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Dexter in the Dark (Dexter #3)

3.45 of 5 stars 3.45 · rating details · 13,815 ratings · 1,134 reviews

In his work as a Miami crime scene investigator, Dexter Morgan is accustomed to seeing evil deeds. . . particularly because, on occasion, he commits them himself. But Dexter's happy existence is turned upside down when he is called to an unusually disturbing crime scene at the university campus. Dexter's Dark Passenger – mastermind of his homicidal prowess – immediately se...more

Paperback, 303 pages

Published August 2008 by Vintage Crime/Black Lizard (first published September 18th 2007)

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Feb 02, 2013 Jeffrey Keeten rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Far above the aimless scurrying of the city IT watched, and IT waited. There was plenty to see, as always, and IT was in no hurry. IT had done this many time before, and would do so again, endlessly and forever. That was what IT was for. Right now there were so many different choices to consider, and no reason to do anything but consider them until the right one was clear. And then IT would start again, gather the faithful, give them their bright miracle, and IT would feel once more the wonder a...more

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May 20, 2008 Becca rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2008, thriller

I wish I could say that this is a fantastic third instalment of Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter series but I’d be lying. Somewhere along the line Lindsay decided it would be interesting to take Dexter into the realms of supernatural and biblical mythology which completely goes against the original reason why I love Dexter.

All the characteristics that make Dexter who he is, his logical outlook on life and how best to fit in and play nicely all goes down the drain when the idea that he might be possessed by...more

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Jun 01, 2009 Brooke rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009, mystery

If book-Dexter was running along a slightly different track than TV-Dexter before this, Dexter in the Dark takes as far away as it can possibly get.

TV-Dexter is grounded squarely in reality. A very bloody reality, but reality nonetheless. The first two books in the series hinted a bit at a supernatural element; the first book's dreams, for example, and they way our beloved serial killer referred to his dark side as a separate persona who resided in him. I always figured this was metaphorical, b...more If book-Dexter was running along a slightly different track than TV-Dexter before this, Dexter in the Dark takes as far away as it can possibly get.

TV-Dexter is grounded squarely in reality. A very bloody reality, but reality nonetheless. The first two books in the series hinted a bit at a supernatural element; the first book's dreams, for example, and they way our beloved serial killer referred to his dark side as a separate persona who resided in him. I always figured this was metaphorical, but book 3 makes it clear that this is quite literal. Dexter's Dark Passenger leaves him after being scared off by a darker force that is killing people in Miami. Dexter is left without his murderous intuition, without his bloodthirst, and without his emotionless demeanor.

Now, I've seen a lot of reviews that simply hated this. I was prepared to hate it. I didn't though, for a few reasons. For one, it goes a long way in explaining the dreams from book 1, something I never really bought. If Dexter has this supernatural force living in him, then I can reasonably believe that he'd be receptive to dreams about things that he couldn't know. Secondly, I'm sort of glad to have two very distinct Dexter universes to enjoy. If the show and the books mirrored each other too much, it would start to get boring. Third, it was a serial killer "creation story" that I haven't really encountered before. I'm not jumping up and down over it, but I'm willing to give this idea a try.

Other than the plot, I once again enjoyed the dark humor and Dexter's internal voice. I really wish we'd get more scenes between Dexter and Deborah; since book-Deborah knows about her brother's dark side, it just seems like it's a situation ripe for mining (I just reread my review of the last book, and I see I had used the word 'ripe' then, too. Clearly I A) feel very strongly about this, and B) need a larger vocabulary). I want to see more conversations and interaction between them regarding Dexter's hobby. I feel like Jeff Lindsay has missed an opportunity twice now to really deliver on this. Otherwise, Dexter's getting 4 stars from me.(less)

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Oct 23, 2011 Lou rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: october-reading, audio-book, serial-killers, to-be-movies-or-tv, thriller, series

Dear Dexter
I am writing to you to say really you brighten my day, you and me are the same we both are in tune with our dark passenger, well you used to be!
What happened its seams in this chapter of you're life aptly named 'Dexter in the dark' you're dark passenger is in the dark for a while. Not for me around the same period of year you had written this I was actively in tune with my dark passenger in let's say the most macabre of methods of execution.
I unlike you do not prey on the hunters I...more

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Oct 01, 2007 Sean rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Disappointingly mystical. In attempting to "explain" Dexter, Lindsay has robbed him of much of his appeal. Anne Rice tried this in Queen of the Damned, to much the same effect: Dexter's unique talents, like Lestat's, were better left a mystery.

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Sep 22, 2009 Travis rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: crime-mystery

I also read some of the reviews of Dexter in the Dark before reading and I saw a common theme with most of the reviews; people hated the supernatural aspects. I on the other hand enjoyed the length that the author Jeff Lindsay went through to explain the origins in a very creative and supernatural way that roots human's dark motivations, rituals and religion in this concept of IT or in Dexter's case his Dark Passenger. If there was any gripes about this book was that I was intrigued all the way...more

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Apr 29, 2008 Sherry rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 07, 2008 Eli rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Anyone familiar with the Dexter series, whether the books or Showtime program, knows that these stories are not for the queasy.

Long before Showtime aired the series, I had read the first two by Jeff Lindsay, Dearly Devoted Dexter and Darkly Dreaming Dexter, and was immediately struck by the brilliant concept of the character. This is our opportunity to enter the mind of a serial killer -- but this is no ordinary serial killer. Raised by his adoptive police detective father (Harry), who recognize...more Anyone familiar with the Dexter series, whether the books or Showtime program, knows that these stories are not for the queasy.

Long before Showtime aired the series, I had read the first two by Jeff Lindsay, Dearly Devoted Dexter and Darkly Dreaming Dexter, and was immediately struck by the brilliant concept of the character. This is our opportunity to enter the mind of a serial killer -- but this is no ordinary serial killer. Raised by his adoptive police detective father (Harry), who recognizes Dexter for the monster he is, Dexter lives by the "Harry Code," fulfilling his insatiable bloodlust by killing only those that deserve it -- other serial killers, child molesters, and their ilk, all while maintaining a human facade as a blood spatter expert for the Miami PD. How's that for irony?

Although the character of Dexter is in and of itself completely compelling, and the books are well-paced and plotted, the quality of the writing should not be overlooked:

"What kind of moon is this? Not the bright, gleaming moon of slashing happiness, no indeed. Oh, it pulls and whines and shines in a cheap and guttering imitation of what it should do, but there is no edge to it. This moon has no wind in it to sail carnivores across the happy night sky and into slash-and-slice ecstasy."

But Dexter In The Dark was not all I had hoped in light of the two prior novels. Without spoiling the underlying theme, let's just say that Lindsay strays off the solid path and veers into Stephen King country with this one, which I personally found somewhat disappointing.

However,there are other redeeming aspects, particularly the character development of the children of Dexter's girlfriend, who recognize Dexter for what he is. Here is the monster serial killer, whose skills have been honed through years of experience and strict adherence to "Harry's Code," as the father-figure to two young children who have been traumatized by abuse from their bioloical father. You won't find a more intriguing depiction of family dynamic.

My recommendation: Read the first two, in order, before tackling this one. But it is a keeper.(less)

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Oct 31, 2007 Greg rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

I guess I enjoyed the book. There was a lot missing from it that I thought could have made it more interesting, and while I'm not a big fan of starting an ongoing series in the third book, I made an exception for this since a) the book was free and b) I'd watched the first season of the show. The show itself is really good, and the book is well eh. While I was reading it I didn't dislike it, but now I'm thinking, well there was no police procedural stuff, there was nothing to show that Dexter wa...more

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Sep 26, 2007 Karen rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Well, it started out nice and sick, as any Dexter book should. There's also a very funny exchange that involves the victim of a tongue extraction, the sound "Goy," and the response "Yes. Methodist, actually." Oh, I laughed so hard I was crying.

But then there's a lot of silliness. And, yes, that is the best word for it -- though dumb is challenging it.

SPOILER ALERT

First of all, Aramaic is written right to left and does not look like the Latin alphbet enough for plebs to decipher it. Second, I do...more

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Oct 07, 2007 Mike rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The third installment in the Dexter series offers diminishing returns. It relies heavily on the charity of the reader/viewer of the previous books and TV show to maintain interest. The story is a little limp....it follows what happens when Dexter loses his 'Dark Passenger', the inner voice that directs his murderous ways. As usual he has a mysterious human nemesis who has singled him out for unclear reasons, but why he is singled out is never clear or particularly interesting. There's lots of st...more

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Jul 20, 2008 Susan rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved the other books in this series a bit more than this one. It was something about the plot, with the ancient religions aspect, that just didn't play well to me. I mean, Dexter is what he is... and ethical serial killer. Serial killers? Believable. And finding someone who understands, who helps mold him into an ethical version? A little far fetched, but believable. How many mothers & fathers love kids that are terrible, and potentially unredeemable?

But the whole "ancient religion" thing...more

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Mar 29, 2011 Kitty Lovelace rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Rather I think 'Lindsay in the Dark'

I must admit that I one of those fans that first experienced Dexter in all its televised glory. And I usually am the one that makes the point of reading the subject to death before watching the movie. And I almost always think that the novel is far superior. My experience with the Dexter novels has been quite the opposite...

After falling in love with our beloved killer on my tv sceen I ran to the library to find the books that inspired such an entrancing tv se...more Rather I think 'Lindsay in the Dark'

I must admit that I one of those fans that first experienced Dexter in all its televised glory. And I usually am the one that makes the point of reading the subject to death before watching the movie. And I almost always think that the novel is far superior. My experience with the Dexter novels has been quite the opposite...

After falling in love with our beloved killer on my tv sceen I ran to the library to find the books that inspired such an entrancing tv series. Darkly Dreaming Dexter was a major disappointment for me. Simply stating that Dexter was a sociopath that scoffed at the emotional beings living among him every other page ticked me off after the complexities shown on the screen. His complete disregard and even disgust for Rita pissed me off. Simply depicting someone incapable of feeling....incapable of feeling is so expected (hah) if Dexter cares not at all then why should anything matter but himself? Deeper into the novel and I find nothing does.

I am aware that this is not a review page for the first novel but it all starts at the roots. After the first novel I decided to disregard their existence and just learn to love the show. Months later I thought to try again and surprisingly loved the Second Novel-Dearly Devoted Dexter. The dry humor kept me laughing into the night.

And by the third novel I think I have located my problem with them. Yes Lindsay writes with great humor but without any substance. There is no character development present in any of the novels, nevermind the series as a whole. With a character that claims to be incapable of feeling anything for anyone other than himself development seems an impossibility. Even the teaching of the two children is a lost cause-Dexter thinks constantly about how he must teach them and yet have they learned a thing? No. Other than how to knife a mythical god that has half a sentence's mention in the Bible in the back while your stepdad is grooving out to drums and trumpets with his pants literally on fire.

Despite the completely random subject matter that this book is comprised of there are other problems as well. For example Dexter seems pretty stupid throughout the work, and I'm not willing to give all brain cells' credit to the Passenger. And do not get me started on the two page "climax" that closes the work. A whole novel of mind games leads to....an abduction and a dance party? Did it really only take a knife in the back to ruin their whole multi thousand year old plan?

In the end the novel was suddenly over and I felt cheated. I read through a hundred pages of that hoping for some explanation and that was it?

My advice...first prepare yourself, then maybe read the first novel only and think of it as inspired by the series, and NOT vice versa.(less)

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Mar 09, 2009 Kimberly rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anyone who has read the others.

When we first met Dexter, he was a monster among men, albeit an attractive and compelling one. Broken early on in life, but marginally redeemed thanks to the mentorship of his adoptive father, he became a self-wielded weapon aimed at the most despicable members of society. Who can argue with that, right? Dexter is easy to identify with despite being a man who claims to have no emotion. And in the first two books, the fact that he is but a man is very significant. It evokes that classic Dostoevsk...more

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Jan 21, 2009 CJ rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The first two books introduced a sociopath who had been trained to focus his need to kill on serial killers. The other intriguing part of the premise was that the protagonist had a separate identity for that inescapable need to kill - almost a different identity or a different personality that he carried within him and let out only when he was properly prepared to kill another killer in a way that his adoptive father, who was a police officer, had taught him so that he wouldn't get caught and so...more The first two books introduced a sociopath who had been trained to focus his need to kill on serial killers. The other intriguing part of the premise was that the protagonist had a separate identity for that inescapable need to kill - almost a different identity or a different personality that he carried within him and let out only when he was properly prepared to kill another killer in a way that his adoptive father, who was a police officer, had taught him so that he wouldn't get caught and so that he had made certain that the person he was planning to kill was indeed a serial killer himself.

In this book, the faint whiff of the occult that the first two books hinted at comes roaring out into full view. You get a full treatment of exactly how long ago "evil" began, how it interacted with various kinds of species as they developed and what its motivations were and are.

All this along with another story that moves Dexter along in his life's journey.

For some, this sudden plunge into the occult and the supernatural explanation for Dexter's dark passenger will ruin the series. For others, it will spice it up.

Regardless of whether you approve or disapprove of the occult in this series, this is still a good book, albeit quite different than the two that came before it. This book pulls the series out of the fiction genre and lands it squarely in science fiction or paranormal fiction instead.

The author has not lost his ability to somehow infuse humor into a truly grisly story and make a sociopath who is so devoid of human emotion and empathy that he can't fathom why people act the way they do likable. That in itself is no small feat.

Dexter struggles to make his way in a world that completely mystifies him, and to survive among people, when he doesn't consider himself to be "human" because his motivation is so very different than other peoples'.

This is a series where you really need to start with the first book, Darkly Dreaming Dexter, then go on to Dearly Devoted Dexter before raeding this one.(less)

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Jan 11, 2009 Jaemi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mysteries, adult-fiction, series

In the latest installment of the Dexter series, we start pondering the bigger questions. Always comfortable with the idea that he was what he was, Dexter never had reason to question where his Dark Passenger had come from, and what, it anything, that might mean. But when a new case leaves him feeling cold, off, and worst of all, alone, suddenly questions are all Dexter has.

Nothing about the burnt corpses with their ceramic bull heads is really all that much worse than any other case. In fact it...more

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Mar 13, 2013 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book, Dexter in the Dark, is Jeff Lindsay's third in the Dexter series. It's a bit of a divergence from his first two, Darkly Dreaming Dexter, and Dearly Devoted Dexter. I still enjoyed the book, and it brings up some new topics that are interesting. I think the author took a risk with this, but in my opinion it didn't really work out all that well.

In this book, our favorite sociopathic serial killer, Dexter (also seen in the Showtime series, Dexter), learns that his Dark Passenger - the th...more This book, Dexter in the Dark, is Jeff Lindsay's third in the Dexter series. It's a bit of a divergence from his first two, Darkly Dreaming Dexter, and Dearly Devoted Dexter. I still enjoyed the book, and it brings up some new topics that are interesting. I think the author took a risk with this, but in my opinion it didn't really work out all that well.

In this book, our favorite sociopathic serial killer, Dexter (also seen in the Showtime series, Dexter), learns that his Dark Passenger - the thing inside him that drives him to kill - is an independent being. It is not him, but separate, and it can and does depart. Without that Passenger, Dexter is still a sociopath - without feeling, but sans Passenger, Dexter is even more empty and hollow. Much of the book is about this. Does Dexter really want his Passenger to return? What is the Passenger? And we learn that apparently there are other independent "beings" out there that are something like his, and they are now hunting Dexter as he hunts them.

Dexter's relationship with his Dark Passenger and whether he truly "wants" it is fascinating, particularly in light of my recent reading of The Sociopath Next Door. In that book, a nonfiction written by a psychologist, the author describes sociopaths in detail. We read there that while they are not all serial killers, they are all devoid of conscience, and without remorse or regret. Additionally, they seem driven for a need to "feel" leading to risk-taking behaviors, altercations with others, etc.

Would Dexter be a killer without the Dark Passenger? Does he want the Passenger despite what it makes him become (or because of what it makes him become)? Those are the central questions in the book, and from that perspective the book is interesting.

Overall, this book was far more "out there" than the others, because of this new concept of these beings in the evolution of life. It feels a bit supernatural and takes the books to a new plane from their previously grimly realistic one. I'm not sure I liked that so much. One of the central questions of the first two books is just what is this Dark Passenger - a "real" thing (mental illness, inescapable drive, etc) or a rationalization of Dexter's to excuse his actions? In this book we learn just what it is, and that's a little bit disappointing.

I think the author could have addressed the concept of whether Dexter wants his Dark Passenger (in essence, does he want to be a killer rather than "need" to be a killer) in other ways more in keeping with the first two books. Also, there's a couple plot lines where I don't think the author had to "go there" and by doing so I think he makes the books/characters seem pretty unrealistic. Rita's kids are apparently serial killers in the making. Gee, what a coincidence. They see Dexter for what he is and he takes them in hand to teach/train them much as Harry did to him. While that is interesting, it's just too coincidental. I feel like it's the author's way of making hiding his true self easier for the character - he now doesn't have to hide it from the kids. While I found this serial-killer mentoring idea interesting when it was Harry a normal guy with a conscience molding a loved and unfixable son into something that might save his own life and benefit society, when it's Dexter the sociopath molding his stepkids I'm just not feeling it that much. Perhaps the author will change my mind in book #4 (Dexter By Design) which is apparently to be released this fall. I will admit I'm anxious to find out in any case.

Still, I won't say that Dexter in the Dark wasn't interesting. I enjoyed reading it. It has made me think about the character a lot, and the Dexter character is what I read the Dexter books for.
(less)

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Oct 12, 2012 Amber N rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: owned

Out of all of the Dexter books, this is the only one that did not grab me. While the past two books in Lindsay's series are interesting portraits of an intriguing character, this seemed like a plodding continuation without enough direction.

It follows Dexter as he undertakes the next step in his disguise, marriage to Rita. He's becoming a "mentor" to her children and trying to balance his secret life as well. However, after he kills the wrong person, a series of murders throughout Miami threaten...more

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Apr 15, 2012 Donovan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: thriller

I love a good anti-hero...and Dexter serves it up beautifully. This series is simply written and drops a lot of the polish you will often see in other thrillers. Instead, it replaces it with a certain tongue-in-cheek cheesy quality that gives such a dark series a breath of fresh air.
If you like a thriller then you'll find this is one series that you'll fly through.
It's gripping, it's funny, it's a soap opera all wrapped up in a soft doughy package about a psychotic killer.

Plot ***Spoilers***
Dex...more I love a good anti-hero...and Dexter serves it up beautifully. This series is simply written and drops a lot of the polish you will often see in other thrillers. Instead, it replaces it with a certain tongue-in-cheek cheesy quality that gives such a dark series a breath of fresh air.
If you like a thriller then you'll find this is one series that you'll fly through.
It's gripping, it's funny, it's a soap opera all wrapped up in a soft doughy package about a psychotic killer.

Plot ***Spoilers***
Dexter Morgan is a serial killer trained by his adopted father, a police detective, to channel his murderous urges through vigilantism, only killing other killers. The source of Dexter's blood lust and investigative prowess is a voice in his mind that he calls the "Dark Passenger".

At the start of the novel, Dexter, a forensic blood spatter analyst for the Miami Police Department, investigates a double homicide at the University of Miami campus. Two female students are found burned and beheaded. Their heads are replaced by the ceramic heads of bulls. Something about this murder uncharacteristically frightens the Dark Passenger into silence, leaving Dexter to solve the crime on his own. As a series of similar murders takes place, members of a mysterious cult begin stalking Dexter, believing his Dark Passenger to be a threat to them.

Dexter soon begins to question the dark voice that has been with him all his life, as he slowly realizes that his Dark Passenger is a true entity unto itself, possibly an offspring of the ancient god Moloch. While attempting to dispatch a killer who had been stalking him, Dexter becomes frightened and is unable to go through with the deed. He soon realizes that the Dark Passenger had given him an unusual amount of confidence and an almost supernatural awareness of the world around him; now that it is gone, he feels vulnerable for the first time in his life.

As the novel progresses, Dexter begins to develop emotions that were once suppressed by the Dark Passenger, mainly those of sadness and anger. While missing the helpful clues and hints of the Dark Passenger, Dexter feeds off of his newfound emotions to find some balance in his life and to solve the mystery unfolding around him.

The story also concerns the training of Cody and Astor Bennett, Dexter's soon-to-be stepchildren. Traumatized by their abusive father, they have developed homicidal tendencies similar to Dexter's. Dexter intends to teach them the "Code of Harry", which his own adoptive father used to help him hide his dark nature and blend in with normal people. Cody and Astor are eager to learn, but Dexter informs them that they are not ready yet, and still have years of training left before they are able to inflict any real human suffering.

The novel concludes as the Cult of Moloch kidnaps Astor and Cody, thereby forcing Dexter to engage them head-on. However, the cult soon captures Dexter through a supernatural captivation of music. Though confined in a small concrete storage closet, Dexter escapes and encounters an old man who is the current avatar of Moloch. Though Dexter is instantly humbled and frightened of Moloch, he continuously mocks the malignant spirit, which in turn entrances him and the children and orders them to be sacrificed in a flaming pit. Dexter remains in a trance until his pant leg catches on fire; the pain of the burns snaps him out of it, and he opens fire on the cult members. A final showdown pits an armed Dexter against Moloch, who is clutching Astor and threatening to kill her. In a stalemate, Dexter is hesitant to act until Moloch reaches for his ceremonial knife only to find it missing; and then shudders to a halt and falls over with the knife lodged squarely in his back. Cody stands behind him holding Moloch's knife, saying, "I told you I was ready."

Dexter laments that having killed at such an early age, Cody's journey will now be more difficult. Weeks pass, and Dexter is left alone to accept life without his Dark Passenger. At his wedding, Dexter falls into a fit of despair as he thinks about how painful his life is going to be in its banality. Just then, the Passenger comes back to him, brought on by Dexter's immense suffering, and he is made whole again in the final paragraphs of the novel.

This is the first of Jeff Lindsay's "Dexter" series not narrated exclusively in the first-person point of view. Along with Dexter's first-person narration, the novel also includes third person narration from two other points of view. One is a person called the Watcher, a member of the cult that follows and observes Dexter. The other is a mythical, godlike entity called "IT" (revealed to be Moloch) which has existed since the beginning of time and is similar in various ways to the Dark Passenger. IT takes great pleasure in entering creatures as a "passenger" and making them kill other creatures, and works to create other murderous entities similar to itself, but soon turns against many of them, causing them to flee. IT and its offspring go to war, with IT being victorious. Some of IT's remaining children stay in hiding, fearing IT's power.(less)

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Mar 04, 2012 Remo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: novela, 2008

Tercera entrega de las aventuras de nuestro maníaco psicópata asesino en serie favorito. Las dos primeras entregas de esta serie de novelas fueron comentadas aquí el año pasado: Darkly Dreaming Dexter y Dearly Devoted Dexter. Ambas tienen traducción al español, por lo que es cuestión de tiempo que esta tercera entrega la tenga también.

Para ponerles brevemente en antecedentes, Dexter es un psicópata asesino que siente cada vez que llega la luna llena la necesidad perentoria de matar a alguien. Su...more Tercera entrega de las aventuras de nuestro maníaco psicópata asesino en serie favorito. Las dos primeras entregas de esta serie de novelas fueron comentadas aquí el año pasado: Darkly Dreaming Dexter y Dearly Devoted Dexter. Ambas tienen traducción al español, por lo que es cuestión de tiempo que esta tercera entrega la tenga también.

Para ponerles brevemente en antecedentes, Dexter es un psicópata asesino que siente cada vez que llega la luna llena la necesidad perentoria de matar a alguien. Su padre adoptivo, policía, que vio esta tendencia cuando Dexter era un niño, le enseñó a al menos canalizar sus impulsos asesinos en algo que mereciera la pena. Y desde entonces Dexter se dedica a buscar por su cuenta, cuando sale de su trabajo como analista forense para la policía de Miami, a ciudadanos culpables a los que la justicia “ordinaria” aún no ha conseguido echar el guante. Pederastas, asesinos, violadores impunes son el blanco preferente de Dexter.

Dexter pierde de repente a su “oscuro pasajero”, la voz que le guía, le indica y le anima a dar rienda suelta a sus bajos instintos. Además de bregar con la boda que se le viene encima, deberá resolver un extraño caso de asesinatos rituales y averiguar de una vez cómo recuperar a su otro yo, el asesino, antes de que el oscuro personaje que ha puesto a Dexter en su punto de mira consiga finalmente sus objetivos.

Jeff Lindsay [JL] aprovecha el tirón de las dos primeras entregas para alejarse a veces de la trama y comenzar a divagar sobre las costumbres de los habitantes de Miami, que viendo cómo las pone Dexter a parir suponemos que a JL no le entusiasman. Personalmente, pienso que este libro es algo más flojo que los dos primeros, tal vez porque la sensación de novedad de un carácter como Dexter ha desaparecido, una vez que uno acepta al personaje e incluso se identifica con él. El núcleo de la trama es una ida de olla del autor, que durante toda la novela, a medida que el autor va revelando más detalles, nos negamos a creer. Pero al final resulta que sí. Que se le va la pinza.

Aún así, la lectura es muy recomendable. Los pensamientos de Dexter son sagaces, irónicos, sardónicos, hirientes y muy divertidos. A JL le ha salido un buen personaje. Mi nota: Recomendable.(less)

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Dec 30, 2011 Francisco Ruiz rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had begun reading the Dexter books when my supervisor lent me the first installment. I was hooked and found the second installment even more pleasing. But like every "drug," every high has its low and boy did this book take the cake.

The inclusion of mysticism and witchcraft compounded with the Dark Passenger being more than just a metaphorical title for Dexter's homicidal urges are both jarring and disheartening. The writing seemed erratic at times and I found myself having to re-read an entir...more

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Oct 13, 2011 Alpha rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Dexter in the Dark is the third installment in the Dexter Series by Jeff Lindsay and though it is a different direction from the other two novels prior, the direction - well for me - was a bit easier but not as complex as the other two. What I mean is that the other two novels, the antagonists of the novel had a very specialized reason for what they do and they do it off hilter from the so-called norms of society to borderline traumatization. In this novel, it takes a more religious approach on...more

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Jan 19, 2011 Aaron Geno rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fair-minded fans of the first two books.

Shelves: 1990-to-present, dark-thriller-mystery

There's a lot of dislike for this book going on in these reviews. It's totally unjustified.
First, this may come as news to some people, but Dexter the show is not Dexter the [Author: Jeff Lindsay] series. The books are darker (if you're a fan of the show, 1. Yes, it's possible, and 2. Don't pick up the series here; start with Darkly Dreaming Dexter). And yes, there's a supernatural element to this book. The thing is, it's not new. I would argue that the supernatural element is present even in th...more

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Dec 30, 2010 Yolanda Sfetsos rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This is the third book in the Dexter Series and I absolutely loved it! Seriously, I got so caught up in the story that when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about getting back to it.

After Dexter's accidental-engagement with Rita, he's moved in with her and the kids. She's busy spending every minute talking about the upcoming wedding, and he's more than happy to pretend he's excited and even help plan a few details... as long as he can continue his night games. And he's got himself the perfect...more

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Oct 28, 2010 Richard Lu rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Dexter in the Dark review
By: Richard Lu

If you’ve ever seen Dexter on T.V then you’ll probably know that the plot of the show is about a man with dark desires who wishes to kill people. Instead of using these desires to kill innocent people, Dexter only bears his fangs on other predators that have escaped the judgement of the courts. The plot is absolutely gorgeous and it keeps viewers coming back week after week. Thankfully the book version of Dexter has follows the same format, Dexter express...more Dexter in the Dark review
By: Richard Lu

If you’ve ever seen Dexter on T.V then you’ll probably know that the plot of the show is about a man with dark desires who wishes to kill people. Instead of using these desires to kill innocent people, Dexter only bears his fangs on other predators that have escaped the judgement of the courts. The plot is absolutely gorgeous and it keeps viewers coming back week after week. Thankfully the book version of Dexter has follows the same format, Dexter expresses his dark passenger by killing other criminals, just like in the show. If that’s the case than the book “Dexter in the Dark” must be as much of a masterpiece as its television counterpart right? Well no, not really.

Dexter in the Dark is about Dexter losing the voice of the Dark Passenger that drives him to become the murderer that he is. Without it Dexter feels naked and vulnerable to other predators. Dexter then begins his search on why his inner voice left him. While I’ll gladly admit that the first half of the novel was written well enough to keep my interest high, it doesn’t go anywhere but downhill from there.

The second half of Dexter in the Dark is an absolute train wreck, detouring dimensions far away from reality. Apparently the book Dexter’s Dark Passenger is caused by an ancient god named Moloch whom has the ability to multiply itself within the minds of many. These possessed people will then crave blood and become predators. Furthermore, people possessed by Moloch will hear music inside their heads that will put them in trance like states, which I found as being pretty out there. As Desiree had said somewhere below me, the T.V version of Dexter was great because it didn’t feel the need to dive into the origins of the Dark Passenger, keeping the plot feeling realistic.

If you’re like me and you decided to pick up this book because you couldn’t get enough of the television Dexter then do yourself a favour, don’t. Like many of the reviewers below me I found that the addition of the mystical gods crap was both unnecessary and stupid. The Dexter of the book just isn’t the same Dexter that we’ve all come to know and love. Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter in the Dark could have been a great way for fans of Dexter to enjoy more Dexter, as it stands now however, it’s just a big disappointment. Hopefully future Dexter novels will mend the wound inflicted upon Dexter’s good name, though I doubt it, since mystic gods have already been introduced in the world of novel Dex.
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Jul 29, 2010 Stephanie Lorée rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, horror, mystery

The 3rd book in the Dexter series, Dexter in the Dark was a decent read, but is not as good as the earlier two novels. This book focuses on the being Dexter refers to as the "Dark Passenger" and the author delves into a more supernatural quality to the Passenger, giving it a personality and other entities like it. I have to say, I didn't really care for that aspect. The "murder mystery" section that has been a part of all the Dexter novels was really lacking in this one. There was substantial bu...more

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Mar 09, 2010 Solkeros rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: EVERYONE!

Shelves: crime-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. To be frank, this is the first time that I’ve read a book from the Dexter series; however I did watch a scarce few episodes of the showcase TV show. It is of course out of the question to summarize this book, which I have learned first hand, as Jeff Lindsay’s writing provides the most impact to the reader when they do not know what to expect. From various other reviews that I had skimmed before reading this novel, I saw that there were various inputs where some of the previous readers had liked...more To be frank, this is the first time that I’ve read a book from the Dexter series; however I did watch a scarce few episodes of the showcase TV show. It is of course out of the question to summarize this book, which I have learned first hand, as Jeff Lindsay’s writing provides the most impact to the reader when they do not know what to expect. From various other reviews that I had skimmed before reading this novel, I saw that there were various inputs where some of the previous readers had liked the book where others believed that this was a failure on Lindsay’s part although my belief is of the latter.

NOTE: THERE ARE SOME SPOILERS!
Personally, this novel by itself is quite great as it includes aspects of real life problems and crimes which have to be solved. As well, Lindsay incorporates an appealing character, Dexter, as well as his step children who aspire to become just like him. For those who do not know already, Dexter is a police blood splatter analyst who is also the “Dark Avenger” who is a serial killer who kills serial killers. Ironic isn’t it? This novel, as you progress through it, is filled with twists and turns where sometimes you too will get lost within the world that Lindsay creates for you. There are also many situations where you as the reader can relate to the events described whether you have experienced it first hand, seen it on the news or talked about with friends/family; the most nerve rattling occurrence, I would say, anyone will face in their life, marriage.

After reading this novel, I am obligated to tell you that, if you wish to understand this novel right off the bat, you should read the previous ones as well. Without them, similar to how I started, you wouldn’t fully understand and may quite possibly be confused as the novel hints on the various personas of Dexter. One moment that I believe was a memorable lesson to was where Sgt.Harry, Dexter’s step father teaches him “[Not to:] get caught...” when killing others.

All in all, this novel is a MUST READ as it maintains a sense of humour like the show. I would recommend this book to anyone who finds an interest in novels which include police aspects, crime, and a sort of dark humour that appeals to many, not just me.
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Sep 13, 2009 Desiree rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It is an artform to get the motive just right in macabre works -- it can't be too elaborate, too obvious, or too vague. The three seasons of Dexter I've watched on tv seem to nail this dynamic in the title character. The show has explained that Dexter has homicidal urges resulting from witnessing his mother's brutal murder as a child, and his foster father -- the cop on the scene -- viewed these urges as something inescapable that Dexter might as well channel into vigilante killing of the creeps...more It is an artform to get the motive just right in macabre works -- it can't be too elaborate, too obvious, or too vague. The three seasons of Dexter I've watched on tv seem to nail this dynamic in the title character. The show has explained that Dexter has homicidal urges resulting from witnessing his mother's brutal murder as a child, and his foster father -- the cop on the scene -- viewed these urges as something inescapable that Dexter might as well channel into vigilante killing of the creeps that evade the cops and the legal system. Tee vee Dexter is written and acted complexly enough that scenarios which may seem soap opera-ish out of context are wholly compelling in the moment, and his motives seem plausible.

Where the show and this book seem to break is that television Dexter is evolving from someone pathological and emotion-free into someone beginning to care about other people, and learns from his preadolescent stepson that you can overcome your past (Dad #1 to the stepkid was an abusive drug user but the kid seems to be free from the darkness that propells Dexter's double life). In the book, however, the stepkids are tainted by their own childhood experiences and ask Dexter to help teach them how to be killers too -- there is no sense that criminals can rehabilitate in the book's world, including Dexter, so the general direction feels cynical and one-note.

Furthermore, the main emphasis of the book is mumbo jumbo about ancient demons inhabitating people as a leading motive for why people kill -- apparently, anyone with childhood trauma like Dexter's may be more susceptible to it, and Dexter spends the chapters losing and chasing demons. While Dexter's voiceovers on the show do intimate that Dexter is compelled by a "Dark Passenger" or "shadow self" it hasn't felt the need to over-elaborate mystical-origins bullshit -- it just comes off like the admission that there are dark and mysterious aspects to himself. Meanwhile, the book cribs from Rosemary's Baby a la any sequel out of ideas (apparently this is the third book in the series), and it feels unrealistic and out of left field.

All in all, while the book maintains a sense of humor like the show, it isn't enough to compensate for the recycled plot, and this is one of the only times I would endorse plopping in front of the tele instead of picking up a book.(less)

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Jul 12, 2009 Lightreads rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, horror, humor, mystery

Adventures of a sociopathic serial killer who generally only cuts up people who hurt children.

Okay, awesome. Lindsay has clearly done his research – the way Dexter completely fails to get sex, his inflated perceptions of his own intelligence, his completely oblivious sexism, his utter lack of the empathic reflex, it's all perfect. People who know me were shocked I hadn't read these books before. Mostly it was that I knew what they were about, and I thought it would be stupid because I didn't bel...more

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Apr 13, 2009 Lindsey rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: school-2k8-2k9

Dexter in the Dark - Jeff Lindsay

I think I started this in the middle of the series. Oops, I probably would have been less confused for the first part of the book had I known.

The back says:

In his work as a Miami crime scene investigator, Dexter Morgan is accustomed to seeing evil deeds… particularly because, on occasion, he commits them himself. But Dexter’s happy existence is turned upside down when he is called to an unusually disturbing crime scene at the university campus. Dexter’s Dark Pass...more

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About Jeff Lindsay

Jeff Lindsay is the pen name of an American crime writer, Jeffry P. Freundlich, who lives in Cape Coral, Florida with his wife, author Hilary Hemingway, daughter of Leicester Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway's brother.

Lindsay is best known for writing the Dexter series of novels. Many of his earlier published works include his wife as a co-author. Time Blender was written with Michael Dorn. He graduat...more

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Quotes from Dexter in the Dark

“Nothing in life is fair. Fair is a dirty word and I'll thank you not to use that language around me.” — 192 people liked it

“But as I have noticed on more than one occaision, life itself is unfair, and there is no complaint department, so we might as well accept things the way they happen, clean up the mess, and move on.” — 84 people liked it

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