I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent #1) by Barry Lyga

I Hunt Killers

 by Barry Lyga

 

 

What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dad?

Jasper "Jazz" Dent is a likable teenager. A charmer, one 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 criminal's point of view.

And now bodies are piling up in Lobo's Nod.

In an effort to clear his name, Jazz joins the police in a hunt for a new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret—could he be more like his father than anyone knows?

 

*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed this one.  It was dark and gruesome at times, which is how I like it.  One thing I don't understand: how in the world is this YA??


Just because the MC is 17 does not immediately make this a YA book.  Not all books with teen characters should be marketed for teens.  I don't understand it.  This book has gruesome death scenes, several mentions of rape, and a MC who is not mentally stable.  It also describes-in detail- how his serial killer father staged his murdered victims, sometimes with the use of hooks, nails, and fishing line. Does that really sound like YA?
Anyway...I loved the writing style and the characters.  Jasper is the kind of character that you can't help but love, even if he is a little unhinged.  He has good reason, after all.  Something to do with the fact that he was raised by a serial killer who loved to talk about his work.  He takes very good care of his best friend, Howie, who is a type A hemophiliac. Their friendship added a whole new dimension to the story.
I'm excited to continue on with the series.