The first novel in the Farrell & Kearns series (currently at three books).
A really good start to a series, it introduces us nicely to the main characters and their pasts/backgrounds. It's well-written, well-paced, and at times dark (without being gratuitous).
Looking forward to reading the other two novels.

Book source ~ NetGalley

Set in 1987, this is a horrifying tale about a serial killer who is one of the scariest characters I’ve ever read about. He is shaped at home and then he goes into the Marines and heads to Vietnam where he’s molded into a killer with no conscience. I mean zero. Zip. He’s sadistic and just, ewwwww. And the gov’t just looked the other way. How nice. Not. This is dark, it’s terrible, but it’s nearly impossible to put down. It does get to be a bit too much, where it strains the bounds of believability just a bit too far, but for the most part it’s…*full body shudder*

I do need to question whether a recruit from Iowa would go to Parris Island. I think from that geographic location he should go to San Diego. Also, Marines are Marines. They are NOT soldiers. Ever.

3 Stars

Review posted on Goodreads and Amazon.

This book started off rather quickly for me and I found that it was the type of twisted writing that I periodically enjoy. Around the 75th percent of the book, the writing began to drag and I found it more difficult to be pulled back to the book and I picked up other books instead. Finally, this month I forced myself to finish it to complete my review.

Overall, I would say the characters and storyline were strong and I can understand why this book has so many high ratings. I have recommended this book numerous times, including to my husband, who has my similar reading tastes and he did read it quickly. He stated that he would read another by this author.

Reviewed for publisher.