Darkly Dreaming Dexter
by Jeff Lindsay
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Book Reviews of Darkly Dreaming Dexter
Book Review: Ho-hum story and unimaginative writing
Summary: 2 Stars
Strange that such a clever series with a witty, suave protagonist could have come from this book. I opened Darkly Dreaming Dexter, hoping that the occasionally stiff writing of Showtime's series would be washed away by something far more clever and engaging. Nope. Just the opposite. The book's lead is missing the flair of his TV alter-ego and he seems prone to major idiot-level gaffes. The sharp banter's gone; replaced by tired puns. The season 1 storyline is somewhat on display but apparently, the show's writers improved drastically upon the book's two-dimensional characters and the hurried, poorly-conceived climax.
It's not often I say this but the books aren't worth your time, while the show's one of the best things on television. Dexter in the book isn't charming, isn't smart and isn't all that good as being a serial killer. The book's further saddled with poorly written side-characters and nothing approaching the humor or wit of the series. I only gave the book a 2 because the concept is great. The execution of the book though? I'm all for it.
Book Review: Dexter, the Show is Better, But Thank God for Inspiration
Summary: 3 Stars
I'm a bit of a Dexter fanatic. After watching just one episode of the Showtime hit, I was hooked, reeled in, and left wanting more and more. I adore the idea of a serial killer who not only kills bad guys (ala The Crow, etc.), but also ENJOYS and NEEDS to do this "work." It's rather twisted, yet seems just. How can that be?
Unfortunately or perhaps fortunately, I'm not sure, I watched the show before I read the books and I must say, Michael C. Hall's portrayal of Dexter is so amazing and wonderful, I found myself saying throughout the reading to Book Dexter, "Why can't you be like TV Dexter?" Even the plot lines, once again, on the show, they're fantastic, in depth, and gripping. In the book? Eh, not so much.
Still, I recommend this for any deeply devoted Dexter fan so you can see for yourself how this twisted good time started, but I have to be fair and recommend the show even more. It takes the book and kicks it up a few notches. It even slices and dices THOSE notches with ease and cleans up afterwards like a breeze.
Book Review: A terrific book and a great read EVEN if you have watched the series!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been a fan of the Showtime series Dexter since it's release. I've seen each episode a hand full of times and since September 30th (the premier of season 3) is a long ways away I decided to read the books.
Darkly Dreaming Dexter is the first of the 'Dexter' novels and while there are a number of parallels between the book and the series, the book brings a certain level of character detail that the show surprisingly missed. More over, a number of the events that take place in the book greatly differ from that of the show making it almost more interesting to somebody who has seen the series.
If you have not seen the television series then this book is perfect for anybody with a bit of a cynical side and a passion for a dark thriller.
In short: I highly recommend this title, its a great read for anyone who has or has not seen the series. I've got the second book on the way and I'll be back with a review of that when I am done!
Cheers!
- Nicholas
Book Review: Different than I expected...in a good way
Summary: 5 Stars
I had watched the first season of Dexter on DVD and was talking about it at work with one of the kids (I work at a juvenile detention center) and he mentioned that he had read and enjoyed the book. On his advice (and my love for the show), I picked it up. At first I thought it was going to be the first season exactly, but in written form, but as I continued reading I was pleasanty suprised. While some of the book mirrored the first season of the show, a lot of it was quite different. It was a strange read in the begining, with Lindsay's use of alliteration and metaphors, but I got used to it and the book read a lot like Dexter's own thoughts and narations in the show. I found Dexter's character well developed and easy to get into. It was well written, like you almost felt Dexter's emotions...if he had any. I would recomend this book to anyone who likes the tv series. I also purchaced the second and third books and can't wait to read them, even though I heard that Dexter in the Dark was terrible.Book Review: DEXTER IS DELIRIOUSLY DELIGHTFUL!
Summary: 5 Stars
Darkly Dreaming Dexter is the first in the Dexter series by Jeff Lindsay. The series is a firsthand account of America's first "likable" serial killer. Dexter only kills bad people...and his point of view is so original that it's impossible to not have a fun read.
The story focuses around the mysterious Ice Truck Killer who kills people by disassembling them piece-by-piece. At the same time he's engaged Dexter in a clever game of serial-killing one-ups-manship. Will Dexter save the day before someone close to him dies...by his own hand?
The Dexter character has also translated well to the Showtime series which is a great example of black comedy done to perfection. The novel and the series do share many similarities and some important differences (character deaths, unexplored plotlines). Thus you can read Dexter and watch Dexter and still get the maximum amount of entertainment value. This is a great character who hopefully will have a very long shelf life.