The Basis for a New Showtime® Original Series Starring Michael C. Hall Meet Dexter Morgan, a polite wolf in sheep’s clothing. He’s handsome and charming, but something in his past has made him abide by a different set of rules. He’s a serial killer whose one golden rule makes him immensely likeable: he only kills bad people. And his job as a blood splatter expert for the Miami police department puts him in the perfect position to identify his victims. But when a series of brutal murders bearing a striking similarity to his own style start turning up, Dexter is caught between being flattered and being frightened–of himself or some other fiend.
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"I really like the TV series, but enjoyed this because there were significant differences. I'm interested to see where things go given how differently this ended compared to the first season of the show."
— Stephen (5 out of 5 stars)
“The plot has some nice twists, and the Miami setting contributes its own eccentric flavor. But the real appeal of this macabre tour-de-force is Dexter’s sardonic voice, so snappy and smart, and yet so full of self-loathing that we hate ourselves for laughing.”
— New York Times Book Review“A witty, grisly debut…A guilty pleasure few monster-addicts will be able to resist.”
— Kirkus Reviews“Lindsay’s tale is daring and unexpectedly comedic. The writing is lively and the plot steps away from the common ground in which many thrillers are rooted. When it comes to light, the tragic incident in Dexter’s past rolls over us like a nightmare from which we can’t wake up.”
— USA Today“A dark comedy with a creative twist.”
— Miami Herald“Maybe the first serial killer who unabashedly solicits our love.”
— Entertainment Weekly“With chills like these, you can skip the air-conditioning.”
— Time“One of the most likeable vigilante serial killers in recent thriller literature.”
— New Yorker“Just when you think (hope?) that the tired and rarely credible device of the serial killer next door has hit a wall, along comes a writer like Jeff Lindsay to prove you wrong…So enjoyable.”
— Chicago Tribune“A fresh, inventive slice of crime fiction that turns the axis of good and evil…upside down. A psychological thriller in the best sense of the genre.”
— Sun-Sentinel“A memorable debut with a hero who really ought to be in a mental institution, but is too much fun to lock up.”
— Rocky Mountain News“Dexter’s captivating, first-person account is a genuinely exciting read.”
— Time Out New York“This ghoulish, fascinating tale…will grip readers and make a lasting impression.”
— Philadelphia Inquirer“Entertaining…Dexter is a fascinating character, though he’s not the kind of guy you’d like to invite to dinner.”
— Chicago Sun-Times“Totally captivating…Totally original. The characters are beautifully drawn, particularly Dexter, who is tremendously likeable, his hobby notwithstanding.”
— St. Petersburg Times“Lindsay gets high marks for originality, atmosphere, vibrant action scenes, and having the brass to write this in the first place.”
— Tulsa World“Jeff Lindsay sure does it right with Darkly Dreaming Dexter.”
— Cleveland Plain Dealer“Newcomer Jeff Lindsay has created a unique hero…Intriguing.”
— Mystery Scene“In creating a singularly unique killer, Lindsay also manages to create a few sleepless nights for the reader.”
— Anniston StarA macabre tour-de-force.
— The New York Times Book Review“A dark comedy with a creative twist." I read this book quickly because it was very interesting. Unfortunately, I had already seen season 1 of the tv series, so I was disappointed in the detail that was left out of this book. I understand the scene in the cargo box better from the book than I did from the episode of the show. I'm going to continue reading the series and I think I'll like subsequent books better because I haven't seen the other seasons of the show. The show is less consistent with the lack of emotion in Dexter and of course the show plays up the romantic interest between Dexter and Rita. This is such an interesting, good idea for a book! "
— Aileen, 2/19/2014" The character is good, but the plot is only so-so. One of the few instances where the TV show adaptation outstrips the source material. "
— Brent, 2/14/2014" great, but corny edges at times. really wish I could watch the show now; well ill just read the rest of the books. one of few authors I can really appreciate. "
— Charles, 2/4/2014" It was interesting to read the book that inspired the series. TV show stayed fairly close to the book then took a sharp turn that changed things drastically. This was one case where I think I liked the show more than the book. I wish I could give it 2 1/2 stars since it's a little better than okay but not quite 3 star writing. "
— Mya, 1/16/2014" Loved the tv series. This was really dull. "
— Helen, 1/13/2014" As a big fan of the tv series I was eager to read the Dexter books. The storyline differs and they're written with quite a simplistic format which reminded me of Goosebumps that I read when I was younger. However this format does make them very easy to read quickly and just pick up/put down easily. "
— Rhianne, 1/10/2014" I really enjoyed this, Dexter is a book character like no other and the plot itself was never obvious. It always has you on your toes. "
— Charlotte, 1/10/2014" Hm. I think I liked season 1 of the show better. "
— Margaret, 12/24/2013" Enjoyable on the premise alone. I would recommend it on that basis. The mystery elements are not out of this world, but it is decently written and holds the attention well. "
— Will, 12/19/2013" I read this book after having already watched the first season. I thoroughly enjoyed this over the TV show. "
— Marc, 10/28/2013" The director of the TV version is a genius-and you'll realize that on reading the book. "
— Siva, 10/22/2013" It is weird to be put into the position where you are rooting for a serial killer. I love how quirky Dexter is and the opportunity to be inside of this characters thoughts. Great read. "
— Brett, 6/27/2013" I found the writing to be really sophomoric. I don't normally say this, but I find the writing on the series to be more creative. "
— Deborah, 6/3/2013" Love the Robin Hood of serial killers that is Dexter. The TV series fits this book well, but the ending has been changed. Nicely done. "
— Tiffany, 5/31/2013" I liked this book but I definitely prefer the series this goes a bit to supernatural for me "
— Chloe, 1/1/2013" As good as the TV series!! "
— Ricky, 11/14/2012" engaging and funny i enjoyed this book alot "
— Hix, 11/8/2012" As engaging as the series-love it! "
— Ronna, 9/13/2012" The premise was interesting, so I read it. Unfortunately the book never convinced me. More than the flaw of the whole scenario being impossible, I resented the philosophy that gave the plot momentum. I won't be reading further through the series. "
— Hope, 7/24/2012" Terrible ending "
— Işın, 6/12/2012" One of the very few books that are not as good as their live-action counterpart. The book is good, season 1 of Dexter is great (this book was the basis for the entire first season of the show). I enjoyed it, but mainly because I'm such a fan of the show. "
— Kim, 4/27/2012Jeff Lindsay is the New York Times bestselling author of Darkly Dreaming Dexter, Dearly Devoted Dexter, Dexter in the Dark, and Dexter by Design. He lives in south Florida with his wife and three daughters. His novels are the subject of the hit Showtime and CBS series Dexter.