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Heinous Crimes Unit #1
The Surgeon’s Scalpel
You read about these things. You see them in movies. They don’t happen in safe, quiet cities. The horror. The depravity. How could it be real?
No one was prepared for him. He’s smart, cunning, and unpredictable. Anyone could be his next victim.
Meticulous in his murders, the newspapers call him ‘The Surgeon’. A serial killer like no other.
Enter Christian Windsor, a young genius fresh out of Quantico, assigned to the Heinous Crimes Unit.
Genius? Sure, but not typical. He’s on the autism spectrum.
Crowds? He avoids them.
Emotional conversations? He'd rather not.
But when it comes to foreseeing a psychopath's next move? He's unparalleled.
His unique mind might be the key to understanding a killer who defies all patterns.
As Christian delves into the dark world of ‘The Surgeon’, he finds himself in a high-stakes battle of the intellect, a race against time.
One searches for answers, the other for his next victim.
Who will win?
Dive into the first book of an enthralling new thriller series, where the line between brilliance and madness is as thin as the blade of a surgeon's scalpel. A series sure to keep you up at night!
Scroll up and click BUY NOW or READ FOR FREE.
No one was prepared for him. He’s smart, cunning, and unpredictable. Anyone could be his next victim.
Meticulous in his murders, the newspapers call him ‘The Surgeon’. A serial killer like no other.
Enter Christian Windsor, a young genius fresh out of Quantico, assigned to the Heinous Crimes Unit.
Genius? Sure, but not typical. He’s on the autism spectrum.
Crowds? He avoids them.
Emotional conversations? He'd rather not.
But when it comes to foreseeing a psychopath's next move? He's unparalleled.
His unique mind might be the key to understanding a killer who defies all patterns.
As Christian delves into the dark world of ‘The Surgeon’, he finds himself in a high-stakes battle of the intellect, a race against time.
One searches for answers, the other for his next victim.
Who will win?
Dive into the first book of an enthralling new thriller series, where the line between brilliance and madness is as thin as the blade of a surgeon's scalpel. A series sure to keep you up at night!
Scroll up and click BUY NOW or READ FOR FREE.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 31, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Crazy and unputdownable!
This one’s for all my fellow Hannibal fans. Really looking forward to the whole series.
Crazy and unputdownable!
This one’s for all my fellow Hannibal fans. Really looking forward to the whole series.
December 4, 2022
THE SURGEON’S SCALPEL By Daniel Scott
My Review Four Stars****
This book was available for $0.99 and I made the mistake of buying it. It was advertised as Book One in the “Heinous Crimes Unit” 4-Book Series. The fourth in the series (“The General’s Weapons”) is scheduled to be released a few days from now (December 7th). Perhaps unfortunately, the first book turned out to be analogous to the Lay’s potato chip commercial “You can’t eat just one.” I bought the second book (“The Priest’s Fire”) and read it just as quickly and as enthusiastically.
I had to get past the fact that a unit in the FBI (who loves it acronyms) could even have a designation called “Heinous Crimes” in the first place. I must admit that I was pulled in by this story line immediately, and it was a quick read because I was both intrigued by the concept of the book and riveted by the unfolding plot line. The genesis of this series is the introduction of Christian, a young autistic genius, into a two-man unit of the FBI who is tasked to solve “heinous” crimes. One of these men (“Tommy”) is an intelligent, hard-working FBI Agent, no more, no less…. while the partner is a malignant narcissist with a genius IQ and bad intentions (appropriately named Luke Titan).
This is not a novel with an atmospheric backdrop, a host of colorful characters populating the book, and numerous changes in either time or place. It is almost analogous to a movie with a cast of only three characters and the action all filmed in one location. Christian joins Tommy and Luke and soon there is a serial killer case to solve [an enucleator dubbed “The Surgeon”]. Customer reviews are glowing but scant on content. It is not my intention to reveal any “spoilers.” The character of Christian is a fascinating creation by the author, and the book works because the reader cares about what happens to the boy. I did not like the ending of this installment. There was a credibility gap, albeit the author offered up a medical explanation. It is my opinion that considerable creative license was taken with said medical reason. This is particularly true since it controlled the trajectory of the story that ensued. Obviously, I was intrigued enough to buy Book 2, reviewed under separate cover.
FASCINATING DEBUT TO THE “HEINOUS CRIMES’ BOOK SERIES
My Review Four Stars****
This book was available for $0.99 and I made the mistake of buying it. It was advertised as Book One in the “Heinous Crimes Unit” 4-Book Series. The fourth in the series (“The General’s Weapons”) is scheduled to be released a few days from now (December 7th). Perhaps unfortunately, the first book turned out to be analogous to the Lay’s potato chip commercial “You can’t eat just one.” I bought the second book (“The Priest’s Fire”) and read it just as quickly and as enthusiastically.
I had to get past the fact that a unit in the FBI (who loves it acronyms) could even have a designation called “Heinous Crimes” in the first place. I must admit that I was pulled in by this story line immediately, and it was a quick read because I was both intrigued by the concept of the book and riveted by the unfolding plot line. The genesis of this series is the introduction of Christian, a young autistic genius, into a two-man unit of the FBI who is tasked to solve “heinous” crimes. One of these men (“Tommy”) is an intelligent, hard-working FBI Agent, no more, no less…. while the partner is a malignant narcissist with a genius IQ and bad intentions (appropriately named Luke Titan).
This is not a novel with an atmospheric backdrop, a host of colorful characters populating the book, and numerous changes in either time or place. It is almost analogous to a movie with a cast of only three characters and the action all filmed in one location. Christian joins Tommy and Luke and soon there is a serial killer case to solve [an enucleator dubbed “The Surgeon”]. Customer reviews are glowing but scant on content. It is not my intention to reveal any “spoilers.” The character of Christian is a fascinating creation by the author, and the book works because the reader cares about what happens to the boy. I did not like the ending of this installment. There was a credibility gap, albeit the author offered up a medical explanation. It is my opinion that considerable creative license was taken with said medical reason. This is particularly true since it controlled the trajectory of the story that ensued. Obviously, I was intrigued enough to buy Book 2, reviewed under separate cover.
FASCINATING DEBUT TO THE “HEINOUS CRIMES’ BOOK SERIES
May 17, 2024
It was like Criminal Minds only a book.
February 21, 2023
Wow
An absolute must read. The twist will blow your mind! You won't see it coming. I can't wait to read more!
An absolute must read. The twist will blow your mind! You won't see it coming. I can't wait to read more!
November 20, 2022
fast paced and fascinating
Loved the premise of the book. It was an easy read. Stayed up later than I should have a couple of nights because I was so engrossed.
Loved the premise of the book. It was an easy read. Stayed up later than I should have a couple of nights because I was so engrossed.
April 6, 2025
This book was alot, the cat and mouse chase is very intriguing.. but its all very descriptive and gorey. Alot more than I can handle.
I think someone with a stronger stomach might really enjoy this.
I think someone with a stronger stomach might really enjoy this.
June 2, 2026
for a book supposedly about Christian Windsor, we spent more time talking about Luke Titan. And Titan is, in my opinion, a wholly uninteresting character. A supposed genius (which this book is teeming with, apparently) with some big and very vague nefarious plans that we are supposed to care about greatly. I did not. The vagueness detracts from any interest, because it feels half baked. It didn't need to be all tied up neatly with a bow for me, but some sense of direction would have helped emotional investment.
I also think Titan is just... very unrealistic. He's a genius, master manipulator, so smart and charismatic and yet makes quite a few mistakes. Every misstep carries a ripple of another person he has to kill, and that feels sloppy. For an evil mastermind that has everything planned, he's sure left a lot of very connectable loose threads.
And Christian, well, I don't know. He's a "high functioning" autistic (undiagnosed) savant that builds a mind palace in his head where he can piece together a persons past based off of subconscious information taken in while spending time with them. Except it feels as if Scott doesn't really know much about autism at all. I can suspend reality long enough to be okay with the Mind Palace but Christian, in his interactions, in the way he views conversation, in his social awareness and thinking, does not feel authentic. And I think he could have been written as an eccentric genius with some social awkwardness without relying on portraying an autistic character poorly.
My much more minor gripe, one that I even debated on bringing up (but it did impact my view on the book, so it felt pertinent), is the latent right wing ideals interjected into the story. Christian makes an odd reference to the "politically correct police" in a way that feels off for his character, and felt off for the comment he was making. Shortly after this scene, Luke Titan randomly thinks about how awesome Elon Musk is at making Tesla's. And then there are the more overt lines, about the "black bitch", and the way that the only black victim is brutalized much more greatly than any other victim. I would have been okay with these things if they felt integrated into the story, if they made sense and felt as if they belonged, but in each instance it felt odd. Like they were added as an aside, with a purpose of winking at the reader to let us know how the author feels.
Overall, I found this book to be.. lackluster. It was a quick read, and I found myself compelled to stick it out to see how it all ended but the execution was poor. The characterization was lacking, and it left a lot to be desired. The actual prose was fine, but not good enough to make me want to read more.
I also think Titan is just... very unrealistic. He's a genius, master manipulator, so smart and charismatic and yet makes quite a few mistakes. Every misstep carries a ripple of another person he has to kill, and that feels sloppy. For an evil mastermind that has everything planned, he's sure left a lot of very connectable loose threads.
And Christian, well, I don't know. He's a "high functioning" autistic (undiagnosed) savant that builds a mind palace in his head where he can piece together a persons past based off of subconscious information taken in while spending time with them. Except it feels as if Scott doesn't really know much about autism at all. I can suspend reality long enough to be okay with the Mind Palace but Christian, in his interactions, in the way he views conversation, in his social awareness and thinking, does not feel authentic. And I think he could have been written as an eccentric genius with some social awkwardness without relying on portraying an autistic character poorly.
My much more minor gripe, one that I even debated on bringing up (but it did impact my view on the book, so it felt pertinent), is the latent right wing ideals interjected into the story. Christian makes an odd reference to the "politically correct police" in a way that feels off for his character, and felt off for the comment he was making. Shortly after this scene, Luke Titan randomly thinks about how awesome Elon Musk is at making Tesla's. And then there are the more overt lines, about the "black bitch", and the way that the only black victim is brutalized much more greatly than any other victim. I would have been okay with these things if they felt integrated into the story, if they made sense and felt as if they belonged, but in each instance it felt odd. Like they were added as an aside, with a purpose of winking at the reader to let us know how the author feels.
Overall, I found this book to be.. lackluster. It was a quick read, and I found myself compelled to stick it out to see how it all ended but the execution was poor. The characterization was lacking, and it left a lot to be desired. The actual prose was fine, but not good enough to make me want to read more.
September 29, 2022
This was so unexpected! This is my first book by Daniel Scott. He pulled me in and never let me go. He created a set of intriguing characters that were so different from each other yet they meshed. One character came across as neuro-divergent but that made him more interesting and likeable. The killer kept the Heinous Crime Unit on their toes. The author deliberately threw some monkey wrenches into the cogs that moved this book along. You had to literally pause and reset your brain gears before you continue reading. I really enjoyed this book and I can not wait to read the next two in the series.
April 27, 2026
Shocking
Another first read for me by this
author. The story is much different than what I normally read. The murderer committed some of the most grotesque crimes that parts of the book were difficult to read but I kept going because the characters were so complex . They were so interesting. The plot was so unusual and kept me invested, turning the pages to find out what was laid ahead around the next corner.
Another first read for me by this
author. The story is much different than what I normally read. The murderer committed some of the most grotesque crimes that parts of the book were difficult to read but I kept going because the characters were so complex . They were so interesting. The plot was so unusual and kept me invested, turning the pages to find out what was laid ahead around the next corner.
May 26, 2026
I’m normally so generous with my ratings it’s rare for me to rate a book lower than average, but it does happen. I enjoyed the Hannibal vibes in this book. I wasn’t so sold on Christian’s ability to “see” what had happened to people. It felt too exaggerated. I can accept making the leaps but some of it was just slightly too specific. And then the references to some vague “mission” of Luke’s were just frustrating. Overall it was ok.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2023
Great book, usually I don't write reviews, I read 2 or 3 books a week so I don't have the time, I just give them as many stars I think they deserved, but this book have me so entailed that I couldn't put it down, it was my day off and I had to finish it.
Great tram, you don't see the guilty till 3/4 of the book.
Love it, now to the second book.
Great tram, you don't see the guilty till 3/4 of the book.
Love it, now to the second book.
February 8, 2023
Pretty catchy
This book was like an episode of Criminal Minds crossed with Bones. I enjoyed it for the most part. Since this is book one in a series, I'll forgive not giving the best development to the characters, but I hope we get more background in the next book.
This book was like an episode of Criminal Minds crossed with Bones. I enjoyed it for the most part. Since this is book one in a series, I'll forgive not giving the best development to the characters, but I hope we get more background in the next book.
April 1, 2023
Couldn’t stop reading!
I was hooked from the first page and loved the twists and turns Scott included in the plot. The members of the Heinous Crimes Unit each have their quirks, and one is ever-so-easy to hate!
I was hooked from the first page and loved the twists and turns Scott included in the plot. The members of the Heinous Crimes Unit each have their quirks, and one is ever-so-easy to hate!
March 29, 2024
Second read
I have already read the series, but with the next book being released soon I decided to read them all again. By the time you have finished the second book you won't be able to stop until you've read them all.
I have already read the series, but with the next book being released soon I decided to read them all again. By the time you have finished the second book you won't be able to stop until you've read them all.
June 21, 2024
This book did not go where I thought it would. And yet, it was a total package. All the twists fit together to make a coherent story that grabbed me and did not let go. The characters are amazing, although Christopher is a bit unbelievable.
September 30, 2024
4.75 This book was surprisingly good! Right now the entire box set 1-8 is .99 cents on kindle. I don’t necessarily know everything that’s going on and that’s a good thing. Can’t wait to see the big picture! Really enjoyed all the characters.
May 5, 2025
This book was dark AF. I'm certainly no stranger to serial killer novels and thrillers but this one was intense. And so damned good. The villain here that seems like he will be overarching throughout the series is so good, so creepy, so evil. Looking forward to more evil coming soon.
August 22, 2025
This was exactly what I needed to get out of my reading slump!
The story is fast paced and interesting. Unlike a lot of serial killer FBI thrillers I've read and I've read a TON.
I cant wait to dive into the rest of the series!
The story is fast paced and interesting. Unlike a lot of serial killer FBI thrillers I've read and I've read a TON.
I cant wait to dive into the rest of the series!
June 13, 2026
Spellbinding Thriller
When geniuses run amok everything turns red, scarlet blood red. Book 1 of the series is an incredible read. It’s far from the best thriller I have read but it is a great book one.
When geniuses run amok everything turns red, scarlet blood red. Book 1 of the series is an incredible read. It’s far from the best thriller I have read but it is a great book one.
January 22, 2023
wow!
This was a great start to a new series! I really like Christian and loath Luke! It’s going to be interesting to see what happens next!
This was a great start to a new series! I really like Christian and loath Luke! It’s going to be interesting to see what happens next!
February 7, 2023
Gruesome mystery. Kept my interest.
I like these kinds of stories. It keeps you wondering if the person gets caught. Surprised ending.. not for the faint of heart
I like these kinds of stories. It keeps you wondering if the person gets caught. Surprised ending.. not for the faint of heart
April 9, 2023
Hard to put down
May 24, 2023
Great read
This book was very interesting. Looking forward to reading more about Luke and see if he turns into a full blown serial killer!
This book was very interesting. Looking forward to reading more about Luke and see if he turns into a full blown serial killer!
June 3, 2023
keeps you on the edge of your seat
Great book and the characters are all so believable & intriguing!!
I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens next!
Great book and the characters are all so believable & intriguing!!
I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens next!
June 20, 2023
Fantastic book! Anticipating the next book only imagining what would happen the following day.
August 29, 2023
Wow! This book definitely kept me guessing what would happen next. The twist towards the end is a doozy!!
September 11, 2023
I couldn't finish the book because it was just too creepy.
January 26, 2024
I was unable to be captivated by the story. I'm willing to give this book another try at a later date
June 7, 2024
Interesting premise!
Love the savant angle, love the under cover (?) Serial Killer angle! Hope the consecutive books keep up the momentum!!
Love the savant angle, love the under cover (?) Serial Killer angle! Hope the consecutive books keep up the momentum!!
February 19, 2025
DNF 16%
Writing was disjointed and choppy, it felt like I was reading unfinished thoughts.
Writing was disjointed and choppy, it felt like I was reading unfinished thoughts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews