The Sixth Wicked Child – 4MK Series Book #3

Author: J.D. Barker
Genre: Thriller, Crime Fiction, Psychological Thriller
611 pages
Publisher: Hampton Creek Press, 2019

Synopsis
The Sixth Wicked Child by J.D. Barker is the thrilling conclusion to the 4MK Trilogy, following Detective Sam Porter as he faces the chilling conclusion to his long-standing battle with the Four Monkey Killer. The novel picks up where The Fifth to Die left off, with Porter still reeling from the shocking revelations of the previous case. As he tries to move on with his life, a new series of murders begins, mirroring the signature style of the Four Monkey Killer. However, this time, the killer seems to be targeting individuals connected to Porter, leading him to suspect that someone from his past is seeking revenge.

As Porter and his team delve into the investigation, they uncover a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal that goes deeper than they ever could have imagined. The killer’s motives are shrouded in mystery, and as the body count rises, Porter realizes that he is in a race against time to stop the killer before he strikes again.

Meanwhile, the novel also delves into the backstory of the Four Monkey Killer, shedding light on his troubled past and the events that led him to become the monster he is. Through a series of flashbacks and revelations, the true extent of the killer’s depravity is revealed, painting a chilling portrait of a man consumed by darkness.

As the investigation reaches its climax, Porter is forced to confront his own demons and make difficult choices that will test his resolve like never before. With the help of his team and a few unexpected allies, Porter must unravel the killer’s twisted game and bring him to justice before it’s too late.

Porter finally comes face to face with the killer in a showdown that will determine the fate of them both. With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and shocking twists, The Sixth Wicked Child is a fitting conclusion to the 4MK Trilogy that will leave readers breathless.

My review
The Sixth Wicked Child is a stunning conclusion to the 4MK Trilogy that left me absolutely spellbound. Barker’s ability to weave together intricate plot threads, create complex characters, and maintain a relentless pace is on full display in this final installment, making it a truly unforgettable read.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is the character development, particularly that of Detective Sam Porter. Throughout the trilogy, Porter has been portrayed as a deeply flawed yet incredibly resilient character, and in The Sixth Wicked Child, we see him pushed to his limits as he faces the ultimate showdown with the Four Monkey Killer. Barker does an exceptional job of delving into Porter’s psyche, exploring his inner demons and struggles with a depth and nuance that is both gripping and emotionally resonant.

The plot of The Sixth Wicked Child is nothing short of breathtaking, with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat – and up way too late at night – until the very end. Barker’s ability to keep the tension high and the suspense palpable is truly remarkable, and I found myself unable to put the book down as I raced to uncover the truth behind the 4MK’s identity and motives.

I also appreciated the way Barker tied up all the loose ends from the previous two books, providing satisfying resolutions to the various storylines and character arcs. Many times, I’m let down by how an author chooses to end a series, but this ending was both shocking and incredibly satisfying.

Overall, The Sixth Wicked Child is a masterpiece of psychological suspense and storytelling that solidifies J.D. Barker’s place as one of the preeminent authors of crime fiction. I found this series wildly entertaining and I dread to think what it must have been like for Barker to work out and plan all the intricate details and plotting for the varied storylines and characters in this epic trilogy. I do feel the book became a little bogged down in the middle with a plot line that had little impact on the overall story line and my rating of 4.75 stars reflects this opinion. Barker far exceeded my expectations when I began the first novel in the series in this intensely dark but compelling story of police corruption, betrayal, exploitation of the young and vulnerable, vengeance, and the complicated nature of justice and judgement. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to fans of psychological thrillers and crime fiction, as it is truly a thrilling and unforgettable read.

My recommendation: absolutely read this trilogy! The novels aren’t standalone so be sure you start with the first book in the series, The Fourth Monkey.