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Duncan's Diary #1
Duncan's Diary: Birth of a Serial Killer
Duncan is in the throes of a mid-life crisis and searching for his own identity. His problems seem no different than other men facing the same issues, but as he struggles through a divorce and the challenges of co-parenting his children, Duncan soon realizes that he feels complete inside only when he begins to secretly explore a world of torture and death-a world that only he controls. Suddenly, Duncan's life is no longer normal at all.
As Duncan deals with his newfound guilty pleasure of destruction and wickedness, his diary entries reflect a roller coaster psychological journey. Duncan grapples with the ramifications of what he is becoming, but at the same time, graphically describes the deaths of several of his victims. Clearly a man caught between his morals and an evil calling, Duncan leads a seemingly typical life during the day, but in the dark of night becomes a monster. Only one man suspects what Duncan is capable of-his best friend, Sudhir, a detective in the Palo Alto Police Department.
Despite Duncan's cries for help penned on the pages of his diary, he becomes a master at hiding his transformation from "the guy next door" to a masterful serial killer.
As Duncan deals with his newfound guilty pleasure of destruction and wickedness, his diary entries reflect a roller coaster psychological journey. Duncan grapples with the ramifications of what he is becoming, but at the same time, graphically describes the deaths of several of his victims. Clearly a man caught between his morals and an evil calling, Duncan leads a seemingly typical life during the day, but in the dark of night becomes a monster. Only one man suspects what Duncan is capable of-his best friend, Sudhir, a detective in the Palo Alto Police Department.
Despite Duncan's cries for help penned on the pages of his diary, he becomes a master at hiding his transformation from "the guy next door" to a masterful serial killer.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2009
10 people are currently reading
1513 people want to read
About the author
Phil Cantrill
10 books7 followersPhil Cantrill grew up on a farm near Orange, New South Wales. He has been an avid eclectic reader since he was old enough to hold a picture book.
After graduating from High School, Phil worked for the government while studying law at night but says his most interesting and rewarding lessons have been in the university of life.
Following admission as a barrister he practiced law in various parts of Australia and in Hong Kong, enjoying the opportunities provided by both legal practice and travel. Most of all he enjoyed meeting and understanding new people, seeing and learning from beliefs and cultures very different from his own. Some of the interesting scenes and characters he encountered provide source material for his stories.
His hobbies include being a gliding instructor and a scuba diver. Phil believes that seeing the world from these two very different perspectives has helped him better understand it, while more fully appreciating its beauty and fragility.
Later in life, Phil decided to leave his legal practice to satisfy a desire to write fantasy. "Imperial Hostage" is his first published novel, but he hopes there are more where this came from.
His family includes five children, all of who are now adults. Phil lives on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland with his wife and poodle while working on his next novel.
After graduating from High School, Phil worked for the government while studying law at night but says his most interesting and rewarding lessons have been in the university of life.
Following admission as a barrister he practiced law in various parts of Australia and in Hong Kong, enjoying the opportunities provided by both legal practice and travel. Most of all he enjoyed meeting and understanding new people, seeing and learning from beliefs and cultures very different from his own. Some of the interesting scenes and characters he encountered provide source material for his stories.
His hobbies include being a gliding instructor and a scuba diver. Phil believes that seeing the world from these two very different perspectives has helped him better understand it, while more fully appreciating its beauty and fragility.
Later in life, Phil decided to leave his legal practice to satisfy a desire to write fantasy. "Imperial Hostage" is his first published novel, but he hopes there are more where this came from.
His family includes five children, all of who are now adults. Phil lives on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland with his wife and poodle while working on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 25, 2010
I must admit novels about serial killers are not for everyone. My wife for instance is totally repulsed by my love for the suspense/horror sub-genre. It's hard to explain but there's something fascinating about exploring the seedy underbelly of the human psyche.
So I was very happy to win this self-published debut novel by Christopher C. Payne from the Goodreads First-Reads program. Yet, while reading it, I started to wonder if a writer can go over the line. This hasn't been the first time I've wondered this. American Psycho really stretched the boundaries. However the author was clever enough to turn it into a form of social satire questioning modern society's goals and aspirations.
Payne, however goes for the jugular and never lets go. Like Brett Easton Ellis he drops names and movies implying a separation of empathy from reality in novice serial killer Duncan Moron's life. But Duncan doesn't really become very interesting. He's dull as a regular person and and dull and vicious as a serial killer. His misdeeds are narrated with explicit details and emotional detachment. They become incredibly difficult to read at times. His friend and detective Sudhir is just as pathetic being devoid from his feelings and often incompetent. It is difficult to find anyone in this book that one can care about, therefore the suspense becomes horrific yet as detached from the readers as it is from the protagonists. Add a sudden but inconclusive ending (with the possibility of a sequel) and the reader leaves unsatisfied.
Yet Payne's prose does tend to pull you into the story. He is excellent with descriptions and knows how to keep you turning the page. His self-published book could use a good editor and I suspect that would have fixed many of my reservations. Fans of serial killer novels will appreciate this book for what it is, an attempt to explain the unexplainable. Therefore the three stars.
So I was very happy to win this self-published debut novel by Christopher C. Payne from the Goodreads First-Reads program. Yet, while reading it, I started to wonder if a writer can go over the line. This hasn't been the first time I've wondered this. American Psycho really stretched the boundaries. However the author was clever enough to turn it into a form of social satire questioning modern society's goals and aspirations.
Payne, however goes for the jugular and never lets go. Like Brett Easton Ellis he drops names and movies implying a separation of empathy from reality in novice serial killer Duncan Moron's life. But Duncan doesn't really become very interesting. He's dull as a regular person and and dull and vicious as a serial killer. His misdeeds are narrated with explicit details and emotional detachment. They become incredibly difficult to read at times. His friend and detective Sudhir is just as pathetic being devoid from his feelings and often incompetent. It is difficult to find anyone in this book that one can care about, therefore the suspense becomes horrific yet as detached from the readers as it is from the protagonists. Add a sudden but inconclusive ending (with the possibility of a sequel) and the reader leaves unsatisfied.
Yet Payne's prose does tend to pull you into the story. He is excellent with descriptions and knows how to keep you turning the page. His self-published book could use a good editor and I suspect that would have fixed many of my reservations. Fans of serial killer novels will appreciate this book for what it is, an attempt to explain the unexplainable. Therefore the three stars.
September 27, 2010
well being that I am a book person I have plenty of friends who want me to read their book/play/short story/minor character sketch/history essay. And a bit back I came upon a moment like this in which a friend gave me two chapters of a book he was writing. My main criticism word for word: "You female introjects are fucked". Basically I told him to remove or make all the female characters in his book extremely minor because the fact was no women would read a book with those female characters. I think there is an inherent possibility Mr. payne has the same issue. I mean every women in this book is 5 feet tall and weighs a hundred pounds that doesn't seem physically possible. Clearly I'm just jealous because I am not 5 feet tall and I weight a lot more than a hundred pounds. although I have no desire to be shorter I would really REALLY like to weigh a hundred pounds. All the women are nasty. They are either pushovers who blame everything on you or unmoving bulwarks who constantly yell at you. I suppose there are the couple that are simply being murdered and don't have the time for personality. And Jason's wife who seems pleasant she is just asking way way too much. Given all that there are some issues with the female characters but none of them play a role other then nuisance so it is okay, but not great (I mean even that indicates a problem).
There are two really good things about the book. First, it is hilarious there are great pop culture references and at least one funny miss reference that I assume was on purpose. All the commentary on how people interact with the world was hilarious. Second, the book was insightful when it wasn't being horrible. Children see more than we think they do, the way that dogs love us. The best example being everyone has the capacity to do horrible things most people just have the time to talk themselves out of it. There was a study that if someone who wanted to kill themselves waited 72 hours they were a shitload less likely to do it (scientific I know). This may also relate to copycat suicides seeing that planning is a lot faster but that is another discussion all together.
Moving on. It's weird to say that murder is erotic right? I mean bataille was very insistent on the matter and Sade believed it, but if those are the only guys you can pull in to back you up, yeah you aren't expressing a common opinion. I realize that I am now going to alienate everyone that is currently my friend on here. But I think fantasy wise this kind of stuff holds a very strong erotic element. I think there is a level of arousal attached to the idea of murder and probably the actual act that probably isn't an easy thing to access through other channels. I'd like to say there is something wrong with this man and his graphic descriptions of rape and murder [which really aren't that graphic you people are just a bunch of babies he has nothing on either of my friends above](so that I can fit in with the goodreadsers), but I think he might be taping into something extremely carnal about human nature and I am honestly not completely against the idea.
I'm going to back up there are some serious editing issues. (as there are in my review also). This book is between a three and a four. I'm giving it a four because there feels like an ambivalence ranking to me and I am not ambivalent I am extremely glad not only that this book exists but that I got to read it.
I have decided after reading this review that duncan's diary is a less subtle, slightly less well written version of mr. peanut.
There are two really good things about the book. First, it is hilarious there are great pop culture references and at least one funny miss reference that I assume was on purpose. All the commentary on how people interact with the world was hilarious. Second, the book was insightful when it wasn't being horrible. Children see more than we think they do, the way that dogs love us. The best example being everyone has the capacity to do horrible things most people just have the time to talk themselves out of it. There was a study that if someone who wanted to kill themselves waited 72 hours they were a shitload less likely to do it (scientific I know). This may also relate to copycat suicides seeing that planning is a lot faster but that is another discussion all together.
Moving on. It's weird to say that murder is erotic right? I mean bataille was very insistent on the matter and Sade believed it, but if those are the only guys you can pull in to back you up, yeah you aren't expressing a common opinion. I realize that I am now going to alienate everyone that is currently my friend on here. But I think fantasy wise this kind of stuff holds a very strong erotic element. I think there is a level of arousal attached to the idea of murder and probably the actual act that probably isn't an easy thing to access through other channels. I'd like to say there is something wrong with this man and his graphic descriptions of rape and murder [which really aren't that graphic you people are just a bunch of babies he has nothing on either of my friends above](so that I can fit in with the goodreadsers), but I think he might be taping into something extremely carnal about human nature and I am honestly not completely against the idea.
I'm going to back up there are some serious editing issues. (as there are in my review also). This book is between a three and a four. I'm giving it a four because there feels like an ambivalence ranking to me and I am not ambivalent I am extremely glad not only that this book exists but that I got to read it.
I have decided after reading this review that duncan's diary is a less subtle, slightly less well written version of mr. peanut.
April 23, 2010
Written in the first person, Duncan's Diary is like opening a serial killer's journal, which begins at the time he first embarks on his new "hobby". To the rest of the world, Duncan is normal, if not somewhat dull and a little pathetic. Even his victims don't see Duncan for what he is until it is too late.
This book has some graphic scenes. I didn't find them out of place, as they are a necessary part of the first person view from a serial killer. There are some editing issues, which at times were distracting for me. However, this is the author's first book and he is self-published, so I don't want to take away points for that. I do think the story would benefit greatly from the input of a good editor.
For me, the ending didn't have closure. We never find out how Duncan winds up in the place he is as he tells his story.
Overall, the author did a great job of getting inside Duncan's head, as he discovers himself for what he is.
This book has some graphic scenes. I didn't find them out of place, as they are a necessary part of the first person view from a serial killer. There are some editing issues, which at times were distracting for me. However, this is the author's first book and he is self-published, so I don't want to take away points for that. I do think the story would benefit greatly from the input of a good editor.
For me, the ending didn't have closure. We never find out how Duncan winds up in the place he is as he tells his story.
Overall, the author did a great job of getting inside Duncan's head, as he discovers himself for what he is.
March 3, 2010
Remember when Jaws inflicted fear in the hearts of beach goers and Psycho made woman all over the world start taking baths instead of showers. Today, Duncan’s Diary will keep you from leaving your home or answering your door.
This well depicted novel gives you a Birdseye view into the rationale of a serial killer on the loose, sucking the very breath, from his victims in search of filling a void in his life.
This book is wonderfully disturbing, you feel as though you are there, watching helpless, unable to act, powerless to stop it, yet you won’t turn your head away for a second.
This is a “Must Read,” you won’t want to miss this caterpillar turn into a murderous, psychopathic butterfly, right before your eyes.
Review by: Keira Kroft
This well depicted novel gives you a Birdseye view into the rationale of a serial killer on the loose, sucking the very breath, from his victims in search of filling a void in his life.
This book is wonderfully disturbing, you feel as though you are there, watching helpless, unable to act, powerless to stop it, yet you won’t turn your head away for a second.
This is a “Must Read,” you won’t want to miss this caterpillar turn into a murderous, psychopathic butterfly, right before your eyes.
Review by: Keira Kroft
December 2, 2010
Review copy from author
This book is not for the weak-stomached. Or for those who are easily upset by graphic violent sex. Thought I would clear that up right away.
Now, for those of you can handle it - Holy F@#k! Are you in a for ride with this one!
The book centers around Duncan as he struggles to find an outlet for his feelings of hate and rage that stem from his impending divorce. According to our psychotic narrator, his wife is ruining his life by spreading horrible lies about to him to everyone they know and anyone who will listen. Normally a peaceable, non-confrontational guy, Duncan beings to develop strong violent emotions that are in need of release.
His best friend suggested a vacation to the Dominican Republic where he can relax and forget about all of his problems. So Duncan took his advice and went. While there, he was immediately taken with this lovely young girl who allowed herself to be willingly, violently, used and abused - which unlocked new and exciting feelings in Duncan.
Returning home, Duncan was desperate to experience those feelings again. We find ourselves standing by and watching as Duncan recounts the following months of preparation, contemplation, and kidnapping - and the horrible, twisted ways in which he releases his pent up anger and frustrations.
It's an all-too-easily-imaginable look at the birth of a serial killer. At what might finally cause someone to break down and do the unthinkable with no sense of remorse, no guilt, and no thought other than "when can I do this again"? At what the hunt for a victim might be like. At the careless and reckless behavior a person may exhibit just for the thrill of the kill. And also, at all the hard work and effort that goes into attempting to publicly fit in - to avoid detection, to ride right under the radar, so they continue to kill again and again.
Here is a short example of the 'other' side of our killer - where he compares his evolution into a serial killer as the beautiful transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly.
"“I was confused and unsure of what I was becoming. I wondered in half conscious, half subconscious thought if this is how a caterpillar must feel. It wraps itself tightly into a cocoon and drifts off to sleep, not fully aware that when it awakens it will be to an entirely new world. It’s life will have forever changed. How can you begin to understand with a rational mind the transformation of turning into a creature that can fly after having a simple relaxing slumber? It’s like waking up as if you’ve just been born as a new being who can now, and forever will, see the world from an entirely new perspective. I felt as if this would be my last night as a caterpillar. Tomorrow would be the awakening of a butterfly that would have the abilities, both mental and physical, to conquer this world.”
Totally cringe-worthy, complete with blood and guts, Duncan's Diary had me by the throat time and time again. If this were a movie, I would have been watching most of it through my fingers. It even invaded my dreams at night in strange and unwelcome ways.
Of course, reading this book had me concerned for the mental status of the author. How the hell does one come up with the things I read in this book? We're talking either one heck of a researcher, or one heck of a whacko! Then again, should I be taking a look at my mental status for reading it and enjoying it?
I easily overlooked the grammatical errors (of which there were quite a few) and quickly lost myself in the sick and dark world Christopher Payne created. For those of you who enjoyed the Dexter series, or books like The Seven Days of Peter Crumb and The End of Alice, do yourself a favor and take a crack at this one!
This book is not for the weak-stomached. Or for those who are easily upset by graphic violent sex. Thought I would clear that up right away.
Now, for those of you can handle it - Holy F@#k! Are you in a for ride with this one!
The book centers around Duncan as he struggles to find an outlet for his feelings of hate and rage that stem from his impending divorce. According to our psychotic narrator, his wife is ruining his life by spreading horrible lies about to him to everyone they know and anyone who will listen. Normally a peaceable, non-confrontational guy, Duncan beings to develop strong violent emotions that are in need of release.
His best friend suggested a vacation to the Dominican Republic where he can relax and forget about all of his problems. So Duncan took his advice and went. While there, he was immediately taken with this lovely young girl who allowed herself to be willingly, violently, used and abused - which unlocked new and exciting feelings in Duncan.
Returning home, Duncan was desperate to experience those feelings again. We find ourselves standing by and watching as Duncan recounts the following months of preparation, contemplation, and kidnapping - and the horrible, twisted ways in which he releases his pent up anger and frustrations.
It's an all-too-easily-imaginable look at the birth of a serial killer. At what might finally cause someone to break down and do the unthinkable with no sense of remorse, no guilt, and no thought other than "when can I do this again"? At what the hunt for a victim might be like. At the careless and reckless behavior a person may exhibit just for the thrill of the kill. And also, at all the hard work and effort that goes into attempting to publicly fit in - to avoid detection, to ride right under the radar, so they continue to kill again and again.
Here is a short example of the 'other' side of our killer - where he compares his evolution into a serial killer as the beautiful transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly.
"“I was confused and unsure of what I was becoming. I wondered in half conscious, half subconscious thought if this is how a caterpillar must feel. It wraps itself tightly into a cocoon and drifts off to sleep, not fully aware that when it awakens it will be to an entirely new world. It’s life will have forever changed. How can you begin to understand with a rational mind the transformation of turning into a creature that can fly after having a simple relaxing slumber? It’s like waking up as if you’ve just been born as a new being who can now, and forever will, see the world from an entirely new perspective. I felt as if this would be my last night as a caterpillar. Tomorrow would be the awakening of a butterfly that would have the abilities, both mental and physical, to conquer this world.”
Totally cringe-worthy, complete with blood and guts, Duncan's Diary had me by the throat time and time again. If this were a movie, I would have been watching most of it through my fingers. It even invaded my dreams at night in strange and unwelcome ways.
Of course, reading this book had me concerned for the mental status of the author. How the hell does one come up with the things I read in this book? We're talking either one heck of a researcher, or one heck of a whacko! Then again, should I be taking a look at my mental status for reading it and enjoying it?
I easily overlooked the grammatical errors (of which there were quite a few) and quickly lost myself in the sick and dark world Christopher Payne created. For those of you who enjoyed the Dexter series, or books like The Seven Days of Peter Crumb and The End of Alice, do yourself a favor and take a crack at this one!
July 9, 2011
I'll be honest. I didn't finish this book. I didn't even read past page 8. I wanted to like it. I don't remember where I saw it reviewed but it sounded really good and since I had liked I Am Not A Serial Killer, I thought I'd like this......
I knew I was lost when I read the first sentence:
Once an animal takes its first bite and its tongue has been
saturated with that initial drop of blood, is it possible to
ever go back and forget the appetizing spice of life as God
originally intended?
I'm glad there's a question mark at the end of that sentence because that's what I think about it. Whaaaaaaaaaa??????????
My first thought was a giraffe. Giraffe's want to eat blood? They ARE animals, after all. And how can an initial drop of blood saturate its tongue? And did God originally intend it to forget the appetizing spice of life? If it's an appetizing spice of life, wouldn't God rather that we didn't have it at all than to forget it? And if God meant it to forget the appetizing spice of life, then why did he let it tast it in the first place?
And those were just my thoughts on the first sentence!
It got worse from there. This guy is NOT a writer. He doesn't have an imagination, he can't write, his character is stupid, what more can I say bad. If there had been the opportunity to rate it with negative stars, I would have. But, unfortunately, there isn't.
If a raving review of the book got you interested in reading it, think again. It just isn't worth your time to read even the first 8 pages.
I knew I was lost when I read the first sentence:
Once an animal takes its first bite and its tongue has been
saturated with that initial drop of blood, is it possible to
ever go back and forget the appetizing spice of life as God
originally intended?
I'm glad there's a question mark at the end of that sentence because that's what I think about it. Whaaaaaaaaaa??????????
My first thought was a giraffe. Giraffe's want to eat blood? They ARE animals, after all. And how can an initial drop of blood saturate its tongue? And did God originally intend it to forget the appetizing spice of life? If it's an appetizing spice of life, wouldn't God rather that we didn't have it at all than to forget it? And if God meant it to forget the appetizing spice of life, then why did he let it tast it in the first place?
And those were just my thoughts on the first sentence!
It got worse from there. This guy is NOT a writer. He doesn't have an imagination, he can't write, his character is stupid, what more can I say bad. If there had been the opportunity to rate it with negative stars, I would have. But, unfortunately, there isn't.
If a raving review of the book got you interested in reading it, think again. It just isn't worth your time to read even the first 8 pages.
March 29, 2010
Duncan is in the throes of a mid-life crisis and searching for his own identity. His problems seem no different than other men facing the same issues, but as he struggles through a divorce and the challenges of co-parenting his children, Duncan soon realizes that he feels complete inside only when he begins to secretly explore a world of torture and death-a world that only he controls. Suddenly, Duncan's life is no longer normal at all.
As Duncan deals with his newfound guilty pleasure of destruction and wickedness, his diary entries reflect a roller coaster psychological journey. Duncan grapples with the ramifications of what he is becoming, but at the same time, graphically describes the deaths of several of his victims. Clearly a man caught between his morals and an evil calling, Duncan leads a seemingly typical life during the day, but in the dark of night becomes a monster. Only one man suspects what Duncan is capable of-his best friend, Sudhir, a detective in the Palo Alto Police Department.
Despite Duncan's cries for help penned on the pages of his diary, he becomes a master at hiding his transformation from "the guy next door" to a masterful serial killer
As Duncan deals with his newfound guilty pleasure of destruction and wickedness, his diary entries reflect a roller coaster psychological journey. Duncan grapples with the ramifications of what he is becoming, but at the same time, graphically describes the deaths of several of his victims. Clearly a man caught between his morals and an evil calling, Duncan leads a seemingly typical life during the day, but in the dark of night becomes a monster. Only one man suspects what Duncan is capable of-his best friend, Sudhir, a detective in the Palo Alto Police Department.
Despite Duncan's cries for help penned on the pages of his diary, he becomes a master at hiding his transformation from "the guy next door" to a masterful serial killer
October 8, 2010
I won this book on "First Reads" and was not expecting much since this was the author's first book and it appears he didn't have it proof read . Aside from that, I did get right into it and the writer did a good job portraying Duncan, the middle aged, recently divorced accountant with 3 daughters, who is rather boring as a person and is seemingly facing a midlife crises. He decides he needs some excitement in his life and the outlet he finds to get him through is killing. The story is told in the first person and is more or less like the killer's diary with some chapters in between telling us about Sudhir, the alcoholic detective who gets assigned to the case. You won't like this if you can't deal with sex and cold blooded murder but it wouldn't be this story without it. Has a rather surprising twist at the end. And it appears we could see more of Duncan in the future. Thanks for giving me a chance to read this.
October 3, 2010
Man, I was so excited to win this book from the good reads giveaway! Immediately upon reading this, I became intrigued and the feeling never wavered through the book.
Its realistic, gritty, and has a level of suspense that I thought I had figured out, but really hadn't. Always a great characteristic of a novel because so many fall into the traps of being cliche. Duncan is penned to be a form of "any man", he loves his kids, drinks too much, and has mini dramas that all of us have. I loved how it kind of turns a mirror on ourselves and make you wonder, "How much evil am i capable of?"
Christopher Payne almost lost me at the end with the shocking news Dunca receives, but he recovers well and leaves a cliffhanger that makes this story stay with you for days after.
Can't wait to see what else this author has in store!
Its realistic, gritty, and has a level of suspense that I thought I had figured out, but really hadn't. Always a great characteristic of a novel because so many fall into the traps of being cliche. Duncan is penned to be a form of "any man", he loves his kids, drinks too much, and has mini dramas that all of us have. I loved how it kind of turns a mirror on ourselves and make you wonder, "How much evil am i capable of?"
Christopher Payne almost lost me at the end with the shocking news Dunca receives, but he recovers well and leaves a cliffhanger that makes this story stay with you for days after.
Can't wait to see what else this author has in store!
October 27, 2010
First let me say this book is not for everyone. I myself enjoyed it. I was given a lot of warning that the book is very graphic, that is very true, I did not loose sleep over it tough. I actually found myself laughing at parts of it.
A lot of times throughout the book I didn't want to put it down, I just had to know what was going to happen next. Sure some parts weren't as exciting, but when something did happen it made up for everything and was totally worth it.
If you want sick twisted good read then this is the book for you!
A lot of times throughout the book I didn't want to put it down, I just had to know what was going to happen next. Sure some parts weren't as exciting, but when something did happen it made up for everything and was totally worth it.
If you want sick twisted good read then this is the book for you!
August 14, 2010
I thought this book was ok. I expected it to be dark and gruesome (it IS about a serial killer) but it was kind of hard for me to muddle through it as there were some distracting editing issues, there was no redeeming qualities in any of the characters and you really can't tell how the story ends. Granted, by the time I got to the "end" I was glad it was over but there was really no resolution.
February 20, 2015
This book is bad. I mean, really bad. The writing is so terrible that it makes it hard to get into the story, which is mediocre anyway. If I’m not mistaken, the author published this himself, or started a publishing company in order to publish it. Here are just a few choice examples of the writing:
I personally believe that most people are capable of doing things that are horrible. They end up not doing them because of the time frame in which they have to talk themselves out of it.
“Laura’s Hot Mom” they called her. How could I not try and make a move on somebody with that acronym.
I was having a brownish-colored drink in a small glass with a few ice cubes. She had guessed was scotch, but she was not a big drinker and really did not know her liquor too well.
The hostess said hi on our way over, and Hannah asked me if I frequented here that often.
She was surprised by my aggressiveness, but accepted of my advance.
The endless, vast darkness invaded without any sun present tending to wear people down at times.
Quotes:
Is this what life is about? Sitting in lines just waiting for it to end? We move into endless lines until we lose track of whom and what we are. I can’t help but think there must be something to bring the spark back into the lifeless, endless nothingness that had made up my 41 years.
February 18, 2013
I liked the book over all and it was a quick read. There were a few parts though that I didn't really think needed to be there.
I got confused, because it seems like the first two homeless men he killed were talked about twice, so I was to believe that he had killed 4, so was confused when he just made two spots on his trophy shelf.
Also, what was the point of mentioning the lady dining with her out of state family? They said they'd meet back up, but it was never mentioned again. What did he do with the 2nd homeless people's heads that he hacked off? Did he just leave them to rot in his car, because it didn't mention him going back up to the cabin any time soon after that.
I wasn't crazy about the ending either, it was sort of abrupt. I liked the little things they put in there, about Jason picking up on the subtleties, but I wasn't sure if this was supposed to be the end or if it was leaving you hanging for a sequel?
Anyway, as I said, over all I liked it, but there were a few things that bothered me.
I got confused, because it seems like the first two homeless men he killed were talked about twice, so I was to believe that he had killed 4, so was confused when he just made two spots on his trophy shelf.
Also, what was the point of mentioning the lady dining with her out of state family? They said they'd meet back up, but it was never mentioned again. What did he do with the 2nd homeless people's heads that he hacked off? Did he just leave them to rot in his car, because it didn't mention him going back up to the cabin any time soon after that.
I wasn't crazy about the ending either, it was sort of abrupt. I liked the little things they put in there, about Jason picking up on the subtleties, but I wasn't sure if this was supposed to be the end or if it was leaving you hanging for a sequel?
Anyway, as I said, over all I liked it, but there were a few things that bothered me.
May 6, 2011
"In order to be a successful serial killer, one must understand how to deal with the normal daily functions of life and project the pretense of normalcy. Normal being defined as the acceptable practices that are allowed in standard society."
This is going to sound crazy, this book was fun to read! You know I love my serial killers and Duncan was quite lovable. Yes, he murders and quite gruesomely but he is also a funny guy. Quite a decent chap too if you can look past the fact that he gets his jollies out of killing people. He is a middle aged man whose marriage fell apart, his life took a turn for the worse but aside from all that, he loves his children and is a fabulous daddy to them. Take about oxymoron's! You can't help cringing one moment and feeling sorry for him the next.
You can read the full review on my blog
This is going to sound crazy, this book was fun to read! You know I love my serial killers and Duncan was quite lovable. Yes, he murders and quite gruesomely but he is also a funny guy. Quite a decent chap too if you can look past the fact that he gets his jollies out of killing people. He is a middle aged man whose marriage fell apart, his life took a turn for the worse but aside from all that, he loves his children and is a fabulous daddy to them. Take about oxymoron's! You can't help cringing one moment and feeling sorry for him the next.
You can read the full review on my blog
December 7, 2010
What a book - I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though most of it was very serious. Made me stop and think and look around at all of the people that I know. Jeez - anyone of them could be a serial killer.
What a great book - Duncan as a serial killer - now who would have thought. He's your next door neightbor, your drinking buddy, your best friend, brother-in-law - Oh my. Although this book was gory at times it kept me going - I couldn't put it down - had to see what would happen next. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I read this book in 2 sittings. Just didn't want to put it down. Would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good read. I received this book free from Goodreads FirstReads. Thank you so much. Am looking for the next book by Christopher C Payne
What a great book - Duncan as a serial killer - now who would have thought. He's your next door neightbor, your drinking buddy, your best friend, brother-in-law - Oh my. Although this book was gory at times it kept me going - I couldn't put it down - had to see what would happen next. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I read this book in 2 sittings. Just didn't want to put it down. Would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good read. I received this book free from Goodreads FirstReads. Thank you so much. Am looking for the next book by Christopher C Payne
May 6, 2010
Very interesting book! You follow along with a man as he develops into a serial killer. An average, everyday man who one day takes a trip and unlocks a violent murderous part of himself. A part that he accepts and calls his "hobby." There is no pattern or profile to this killer that we know as Duncan, just bloodshed and death are his only needs.
Good book, although the little twist thrown at the very end may have been a little too much in the realm of coincidence---the book held enough of that already.
Good book, although the little twist thrown at the very end may have been a little too much in the realm of coincidence---the book held enough of that already.
July 3, 2010
I found this title extremely interesting. This was the first title by this author that I read and I found it fresh and it has some great perspectives on things. The way it was put together was quite clever and I enjoyed it very much. I would definitely recommend this book and would look forward to other reviews on this title as well.
April 25, 2010
This story is told from the perspective of a serial killer. Unlike many serial killer stories, this one does a great job of including the "normal" everyday aspects of the killer's life. The author also does well with portraying the progression of the killer's emotions and aberrant behaviors over time.
October 25, 2011
I really enjoyed readying this book and this time the first person narrative did NOT bother me, I was actually quite amused by Duncan's wandering mind and lack of attachment. At times, I found myself upset at his ex-wife! LOL. It was a nice, quick read although it got graphic at upsetting at times, it is nothing you haven't been exposed to on crime TV or the news.
October 1, 2010
Harrowing! a spellbinder!
October 12, 2010
Whoa this looks crazy and insane... maybe bloody and too violent but I will find a way, i mean there's a severed head on the cover page!
Want to read
January 1, 2011"This book contains graphic violence. It is about a serial killer. Please do not attempt to read it unless you are fully prepared for death." - that really caught my attention!
Read
January 21, 2011I THOUGHT THIS BOOK WAS EXCELLENT,AND I ADVISE EVERYONE TO READ THIS BOOK!
February 24, 2018
I'm sorry to say that I actually regret spending money on this book. It is badly written, as it has a messy but overly simple plot and fails to be true to the form of an actual diary since the narrator at some times is the main character and at other times one of the secondary characters. It is also filled with a lot of wannabe profound observations about our apparently horrible society and a lot of chauvinist drivel. It's horribly depressing and as mentioned very badly written and I was left with the impression that the author didn't really know where he was going with this and in the end all his notes we're just blended together into a semblance of a story line. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
June 17, 2024
This book has been on my TBR list for many years. It's kinda hard to find. I don't know if.iy was self published or what but it definitely needs some polishing. There were many typos and incorrect words, and someone needed to add some punctuation. Some of that could be part of Duncan "writing" his diary. For example, Duncan wrote that he had surgery to remove his patella from his throat. The patella is also known as the kneecap, which is not in the throat. Was that Payne's error or Duncan's?
While the writing and grammar needed help, I really enjoyed the story. The idea of being in the mind of a bidding serial killer is fascinating to me, as a fan of horror movies and a student of psychology. I thought I knew how it would probably end, but I was wrong, and I'm ok with that.
While the writing and grammar needed help, I really enjoyed the story. The idea of being in the mind of a bidding serial killer is fascinating to me, as a fan of horror movies and a student of psychology. I thought I knew how it would probably end, but I was wrong, and I'm ok with that.
September 30, 2010
So....all done. I got to page 9 the first time and then proceeded to finish the rest all in one sitting. I must say that I was really hoping that he would be caught in the end not just for the fact that he was a despicable human being, but moreso because he was just so STUPID -- completely inept. Ive been studying serial killers for years and years now and the whole time Im reading this, Im thinking "he should have done this", "he shouldnt have left this behind" et al. This isnt to say that I was rooting him on either, but Im just saying that in the perspective of "this is what a smart serial killer should do". Of course in reality, I would only hope that all serial killers would be this stupid for they would get caught a lot sooner and be off the streets, but you get what I mean at any rate.
Overall I found the book to be a really good read -- a great insight into a fledgling serial killer. I believe the emotional state behind what he did was pretty on target with how I would think most killers would think at any given moment throughout their "career".
I was disappointed when it came to neither agent really acting on their obvious lead. Maybe this is just to show an example of just how inept law enforcement can be. If so, then the author did a great job, and that is what I would rather believe, but I just cant fathom how someone can be so extremely stupid about their crimes and really get away with it like that. In the last scene, the door had to have remained open when Sudhir came in and witnessed his very last image so its hard to believe that no one would have noticed it (silencer or not). And why there was no follow-up between the obvious Volvo involvement in both the missing girl cases leaves me scratching my head....if it was a Camry or an Accord maybe I could understand, but a green Volvo SUV? Granted its a rich area of CA which I took into consideration, but it still doesnt jive with me that that lead wasnt followed up on.
None of this so far is an attack on the author as Ive read enough true crime in my life to know just how inept both the cats and the mice can be, but *since* I read so much NON-fiction involving serial killers Im hardened in that sense so I have to make my complaints known.
I actually cried when Sudhir died. I really fell in love with his character. Obviously some of it out of pity, but I really did think he was a good person and the last thing I would have wished burned into his retinas was the image he saw. Poor man.
One other complaint I have is on page 51 where Sudhir calls the cell phone number and Duncan answers.... Certainly if theyve known each other since they were kids, Duncan would know his friend's last name, and certainly reversely, Sudhir would recognise his friend's voice. Granted, this might not be immediate from either side seeing as it happened fast and unexpectedly, but especially for Sudhir, after having seen his friend's name come up on the list of Volvo owners, it might have rung a bell... Same goes for Duncan realizing that one of his best friends (if not THE best friend) is a COP and that he also knows a guy from the FBI!!! Wow. That takes just the right mix of balls, stupidity, and luck right there.
The only other real attack at the author other than the above: the errors!!!!! Yes, Im a grammar nazi and yes, quite a few books have their fair share of typos and furthers instead of farthers and would ofs instead of would haves (Im looking straight at you Jonathan Lethem on the latter example!), but on page 238 2nd paragraph, I about shit myself when I saw, instead of relegated, regulated (in reference to being kinda forced to go to the strip club at their more peak hours). Also, the reference to American Beauty quoted it as having been a paper bag when it was indeed a plastic bag. Finally (as far as the glaring errors) on page 121, Hannah was suddenly referred to as having three kids when she only had two. Its possible the author meant three including Hannah, but then the sentence doesnt play out the same as it would seem it was intended. There were many many other random small ones each taking me out of the moment each time, but those are the biggies right there. Someone else mentioned condemns instead of condoms, but for some reason that one slipped past me...
I know it appears as though Ive complained about it more than praised it, but thats the kind of nitpicky person I am. I really did like the book overall and I would recommend it to people for sure. If theyre grammar nazis like myself I might warn them about the errors, but thats about the extent of it. Overall 3.5 stars really, but I went with three. Granted I felt kinda rushed to write this because I won it and wanted to make sure I got some words out there. Sometimes my opinion changes slightly (or even drastically) when more time has passed. If that turns out to be the case, I will edit this review.
Kudos, Christopher for making a fine book. I will be looking out for your next work regardless of how harsh I may have seemed to come off. And, of course, thank you for sending it to me (won through Goodreads).
Overall I found the book to be a really good read -- a great insight into a fledgling serial killer. I believe the emotional state behind what he did was pretty on target with how I would think most killers would think at any given moment throughout their "career".
I was disappointed when it came to neither agent really acting on their obvious lead. Maybe this is just to show an example of just how inept law enforcement can be. If so, then the author did a great job, and that is what I would rather believe, but I just cant fathom how someone can be so extremely stupid about their crimes and really get away with it like that. In the last scene, the door had to have remained open when Sudhir came in and witnessed his very last image so its hard to believe that no one would have noticed it (silencer or not). And why there was no follow-up between the obvious Volvo involvement in both the missing girl cases leaves me scratching my head....if it was a Camry or an Accord maybe I could understand, but a green Volvo SUV? Granted its a rich area of CA which I took into consideration, but it still doesnt jive with me that that lead wasnt followed up on.
None of this so far is an attack on the author as Ive read enough true crime in my life to know just how inept both the cats and the mice can be, but *since* I read so much NON-fiction involving serial killers Im hardened in that sense so I have to make my complaints known.
I actually cried when Sudhir died. I really fell in love with his character. Obviously some of it out of pity, but I really did think he was a good person and the last thing I would have wished burned into his retinas was the image he saw. Poor man.
One other complaint I have is on page 51 where Sudhir calls the cell phone number and Duncan answers.... Certainly if theyve known each other since they were kids, Duncan would know his friend's last name, and certainly reversely, Sudhir would recognise his friend's voice. Granted, this might not be immediate from either side seeing as it happened fast and unexpectedly, but especially for Sudhir, after having seen his friend's name come up on the list of Volvo owners, it might have rung a bell... Same goes for Duncan realizing that one of his best friends (if not THE best friend) is a COP and that he also knows a guy from the FBI!!! Wow. That takes just the right mix of balls, stupidity, and luck right there.
The only other real attack at the author other than the above: the errors!!!!! Yes, Im a grammar nazi and yes, quite a few books have their fair share of typos and furthers instead of farthers and would ofs instead of would haves (Im looking straight at you Jonathan Lethem on the latter example!), but on page 238 2nd paragraph, I about shit myself when I saw, instead of relegated, regulated (in reference to being kinda forced to go to the strip club at their more peak hours). Also, the reference to American Beauty quoted it as having been a paper bag when it was indeed a plastic bag. Finally (as far as the glaring errors) on page 121, Hannah was suddenly referred to as having three kids when she only had two. Its possible the author meant three including Hannah, but then the sentence doesnt play out the same as it would seem it was intended. There were many many other random small ones each taking me out of the moment each time, but those are the biggies right there. Someone else mentioned condemns instead of condoms, but for some reason that one slipped past me...
I know it appears as though Ive complained about it more than praised it, but thats the kind of nitpicky person I am. I really did like the book overall and I would recommend it to people for sure. If theyre grammar nazis like myself I might warn them about the errors, but thats about the extent of it. Overall 3.5 stars really, but I went with three. Granted I felt kinda rushed to write this because I won it and wanted to make sure I got some words out there. Sometimes my opinion changes slightly (or even drastically) when more time has passed. If that turns out to be the case, I will edit this review.
Kudos, Christopher for making a fine book. I will be looking out for your next work regardless of how harsh I may have seemed to come off. And, of course, thank you for sending it to me (won through Goodreads).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2022
The book started off with a intelligent witty yet dark humour that didn’t seem to carry through the entire book. And the ending seemed a little sudden but all in all a very enjoyable read.
Read
March 20, 2011 Alexis Zuñiga
March 17, 2011
3/17/11
The name of my book is “Duncan’s Diary: Birth of a Serial Killer” by Christopher C.Payne. Duncan’s Diary is about a middle-aged man in the middle of his mid-life crisis, trying to find himself. He has many of the same problems other men in this time have, but while facing his- such as his divorce- he realizes that the only thing that makes him feel good is a secret world of torture and death. . Throughout the story he feels bad for some of the things he has done, and it seems like he is not too insane even a little reasonable.
In the book the main character Duncan is going through problems most people endure, he isn’t very happy with his job, his bitch wife is making his divorce a nightmare, which in turn alienates him a bit from his daughters who he holds dear. With all this weight he has on his shoulders he looks for a release, and killing seems to satisfy it. It starts with a trip to the tropics where he has an encounter with a woman who like to be hit and beat on. While he feels bad after the fact, while he was hitting her he feels something that he had never felt before and has the craving to feel that same feeling once again.
Once back in his hometown he decides that torturing and killing people will be his way of release. He makes a three hour trip from his regular home, to a vacation home and starts remodeling the house to make a torture room. He intensely plans his first victim coming to the house, planning every little detail and making sure there would be no loose ends. His meticulous planning shows me that he is still not completely insane as he still is thinking of the consequences his actions could bring. After killing his first victim he feels bad, that he has done something wrong. This guilt proves that at the beginning he is still a little human.
In comparison to the other book I read “American Psycho” the two main characters are somewhat alike. Both are wealthy middle-aged men who seem to enjoy killing. One of the differences is that the character from American Psycho doesn’t really have that much pressure on him as he was born wealthy and seems to kill for the pure joy of it, while Duncan from the book I am currently reading sees his killings as more of a release from his everyday life, with its problems and humdrum fashion. It’s fascinating to see the mind behind these serial killers, as I had no prior knowledge about them before I started reading these books. The different reasons and lifestyles captivating my interest, and finding out that no serial killer is the same
Book Review
March 17, 2011
3/17/11
The name of my book is “Duncan’s Diary: Birth of a Serial Killer” by Christopher C.Payne. Duncan’s Diary is about a middle-aged man in the middle of his mid-life crisis, trying to find himself. He has many of the same problems other men in this time have, but while facing his- such as his divorce- he realizes that the only thing that makes him feel good is a secret world of torture and death. . Throughout the story he feels bad for some of the things he has done, and it seems like he is not too insane even a little reasonable.
In the book the main character Duncan is going through problems most people endure, he isn’t very happy with his job, his bitch wife is making his divorce a nightmare, which in turn alienates him a bit from his daughters who he holds dear. With all this weight he has on his shoulders he looks for a release, and killing seems to satisfy it. It starts with a trip to the tropics where he has an encounter with a woman who like to be hit and beat on. While he feels bad after the fact, while he was hitting her he feels something that he had never felt before and has the craving to feel that same feeling once again.
Once back in his hometown he decides that torturing and killing people will be his way of release. He makes a three hour trip from his regular home, to a vacation home and starts remodeling the house to make a torture room. He intensely plans his first victim coming to the house, planning every little detail and making sure there would be no loose ends. His meticulous planning shows me that he is still not completely insane as he still is thinking of the consequences his actions could bring. After killing his first victim he feels bad, that he has done something wrong. This guilt proves that at the beginning he is still a little human.
In comparison to the other book I read “American Psycho” the two main characters are somewhat alike. Both are wealthy middle-aged men who seem to enjoy killing. One of the differences is that the character from American Psycho doesn’t really have that much pressure on him as he was born wealthy and seems to kill for the pure joy of it, while Duncan from the book I am currently reading sees his killings as more of a release from his everyday life, with its problems and humdrum fashion. It’s fascinating to see the mind behind these serial killers, as I had no prior knowledge about them before I started reading these books. The different reasons and lifestyles captivating my interest, and finding out that no serial killer is the same
Book Review
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March 10, 2011 Duncan is a father and soon-to-be ex-husband in his early forties, and something is missing from his life. As it turns out, that missing thing is murder. Told in his own words, we witness one man’s descent into madness, and the efforts of the police who are trying to stop him.
I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to review this book. I don't wish to be mean, but I am having difficulty coming up with anything nice to say. Aside from the many typos and misspellings, the plot is muddled and full of holes. Many times I had to go back and see if I had missed something. I hadn't, it just wasn't there. There are far too many coincidences and things that just don't make sense. Duncan, the "serial killer" doesn't really kill that many people. At least, seven doesn't seem like that many to me; not for this type of story.
Perhaps I'm being too harsh. I'm bothered by things like a chapter title "Two Days of Fun" that takes place over just a few hours. Or an entire chapter devoted to Duncan meeting a woman who never appears again. How about a man who doesn't recognize the voice of his best friend? Or the cops investigating a crime before it's committed? I think what Duncan needed was a good editor.
There are so many more problems I could talk about, but I think I've made my point. This book is Not Recommended.
Contains, Sex, violence, strong language, and gore.
Reviewed by: Erik Smith
I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to review this book. I don't wish to be mean, but I am having difficulty coming up with anything nice to say. Aside from the many typos and misspellings, the plot is muddled and full of holes. Many times I had to go back and see if I had missed something. I hadn't, it just wasn't there. There are far too many coincidences and things that just don't make sense. Duncan, the "serial killer" doesn't really kill that many people. At least, seven doesn't seem like that many to me; not for this type of story.
Perhaps I'm being too harsh. I'm bothered by things like a chapter title "Two Days of Fun" that takes place over just a few hours. Or an entire chapter devoted to Duncan meeting a woman who never appears again. How about a man who doesn't recognize the voice of his best friend? Or the cops investigating a crime before it's committed? I think what Duncan needed was a good editor.
There are so many more problems I could talk about, but I think I've made my point. This book is Not Recommended.
Contains, Sex, violence, strong language, and gore.
Reviewed by: Erik Smith
February 9, 2011
I have mixed feelings about this book. As other reviewers have mentioned, it does seem a bit hastily edited, and that can be distracting. The author's somewhat obsessive use of the past-perfect tense was distracting, as it felt as though every other word was "had". Once I got over the 'hads' and settled into the novel, I quickly got caught up in Duncan's story. Only to be ripped out when the narration changes from the first person, memoir style to a third person omniscient narrator. Okay, well, I rolled with that, though I would have preferred Sudhir's chapters to be told in first person as well. Then, later on, mid-chapter the narration changes--chapter to chapter I could handle, but mid-chapter. It was like being on a roller coaster. The jerky narration and hasty editing aside, the story itself is compelling. I would not classify this as horror, necessarily, it is more psychological thriller--think, Dexter meets Hostel. I am always fascinated by the dark side of human nature and it was compelling to see Duncan's degradation as he moved further and further along with his "craft". Overall, the novel is a valiant effort, I'm interested in seeing the author's style mature as he continues to write more books.
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