If you’re looking for something truly daring in the YA thriller space, this book is a wild ride from a totally new angle - it puts you in the head of the killer instead of the hero. With its dark, philosophical twist and a protagonist who firmly believes there’s no real right or wrong, this story is both disturbing and thought-provoking. Fans of Dexter, dark moral dilemmas, or unique perspectives in suspense fiction will find plenty to chew on here. If you enjoy stories that make you uncomfortable in the best way possible - and don’t mind complex anti-heroes - this could be your next obsession.

Who May Not Like This Book:

This book is definitely not for everyone. Readers who need a likeable protagonist or a clear moral compass may have a tough time connecting with Kit, the teenage serial killer at the heart of the story. The plot sometimes asks for a major suspension of disbelief, with certain characters who might seem oblivious for too long. Plus, if you love authentic British settings, the Americanized London might irk you. Sensitive readers should also note that while the violence isn’t overly graphic, the subject matter can be unsettling.

A bold, unsettling YA thriller that dares to go dark - perfect for readers who want something out of the ordinary, but possibly too disturbing if you want a hero to root for or a neat, moral package.

About:

'Dear Killer' by Katherine Ewell is a gripping thriller that follows the story of Kit, a 17-year-old assassin who receives secret letters instructing her on who to kill. Raised by her mother, a former serial killer, Kit struggles with her moral compass as she navigates her way through the world of murder and deception. The book delves deep into Kit's psyche, exploring her inner turmoil and the consequences of her actions, all while maintaining a fast-paced and engaging narrative style that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The novel offers a unique perspective by presenting a protagonist who is a murderer, rather than the typical hero trying to stop crimes. The plot is filled with twists and turns, as Kit grapples with her identity, relationships, and the dark secrets of her past. Ewell's writing is both thought-provoking and chilling, painting a complex portrait of a young killer struggling to find her place in a world devoid of right and wrong.

Characters:

The characters, particularly Kit, offer a complex portrayal of morality, with relationships that play a pivotal role in the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style blends graphic elements with deep philosophical insights, engaging the reader through a compelling narrative voice.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a teenage serial killer navigating her moral ambiguity, complex relationships, and the ramifications of her actions.

Setting:

The setting is London, though some readers noted cultural inaccuracies that detracted from the experience.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast, particularly engaging in the early stages, though some feel the climax wraps up too quickly.

That is the most important guideline, and the hardest one for most people to understand—but I have understood it my entire life, from the moment I laid my hands on that first victim’s neck to this ver...

Notes:

The book features a teenage serial killer named Kit who operates under a moral code taught by her mother.

Kit's mother views killing as a way to instill fear and unify people.

The novel is set in London, but it contains American slang that some readers found irritating.

Kit befriends one of her future victims, complicating the narrative and her character development.

The story delves into Kit's psychological struggles as she navigates her identity and actions.

Readers noted that while the book deals with graphic kills, the murders are not described in detail.

The themes explore morality, identity, and the consequences of one's actions.

The protagonist breaks the mold of traditional YA novels by being the antagonist instead of the hero.

Kit's story is described as a mix of thriller and horror, evoking a strong emotional response from readers.

The writing is appreciated for its ability to provoke thought and reflection on good vs. evil.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains high content warnings due to graphic violence and murder.

From The Publisher:

Full of "can't look away" moments, Dear Killer is a psychological thriller perfect for fans of gritty realistic fiction such as Dan Wells's I Am Not a Serial Killer and Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why, as well as television's Dexter.

Rule One-Nothing is right, nothing is wrong. Kit looks like your average seventeen-year-old high school student, but she has a secret-she's London's notorious "Perfect Killer." She chooses who to murder based on letters left in a secret mailbox, and she's good-no, perfect-at what she does.

Her moral nihilism-the fact that she doesn't believe in right and wrong-makes being a serial killer a whole lot easier . . . until she breaks her own rules by befriending someone she's supposed to murder, as well as the detective in charge of the Perfect Killer case.

As New York Times bestselling author of the Gone series Michael Grant says, Dear Killer is "shocking, mesmerizing, and very smart."

April 2014

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369 pages

Ratings (2)

Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (7):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (3)
Not Interested (2)

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Dear Killer?

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Dear Killer

Katherine Ewell

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