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Emma Kane / Jacob Thorne #1
Creatures of Appetite
They call it The Heartland Child Murders.
Everyone else calls it a nightmare. Locked doors don't stop him. He leaves no trace behind. He only takes little girls.
His nickname... The Iceman.
A deranged serial killer roams wintry rural Nebraska with a demented purpose no one can fathom. Special Agent EMMA KANE, a former DC cop and damaged goods now with the FBI, is assigned to babysit burnt-out profiler JACOB THORNE, once the best in the business but now said to have lost his edge, as they both fly to Nebraska to catch this maniac.
Thorne is erratic, abrasive and unpredictably brilliant, but what he and Kane find in the heartland is much more than anyone bargained for, especially when the Iceman challenges them personally.
The clock is ticking and a little girl's life is on the line.
And maybe even more with that, once they find out what he's really up to.
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
This book has frank and profane adult language within... this is often how many a law enforcement officer speaks, in my experience. Not all, but many, very many.
The book also has violence and adult situations, but the profanity is the only thing that some folks have been noting, for some odd reason, so I'm warning you now that it has profanity.
I totally understand that not everyone wants to read curse words. However, to write a book like this without a cop cursing would not, in my mind, be authentic.
Therefore, if you can't handle HBO-style language, (a la THE WIRE, etc.) this book is not for you.
If fictional bad language bothers you more than the fictional murder of young people, this book is definitely not for you, but I thank you for your time and consideration.
Everyone else calls it a nightmare. Locked doors don't stop him. He leaves no trace behind. He only takes little girls.
His nickname... The Iceman.
A deranged serial killer roams wintry rural Nebraska with a demented purpose no one can fathom. Special Agent EMMA KANE, a former DC cop and damaged goods now with the FBI, is assigned to babysit burnt-out profiler JACOB THORNE, once the best in the business but now said to have lost his edge, as they both fly to Nebraska to catch this maniac.
Thorne is erratic, abrasive and unpredictably brilliant, but what he and Kane find in the heartland is much more than anyone bargained for, especially when the Iceman challenges them personally.
The clock is ticking and a little girl's life is on the line.
And maybe even more with that, once they find out what he's really up to.
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
This book has frank and profane adult language within... this is often how many a law enforcement officer speaks, in my experience. Not all, but many, very many.
The book also has violence and adult situations, but the profanity is the only thing that some folks have been noting, for some odd reason, so I'm warning you now that it has profanity.
I totally understand that not everyone wants to read curse words. However, to write a book like this without a cop cursing would not, in my mind, be authentic.
Therefore, if you can't handle HBO-style language, (a la THE WIRE, etc.) this book is not for you.
If fictional bad language bothers you more than the fictional murder of young people, this book is definitely not for you, but I thank you for your time and consideration.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2013
1408 people are currently reading
3355 people want to read
About the author
Todd Travis
10 books187 followersTodd Travis’ interests include conspiracy theories, the poetry of Michael O’Donoghue and pop music and movies of the 80s. He is single and moves around a lot. His current whereabouts are at this time unknown. He dislikes cable news, views cellphones with suspicion and don’t even get him started on email. He also believes poker is not a sport and therefore should never be allowed on ESPN.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 524 reviews
December 5, 2022
PAT BROOKS WOULD HAVE LOVED THIS!
I am reposting this review of more than 5 years ago because I recommended it to my very good Aussie friend Pat and it was still on her TBR when she passed away. She was a very active lover of books and the reading world has lost a great advocate of good stories. I miss her already and wish she had a chance to read this really great story.
We need to support this author!
If you are a fan of the serial killer - thriller genre, you HAVE to read this book.
You will find yourself asking the question:
Why is this guy not one of the most famous thriller writers in the world?!
Sure, there are a few editing problems with the book (kindle version), but the story is so damn good and well written that you'll be able to look past it. It's been a while since I've sacrificed some much needed sleep because I had to finish a book that night, but after tossing and turning in bed for a while, I realized I wasn't going to get any sleep if I didn't go all the way. Yes, it was that good.
And I'm going to make a statement I've never made about any book before:
This story can be lifted from these pages and made into a movie as is. In fact, I think this story could do for Mr. Travis what Silence of the Lambs did for Thomas Harris, or Mystic River did for Dennis Lehane, or The Bone Collector did for Jeffrey Deaver - propel him to Superstar status.
Whenever I read, the story plays out like a movie in my head. Since this was the second book I've read about the main characters (but the first in the series, and it's important to read this one first since the second book - TROPHIES - gave away some information about this ending), I've already cast some actors in their roles:
Emma Kane - Lauren Cohen (Maggie in The Walking Dead)
Jacob Thorne - Edward Norton (American History X)
Do yourself a favor and read this series!
I am reposting this review of more than 5 years ago because I recommended it to my very good Aussie friend Pat and it was still on her TBR when she passed away. She was a very active lover of books and the reading world has lost a great advocate of good stories. I miss her already and wish she had a chance to read this really great story.
We need to support this author!
If you are a fan of the serial killer - thriller genre, you HAVE to read this book.
You will find yourself asking the question:
Why is this guy not one of the most famous thriller writers in the world?!
Sure, there are a few editing problems with the book (kindle version), but the story is so damn good and well written that you'll be able to look past it. It's been a while since I've sacrificed some much needed sleep because I had to finish a book that night, but after tossing and turning in bed for a while, I realized I wasn't going to get any sleep if I didn't go all the way. Yes, it was that good.
And I'm going to make a statement I've never made about any book before:
This story can be lifted from these pages and made into a movie as is. In fact, I think this story could do for Mr. Travis what Silence of the Lambs did for Thomas Harris, or Mystic River did for Dennis Lehane, or The Bone Collector did for Jeffrey Deaver - propel him to Superstar status.
Whenever I read, the story plays out like a movie in my head. Since this was the second book I've read about the main characters (but the first in the series, and it's important to read this one first since the second book - TROPHIES - gave away some information about this ending), I've already cast some actors in their roles:
Emma Kane - Lauren Cohen (Maggie in The Walking Dead)
Jacob Thorne - Edward Norton (American History X)
Do yourself a favor and read this series!
July 27, 2023
That ending? Omg! Totally unbelievable! I loved it. I think I have a new favourite eccentric-foul-mouthed-genius FBI profiler!
A serial killer in Nebraska is abducting little girls leaving body parts on his trail. FBI SA Emma Kane is assigned to be partnered with Jacob Thorne, a burned-out profiler, somewhat a legend in the force.
I especially liked the witty banters between Kane and Thorne. They went head to head with each other most of the times simply because they're two different people and their ways of doing things often clashes, but when push comes to shove—they got each other's back.
I would've liked to see Kane contribute more on the investigations. I mean, wasn't really impressed by her investigative skills, all the thinking was pretty much done by Thorne, I don't mind but you know, it's a Kane-Thorne series for a reason.
I liked this a lot. Not interested in reading the rest of the series, though. I'm just gonna treat this as a stand-alone book. Why? I just don't think the other books could keep the flame burning for me. I don't want my experience to be ruined.
Amazing. Really good.
A serial killer in Nebraska is abducting little girls leaving body parts on his trail. FBI SA Emma Kane is assigned to be partnered with Jacob Thorne, a burned-out profiler, somewhat a legend in the force.
I especially liked the witty banters between Kane and Thorne. They went head to head with each other most of the times simply because they're two different people and their ways of doing things often clashes, but when push comes to shove—they got each other's back.
I would've liked to see Kane contribute more on the investigations. I mean, wasn't really impressed by her investigative skills, all the thinking was pretty much done by Thorne, I don't mind but you know, it's a Kane-Thorne series for a reason.
I liked this a lot. Not interested in reading the rest of the series, though. I'm just gonna treat this as a stand-alone book. Why? I just don't think the other books could keep the flame burning for me. I don't want my experience to be ruined.
Amazing. Really good.
June 1, 2013
interesting serial killer book...then the last paragraph happens and you're like WHAT?! awesome.
April 24, 2014
Since so many others have explained the plot I'm not going to...just adding my 2 cents. Okay first and foremost I just finished and couldn't wait to review this! I am so excited I found this author. If you love thrillers, mysteries, or crime novels THIS IS FOR YOU! There are so many books I've read that had me guessing correctly what was about to happen. Sometimes it's so easy. This book...not so much. If you think you have it figured out, trust me...you don't.
The dialogue in so many books struggle, especially with some lower priced ones. This didn't. The dialogue was refreshing, sharp, and many times made me laugh. Hard to believe with the topic but true nonetheless. I loved the characters. They were multi dimensional and it wasn't filled with fluff. Everything served a purpose and he used one of the main rules of writing. "Dont assume your reader is dumb. Show us don't tell us and we are smart enough to pick up the clues"
I have always been a fan of Stephen King especially his early work, and this is on par though it's not in the same genre. This work especially reminded me of Dennis Lehane and how you just never know how it's going to end. Don't get me wrong. He has his own voice as a writer which I can't wait to experience more. If you're on the fence, don't be. It's worth every penny and would have gladly paid more. What a fun ride.
The dialogue in so many books struggle, especially with some lower priced ones. This didn't. The dialogue was refreshing, sharp, and many times made me laugh. Hard to believe with the topic but true nonetheless. I loved the characters. They were multi dimensional and it wasn't filled with fluff. Everything served a purpose and he used one of the main rules of writing. "Dont assume your reader is dumb. Show us don't tell us and we are smart enough to pick up the clues"
I have always been a fan of Stephen King especially his early work, and this is on par though it's not in the same genre. This work especially reminded me of Dennis Lehane and how you just never know how it's going to end. Don't get me wrong. He has his own voice as a writer which I can't wait to experience more. If you're on the fence, don't be. It's worth every penny and would have gladly paid more. What a fun ride.
March 14, 2020
1,728 Amazon reviews, 89% 4- and 5-star reviews
An Emma Kane and Jacob Thorne Novel
For me it started slow, but not for long. It picked up speed quickly. A serial killer is, killing and chopping up little girls.
-It takes place mostly in Nebraska with tons of snow.
-They think two serial killers are on the loose, but they find it it’s really three. Jacob Thorne, FBI Profiler, brought back from forced retirement (fired) is trying to catch them.
-Brand new FBI agent, but an experienced ex-Baltimore cop, Emma Kane, is his new partner.
Thorne is usually tolerated because he is very good, but he is very hard to work with and condescending. There are some very good characters with the main characters as well as some of the supporting Nebraska cops and the captain.
This was one of those books that I just couldn’t wait to get back to reading. It has some very big twists. Good ending too. Very good book, you should enjoy it.
Review by Mike Slavin author of award-winning Kill Crime
An Emma Kane and Jacob Thorne Novel
For me it started slow, but not for long. It picked up speed quickly. A serial killer is, killing and chopping up little girls.
-It takes place mostly in Nebraska with tons of snow.
-They think two serial killers are on the loose, but they find it it’s really three. Jacob Thorne, FBI Profiler, brought back from forced retirement (fired) is trying to catch them.
-Brand new FBI agent, but an experienced ex-Baltimore cop, Emma Kane, is his new partner.
Thorne is usually tolerated because he is very good, but he is very hard to work with and condescending. There are some very good characters with the main characters as well as some of the supporting Nebraska cops and the captain.
This was one of those books that I just couldn’t wait to get back to reading. It has some very big twists. Good ending too. Very good book, you should enjoy it.
Review by Mike Slavin author of award-winning Kill Crime
April 25, 2015
This was actually surprisingly good for a random kindle pick. Serial killer thriller set in the heartland of snow covered (as the cover, which appears heavily inspired by Crouch's Snowbound, suggests) Nebraska. Grouchy but genius psychological profiler teams up with a stunning but really serious FBI agent to find a man who's been taking and killing young girls. So yes, just as the description suggests, the book doesn't lack for clichés. But, that aside, it's highly entertaining, with credible suspense, great pacing, even a nice twist at the end. The very end...the trite sexual flirtation and possibility of a sequel were completely unnecessary. But such are the genre demands. For a sort of a mindless fun quick read, this certainly does the job. And the price was right, at the time of this review being posted the book is available as a kindle freebie. And actually a decently edited one.
January 3, 2021
Wow! What took me so long to read this book! I loved it! It has been sitting on my TBR since 2014 and I am glad to have finally read it. It was a very short, fast read for me. I was hooked right away. Though I didn't like the main character, he was very fun to dislike! There were some stereotypical characters in this one, but it helped move the story along. I thought the crime/mystery was great. I couldn't put the book down and read into the night. I don't want to say too much and spoil it, but the last 25% of the book was nonstop. I didn't realize this was the first part in a 4 book series and though I got this one off the TBR, I am adding 3 more TO the TBR because I want to continue with these characters. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a psychological thriller. An excellent read!
May 7, 2017
Loved It! Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
March 14, 2017
Too short. I know that this isn't a valid complaint, but for a story like this, should have went on longer. There was plenty of room to develop the characters, the partnership between Kane and Thorne, and even the goofy local law. The dialogue was only okay. Some parts were believable, other parts, not so much. A little cheesy.
The suspense was real, though. Especially towards the end. Once the story took a turn, it went wild from there. Bad ass! Great ending, I totally didn't see that coming. Especially the very end ;-)
All-in-all, I thought this was a good read. Recommended to anyone who is searching for that quick fix
The suspense was real, though. Especially towards the end. Once the story took a turn, it went wild from there. Bad ass! Great ending, I totally didn't see that coming. Especially the very end ;-)
All-in-all, I thought this was a good read. Recommended to anyone who is searching for that quick fix
November 17, 2016
Read. This. Book.
I read this in less than 24 hours and I gotta tell ya I didn't see this coming. Who is Todd Travis? How is he not a household name? This debut of his is nothing short of incredible. Easy five stars. Awesome thriller. A Who-dunit that will leave you picking your jaw off the ground after you read the last page. Wow. One of my favorite books I've read this year for sure. Sorta reminded me of classic Michael Slade if anyone has read any of his stuff.
I can't recommend this enough and plan on hunting down whatever else this guy has written.
I read this in less than 24 hours and I gotta tell ya I didn't see this coming. Who is Todd Travis? How is he not a household name? This debut of his is nothing short of incredible. Easy five stars. Awesome thriller. A Who-dunit that will leave you picking your jaw off the ground after you read the last page. Wow. One of my favorite books I've read this year for sure. Sorta reminded me of classic Michael Slade if anyone has read any of his stuff.
I can't recommend this enough and plan on hunting down whatever else this guy has written.
June 30, 2016
Introducing "Creatures of Appetite"! I started it & finished it one sitting. Seriously, I tried putting it down to go to bed & I couldn't. Todd Travis will take you into a story so terrifying that you won't be able to put it down either. The characters you're introduced to are believable & will make you want to tear your hair out at times. Many of them have stories of their own that will make you want to cry or laugh. Add to the mix so many twists & turns that you'll be left w/ whiplash. This book will leave you guessing until the end & I promise you, you will drop your jaw at least once. If you read this book & my review, pls let me know: "Did you see it coming"? I did not. ;p
December 28, 2017
I have never been more shocked from a book.
July 26, 2016
Todd Travis very kindly sent me a paperback version of this story. I'm so pleased he did as it has WAY fewer mistakes and I could finally read what is a terrific story !! The ending is a real zinger, too. Can't wait to read the sequel. I really liked both Kane and Thorne and I was pleased he decided to work with her and that she took no nonsense off him. There were some funny lines as well.
It was interesting to read the author's bio at the back-he's trapped in the 80s...I used to get told the same thing because I wouldn't have a mobile phone or a microwave !
I didn't think the language in this book was any worse than in other stories I've read, either. I see others have made mention of it. That's how I'd expect cops to speak !! So I highly recommend this, only don't download the e-book if you're picky like me about errors. Get the paperback copy.
Ebook Review:
Gave in with this at only 7%. It's in a mess having not been properly proofread or edited. Now I downloaded it back in February 2013 and in the description on Amazon it states that it was re-released after a professional job in May 2013. However, Amazon have never updated it. I even tried deleting and re-downloading in the hope it would somehow "force" through the updated version but no joy. So buy with caution.
It was interesting to read the author's bio at the back-he's trapped in the 80s...I used to get told the same thing because I wouldn't have a mobile phone or a microwave !
I didn't think the language in this book was any worse than in other stories I've read, either. I see others have made mention of it. That's how I'd expect cops to speak !! So I highly recommend this, only don't download the e-book if you're picky like me about errors. Get the paperback copy.
Ebook Review:
Gave in with this at only 7%. It's in a mess having not been properly proofread or edited. Now I downloaded it back in February 2013 and in the description on Amazon it states that it was re-released after a professional job in May 2013. However, Amazon have never updated it. I even tried deleting and re-downloading in the hope it would somehow "force" through the updated version but no joy. So buy with caution.
May 16, 2016
Oh my freaken gosh!!!! It will take me a good few prayers and shots to get these mental images out of my head! Despite the disturbing imagery I could not for the life of me put this book down.
Todd Travis the things that live in your mind are disturbing... I love it! (lets not question what that says about me)
I'm a horror movie buff but I rarely read anything outside the realm of romance and fantasy BUT I have to say with a writer like this holding the pen the images beat any graphics Hollywood could come up with and I had to sleep with the lights on (no shame what so ever)! I realise there is almost no way to give a detail review of this without giving away the entire story so I wont. I'll just say, read the book even if it's not your usual genre, its totally worth it.
Todd Travis the things that live in your mind are disturbing... I love it! (lets not question what that says about me)
I'm a horror movie buff but I rarely read anything outside the realm of romance and fantasy BUT I have to say with a writer like this holding the pen the images beat any graphics Hollywood could come up with and I had to sleep with the lights on (no shame what so ever)! I realise there is almost no way to give a detail review of this without giving away the entire story so I wont. I'll just say, read the book even if it's not your usual genre, its totally worth it.
January 20, 2020
Despite some sloppy editing, Creatures of Appetite is a genuine thriller with an ending you will not see coming. Anyone who reads my reviews knows I do not give praise to everyone. But Todd Travis is a talented and clever story teller who has created interesting characters, scary scenes and lively dialogue. This book was pure fun from start to finish.
To those who share my suspicion of five-star reviews, be assured that I do not know Mr. Travis, I have never communicated with him, and I was offered nothing for posting a review. I have absolutely no agenda and frankly don't care whether or not you read his book. Goodreads simply asked me what I thought about his book, and I thought it was superb.
To those who share my suspicion of five-star reviews, be assured that I do not know Mr. Travis, I have never communicated with him, and I was offered nothing for posting a review. I have absolutely no agenda and frankly don't care whether or not you read his book. Goodreads simply asked me what I thought about his book, and I thought it was superb.
April 6, 2017
Jacob Thorne is a former FBI profiler. Former, because he was forced to retire. Emma Kane is a former D.C. cop now FBI agent. They are teamed together and sent to investigate the Heartland Killings. A serial killer, nicknamed the Iceman, has been taking young girls and leaving some but not all body parts in his wake. Thorne is not liked by the locals and we can see why. He's insistent that he's never wrong, he takes charge and plays chess against himself. It's hard to like this man but as a character he is amazing. He knows what he's talking about and with a surprising twist solves the case and saves Emma's life.
October 18, 2018
If you're looking for a freaky thriller book, then this is the book for you! If gore and foul language bothers you, well then you better hold off on reading this one!
I was trying to fulfill a reading goal I guess you could say, reading a book that makes you think blood in the snow, and given the cover, I thought that this book would be perfect, turns out it was! Considering The Iceman is hitting in Nebraska in the middle of a horrible snow storm, it couldn't have been more perfect!
Overall, excellent story!
I was trying to fulfill a reading goal I guess you could say, reading a book that makes you think blood in the snow, and given the cover, I thought that this book would be perfect, turns out it was! Considering The Iceman is hitting in Nebraska in the middle of a horrible snow storm, it couldn't have been more perfect!
Overall, excellent story!
March 20, 2020
A wonderful, captivating thrill ride, with a profiler you just love to hate. Thorne is a pompous, egotistical narcissistic a-hole. But he's never wrong. He is a genius and totally unsocial.
The chase for a serial killer is a page turner and the end of the book...It blew me away, already bought book 2!
The chase for a serial killer is a page turner and the end of the book...It blew me away, already bought book 2!
April 8, 2013
I'm going to have nightmares about this one... After finishing the book I want to say the ending was predictable, but it really wasn't. Very creepy.
July 4, 2025
My first book by this author
April 10, 2018
YES
Sublime characters. Witty dialogue. In your face action. Although I suspected the ending correctly it was a fun ride getting there.
Sublime characters. Witty dialogue. In your face action. Although I suspected the ending correctly it was a fun ride getting there.
December 9, 2018
Absolutely brilliant book - and let me tell you, you will never see the end coming!!! Definitely going to continue with this series Just loved this. Highly highly recommend for any crime buffs.
February 22, 2020
"Better than average thriller"
Good title. Well-written story. Two strong characters. Plenty of action, and a reasonable twist. What more do you need from a free download? It helps that it's good enough to make you want to buy the next adventure and that was the plan all along.
Good title. Well-written story. Two strong characters. Plenty of action, and a reasonable twist. What more do you need from a free download? It helps that it's good enough to make you want to buy the next adventure and that was the plan all along.
April 1, 2017
OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: Creatures Of Appetite was my introduction to the darkly alluring world as imagined by Todd Travis. The story focusses on two characters Emma Kane, & Jacob Thorne as they are forced to work together to find an escalating serial killer in the icy wastelands of Nebraska.
The main plot is set up nicely as the author introduces both Jacob Thorne and Emma Kane separately. Emma is set up as the protagonist however the readers will find Jacob to be equally intriguing if not more cantankerous. Jacob Thorne is a FBI profiler who wrote the book and is now being stymied by a serial killer who takes the tongues of his victims. Unable to figure him out, Jacob has been left to pasture. Emma Kane is a person who's has baggage and has entered the FBI in a bumpy way. Both of these characters will have to cooperate and find a way to co-exist if they wish to survive Nebraska and catch the killer.
The plot really takes a twisty turn once both the protagonists reach Nebraska and the bodies are still piling up. The killer seems to have take their presence as a challenge. The plot then further escalates as we readers try to figure out who the killer is while the main characters try to do the same. The story while being dark isn't entirely predictable and I loved this about the book. As a reader, serial killer stories often have their own tropes and it's very hard to shock readers who are well-versed with the sub-genre. Todd Travis seems to have taken note of this while doing a few things that while seemingly are a nod but are actually subversions.
The story is set in Nebraska and not a proper urban area. While some of the main events occurs in Lincoln, Nebraska, the rest also is spread out over little towns and the icy wilderness that makes up most of Nebraska in nigh winter. After delivering his twists on the settings, the author also makes sure that the main protagonists are grey and not entirely heroic. Sure they are mysterious and have their back stories but the more you read about them, the more confused you will be. The author makes sure to provide a solid character cast and that will keep the readers engrossed. The plot twists are numerous and the pace of the book is such that you will be sucked in as quickly as possible. The author manages to spring a surprise with the identity of the killer but also gives us an epilogue which I believe sets up the series while also upending the entire plot of this book.
More to come in full FBC review....
The main plot is set up nicely as the author introduces both Jacob Thorne and Emma Kane separately. Emma is set up as the protagonist however the readers will find Jacob to be equally intriguing if not more cantankerous. Jacob Thorne is a FBI profiler who wrote the book and is now being stymied by a serial killer who takes the tongues of his victims. Unable to figure him out, Jacob has been left to pasture. Emma Kane is a person who's has baggage and has entered the FBI in a bumpy way. Both of these characters will have to cooperate and find a way to co-exist if they wish to survive Nebraska and catch the killer.
The plot really takes a twisty turn once both the protagonists reach Nebraska and the bodies are still piling up. The killer seems to have take their presence as a challenge. The plot then further escalates as we readers try to figure out who the killer is while the main characters try to do the same. The story while being dark isn't entirely predictable and I loved this about the book. As a reader, serial killer stories often have their own tropes and it's very hard to shock readers who are well-versed with the sub-genre. Todd Travis seems to have taken note of this while doing a few things that while seemingly are a nod but are actually subversions.
The story is set in Nebraska and not a proper urban area. While some of the main events occurs in Lincoln, Nebraska, the rest also is spread out over little towns and the icy wilderness that makes up most of Nebraska in nigh winter. After delivering his twists on the settings, the author also makes sure that the main protagonists are grey and not entirely heroic. Sure they are mysterious and have their back stories but the more you read about them, the more confused you will be. The author makes sure to provide a solid character cast and that will keep the readers engrossed. The plot twists are numerous and the pace of the book is such that you will be sucked in as quickly as possible. The author manages to spring a surprise with the identity of the killer but also gives us an epilogue which I believe sets up the series while also upending the entire plot of this book.
More to come in full FBC review....
December 15, 2018
I recognize the dedicated effort and emotion that goes into creating a novel and every novelist deserves kudos for accomplishing the task. Unfortunately, that does not mean that every reader will love the book. I am in that category with this novel.
I've reach a point where I find it difficult to read novels that are mired in outdated conventions such as arrogant, rude, privileged male cops, spunky female cops reduced to physical harassment and a bevy of men following behind her hoping to get a bit of her attractive attention (or body), killers who savagely dismember victims for what seems like small slights suffered in the past.
Thorpe - the main male character, a profiler - is beyond egotistical. He is condescending and contemptuous individual who tells everyone, non-stop, that he is the best. Really? If you are that good, no need to keep telling others ad nauseum that you are. It should be evident, but the novel really doesn't show this. For example, his interrogation of Mr. Funnypants is simplistic and absurd, as though an intelligent psychotic could be fooled so easily into confessing.
Emma Kane - the secondary lead in this story - talks tough but is really striving to be one of the boys. Does she need their approval? She shouldn't but we get the feeling she'll skip happily into the sunset when Thorpe finally "likes" her.
And the victims - all little girls - and so many! Not 2 or 3 - we're talking double digits. I know thrillers are using children as victims more than they once did, but it feels gratuitous (especially when we discover what is happening to the girls) and I am wearying of the use of female victims splayed and dissected for entertainment.
Having said that, I love thrillers and murder mysteries and you need some murders to make the genre work. I'm just thinking we need some new ways of exploring gender and sexuality in my favourite type of books. without making it lascivious or "normal".
I've reach a point where I find it difficult to read novels that are mired in outdated conventions such as arrogant, rude, privileged male cops, spunky female cops reduced to physical harassment and a bevy of men following behind her hoping to get a bit of her attractive attention (or body), killers who savagely dismember victims for what seems like small slights suffered in the past.
Thorpe - the main male character, a profiler - is beyond egotistical. He is condescending and contemptuous individual who tells everyone, non-stop, that he is the best. Really? If you are that good, no need to keep telling others ad nauseum that you are. It should be evident, but the novel really doesn't show this. For example, his interrogation of Mr. Funnypants is simplistic and absurd, as though an intelligent psychotic could be fooled so easily into confessing.
Emma Kane - the secondary lead in this story - talks tough but is really striving to be one of the boys. Does she need their approval? She shouldn't but we get the feeling she'll skip happily into the sunset when Thorpe finally "likes" her.
And the victims - all little girls - and so many! Not 2 or 3 - we're talking double digits. I know thrillers are using children as victims more than they once did, but it feels gratuitous (especially when we discover what is happening to the girls) and I am wearying of the use of female victims splayed and dissected for entertainment.
Having said that, I love thrillers and murder mysteries and you need some murders to make the genre work. I'm just thinking we need some new ways of exploring gender and sexuality in my favourite type of books. without making it lascivious or "normal".
May 4, 2015
Talk about a surprise ending.....no spoilers here.....but Wow. A quick, fun read. Very Hannibal Lecter style story. A super profiler who can't get along with anyone is paired up with a younger female partner to solve the unsolvable. Twist twist and twist.
June 26, 2013
Very twisted! Loved it! I love books that keep you guessing right to the end, and I totally didn't see this ending coming! This book definitely needs a sequel!!!
June 28, 2013
I got the ebook free. From the second I started reading this I could not put it down. Good murder mystery and quite a page turner.
March 23, 2020
Solid crime thriller
It does seem that one of the most common tropes in crime fiction is that of the quirky law man. In Creatures of Appetite we meet Thorne, unsociable, chess playing extraordinaire. Partnered up with Emma Kane, a woman with her own issues, they get sent to Nebraska on the trail of a serial killer dubbed The Iceman.
I enjoyed this book, it was a pleasing quick read. Thorne seems to heavily rely on similar characteristics as Gregory House, which I don’t mind. We don’t learn too much about Thorne’s background, and without giving any spoilers, that in itself is important things start to add up at the end. The final twist was not in anyway surprising, however because the book was so enjoyable I don’t have much of an issue regarding the easily apparent twists.
This was a solid 3.5 rounded up to 4 crime read, and I will more than likely pick up the next book in the series now. I want to see how the author develops this.
It does seem that one of the most common tropes in crime fiction is that of the quirky law man. In Creatures of Appetite we meet Thorne, unsociable, chess playing extraordinaire. Partnered up with Emma Kane, a woman with her own issues, they get sent to Nebraska on the trail of a serial killer dubbed The Iceman.
I enjoyed this book, it was a pleasing quick read. Thorne seems to heavily rely on similar characteristics as Gregory House, which I don’t mind. We don’t learn too much about Thorne’s background, and without giving any spoilers, that in itself is important things start to add up at the end. The final twist was not in anyway surprising, however because the book was so enjoyable I don’t have much of an issue regarding the easily apparent twists.
This was a solid 3.5 rounded up to 4 crime read, and I will more than likely pick up the next book in the series now. I want to see how the author develops this.
December 4, 2018
I accidentally bought a copy of this instead of downloading the free version, and I'm so annoyed! It wasn't good enough to even spend $4 on.
I read it because it was picked as a group read in a book club, but after finishing it I'm not sure it actually qualifies based on our rules. Kane was not at all the main character. She was barely even a main character.
The whole book was sexist, not just in its crude wannabe cop language, but in its representation. All of the positions of authority are held by men, the women are stay at home mothers with pea-sized brains, and all of the victims are little girls. Kane couldn't defend herself, ever. Thorne had to keep rescuing her over and over again, it was so tired.
Also, we fucking get it, Kane is supposed to be conventionally beautiful, in a world where that's literally all that matters apparently. You don't even have to have a personality. The men will just project whatever they want you to be.
The only positive is that it took me barely any time to read, and I get to be one book closer to my reading goal.
I read it because it was picked as a group read in a book club, but after finishing it I'm not sure it actually qualifies based on our rules. Kane was not at all the main character. She was barely even a main character.
The whole book was sexist, not just in its crude wannabe cop language, but in its representation. All of the positions of authority are held by men, the women are stay at home mothers with pea-sized brains, and all of the victims are little girls. Kane couldn't defend herself, ever. Thorne had to keep rescuing her over and over again, it was so tired.
Also, we fucking get it, Kane is supposed to be conventionally beautiful, in a world where that's literally all that matters apparently. You don't even have to have a personality. The men will just project whatever they want you to be.
The only positive is that it took me barely any time to read, and I get to be one book closer to my reading goal.
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