Atlantic County Library System

unCovered Review by Debbie Brahmi, Librarian, ACLS Pleasantville Branch

First of all, J.D. Barker is no relation to Clive Barker (I checked!) but if you enjoy a “horrific” read now and then, pick up THE FOURTH MONKEY. Even though this book is basically a crime story, classic cop vs. serial killer, be prepared for graphic violence and a deep dive into the mind of a seriously evil human being. This is an intense, dark, and disturbing story, not everyone’s cup of tea.

The Four Monkey Killer has been terrorizing the people of Chicago for five years until his body is found at the scene of an accident.  It appears the deceased has thrown himself into the path of a bus. The body holds several clues as to the identity of the killer, including a diary, which Det. Sam Porter hopes will help him and his team unravel the mystery and find the last missing victim before she dies.

Meanwhile, Sam Porter is battling a few demons of his own…

Barker’s fast-paced writing style keeps you interested from the very beginning. This is a book you will literally not want to put down. Fans of SE7EN and THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS will thoroughly enjoy THE FOURTH MONKEY, and the thrills keep coming in the 4MK sequels THE FIFTH TO DIE and THE SIXTH WICKED CHILD.