Audio Book Review: The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker

This is an engaging but dark and gritty thriller.
The Fourth Monkey
Written By: J.D. Barker
Narrated By: Edoardo Ballerini and Graham Winton

Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes
Release Date: June 2017
Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
Genres: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller & Horror
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Summary
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 which 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.

Review:
Detective Porter has been pursuing the Four Monkey Killer for years. The killer was named after he established a pattern by kidnapping women then taunting the loved ones and authorities with boxed packages of cut off ears, then eyes, then tongues. And each time there is corruption revealed for the wealthy parent of the victim. Porter is frustrated that they have not been able to get to the victims in time to save any of them.

Porter and his team are shocked when they are called to the scene of an apparent suicide because a Four Monkey Killer (4MK) package is found at the scene. Porter also discovers a personal diary providing the history of the psychopathic killer. Porter and team are in a race against time to follow the leads to locate the latest victim. They soon realize that 4MK has left a line of clues as each item found at the death scene leads to another step. As they continue, a major twist occurs in the investigation setting Porter back and intensifying his search. Meanwhile, he is busy reading the horrific childhood experiences, and macabre attitude of the killer, hoping he might find more clues there.

The language is gritty, but the intensity and twists make up for that drawback. As the story proceeds, I had to admire the author’s use of clues and the twists to keep the readers on their toes…and on the edge of their seats. I also liked how the diary readings added so much to the killer’s character. It was unfortunate that some of the police officers are made to look rather lame and petty. I am inclined to think I will continue this series or try another mysteries by J.D. Barker. I recommend this to readers

Audio Notes: Edoardo Ballerini and Graham Winton do a great job of presenting the primary characters. They gave life to both men (and the killer's child self) which added to the story. The narration added to the story for me.

Source: 2/8/2020 Two for One Credit at Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.