I Am Not a Serial Killer

John Cleaver, Book 1

By: Dan Wells

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Dan Wells's debut audiobook, I Am Not a Serial Killer, is the first installment in a trilogy that will keep you awake and then haunt your dreams.

John Wayne Cleaver is dangerous, and he knows it. 

He's spent his life doing his best not to live up to his potential. 

He's obsessed with serial killers, but really doesn't want to become one. So for his own sake, and the safety of those around him, he lives by rigid rules he's written for himself, practicing normal life as if it were a private religion that could save him from damnation. 

Dead bodies are normal to John. He likes them, actually. They don't demand or expect the empathy he's unable to offer. Perhaps that's what gives him the objectivity to recognize that there's something different about the body the police have just found behind the Wash-n-Dry Laundromat - and to appreciate what that difference means. 

Now, for the first time, John has to confront a danger outside himself, a threat he can't control, a menace to everything and everyone he would love, if only he could. 

"The beauty of the prose, mixed with the depth of characterization, gives the haunting, first-person narrative a human touch. regardless of your age or your genre preferences, you will find this story both profound and enthralling.” (Brandon Sanderson, New York Times best-selling author) 

“Brilliant! full of unforgettable characters, creepy thrills, and dangerous twists you won’t see coming.” (Jonathan Maberry, New York Times best-selling author)

©2009 Dan Wells (P)2018 Macmillan Audio

WRONG CATEGORY - THIS IS NOT A MYSTERY

This book should have been listed as paranormal, not mystery and thrillers. There is no mystery here, there is nothing to solve.
I did really like the main character, and the narrator was good, but beyond that, it reads like a "B" horror movie.
When reading the book description, I expected something along the lines of Dexter; so if that is what you are looking for when considering purchase, you will want to skip this one.

Not recommended for audio-sensitive or trauma-sensitive listeners

The story is fine, and the narrator does an adequate-but-underwhelming job throughout

My issue is that he YELLS. In moments of emotional turmoil, the narrator doesn’t build tension through his performance, he just suddenly screams. Multiple times I was listening to the book while running or driving and was suddenly hit with a full-volume scream.

There’s a reason audible limits the upper noise level on recordings for producers. Not sure why this book doesn’t follow those guidelines.

Hated this.

First off, I think this may be a young adult novel which I didn't realize when I purchased it.
Secondly, I was NOT expecting a supernatural aspect. I don't think I would have purchased this book if I realized either of those things.
I thought this was going to be a Dexter like series where, even if the boy didn't kill anyone, it would be more along those lines. I ended up speeding this book to 1.85 to try and get through. Also, I kept hoping the Supernatural aspect was a dream or his imagination or something. I skipped several chapters and when it wasn't getting anywhere... I gave up.
I wouldn't recommend this book & I'm so glad I didn't buy any of the other ones before giving this one a shot.
Narrator was fine but not my favorite.

Fantastical Thrill Ride

Came across this book after it was mentioned in 2018's State of the Sanderson (Brandon Sanderson's yearly progress blog), and immediately felt it was right up my alley.

If you're a fan of horror, thrillers, urban fantasy or anything in-between, you'll probably enjoy this story. My only gripe is that while many parts of the book are quite disturbing or harrowing, things still felt a little "PC" to me. That being said, I'm probably just too numb to this kind of messed up story by now.

Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

I thought this would be at least a Adult languaged book.

This book is not what I was expecting lmfao.

This is a book appropriate for early teens. Don’t listen if you’re above the age of 18

A tantalizing supernatural battle of morality.

This book is a firecracker. It's the best metaphor I can think of. You know what you are getting into only partially. Dan Wells does an excellent job of making you feel like you are struggling along side the protagonist. You are waiting for the explosion and the fuse is constantly keeping you at suspense. Then when it finally goes off it's everything you expect it to be and more as you are nearly breathless with anticipation and fear and excitement.
Most importantly, this book is not a cold book. There are no mindless, 2 dimensional murderers in these prose. Every character holds your heart strings hostage at least once as you come to terms with the all too painful truth; even those who want to kill are afraid to feel what is in their soul.

protagonist you hate to love!!

Dan Wells does an amazing job getting into the mind of a sociopath and yet I can't help but root for him. Kirby Hayborne speaks in an emotionally detached voice for most of the story, which is perfect for this story. Brilliantly done by both men. Won't be to everyone's taste, but is wonderfully executed nonetheless.

amazingly put together

intriguing and addicting. what a great piece of entertainment. much better than several movies. 100% advocate for audiobooks.

Not for me, but not awful

I don't know how to review this in a clear way. I liked it well enough, but the main character was unlikeable. I think that was intended, but I can't say I enjoyed the book and I wouldn't read a second one.

There was too much self pity for me.

Different

This is not at all what I expected. it starts with an interesting premise and I was eagerly anticipating what the author was going to do with it. Then it became totally unrealistic and though it kept my interest, I wished it had done something plausible instead. the development of a teenager thinking he was a serial killer would have been more satisfying than what it turned out to be.