I Hunt Killers

Look, I have thoughts on this book that I NEED to share. Basically, I think the idea and story and the plot of this book is absolutely fantastic. But, the thing is, the writing is absolutely TERRIBLE. I hate to say it, but sounds like my own writing form when I was eleven; all tell and no show, awkward 3rd person present tense, and overall just sounding like an amateur writer. I feel like this would be a great book if it were written by someone else.

I listened to the audiobook version and really enjoyed it. The story is a creepy, fast-paced mystery told from the point of view of the son of an infamous serial killer. In spite of the subject matter, there are some humorous moments as well which give the story some levity and balance. The characters are interesting, too. The ending was a bit abrupt with a huge cliffhanger, so I am tracking down book #2 in the series right away.

So good! I wasn't even halfway through the book before I knew I wanted to read the rest of the trilogy. This book is so good, it's hard to put down once you start reading (which I would have read it in one sitting but was unable to because of circumstances). This is a good, thrilling, suspenseful ride. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book. I hope the rest of the series is as good as the first book!

I have no idea what I expected wit this book, but it was so much darker than I ever imagined it would be. This is considered a YA novel because Jasper is only 17, however, his life is anything but typical. He was raised by a serial killer and with that comes gory details related to the murders. Barry Lyga was not afraid of diving into the gritty details in this book. There are vivid details relating to the murders and thoughts Jasper has.

I was not at all bother by the darkness of this novel, but kind of wish I had been forewarned about how graphic it actually is. I also think you need to be prepared if you want to read this series.

As for the actual characters and plots, I really enjoyed Jasper as the protagonist. He is dealing with a lot with his father being a convicted serial killer. Add to this Jasper's upbringing and his tendencies toward violent thoughts and you have a very complex layered character. We saw the struggle that Jasper goes through with trying to distance himself from his father and his actions. Jasper is also surrounded by people who believe in him in Howie, Connie, and G. Williams.

As for plot, I was engrossed in finding out who was this new killer and what his motivations were. This book had me anticipating and trying to guess what was going to happen. And I can happily say, I was still surprised by the end. Certain aspects I was able to predict, but overall I was left shocked at the outcome. This book also ended in a way that makes me mad I do not have the next book in the series to pick up and see how Jasper and Company deal with the new developments.

this was really interesting. I am hoping that there is a second book and that Jazz gets to catch Billy. no spoiler intended if you are reading the book the names should make sense

Holy YA Batman. This book completely shattered all expectations I had before picking it up. I've always been a bit intrigued by serial killers, morbid as that may seem. It's something about the cold and calculating personas that they have one moment, while having the ability to blend into normal society the next. Jazz's dad was a perfect example of this. Meticulous and horrific, and yet wholly intriguing. Being in the head of a boy raised by a serial killer was intense. And yet, I loved it.

Let's talk about that boy. Jazz. I truly think it is his character that brings this story to life. Raised by a monster, desensitized to the pain of others, Jazz has a point of view that is quite interesting. His life has been filled with a battle between what he knows he should feel, and what he actually does feel. Always battling the darkness inside himself. Is he truly a copy of his father like everyone else believes? Or is there something within Jazz that keeps him from turning into that stigma? This question drives Jazz in I Hunt Killers. Motivates him to solve the murders, and keep the part of himself that still sees the light.

Lucky for Jazz, Barry Lyga gives him some allies in his quest for some type of normalcy. The other characters in this book may be minor ones, but they truly do just as much to bring the book to life as Jazz himself does. Howie was by far my favorite. I won't spoil anything for you, in case you haven't had the pleasure of devouring this book, but trust me he's amazing. I loved the way that he and Jazz are so completely different from one another. One strong, but afraid of his inner demons. The other weak on the outside, but with a strength all his own on the inside. It is these characters that keep Jazz sane, and move the story along.

I will warn you to make sure you have a strong stomach if you are going to take a shot at this amazing story. It is definitely a serial killer novel at its core, and there are some shocking pieces that might make you cringe. Heck, I don't think you'd be human if at least a bit of this story didn't affect you. Still, it's so compulsively readable. Anything you ever wanted to know about the mind of a serial murderer, about the motivations they feel, or even about the crime scenes they leave behind, it's here.

What can I say? I Hunt Killers is just stunning. Gorgeously morbid, and so unique. There is absolutely nothing that I did not love about this book! Barry Lyga is a genius and I simply cannot wait for more! The ending tore me in half with wanting. This is going to be a series that I will follow with a fan girl intensity. You can be sure of that.