Not the best of the series. Dexter seems to have lost some of his, pardon the pun, "edge" in this one. But I am a completionist, so I will keep it and wait for the next one. ( )

I'm not a giant fan of the Dexter franchise, but it's always sparked my curiosity. I've watched a couple of episodes of the first season of the TV show and flipped through the first couple pages of some of the books. So, I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book, as most of the readers seem to be long term fans.

In short, this was a fun romp. The story was much more imaginative than your run-of-the-mill mystery series. The writing was mostly pedestrian, but with some entertaining turns of phrase (mostly alliteration).

The theme of family and the contrasts between families of choice and families of biology was not particularly subtle, but was interesting.

I've read a lot of reviews about the mysticism with which Lindsay imbues the "dark passenger," but I felt kind of ambivalent to the idea that there was a separate entity in Dexter that wanted to kill. It worked as a metaphor. I would have disliked it as more than a metaphor, but Lindsay never really pushed that point.

All in all, this was an entertaining, quick read. It would be a top notch airport or beach book and was good enough that I wasn't embarrassed to be reading it during my commute. It's better than the vast majority of serial mystery books out there, but it doesn't reach the ranks of Great Literature of Our Times (nor does it strive to.) ( )

The character growth for Dexter continues, and it's wonderful. Can't wait to read his next slice! ( )

Ah, I finished this book! What do I do now?! I need more Dexter books!!! This book had me worried, for a while, about this little personality revamp of Dexter's, and then he went back to his old ways, and I rejoiced, and then back to his new ways, boo! But I guess they say all's well that ends well, so thank goodness for the Epilouge. The book, as a whole, was all right, but the Epilouge really has me pumped for the next edition. It's weird, I keep saying every book was ok, not great, but I guess it is because I am comparing them to #'s 2 and 1. Standing alone, I really do like each book in it's own way.
Anyway, here are some quick hits instead of a full review:
I'm really not liking Chutsky after this book, he better come back next book and redeem himself.
Still torn on Brian, but I think I'm starting to like and trust him more, akin to Dexter.
Speaking of, who didn't know who Alana was calling, and when he showed up, who the man in the black hood was. I mean, come on, did anyone really not know?
Did not see the Deborah thing coming, but I really feel like I should have.
And finally, yes, I'm trying to be vague, don't want to be a spoiler ruiner thingy.
Now come on Mr. Linsay, give me another Dexter!!!!!!!!! ( )

Dexter' was showering much more emotion in this one and the book focused on the importance of family....even the many ways Dexter's family was split and messed up. The main plot was interesting and I think had a fairly clean and satisfying ending ( )