The Fourth Monkey

By: J. D. Barker

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini, Graham Winton

Se7en meets The Silence of the Lambs in this dark and twisting novel from the author Jeffery Deaver called "a talented writer with a delightfully devious mind".

For over five years, the Four Monkey Killer has terrorized the residents of Chicago. When his body is found, the police quickly realize he was on his way to deliver one final message, one that proves he has taken another victim, who may still be alive. As the lead investigator on the 4MK task force, Detective Sam Porter knows even in death, the killer is far from finished. When he discovers a personal diary in the jacket pocket of the body, Porter finds himself caught up in the mind of a psychopath, unraveling a twisted history in hopes of finding one last girl, all while struggling with personal demons of his own. With only a handful of clues, the elusive killer's identity remains a mystery. Time is running out, and the Four Monkey Killer taunts from beyond the grave in this masterfully written, fast-paced thriller.

©2017 J. D. Barker (P)2017 Recorded Books

Twisted Knives And Killer Humor

This is the most original serial killer/Police Procedural I have experienced on Audible. Ingenious method writing and a great story with great narration.

Early in the book the police find a diary left for them by the killer. It's written by the killer about significant events that occurred when he was eleven years old. Barker reveals the twisted tale of a family of killers, written in first person, intermittently between chapters of police working desperately to save another victim. It is a grotesquely bizarre tale told in an entirely unique fashion.

The story told around the strange diary is nothing short of brilliant. I do have some holes to fill, but I suspect I was so caught up in the story I missed a few answers. I listened to this in a 24 hour period, which means I most certainly drifted at times.

Do yourself a favor and listen to this masterpiece!

Loved it

I'm not usually a huge fan of police procedural mysteries, but I loved this one. It was twisted, suspenseful, and intriguing. The kind of book that keeps you up far past your bedtime, just because you can't find a spot you're willing to stop at. It's graphic, but if you could handle watching the movie Seven (and appreciate that type of imagery,) then you will love this book.

A little gruesome

A bit on the morbid side but i really enjoyed the narration. I would definitely recommend.

Different but enjoyable...

Looking forward to the sequel. The history of the 4 monkey killer was s little unbelievable but it was a very good story with some surprises and definitely some suspense.

Very predictable

Overall enjoyed the book but as soon as things happened it’s easy to figure out. A bit frustrating trained detectives would jump to conclusions so quickly and non-believable

Strange

I wasn't a fan of any of the characters. They were cartoony and odd. The voices associated with each character also made them seem too theatrical. The main character was nothing special, nothing likeable except sympathetic as a new widower. His partner was ridiculous in his comments. Sometimes it seemed as he was supposed to be a comic relief, but his comedy missed the mark for me. Uually it was inappropriate (hot 14 yr old girl) and others just dumb or wildly inappropriate in a professional setting, but not in a funny way. The diary that was continuously read throughout the actual story was corny and perverted. Not an author I will read again.

Classic

Three star audio book. Not bad - but nothing rally social. Solid and entertaining if you like sociopaths

Addicting

This is the first Audible book that I couldn’t stop listening to in ages. I wasn’t crazy about the narrators attempt to sound like a black woman but overall it didn’t detract from a great story. I’m going to go get J. D. Barkers other books.

Suspense

I loved the way it all came together at the end. However, it was a bit gruesome in places! The end left it open to a sequel.

Twisted plot

As it seems to be a familiar story line in the beginning it is anything but. The surprises make it hard to put down. I will be trying another by this author.