Mr. Monster

August 30, 2010
Near-psychopath John Wayne Cleaver channels his murderous urges into taking down serial killers in this dark, fast-paced, gripping horror novel. Having slain the Clayton Killer in March 2010's I Am Not a Serial Killer, John feels a strong compulsion to draw blood again. He's fighting those urges when another serial killer starts up. Investigative agent Forman discovers John's psychiatric history and suspects him of being involved with the current string of murders, and when John finally faces his adversary, he's offered a tempting pact that he may not be able to resist. A brutal, bloody read with overtones of soft-core torture porn, this tale inevitably recalls Jeff Lindsay's Dexter novels and their TV adaptation. It nonetheless stands out with taut, sharp writing, strong plotting, vivid angst, and a compelling portrayal of a disturbed man's struggles for self-control.

Starred review from September 1, 2010

Three months ago, 16-year-old John Wayne Cleaver killed a demon masquerading as his neighbor, Mr. Crowley (I Am Not a Serial Killer, 2010). It had been harvesting body parts from the local citizenry to keep itself alive. John, who carefully controls his sociopathic tendencies with rigid rules, allowed Mr. Monster, his dark half, just enough freedom to stalk and trap Mr. Crowley. The ensuing quiet months have all but convinced everyone that the "serial killer" is gone. But the killings begin again. John and FBI agent Clark Forman know the pattern is different. John wants to help with the investigation, but he has to keep his part in the end of the last case a secret; who'd believe the truth? While fighting to control Mr. Monster, who's had a taste of blood, John finds even the most demonic beast can be overlooked.... Wells's second horror-fantasy thriller is as inventive and convoluted as the first, but John's realistic familial relationships and friendships offer a counterbalance to the bloody, fantastical elements of the tale. Not for the squeamish but utterly riveting for fans of genre mash-ups. (Horror. 15 & up)

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November 1, 2010

Gr 10 Up-This follow-up to Wells's I Am Not a Serial Killer (Tor, 2010) revisits Clayton County and its resident teenaged sociopath, John Wayne Cleaver, who in the earlier book saved his town from the vicious "Clayton Killer." Only John's mortician mother knows the disturbing circumstances surrounding the ultimate demise of Mr. Crowley, serial killer and demon, at the hands of her son. Unfortunately, John's involvement jump-started an already-urgent desire to kill. In a valiant attempt at normalcy, he is able to keep it at bay with strict personal rules and pyromania as a release. But now "Mr. Monster" has tasted blood and wants more. New bodies, brutally tortured, turn up courtesy of Clayton's latest supernatural serial killer, who is curious about fellow demon Crowley's fate. Will "Mr. Monster" be satisfied if John defeats this mysterious new demon? Or will both demon and bloodlust destroy John just when he's managed something akin to a social life? Wells's grisly and cleverly narrated sequel explains just enough for new readers to jump right in, but fans will likely search out the first book and anticipate the third. Intelligent, self-aware, observant, John is a unique protagonist who inspires fear or sympathy at any given moment. His battle for control over his own violent nature manages to trump the external demon dangers, which-in this compelling, quick-paced, and chilling read-is a definite feat.-Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

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