Night Kills

Retired detective Frank Quinn and his team are called back to the NYPD as special consultants in the Torso Murders (the second book featuring these characters). A series of sick murders that end up with only the torso's of the victims being found. Not only are they mutilated, but they are also defiled. Without being able to identify the victims, it's nearly impossible for them to find a connection between the victims - until the next potential victim is approached by the only person to have escaped with her life. And in turns contacts Quinn and his team in an effort to save her own life. An extremely clever reasoning behind the murders helps the reader turn each page faster just to find out what will happen next. A chilling, thrilling show more story that will make you think twice about signing up for online dating services. A+ show less

This book started with lots of promise. Then the plot inconsistencies began, and I found myself wondering why Lutz didn't keep track of details within his own story. Then the reason is revealed for the torsos being left out in public, which happens before the midway point, and the whole thing fell apart for me.

I can't point out the inconsistencies without giving spoilers, so I'll be vague. Certain evidence was altered along the way, in that medical examiners and detectives suddenly knew things they hadn't known and/or had no way of knowing. This is not one instance, but many.

I also don't want to give spoilers by sharing the reason that the torsos were left in public. So here I'll just say that it's simply ridiculous. We have an show more intelligent "madman" who would find far better options for the goal sought. This "madman" does not want to draw attention, yet leaves a string of torsos all over the city as if this won't gain a ton of police and media attention? I could not get past this huge stumbling point.

Shortly after that revelation, another scene regarding Jill Clark, Pearl, and an elevator, left me shaking my head. Pearl is supposed to be a smart, intuitive detective, yet her reaction to this incident is simply stupid, particularly given her fore knowledge and preparation.

Things continue downhill from there and, for me, these problems far overshadowed the good qualities of Lutz's writing.

Lutz has an easy writing style that pulls readers in. If you can get past the inconsistencies and absurdities, it's a fast moving story you might enjoy far more than I did. show less

I like Lutz's way of telling the reader what all of the characters are thinking including the victims, antagonists and protagonists. The book is a great thriller, but be prepared for the gruesome death descriptions/

Group N1