Dexter in the Dark

Dexter Book 3

By: Jeff Lindsay

Narrated by: Jeff Lindsay

Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's Summary

Dexter Morgan is busy planning his wedding to Rita to complete his nice-guy disguise. But when a student is found burnt, molested, and headless - seemingly sacrificed to an ancient god - and Dex is brought in as forensic analyst to help investigate, he realises he could be dealing with someone a whole lot more sinister than he is.

Soon it seems the dark passenger in Dexter's head has gone into hiding. And when something creeps out your friendly neighbourhood serial killer, you know it's serious....

As Halpern and Dexter are stalked by death, it looks like it's getting personal - especially as Dex now has a family to protect. Gradually Dexter realises his stepchildren might share his extracurricular interest in death. Could he help them target their bloodlust just as he steers his own? But to do that, Dex must cope with a certain mutilated sergeant from his past and, more importantly...stay alive....

Narrated by the author.

©2007 Jeff Lindsay (P)2013 Random House

I like this Dexter

If you could sum up Dexter in the Dark in three words, what would they be?

Intriguing - Clever - Original

What did you like best about this story?

I like the evolving relationship between Dexter and Cody, I see why they didn't go this path in the TV series but it does make the books rather devilish.

Which character – as performed by Jeff Lindsay – was your favourite?

He does a good job with all the characters, I do like how he manages Cody and Astor.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not really, it builds well and engages all the way through but rarely do I need to listen in one go.

OK but not a patch on the first two

not as good as the first two

I'm not sure about the whole elder God story I think I preferred the idea of dexter being a murderer with a code rather than possesses by a demonstration.

Wickedly Waiting Watcher

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. Jeff Lindsay becomes his creation, Dexter. His narration is superb, mellow with a slightly creep undertone, and all is read with skill and humour.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dexter in the Dark?

The whole book is rather memorable because the serial killer who hates the sight of blood and lacks emotion is not only getting married but finds himself increasingly emotionally concerned for his two soon to be step children; plus, without his dark passenger to whisper in his ear, Dexter feels he is becoming human.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Not so much a scene, more the writing style which is liberally littered with alliteration

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The predator hunted

Any additional comments?

The whole series is quite delicious - wonderfully read, stylishly written and great fun. This one is no exception.

A robust and rousing riot of resilience!

Jeff Lindsay reads exquisitely with a voice which might just be that of Dexter as played by Michael C Hall. I find myself calmed and comforted by his reading and his intimate knowledge of the story. Such beautiful rendering! On I go to the next!

disappointing

I lost interest,the story was not as good as the previous books. I read reviews before starting this book so I didn't have high hopes just hope the next book in the series is better.

Thought the big conclusion was a bit of a reach

The story is drawn out for a lack-luster conclusion. Still going to begin the next in the series tomorrow though

Hmm

Like some people said this new angle to the story was not the best. Adding a supernatural element to what was supposed to be a purely instinctual spirit/a conscience feels very strange..

A Different Dexter

Without his Dark Passenger, will Dexter be the force of nature he once was? Brilliant narration as always by Jeff.

Dull, Delirious Dexter

I’m not going to get especially spoilery but I will talk about aspects of the writing and plot, so warning for that.

This book goes in a new direction for our dashing, deadly protagonist. It treats the ‘dark Passenger’ not as an aspect of Dexter’s psyche or psychosis but as a literal entity.

I’d always interpreted the ‘passenger’ as metaphorical. The way one talks about their ‘conscience’ in the third person while being aware that it’s actually oneself. This entry into the series explicitly strips that away; the passenger is an actual, ancient demon. This leads, inevitably, to incredibly hokey antagonists. In invoking the supernatural, this makes the character less compelling, in my opinion.

The book also departs from the standard formula of the narrative being exclusively from Dexter’s point of view. We now have two more point-of-view characters. While I’m not necessarily against an author freshening up their style with a new device, it never truly works; I don’t think it complements the existing elements.

I might be willing to give the next instalment a chance (the epilogue suggests a possible reset to the status quo of previous novels) but this was, by far, my least favourite entry.

An utterly amazing masterpiece ✌🏽

IT will have you frantically listening for any sign that IT may make another appearance. IT is fantastic!!