Fighting Dreamer: I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

My Thoughts: I Hunt Killers is the story of Jasper (Jazz) who may - or may not - turn into a killer. The jury is still out on this one, but I have to say I don't agree with Howie, I think Jasper Francis Dent sounds like a great serial killer name. :D

Jazz's father Billy was a "super serial killer", now he's locked up for life, but for Jazz the horror didn't stop when the police, or more preciesly G.William catched his father. Jazz was a killer's apprentice until 4 years ago, and Billy told him everything about killing and deciving people. He's seventeen now and utterly terrified of the thought that he's destinated to be a serial killer like his Dad.

- gotta wakey, wakey, Jasper boy, my boy -

And although Billy is out of commison, there's a new killer in town. A killer Jazz tries to catch...

Jazz has a best friend, Howie and a girlfriend, Connie. I loved them both, but I have to admit I had a weak moment when I suspected poor Howie. And he's a type-A hemophiliac for God's sake. But you'll never know, right? Well, shame on me. Because he's a great friend to Jazz and an overall awesome guy. And OMG he's so funny :D And Connie? She's super. She knows Jazz, the real Jazz. And she loves him.

Speaking of theories, I had some even wilder ones- if that's possible- than Howie being the killer. Like what if Jazz has an evil twin, or an evil big brother who does the killing for Dear Old Dad. Not that Jazz is an angel. But I was quite sure he's not the killer either. Quite sure...a few pages in the book I had this thought, what if the killer is Jazz, and he just doesn't remember doing it. Multiply personality disorder or something like that. Maybe that was my wildest - and obviously wrong - theory. There were multiple suspects and it kept me guessing again and again, but the real killer....well I'm not going to spoiler it, of course, neither am I telling if one of my theories were right. Go, read and figure it out yourself.

All the characters were masterfuly drawn, I loved Jazz, Howie and Connie. They made a great trio. :) And G.William despite his odd name is an effective sheriff. Billy and Jazz's grandmother were totally scary. The grandma is a batshit crazy, but fragile old woman, and she's the most frightful. And Jazz has to live with her?...

And I have to applause to Barry Lyga, he created "perfect" sociopaths. It was chilling to read about the way they think.

People matter, he countered. People are real.

I've listened to the audiobook version of the book, and I have to mention that the narrator was amazing!

I'd recommend I Hunt Killers, if you like Cassel (Curse Workers), John (I am not a Serial Killer) or Dexter. Jazz is a charmer like Cassel, trained to be a great killer like Dexter and he's fighting with himself to stay on the right path like John.

It was a terrific (horrorific) page turner, and I cannot wait to return to Lobo's Nod in the next book.

Title: I Hunt Killers

Series: Jasper Dent #1

Author: Barry Lyga

Synopsis from Goodreads:

What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dad?

Jasper (Jazz) Dent is a likable teenager. A charmer, one might say. But he's also the son of the world's most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, Take Your Son to Work Day was year-round. Jazz has witnessed crime scenes the way cops wish they could--from the criminal's point of view.

And now bodies are piling up in Lobo's Nod. In an effort to clear his name, Jazz joins the police in a hunt for a new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret—could he be more like his father than anyone knows?

Published:

May 1st 2012 by Hyperion Books for Children

Goodreads - Amazon

6 comments:

fakestephApril 30, 2012 at 3:20 PM
Jazz absolutely reminded me of Cassel, too! I loved this book. I'm glad you liked the narrator. A good one can make the experience amazing and a bad one can ruin even the best book.
Bookie BeeMay 9, 2012 at 4:09 PM
I love a good thriller! this has been on my TBR list but didnt get down to it...will definitely do so!
Lauren @ Lauren Reads YAMay 11, 2012 at 11:56 AM
I'm SO excited for this book!!
Stephanie VerhaegenMay 18, 2012 at 3:56 AM
This sounds awesome! Wild theories are the best. lol. ;D
marybelleMay 18, 2012 at 4:17 AM
I HUNT KILLERS is on my wish list. Thanks for the great review.
Bookie BeeMay 23, 2012 at 3:24 PM
OH! This has been on my wishlist for a long while!! Cant wait to get my hands on it!!