Jazz is a likable teenager. A charmer. But he's also the son of a (now incarcerated) infamous serial killer, and "Dear Old Dad" (as Jazz calls him) has taught Jazz everything he knows. But what Jazz doesn't know is whether or not he is destined to follow in his father's footsteps. He knows he has urges, but he also knows (hopes) that he has a conscience, that he isn't like his father, that he can follow his own path. And so, in an effort to right his father's wrongs, Jazz decides to help the police (although they don't know it yet) hunt down "The Impressionist" - a new serial killer in town.
As The Impressionist kills more victims, Jazz uses the "skills" he's learned to determine the killer is copying his father's career - almost to the letter. Everyone in town thinks that Jazz could be the murderer, and why shouldn't they? The only people that stand by him are his hemophiliac best friend, Howie, and his tough, beautiful girlfriend, Connie - one of the few girls Jazz feels comfortable around given his father's history: His dad may have murdered dozens of women, but they were all white, and Connie is black.
As the bodies pile up, Jazz struggles with determining his "true" destiny. Ultimately, he manages to stop The Impressionist, but in the meantime learns his father has escaped from his maximum security prison, and Jazz may have played a role in his escape.... For now he's safe, but he knows his dad is out there, somewhere, looking for his next victim....
©2012 Barry Lyga (P)2012 Hachette Audio
"Underwhelming, Predictable and Dull"
A better listening experience would have been a story that wasn't so repetitive in the lead character's inner dialog. It became tiresome, and stale.
I doubt it.
Buzzing, Ratcheting, Sticky
There too many scenes with his rather nauseatingly preachy girlfriend. I would cut all of the preachiness, or at least the long argument in the Jas's hideout.
"Loved This Book!"
If you enjoy shows like "Criminal Minds", or scary and gross crime shows revolving about serial killers, then you will love this book. The story was different, interesting, and I loved the main character. The narrator was also very good. I cant wait for the sequel!
""I Hunt Killers" was pretty awesome!"
The detail of the crimes and how the killer(s) think.
The plot. After the book was over and I was thinking about it, it all made sense. I'm still putting bits and pieces together. I really, really enjoyed this story. I can't wait until the next one comes out.
Absolutely! He did an outstanding job of narrating.
Yes, but couldn't. Listened to it in my car on the way to and from work. I'd get up in the morning and couldn't wait to get in my car so I could listen to it!
Wow--what a great listen!
I'm a reader of YA and writer as well. I prefer contemporary but also love a nice dark paranormal or YA, as long as the story is true.
"Sick & Twisted & Oh SO Sweet!"
If you are a fan of Dexter, this is the book for you. Jaz is like a baby Dexter -- raised by his brilliant, psychotic serial killer father. Even with his father behind bars, serving dozens of life sentences for the many murders he committed, Jaz is unable to escape his father's shadow. He has thoughts constantly that veer toward the murderous side, and because of that is always doubting himself. The cast of characters is pretty intriguing as well, especially the country bumpkin Sheriff who is a pretty smart guy even though he might not seem so at first. The narrator perfectly captured Jaz in his performance, and the voice of the psychotic father and even the Sheriff. But I wasn't happy with how the friend and girlfriend and other people were portrayed. They felt like caricatures, which is disappointing because they weren't written as such. All in all, this is an excellent, engrossing audio book and well worth the purchase. It's my first audio book to complete and I am very glad to recommend it. I can't wait for the sequel!
The fact that the main character is so flawed but doesn't sit around and whine about it. So what if I might grow up to be a serial killer just like daddy dearest? I'm not going to whine about it. I'll go out and hunt them in the mean time!
Great vulnerability and emotion to the main character.
The scene between Jaz and his dad is amazing. So raw and chilling.
"Sort of puts in the mind of a Dean Knootz book."
I really enjoyed this book. Couldn't put it down.
Again this book sort of reminds me of a Dean Knootz book. I got the same feeling of suspence. This author is getting to be very good. Can't wait until he comes out with more.
"Not a Child Read"
Yes, story was excellent, well written with believable characters. I cared about these people and especially Jasper
cant think of any
Jasper, but they all were great. Mr Thurston has a way of changing his voice for each character so you know exaclty who is speaking at all times.
It made me gasp a few times, kept me guessing
Is listed as a teen novel and the contents are mostly mild, however there are a few scens that made me wince. I think a more appropriate description would be mild Adult.
"Love It!"
I have not read the print version to compare.
Can't tell without giving the story away.
His voice fits the book well.
This book was great from beginning to end.
My son picked up the book with me at part 2 in a long car ride, and was able to get into it with no problem. We really enjoyed it, and commented that the ride even seemed shorter because we were so captivated by the book, the time and miles flew by. I cannot wait for the sequel!