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4MK Thriller #2
The Fifth to Die
From an author hailed as a “one-of-a-kind writer” by James Patterson! A bizarre new murder case in Chicago’s icy Jackson Park Lagoon leads Detective Porter into dark waters. As he tracks a killer’s roots to New Orleans, true horror awaits…
An Earphones Award winner with eerie dual narration, “this is a thriller listeners will remember” (AudioFile).
Murder. It’s a family affair.
In the midst of one of the worst winters Chicago has seen in years, the body of missing teenager Ella Reynolds is discovered under the surface of a frozen lake.
She’s been missing for three weeks… the lake froze over three months ago.
Detective Sam Porter and his team are brought in to investigate but it’s not long before another girl goes missing. The press believes the serial killer, Anson Bishop, has struck again but Porter knows differently. The deaths are too different, there’s a new killer on the loose.
Porter however is distracted. He’s still haunted by Bishop and his victims, even after the FBI have removed him from the case. His only a picture of a female prisoner and a note from ‘Help me find my mother. I think it’s time she and I talked.’
As more girls go missing and Porter’s team race to stop the body count rising, Porter disappears to track down Bishop’s mother and discover that the only place scarier than the mind of a serial killer is the mind of the mother from which he came.
Perfect for fans of Helen Fields, Val McDermid and Jo Nesbø this gripping and twisted thriller will have you wondering, how do you stop a killer when he’s been trained from birth?
Praise for The Fifth to Die
‘J.D. Barker is a one-of-a-kind writer and that’s a rare and special thing. Stephen King comes to mind and Lee Child, John Sanford. All one-of-a-kinds. Don’t miss anything J.D. writes.’ —James Patterson
‘Superbly paced, beautifully constructed evocation of evil’ Daily Mail
‘A gritty thriller that gets right under your skin’ HEAT
‘Chillingly written’ Woman
‘Barker spins a serpentine and sometimes gruesome tale… Sparse and cinematic, the pages fly by.’ Press Association
Audio CD
First published July 10, 2018
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29369 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Barker
49 books7,194 followersJ.D. Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels, including DRACUL and the wildly popular 4MK series. He is currently collaborating with James Patterson. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television. Barker resides in coastal New Hampshire with his wife, Dayna, and their daughter, Ember.
A note from J.D.
As a child I was always told the dark could not hurt me, that the shadows creeping in the corners of my room were nothing more than just that, shadows. The sounds nothing more than the settling of our old home, creaking as it found comfort in the earth only to move again when it became restless, if ever so slightly. I would never sleep without closing the closet door, oh no; the door had to be shut tight. The darkness lurking inside needed to be held at bay, the whispers silenced. Rest would only come after I checked under the bed at least twice and quickly wrapped myself in the safety of the sheets (which no monster could penetrate), pulling them tight over my head.
I would never go down to the basement.
Never.
I had seen enough movies to know better, I had read enough stories to know what happens to little boys who wandered off into dark, dismal places alone. And there were stories, so many stories.
Reading was my sanctuary, a place where I could disappear for hours at a time, lost in the pages of a good book. It didn’t take long before I felt the urge to create my own.
I first began to write as a child, spinning tales of ghosts and gremlins, mystical places and people. For most of us, that’s where it begins—as children we have such wonderful imaginations, some of us have simply found it hard to grow up. I’ve spent countless hours trying to explain to friends and family why I enjoy it, why I would rather lock myself in a quiet little room and put pen to paper for hours at a time than throw around a baseball or simply watch television. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I want to do just that, sometimes I wish for it, but even then the need to write is always there in the back of my mind, the characters are impatiently tapping their feet, waiting their turn, wanting to be heard. I wake in the middle of the night and reach for the pad beside my bed, sometimes scrawling page after page of their words, their lives. Then they’re quiet, if only for a little while. To stop would mean madness, or even worse—the calm, numbing sanity I see in others as they slip through the day without purpose. They don’t know what it’s like, they don’t understand. Something as simple as a pencil can open the door to a new world, can create life or experience death. Writing can take you to places you’ve never been, introduce you to people you’ve never met, take you back to when you first saw those shadows in your room, when you first heard the sounds mumbling ever so softly from your closet, and it can show you what uttered them. It can scare the hell out of you, and that’s when you know it’s good.
jd
A note from J.D.
As a child I was always told the dark could not hurt me, that the shadows creeping in the corners of my room were nothing more than just that, shadows. The sounds nothing more than the settling of our old home, creaking as it found comfort in the earth only to move again when it became restless, if ever so slightly. I would never sleep without closing the closet door, oh no; the door had to be shut tight. The darkness lurking inside needed to be held at bay, the whispers silenced. Rest would only come after I checked under the bed at least twice and quickly wrapped myself in the safety of the sheets (which no monster could penetrate), pulling them tight over my head.
I would never go down to the basement.
Never.
I had seen enough movies to know better, I had read enough stories to know what happens to little boys who wandered off into dark, dismal places alone. And there were stories, so many stories.
Reading was my sanctuary, a place where I could disappear for hours at a time, lost in the pages of a good book. It didn’t take long before I felt the urge to create my own.
I first began to write as a child, spinning tales of ghosts and gremlins, mystical places and people. For most of us, that’s where it begins—as children we have such wonderful imaginations, some of us have simply found it hard to grow up. I’ve spent countless hours trying to explain to friends and family why I enjoy it, why I would rather lock myself in a quiet little room and put pen to paper for hours at a time than throw around a baseball or simply watch television. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I want to do just that, sometimes I wish for it, but even then the need to write is always there in the back of my mind, the characters are impatiently tapping their feet, waiting their turn, wanting to be heard. I wake in the middle of the night and reach for the pad beside my bed, sometimes scrawling page after page of their words, their lives. Then they’re quiet, if only for a little while. To stop would mean madness, or even worse—the calm, numbing sanity I see in others as they slip through the day without purpose. They don’t know what it’s like, they don’t understand. Something as simple as a pencil can open the door to a new world, can create life or experience death. Writing can take you to places you’ve never been, introduce you to people you’ve never met, take you back to when you first saw those shadows in your room, when you first heard the sounds mumbling ever so softly from your closet, and it can show you what uttered them. It can scare the hell out of you, and that’s when you know it’s good.
jd
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,983 reviews
May 25, 2018
I'm not going to lie, The Fifth to Die pissed me off. At the same time, it was a riveting and intriguing read.
*I am keeping this review vague to avoid spoilers. This also won’t make much sense if you haven’t read 4MK.*
Let me begin by saying that The Fifth To Die is a whole lot of book to process. There are multiple story lines, multiple POV's and multiple bad guys. There’s just too much going on for me to even attempt to write a summary.
At first, things feel a little disconnected. I was waiting and struggling and waiting and struggling and then finally everything began to come together and clicked! Once it did, I was riveted. But then I got to the last page, which is when my anger set in--I yelled for a bit. OK, maybe for longer than a bit. This is a really long book and there’s not exactly a payoff. However, at the same time, I could have kept reading and reading and reading, which is always a good sign. I am ready for book three NOW.
There is a lot of development with Porter’s character and some intriguing revelations about his past. And of course, Bishop, aka 4MK, is wonderfully creepy. But I wanted more of him. I enjoyed Poole’s character as well. There’s also a new killer. While he was twisted, I wish he had been even more twisted (this says a lot about me). The addition of Bishop’s mother is chillingly fabulous!
So if you decide to read The Fifth to Die, be prepared to feel a little angry; you will be left wanting more.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.
*I am keeping this review vague to avoid spoilers. This also won’t make much sense if you haven’t read 4MK.*
Let me begin by saying that The Fifth To Die is a whole lot of book to process. There are multiple story lines, multiple POV's and multiple bad guys. There’s just too much going on for me to even attempt to write a summary.
At first, things feel a little disconnected. I was waiting and struggling and waiting and struggling and then finally everything began to come together and clicked! Once it did, I was riveted. But then I got to the last page, which is when my anger set in--I yelled for a bit. OK, maybe for longer than a bit. This is a really long book and there’s not exactly a payoff. However, at the same time, I could have kept reading and reading and reading, which is always a good sign. I am ready for book three NOW.
There is a lot of development with Porter’s character and some intriguing revelations about his past. And of course, Bishop, aka 4MK, is wonderfully creepy. But I wanted more of him. I enjoyed Poole’s character as well. There’s also a new killer. While he was twisted, I wish he had been even more twisted (this says a lot about me). The addition of Bishop’s mother is chillingly fabulous!
So if you decide to read The Fifth to Die, be prepared to feel a little angry; you will be left wanting more.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2019
🐵 WOW! This book left me in a tailspin, wanting more! Book 3 ASAP please J.D. Barker! 🐒
🐵
Where do I begin? There was A LOT going on here but it's important to note that you can NOT dive in if you haven't read Book 1 - The Fourth Monkey. These books are highly intertwined and the storyline flows through each of them. You definitely need the backstory from the first book, in order to fully appreciate this one.
🙈
In Fifth to Die Detective Porter is still obsessed with pursuing serial killer Anson Bishop, even when it means putting his career and possibly his life on the line. Porter's team is faced with a new case - missing girls. The first girl is found frozen in a lake, wearing another missing girls clothes. Can these missing girls be connected to 4MK?
🙉
Porter decides to continue chasing Bishop unbeknownst to the rest of his team. Porter essentially goes rogue and things get complicated - very complicated. Bishop has an intricate network of associates adding to the twists & turns. Everyone continues to be several steps behind him as they work to put the puzzle pieces together. I honestly enjoy how his mind works - he is a brilliant sociopath!
🙊
Overall, this was a solid continuation to the 4MK storyline. It definitely leaves you wanting the conclusion but also fills in some essential gaps.
Thank you to NetGalley, J.D. Barker and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
🐵
Where do I begin? There was A LOT going on here but it's important to note that you can NOT dive in if you haven't read Book 1 - The Fourth Monkey. These books are highly intertwined and the storyline flows through each of them. You definitely need the backstory from the first book, in order to fully appreciate this one.
🙈
In Fifth to Die Detective Porter is still obsessed with pursuing serial killer Anson Bishop, even when it means putting his career and possibly his life on the line. Porter's team is faced with a new case - missing girls. The first girl is found frozen in a lake, wearing another missing girls clothes. Can these missing girls be connected to 4MK?
🙉
Porter decides to continue chasing Bishop unbeknownst to the rest of his team. Porter essentially goes rogue and things get complicated - very complicated. Bishop has an intricate network of associates adding to the twists & turns. Everyone continues to be several steps behind him as they work to put the puzzle pieces together. I honestly enjoy how his mind works - he is a brilliant sociopath!
🙊
Overall, this was a solid continuation to the 4MK storyline. It definitely leaves you wanting the conclusion but also fills in some essential gaps.
Thank you to NetGalley, J.D. Barker and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2021
The Fifth to Die by J. D. Barker (Narrators: Edoardo Ballerini, Graham Winton)
I may be late to the party with the three books in this series but I'm so glad that I am. When I got to the end of this second audiobook and it was the hugest "to be continued" smack in the face, all I had to do was start the third book, because I already had it on my phone. I don't think I could have handled waiting something like a year for the next book to be published, if I'd read these books when they first came out.
Detective Porter and his team members are working a case that has a dead girl, frozen in a block of ice, in the waters of Jackson Park Lagoon. Quickly things escalate and they realize there is a connection to another missing girl. Things move fast, over just a few short days, as people die, bodies are found, and Porter pursues the Four Monkey Killer on the sly. The FBI has taken over the Four Monkey Killer's case and when Porter gets caught deep into the investigation, making so much more headway than the FBI, he's suspended, leaving his partners shorthanded in their investigation of the missing/dead girls. Yes, the missing/dead girls keep happening and the lines between these girls and the Four Monkey killings are blurring.
I was so happy to be out of the diary of 4MK, from the last book. That diary is one creepy story about one creepy family and when I say creepy, I mean a bloody, tortuous, murderous family. But soon we are hearing 4MK's voice again (the audios of these books are great, I feel like I'm in a movie with these people when I'm hearing their voices). The tension and the mystery builds and builds and I'm so glad that I have the third book in hand. I feel horror about what I think we are finding out about Porter, about what Porter is finding out about himself. The ending is explosive, especially in this day and age.
Published July 10th 2018
I may be late to the party with the three books in this series but I'm so glad that I am. When I got to the end of this second audiobook and it was the hugest "to be continued" smack in the face, all I had to do was start the third book, because I already had it on my phone. I don't think I could have handled waiting something like a year for the next book to be published, if I'd read these books when they first came out.
Detective Porter and his team members are working a case that has a dead girl, frozen in a block of ice, in the waters of Jackson Park Lagoon. Quickly things escalate and they realize there is a connection to another missing girl. Things move fast, over just a few short days, as people die, bodies are found, and Porter pursues the Four Monkey Killer on the sly. The FBI has taken over the Four Monkey Killer's case and when Porter gets caught deep into the investigation, making so much more headway than the FBI, he's suspended, leaving his partners shorthanded in their investigation of the missing/dead girls. Yes, the missing/dead girls keep happening and the lines between these girls and the Four Monkey killings are blurring.
I was so happy to be out of the diary of 4MK, from the last book. That diary is one creepy story about one creepy family and when I say creepy, I mean a bloody, tortuous, murderous family. But soon we are hearing 4MK's voice again (the audios of these books are great, I feel like I'm in a movie with these people when I'm hearing their voices). The tension and the mystery builds and builds and I'm so glad that I have the third book in hand. I feel horror about what I think we are finding out about Porter, about what Porter is finding out about himself. The ending is explosive, especially in this day and age.
Published July 10th 2018
April 21, 2021
Si te gustan los crímenes inverosímiles, imposibles de llevar a cabo sin te que echen el guante, perpetrados por un alumno aventajado de Houdini, pero que deja a este a la altura del betún, que te reciten los crímenes y sus víctimas veinte veces a lo largo de toda la novela, y que te dejen con la miel en los labios cuando esta está llegando a su punto más interesante con el consabido cartelito de “continuará”, entonces es muy posible que disfrutes enormemente de esta novela. 600 páginas no han sido suficientes para que el autor nos resuelva un desenlace que, en mi opinión, ya está tardando demasiado en producirse. En la novela anterior se lo perdoné por su ritmo endiablado, pero aquí el ritmo decae, al igual que lo hacen los diálogos, algunos de los cuales me parecieron bastante forzados (en la versión traducida al español, al menos). En resumen, que parece más una novela para cubrir huecos pendientes que para avanzar en la resolución del caso.
Pero donde he tenido verdaderos problemas con esta entrega ha sido con la ya mencionada “ubicuidad” del 4M y sus actos criminales. Siempre va dos pasos por delante de los investigadores, pero de forma harto artificial y artificiosa. Y nada le sale mal. Todo lo tiene calculado al milímetro. Nada de ello es mínimamente creíble, a no ser que seas un acérrimo fan de este tipo, y, fráncamente, con “La quinta víctima”, Bishop ha perdido puntos en mi escala. Y su credibilidad, junto con la de J.D. Barker, también.
Terminar rematando esta novela con ese abrupto final tampoco le da puntos en mi valoración. Y, qué duda cabe, la mayoría de lectores (entre los que me incluyo), no querrán bajarse del carro a estas alturas. Pero así no. Y espero que Porter evolucione un poquito, que en esta entrega lo he encontrado un tanto alelado. 600 páginas daban para una evolución que, finalmente, no se ha producido.
Pero donde he tenido verdaderos problemas con esta entrega ha sido con la ya mencionada “ubicuidad” del 4M y sus actos criminales. Siempre va dos pasos por delante de los investigadores, pero de forma harto artificial y artificiosa. Y nada le sale mal. Todo lo tiene calculado al milímetro. Nada de ello es mínimamente creíble, a no ser que seas un acérrimo fan de este tipo, y, fráncamente, con “La quinta víctima”, Bishop ha perdido puntos en mi escala. Y su credibilidad, junto con la de J.D. Barker, también.
Terminar rematando esta novela con ese abrupto final tampoco le da puntos en mi valoración. Y, qué duda cabe, la mayoría de lectores (entre los que me incluyo), no querrán bajarse del carro a estas alturas. Pero así no. Y espero que Porter evolucione un poquito, que en esta entrega lo he encontrado un tanto alelado. 600 páginas daban para una evolución que, finalmente, no se ha producido.
July 30, 2018
EXCERPT: Darkness.
It swirled around him deep and thick, eating the light and leaving nothing behind but an inky void. A fog choked his thoughts - the words tried to come together, tried to form a cohesive sentence, to find meaning, but the moment they seemed close, they were swallowed up and gone, replaced by a growing sense of dread, a feeling of heaviness - his body sinking into the murky depths of a long-forgotten body of water.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: In the thrilling sequel to The Fourth Monkey, a new serial killer stalks the streets of Chicago, while Detective Porter delves deeper into the dark past of the Four Monkey Killer.
Detective Porter and the team have been pulled from the hunt for Anson Bishop, the Four Monkey Killer, by the feds. When the body of a young girl is found beneath the frozen waters of Jackson Park Lagoon, she is quickly identified as Ella Reynolds, missing three weeks. But how did she get there? The lagoon froze months earlier. More baffling? She’s found wearing the clothes of another girl, missing less than two days. While the detectives of Chicago Metro try to make sense of the quickly developing case, Porter secretly continues his pursuit of 4MK, knowing the best way to find Bishop is to track down his mother. When the captain finds out about Porter’s activities, he’s suspended, leaving his partners Clair and Nash to continue the search for the new killer alone.
Obsessed with catching Bishop, Porter follows a single grainy photograph from Chicago to the streets of New Orleans and stumbles into a world darker than he could have possibly imagined, where he quickly realizes that the only place more frightening than the mind of a serial killer is the mind of the mother from which he came.
MY THOUGHTS: OMG! Intense! Mind-blowing! Bizarre! Addictive! Twisted and twisty. . . Never saw that coming. Full marks Mr Barker, you utterly sucker-punched me with that one.
I remember going to the movies as a child, a vastly different experience to what it is today, and before the main feature there would be a newsreel, a cartoon or two, and a serial. The sort where, at the end, the girl is tied to the railway tracks with a train approaching, the hero riding hell-for-leather to get to her before the train did. Cliffhanger to ensure you returned the next week which, of course, we did.
Reading The Fifth To Die is like that. Don't expect any resolution baby, because you ain't gonna get it. You are going to be left teetering on the edge of a cliff, the ground crumbling beneath your feet as the villain races towards you from one direction intending to push you off, and the good guys race towards you from the opposite direction intent on sweeping you to safety. All you can do is stand there helplessly wondering who is going to get to you first. . . and let me assure you that, unlike the old serials, the outcome is not guaranteed!
But this is one hell of a ride. One that will leave you breathless, exhilarated, and screaming AAAAARRGH! when your heart is pounding, your blood racing, and the final sentence reads 'To be concluded. . .'
Mr Barker? I hope you are writing fast. Because I want that next damned book. Now!
Warning - You really need to read The Fourth Monkey first.
Recommendation: read the author's acknowledgements which includes, among other things of interest, this little gem 'Finally, to Anson Bishop - are you ready to finish this little dance?' I am glad I can't see inside your head, Mr Barker, I imagine it to be a very scary place indeed.
Thank you to publishers Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Fifth To Die by J.D. Barker for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
It swirled around him deep and thick, eating the light and leaving nothing behind but an inky void. A fog choked his thoughts - the words tried to come together, tried to form a cohesive sentence, to find meaning, but the moment they seemed close, they were swallowed up and gone, replaced by a growing sense of dread, a feeling of heaviness - his body sinking into the murky depths of a long-forgotten body of water.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: In the thrilling sequel to The Fourth Monkey, a new serial killer stalks the streets of Chicago, while Detective Porter delves deeper into the dark past of the Four Monkey Killer.
Detective Porter and the team have been pulled from the hunt for Anson Bishop, the Four Monkey Killer, by the feds. When the body of a young girl is found beneath the frozen waters of Jackson Park Lagoon, she is quickly identified as Ella Reynolds, missing three weeks. But how did she get there? The lagoon froze months earlier. More baffling? She’s found wearing the clothes of another girl, missing less than two days. While the detectives of Chicago Metro try to make sense of the quickly developing case, Porter secretly continues his pursuit of 4MK, knowing the best way to find Bishop is to track down his mother. When the captain finds out about Porter’s activities, he’s suspended, leaving his partners Clair and Nash to continue the search for the new killer alone.
Obsessed with catching Bishop, Porter follows a single grainy photograph from Chicago to the streets of New Orleans and stumbles into a world darker than he could have possibly imagined, where he quickly realizes that the only place more frightening than the mind of a serial killer is the mind of the mother from which he came.
MY THOUGHTS: OMG! Intense! Mind-blowing! Bizarre! Addictive! Twisted and twisty. . . Never saw that coming. Full marks Mr Barker, you utterly sucker-punched me with that one.
I remember going to the movies as a child, a vastly different experience to what it is today, and before the main feature there would be a newsreel, a cartoon or two, and a serial. The sort where, at the end, the girl is tied to the railway tracks with a train approaching, the hero riding hell-for-leather to get to her before the train did. Cliffhanger to ensure you returned the next week which, of course, we did.
Reading The Fifth To Die is like that. Don't expect any resolution baby, because you ain't gonna get it. You are going to be left teetering on the edge of a cliff, the ground crumbling beneath your feet as the villain races towards you from one direction intending to push you off, and the good guys race towards you from the opposite direction intent on sweeping you to safety. All you can do is stand there helplessly wondering who is going to get to you first. . . and let me assure you that, unlike the old serials, the outcome is not guaranteed!
But this is one hell of a ride. One that will leave you breathless, exhilarated, and screaming AAAAARRGH! when your heart is pounding, your blood racing, and the final sentence reads 'To be concluded. . .'
Mr Barker? I hope you are writing fast. Because I want that next damned book. Now!
Warning - You really need to read The Fourth Monkey first.
Recommendation: read the author's acknowledgements which includes, among other things of interest, this little gem 'Finally, to Anson Bishop - are you ready to finish this little dance?' I am glad I can't see inside your head, Mr Barker, I imagine it to be a very scary place indeed.
Thank you to publishers Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Fifth To Die by J.D. Barker for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 15, 2018
🙈🙉🙊
Book two and follow-up to the wildly successful, The Fourth Monkey. And if you thought that one was dark and creepy...well friends, expect some sleepless evenings in your future! This one will leave you up all night with the lights on!
I won’t get into any details about the storyline to avoid giving something away. (You’re welcome!) But do be sure you start with book one – the author uses several tie-ins, setting the stage for this read. It helped readers like myself who read it many months ago.
This book is long! OY! At times, I felt like I was reading in slow motion, making little progress. Even though I’d devoted an entire weekend to reading!
A dose of patience! On one hand, it’s a race against time. But on the other, it seemed to just be drifting with no true direction.
And the ending...well that just left me a bit (ok, maybe more than just a bit) frustrated!! Once you read this one you’ll know what I mean. But now of course I’m anxiously waiting for the next in the series…because there has to be one more…right?!
A traveling sister with Brenda and Susanne!
Thank you to Edelweiss and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Book two and follow-up to the wildly successful, The Fourth Monkey. And if you thought that one was dark and creepy...well friends, expect some sleepless evenings in your future! This one will leave you up all night with the lights on!
I won’t get into any details about the storyline to avoid giving something away. (You’re welcome!) But do be sure you start with book one – the author uses several tie-ins, setting the stage for this read. It helped readers like myself who read it many months ago.
This book is long! OY! At times, I felt like I was reading in slow motion, making little progress. Even though I’d devoted an entire weekend to reading!
A dose of patience! On one hand, it’s a race against time. But on the other, it seemed to just be drifting with no true direction.
And the ending...well that just left me a bit (ok, maybe more than just a bit) frustrated!! Once you read this one you’ll know what I mean. But now of course I’m anxiously waiting for the next in the series…because there has to be one more…right?!
A traveling sister with Brenda and Susanne!
Thank you to Edelweiss and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
November 30, 2021
“Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me; The carriage held but just ourselves And Immortality.”
The fifth to die starts four months after the ending of the Fourth Monkey with the sickly killing spree by Anson Bishop dubbed The Fourth Monkey killer (4MK). Failing to secure the capture of this brutal predator, Sam Porter is removed from the case but with another killer on the loose who is responsible for the kidnapping and the killing of young girls with equally vile displays of theatre, Porter starts his own investigation.
And with the message left at one of the crime scenes
“You can’t play God without being acquainted with the devil.”
We are in pursuit of a psychopath and a deranged predator that is calculated and ruthless. In a strange way, I am drawn to the deliciously evil character of Bishop who is methodical, twisted, intelligent and resolute in his determination to punish the people for crimes he believes they have committed.
What I loved about The Fifth to Die are the added extras that Barker brings to his novels such as the evidence boards, the diary of the killer and an extremely intelligent plot. The characters are deeply drawn, vulnerable and determined, real and relatable and it was nice to step outside the normal format of a detective duo instead we followed the investigation of a detective side lined and his not so likely sidekick.
If there was one thing, I disliked was the extent to which the book was left hanging with so many open questions even for a book that would most certainly have a sequel. However, the bonus for me as a late comer to this addictive trilogy is that the “The Sixth Wicked Child” is available, it has already been purchased and ready to read.
Barker has become one of my favourite authors in recent months and this book doesn’t disappoint. I would highly recommend this trilogy based on the two gripping books I have read so far.
The fifth to die starts four months after the ending of the Fourth Monkey with the sickly killing spree by Anson Bishop dubbed The Fourth Monkey killer (4MK). Failing to secure the capture of this brutal predator, Sam Porter is removed from the case but with another killer on the loose who is responsible for the kidnapping and the killing of young girls with equally vile displays of theatre, Porter starts his own investigation.
And with the message left at one of the crime scenes
“You can’t play God without being acquainted with the devil.”
We are in pursuit of a psychopath and a deranged predator that is calculated and ruthless. In a strange way, I am drawn to the deliciously evil character of Bishop who is methodical, twisted, intelligent and resolute in his determination to punish the people for crimes he believes they have committed.
What I loved about The Fifth to Die are the added extras that Barker brings to his novels such as the evidence boards, the diary of the killer and an extremely intelligent plot. The characters are deeply drawn, vulnerable and determined, real and relatable and it was nice to step outside the normal format of a detective duo instead we followed the investigation of a detective side lined and his not so likely sidekick.
If there was one thing, I disliked was the extent to which the book was left hanging with so many open questions even for a book that would most certainly have a sequel. However, the bonus for me as a late comer to this addictive trilogy is that the “The Sixth Wicked Child” is available, it has already been purchased and ready to read.
Barker has become one of my favourite authors in recent months and this book doesn’t disappoint. I would highly recommend this trilogy based on the two gripping books I have read so far.
June 19, 2018
4 Stars
The body of a young girl named Ella Reynold’s is found in a Lagoon, frozen under the ice, yet forensics show she drowned in salt water. The mystery, besides the fact that she has been murdered? She is wearing different clothes than the ones she went missing in. Turns out they belong to a different girl named Lili Davies, whose body turns up shortly thereafter, having drowned the same way. Porter, Nash and Clair & Kloz investigate and unfortunately for them, the body count continues to rise. It has to be a serial killer and while the signature is different than 4MK’s, they can’t help but wonder.
The FBI, including Agent Poole, took over 4MK’s case and though the FBI is headquartered at the department, they cut the police out of the investigation completely. Porter however, can’t let it go, thus he takes off on his own to try and find Bishop, who continues to haunt him, whether he likes it or not.
These two separate suspense stories intertwined in a fascinating way that left my head spinning and my heart racing. This one is a doozy. While not quite as captivating as the first book, “The Fourth Monkey,” (which I suggest you read before this one) “The Fifth To Die” - is a worthy follow up that kept my attention and scared me just a little.
This was a sister read with Brenda and Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley, Edelweiss, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and J. D. Barker for a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Edelweiss, Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 6.19.18.
The body of a young girl named Ella Reynold’s is found in a Lagoon, frozen under the ice, yet forensics show she drowned in salt water. The mystery, besides the fact that she has been murdered? She is wearing different clothes than the ones she went missing in. Turns out they belong to a different girl named Lili Davies, whose body turns up shortly thereafter, having drowned the same way. Porter, Nash and Clair & Kloz investigate and unfortunately for them, the body count continues to rise. It has to be a serial killer and while the signature is different than 4MK’s, they can’t help but wonder.
The FBI, including Agent Poole, took over 4MK’s case and though the FBI is headquartered at the department, they cut the police out of the investigation completely. Porter however, can’t let it go, thus he takes off on his own to try and find Bishop, who continues to haunt him, whether he likes it or not.
These two separate suspense stories intertwined in a fascinating way that left my head spinning and my heart racing. This one is a doozy. While not quite as captivating as the first book, “The Fourth Monkey,” (which I suggest you read before this one) “The Fifth To Die” - is a worthy follow up that kept my attention and scared me just a little.
This was a sister read with Brenda and Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley, Edelweiss, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and J. D. Barker for a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Edelweiss, Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 6.19.18.
June 14, 2018
Let’s get one thing out of the way. Don’t even think of reading this book if you haven’t read the first in the series. It just will not work. There are lots of moving parts here, some of which require the in depth knowledge from 4MK.
The story is told from multiple POVs as the timeline moves along. It’s well paced and the story progresses in a linear fashion. This book kept my interest the entire time. It’s another gripping, scary book. It’s not as gruesome as 4MK, but that’s not to say there aren’t some gruesome scenes. It’s all relative.
It’s fascinating to watch all the various investigations, police, FBI and Porter’s personal one, all move forward. Yes, there’s lots going on here, but it’s not difficult to keep track. This is all about the story. This isn't a book with great in depth character development. And know that going in, you need to commit to book three.
My thanks to netgalley and Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt for an advance copy of this book.
May 25, 2018
"You can't play God, without being acquainted with the devil."
4.5 stars
This is the second in the 4MK Thriller series. Although this does work as a stand-alone novel, I strongly encourage you to read the first book in the series, "The Fourth Monkey". Trust me, you will be happy you did and may perhaps even become a HUGE J.D. Barker fan in the process!!! I know I am!
Anson Bishop, the Four Monkey Killer is still on the loose!!!! This guy is seriously playing a mean game of hide and seek! Detective Porter has been called off the hunt to investigate the murder of a missing girl who has been found beneath the ice of Jackson Park Lagoon wearing another missing girls’ clothing. It appears there is another killer in the city. Is this the work of Bishop? Nah, the MO doesn't fit. But who? Why? How?
Intriguing......
Porter just can't let go of the Bishop case. He is, shall we say, obsessed and keeps looking. He does some digging and, in the process, gets in trouble at work, but he still can't let it go. A serial killer has alluded him. He can't let that go. He is going to find Bishop no matter what! Or is he?
So by now, I'm salivating.....
What happens if he finds Bishop? What happens if Bishop finds him first? What happened with the girl found under the ice? Who is the other killer?????
I loved the parts with the other killer and his victims in this book. Man, was he deliciously evil in a twisted-guy-who-creeps-you-out kind of way. He was seriously messed up! While reading I kept wondering "what the heck is he looking for?" and "what is HIS story?" Well, as I kept turning the pages (I read this on a kindle, but you know what I mean!), I learned his story - part of it at least. Color me intrigued.
There are two different story lines going on in this book and it doesn't appear that they are connected but.... well, as differing story lines go...they often find their way together one way or another! J.D. Barker must have a very creative, imaginative and twisted mind, which I am thankful for! Plus, there is going to be another book in this series. When I got to the last page, I believe my words were "Are you fucking kidding me? Are you SERIOUSLY kidding me? That's it?????" As frustrating as that last page was, I have to say, well played Barker, well played.
So, the series will continue, and I will be there with bated breath wanting, no needing, to find out what happens next! I know it is going to be good! It must be!
Again, yet another well written book by J.D. Baker. Obviously, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I did enjoy "The Fourth Monkey" a tad bit more, but this was still very good. For me this book really shined when showing the new killer and the girls he kidnapped. Barker does a good job at keeping the reader guessing as to what this guy's motivation was and what he was hoping the girls would see. An added plus was the addition of Bishop's mother. Mom-of-the-year she was NOT! For those who read the first book in the series, you will know what I mean! Even she is creepy. I think there was a creep-a-thon going on in this book!
So, I think it is safe to say, I enjoyed this book and I think most of you will too!
Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are my own.
See more of my reviews at www.openboookpost.com
4.5 stars
This is the second in the 4MK Thriller series. Although this does work as a stand-alone novel, I strongly encourage you to read the first book in the series, "The Fourth Monkey". Trust me, you will be happy you did and may perhaps even become a HUGE J.D. Barker fan in the process!!! I know I am!
Anson Bishop, the Four Monkey Killer is still on the loose!!!! This guy is seriously playing a mean game of hide and seek! Detective Porter has been called off the hunt to investigate the murder of a missing girl who has been found beneath the ice of Jackson Park Lagoon wearing another missing girls’ clothing. It appears there is another killer in the city. Is this the work of Bishop? Nah, the MO doesn't fit. But who? Why? How?
Intriguing......
Porter just can't let go of the Bishop case. He is, shall we say, obsessed and keeps looking. He does some digging and, in the process, gets in trouble at work, but he still can't let it go. A serial killer has alluded him. He can't let that go. He is going to find Bishop no matter what! Or is he?
So by now, I'm salivating.....
What happens if he finds Bishop? What happens if Bishop finds him first? What happened with the girl found under the ice? Who is the other killer?????
I loved the parts with the other killer and his victims in this book. Man, was he deliciously evil in a twisted-guy-who-creeps-you-out kind of way. He was seriously messed up! While reading I kept wondering "what the heck is he looking for?" and "what is HIS story?" Well, as I kept turning the pages (I read this on a kindle, but you know what I mean!), I learned his story - part of it at least. Color me intrigued.
There are two different story lines going on in this book and it doesn't appear that they are connected but.... well, as differing story lines go...they often find their way together one way or another! J.D. Barker must have a very creative, imaginative and twisted mind, which I am thankful for! Plus, there is going to be another book in this series. When I got to the last page, I believe my words were "Are you fucking kidding me? Are you SERIOUSLY kidding me? That's it?????" As frustrating as that last page was, I have to say, well played Barker, well played.
So, the series will continue, and I will be there with bated breath wanting, no needing, to find out what happens next! I know it is going to be good! It must be!
Again, yet another well written book by J.D. Baker. Obviously, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I did enjoy "The Fourth Monkey" a tad bit more, but this was still very good. For me this book really shined when showing the new killer and the girls he kidnapped. Barker does a good job at keeping the reader guessing as to what this guy's motivation was and what he was hoping the girls would see. An added plus was the addition of Bishop's mother. Mom-of-the-year she was NOT! For those who read the first book in the series, you will know what I mean! Even she is creepy. I think there was a creep-a-thon going on in this book!
So, I think it is safe to say, I enjoyed this book and I think most of you will too!
Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are my own.
See more of my reviews at www.openboookpost.com
January 31, 2020
Soup-Herb!!!
Yes, ladies and gents, and those others I'd rather not mention, this book was great.
Let me explain something to you - this turned out to be a big-ass book. While the official page count on GR is 416 pages, it turned out to be the fine-print edition. At 530 pages, it weighs in heavier than expected.
So...you've heard of speed readers? A while back a saw a review by someone claiming to be a super speed reader. Fortunately, I am one of the few ultra-super-speed-readers in the world. Why, I once finished thirteen books in a single day.
Granted, they were mostly full of pictures, no longer than 20 pages and contained words like KA-POW!!!
Seriously, to those super speed readers out there, while I admire your skill, there is no need to rub it in our faces, okay? Doing something exceedingly well should sometimes just be kept to oneself - take personal pride in it without gloating.
Or would you like to discuss some super-diarrhea?
Anyway, it took me a while to get through this one, is actually the point I'm trying to make, but through no fault of the author. He did a brilliant job, real life can just be time consuming, but if I had the opportunity, I'm sure I would have finished it in about three days - that's how well this one was written.
No spoilers from me - just a warning:
Read the first book in the series before you tackle this one.
It will not be like a one night stand - you'll want to know more.
Read the second one and expect your mind to be deconfuckulated.
Read the third one if you want to get a decent night's sleep again.
Loved this - looking forward to the conclusion!!
Yes, ladies and gents, and those others I'd rather not mention, this book was great.
Let me explain something to you - this turned out to be a big-ass book. While the official page count on GR is 416 pages, it turned out to be the fine-print edition. At 530 pages, it weighs in heavier than expected.
So...you've heard of speed readers? A while back a saw a review by someone claiming to be a super speed reader. Fortunately, I am one of the few ultra-super-speed-readers in the world. Why, I once finished thirteen books in a single day.
Granted, they were mostly full of pictures, no longer than 20 pages and contained words like KA-POW!!!
Seriously, to those super speed readers out there, while I admire your skill, there is no need to rub it in our faces, okay? Doing something exceedingly well should sometimes just be kept to oneself - take personal pride in it without gloating.
Or would you like to discuss some super-diarrhea?
Anyway, it took me a while to get through this one, is actually the point I'm trying to make, but through no fault of the author. He did a brilliant job, real life can just be time consuming, but if I had the opportunity, I'm sure I would have finished it in about three days - that's how well this one was written.
No spoilers from me - just a warning:
Read the first book in the series before you tackle this one.
It will not be like a one night stand - you'll want to know more.
Read the second one and expect your mind to be deconfuckulated.
Read the third one if you want to get a decent night's sleep again.
Loved this - looking forward to the conclusion!!
July 3, 2018
J.D. Barker will keep you awake well past the time you should go to bed. This is a taut, well-done thriller. I’d advise you to clear your schedule so you can do nothing but turn pages as quickly as you can.
However, my other recommendation to you would be this: Unless you have a great memory, maybe wait until all the books in this series are complete so you can just read them one after the other. THESE ARE CLIFFHANGERS, NOT TRUE STANDALONES.
I read The Fourth Monkey a year ago and was mildly traumatized by it (because of the descriptions of the torture of the girls kidnapped—there wasn’t tons of details of that, but enough to set my teeth on edge). I should have been traumatized by this one, too. I really hope it isn’t a measure of me becoming desensitized to torture that I wasn’t. I would definitely read that book before this one.
On the off chance you need a plot review, here goes: Basically, what appears to be a new serial killer is in town when the body of a girl missing three weeks is found trapped in ice—wearing another girl’s clothes. The Four Monkey Killer (4MK) is still on the loose, and Detective Sam Porter is secretly still after him (even though that case has been given to the Feds), even while after this new guy.
This is a well-written, well-paced book. One pet peeve: Why does Barker refer to all the male cops by their last names throughout the novel and all the female cops and characters by their first names?
If you’re a person who doesn’t mind waiting a year to find out what happens, (please say this is only a trilogy, and they’ll catch 4MK at some point?!) this is a great read.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the opportunity to review this book, which RELEASES JULY 10, 2018.
For more reviews, please visit: http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
However, my other recommendation to you would be this: Unless you have a great memory, maybe wait until all the books in this series are complete so you can just read them one after the other. THESE ARE CLIFFHANGERS, NOT TRUE STANDALONES.
I read The Fourth Monkey a year ago and was mildly traumatized by it (because of the descriptions of the torture of the girls kidnapped—there wasn’t tons of details of that, but enough to set my teeth on edge). I should have been traumatized by this one, too. I really hope it isn’t a measure of me becoming desensitized to torture that I wasn’t. I would definitely read that book before this one.
On the off chance you need a plot review, here goes: Basically, what appears to be a new serial killer is in town when the body of a girl missing three weeks is found trapped in ice—wearing another girl’s clothes. The Four Monkey Killer (4MK) is still on the loose, and Detective Sam Porter is secretly still after him (even though that case has been given to the Feds), even while after this new guy.
This is a well-written, well-paced book. One pet peeve: Why does Barker refer to all the male cops by their last names throughout the novel and all the female cops and characters by their first names?
If you’re a person who doesn’t mind waiting a year to find out what happens, (please say this is only a trilogy, and they’ll catch 4MK at some point?!) this is a great read.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the opportunity to review this book, which RELEASES JULY 10, 2018.
For more reviews, please visit: http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
March 22, 2026
I honestly don't even know how to review this book without spoilers... So, enjoy my series of gifs that basically tell you how I felt during some intervals of the book:
first 10%:
basically the whole middle section of the book:
the final 10%:
Listen, if you like intelligent serial killer thrillers, just read this🤣
---------------------------------------
LITERALLY WHATTTT?????????
I actually have no words for what just happened??? My brain is malfunctioning. That ending just decimated everything I believed happened in book 1??
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
RTC
-----------------------------------------------------------
pre-read 🎧
Serial killer novels hate to see me coming 🔪 or do they?
first 10%:
basically the whole middle section of the book:
the final 10%:
Listen, if you like intelligent serial killer thrillers, just read this🤣
---------------------------------------
LITERALLY WHATTTT?????????
I actually have no words for what just happened??? My brain is malfunctioning. That ending just decimated everything I believed happened in book 1??
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
RTC
-----------------------------------------------------------
pre-read 🎧
Serial killer novels hate to see me coming 🔪 or do they?
August 23, 2018
There are so many reviews of this thriller that I will not waste time outlining aspects of the plot. Suffice it to say Barker is an old hand at raising suspense and tension with short snappy chapters and multiple threads that eventually connect. In enters another serial killer targeting young girls, torturing and killing them, imprisoning them in cages, an overused and too familiar trope as I wondered just how many serial killers the author is going to give us. Anson Bishop, the original 4MK serial killer is portrayed as the master serial killer, several steps ahead of Detective Porter searching for mommy dearest, Bishop's mother, and Agent Poole and the Chicago Metro police team. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading this octane fuelled sequel, however, it is beginning to bear all the hallmarks of a never ending soap opera for which my tolerance levels are starting to wear rather thin, particularly with its cliffhanger ending. I can probably see myself reading the next one, but after that, if it continues in this vein, I will probably drop it.
June 16, 2018
4.5 stars (rounded to 4 stars)
Holy cow, what a thrill ride! Despite that, this one was hard for me to rate. There are some really 5+++ star features, but also some things that I really didn’t like.
First of all, do not even try reading this without reading the first book, The Fourth Monkey. It is just not an option. I had to suspend reading early on and go back and re-read 10-15% of The Fourth Monkey (which I read a year ago) just to refresh enough to get my bearings. Talk about a flow-breaker. I was a little miffed that there was not enough backstory in the current book to get me up to speed without having to backtrack to the first book.
Once I got oriented, the book took off! There are dual plotlines, both highly gripping. We are back in the chase for 4MK and possibly for other killers as well. There are several investigations going on at once in three different cities. There are 134 relatively short chapters allowing for all the investigations to be covered at the same time. PLUS, we have more of 4MK’s diary! This was a highlight in the first book and definitely a high point of this book as well. If this sounds confusing, it’s not. It is very well written, but again you need to have the background of The Fourth Monkey to follow this one.
Detective Sam Porter is in trouble with his superiors in this book, but that doesn’t keep him chained to his easy chair. It does allow us to see the rest of his team in action without him. Clair Bear, Kloz, and Nash are prominently featured doing their thing. There isn’t a lot of character development of the good guys, but for once that didn’t bother me because the investigations themselves are so deliciously engrossing. Oh, and of course, we get 4MK’s diary to study—talk about a character study!
I got tired of the scenes of the teenage girls in captivity with the sicko. I think the more I read thrillers, the less tolerant I am of these scenes. They don’t do much for me other than make me wish them to be shorter. It doesn’t take much for me to appreciate how evil and twisted someone is.
The last 40% of the book was fabulously suspenseful. I didn’t know what the hell was going on (in a good way) and enjoyed racking my brains trying to figure it all out. I defy anyone to predict what happens. The ending was a stunner. Well done, Mr. Barker, very well done indeed. But did you have to leave those great big loose ends? I guess you did, as I hear you are planning to conclude the saga with a third book! I do think knowing that almost cancels out my irritation over the lack of a nice red bow at the finish.
This is a true 4.5 read for me. It is way better than the usual 4, but the demerits noted above won’t let me rate it a 5. I do know one thing—I’ll be there when book 3 is available. I highly highly recommend this little series. Just don’t jump into the middle of it!!
Many thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Net Galley, and J.D. Barker for an ARC of this novel. Opinions are totally mine and are not biased in any way.
Holy cow, what a thrill ride! Despite that, this one was hard for me to rate. There are some really 5+++ star features, but also some things that I really didn’t like.
First of all, do not even try reading this without reading the first book, The Fourth Monkey. It is just not an option. I had to suspend reading early on and go back and re-read 10-15% of The Fourth Monkey (which I read a year ago) just to refresh enough to get my bearings. Talk about a flow-breaker. I was a little miffed that there was not enough backstory in the current book to get me up to speed without having to backtrack to the first book.
Once I got oriented, the book took off! There are dual plotlines, both highly gripping. We are back in the chase for 4MK and possibly for other killers as well. There are several investigations going on at once in three different cities. There are 134 relatively short chapters allowing for all the investigations to be covered at the same time. PLUS, we have more of 4MK’s diary! This was a highlight in the first book and definitely a high point of this book as well. If this sounds confusing, it’s not. It is very well written, but again you need to have the background of The Fourth Monkey to follow this one.
Detective Sam Porter is in trouble with his superiors in this book, but that doesn’t keep him chained to his easy chair. It does allow us to see the rest of his team in action without him. Clair Bear, Kloz, and Nash are prominently featured doing their thing. There isn’t a lot of character development of the good guys, but for once that didn’t bother me because the investigations themselves are so deliciously engrossing. Oh, and of course, we get 4MK’s diary to study—talk about a character study!
I got tired of the scenes of the teenage girls in captivity with the sicko. I think the more I read thrillers, the less tolerant I am of these scenes. They don’t do much for me other than make me wish them to be shorter. It doesn’t take much for me to appreciate how evil and twisted someone is.
The last 40% of the book was fabulously suspenseful. I didn’t know what the hell was going on (in a good way) and enjoyed racking my brains trying to figure it all out. I defy anyone to predict what happens. The ending was a stunner. Well done, Mr. Barker, very well done indeed. But did you have to leave those great big loose ends? I guess you did, as I hear you are planning to conclude the saga with a third book! I do think knowing that almost cancels out my irritation over the lack of a nice red bow at the finish.
This is a true 4.5 read for me. It is way better than the usual 4, but the demerits noted above won’t let me rate it a 5. I do know one thing—I’ll be there when book 3 is available. I highly highly recommend this little series. Just don’t jump into the middle of it!!
Many thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Net Galley, and J.D. Barker for an ARC of this novel. Opinions are totally mine and are not biased in any way.
September 25, 2018
The Fifth to Die by J.D. Barker is a 2018 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publication.
“You can’t play God without being acquainted with the devil.”
This highly anticipated follow up to “The Fourth Monkey” smoothly segues into a new thread, with a new serial killer to conquer, immediately capturing my attention. Porter and Nash are no longer working the 4MK case, but this new series of murders will keep them plenty occupied and more than a little perplexed.
However, Porter can’t turn loose of the Anson Bishop case, (I mean, did you really expect him to?), and is actively attempting to find Bishop’s mother- the woman who may be the key to finding the 4MK killer.
Sometimes the only clear difference between an inmate and a guard is the side of the bars they happen to be standing on that particular day.
His unauthorized investigation earns him a suspension, leaving Clair and Nash on their own.
“You only have to stay ahead of the demons. An inch outside their grasp will do,” Poole said under his breath.
Barker truly does seem to have a special knack for creating intense, ‘off the charts’ suspense. Even veteran thriller aficionados like myself would be lying if they said this book didn’t send a shiver down their spines on at least one occasion.
Now that we’ve established the main characters, this second installment gives them room to settle more comfortably into their roles a bit. Porter is the obsessed, driven cop, going rogue to catch a notorious serial killer. Clair and Nash make a pretty good team in their own right- along with Kloz, who adds some tech stuff into the mix, and are great characters, plus, Nash is beginning to worm his way into my good graces, a little more than before.
This story has a little more polish and shine, which is to be expected, but it does lose some of its grit and super dark atmosphere as a result. However, the plot is more elaborate and complex, with a stronger psychological pull, relying less on the ghoulish theatrics. That’s not a criticism, really. I’d like to think of it as being progressive. It is a story one should consume slowly and carefully, as the story line is very busy- lots to absorb and digest!
Overall, this is another white knuckled, ‘don’t read it alone at night’ thriller. I do hope the next installment comes very, very soon- which reminds me- please read these books in order and expect a frustrating cliffhanger. However, I’m betting the next book will be well worth the wait!
4.5
“You can’t play God without being acquainted with the devil.”
This highly anticipated follow up to “The Fourth Monkey” smoothly segues into a new thread, with a new serial killer to conquer, immediately capturing my attention. Porter and Nash are no longer working the 4MK case, but this new series of murders will keep them plenty occupied and more than a little perplexed.
However, Porter can’t turn loose of the Anson Bishop case, (I mean, did you really expect him to?), and is actively attempting to find Bishop’s mother- the woman who may be the key to finding the 4MK killer.
Sometimes the only clear difference between an inmate and a guard is the side of the bars they happen to be standing on that particular day.
His unauthorized investigation earns him a suspension, leaving Clair and Nash on their own.
“You only have to stay ahead of the demons. An inch outside their grasp will do,” Poole said under his breath.
Barker truly does seem to have a special knack for creating intense, ‘off the charts’ suspense. Even veteran thriller aficionados like myself would be lying if they said this book didn’t send a shiver down their spines on at least one occasion.
Now that we’ve established the main characters, this second installment gives them room to settle more comfortably into their roles a bit. Porter is the obsessed, driven cop, going rogue to catch a notorious serial killer. Clair and Nash make a pretty good team in their own right- along with Kloz, who adds some tech stuff into the mix, and are great characters, plus, Nash is beginning to worm his way into my good graces, a little more than before.
This story has a little more polish and shine, which is to be expected, but it does lose some of its grit and super dark atmosphere as a result. However, the plot is more elaborate and complex, with a stronger psychological pull, relying less on the ghoulish theatrics. That’s not a criticism, really. I’d like to think of it as being progressive. It is a story one should consume slowly and carefully, as the story line is very busy- lots to absorb and digest!
Overall, this is another white knuckled, ‘don’t read it alone at night’ thriller. I do hope the next installment comes very, very soon- which reminds me- please read these books in order and expect a frustrating cliffhanger. However, I’m betting the next book will be well worth the wait!
4.5
Read
August 13, 2019In one word: discombobulated
I doubt a fucking flow chart would help me in keeping up with all of the characters in this story.
By the end I had no idea who was who and it's left me in a pissy mood.
I'll hold my rating until after I've read part 3, at which time I may lose my shit and have a full blown level seven nuclear meltdown.
I doubt a fucking flow chart would help me in keeping up with all of the characters in this story.
By the end I had no idea who was who and it's left me in a pissy mood.
I'll hold my rating until after I've read part 3, at which time I may lose my shit and have a full blown level seven nuclear meltdown.
April 18, 2018
The first book in this series The Fourth Monkey was one of my favorite reads last year...so when I saw this sequel go up I started looking a bit like this....
I usually just jump into series books wherever I want too but with these you are going to have to read them in order because you'll be totally lost...and you will miss out on some crazy time goodness.
Everybody is back from the first book and now some missing girls are starting to turn up. The town is still all creeped out from old Monkey Killing serial killer and they automatically think it is him. The MO is different but this is some gruesome happenings and well..the boy likes to play.
The killer completely stumps the team and the lead detective from the first book gets himself suspended during this investigation. That ain't gonna stop him if you have ever read the thrillars you would totally know that.
So stuff happens.
Now why didn't I go completely fangirl over this one? I think it's a case of second book syndrome..sometime it happens. There are some moments that I felt like the story went all over the place and lost me for a few. (That's not hard to do) Then that ending......
I'll still read whatever this dude writes because I'm already drooling for the next one.
If your READING jam is serial killers you are totally gonna love these also. I capitalized the reading because everyone already thinks I'm a bit nuts.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
I usually just jump into series books wherever I want too but with these you are going to have to read them in order because you'll be totally lost...and you will miss out on some crazy time goodness.
Everybody is back from the first book and now some missing girls are starting to turn up. The town is still all creeped out from old Monkey Killing serial killer and they automatically think it is him. The MO is different but this is some gruesome happenings and well..the boy likes to play.
The killer completely stumps the team and the lead detective from the first book gets himself suspended during this investigation. That ain't gonna stop him if you have ever read the thrillars you would totally know that.
So stuff happens.
Now why didn't I go completely fangirl over this one? I think it's a case of second book syndrome..sometime it happens. There are some moments that I felt like the story went all over the place and lost me for a few. (That's not hard to do) Then that ending......
I'll still read whatever this dude writes because I'm already drooling for the next one.
If your READING jam is serial killers you are totally gonna love these also. I capitalized the reading because everyone already thinks I'm a bit nuts.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
April 21, 2022
Mind blowing sequel. Barker does everything right with this story. Unexpected and breathtaking cliffhanger!
August 25, 2018
My Experience: I started reading The Fifth to Die on 8/13/18 and finished it on 8/24/18. This book is a fascinating read, especially following the police force with their investigations and the IT guy! I love the ice explanation and how the killer take extra time to commit such heinous acts in public places. I enjoy the humor between Porter and Nash, and even with the medical examiner Eisley. Each chapter is a heart pounding read and left you with a cliffhanger. A new chapter begins and the results is not what you thought it would be. It happened more than once for me. Definitely a read you could hardly put down. (There’s just one part I can’t handle and it’s following Lili’s thoughts. I can’t handle reading about her torture.)
This book is told in the third person point of view following Detective Porter, well known for his role in chasing the serial killer 4MK, as he and his partner Nash are on their way to a crime scene, an aftermath of a 15 year old girl, Ella Reynolds who went missing after school. Late that night, Detective Porter receives a call regarding another missing girl named Lili Davies. The dead girl found under the ice happens to wear the same clothes as the new missing girl. Readers will also follow Lili Davies, told in third person point of view as a victim. Many other point of views are of Clair, Poole, and Nash, fellow Detectives investigating the crimes and there’s views for the killer(s) too and other victims as well. Book 1 left off where the killer got in touch with Detective Porter to ask Porter to return him a favor. This sequel picks up with more intensity and a bigger puzzle to solve.
The Fifth to Die is very well written and developed. All of the characters has personalities you couldn’t help but want to read all about what they have to say. I love reading the detective work and how they are looking for clues, connections, and trails left behind by the killer. This story is big and deals with many characters and victims. I would recommend to read the duology back to back to keep up with the flow. I like the mystery and suspense. I like how smart the characters are: the police, the killers, and the victims and yet the killer seems to stay half a step ahead. Despite the disturbing tortures, reading this book is most interesting because I get to follow many clever thoughts and work through many tough problems with the police. Love the twists! I most definitely recommend everyone to read this duology (there will be a book 3 due to a major cliffhanger at the end of book 2), just beware of torturing though.
Pro: past paced, page turner, adrenaline rush, suspense, mystery, couldn’t put down, humor, investigation
Con: victims torture is more than I can handle; disturbing
I rate it 5 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to the author J.D. Barker, publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
This book is told in the third person point of view following Detective Porter, well known for his role in chasing the serial killer 4MK, as he and his partner Nash are on their way to a crime scene, an aftermath of a 15 year old girl, Ella Reynolds who went missing after school. Late that night, Detective Porter receives a call regarding another missing girl named Lili Davies. The dead girl found under the ice happens to wear the same clothes as the new missing girl. Readers will also follow Lili Davies, told in third person point of view as a victim. Many other point of views are of Clair, Poole, and Nash, fellow Detectives investigating the crimes and there’s views for the killer(s) too and other victims as well. Book 1 left off where the killer got in touch with Detective Porter to ask Porter to return him a favor. This sequel picks up with more intensity and a bigger puzzle to solve.
The Fifth to Die is very well written and developed. All of the characters has personalities you couldn’t help but want to read all about what they have to say. I love reading the detective work and how they are looking for clues, connections, and trails left behind by the killer. This story is big and deals with many characters and victims. I would recommend to read the duology back to back to keep up with the flow. I like the mystery and suspense. I like how smart the characters are: the police, the killers, and the victims and yet the killer seems to stay half a step ahead. Despite the disturbing tortures, reading this book is most interesting because I get to follow many clever thoughts and work through many tough problems with the police. Love the twists! I most definitely recommend everyone to read this duology (there will be a book 3 due to a major cliffhanger at the end of book 2), just beware of torturing though.
Pro: past paced, page turner, adrenaline rush, suspense, mystery, couldn’t put down, humor, investigation
Con: victims torture is more than I can handle; disturbing
I rate it 5 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to the author J.D. Barker, publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
July 4, 2018
The Fifth To Die by J.D. Barker is the second installment of the 4MK Thriller series. A police procedural series in which the detectives have been tracking a serial killer known as the Four Monkey Killer. Picking up where the story had left off it would be best enjoyed reading in order to get to know the characters and what had happened up to this point.
The story now has resumed with Detective Porter and the rest of the team having been pulled from chasing the Four Monkey Killer but Porter just can’t let the case go. As a new body is found frozen beneath a lake it becomes apparent that this is a new killer on the loose but Porter goes against orders and continues his search meanwhile the other detectives begin to track down the new killer.
With the detectives separated in this installment the story is told from multiple points of view all throughout. There are also still peeks into the diary of 4MK that Porter has hung onto. As both are going on it’s a bit like following two different stories but as with most books you know things will eventually come together once again and learning just how definitely keeps the pages turning.
I would warn once again that this series is dark and disturbing and can be quite graphic but when chasing someone as twisted as a serial killer the content wouldn’t be sunshine and roses. Being someone that can be hit or miss with a police procedural I loved the first book of the series and was looking forward to this second and rejoining the detectives once again. The casework seems realistic, the detectives likable and the story has plenty of twists and turns. This one did seem a bit long to me and perhaps could have moved a tad bit faster but overall it was right back to what I had come to expect from the series and now the wait begins yet again.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The story now has resumed with Detective Porter and the rest of the team having been pulled from chasing the Four Monkey Killer but Porter just can’t let the case go. As a new body is found frozen beneath a lake it becomes apparent that this is a new killer on the loose but Porter goes against orders and continues his search meanwhile the other detectives begin to track down the new killer.
With the detectives separated in this installment the story is told from multiple points of view all throughout. There are also still peeks into the diary of 4MK that Porter has hung onto. As both are going on it’s a bit like following two different stories but as with most books you know things will eventually come together once again and learning just how definitely keeps the pages turning.
I would warn once again that this series is dark and disturbing and can be quite graphic but when chasing someone as twisted as a serial killer the content wouldn’t be sunshine and roses. Being someone that can be hit or miss with a police procedural I loved the first book of the series and was looking forward to this second and rejoining the detectives once again. The casework seems realistic, the detectives likable and the story has plenty of twists and turns. This one did seem a bit long to me and perhaps could have moved a tad bit faster but overall it was right back to what I had come to expect from the series and now the wait begins yet again.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
June 9, 2018
Where do I begin?
I am confused and my head aches, but in a good way. I NEED to read the first book again!
I loved The Fourth Monkey. We had a great relationship and understood each other. Ours was a considerably smooth journey.
The Fifth To Die? I am wrecked! I feel like I have been thrown in a washing machine and then left to dry in a desert all by my lonesome! Our devastating liaison is scandalous and outrageous.
I am using big words because there is no other way to describe this hurricane.
Talk about suspense! I need some time to heal. I need to sleep!
If you decide to read The Fifth To Die, STOP! First take a deep breath. Make sure you DO NOT begin late at night (unless you want to look like a zombie in the morning) and that you have done all your important chores and there is nothing or no one to interrupt you. Go grab The Fourth Monkey and start from there.
Happy reading!
Thanks to J.D Barker, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
I am confused and my head aches, but in a good way. I NEED to read the first book again!
I loved The Fourth Monkey. We had a great relationship and understood each other. Ours was a considerably smooth journey.
The Fifth To Die? I am wrecked! I feel like I have been thrown in a washing machine and then left to dry in a desert all by my lonesome! Our devastating liaison is scandalous and outrageous.
I am using big words because there is no other way to describe this hurricane.
Talk about suspense! I need some time to heal. I need to sleep!
If you decide to read The Fifth To Die, STOP! First take a deep breath. Make sure you DO NOT begin late at night (unless you want to look like a zombie in the morning) and that you have done all your important chores and there is nothing or no one to interrupt you. Go grab The Fourth Monkey and start from there.
Happy reading!
Thanks to J.D Barker, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
August 13, 2018
(Warning - slight spoiler from the first book ahead)
First thing: You HAVE to read the first book to understand this one, and if you read it a while back, do yourself a favor and reread the diary part of it before starting this. There is barely a touch of re-capping and you will miss a lot unless the diary is pretty fresh.
Plus, it's a creepy killer's diary. What's not to love?
The diaries of monsters are so entertaining!
This book wasn't as good as the first one - for a while. It took a few more pages until I was glued to it, but don't worry, by the end I was giving it a standing ovation. In my head. You know, sitting there expressionless. That's how I roll.
I never seem to give the correct reaction to things.
We get to follow around the cop friends we made in the first book, but our main guy is kinda in trouble for letting the serial killer escape in that one. Sheesh! Picky, picky!
It's in the FBI's capable hands now. They will totally catch the guy. But, that's okay because our team has their own case to solve. And, it's totally not related. At all. Back off, FBI!
I said BACK OFF. You didn't see anything. Good day, sir!
Now, you might think from my happy little silly jokey review that this book is all fun and sunshine and unicorns. You would be wrong. It's dark. Really dark. There are horrible things happening, so don't read it if you don't like murder, death, evil, and mayhem.
Luckily, it's not in cursive, so go for it, Millennials!
First thing: You HAVE to read the first book to understand this one, and if you read it a while back, do yourself a favor and reread the diary part of it before starting this. There is barely a touch of re-capping and you will miss a lot unless the diary is pretty fresh.
Plus, it's a creepy killer's diary. What's not to love?
The diaries of monsters are so entertaining!
This book wasn't as good as the first one - for a while. It took a few more pages until I was glued to it, but don't worry, by the end I was giving it a standing ovation. In my head. You know, sitting there expressionless. That's how I roll.
I never seem to give the correct reaction to things.
We get to follow around the cop friends we made in the first book, but our main guy is kinda in trouble for letting the serial killer escape in that one. Sheesh! Picky, picky!
It's in the FBI's capable hands now. They will totally catch the guy. But, that's okay because our team has their own case to solve. And, it's totally not related. At all. Back off, FBI!
I said BACK OFF. You didn't see anything. Good day, sir!
Now, you might think from my happy little silly jokey review that this book is all fun and sunshine and unicorns. You would be wrong. It's dark. Really dark. There are horrible things happening, so don't read it if you don't like murder, death, evil, and mayhem.
Luckily, it's not in cursive, so go for it, Millennials!
May 16, 2022
Que le den a la novela esta y, por extensión, al tercero de la saga que no pienso ni empezar.
Personajes directamente malos, cansinos y aburridos. Cero empatía con ninguno.
Trama trilera (¿dónde está la bolitaaaaaaa?) que nos da pistas cuando le sale del orto y nos lleva al engaño el resto.
Hasta los buhitos he quedado de leer las puñeteras pistas( o despistas) del tablero de los investigadores.
Cero tensión con las secuestradas.
Todo el rato hablando de las suposiciones… y yo con ganas de que se acabara. Y se acaba y jajajajaja, pretende que me lea el siguiente.
QUE LE DEN.
P.D: estimadas amistades a las que os ha gustado: sencillamente no lo entiendo. Digámoslo una vez más::
Para gustos los colores, los culos y las flores.
Diooooooooos, qué a gusto me he quedado con mi hacha ensangrentada. Si llego a tener el libro en físico va a la basura.
Personajes directamente malos, cansinos y aburridos. Cero empatía con ninguno.
Trama trilera (¿dónde está la bolitaaaaaaa?) que nos da pistas cuando le sale del orto y nos lleva al engaño el resto.
Hasta los buhitos he quedado de leer las puñeteras pistas( o despistas) del tablero de los investigadores.
Cero tensión con las secuestradas.
Todo el rato hablando de las suposiciones… y yo con ganas de que se acabara. Y se acaba y jajajajaja, pretende que me lea el siguiente.
QUE LE DEN.
P.D: estimadas amistades a las que os ha gustado: sencillamente no lo entiendo. Digámoslo una vez más::
Para gustos los colores, los culos y las flores.
Diooooooooos, qué a gusto me he quedado con mi hacha ensangrentada. Si llego a tener el libro en físico va a la basura.
August 30, 2022
Book Blog | Bookstagram
J.D. Barker has crafted a rich, intricate world full of robust, personality-driven characters, and advanced storytelling techniques. And he is presenting it to readers one giant novel at a time.
This series is detailed, not so much in visual descriptions, but in the depth of narrative and connections. They are flying all over the place, from past to present, from case to case. It fills me with joy at just how vast this puzzle really is.
And I don’t want to oversell this, but HOLY SHIT, YOU GUYS, IT’S THE GREATEST THING OUT THERE RIGHT NOW ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH.
There are girls disappearing, being stuck in a basement cage as every good serial killer is wont to do. There are dead bodies. There is an FBI takeover. There is a prison break. There is Bishop's mother. There is a weird guy with a lisp and scars on his head. There is Det. Porter doing a lot of travelling trying to figure out just what the fuck 4MK is up to. And there are more of Bishop’s diary entries.
In the end, some things make sense, but this really is a case of raising more questions than it answers.
This is not a book you can jump into without reading the first in the series. I mean, you could, but it wouldn't make as much sense. This is a very intense and thoughtful nemesis epic. It has elements of the Hannibal/Clarice relationship. Good vs. Brilliant Evil.
Honestly, Bishop is just the fucking shit. He’s so purely demented and so maniacally intelligent that he makes things not only scary and thrilling but fun, too. We aren’t people that want others to be murdered, but at the same time, if it means Bishop remains free...
The only thing is, there just wasn’t as much action in this one, which makes its page length harder to digest. The first book was a mile a minute. It literally blew my mind. I’m still picking up the pieces. But this book focused more on the discovery of Bishop’s past, how he got to be who and what he is, and less on the “serial killer” aspect of this serial killer thriller. I think it was brilliant, but it was missing that last bit of oomphf.
Anyway, I’m convinced J.D. Barker is a motherfucking genius at this point.
His voice is so unique, his thoughts so twisted and his ability to create a story that never stops is unmatched. He’s the serial killer epic master.
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | 4.5 stars rounded up
book source: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
J.D. Barker has crafted a rich, intricate world full of robust, personality-driven characters, and advanced storytelling techniques. And he is presenting it to readers one giant novel at a time.
This series is detailed, not so much in visual descriptions, but in the depth of narrative and connections. They are flying all over the place, from past to present, from case to case. It fills me with joy at just how vast this puzzle really is.
And I don’t want to oversell this, but HOLY SHIT, YOU GUYS, IT’S THE GREATEST THING OUT THERE RIGHT NOW ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH.
There are girls disappearing, being stuck in a basement cage as every good serial killer is wont to do. There are dead bodies. There is an FBI takeover. There is a prison break. There is Bishop's mother. There is a weird guy with a lisp and scars on his head. There is Det. Porter doing a lot of travelling trying to figure out just what the fuck 4MK is up to. And there are more of Bishop’s diary entries.
In the end, some things make sense, but this really is a case of raising more questions than it answers.
This is not a book you can jump into without reading the first in the series. I mean, you could, but it wouldn't make as much sense. This is a very intense and thoughtful nemesis epic. It has elements of the Hannibal/Clarice relationship. Good vs. Brilliant Evil.
Honestly, Bishop is just the fucking shit. He’s so purely demented and so maniacally intelligent that he makes things not only scary and thrilling but fun, too. We aren’t people that want others to be murdered, but at the same time, if it means Bishop remains free...
The only thing is, there just wasn’t as much action in this one, which makes its page length harder to digest. The first book was a mile a minute. It literally blew my mind. I’m still picking up the pieces. But this book focused more on the discovery of Bishop’s past, how he got to be who and what he is, and less on the “serial killer” aspect of this serial killer thriller. I think it was brilliant, but it was missing that last bit of oomphf.
Anyway, I’m convinced J.D. Barker is a motherfucking genius at this point.
His voice is so unique, his thoughts so twisted and his ability to create a story that never stops is unmatched. He’s the serial killer epic master.
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | 4.5 stars rounded up
book source: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
December 13, 2019
La trama de la investigación policial me parece más compleja y elaborada que la del primer libro, pero entre los dos me quedo con El cuarto mono por el factor sorpresa y sobre todo porque en La quinta víctima he echado de menos el diario. En cualquier caso... ¡cinco estrellas para ambos!
Pequeñísimo tironcito de orejas para el gran J. D. Barker por terminar el libro tan “de repente”. Nos ha cortado la música en mitad del estribillo… y nos hemos quedado gritando “¡otra, otra!”.
Estoy deseando que publiquen en castellano “The Sixth Wicked Child” para devorarlo como he hecho con los dos primeros.
Pequeñísimo tironcito de orejas para el gran J. D. Barker por terminar el libro tan “de repente”. Nos ha cortado la música en mitad del estribillo… y nos hemos quedado gritando “¡otra, otra!”.
Estoy deseando que publiquen en castellano “The Sixth Wicked Child” para devorarlo como he hecho con los dos primeros.
July 15, 2018
You can't play God without being acquainted with the devil.
That cliffhanger needs to be unhung right now.
If you've read The Fourth Monkey, (and if you're reading this, you really should have), you will be quite familiar with J.D. Barker's love of a good plot twist. And boy oh boy is The Fifth to Die loaded with them. Quite a few I liked and one very big one that I have some...feelings about.
SERIOUSLY WHAT!? What was that ending?
So this sequel picks up with Detective Porter and his squad of sassy and badass detectives no longer on the Fourth Monkey case. That's federal territory now. They have plenty to occupy them though, especially when a girl's body is found frozen in a lagoon under seemingly impossible circumstances. But can Porter learn to let go of his obsession with Bishop (and now his mother?) And how far will he have to go, even into his own mind, to risk catching him?
So, lets chat. First, as far as serial killer novels go, this is top notch. I can't even imagine how difficult it must be to develop such a sadistic yet intriguing character, THEN create a detective to be a sort of foil. Gives me total Will Graham/Hannibal Lecter vibes.
Second, the chemistry between the team is AMAZING! I loved the addition of Sophie Rodriguez from Missing Children. She fit right in with Detectives Porter, Nash, and Norton, and Kloz the IT guy. I even liked FBI Agent Poole, though he wasn't exactly part of the team. Like creating this kind of chemistry between a group of coworkers and/or friends is no easy task.
I also liked that we got the victims' POV again! The layout in general is pleasing; multi-perspective but not too many, interspersed with whiteboard updates and diary entries.
A girl can't just disappear in today's world, not with cameras and the Internet everywhere. A girl disappears completely, and you gotta know something bad happened.
As far as the plot goes, my feelings trend positive, but there are some things that bug me. I did like that the story took a different direction. You couldn't just shrug and say, 'whelp, that dude is cutting off ears again, the rascal'. Where would be the fun in that? And it wouldn't have felt authentic to his character either. Bishop is many things, but he's not boring.
To discuss a spoiler real quick,
The Fifth To Die is a really solid and exciting sequel, and a series I'd be happy to see continue.
p.s. I'd totally read a spin off staring Clair and Sophie as they terrify high school children and eat mini donuts.
Big thanks to Edelweiss and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the review copy!
*all quotes were taken from drc and are subject to change*
That cliffhanger needs to be unhung right now.
If you've read The Fourth Monkey, (and if you're reading this, you really should have), you will be quite familiar with J.D. Barker's love of a good plot twist. And boy oh boy is The Fifth to Die loaded with them. Quite a few I liked and one very big one that I have some...feelings about.
SERIOUSLY WHAT!? What was that ending?
So this sequel picks up with Detective Porter and his squad of sassy and badass detectives no longer on the Fourth Monkey case. That's federal territory now. They have plenty to occupy them though, especially when a girl's body is found frozen in a lagoon under seemingly impossible circumstances. But can Porter learn to let go of his obsession with Bishop (and now his mother?) And how far will he have to go, even into his own mind, to risk catching him?
So, lets chat. First, as far as serial killer novels go, this is top notch. I can't even imagine how difficult it must be to develop such a sadistic yet intriguing character, THEN create a detective to be a sort of foil. Gives me total Will Graham/Hannibal Lecter vibes.
Second, the chemistry between the team is AMAZING! I loved the addition of Sophie Rodriguez from Missing Children. She fit right in with Detectives Porter, Nash, and Norton, and Kloz the IT guy. I even liked FBI Agent Poole, though he wasn't exactly part of the team. Like creating this kind of chemistry between a group of coworkers and/or friends is no easy task.
I also liked that we got the victims' POV again! The layout in general is pleasing; multi-perspective but not too many, interspersed with whiteboard updates and diary entries.
A girl can't just disappear in today's world, not with cameras and the Internet everywhere. A girl disappears completely, and you gotta know something bad happened.
As far as the plot goes, my feelings trend positive, but there are some things that bug me. I did like that the story took a different direction. You couldn't just shrug and say, 'whelp, that dude is cutting off ears again, the rascal'. Where would be the fun in that? And it wouldn't have felt authentic to his character either. Bishop is many things, but he's not boring.
To discuss a spoiler real quick,
The Fifth To Die is a really solid and exciting sequel, and a series I'd be happy to see continue.
p.s. I'd totally read a spin off staring Clair and Sophie as they terrify high school children and eat mini donuts.
Big thanks to Edelweiss and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the review copy!
*all quotes were taken from drc and are subject to change*
June 30, 2018
OH. MY. GOSH!
May I please have the next book now?
The Fourth Monkey Killer was one of my favorite thrillers last year. I was left wanting for more. J. D. Barker listened to his readers and he has given them a present in the form of The Fifth To Die.
Like so many other readers, I was dying to know more about Anson and detective Sam Porter. I couldn't wait to know where was the story taking us!
At the end of 4MK, Anson told Sam, he was ready to find his mother. I was thinking nothing good could come from it, right?
The Fifth to Die opens with the discovery of a girl frozen in a lake. Sam and his team are called to the scene. Nothing makes sense, the girl seems to have drowned in salt water and her clothes belong to another missing girl. It seems the city of Chicago has another serial killer on the loose.
Sadly, Sam won't be able to follow up on the case. Not soon after discovering the body of Ella Reynold, he's in trouble with his boss, work, and with the FBI. You see, Sam couldn't let it go. He's still searching for the 4MK. He's been doing his own investigation on the side and this is a no-no for his superiors.
The Fifth to Die had me in a stage of complete wonder. I was trying to piece things together with the little clues J. D. Barker was spreading throughout the pages. There were multiple storylines, another diary by 4MK and the sense of urgency in finding any of the girls alive. The cast was fantastic. Sam, Anson, Clair, Nash, Kloz and Agent Poole all had a purpose.
Now let's talk about the ending. Major cliffhanger. I hope we don't have to wait too long for the conclusion of this excellent series.
Kudos to J. D. Barker for following with a solid sequel.
Cliffhanger: A major one.
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2022
3.5 estrellas porque me mantuvo enganchada todo el tiempo, sin embargo, creo que abusó de los plot twist y algunos recursos que utilizó en el primer libro pierden potencia en esta segunda parte.
April 27, 2023
Okay, let’s go! I absolutely freaking loved this book! This one took hold of me bit by bit until its clever storytelling, tension and brilliant characters had me soaked right in.
I liked the way its paced, this gradually builds, it doesn’t rush a thing yet the tension mounts to an outstanding ending that took my breath away. I was yelling at characters in this book!
What’s The Four Monkey killer up to now? Could his deeds be any worse than those in The Fourth Monkey? Be surprised! Be excited folks. JD Barker is an exceptional novelist with the skill of bring all aspects of a great book to his public.
The book gets very dark and shocking in places, but such imagination and unique scenarios make it leaps ahead. You can’t predict where Barker will take you on this reading journey. Just strap in and enjoy the ride.
I loved the evil people in this book, simply because of how creepy and well written they are. My skin literally crawled at times. I cheered for the underdog many times and willed the police on with their cases.
If you’ve not read The Fourth Monkey you should, it helps build the overall picture.
I read a LOT of this genre but JD Barker’s voice is so unique. I really mean that. This is no copycat crime story pumped out like many others.
Five huge stars from me. I freaking loved it and it exceeded all expectations. Put this on your must-read list and enjoy the journey. Some may find the cliffhanger ending not to their taste. This book is best read looking at it as part of a series.
Brilliant fiction from one of the most exciting writers of our time.
I read an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and totally unbiased.
I liked the way its paced, this gradually builds, it doesn’t rush a thing yet the tension mounts to an outstanding ending that took my breath away. I was yelling at characters in this book!
What’s The Four Monkey killer up to now? Could his deeds be any worse than those in The Fourth Monkey? Be surprised! Be excited folks. JD Barker is an exceptional novelist with the skill of bring all aspects of a great book to his public.
The book gets very dark and shocking in places, but such imagination and unique scenarios make it leaps ahead. You can’t predict where Barker will take you on this reading journey. Just strap in and enjoy the ride.
I loved the evil people in this book, simply because of how creepy and well written they are. My skin literally crawled at times. I cheered for the underdog many times and willed the police on with their cases.
If you’ve not read The Fourth Monkey you should, it helps build the overall picture.
I read a LOT of this genre but JD Barker’s voice is so unique. I really mean that. This is no copycat crime story pumped out like many others.
Five huge stars from me. I freaking loved it and it exceeded all expectations. Put this on your must-read list and enjoy the journey. Some may find the cliffhanger ending not to their taste. This book is best read looking at it as part of a series.
Brilliant fiction from one of the most exciting writers of our time.
I read an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and totally unbiased.
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