“It wasn’t that he wanted to hurt anyone… It’s just that he couldn’t. Stop. Thinking about it.”
I Hunt Killers, by Barry Lyga
#1 in the Jasper Dent series
Little, Brown and Company, April 2012
young adult thriller
277 pages (ebook)
Jazz is a likable teenager. A charmer, some 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 criminals’ point of view.
And now, even though Dad has been in jail for years, bodies are piling up in the sleepy town of Lobo’s Nod. Again.
In an effort to prove murder doesn’t run in the family, Jazz joins the police in the hunt for this new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret – could he be more like his father than anyone knows?
*** I requested this review copy through NetGalley. ***
I don’t read a lot of YA. When I do, it’s usually the fantasies or dystopias that are getting a ton of attention, just so I can see what it’s all about. I usually enjoy the story for the most part (though I would like them more without the obligatory romance) and then go back to reading adult.
But I finally decided it was time to try one of the YA thrillers I’ve seen here and there… never quite as popular as the big titles, but still around. And I Hunt Killers didn’t disappoint.
Jazz is a pretty disturbing character. Then again, what person who was raised by a serial killer wouldn’t be disturbing? The thing is, you really do feel his internal struggle. He wants to do good, he doesn’t want to let his warped upbringing define who he is. Instead, he takes it and uses it instead of letting it use him. But there’s always that nagging voice in the back of his mind, trying to convince him that he’s fated to become his father. I think Jazz’s circumstances allow for some of that navel-gazing so typical of teen characters, while still serving the story.
I did think it was unrealistic just how open the sheriff is with him about the investigation… but on the other hand, it probably would have been just as unrealistic for Jazz to get all his information by sneaking around (not to mention, making the police look completely incompetent). So, I can accept a little storytelling convenience there.
The biggest downside is that the ending isn’t quite as satisfying as I would have liked. It’s not a terrible cliffhanger, but the book isn’t a complete story either. I think the series is worth continuing, though… I just wish I had access to the next book right away.
I Hunt Killers is available in print, as well as for Kindle, Nook, and other e-readers.
Does I Hunt Killers sound like something you’d pick up? When was the last time you read a book that was refreshingly different?
I think this book definitely sounds interesting. I think I requested it on NetGalley, but was denied. I still want to give it a try, though!
It certainly was interesting. I hope you enjoy it!
This definitely sounds like something I’ll pick. I’m all for the unusual plot and characters. Since you mentioned dystopia without the romance, the last book I was pleasantly surprise was The Fountain of the Earth by H.L. LeRoy. It has great world building and a kick ass female protagonist.
I’m always glad to hear about YA that ditches the romance angle… I get that it’s popular, but is every story really better for it? Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve been curious about this book! I like how it sort of plays with the relationship of being related to someone evil, a serial killer. Definitely leads to some interesting internal struggles. Sad to hear the ending wasn’t quite as satisfying as you wanted it to be. I feel like I’m already split between so many series I shouldn’t involve myself in another one, but I look forward to seeing what you think about the series if you continue reading it!
I wish I could recommend it as a stand-alone, one where you could continue if you really liked it or step away without feeling like anything’s missing… but I just can’t. But the other books are waiting for me at the library right now, so I’ll have an update soon!
This reminds me of Dexter a little bit, even though he wasn’t raised by a serial killer he was trained to hunt killers, like the title says. I’ve never heard of this before your review, but it sounds worth checking out!
I’ve heard of the show, never really felt much desire to get into it though. I can handle reading about things that I’d really rather not see.