Dark settings, psychological exploration, and thought-provoking novels are what Ted Dekker does best, and The Bride Collector fits right in with his other works. The pace starts slowly, as Dekker digs deep into character and plot development, beginning with special agent Brad Rains. Rains is charged with the task of tracking down a serial killer who targets the most beautiful of women, draining them of their blood, and placing a veil over their head. The narrative switches focus between Rains and the serial killer, and the reader soon discovers the killer suffers from schizophrenia.
As the story unfolds, the pace begins to quicken. It becomes apparent that Rains’ colleague, Nikki Holden, a forensic psychologist, is the serial killer’s next target, and Rains is running out of time to save her. In a desperate attempt to seek help in catching the serial killer, Rains employs the assistance of four mentally ill, institutionalized patients.
Dekker focuses on several thought-provoking themes in The Bride Collector: what constitutes beauty, true love, and God’s love, as well as a very well-written exploration of mental illness. Even though there is a great deal of inner dialogue, and discussion of hard-hitting social issues, Dekker still includes tons of action and suspense, and keeps the reader fully engaged. The only personal complaint I have with this novel is that I had it figured out way too quickly for a mystery, and the ending was a bit too neat and tidy.
Trying to fit Dekker into one specific genre can be quite difficult. His novels cover a wide array of genres, ranging from fantasy to horror to Christian fiction. While I am a huge fan of Ted Dekker, and this is yet another great novel to add to his growing list of bestsellers, it is not a horror novel. The Bride Collector belongs in the mystery/suspense/thriller genre as it fits the perfect psychological thriller model. As a horror reader, I would be remiss to categorize this book as horror. As with all of Dekker’s books, The Bride Collector is a must have for public libraries, and this particular novel would fit well in the adult fiction and/or religious fiction collection.
Contains: mild violence and descriptions of death/dying
Review by Kelly Fan