I Don't Want to Kill You

John Cleaver, Book 3

By: Dan Wells

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's Summary

Dan Wells introduced listeners to John Wayne Cleaver in the chilling audiobooks I Am Not a Serial Killer and Mr. Monster. In I Don't Want to Kill You, Cleaver faces his toughest challenge yet. 

John Wayne Cleaver has called a demon - literally called it on the phone - and challenged it to a fight. He's faced two monsters already, barely escaping with his life, and now he's done running; he's taking the fight to them. As he wades through the town's darkest secrets, searching for any sign of who the demon might be, one thing becomes all too clear: in a game of cat and mouse with a supernatural killer, you are always the mouse.  

In I Am Not a Serial Killer, we watched a budding sociopath break every rule he had to save his town from evil. In Mr. Monster, we held our breath as he fought madly with himself, struggling to stay in control. Now, John Wayne Cleaver has mastered his twisted talents and embraced his role as a killer of killers.  

I Don't Want to Kill You brings his story to a thundering climax of suspicion, mayhem, and death. It's time to punish the guilty. And in a town full of secrets, everyone is guilty of something.  

©2011 Dan Wells (P)2018 Macmillan Audio

Critic Reviews

"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)

Somehow even better than Mr. Monster

So good! Don't listen to this without Books 1 and 2 first. Kirby Heyborne is the perfect narrator for it as well.

Compelling, emotional, and disturbing

I am a 30 year old man, and this book made me ugly cry three separate times. The characters are amazing, and they bring you right in and make you fell like you’re there with them. The story and storytelling are phenomenal, and I found myself staying up late just to get in as many extra chapters as I could. It was just so engaging that I couldn’t stop listening. Mr. Wells is a fantastic author, and I can’t wait for more.

EXTRAORDINARY!

With each book, Dan Wells continues to surprise and astound me. I cannot find words to describe the feels about this book.

He reaches levels I had no idea existed. I am impatient to begin the next book, to see how John Wayne Cleaver is able to pick up and continue and fight against these foes, and himself.

He is by far one of my most favorite protagonists in all the novels I have ever read, and there have been a few. Because he is blatantly honest about his faults and weaknesses, and yet doesn't hide behind them, or use them as a crutch.

And despite thinking the absolute worst about himself, he always manages to do what is right, and good, and think of others first. Although he doesn't think he does.

This series is one of a kind!

Beyond my expectations (and they were high)

Dan Wells does a masterful job of drawing you in to the characters perspective. I predicted a couple things and was incredibly surprised by a couple things. Strong feels at the end.


Kerby Heyborne's performance brought life to all the characters. Each one had a distinct voice. He portrays some of John's moments of rage with such visceral emotion that I began to get the same feelings I have when I am the target of someone else's anger. Powerful.

Tearjerker

warning, sad ending ahead! I love the series but I was not prepared for so much tragedy in this one 😢😢😢

Finally

Finally this was worth the credit and it only took 2 previous books. Very surprised that this was recommended by Brandon Sanderson. I hate taking recommendations from authors I love, it always seems to disappoint me

Books Keep Getting Even Better

The first two books were about as good as "creepy" gets, and each one provides plenty of room for growth for the main guy, and even though this third book goes completely over the top in its resolution, let me tell you, it is good, even haunting. Great writing, and a terrific handling of a difficult plot, with plenty of scares, and some very sad turns. Dan Wells packs a whole lot of SUPER in the supernatural. Art et Amour Toujours

Best in the series thus far

I started & finished book 2 and 3 (this one) of the series in 36 hours. This is the most emotional & powerful yet. Gripping & heartbreaking. Wow!

Nice almost Ending

*SPLOIERS*
Since I know there is a 4th book. I can't say this a great conclusion, but a nice season finally. I do like that each Demon is different and has different motives. I do think the addition of the human killer was good. it subverted the expectations. But, it did seem to distract the story as a whole. Nobody was in fact a nobody. The ending with her and everything felt, a bit weak. the revelation of Marcie dying was heart breaking. as an Ending wasn't too satisfying. But as a mid season finally perfect can't wait for the next one!!

What a ride!

How does someone write this kind of stuff and make it fun? Super freaky, super dark, super interesting, and super heartwarming. So good! How do you love a guy who could be a serial killer? John Cleaver is a likable character and I loved worrying about him and cringing because of him and always relating to him while cheering him on but then cringing again a second later—ha!. Holy smokes—great job! I’m sad the series is over, but couldn’t have asked for a better ending. Made me cry. Great job, Dan. And Kirby read so well. Kudos, Kirby. Really great performance.