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The Killer Inside Me  By  cover art

The Killer Inside Me

By: Jim Thompson
Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins
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Publisher's summary

In The Killer Inside Me, America's "Dimestore Dostoevsky" Jim Thompson goes where few novelists have dared to go, giving us a pitch-black glimpse into the mind of the American serial killer years before Charles Manson and Brett Easton Ellis's American Psycho, in the novel that will forever be known as the master performance of one of the greatest crime novelists of all time.

Everyone in the small town of Central City, Texas loves Lou Ford. A deputy sheriff, Lou's known to the small-time criminals, the real-estate entrepreneurs, and all of his coworkers - the low-lifes, the big-timers, and everyone in-between - as the nicest guy around. He may not be the brightest or the most interesting man in town, but nevertheless, he's the kind of officer you're happy to have keeping your streets safe. The sort of man you might even wish your daughter would end up with someday.

But behind the platitudes and glad-handing lurks a monster the likes of which few have seen. An urge that has already claimed multiple lives, and cost Lou his brother Mike, a self-sacrificing construction worker fell to his death on the job in what was anything but an accident. A murder that Lou is determined to avenge - and if innocent people have to die in the process, well, that's perfectly all right with him.

©1952 Jim Thompson (P)2011 Hachette

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What listeners say about The Killer Inside Me

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  • Overall
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Wow!

A chilling look into the mind of a serial killer. It had me hooked from the beginning. This is a "must listen" for anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller. The performer was spot on and at times gave me chills.

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5 people found this helpful

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Was a fan of the film

It is apparent that the film was a pretty loyal adaptation.
Peels the layers of the psyche back while being gritty & raw. A truly epic crime thriller

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Much better than those ratings indicate.

This is typical Thompson. That is to say: it's dark, it has tempting babes, it has a straight forward plot that flips every time the listener gets comfortable. There has been discussion of the ending, but remember: this is about a crazy person!
The narration is suited to the story, his voices are perfect for the characters, and the pace is noir creepy. This is a fun listening experience.

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20 people found this helpful

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5 Stars

What made the experience of listening to The Killer Inside Me the most enjoyable?

The way the characters are so completely different and vivid. As if each were product of the imagination of a different author.

What other book might you compare The Killer Inside Me to and why?

None to date

Which character – as performed by Kevin T. Collins – was your favorite?

Howard Hendricks the lawyer

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

jail cel interview between Hendricks and Ford

Any additional comments?

Great story, great characters, great narration.

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4 people found this helpful

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A Man who smoked cigars for the wrong reason.

Top notch narrator. Intriguing plot twists. Not for everyone. But neither is Retsina. A great listen for driving through west Texas.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Even if you read pop 1280

This is essentially a reworked version of pop 1280, but still worth your time. The story is compelling and Jim Thompson was definitely ahead of his time.

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Great Jim Thompson

One of the best from one of the best. Kevin Collins does a great job.

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4 people found this helpful

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Page Turner

Really liked it very well preformed. Keeps you on your toes being in the mind of a killer.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Don’t do it.

I’m not sure what’s worse, the writing or the bad Southern accent on the Narration.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Very Creepy, Short Listen

This book would be perfect for some kind of creepy Halloween car trip to Texas.

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