Review: I Don't Want to Kill You

I Don't Want to Kill You by Dan Wells

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This was a very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy that started with I Am Not A Serial Killer. However, while it was compelling and an excellent story, I just didn't think the writing was as strong in this one as the last two.

The tension wasn't as high as in the last two books, for starters. I just didn't get the sense that John was being closed in on, and that he had to solve the mystery before it was too late, as in previous books. I felt like he would stumble across it when things lined up just right for him, and he did.

There was a romantic development in this book, too, that felt a bit tacked-on and forced. If I'd seen it further explored in earlier books, I might have bought it, but it was too much, too fast for one book that takes place over 2 months of story.

But, aside from those quibbles, it was an excellent story. There were some cool twists on the previous concepts, some payoffs that made the trilogy very satisfying, overall, and some scenes that are going to stay with me for a while.

If you're considering picking up this series, but you're worried it's too much like Dexter, pick it up. John Cleaver is a very different sort of character, with very different sets of problems. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who likes a sprinkling of the supernatural and creepy in your small-town dramas.



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