Dreams in the Key of Blue

Lucas Frank #3

by John Philpin

A serial killer wears many faces, but none more terrifying than this one...Every serial killer fits a profile, follows a pattern, makes a mistake. Until now...Six years ago forensic psychiatrist Lucas Frank "retired" from hunting serial killers. But someone wants him back in the worst way. It begins with a brutal triple homicide in the picturesque Maine town of Ragged Harbor. And it won't stop there. Suddenly Lucas is forced to do what he swore he would never do enter the twisted mind of a killer who enjoys murder. Only this time Lucas must hunt a psychopath whose pattern of behavior defies all logic. A killer who can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime. The FBI is helpless. And even he is baffled at the contradictory clues and taunting hints left behind.Lucas Frank has met his match. That's why he was called out of retirement.But does someone want him to catch a killer--or be the ultimate trophy?

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Author John Philpin, one of the first independent criminal profilers, is an internationally recognized expert on violent behavior and criminal investigation. Philpin is a frequent consultant to law enforcement and the media.

Philpin has been a guest commentator on Court TV, 20/20 Downtown, Unsolved Mysteries, America's Most Wanted, Inside Edition, Chronicle, The Geoff Metcalf Show, The Jim Bohannon Show, Northwest Afternoon and CBC's As It Happens.

Philpin is a regular contributor of exclusive true crime commentaries and short stories for KariSable.com True Crime and Justice Web site.

A retired psychologist, he has authored and co-written seven books and numerous articles, and the featured character in an eighth, drawing on his experience.

A recipient of numerous awards for contributions in murder investigations, his forensic work was featured in Philip E. Ginsburg's Shadow of Death the investigation of a series of murders along interstate highway corridors of Vermont and New Hampshire in the 1980s.

Reviews

[Gidgmon · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book starts out interesting enough and appears to be well-written, but as the story folds it becomes a convoluted mess. It's hard to talk about the many decisions I think Philpin made a wrong turn on without spoilers, but the book ends up almost being silly. He would have been wise to write a straightforward serial killer book without going for something new or trying to throw so many red herrings. Also why in the hell he chose to link a serial killer to a corporation is beyond me. Philipin needs a big dose of K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid)

There are far too many players in this book. It would have been a much less confusing read if he would have edited himself, threw out unnecessary players that we barely get to know and concentrate on the ones that matter. Two people that are integral to the story are barely written about.

Another problem with the book is how we get to see only little snippets from the killer's point of view. Either devote half the book between killer and the killer's hunter, or just give one point of view.

Philpin really should stick to true crime because the book works best when he is talking about actual serial killers. It made me want to go read about them instead.

Unless your someone who has to read anything and everything you can about serial killers, I would give this one a pass.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retired forensic psychologist Lucas Frank helps a police chief in Maine catch a serial killer. This complicated plot includes discussions of synesthesia, multiple personality disorder, and competition among law enforcement agencies. Great book for someone interested in psychological aberrations.

[Shawnee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced, and although there were some twists, most of the story was predictable, but this was a good read and I enjoyed it. The ending felt a little unfinished - I can see where a sequel could be set up.

[Victoria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Though I finished this serial killer thriller, I simply never connected with any of the characters, and the plot felt rather predictable as well. After turning the last page, that lingering feeling of not quite being able to pin down just what I disliked so much about the book continued to bother me. After some minimal Internet research I realized that this was the third book in a series. I wish that publishers would market series books accordingly!! I would never have tried to start a series in the middle intentionally! That may explain some of why I never felt connected to the characters, but the disjointed and predictable plot just don’t make me want to track down the first two novels in the series. I particularly disliked the narrator, and just have no desire to read another one of Philpin’s books.

[Luciana Nery · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finished reading this book because I had paid 6.50 plus shipping.

Nothing is exactly right in this book. At page 30 I already knew "whodunit". It was so obvious that I really expected a twist, sth to give me a thrill in the end. Hmph.

The caracther's developments are simplorious, the plot is irregularly paced and the reader's intelligence is neglected all the time. Detection is nonexistant: the "detective" simply listens to others telling him every single thing about the crimes. Crime-solving becomes crime-listening.
No twist worth mentioning, and the subplots are left loose toward the ending. Really a bad bad reading. I'm feeling betrayed by the previous recommendations!!!

[Sandra Infante · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT BOOK LOVE IT! NUNCA HUBIERA IMAGINADO EL FINAL :P LOL

[Sheila Ring · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had a great premise, but I had a very hard time connecting with any of the characters. There was a slight unexpected twist, but otherwise very predictable. I would not recommend this book.