Themes

• Duality of human nature

• Morality and ethical dilemmas

• Family bonds and loyalty

• Nature vs nurture in shaping identity

• Justice and vigilantism

• Psychological trauma and its effects

• Societal expectations vs inner desires

Setting

Darkly Dreaming Dexter is set in Miami, Florida, during the early 2000s. The metropolis, with its diverse population, dynamic nightlife, and tropical climate, serves as a vibrant backdrop to the story.

The novel primarily unfolds in various locations across Miami Dade County. Key settings include the Miami Police Department, where Dexter works as a forensic blood spatter analyst, and the sun-soaked streets of the city where he pursues his vigilante activities. The stark contrast between Miami's glittering facade and its darker underbelly is a recurring theme throughout the book.

Specific places of note include crime scenes scattered throughout the city, Dexter's apartment, and the shipping container where the climactic confrontation takes place. This container, located in a nondescript industrial area, serves as a powerful link to Dexter's traumatic past and becomes the stage for the novel's intense finale.

Characters

• Dexter Morgan: The protagonist and narrator. A forensic blood spatter analyst for the Miami Police Department by day and a vigilante serial killer by night. Dexter only kills those he believes deserve it, following a strict moral code instilled by his adoptive father. He struggles with his inner “Dark Passenger” and his inability to feel normal human emotions.

• Debra Morgan: Dexter's adoptive sister and a police officer aspiring to join the Homicide department. Unaware of Dexter's secret life, she often seeks his help with cases due to his uncanny insights. Debra is foul-mouthed, determined, and fiercely loyal to her brother.

• Harry Morgan: Dexter's deceased adoptive father, a respected police detective. He recognized Dexter's homicidal tendencies early on and taught him “The Code” to channel his urges towards killing only those who deserve it. Harry appears in Dexter's memories and imagined conversations.

• Brian Moser: The main antagonist, also known as the Tamiami Slasher. He is revealed to be Dexter's biological brother, separated after witnessing their mother's murder. Brian shares Dexter's homicidal nature but lacks his moral code.

• LaGuerta: A police lieutenant and Debra's superior. She is ambitious and often at odds with Debra. 

• Vince Masuka: Dexter's colleague in the forensics department. He provides comic relief with his inappropriate jokes and behavior.

• Angel Batista: A homicide detective who works with Dexter. He is friendly and trusting, unaware of Dexter's true nature.

Quick facts

• Published in 2004, Darkly Dreaming Dexter is the first book in Jeff Lindsay's Dexter series.

• The novel won the 2005 Dilys Award from the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.

• It formed the basis for the popular Showtime television series Dexter, which ran for 8 seasons.

• The book introduces the character of Dexter Morgan, a forensic blood spatter analyst who is also a vigilante serial killer.

• Dexter's moral code of only killing other killers was taught to him by his adoptive father, Harry Morgan.

• The novel reveals that Dexter has an inner voice he calls the “Dark Passenger” that urges him to kill.

• In the book, Dexter discovers he has a biological brother named Brian, who is also a serial killer.

• The story is set in Miami, Florida, where Dexter works for the police department.

• Lindsay wrote the novel in first-person narrative from Dexter's perspective.

• The most recent Dexter crime thriller, Dexter Is Dead, was published in 2015.

About the Author

Jeff Lindsay (1952-) is an American playwright and author of crime thrillers. He is best known for creating the character of Dexter Morgan, a forensic analyst and vigilante serial killer. Introduced in Darkly Dreaming Dexter (2004), this intriguing character and his complex moral code inspired a series of books and a popular Showtime television adaptation.

Before finding success with Dexter, Lindsay had a diverse career, including work as a musician, comedian, actor, TV host, and even a dishwasher. He graduated from Middlebury College in 1975 and attended clown school the same year. He later earned a double MFA in Directing and Playwriting from Carnegie-Mellon University. 

Beyond Dexter, Lindsay has authored other thriller series, including the Billy Knight and the Riley Wolfe novels. He has also ventured into comic book writing, penning Dexter graphic novels for Marvel Comics. 

Lindsay's personal life is closely tied to literary royalty. He is married to Hilary Hemingway, niece of Ernest Hemingway and an accomplished author in her own right. Lindsay has collaborated with his wife on several projects, including nonfiction works about the Hemingway family. The couple resides in Florida with their children.