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The Psychopath
Eventually Leighton stops lecturing me, probably just to catch his breath. After our last encounter I can take it a bit better and am feeling more robust. I even manage to look at the artery increasingly protruding and pulsing in his neck as he spits venom at me. I wonder what it would be like to pop a pencil straight into it and watch it burst like crimson rain all over his office. I might enjoy that.'
Meet Jez.
Jez is adulterous husband to Maxine, devoted father to Jamie, promiscuous lover, university professor, pro-vice-chancellor for research – and a serial killer aiming to get to the top by any means necessary.
His passion for murder parallels his love of music, and he matches each kill with its own special theme song to enhance the experience as he works towards assembling his very own top forty greatest hits.
When the vice-chancellor of lowly ranked Francis Drake University begins to sexually pester Jez's mistress Bella, it accelerates his plans for domination. But will he get there?
Meet Jez.
Jez is adulterous husband to Maxine, devoted father to Jamie, promiscuous lover, university professor, pro-vice-chancellor for research – and a serial killer aiming to get to the top by any means necessary.
His passion for murder parallels his love of music, and he matches each kill with its own special theme song to enhance the experience as he works towards assembling his very own top forty greatest hits.
When the vice-chancellor of lowly ranked Francis Drake University begins to sexually pester Jez's mistress Bella, it accelerates his plans for domination. But will he get there?
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2022
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 23, 2022
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: October 1, 2022
Meet Jez. Jez is a university professor, a devoted father and an adulterous husband. He is also a serial killer, murdering people who get in his way or whom he feels deserve it. Like, for example, the work colleague who was up for the same promotion as Jez. Or the man who continues to harass Jez’s mistress. All Jez wants is everything he deserves and a fast trip to the top, where he feels he belongs. But will he get there? How many bodies need to drop before Jez achieves his goals? And of course, most importantly, will he be caught?
A.M. Edwards introduces us to the dark psyche of a serial killer in his debut adult fiction novel, “The Psychopath”. The inner workings of a psychopath’s brain are brought to light, with each inner thought and monologue being exposed. This alone was enough to give me shivers.
The novel is narrated entirely by Jez, but it is not told in chronological order. Some chapters involve Jez’s current state as a married faculty member, but chapters from Jez’s past (his “rise to serial killing”, if you will) are interspersed. Each chapter is labeled, so it is easy to determine what time frame you’re about to enter. I loved hearing this story from Jez’s perspective- there really was no other way to do it, and I’m so glad Edwards thought the same.
Edwards somehow manages to endear a reader to Jez, and although I wasn’t exactly rooting for him, I fell prey to his charm. He makes no excuses for his behaviours and thoughts, and is a loving and caring father to his son. “The Psychopath” is not a twisty-turny, suspenseful kind of story, but the ending sure packed one heck of an unexpected surprise!
For a psychopath/serial killer junkie like me (I make no apologies), I loved “The Psychopath” (Jez in particular). As a debut, Edwards has hit it out of the park and I hope to see more from him soon.
Expected publication date: October 1, 2022
Meet Jez. Jez is a university professor, a devoted father and an adulterous husband. He is also a serial killer, murdering people who get in his way or whom he feels deserve it. Like, for example, the work colleague who was up for the same promotion as Jez. Or the man who continues to harass Jez’s mistress. All Jez wants is everything he deserves and a fast trip to the top, where he feels he belongs. But will he get there? How many bodies need to drop before Jez achieves his goals? And of course, most importantly, will he be caught?
A.M. Edwards introduces us to the dark psyche of a serial killer in his debut adult fiction novel, “The Psychopath”. The inner workings of a psychopath’s brain are brought to light, with each inner thought and monologue being exposed. This alone was enough to give me shivers.
The novel is narrated entirely by Jez, but it is not told in chronological order. Some chapters involve Jez’s current state as a married faculty member, but chapters from Jez’s past (his “rise to serial killing”, if you will) are interspersed. Each chapter is labeled, so it is easy to determine what time frame you’re about to enter. I loved hearing this story from Jez’s perspective- there really was no other way to do it, and I’m so glad Edwards thought the same.
Edwards somehow manages to endear a reader to Jez, and although I wasn’t exactly rooting for him, I fell prey to his charm. He makes no excuses for his behaviours and thoughts, and is a loving and caring father to his son. “The Psychopath” is not a twisty-turny, suspenseful kind of story, but the ending sure packed one heck of an unexpected surprise!
For a psychopath/serial killer junkie like me (I make no apologies), I loved “The Psychopath” (Jez in particular). As a debut, Edwards has hit it out of the park and I hope to see more from him soon.
March 4, 2022
The Psychopath was certainly a different read. We meet Jez who is a serial killer just after he has killed his latest victim and is cleaning up. Jez most certainly is a psychopath. He loves himself, thinks everyone loves him, and is insanely jealous. He believes what he is doing is right and that he is never wrong.
The story moves back and forth in time, beginning before he started killing, though the thoughts were definitely there.
Jez is the focus of the book and most certainly a horrible, nasty character to read about, but then it would be unrealistic to have a book from the point of view of a serial killer and have them being all-loving and sweet.
The pacing was a little slow and the back and forth through time isn’t my ideal kind of read, however, the plot was decent, although I wasn’t a fan of the ending. Some of the language and descriptions of especially the female characters made me shudder but again would a psychopath think anything other about females?
This is an in-depth look into the mind of a fictional killer. If you love serial killer books then you would probably love this one.
The story moves back and forth in time, beginning before he started killing, though the thoughts were definitely there.
Jez is the focus of the book and most certainly a horrible, nasty character to read about, but then it would be unrealistic to have a book from the point of view of a serial killer and have them being all-loving and sweet.
The pacing was a little slow and the back and forth through time isn’t my ideal kind of read, however, the plot was decent, although I wasn’t a fan of the ending. Some of the language and descriptions of especially the female characters made me shudder but again would a psychopath think anything other about females?
This is an in-depth look into the mind of a fictional killer. If you love serial killer books then you would probably love this one.
April 13, 2022
I will not lie, I am completely and totally obsessed with serial killers.
I fall asleep to the soothing sounds of Lester Holt and can binge watch ID Discovery for hours without ever being bored.
A title like "The Psychopath" , instantly speaks to my dark soul. I knew without a doubt in my mind I HAD TO HAVE THIS BOOK. Thank you so much Netgalley, A.M. Edwards and and RedDoor Press, for allowing me to read and review this mindblowing, psychological novel.
The Psychopath is narrated in first person and from the serial killer's point of view (YIKES!) cue my excitement! He tells his story through thoughts and feelings from his first murder until now.
This is a truly UNLIKEABLE main character and I was quite alright with that. How could you honestly say you "love" a serial killer. You just want to get into their head and find out what makes them tick and why they do the things that they do.
I have seen mixed reviews on this book but you are all crazy if you picked this up and did not like it. You are getting exactly what the synopsis tells you, you are getting.
Hands down 5 stars.
I fall asleep to the soothing sounds of Lester Holt and can binge watch ID Discovery for hours without ever being bored.
A title like "The Psychopath" , instantly speaks to my dark soul. I knew without a doubt in my mind I HAD TO HAVE THIS BOOK. Thank you so much Netgalley, A.M. Edwards and and RedDoor Press, for allowing me to read and review this mindblowing, psychological novel.
The Psychopath is narrated in first person and from the serial killer's point of view (YIKES!) cue my excitement! He tells his story through thoughts and feelings from his first murder until now.
This is a truly UNLIKEABLE main character and I was quite alright with that. How could you honestly say you "love" a serial killer. You just want to get into their head and find out what makes them tick and why they do the things that they do.
I have seen mixed reviews on this book but you are all crazy if you picked this up and did not like it. You are getting exactly what the synopsis tells you, you are getting.
Hands down 5 stars.
February 18, 2022
My review is on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Psychopath, and do hope that one day this fabulous novel will be turned into a film or a TV series.
I came to the conclusion while reading The Psychopath that I certainly wouldn’t want to be friends with Jez who has a passion for murder. He is quite twisted who claims he holds a badge-carrying, serial-killing psychopath and furthermore Jez is proud of it.
Jez isn’t at the least sorry that he has just killed Don vice-chancellor in his office. Don was in charge at Francis Drake University in Carlisle. The reason he killed Don Chaucer, is because Don was pestering Bella his mistress for sex.
Jez is a strange man, he looked up the difference between psychopaths and sociopaths.
Well Jez thinks he is a psychopath as it sounds more menacing, deadlier. He now claim he is a badge-carrying serial-killing psychopath and proud of it.
I decided to look up the difference between a psychopaths and sociopaths, and a psychopath fits Jez completely as with his killing it means a Psychopath rationalises wrongdoings saying people deserve it. So in Jez’s eyes he believes that Don Chaucer got what he deserved.
I have to recommend buying The Psychopath as it all feels so realistic and although Jez is a bad man, you can’t stop loving everything about this crazy character.
With enjoying The Psychopath so much I do hope that Andrew Edwards will write another novel soon.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Psychopath, and do hope that one day this fabulous novel will be turned into a film or a TV series.
I came to the conclusion while reading The Psychopath that I certainly wouldn’t want to be friends with Jez who has a passion for murder. He is quite twisted who claims he holds a badge-carrying, serial-killing psychopath and furthermore Jez is proud of it.
Jez isn’t at the least sorry that he has just killed Don vice-chancellor in his office. Don was in charge at Francis Drake University in Carlisle. The reason he killed Don Chaucer, is because Don was pestering Bella his mistress for sex.
Jez is a strange man, he looked up the difference between psychopaths and sociopaths.
Well Jez thinks he is a psychopath as it sounds more menacing, deadlier. He now claim he is a badge-carrying serial-killing psychopath and proud of it.
I decided to look up the difference between a psychopaths and sociopaths, and a psychopath fits Jez completely as with his killing it means a Psychopath rationalises wrongdoings saying people deserve it. So in Jez’s eyes he believes that Don Chaucer got what he deserved.
I have to recommend buying The Psychopath as it all feels so realistic and although Jez is a bad man, you can’t stop loving everything about this crazy character.
With enjoying The Psychopath so much I do hope that Andrew Edwards will write another novel soon.
February 10, 2022
Beautifully dark and made so much more so by how matter of fact our anti hero is in his description of killing his victims. The tone is so calm and factual that you start to question how normal all of this appears.
I really enjoyed the build up of all the characters, especially as all of the victims seemed so unlikeable which also made the killings seem so less shocking, worrying? Definitely!
I enjoyed the style of writing and the obvious intelligence and humour of the author also. The ending for me was the most shocking part as I didn’t see it coming, that and the fact I wasn’t shocked enough by the killings themselves… I think this one will stay with me for quite a while, hopefully not in my nightmares. I’ve reported the misspelling of the title to Goodreads and believe they’re amending.
I really enjoyed the build up of all the characters, especially as all of the victims seemed so unlikeable which also made the killings seem so less shocking, worrying? Definitely!
I enjoyed the style of writing and the obvious intelligence and humour of the author also. The ending for me was the most shocking part as I didn’t see it coming, that and the fact I wasn’t shocked enough by the killings themselves… I think this one will stay with me for quite a while, hopefully not in my nightmares. I’ve reported the misspelling of the title to Goodreads and believe they’re amending.
January 23, 2022
The Psychopath was definitely a different type of read for me. It did keep my interest but it wasn’t nearly as complex as I had hoped and I the ending was a bit predictable. Overall it was just ok to me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2022
DNF at 57%. I was bored and did not connect with the characters or the story. I tried to stick with it but it was putting me in a reading slump.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc
February 4, 2022
3.25/5 stars
The Psychopath by AM Edwards is a first-person narration of a serial killer - his thoughts and feelings (or lack thereof) as he navigates his first murder all the way up to the present day.
From my recollection, this is the first book I've read where the main character is TRULY unlikeable. It was a very interesting reading experience! I found myself with my jaw dropped at some of Jeremy's innermost thoughts. I think the author clearly captured a truly un-empathetic psychopath in Jeremy. Where this book slightly lacked for me was the declarative nature of the narration at times (how many times does he call himself a psychopath) and I think the twist at the end was a little rushed. I think this book would have been even better with a dual POV with his wife!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Psychopath by AM Edwards is a first-person narration of a serial killer - his thoughts and feelings (or lack thereof) as he navigates his first murder all the way up to the present day.
From my recollection, this is the first book I've read where the main character is TRULY unlikeable. It was a very interesting reading experience! I found myself with my jaw dropped at some of Jeremy's innermost thoughts. I think the author clearly captured a truly un-empathetic psychopath in Jeremy. Where this book slightly lacked for me was the declarative nature of the narration at times (how many times does he call himself a psychopath) and I think the twist at the end was a little rushed. I think this book would have been even better with a dual POV with his wife!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2022
Well, this has been a shocking, rocky, disturbing and at times, hilarious read. Reading The Psychopath felt a bit like watching something terrible happen, you know you really shouldn't look, but you just can't help yourself.
Some people will hate this, some will be offended, some will not appreciate the humour. Lead character Jez; the psychopath of the title is utterly contemptible. He is vile, his thoughts are misogynistic, he's seriously violent ... he kills people. He makes his own kill play list and he is very matter of fact about it. I was drawn in from the beginning and raced through this one in a couple of sittings. You may feel grubby after reading, but your head will be buzzing!
A M Edwards writes like a mash up of early Will Carver and Bret Easton Ellis. If you've read either of those authors, you know what to expect. This doesn't have the social issues that Carver cleverly weaves into his narrative but the voice of Jez reminds me so much of the killer narrative of his first novel; Girl 4.
I didn't like Jez, it would be impossible to like anything about him as a reader, as we are privy to his innermost thoughts. However, Jez is pretty much adored by the women around him. He is handsome and keeps himself fit, he wears good quality, well cut clothes and is a charmer. He's also married to Maxine, a woman who feels like a victim too, but in fact, is a pretty layered character herself.
Told over two time lines; the present day and earlier in Jez's life, when he first got a taste for murder, the reader is exposed to a life that on the face of it, seems to be of a man on the up. However, Jez's real life is made up of dark violent episodes, mixed in with various sexual adventures. He's very good at hiding the truth, but for how long?
I particularly enjoyed the insider look at academia and how universities are run. The author writes about this setting with authority due to his personal background and it's certainly interesting and eye opening stuff.
This is total entertainment, suspend your disbelief and your inner prejudice and just read it, if you dare. Enjoy the darkness of the humour, and grit your teeth at the sexism and violence and remember, Jez isn't real!
Watch out for the ending!
Some people will hate this, some will be offended, some will not appreciate the humour. Lead character Jez; the psychopath of the title is utterly contemptible. He is vile, his thoughts are misogynistic, he's seriously violent ... he kills people. He makes his own kill play list and he is very matter of fact about it. I was drawn in from the beginning and raced through this one in a couple of sittings. You may feel grubby after reading, but your head will be buzzing!
A M Edwards writes like a mash up of early Will Carver and Bret Easton Ellis. If you've read either of those authors, you know what to expect. This doesn't have the social issues that Carver cleverly weaves into his narrative but the voice of Jez reminds me so much of the killer narrative of his first novel; Girl 4.
I didn't like Jez, it would be impossible to like anything about him as a reader, as we are privy to his innermost thoughts. However, Jez is pretty much adored by the women around him. He is handsome and keeps himself fit, he wears good quality, well cut clothes and is a charmer. He's also married to Maxine, a woman who feels like a victim too, but in fact, is a pretty layered character herself.
Told over two time lines; the present day and earlier in Jez's life, when he first got a taste for murder, the reader is exposed to a life that on the face of it, seems to be of a man on the up. However, Jez's real life is made up of dark violent episodes, mixed in with various sexual adventures. He's very good at hiding the truth, but for how long?
I particularly enjoyed the insider look at academia and how universities are run. The author writes about this setting with authority due to his personal background and it's certainly interesting and eye opening stuff.
This is total entertainment, suspend your disbelief and your inner prejudice and just read it, if you dare. Enjoy the darkness of the humour, and grit your teeth at the sexism and violence and remember, Jez isn't real!
Watch out for the ending!
March 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. A M Edwards has really got into the mind of a psychopath and serial killer and once I started reading I couldn't put it down.
Jez is not a character anyone will warm to because he's a psychopath, but his observations of people and situations are painfully honest and absolutely hilarious. I laughed out loud so many times, especially when I read Jez's observations of the workplace - I'll not share any of it here as it will spoil it for others but it's so true!
You really don't want to get on the wrong side of Jez as he is very likely to kill you. Jez is an academic with a wife and a son and it's surprising to find someone like him living an apparently normal life, although it just shows that appearances can be deceptive. You never really know who you work with or live next door to, so be careful if you cross them as they might be a secret psychopath.
The story is written from the point of view of Jez and his uniquely strange voice comes across loud and clear. Although I loved it, I think some people might struggle with this but if you want a warm, fuzzy read then you shouldn't pick up a book named The Psychopath. It is exactly what it says on the cover!
Dark, disturbing and surprisingly funny, The Psychopath is a highly original novel - I don't think I have ever read anything quite like it. If you have a dark sense of humour and you like watching shows such as Dexter, then you will love this book.
I received an ARC from the publisher to read and review for the blog tour; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Jez is not a character anyone will warm to because he's a psychopath, but his observations of people and situations are painfully honest and absolutely hilarious. I laughed out loud so many times, especially when I read Jez's observations of the workplace - I'll not share any of it here as it will spoil it for others but it's so true!
You really don't want to get on the wrong side of Jez as he is very likely to kill you. Jez is an academic with a wife and a son and it's surprising to find someone like him living an apparently normal life, although it just shows that appearances can be deceptive. You never really know who you work with or live next door to, so be careful if you cross them as they might be a secret psychopath.
The story is written from the point of view of Jez and his uniquely strange voice comes across loud and clear. Although I loved it, I think some people might struggle with this but if you want a warm, fuzzy read then you shouldn't pick up a book named The Psychopath. It is exactly what it says on the cover!
Dark, disturbing and surprisingly funny, The Psychopath is a highly original novel - I don't think I have ever read anything quite like it. If you have a dark sense of humour and you like watching shows such as Dexter, then you will love this book.
I received an ARC from the publisher to read and review for the blog tour; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 23, 2022
Jez is a husband, a father, handsome and successful.
Jez, is also a psychopath who kills as a hobby!
Jez will talk about his murder sprees just as the average person might talk about a weekend trip or a big day at work!
This book covers serious topics, but it's done with clear honest humour. From a psychopath' pov, we see how jealously and rage plays a part in this troubled mans' existence. But most of all, it felt to me like Jez was always going to turn out bad. A self confessed psychopath waiting for his big moment.
The writing is addictive, it went from past to present alternately.
If ever Jez met Rhiannon from the sweet pea series, there would be explosions of psychotic nature, nevermind fireworks!
Between his play list of kill music, and her list of people to murder, now that would be a book I'd love to see being written.
Loved the nature of the writing, how it was made to feel like his killing sprees were what he was put on this earth to do. I wasn't meant to like him, but I did. He was fun to read about! I wonder if real life serial killers actually have one of those 'kill kits' 😆😆
Jez, is also a psychopath who kills as a hobby!
Jez will talk about his murder sprees just as the average person might talk about a weekend trip or a big day at work!
This book covers serious topics, but it's done with clear honest humour. From a psychopath' pov, we see how jealously and rage plays a part in this troubled mans' existence. But most of all, it felt to me like Jez was always going to turn out bad. A self confessed psychopath waiting for his big moment.
The writing is addictive, it went from past to present alternately.
If ever Jez met Rhiannon from the sweet pea series, there would be explosions of psychotic nature, nevermind fireworks!
Between his play list of kill music, and her list of people to murder, now that would be a book I'd love to see being written.
Loved the nature of the writing, how it was made to feel like his killing sprees were what he was put on this earth to do. I wasn't meant to like him, but I did. He was fun to read about! I wonder if real life serial killers actually have one of those 'kill kits' 😆😆
March 15, 2022
NetGalley and RedDoor Press thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this outstanding book.
Jez is a married man, is deep in academia life and oh by the way a psychopath. This is the story of his emergence as a psychopath, it is humorous and horrific all rolled into one. What the author does in the final pages rocked my reading mind. Full of anticipation for the next reading adventure from this author.
Jez is a married man, is deep in academia life and oh by the way a psychopath. This is the story of his emergence as a psychopath, it is humorous and horrific all rolled into one. What the author does in the final pages rocked my reading mind. Full of anticipation for the next reading adventure from this author.
August 21, 2022
I saw several reviews here saying the protagonist is absolutely unlikeable, which is the reason why I bought it right away! And I was right, I loved it.
I have always enjoyed a first-person narrative, whose personalities are self-absorbed, conceited and psychotic (lol). It doesn't have to be the most complicated plot, or the most poetic writing, just raw and honest selfish thoughts on paper with the character(s) actually acting on those thoughts and impulse. I find it real and authentic, it's fiction after all, and to me fiction is all about making transgression beautiful and ugly at the same time. And I think this book does it.
The book has a non-chronological narrative, which I always find is a way for authors to jump between their scenarios/stream of consciousness without offering too much explanation for what happens in-between. Luckily, in this case, it is easy to follow and since the story's killings happened here and there throughout the years, so it worked afterall.
The Psychopath surely feels inspired by American Psycho written by Bret Easton Ellis, in terms of the protagonist being narcissistic and his objectification towards women (which is common in most fictional psychopathic characters and not the book purposely perpetrating misogyny), but with slightly less violent kills. The book also shares some similarities with the Netflix series You. If you like either of them, this will be a great read for you.
I have always enjoyed a first-person narrative, whose personalities are self-absorbed, conceited and psychotic (lol). It doesn't have to be the most complicated plot, or the most poetic writing, just raw and honest selfish thoughts on paper with the character(s) actually acting on those thoughts and impulse. I find it real and authentic, it's fiction after all, and to me fiction is all about making transgression beautiful and ugly at the same time. And I think this book does it.
The book has a non-chronological narrative, which I always find is a way for authors to jump between their scenarios/stream of consciousness without offering too much explanation for what happens in-between. Luckily, in this case, it is easy to follow and since the story's killings happened here and there throughout the years, so it worked afterall.
The Psychopath surely feels inspired by American Psycho written by Bret Easton Ellis, in terms of the protagonist being narcissistic and his objectification towards women (which is common in most fictional psychopathic characters and not the book purposely perpetrating misogyny), but with slightly less violent kills. The book also shares some similarities with the Netflix series You. If you like either of them, this will be a great read for you.
March 23, 2022
Psycho killer?
Qu'est ce que c'est? Wild ride of a book that even Six Flags could aspire to..I highly recommend to lovers of thrillers.
Qu'est ce que c'est? Wild ride of a book that even Six Flags could aspire to..I highly recommend to lovers of thrillers.
June 1, 2022
It's an original and gripping story that features one of the most hateful MC. It's well written, a bit rushed at the end.
It was an interesting read.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It was an interesting read.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 14, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me a copy of this book!
I really did not like this book. Let's break it down:
Characters: I can get behind a terrible person being the protagonist. What I can't get behind is the terrible person suddenly getting a redemption arc. With how this book was going up to that point, the man did not deserve a redemption arc. All other females were falling over for the main character. Why? Like he seems to be a perfectly average human being, other than him being an actual psychopath. He treated all of the women like crap and yet they all wanted him.
Atmosphere: There really wasn't any atmosphere built because of how this book is set up. It jumps from story to story every single chapter making it difficult to set any atmosphere.
Writing: You can tell this is written by a man by how he describes women. It was just icky, which plays into the whole psychopath thing, but then he gets a redemption arc in the last chapter or so? No. Also the switching of the stories every chapter was confusing at points. I like the idea of following the character over a long period of time, but it could have been done by having the stories one after the other.
Plot: The plot was just his killings over his lifetime. We changed places so many times that I lost some of the plot points of the different stories and had to remind myself which story we were following. The ending killed the entire book for me.
Intrigue: I was intrigued to see if this guy was ever going to get caught. We don't even see a satisfying ending to that. He gets a not deserved redemption arc, and that's it.
Logic: I don't think this book is very logical at all. From the killings to the women flaunting over him. I rated this average because there are serial killers who get away with killing for a long time.
Enjoyment: I really didn't like this book. If you can get behind an awful protagonist, then maybe. I wouldn't recommend this to most people though.
I really did not like this book. Let's break it down:
Characters: I can get behind a terrible person being the protagonist. What I can't get behind is the terrible person suddenly getting a redemption arc. With how this book was going up to that point, the man did not deserve a redemption arc. All other females were falling over for the main character. Why? Like he seems to be a perfectly average human being, other than him being an actual psychopath. He treated all of the women like crap and yet they all wanted him.
Atmosphere: There really wasn't any atmosphere built because of how this book is set up. It jumps from story to story every single chapter making it difficult to set any atmosphere.
Writing: You can tell this is written by a man by how he describes women. It was just icky, which plays into the whole psychopath thing, but then he gets a redemption arc in the last chapter or so? No. Also the switching of the stories every chapter was confusing at points. I like the idea of following the character over a long period of time, but it could have been done by having the stories one after the other.
Plot: The plot was just his killings over his lifetime. We changed places so many times that I lost some of the plot points of the different stories and had to remind myself which story we were following. The ending killed the entire book for me.
Intrigue: I was intrigued to see if this guy was ever going to get caught. We don't even see a satisfying ending to that. He gets a not deserved redemption arc, and that's it.
Logic: I don't think this book is very logical at all. From the killings to the women flaunting over him. I rated this average because there are serial killers who get away with killing for a long time.
Enjoyment: I really didn't like this book. If you can get behind an awful protagonist, then maybe. I wouldn't recommend this to most people though.
February 14, 2022
I was slightly drunk the other day and was passing by the Gower Street Waterstones. I decided I fancied reading a new novel so I went and headed to the New Fiction section. I had grown up around academia (my parents are university lecturers) so the plot of this novel intrigued me.
The author has clearly been influenced by the prose of Bret Easton Ellis. The minimalist first present tense is used to contrast the horrific events taking place, which is what Ellis strove for. The author does a decent job of emulating this but of also not going too far and becoming a poor man's Ellis. The style of prose was of course developed by Ellis after he read, and became influenced by, Joan Didion. She was in turn influenced by Hemingway.
The plot doesn’t meander which is always a plus and although it follows a familiar arc, I was still interested in how things would play out for Jez. He is meant to be unlikable and a chauvinist although he does have a sensitive human side and this explains the title of the novel; Jez does not know if he truly is a psychopath. This constant need to define and explore our personalities is something that I think we can all relate to.
The time shifting of the plot allows the reader to see how Jez developed into a serial killer and how those events influenced the present day narrative. There are parts of the plot that I thought could have been fleshed out and the novel may have been improved by formalising the soundtrack into a Top 40 chart countdown sort of thing like Top of the Pops (although I did like this element).
Overall it’s a fairly entertaining and quick read that you can knock out in about three to four hours. The prose style allows it to be a read in such a short time so I struggle to see how others could not finish it - but then again I did read Ulysses in one day in order to impress a girl.
The author has clearly been influenced by the prose of Bret Easton Ellis. The minimalist first present tense is used to contrast the horrific events taking place, which is what Ellis strove for. The author does a decent job of emulating this but of also not going too far and becoming a poor man's Ellis. The style of prose was of course developed by Ellis after he read, and became influenced by, Joan Didion. She was in turn influenced by Hemingway.
The plot doesn’t meander which is always a plus and although it follows a familiar arc, I was still interested in how things would play out for Jez. He is meant to be unlikable and a chauvinist although he does have a sensitive human side and this explains the title of the novel; Jez does not know if he truly is a psychopath. This constant need to define and explore our personalities is something that I think we can all relate to.
The time shifting of the plot allows the reader to see how Jez developed into a serial killer and how those events influenced the present day narrative. There are parts of the plot that I thought could have been fleshed out and the novel may have been improved by formalising the soundtrack into a Top 40 chart countdown sort of thing like Top of the Pops (although I did like this element).
Overall it’s a fairly entertaining and quick read that you can knock out in about three to four hours. The prose style allows it to be a read in such a short time so I struggle to see how others could not finish it - but then again I did read Ulysses in one day in order to impress a girl.
March 3, 2022
Oh wow. What can I say about this book? I hesitate to say this book was bad. For me, it was entertaining. A kind of 'so odd, it was entertaining kind of way'. Good old Jeremy calls himself a psychopath, although whether he is a psychopath he doesn't know, but he likes the sound of being a psychopath. It allows him to kill people who get in his way. Are you the top person in class? Well, good Ole' Jezzer will bump you off, and take the top spot. Making flirty eyes at the woman he's having an affair with. Oh no, no. That won't do. Snuff you out he shall.
It seems like an interesting premise, especially when you're following along with him and getting his insights into the world around him. The worst thing this book could be is boring and... unfortunately, there were times when I lose interest, there is only so many times you can listen to him talk about his stalker wife, Maxine, or go on about how he hated that neighbour in Australia, or another person he killed for the umpteenth time. It was firmly sitting on the 'uh...this boring' shelf. However, around 75% into the book it turned the corner into 'this is hilarious, what is this book'. And I started laughing all the way to the end. Look, don't go into this book thinking that you'll be getting American Psycho; it's firmly American Psycho 2. It's trying to live up to something it's not, but while trying to do that, it takes a turn that makes it unintentionally hilarious. It's just unfortunate that you have to get through so much blugh stuff to get there.
Thanks to #Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.
It seems like an interesting premise, especially when you're following along with him and getting his insights into the world around him. The worst thing this book could be is boring and... unfortunately, there were times when I lose interest, there is only so many times you can listen to him talk about his stalker wife, Maxine, or go on about how he hated that neighbour in Australia, or another person he killed for the umpteenth time. It was firmly sitting on the 'uh...this boring' shelf. However, around 75% into the book it turned the corner into 'this is hilarious, what is this book'. And I started laughing all the way to the end. Look, don't go into this book thinking that you'll be getting American Psycho; it's firmly American Psycho 2. It's trying to live up to something it's not, but while trying to do that, it takes a turn that makes it unintentionally hilarious. It's just unfortunate that you have to get through so much blugh stuff to get there.
Thanks to #Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.
December 31, 2021
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
This was a overall entertaining book. It starts Jeremy: A husband, father, pro-vice chancellor, and of course a psychopathic serial killer. "The Psychopath" And we go through several time frames of past to present.
Jeremy is a chilling character...... You truly see through the mind of a psychopath and how little he values human live or has any empathy for anything beside himself. It's actually funny in places where he is doing some crazy stuff and stops to look at himself in the mirror to admire how good looking he is. There is definitely argument to compare this book to "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis.
Cons: The prose is slightly disjointed and hard to read in some places. Maybe on purpose? And in my opinion somewhat predictable. Including the ending. Which made me think the book, while was entertaining, was maybe too formulistic. Don't expect any real value out of this book except to be slightly entertained and see through the eyes of a psychopath.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a overall entertaining book. It starts Jeremy: A husband, father, pro-vice chancellor, and of course a psychopathic serial killer. "The Psychopath" And we go through several time frames of past to present.
Jeremy is a chilling character...... You truly see through the mind of a psychopath and how little he values human live or has any empathy for anything beside himself. It's actually funny in places where he is doing some crazy stuff and stops to look at himself in the mirror to admire how good looking he is. There is definitely argument to compare this book to "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis.
Cons: The prose is slightly disjointed and hard to read in some places. Maybe on purpose? And in my opinion somewhat predictable. Including the ending. Which made me think the book, while was entertaining, was maybe too formulistic. Don't expect any real value out of this book except to be slightly entertained and see through the eyes of a psychopath.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 2, 2022
While I kind of tuned in and out of the writing style of this one I enjoyed it especially the ending/last 25%. It seemed like the author was writing as a combination of what they thought a killer’s inner dialogue sounds like and American Psycho which worked for me during some parts and not others. However, the top 40 songs/kills was original and I did really like that. Jez was a very overly sexual which annoyed me a little bit but also seemed realistic to actual killers. It was his weakness (besides the actual killings) which was I think what made the ending so good in my opinion. Maxine, his overbearing and clueless wife, was a bit dull and nagging, however that’s exactly how Jez saw her too and we were both off base. He mentions her stalking tendencies multiple times throughout which seems like he just hates his wife but it’s fun to see how it plays out. I did enjoy reading about his more “normal” human side as well. This was entertaining and I could see it being a hit for fans of serial killer books that don’t also necessarily fall into the thriller genre.
Thanks to NetGalley for my copy to read and review in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for my copy to read and review in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2022
Read as an arc courtesy of Netgalley for an honest review.
2 stars.
This was just meh for me. I felt like we were supposed to like jez despite his psychopathic tendancies but I just couldnt get there. He was too self indulgent. Which I understand was the point but when I think of characters like Hannibal, I don't feel the same amount of connection. I also didn't understand why he was such a ladies man. There was nothing that would convince me why women would be falling over themselves for him. Especially like the Australian woman I can't remember the name of.
The music theme he had would make a good reading soundtrack and was quite an interesting touch to such a grim matter. I think the fact that jez was so blaise about everything made the reader a bit meh too but I get what the author was going for.
As for the plot overall I thought it was a bit predictable and slow moving - except the last couple pages. I kind of wish the rest of the book had that much intensity.
2 stars.
This was just meh for me. I felt like we were supposed to like jez despite his psychopathic tendancies but I just couldnt get there. He was too self indulgent. Which I understand was the point but when I think of characters like Hannibal, I don't feel the same amount of connection. I also didn't understand why he was such a ladies man. There was nothing that would convince me why women would be falling over themselves for him. Especially like the Australian woman I can't remember the name of.
The music theme he had would make a good reading soundtrack and was quite an interesting touch to such a grim matter. I think the fact that jez was so blaise about everything made the reader a bit meh too but I get what the author was going for.
As for the plot overall I thought it was a bit predictable and slow moving - except the last couple pages. I kind of wish the rest of the book had that much intensity.
January 18, 2022
This ended up being just okay... There was SOOOOOOO much cheating, did we really need that much adultery to make a point? Also, quite a few points about women offering themselves to further their career. Again, did that add anything to the narrative? I will say I enjoyed that it was from the perspective of the killer and it's interesting to be in their head and hear how they ration their killings and especially for Jez who is trying to determine if he's a psychopath or not. I was interested in what was happening but not really feeling super engrossed in the story. Until the last 10% of the book. I had a feeling I knew what was happening but seeing it play out was so satisfying. I wish we would've gotten more on that storyline but Jez tapped out so quick!
Thank you to NetGalley and RedDoor Press for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and RedDoor Press for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2022
While I kind of tuned in and out of the writing style of this one I enjoyed it especially the ending/last 25%. It seemed like the author was writing as a combination of what they thought a killer’s inner dialogue sounds like and American Psycho which worked for me during some parts and not others. However, the top 40 songs/kills was original and I did really like that. Jez was a very overly sexual which annoyed me a little bit but also seemed realistic to actual killers. It was his weakness (besides the actual killings) which was I think what made the ending so good in my opinion. Maxine, his overbearing and clueless wife, was a bit dull and nagging, however that’s exactly how Jez saw her too and we were both off base. He mentions her stalking tendencies multiple times throughout which seems like he just hates his wife but it’s fun to see how it plays out
February 22, 2022
Thank you to @reddoorbooks for letting me be a part of this latest book tour - I love working with these guys, the books are always great! This was an easy quick read for me, in the best way, with short sharp chapters which always makes me want to read on. Whilst I love true crime, I’ve not read a book before from the point of view of the killer before so this one was a bit of a twist for me, and I actually really liked it. The writing was very clever in that it made me hate Jez (of course!) but also like him at different points in the story, which was unexpected. From a personal perspective, I really enjoyed the parts of the story set in Queensland, Australia as it’s a place I’ve visited many times so it was easy for me to picture it. It’s always good when there’s a twist buried in the pages too. If you’re a lover of true crime, thriller stories, I reckon you’ll enjoy this one!
February 18, 2022
Thanks to Lizzie at Reddoorbooks for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is about Jez. The most hilarious serial killer character I’ve ever read about. Is it weird that I like him? He’s married to his stalker Maxine, has a son & is having an affair with Bella.
The chapters go from past to present and explain how Jez ended up killing each one of his victims. The way he describes killing is so hilarious, like it’s completely normal to be digging a hole in the woods to bury someone. He is such a quirky character.
I was not expecting the ending at all!!
I loved the authors writing style. So dark and witty. I’m looking forward to the next book he writes.If you like crime you’ll love this, with added humour in!
This book is about Jez. The most hilarious serial killer character I’ve ever read about. Is it weird that I like him? He’s married to his stalker Maxine, has a son & is having an affair with Bella.
The chapters go from past to present and explain how Jez ended up killing each one of his victims. The way he describes killing is so hilarious, like it’s completely normal to be digging a hole in the woods to bury someone. He is such a quirky character.
I was not expecting the ending at all!!
I loved the authors writing style. So dark and witty. I’m looking forward to the next book he writes.If you like crime you’ll love this, with added humour in!
February 2, 2022
Interesting book. I like the anti hero premise and although Jez is not at all likeable I felt drawn in to what he was doing. The use of music was novel and made me laugh in places. Did not see the ending coming which I always enjoy so not predictable. Gritty and more than a bit provoking.
Thank you for advance copy
Thank you for advance copy
February 10, 2022
A perfectly creepy insight into the mind of a psychopath.
I loved the way this book was written and devoured it in one sitting.
Plenty of twists and turns and more ups and downs than a rollercoaster.
Suspense and intrigue a plenty with a smidge of blood lust and murder thrown in.
Highly recommended 5 stars from me.
I loved the way this book was written and devoured it in one sitting.
Plenty of twists and turns and more ups and downs than a rollercoaster.
Suspense and intrigue a plenty with a smidge of blood lust and murder thrown in.
Highly recommended 5 stars from me.
January 6, 2022
This book was DNF for me. I tried to get into it but it just wasn’t for me. I came back to this book a few times hoping that after giving it a few days would make it easier for me to pick up and start reading again but that just wasn’t the case for me.
February 3, 2022
Wow. Dexter this is not. It gives you a sense of realism of a true psychopath in shocking reality. I felt dirty reading it to be honest but loved it anyway. Cracking end that I did not see coming. Not one for the squeamish or easily offended.
March 2, 2022
Goodness there's twists, turns and suspense plenty in this book.
It's dark and the story told in such a matter of fact way, that it is both comical and disturbing all rolled into one. It's fast paced with a great twist at the end.
Jez is not a character to love but boy, he's a believable one!
It's dark and the story told in such a matter of fact way, that it is both comical and disturbing all rolled into one. It's fast paced with a great twist at the end.
Jez is not a character to love but boy, he's a believable one!
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