witnessed, how he met his wife, but I never warmed up to Will.
William's father is an unusual predator in that he preys on women who hurt children, sort of like Dexter, but only targeting abusive, cruel women.
This is so obviously Freudian you don't need to have studied psychology to know why Will's father does this.
Very cliche, very typical as to why the father kills. Nothing new here.
The story is more family drama than I liked, somewhat focused on Will's mother's faith to Christian Science, and I can't help but wonder if the author is making his own personal beliefs about religion or Christian Science known in a not so subtle way.
Either way, I got a strange vibe and I didn't like it.
The plot was too focused on the father/son, son/mother Freudian drama in order for me to sympathize with anyone. I just like a cut to the chase serial killer plot with a twist or two.
I didn't care for any of the characters, not even Will's family, though I did like Polly.
But, I like novels with loyal siblings that feature strongly in the plot. I don't see those as often as I like.
Also, I had a hard time believing in the identity of the killer.
I don't know. Something just didn't feel right to me and how Will and the murderer eventually came to figure it out felt forced, not to mention, it took too long for the revelations to be revealed, as if the author was purposely trying to draw it out. Stop beating that dead horse already! It's well and dead.
This wasn't a terrible book, just okay for me.
I thought this was okay; not great. I can't even say I liked it, and I think it's because the plot sounds familiar.
William MacNary is the son of a serial killer. He and his sister, Polly, have spent their whole lives in hiding from this shameful secret.
But when a local teacher is brutally murdered in a copycat fashion, William will have to turn to the person he fears the most for help in locating this new killer.
I didn't dislike William and I didn't hate him.
But, there was something...contrived about him, as if the author was trying too hard to describe a man who didn't want to be like his father but who couldn't stop thinking about him, giving into some of his impulses like his talent for photography.
We get plenty of exposition about Will, his brief time as a photojournalist, the atrocities he witnessed, how he met his wife, but I never warmed up to Will.
William's father is an unusual predator in that he preys on women who hurt children, sort of like Dexter, but only targeting abusive, cruel women.
This is so obviously Freudian you don't need to have studied psychology to know why Will's father does this.
Very cliche, very typical as to why the father kills. Nothing new here.
The story is more family drama than I liked, somewhat focused on Will's mother's faith to Christian Science, and I can't help but wonder if the author is making his own personal beliefs about religion or Christian Science known in a not so subtle way.
Either way, I got a strange vibe and I didn't like it.
The plot was too focused on the father/son, son/mother Freudian drama in order for me to sympathize with anyone. I just like a cut to the chase serial killer plot with a twist or two.
I didn't care for any of the characters, not even Will's family, though I did like Polly.
But, I like novels with loyal siblings that feature strongly in the plot. I don't see those as often as I like.
Also, I had a hard time believing in the identity of the killer.
I don't know. Something just didn't feel right to me and how Will and the murderer eventually came to figure it out felt forced, not to mention, it took too long for the revelations to be revealed, as if the author was purposely trying to draw it out. Stop beating that dead horse already! It's well and dead.
This wasn't a terrible book, just okay for me.
March 28, 2019
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.
The premise of this novel was very promising, William and Polly's father was a serial killer who targeted women who abused children. They have been in hiding and trying to move on with their lives until William was framed for a copycat murder that had all the signatures of his father's. He had no choice but to confront the person that he has been trying to forget his whole life to save his family and himself.
The story line is quite similar to one of the plot lines of Dexter. The writing was a bit chaotic at times and a lot of the back story bites felt more like they were there to fill up space rather than provide important clues or insights into the characters. Most of the characters are stereotypical to these types of murder mysteries/thrillers, no one character really stands out, not even the villains. There were obvious clues giving early on that wasn't followed until the end so the ending was quite predictable. It was an entertaining enough, quick read if you have time on your hands like I did.
The premise of this novel was very promising, William and Polly's father was a serial killer who targeted women who abused children. They have been in hiding and trying to move on with their lives until William was framed for a copycat murder that had all the signatures of his father's. He had no choice but to confront the person that he has been trying to forget his whole life to save his family and himself.
The story line is quite similar to one of the plot lines of Dexter. The writing was a bit chaotic at times and a lot of the back story bites felt more like they were there to fill up space rather than provide important clues or insights into the characters. Most of the characters are stereotypical to these types of murder mysteries/thrillers, no one character really stands out, not even the villains. There were obvious clues giving early on that wasn't followed until the end so the ending was quite predictable. It was an entertaining enough, quick read if you have time on your hands like I did.
July 11, 2019
Thanks to the publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest review
Imagine being a kid and finding out that your father was a serial killer? That is the reality for William and his sister Polly. When they were young their father was arrested and convicted as the serial killer dubbed The Preying Hands. He was known for sending graphic photos of his victims to the newspapers, only these were carefully staged photos. He would cut off their hands and other body parts – he would position the hands in a praying position and then arrange the rest of the photo.
It’s been decades and William and Polly have changed their last names and are living happy lives without that stigma hanging over them. Until one day William receives a call from someone claiming to be his brother threatening him. Then he’s framed for a murder that is similar to that of his father. Will they be able to catch the man that is copying the notorious Preying Hands before it’s too late?
This was a thrilling read from start to finish. Being around 400 pages I wasn’t expecting to go through it as quickly as I did. Started last night and finished this morning! This cat and mouse game was suspenseful and gruesome. The way that these women were killed and then photographed was horrific and twisted – exactly what we look for in a serial killer thriller, right? This is told from William’s perspective as they try to catch his father’s copycat. Vonderau gives you just enough information to string you along to see what will happen next and really makes you feel the tension.
I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a new cat and mouse thriller!
Imagine being a kid and finding out that your father was a serial killer? That is the reality for William and his sister Polly. When they were young their father was arrested and convicted as the serial killer dubbed The Preying Hands. He was known for sending graphic photos of his victims to the newspapers, only these were carefully staged photos. He would cut off their hands and other body parts – he would position the hands in a praying position and then arrange the rest of the photo.
It’s been decades and William and Polly have changed their last names and are living happy lives without that stigma hanging over them. Until one day William receives a call from someone claiming to be his brother threatening him. Then he’s framed for a murder that is similar to that of his father. Will they be able to catch the man that is copying the notorious Preying Hands before it’s too late?
This was a thrilling read from start to finish. Being around 400 pages I wasn’t expecting to go through it as quickly as I did. Started last night and finished this morning! This cat and mouse game was suspenseful and gruesome. The way that these women were killed and then photographed was horrific and twisted – exactly what we look for in a serial killer thriller, right? This is told from William’s perspective as they try to catch his father’s copycat. Vonderau gives you just enough information to string you along to see what will happen next and really makes you feel the tension.
I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a new cat and mouse thriller!
May 21, 2019
I am such a fan of reading from the perspective of the main character; it really helps you to lose yourself in the story, as you get to experience everything at the same time. This is an especially good tool for this type of novel because we only know the same information as the lead character, making it even harder to guess who is guilty.
Although the story is primarily a crime / thriller / murder mystery type novel, it still explores a variety of themes, including family life, parental relationships, abusive relationships, the aftermath of conflict and the broad spectrum that types of love can cover.
The novel is really well written and kept me intrigued from the very beginning; the pace moves quickly enough that you don't get lost, and slow enough that the suspense often gets a chance to build. It was a thrilling read and some of those suspenseful moments truly made my heart race and the ending ties up all of the loose ends with really well thought out explanations, making this a five star read.
Although the story is primarily a crime / thriller / murder mystery type novel, it still explores a variety of themes, including family life, parental relationships, abusive relationships, the aftermath of conflict and the broad spectrum that types of love can cover.
The novel is really well written and kept me intrigued from the very beginning; the pace moves quickly enough that you don't get lost, and slow enough that the suspense often gets a chance to build. It was a thrilling read and some of those suspenseful moments truly made my heart race and the ending ties up all of the loose ends with really well thought out explanations, making this a five star read.
May 4, 2019
This is a chillingly story of a serial killer, told from his son’s perspective, who was a young child when his father was arrested and imprisoned, 31 years ago. After his father’s arrest, his mother, William, and his sister, moved from the mid-west to the west coast (and changed their names, to hide from the media and the ‘fans’ of the crimes. Now, someone is using his father’s M.O., killing again. Everything points to William, and the police arrest him under suspicion of murder. William hasn’t seen or spoken to his father since his arrest, but feels sure he must know something about these new murders.
The characters in this story are so believable, reading it gave me chills. It is a very dark story and the writing is so compelling, it was difficult to put down. I strongly recommend this book and this author. Excellent work!
The characters in this story are so believable, reading it gave me chills. It is a very dark story and the writing is so compelling, it was difficult to put down. I strongly recommend this book and this author. Excellent work!
October 13, 2019
Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. This book was a great read. I struggled to put it down and do life whilst reading it. The son of a convicted serial killer starts receiving disturbing messages from someone claiming to be his brother. Then murders start happening which mirror his father's murders and he is the suspect. With his own family in danger of falling victim to this mysterious brother, he decides to visit his estranged father in jail for the very first time to see if he can shed some light on who this brother may be. Chillingly written with sinister undercurrents that left me dying to see how it all ends. #carlvonderau #netgalley #goodreads #litsy #kindle #tea_sipping_bookworm #bookstagram
February 19, 2019
A very intense story about how the past forms and influences our future. The son of serial killer, William was very young when his father went to prison for a series of murders. William has built a successful and stable life for himself and his family and no one knows who he really is, Then another series of murders are committed and William finds himself the main suspect. After years of no contact, he must now rely on his imprisoned father for help in solving these murders before he ends up in prison himself. Suspenseful and dark, this book delivers on every level for a successful mystery story. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy for review.
September 17, 2019
Vonderau's thriller, "Murderabilia," starts by making us think about what the lives of the children of a serial killer would have been like. William and Polly are the adult children of Harvey Dean Kogan, a serial killer in prison for life. They've crafted completely separate identities from those of their childhood and kept their secret about their infamous father from everyone except their most inner circle. Now someone is perpetrating copycat murders and threatening William and his family. Our protagonist is pushed to the edge as the tension screws tighter and tighter. The plot zips right along and the snappy prose keeps me turning the pages. Recommended for a thoroughly engaging read.
June 3, 2020
Murderabilia is a book that looks at the damage that serial killers do--not just to their victims but to their families who didn't know what they were up to. A man is haunted by his past--by the father he loved but then found out was a monster. Now a copycat killer is after him, taunting him, and pinning on him the blame for a murder. I really enjoyed the main character and his sister particularly--both complex characters who are shaped by a secret that shattered their childhood. The book is scary at times (I don't read books with serial killers often because I'm a bit of a coward for darker stories) but this one captured me.
March 5, 2019
Wow! If I didn’t have to go to bed I would have read this in one sitting! This book was absolutely remarkable in every way. Great writing, great story, great character development. It was hard to read at times because of the serial killer information but it was told well. . I can see it being on investigation discovery or made into a movie. Highly recommend. Thank you netgalley for letting me give an honest review of this book.
December 11, 2019
Murderabilia is a fantastic read! It kept me up late, eager to see if William could save himself and his family from a vicious killer. The twist at the end is both unexpected and fitting. Why didn't I see it coming? Great characters and a chilling portrayal of William's deeply disturbed family. Fans of psychological thrillers will love Murderabilia. I heartily recommend this debut book from talented new author, Carl Vonderau.
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