The Fourth Monkey – 4MK Series Book #1

Author: J.D. Barker
Genre: Thriller, Crime Fiction
427 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018

Synopsis
The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker is a thrilling crime novel that follows Detective Sam Porter as he tries to unravel the mystery of the Four Monkey Killer, a notorious murderer who leaves behind his victims as gruesome displays. The killer’s signature is sending a white box to the victim’s family containing a piece of the victim and an item symbolizing one of the famous “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil” monkeys, with the fourth monkey representing “do no evil.”

The story begins with the death of the Four Monkey Killer in a traffic accident, but before his identity is confirmed, Homicide Detective Sam Porter receives a package containing the Four Monkey Killer signature. This leads Porter and his team on a race against time to find the killer’s last victim, who may still be alive.

As Porter delves into the killer’s past, he uncovers a twisted and disturbing history of abuse, neglect, and trauma that shaped the killer into who he became. Alongside this investigation, Porter must also deal with personal demons and a troubled past of his own, adding layers of complexity to the story.

The narrative is interspersed with diary entries from the killer’s childhood, providing insight into his twisted mind and the events that led him to become the Four Monkey Killer. As Porter gets closer to uncovering the truth, he realizes that there may be more to the case than meets the eye, and that the killer may have had help.

In a gripping climax, Porter comes face to face with the true mastermind behind the killings, leading to a shocking revelation that changes everything. With its dark and twisted plot, complex characters, and shocking twists, The Fourth Monkey is a thrilling and suspenseful read that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

My review
The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker is a dark and twisted serial killer thriller that had me captivated from the very first page. Once I started, I couldn’t put this book down! This is not your typical thriller. Barker’s writing style is captivating and dark, and quickly draws the reader into a chilling world of murder and suspense. Barker masterfully weaves together multiple narrative threads, creating a complex and deeply engaging story that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

One of the things that stood out to me about The Fourth Monkey is the complex and multi-layered plot. The story is filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, eager to unravel the mystery of the Four Monkey Killer and discover the truth behind his gruesome crimes. I love to read series because of the character development and this book didn’t disappoint! Porter is a flawed and deeply human protagonist, haunted by his past and driven by a relentless determination to catch the Four Monkey Killer. Barker deftly explores Porter’s inner struggles and personal demons, adding layers of depth and complexity to his character that make him incredibly relatable and compelling.

The structure of the novel, with its alternating chapters between Porter’s investigation and diary entries from the killer’s past, is ingeniously crafted. The diary entries from the killer’s childhood add an extra layer of depth to the story, providing insight into the mind of a disturbed individual and the events that shaped him. Barker’s ability to maintain a sense of suspense and tension throughout the narrative is nothing short of masterful, and I found myself eagerly devouring each page, desperate to uncover the truth behind the Four Monkey Killer’s identity.

The pacing of the novel is relentless, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Barker would throw another curveball, keeping me guessing and second-guessing my assumptions until the final shocking reveal. Overall, The Fourth Monkey is a tour de force of suspense and psychological intrigue that left me breathless. Barker’s skillful storytelling, coupled with his knack for crafting complex and multi-dimensional characters, makes this novel an absolute must-read for fans of the thriller genre.

Don’t miss the next book in the series – The Fifth to Die.

My recommendation: this is an absolute must read for anyone who likes dark, twisted, haunting thrillers!