Jeff Lindsay: Darkly Dreaming Dexter

Well, this is a strange novel to say the least! This belongs in the 'serial killer/whodunnit genre' but has rather a strange twist - the narrator is a serial killer himself, and finds that he has another killer on his turf!

The author obviously has a very dry sense of humour, and it's certainly unusual to get a laugh out of this type of book, but I definitely had a few quiet sniggers at his wit.

Has anyone else seen the show based on this series?
I watched the entire first season (thanks Lenny for getting me hooked) and then I read the book.

I think the series is better, but probably because there's more time to develop the characters and bring in more story and situations... But the book was really good too & I would definitely recommend it. I probably won't read Dearly Devoted Dexter until after the 2nd season since it seems as though the seasons are based around the books. I'd rather not ruin the show for myself.

I've rambled on. It's late. I'm not sure if what I wrote makes sense.
Dexter good.

The show is just great. Dexter is a blood splatter specialist for the Miami PD and is also a serial killer who preys on criminals that, in his mind, deserve it. I believe that the show has replaced The L Word(greatest show ever ) as the highest rated show on Showtime. I believe there's a third book coming as well.

lenny nero said:

The show is just great. Dexter is a blood splatter specialist for the Miami PD and is also a serial killer who preys on criminals that, in his mind, deserve it. I believe that the show has replaced The L Word(greatest show ever ) as the highest rated show on Showtime. I believe there's a third book coming as well.

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I watched season 1 then read both books. I'm really not sure what I like more. They are both so good. Michael C. Hall is excellent as Dexter. I thought his sister and Dokes were kind of annoying in the show but they are pretty much perfect after reading the book.

There is a third volume coming up: Dexter in the Dark will be published on August 14th.

I only read Darkly Dreaming Dexter. One of my favorite reads that year, if only for the smartass comments Dexter was prone to making every so often. Some of the twists at the end were hard to swallow, but that's my only complaint about the book.

Anamnesis said:

Some of the twists at the end were hard to swallow

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I totally agree. It was unraveled better in the tv series. Have you seen it?

It was unraveled better in the tv series. Have you seen it?

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I don't get Showtime, so not yet. It'll be the DVDs for me. Did the writers of the show change what happened in the book, or did they stick to what happened in the book?

You'll see.

No, seriously, the first season is definitely based on the first book, but of course with several changes.

i adore dexter! reluctantly, but still.

read the book first and loved the series. totally hooked even though i knew the plotline. i especially liked how his "code" developed via his foster father's influence. can't wait for more on that theme.

thanks for starting the thread, i never thought to!

I was disappointed in the book, but I have to admit it's because the showtime series was so very very good. I purchased this and the sequel book. Like the others, I am reluctant to read the second book until after season 2 has aired.

I hope it doesn't get cancelled like most of the shows I enjoy, or I lose cable or something. <sigh>

Mathius

And yet again I find myself in the curious position of preferring the movie - or in this case, the TV series - to the book. The story has so much potential; a complete sociopath who is schooled by his disillusioned cop stepfather to channel his murderous instincts into only killing those who deserve it - making him a serial serial killer killer - and who suddenly comes across a case which seems to mirror his own way of thinking and killing perfectly. On the TV series, this potential is realized beautifully; the whole question of morality, of free will, of someone who is incapable of feeling for others having to pretend to do so... but over the 230 pages of the novel, it's squandered. Since it's all told in the first person by a narrator who, by definition, doesn't understand others, the cast of supporting characters is largely ignored, and the ending comes completely out of the blue with no advance buildup whatsoever. Not to mention that Lindsay is a little too fond of the whole noir thing but can't quite pull it off (at one point, he writes that someone grunts "like a pig choking on a grapefruit", which may be one of the most bizarre similes I've read in some time) and that the translation hardly does whatever good writing there is any favours. 2/5; watch the series instead.

I've read both books recently and both endings have been disappointing. Especially the second.....

CNN article

" Creating a serial killer who kills other killers"

I've read Darkly Dreaming Dexter after I had seent he 1st season on showtime. I would have to say that the book and the series start off the same but end dramaticly differently. I've also read on a comment from Jeff Lindsay that the second series of Dexter on showtime is going to be heading in it's own direction and will not follow the books. So you're safe reading the sequals without ruining the show. Im currently about halfway through the 2nd in the series

dexter

read the first two about a year ago
recently finished the third

and i'd have to agree with those who say the series is better than the books
i just got showtime awhile ago and watched the whole first season in a weekend on demand

i'm following the second season and see that the shows creators are going off into a completely different tangent
and like many on the showtime dexter forums

Question

Question on Debs & Dex:
I haven't read the first book in two years, and while reading the 2nd book, it seems as though I've forgotten something crucial. I'd look it up myself, but I just moved and all my books are in boxes.
Thanks a bunch.

Holy crap. Did not know this was a book. I am so stoked now. Thanks guys for introducing me to these books!

I watched all of the first second and third seasons of this series, and i didnt know it was based on a book until halfway through the second season, but ive read a couple chapters from the first book.

Libra6Poe said:

Question on Debs & Dex:
I haven't read the first book in two years, and while reading the 2nd book, it seems as though I've forgotten something crucial.

Spoiler

Does Deb(s) know that Dexter is a serial killer? What exactly happened at the end? In Dearly Devoted Dexter, she says something to him like, "I know what you are Dexter."

I'd look it up myself, but I just moved and all my books are in boxes.
Thanks a bunch.

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vall3y said:

Spoiler

she knows. In the epilogue dexter says that she half-understands the code of harry already, etc

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thank you!!!