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Cleaner #2
Joe Victim
The internationally bestselling author of The Laughterhouse brings back one of his most infamous characters, the dreaded Christchurch Carver—but in this darkly fascinating psycho-thriller…he’s the target.Joe Middleton has a lot on his plate, to say the least. Arrested for a whole slew of murders he says he can’t remember, Joe—a.k.a. the Christchurch Carver—has been in jail for the last year awaiting trial, charged with the task of convincing the psychiatrists interviewing him that he wasn’t of sound mind and can’t be blamed for what he did. And, incredibly, that’s the least of his worries.
That’s because there’s no shortage of people who like the idea of seeing Joe dead, some of whom are on the inside with him. On the outside, there’s Melissa, Joe’s accomplice in one of the murders, who plans on shooting him on his way to the courthouse before he gets a chance to start talking. To get himself out of this epic mess, Joe has a desperate plan involving the disgraced ex-detective who put Joe away and a television psychic who’s looking to get rich. It’s a long shot, but it had better work—because the people of New Zealand are voting to bring back the death penalty, and the Christchurch Carver is just the poster boy to make it happen.
An award-winning author, New Zealand-based Paul Cleave is known for blending action, sardonic humor, ingenious plot twists, and dark wit into his novels, all of which are on full display in Joe Victim. This is a masterful example of the crime thriller genre, from an author who has won the admiration of critics, writers, and readers around the world.
That’s because there’s no shortage of people who like the idea of seeing Joe dead, some of whom are on the inside with him. On the outside, there’s Melissa, Joe’s accomplice in one of the murders, who plans on shooting him on his way to the courthouse before he gets a chance to start talking. To get himself out of this epic mess, Joe has a desperate plan involving the disgraced ex-detective who put Joe away and a television psychic who’s looking to get rich. It’s a long shot, but it had better work—because the people of New Zealand are voting to bring back the death penalty, and the Christchurch Carver is just the poster boy to make it happen.
An award-winning author, New Zealand-based Paul Cleave is known for blending action, sardonic humor, ingenious plot twists, and dark wit into his novels, all of which are on full display in Joe Victim. This is a masterful example of the crime thriller genre, from an author who has won the admiration of critics, writers, and readers around the world.
496 pages, Paperback
First published August 21, 2013
63 people are currently reading
1257 people want to read
About the author
Paul Cleave
44 books858 followersPaul Cleave is an internationally bestselling author who is currently dividing his time between his home city of Christchurch, New Zealand, where all of his novels are set, and Europe, where none of his novels are set. His work has been translated into fifteen languages. He has won the Ngaio Marsh award for best crime novel in New Zealand, he won the Saint-Maur book festival's crime novel of the year in France, has been shortlisted for the Edgar Award and the Barry Award in the US, and shortlisted for the Ned Kelly award in Australia. When he's not writing, he spends his time swearing on a golf course, swearing on a tennis court, or trying to add to his list of 25 countries where he's thrown his Frisbee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
December 11, 2023
In the first book in this series, 'The Cleaner', a serial killer dubbed The Christchurch Carver is terrorizing Christchurch, New Zealand. The murderer, named Joe Middleton, is able to hide in plain sight - in a police station no less - by pretending to be a mentally challenged janitor.
As this sequel opens, Joe is in jail awaiting trial. He still pretends to be slow-witted, and claims to have no memory of killing anyone. In fact Joe, who's aggrieved about being locked up, thinks of himself as Joe Victim and seems to believe a jury will set him free - and that the general public will approve. (Talk about being delusional!!)
Joe's trial is scheduled to start next week and he gets several visitors in the days leading up to it. In addition to his attorney and a court-appointed psychiatrist, Joe is visited by a shrink named Alice, who was hired by the defense. Alice's assignment is to assess Joe's mental health, for a possible insanity plea.
During the shrink's visits Joe reluctantly reveals shocking details about his childhood. He also demonstrates his inner pervert by having sick thoughts about doing things to Alice, but - luckily for her - he's securely handcuffed to the table.
Another visitor to the jail is Carl Schroder, the detective who arrested Joe. Schroder has been dismissed from the police force for a bad shooting, and is working as a consultant for reality television shows. One reality star is a fake psychic who plans to 'find' a dead cop named Robert Calhoun - who was buried by Joe. To facilitate this 'clairvoyance', Schroder is tasked with bribing Joe to reveal the location of the grave.
Joe, who's likely to be imprisoned for life - or executed - would appear to have no reason to cooperate. However Joe agrees to take the cops to the burial site because he thinks his murderous girlfriend Melissa, who's on the run from the police, will stage a rescue.
The police are reluctant to assist in a subterfuge that benefits a phony psychic, but Schroder convinces them to do it....so they can bring home one of their own.
In the meantime, as Joe waits in jail, he's tormented by guards and attacked by a fellow prisoner.....all of which is described in graphic detail.
As all this is happening, Joe's girlfriend Melissa - a psychopath in her own right - is making plans to shoot Joe on the first day of his trial. Melissa needs assistance for this, and is scurrying around Christchurch trying to line up an accomplice. This leads to more violence and death.
The plot is quite complex, and things are not always what they seem.
The novel has some comic relief in scenes featuring Joe's mum, who seems to live on a different plane than other humans. Mum is planning to marry her fiancé on the first day of Joe's trial, and - in phone calls with her son - keeps urging him to attend the wedding. (Just ask the warden if you can go! LOL) Mum's eccentricities cause Joe some trouble. but it's hard to feel sorry for him.
Joe Victim has enough background information to be read as a standalone, but - for maximum enjoyment - it's best to read The Cleaner first. My review of The Cleaner is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Paul Cleave writes excellent psychological thrillers and I enjoyed the book. Highly recommended to fans of the genre.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
July 31, 2016
In this second book of the "Cleaner" series, Joe the janitor is in lockup awaiting trial. He talks about the other inmates and life inside. He speaks to his lawyer and his psychiatrist. Caleb Cole from The Laughterhouse is in his unit, and Joe doesn't trust him. I don't trust Joe. He charms, he lies, he manipulates. He has several personas he uses in different settings. Joe's internal thinking is so whacked up, but it can be humorous at times. I liked this character in The Cleaner, and I still like him.
Another major character in this book is Melissa X. I know a little of her background, but that doesn't excuse her behavior. I think she's worse than Joe. Reading the early chapters featuring her gave me the heebie-jeebies. Then I got into the meat of the story and what motivates Melissa. So maybe she's not worse than Joe, but equal.
You could say this story is what might have happened if Clyde Barrow was caught and awaiting trial and Bonnie Parker was still free. Lots of action, lots of killings, and a love story. Ex-Detective Carl Schroder now has a job he detests and makes him feel slimy. But he has a family and needs the money. And he still is asking questions about Melissa X.
I have to STRONGLY recommend Cleave's books be read in publication order. They overlap a bit and characters from other books pop up. They are also in chronological order for the stories. I learned something in this book that I hadn't realized at the end of The Laughterhouse. I looked back at that ending and felt really dumb for not recognizing what was happening. Then I was shocked and felt terrible!
This book was a finalist for the 2014 Edgar Award and the Barry Award. Now on to Five Minutes Alone, which is a theme running through Cleave's books.
Another major character in this book is Melissa X. I know a little of her background, but that doesn't excuse her behavior. I think she's worse than Joe. Reading the early chapters featuring her gave me the heebie-jeebies. Then I got into the meat of the story and what motivates Melissa. So maybe she's not worse than Joe, but equal.
You could say this story is what might have happened if Clyde Barrow was caught and awaiting trial and Bonnie Parker was still free. Lots of action, lots of killings, and a love story. Ex-Detective Carl Schroder now has a job he detests and makes him feel slimy. But he has a family and needs the money. And he still is asking questions about Melissa X.
I have to STRONGLY recommend Cleave's books be read in publication order. They overlap a bit and characters from other books pop up. They are also in chronological order for the stories. I learned something in this book that I hadn't realized at the end of The Laughterhouse. I looked back at that ending and felt really dumb for not recognizing what was happening. Then I was shocked and felt terrible!
This book was a finalist for the 2014 Edgar Award and the Barry Award. Now on to Five Minutes Alone, which is a theme running through Cleave's books.
February 25, 2020
I must admit that for a long time I had trouble engaging in this story and found it a slow read. The Cleaner had gripped me from its start. I was planning a 3-star rating. I thought there was too much talk in setting up the plot and not enough action. There were some gross scenes involving very unappetizing sandwiches and the disgusting descriptions of the sickness which ensued.
Since Joe is now deservedly in prison where no one believes his ’Simple Joe’ act, much of ’Simple Joe’s black humour was absent in this book, apart from some outrageous instances which made me laugh, but probably shouldn't. We learn more about Joe’s past, but how much of his recollections can be believed when he claims to recall nothing about his murderous rampages?
Around page 200 the suspense and pace moved to a berserk, frenzied level dealing with a scheme to help Joe escape prison. This was planned just before his trial for murder and talk about reintroducing the death penalty, coinciding with his addled mother’s new marriage.
The conclusion was violent and chaotic with many left dead, severely injured or in a coma. I wasn't planning on reading any upcoming sequels until the death of one hateful individual who was a waste of printers ink. This killing elevated this book for me. The author certainly belongs at the top of the gory crime field, although the topics may be too gruesome for some readers of crime fiction.
Since Joe is now deservedly in prison where no one believes his ’Simple Joe’ act, much of ’Simple Joe’s black humour was absent in this book, apart from some outrageous instances which made me laugh, but probably shouldn't. We learn more about Joe’s past, but how much of his recollections can be believed when he claims to recall nothing about his murderous rampages?
Around page 200 the suspense and pace moved to a berserk, frenzied level dealing with a scheme to help Joe escape prison. This was planned just before his trial for murder and talk about reintroducing the death penalty, coinciding with his addled mother’s new marriage.
The conclusion was violent and chaotic with many left dead, severely injured or in a coma. I wasn't planning on reading any upcoming sequels until the death of one hateful individual who was a waste of printers ink. This killing elevated this book for me. The author certainly belongs at the top of the gory crime field, although the topics may be too gruesome for some readers of crime fiction.
October 6, 2017
If I could give this book a 10 star read I would. Ok- so I LOVE Paul Cleave as a writer- hence the 10 star read. If you never picked up any of his books- I suggest starting with his books by PUBLICATION ORDER. Most, if not all his books wind up bringing the same characters that are in his other series. But this book, Joe Victim you should definitely read The Cleaner which is the first in this series.....
It amazes me how Paul Cleave can have a character like "Joe" who is EVIL - and yet- at times, you wind up liking the guy! I cannot even wrap my own head around it. A psychopath killer, who does un-godly things to people and yet, you wind up laughing at the situation as well.
All I do know is I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book in this series.... Then ending was just AMAZING..... as in all his books, while there is an ending - you just know there is more to come. I cannot get enough of Cleave- " Slow Joe- Just Joe- Joe the cleaner" I'm looking forward as to what on earth is going to happen in the next book !!
It amazes me how Paul Cleave can have a character like "Joe" who is EVIL - and yet- at times, you wind up liking the guy! I cannot even wrap my own head around it. A psychopath killer, who does un-godly things to people and yet, you wind up laughing at the situation as well.
All I do know is I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book in this series.... Then ending was just AMAZING..... as in all his books, while there is an ending - you just know there is more to come. I cannot get enough of Cleave- " Slow Joe- Just Joe- Joe the cleaner" I'm looking forward as to what on earth is going to happen in the next book !!
December 1, 2019
So good!! (SO bad, but so good!😂) Just as good as the first!! (& really, when does that happen??!) If anything, I wish there was a 3rd!!😁😁 I definitely recommend this- my only advice is that with these books you really NEED to read the 1st book first. You’re really shorting yourself if you jump in & start here.. Great fun though.. Enjoy!!
May 3, 2018
4.5 Really enjoyed this on audio. Very strange to find being in this killer's head was really quite humorous much of the time. Brenda wrote an excellent review for this title.
PS I didn't read the first one in this series, and it was not a problem. Don't know if I'll read the next, but I thoroughly enjoyed Joe, and his view of himself and the world, in this one.
PS I didn't read the first one in this series, and it was not a problem. Don't know if I'll read the next, but I thoroughly enjoyed Joe, and his view of himself and the world, in this one.
May 6, 2022
Highly, highly recommended. So I read book one two books ago (the first being titled The Cleaner) and gave it a five star rating. I loved this sequel so much and am giving it another five star rating. Funny, as I was hesitant about reading this one so quickly after the first. I usually savour a good thing and this series is a very, very good thing! Yet I am really loving Cleave and have quite a few of his books in my physical tbr library so I decided lets put a wrap on this series.
So after book one our main character, serial killer Joe Middleton is wounded and caught. In jail he sits. Yet he had just discovered love with Melissa the very girl who removed his testicle with a pair of pliers. Ah yes the sick minds of serial killers…… but that love never really had a chance to flourish due to Joe being caught and ending up in jail.
In this sequel we see Joe holed up in the protective custody wing of the prison because so many people would want to kill him. Joe is a freak show. A few lawyers wanting fame were killed for representing him. The whole city of Christchurch hates Joe and good luck to anyone seeking fame and glory representing him. The killer of his defense lawyers doesn’t have issue with a court appointed lawyer though as the court appointed lawyer clearly is forced to defend Joe.
I wasn’t sure how Joe would come across in this book. He is so innocent, so naïve and so funny in how he thinks. He is basically Forrest Gump with a sick twisted mind behind him but you cannot help but love him. Honestly Joe has to be one of my favourite characters ever, I just love the way he thinks, the way he communicates. So honest and funny at the same time. How he navigates prison, his psychiatrists, his guards, his lawyer, the detectives still looking for bodies of his victims is unique and in a way outright funny. His interaction with the guards and how they abuse him in so many ways has a comedic value that works so well despite what’s being done to him. And one must remember Joe is a serial killer, we shouldn’t be rooting for him but that’s how both books are written - you tend to pull for this guy…..
So Joe’s trial is coming up and there are plans for that venue to be both his escape from jail and his death via the court house. I should say that this is the plot really and it so reminded me of Stephen King’s Billy Summers. The disguises used, the plan to kill Joe when he shows up for court is all so reminiscent of Billy Summers except for the fact that this came seven years prior. I note that I gave Billy Summers a five star review but I have to say I would have called it a cheap knock off of this book had I read this one first. I’m referring to basically the first half of Billy Summers which is the half I preferred. I repeat it’s all the same – the venue to kill from, the disguises to facilitate escape etc. It’s so bad I think Cleave has a legal argument. Would have loved to see Cleave's reaction to Billy Summers......
So plans get put in motion and they are hilarious. Just like the first book Joe’s mother steals so many parts with her dim wits and just pure stupidity. Again so funny in its own right. So you’ll have to read how it all unfolds on your own. This could be a stand alone but I recommend reading the first book. It is only a two book series though I could see a third down the line if Cleave so chooses. The ending is so typical of Joe. It’s a great ending on so many levels. I was held captive by the characters and the story throughout. My fourth five star rating in a row but I call it as I read them. I hope my luck continues but I am going for a change of pace next – I think Evan Smoak and Orphan X are due up for that change of pace 😊 Enjoy this series, it’s unique, different, funny and very, very, good in so many ways!!
So after book one our main character, serial killer Joe Middleton is wounded and caught. In jail he sits. Yet he had just discovered love with Melissa the very girl who removed his testicle with a pair of pliers. Ah yes the sick minds of serial killers…… but that love never really had a chance to flourish due to Joe being caught and ending up in jail.
In this sequel we see Joe holed up in the protective custody wing of the prison because so many people would want to kill him. Joe is a freak show. A few lawyers wanting fame were killed for representing him. The whole city of Christchurch hates Joe and good luck to anyone seeking fame and glory representing him. The killer of his defense lawyers doesn’t have issue with a court appointed lawyer though as the court appointed lawyer clearly is forced to defend Joe.
I wasn’t sure how Joe would come across in this book. He is so innocent, so naïve and so funny in how he thinks. He is basically Forrest Gump with a sick twisted mind behind him but you cannot help but love him. Honestly Joe has to be one of my favourite characters ever, I just love the way he thinks, the way he communicates. So honest and funny at the same time. How he navigates prison, his psychiatrists, his guards, his lawyer, the detectives still looking for bodies of his victims is unique and in a way outright funny. His interaction with the guards and how they abuse him in so many ways has a comedic value that works so well despite what’s being done to him. And one must remember Joe is a serial killer, we shouldn’t be rooting for him but that’s how both books are written - you tend to pull for this guy…..
So Joe’s trial is coming up and there are plans for that venue to be both his escape from jail and his death via the court house. I should say that this is the plot really and it so reminded me of Stephen King’s Billy Summers. The disguises used, the plan to kill Joe when he shows up for court is all so reminiscent of Billy Summers except for the fact that this came seven years prior. I note that I gave Billy Summers a five star review but I have to say I would have called it a cheap knock off of this book had I read this one first. I’m referring to basically the first half of Billy Summers which is the half I preferred. I repeat it’s all the same – the venue to kill from, the disguises to facilitate escape etc. It’s so bad I think Cleave has a legal argument. Would have loved to see Cleave's reaction to Billy Summers......
So plans get put in motion and they are hilarious. Just like the first book Joe’s mother steals so many parts with her dim wits and just pure stupidity. Again so funny in its own right. So you’ll have to read how it all unfolds on your own. This could be a stand alone but I recommend reading the first book. It is only a two book series though I could see a third down the line if Cleave so chooses. The ending is so typical of Joe. It’s a great ending on so many levels. I was held captive by the characters and the story throughout. My fourth five star rating in a row but I call it as I read them. I hope my luck continues but I am going for a change of pace next – I think Evan Smoak and Orphan X are due up for that change of pace 😊 Enjoy this series, it’s unique, different, funny and very, very, good in so many ways!!
April 19, 2023
Sigo enganchado con Paul Cleave. Aunque últimamente no tengo tanto tiempo para leer, en los momentos que pillo, me entretiene y me hace olvidar otra serie de historias que mejor ni pensar en ellas.
Creo que con el jaleo que es ahora mismo mi vida no he llevado tal vez el orden adecuado de lectura y voy a por otra del mismo autor, creo que su título es "Cueste lo que cueste" o algo parecido..
Creo que con el jaleo que es ahora mismo mi vida no he llevado tal vez el orden adecuado de lectura y voy a por otra del mismo autor, creo que su título es "Cueste lo que cueste" o algo parecido..
November 17, 2015
What can I say about this book?
I admit, I had to wonder what Paul Cleave could find to write about in this the second Joe Middleton (aka Christchurch Carver) book, with Joe being in jail.....but I should have known better. This book is just one bombshell of a surprise after another. There are more twists and turns than a on back country New Zealand road!
Yes, Joe has survived his suicide attempt and is in jail awaiting trial intent pleading insanity (against the advice of his lawyer) and maintaining that he cannot remember a thing. He also believes that almost everyone is on his side (except those who want to kill him), and that everyone loves Joe. And then Joe is made an offer he can't refuse......one that he believes will result in his freedom.
Paul Cleave writes with a wonderful sense of humour so that one moment you are gasping in horror and the next chuckling.....definitely not a book to be read in a public place! He has somehow made Joe into someone you could almost like, if you didn't know what he does.
This rollercoaster read is a definite recommendation - but do read The Cleaner first.
I admit, I had to wonder what Paul Cleave could find to write about in this the second Joe Middleton (aka Christchurch Carver) book, with Joe being in jail.....but I should have known better. This book is just one bombshell of a surprise after another. There are more twists and turns than a on back country New Zealand road!
Yes, Joe has survived his suicide attempt and is in jail awaiting trial intent pleading insanity (against the advice of his lawyer) and maintaining that he cannot remember a thing. He also believes that almost everyone is on his side (except those who want to kill him), and that everyone loves Joe. And then Joe is made an offer he can't refuse......one that he believes will result in his freedom.
Paul Cleave writes with a wonderful sense of humour so that one moment you are gasping in horror and the next chuckling.....definitely not a book to be read in a public place! He has somehow made Joe into someone you could almost like, if you didn't know what he does.
This rollercoaster read is a definite recommendation - but do read The Cleaner first.
May 25, 2018
I usually love Paul Cleave's books. This one, not so much. There was quite a bit of action, which is always a good thing. There was also a lot of humor, which helped with some of the less palatable moments (pun intended for one particular event in the book involving a sandwich). So certainly all of the ingredients were in place for a fantastic book...and yet I just wasn't that into this one. I think it's probably because I just didn't like Joe in this book. I found a lot of his inner monologues more annoying than amusing. I also felt every one of the 483 pages of this book; it seemed to go on forever.
So this wasn't my favorite of this author's work. It happens. But I'm still looking forward to the next book. I may not be a fan of Joe's, but I am a fan of Mr. Cleave.
So this wasn't my favorite of this author's work. It happens. But I'm still looking forward to the next book. I may not be a fan of Joe's, but I am a fan of Mr. Cleave.
November 19, 2013
He’s baaaa-aaack. Joe, the charming and brutal serial killer who masqueraded as a slow-witted police janitor while terrorising Christchurch in Cleave’s raw but outstanding 2006 debut, THE CLEANER.
In the years since, Cleave has gathered awards and acclaim in New Zealand and abroad for his gripping and gory thrillers, yet for Joe only one year has passed. Joe awaits trial on multiple murder charges, but sees himself as the victim. Stuck in prison, unable to continue his ‘work’, forced to liaise with lawyers and psychologists as he plots a defence that he wasn’t in control of his actions. And then there’s the movement calling for the reintroduction of the death penalty, with him as posterchild for the hangman, as well as former cops, victims’ family, and a sociopathic ex-girlfriend all coming for him.
Cleave writes vividly and violently, ratcheting up the tension as we wonder what will happen to Joe, and all those whose lives he touches. Ferocious and fun.
In the years since, Cleave has gathered awards and acclaim in New Zealand and abroad for his gripping and gory thrillers, yet for Joe only one year has passed. Joe awaits trial on multiple murder charges, but sees himself as the victim. Stuck in prison, unable to continue his ‘work’, forced to liaise with lawyers and psychologists as he plots a defence that he wasn’t in control of his actions. And then there’s the movement calling for the reintroduction of the death penalty, with him as posterchild for the hangman, as well as former cops, victims’ family, and a sociopathic ex-girlfriend all coming for him.
Cleave writes vividly and violently, ratcheting up the tension as we wonder what will happen to Joe, and all those whose lives he touches. Ferocious and fun.
August 20, 2025
Aunque me gusta mucho como escribe Cleave y esta continuación de Limpieza mortal no me ha defraudado, si que tengo que decir que se me ha hecho mas lento y pesado que el anterior.
June 8, 2013
This follows where the Cleaner left off. In fact it starts with Joe being arrested. Then it is a year later and Joe's trial is coming up. The same old characters are there plus others from later books. It is going to be a hard sell I think, as although the writing is great the content may not be to many peoples liking........and once again I find myself liking a sick-in-the-head serial killer. Paul has quite a unique way of writing and I cannot think of anyone else I have read who is similar except maybe Christopher Brookmyer. The writing is vivid and often laugh out loud hilarious, although the imagery is sometimes squeamish (just wait till you read the kitten part!)
Part of my job is to recommend books to customers, I don't know how I am going to do that with this one. I loved it but.................
Part of my job is to recommend books to customers, I don't know how I am going to do that with this one. I loved it but.................
January 5, 2016
Great story. Joe is like the Forest Gump of serial Killers
January 27, 2025
Na het lezen van The Cleaner wilde ik gelijk door met het volgende deel van deze heerlijke lugubere pageturner. Ook van deel twee heb ik hoge verwachtingen. Hoe gaat het nu verder met Joe en welke lugubere dingen gaan er nu gebeuren...
Ondanks dat de Christchurch Carver beweert dat hij onschuldig is, lijkt niemand hem te geloven. Joe Middeltons herinnert zich namelijk niet dat hij ooit iemand vermoord heeft. Niemand kan hem daarom schuldig verklaren voor de serie moorden. Hij noemt zichzelf Joe Victim en ziet zichzelf als slachtoffer, in de hoop hiermee psychiaters te overtuigen van zijn onschuld. Hij wacht op zijn rechtszaak en hoopt dat hij het uiteindelijk wel zal redden. Anderen zijn ervan overtuigd dat Joe de Christchurch Carver is en zij willen hem dood hebben. Melissa is medeplichtig aan een van Joes moorden en is van plan om hem neer te schieten als hij op weg is naar de rechtbank. Zo wil ze voorkomen dat hij gaat praten. Raphael, de vader van Carver-slachtoffer, heeft hetzelfde plan als Melissa, want hij is van plan de wreken voor de dood van zijn dochter. En dan is er nog Carl Schroder, de ex-detective die Joe in de gevangenis gekregen heeft. Hij is vastbesloten om de waarheid aan het licht te brengen om zo zijn carrière te redden. En dan heb je Joe, vastbesloten om een wanhopig en wild ontsnappingsplan te bedenken om zich uit deze situatie te bevrijden...
Wat een tof, pakkend en razend goed vervolg van de serie. Het verhaal gaat verder waar deel één afsloot. Er wordt direct duidelijk wat er precies gebeurd is en hoe dat de situatie in deel één is afgelopen. Vanuit hier ontstaat een goed, verrassend en origineel vervolg van het verhaal.
Paul Cleave heeft een levendige en vlotte schrijfstijl en weet bij dit verhaal echt het perfecte tempo erin te houden. Op sommige momenten versnelt en vertraagt hij de verhaallijn en op andere momenten treedt hij meer in detail, hierdoor is het verhaal echt een heerlijke pageturner geworden.
Ook in dit verhaal volgen we het perspectief van Joe, die overtuigd is van zijn onschuld en het slachtoffer speelt van de hele situatie. Paul Cleave heeft het personage echt met finesse en overtuiging, met name de psychologische gedachtegang van Joe, fantastisch uitgewerkt. Daarbij wisselen we soms naar het perspectief van andere personages, waaronder Melissa, Raphael en Carl die alle drie overtuigd zijn dat Joe de moordenaar is en op wraak uit zijn. De verschillende visies en gedachtegang van de personages in de situaties zijn op sterke wijze in beeld gebracht.
Het verhaal volgt op de gebeurtenissen van het eerste deel. Toch neemt het verhaal weer een pakkende, originele en eigen sterke verhaallijn van gebeurtenissen. Nu Joe in hechtenis is genomen, krijgt het verhaal weer nieuwe wendingen en gebeurtenissen. Daarbij weet Paul Cleave door het wisselende perspectief van de verschillende andere personages de spanning mooi op te bouwen. Hoe gaat dit aflopen? Wie gaat zijn wraak nemen, of gaat het Joe lukken om te ontsnappen? Tot aan het einde weet Paul Cleave je te boeien en ook dit verhaal eindigt met een grandioze cliffhanger. Ik wacht vol spanning op deel drie.
Joe Victim is een pakkend, spannend en razend goed vervolg van de serie. Het verhaal volgt op het eerste deel, dus je moet deze serie wel in volgorde lezen. Het is vlot, levendig en pakkend geschreven. De personages, en zeker het hoofdpersonage Joe, zijn met finesse en ook psychologisch gezien erg goed uitgewerkt. Ook dit deel is absoluut een spannende pageturner waar je geen genoeg van krijgt. Ik kijk uit naar deel drie.
Ondanks dat de Christchurch Carver beweert dat hij onschuldig is, lijkt niemand hem te geloven. Joe Middeltons herinnert zich namelijk niet dat hij ooit iemand vermoord heeft. Niemand kan hem daarom schuldig verklaren voor de serie moorden. Hij noemt zichzelf Joe Victim en ziet zichzelf als slachtoffer, in de hoop hiermee psychiaters te overtuigen van zijn onschuld. Hij wacht op zijn rechtszaak en hoopt dat hij het uiteindelijk wel zal redden. Anderen zijn ervan overtuigd dat Joe de Christchurch Carver is en zij willen hem dood hebben. Melissa is medeplichtig aan een van Joes moorden en is van plan om hem neer te schieten als hij op weg is naar de rechtbank. Zo wil ze voorkomen dat hij gaat praten. Raphael, de vader van Carver-slachtoffer, heeft hetzelfde plan als Melissa, want hij is van plan de wreken voor de dood van zijn dochter. En dan is er nog Carl Schroder, de ex-detective die Joe in de gevangenis gekregen heeft. Hij is vastbesloten om de waarheid aan het licht te brengen om zo zijn carrière te redden. En dan heb je Joe, vastbesloten om een wanhopig en wild ontsnappingsplan te bedenken om zich uit deze situatie te bevrijden...
Wat een tof, pakkend en razend goed vervolg van de serie. Het verhaal gaat verder waar deel één afsloot. Er wordt direct duidelijk wat er precies gebeurd is en hoe dat de situatie in deel één is afgelopen. Vanuit hier ontstaat een goed, verrassend en origineel vervolg van het verhaal.
Paul Cleave heeft een levendige en vlotte schrijfstijl en weet bij dit verhaal echt het perfecte tempo erin te houden. Op sommige momenten versnelt en vertraagt hij de verhaallijn en op andere momenten treedt hij meer in detail, hierdoor is het verhaal echt een heerlijke pageturner geworden.
Ook in dit verhaal volgen we het perspectief van Joe, die overtuigd is van zijn onschuld en het slachtoffer speelt van de hele situatie. Paul Cleave heeft het personage echt met finesse en overtuiging, met name de psychologische gedachtegang van Joe, fantastisch uitgewerkt. Daarbij wisselen we soms naar het perspectief van andere personages, waaronder Melissa, Raphael en Carl die alle drie overtuigd zijn dat Joe de moordenaar is en op wraak uit zijn. De verschillende visies en gedachtegang van de personages in de situaties zijn op sterke wijze in beeld gebracht.
Het verhaal volgt op de gebeurtenissen van het eerste deel. Toch neemt het verhaal weer een pakkende, originele en eigen sterke verhaallijn van gebeurtenissen. Nu Joe in hechtenis is genomen, krijgt het verhaal weer nieuwe wendingen en gebeurtenissen. Daarbij weet Paul Cleave door het wisselende perspectief van de verschillende andere personages de spanning mooi op te bouwen. Hoe gaat dit aflopen? Wie gaat zijn wraak nemen, of gaat het Joe lukken om te ontsnappen? Tot aan het einde weet Paul Cleave je te boeien en ook dit verhaal eindigt met een grandioze cliffhanger. Ik wacht vol spanning op deel drie.
Joe Victim is een pakkend, spannend en razend goed vervolg van de serie. Het verhaal volgt op het eerste deel, dus je moet deze serie wel in volgorde lezen. Het is vlot, levendig en pakkend geschreven. De personages, en zeker het hoofdpersonage Joe, zijn met finesse en ook psychologisch gezien erg goed uitgewerkt. Ook dit deel is absoluut een spannende pageturner waar je geen genoeg van krijgt. Ik kijk uit naar deel drie.
October 31, 2024
Ein Jahr nach seiner brutalen Mordserie steht Joe Middleton erneut im Mittelpunkt der Öffentlichkeit: Dem „Schlächter von Christchurch“ soll endlich der Prozess gemacht werden…
Zwölf Monate ist es nun her, dass Joe Middleton unter äußerst unglücklichen Umständen von der Polizei verhaftet wurde und diese herausfand, dass der nette und geistig etwas zurückgebliebene Mann, der täglich das Polizeirevier geputzt hat, in Wirklichkeit ein gefährlicher und brutaler Serienmörder ist, der bereits eine ganze Reihe von Menschen auf dem Gewissen hat. Während Joe sein Pech immer noch nicht wirklich fassen kann und sich immer wieder fragt, wie das Leben ihm so übel mitspielen konnte, rückt sein Prozess mit jedem Tag ein wenig näher.
Todesstrafe für den „Schlächter von Christchurch“?
Für Joe kommt der Beginn des aufsehenerregenden Gerichtsverfahrens zu einer Unzeit, denn ausgerechnet jetzt diskutiert ganz Neuseeland über die Wiedereinführung der Todesstrafe und die Regierung plant, mittels eines Volksentscheids eine Entscheidung in dieser Angelegenheit herbeizuführen. Zu seinem großen Missfallen wird er selbst dabei von der Bevölkerung und den Medien immer wieder als Argument für die Todesstrafe genannt – denn wenn der „Schlächter von Christchurch“, der so viele unschuldige Leben zerstört hat, den Tod nicht verdient, wer dann? Folglich beteuert Joe nach wie vor verzweifelt seine Unschuld und gibt weiterhin den freundlichen Einfaltspinsel, doch kaum noch jemand lässt sich von dieser Fassade täuschen…
Die langersehnte Fortsetzung zu „Der siebte Tod“
Endlich! Endlich! Endlich! Sechs Jahre mussten wir warten, bis Neuseelands Bestsellerautor Paul Cleave seiner wohl charismatischsten Figur erneut eine Hauptrolle in einem seiner Bücher spendiert. Zwar war der sympathische Serienkiller Joe Middleton, der seinen ersten Auftritt in Cleaves Debütroman „Der siebte Tod“ feierte, auch in den späteren Werken des Autors am Rande immer mal wieder ein Thema, doch mit seinem neuesten Thriller „Opferzeit“ tritt der „Schlächter von Christchurch“ endlich auch wieder selbst in Erscheinung. Ich habe mich seit Wochen auf das Erscheinen dieser Fortsetzung gefreut, denn die Geschichte um den nach außen so netten Trottel, der nachts ein schockierendes Doppelleben führt, hat mich damals total begeistert und ist nach wie vor mein Lieblingsroman des Autors, sodass ich unbedingt wissen wollte, wie es mit Joe Middleton weitergeht. Und vielleicht ist es am Ende diese extrem hohe Erwartungshaltung, die dafür gesorgt hat, dass „Opferzeit“ mich insgesamt betrachtet ein wenig enttäuscht hat.
Darf man einen Vergewaltiger und Serienmörder mögen?
Fangen wir jedoch am Anfang an: In einem kurzen Prolog schildert Paul Cleave nochmal die kuriosen Umstände, die zur Festnahme von Joe Middleton geführt haben, bevor die Geschichte dann einen Zeitsprung von einem Jahr macht und zu einem Schlächter springt, der in seiner Gefängniszelle auf den ihm bevorstehenden Prozess wartet. Wer „Der siebte Tod“ gelesen hat, wird vermutlich gleich am Anfang wieder daran erinnert werden, warum man Joe damals so ins Herz geschlossen hat, denn nach wie vor gibt der Häftling den treudoofen Idioten, der vehement seine Unschuld beteuert. Da Cleave diese Passagen aber erneut aus der Ich-Perspektive schildert, dürften selbst für Neulinge keinerlei Zweifel daran aufkommen, dass Joe Middleton absolut im Vollbesitz seiner geistigen Fähigkeiten ist und seine Taten nicht mal ansatzweise bereut. Das bringt einen als Leser wieder in den altbekannten Konflikt, denn einerseits findet man diesen cleveren und charismatischen Mann richtiggehend sympathisch und hochgradig amüsant – andererseits ist Joe aber nun einmal ein brutaler Vergewaltiger und Mörder, der zurück in der Freiheit wohl sofort wieder mit dem Töten weitermachen würde. Und anders als beispielsweise Jeff Lindsays Figur des „Dexter Morgan“ richtet Middleton seine Mordlust nicht gegen „schlechte Menschen“, sondern gegen unschuldige Frauen, die ihm zu ihrem Unglück über den Weg laufen…
Willkommen zurück in Christchurch!
Wie in jedem Cleave-Roman gibt es auch diesmal wieder ein Wiedersehen mit vielen alten Bekannten, bei dem fast jeder frühere Haupt- und Nebenfigur ihr Auftritt zugestanden wird. Ein besonderes Augenmerk wird dabei (wieder einmal) Detective Inspector Carl Schroeder zuteil, der sich inzwischen aber nicht mehr „Detective Inspector“ nennen darf und stattdessen als Berater für einen Hellseher in der TV-Branche arbeitet. Die dritte Hauptrolle geht an Melissa X, die psychopathische Serienkillerin, mit der Joe schon in „Der siebte Tod“ schmerzhafte Bekanntschaft gemacht hat und die er trotzdem nicht aus seinem Kopf bekommt. Fans des neuseeländischen Autors dürfen sich aber auch auf Neuigkeiten über Caleb Cole oder Theodore Tate freuen, sodass man sich als Leser schnell wieder zuhause fühlt. Dies ist einer der Gründe, warum ich Cleaves Bücher so sehr mag, denn obwohl im Prinzip jeder Roman eine eigene Geschichte erzählt, kreuzen sich die Wege der einzelnen Charaktere immer wieder auf unterschiedliche Weise, sodass um die ganzen gestörten Gestalten herum inzwischen ein richtiger kleiner Mikrokosmos entstanden ist. Allerdings stellte sich mir beim Hören des Hörbuches zwischendurch die Frage, wie die Geschichte wohl auf Neueinsteiger wirken mag, denn wirklich viel Hilfestellung in Bezug auf die Vorgänger gibt Paul Cleave eigentlich nicht. Wenn ich mir schon als Kenner der früheren Bücher phasenweise einen kleinen Gedächtnis-Auffrischer gewünscht habe, wie mag es da wohl Lesern gehen, die zuvor noch nie von Joe Middleton oder Melissa X gehört haben?
Trotz schwächelnder Story sehr unterhaltsam und amüsant
Was mich bei der Lektüre jedoch weitaus mehr irritiert hat, ist die über weite Strecken doch etwas belanglose Story, die über zwei Drittel des Buches nicht so wirklich vorwärts kommt und der es bis auf das rasante (wenn auch etwas absurde) Schlussdrittel deutlich an Spannung mangelt. Die Geschichte ist ohne jede Frage kurzweilig, unterhaltsam, amüsant und sogar sehr oft zum Schreien komisch – etwa wenn Joe am Telefon wiederholt von seiner ignoranten und scheinbar völlig weltfremden Mutter zur Verzweiflung getrieben wird –, doch irgendwie fehlte mir bei „Opferzeit“ zum ersten Mal bei einem Cleave-Buch ein wenig Tiefgang. Zudem fand ich das Verhalten mancher Charaktere an gewissen Stellen nur schwer nachvollziehbar, weil der Autor die entsprechende Motivation jeweils im Unklaren lässt und es so zum Beispiel völlig rätselhaft ist, warum es Melissa X plötzlich auf das Leben von Joe abgesehen hat, nachdem die beiden vor dessen Verhaftung noch eine Affäre gehabt haben. Darüber hinaus habe ich in der Geschichte auch ernsthafte oder gar tragische Passagen vermisst, die es in den letzten Werken (z.B. in „Die Totensammler“ oder „Das Haus des Todes“) noch zur Genüge gab und die teilweise an die Grenze des (seelisch) Erträglichen gingen. An deren Stelle sind nun leider einige Szenen voller Fäkalhumor getreten, was bei der dritten Wiederholung dann auch nur noch bedingt komisch ist. Dabei hat Cleave sich die Vorlage für mehr Tiefgang mit dem Thema „Todesstrafe“ doch schon selbst geliefert, aber von der Diskussion über Sinn oder moralische Gerechtfertigung dieser Strafe bekommt man während der Handlung selbst nicht viel mit.
Das schwächste Buch des Christchurch-Zyklus
Trotzdem ist „Opferzeit“ immer noch ein guter Thriller und für Fans des „Schlächters von Christchurch“ sicherlich erneut ein höchst unterhaltsames Vergnügen, doch verglichen mit seinem Vorgänger und den anderen Romanen zieht Cleaves neuestes Werk in meinen Augen klar den Kürzeren. Auch Hörbuchsprecher Martin Keßler mit seiner wie gewohnt ultracoolen Lesung (und einer großartig dargestellten Serienkiller-Mutter) kann nichts daran ändern, dass „Opferzeit“ für mich persönlich das schwächste Buch aus dem Christchurch-Zyklus ist.
Fazit:
Unterhaltsame Fortsetzung zu „Der siebte Tod“, die aber spannungsmäßig nicht an den Vorgänger anknüpfen kann und etwas zu viel auf Klamauk setzt.
Zwölf Monate ist es nun her, dass Joe Middleton unter äußerst unglücklichen Umständen von der Polizei verhaftet wurde und diese herausfand, dass der nette und geistig etwas zurückgebliebene Mann, der täglich das Polizeirevier geputzt hat, in Wirklichkeit ein gefährlicher und brutaler Serienmörder ist, der bereits eine ganze Reihe von Menschen auf dem Gewissen hat. Während Joe sein Pech immer noch nicht wirklich fassen kann und sich immer wieder fragt, wie das Leben ihm so übel mitspielen konnte, rückt sein Prozess mit jedem Tag ein wenig näher.
Todesstrafe für den „Schlächter von Christchurch“?
Für Joe kommt der Beginn des aufsehenerregenden Gerichtsverfahrens zu einer Unzeit, denn ausgerechnet jetzt diskutiert ganz Neuseeland über die Wiedereinführung der Todesstrafe und die Regierung plant, mittels eines Volksentscheids eine Entscheidung in dieser Angelegenheit herbeizuführen. Zu seinem großen Missfallen wird er selbst dabei von der Bevölkerung und den Medien immer wieder als Argument für die Todesstrafe genannt – denn wenn der „Schlächter von Christchurch“, der so viele unschuldige Leben zerstört hat, den Tod nicht verdient, wer dann? Folglich beteuert Joe nach wie vor verzweifelt seine Unschuld und gibt weiterhin den freundlichen Einfaltspinsel, doch kaum noch jemand lässt sich von dieser Fassade täuschen…
Die langersehnte Fortsetzung zu „Der siebte Tod“
Endlich! Endlich! Endlich! Sechs Jahre mussten wir warten, bis Neuseelands Bestsellerautor Paul Cleave seiner wohl charismatischsten Figur erneut eine Hauptrolle in einem seiner Bücher spendiert. Zwar war der sympathische Serienkiller Joe Middleton, der seinen ersten Auftritt in Cleaves Debütroman „Der siebte Tod“ feierte, auch in den späteren Werken des Autors am Rande immer mal wieder ein Thema, doch mit seinem neuesten Thriller „Opferzeit“ tritt der „Schlächter von Christchurch“ endlich auch wieder selbst in Erscheinung. Ich habe mich seit Wochen auf das Erscheinen dieser Fortsetzung gefreut, denn die Geschichte um den nach außen so netten Trottel, der nachts ein schockierendes Doppelleben führt, hat mich damals total begeistert und ist nach wie vor mein Lieblingsroman des Autors, sodass ich unbedingt wissen wollte, wie es mit Joe Middleton weitergeht. Und vielleicht ist es am Ende diese extrem hohe Erwartungshaltung, die dafür gesorgt hat, dass „Opferzeit“ mich insgesamt betrachtet ein wenig enttäuscht hat.
Darf man einen Vergewaltiger und Serienmörder mögen?
Fangen wir jedoch am Anfang an: In einem kurzen Prolog schildert Paul Cleave nochmal die kuriosen Umstände, die zur Festnahme von Joe Middleton geführt haben, bevor die Geschichte dann einen Zeitsprung von einem Jahr macht und zu einem Schlächter springt, der in seiner Gefängniszelle auf den ihm bevorstehenden Prozess wartet. Wer „Der siebte Tod“ gelesen hat, wird vermutlich gleich am Anfang wieder daran erinnert werden, warum man Joe damals so ins Herz geschlossen hat, denn nach wie vor gibt der Häftling den treudoofen Idioten, der vehement seine Unschuld beteuert. Da Cleave diese Passagen aber erneut aus der Ich-Perspektive schildert, dürften selbst für Neulinge keinerlei Zweifel daran aufkommen, dass Joe Middleton absolut im Vollbesitz seiner geistigen Fähigkeiten ist und seine Taten nicht mal ansatzweise bereut. Das bringt einen als Leser wieder in den altbekannten Konflikt, denn einerseits findet man diesen cleveren und charismatischen Mann richtiggehend sympathisch und hochgradig amüsant – andererseits ist Joe aber nun einmal ein brutaler Vergewaltiger und Mörder, der zurück in der Freiheit wohl sofort wieder mit dem Töten weitermachen würde. Und anders als beispielsweise Jeff Lindsays Figur des „Dexter Morgan“ richtet Middleton seine Mordlust nicht gegen „schlechte Menschen“, sondern gegen unschuldige Frauen, die ihm zu ihrem Unglück über den Weg laufen…
Willkommen zurück in Christchurch!
Wie in jedem Cleave-Roman gibt es auch diesmal wieder ein Wiedersehen mit vielen alten Bekannten, bei dem fast jeder frühere Haupt- und Nebenfigur ihr Auftritt zugestanden wird. Ein besonderes Augenmerk wird dabei (wieder einmal) Detective Inspector Carl Schroeder zuteil, der sich inzwischen aber nicht mehr „Detective Inspector“ nennen darf und stattdessen als Berater für einen Hellseher in der TV-Branche arbeitet. Die dritte Hauptrolle geht an Melissa X, die psychopathische Serienkillerin, mit der Joe schon in „Der siebte Tod“ schmerzhafte Bekanntschaft gemacht hat und die er trotzdem nicht aus seinem Kopf bekommt. Fans des neuseeländischen Autors dürfen sich aber auch auf Neuigkeiten über Caleb Cole oder Theodore Tate freuen, sodass man sich als Leser schnell wieder zuhause fühlt. Dies ist einer der Gründe, warum ich Cleaves Bücher so sehr mag, denn obwohl im Prinzip jeder Roman eine eigene Geschichte erzählt, kreuzen sich die Wege der einzelnen Charaktere immer wieder auf unterschiedliche Weise, sodass um die ganzen gestörten Gestalten herum inzwischen ein richtiger kleiner Mikrokosmos entstanden ist. Allerdings stellte sich mir beim Hören des Hörbuches zwischendurch die Frage, wie die Geschichte wohl auf Neueinsteiger wirken mag, denn wirklich viel Hilfestellung in Bezug auf die Vorgänger gibt Paul Cleave eigentlich nicht. Wenn ich mir schon als Kenner der früheren Bücher phasenweise einen kleinen Gedächtnis-Auffrischer gewünscht habe, wie mag es da wohl Lesern gehen, die zuvor noch nie von Joe Middleton oder Melissa X gehört haben?
Trotz schwächelnder Story sehr unterhaltsam und amüsant
Was mich bei der Lektüre jedoch weitaus mehr irritiert hat, ist die über weite Strecken doch etwas belanglose Story, die über zwei Drittel des Buches nicht so wirklich vorwärts kommt und der es bis auf das rasante (wenn auch etwas absurde) Schlussdrittel deutlich an Spannung mangelt. Die Geschichte ist ohne jede Frage kurzweilig, unterhaltsam, amüsant und sogar sehr oft zum Schreien komisch – etwa wenn Joe am Telefon wiederholt von seiner ignoranten und scheinbar völlig weltfremden Mutter zur Verzweiflung getrieben wird –, doch irgendwie fehlte mir bei „Opferzeit“ zum ersten Mal bei einem Cleave-Buch ein wenig Tiefgang. Zudem fand ich das Verhalten mancher Charaktere an gewissen Stellen nur schwer nachvollziehbar, weil der Autor die entsprechende Motivation jeweils im Unklaren lässt und es so zum Beispiel völlig rätselhaft ist, warum es Melissa X plötzlich auf das Leben von Joe abgesehen hat, nachdem die beiden vor dessen Verhaftung noch eine Affäre gehabt haben. Darüber hinaus habe ich in der Geschichte auch ernsthafte oder gar tragische Passagen vermisst, die es in den letzten Werken (z.B. in „Die Totensammler“ oder „Das Haus des Todes“) noch zur Genüge gab und die teilweise an die Grenze des (seelisch) Erträglichen gingen. An deren Stelle sind nun leider einige Szenen voller Fäkalhumor getreten, was bei der dritten Wiederholung dann auch nur noch bedingt komisch ist. Dabei hat Cleave sich die Vorlage für mehr Tiefgang mit dem Thema „Todesstrafe“ doch schon selbst geliefert, aber von der Diskussion über Sinn oder moralische Gerechtfertigung dieser Strafe bekommt man während der Handlung selbst nicht viel mit.
Das schwächste Buch des Christchurch-Zyklus
Trotzdem ist „Opferzeit“ immer noch ein guter Thriller und für Fans des „Schlächters von Christchurch“ sicherlich erneut ein höchst unterhaltsames Vergnügen, doch verglichen mit seinem Vorgänger und den anderen Romanen zieht Cleaves neuestes Werk in meinen Augen klar den Kürzeren. Auch Hörbuchsprecher Martin Keßler mit seiner wie gewohnt ultracoolen Lesung (und einer großartig dargestellten Serienkiller-Mutter) kann nichts daran ändern, dass „Opferzeit“ für mich persönlich das schwächste Buch aus dem Christchurch-Zyklus ist.
Fazit:
Unterhaltsame Fortsetzung zu „Der siebte Tod“, die aber spannungsmäßig nicht an den Vorgänger anknüpfen kann und etwas zu viel auf Klamauk setzt.
July 14, 2020
How Victim
Honestly, I have never read a book where despite disliking the messed up, homicidal serial killing maniac, I also kinda liked him too!
I have loved both books in The Cleaner series, and I truly wish there were more.
I love Paul Cleaves style of writing and I loved all the different array of characters in the books.
There may not be another book in this series, but I will most definitely be reading more books by this fab author
Honestly, I have never read a book where despite disliking the messed up, homicidal serial killing maniac, I also kinda liked him too!
I have loved both books in The Cleaner series, and I truly wish there were more.
I love Paul Cleaves style of writing and I loved all the different array of characters in the books.
There may not be another book in this series, but I will most definitely be reading more books by this fab author
September 2, 2013
“Joe Victim” by Paul Cleave, published by Atria Paperback.
Category – Mystery/Thriller Publication Date - September 03, 2013
Paul Cleave has written seven books that are now being republished in paperback form. The novels take place in Christchurch, New Zealand and he is definitely not on the preferred list of those promoting travel to New Zealand. Although he lives, his books depict a place that is cold, dreary, and has a nasty criminal element.
In “Joe Victim”, Joe is incarcerated as the Christchurch Carver. He is accused of several brutal crimes but thinks he may have found a way to beat the system. It is also a time when New Zealand is questioning its no death penalty policy. It seems that Joe is primarily responsible for an attempt to bring back the death penalty.
Joe is working on convincing psychiatrists that he is mentally incompetent and should not be held responsible for the horrible murders due to insanity.
Joe is also receiving help from outside by his girl friend murderer, Melissa. Melissa is about as cunning as any criminal can be, in fact, she is probably better than most. She put together an elaborate plan to free Joe, and even though it goes awry, somehow she manages to pull off an incredible escape.
The novels of Paul Cleave are a little “off the wall” and contain many twists and turns that will keep the reader off guard and wondering what could possibly happen next.
Category – Mystery/Thriller Publication Date - September 03, 2013
Paul Cleave has written seven books that are now being republished in paperback form. The novels take place in Christchurch, New Zealand and he is definitely not on the preferred list of those promoting travel to New Zealand. Although he lives, his books depict a place that is cold, dreary, and has a nasty criminal element.
In “Joe Victim”, Joe is incarcerated as the Christchurch Carver. He is accused of several brutal crimes but thinks he may have found a way to beat the system. It is also a time when New Zealand is questioning its no death penalty policy. It seems that Joe is primarily responsible for an attempt to bring back the death penalty.
Joe is working on convincing psychiatrists that he is mentally incompetent and should not be held responsible for the horrible murders due to insanity.
Joe is also receiving help from outside by his girl friend murderer, Melissa. Melissa is about as cunning as any criminal can be, in fact, she is probably better than most. She put together an elaborate plan to free Joe, and even though it goes awry, somehow she manages to pull off an incredible escape.
The novels of Paul Cleave are a little “off the wall” and contain many twists and turns that will keep the reader off guard and wondering what could possibly happen next.
November 3, 2015
This book and series is right up my alley. Yet I struggled with this book. In fact, I don't know how I even got 210 pages into this book. There was nothing intriguing about the story of the characters. For a fleeting moment a few times it did seem like the story was going to go somewhere but for me it did not. This is because there was more talking and not enough action or I hate to say it (killing). I have no issues with the fact that I did not read the first book in this series as I have read many books out of order and been just fine with them. I was left wondering just how Joe got to be so hated as he did not seem smart at all. I could be wrong as again I did not read Cleaner. It just seemed like Joe was a bad actor and not a very good one at trying to be bad. Sadly, I could not read anymore of this book.
August 5, 2018
Bizarre in that I can’t help but pull for the serial killer. It’s violent, disturbing but somehow refreshing because I can’t guess what’s coming next. I’ll definitely read the next when it comes out.
August 3, 2023
Finished reading: August 3rd 2023
“I think the very fact he thinks he's going free, and the fact he thinks everybody is believing what he's saying, may just prove he really is completely insane.”
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
September 6, 2021
Picking up where book #1 left off. Slow Joe is now in prison awaiting trial for being the Christchurch Carver. He has a plan to be found insane so he can leisurely spend a couple of years at the mental institution instead of life in prison. Manipulating his psychiatrist with well thought out scenarios, she sees through the "slow" act & gets him to admit some things from his childhood. Detective Schroeder has lost his job & is now consulting on reality TV series about crime scene cleaners and works with a fake psychic. Trying to alleviate his guilt from not recognizing Joe as the killer has left him yearning to find bodies and solve some loose ends. Digging at the bottom of the barrel he & the psychic have an offer for Joe from the TV studio to find a body. Joe sees his chance to break free, along with his psycho girlfriend plotting her own plan, a murderous father with evil intentions, & a whole city that's debating on death penalty or life. Slow Joe has his work cut out for him and also some startling revelations from his mother. A wild ride
March 9, 2025
Pour me faire avoir la nausée devant un livre il faut y aller, mais Paul Cleave a encore été brillant dans les détails morbides et degeulasses, encore plus que dans un employé parfait.
Joe a totalement changé de comportement entre ces deux livres et je ne sais pas lequel je préfère. Dans le premier, on l’admirait presque, dans le second, on a pitié. Admirer et avoir pitié d’un tueur en série alors que l’auteur nous a donné tous les détails de ces crimes ? C’est que l’équilibre entre l’humanité de Joe et les détails sordides sont parfaits.
J’adore aussi la manière de l’auteur de réussir à décrire ces genres de black-out quand il se fait opérer, aussi bien dans le tome 1 que dans ce livre
Joe a totalement changé de comportement entre ces deux livres et je ne sais pas lequel je préfère. Dans le premier, on l’admirait presque, dans le second, on a pitié. Admirer et avoir pitié d’un tueur en série alors que l’auteur nous a donné tous les détails de ces crimes ? C’est que l’équilibre entre l’humanité de Joe et les détails sordides sont parfaits.
J’adore aussi la manière de l’auteur de réussir à décrire ces genres de black-out quand il se fait opérer, aussi bien dans le tome 1 que dans ce livre
December 9, 2024
Joe is in prison, waiting for trial, sure that he will be released. He is smart but also delusional. Melissa, another serial killer who happens to be his girlfriend, is figuring out a way to get him out.
Somehow I got really hooked to the story. One of the reasons could be detective Schroder, who I already met in other Cleaver’s books. Nevertheless, some things were a bit hard to believe, like it’s very doubtful that one town could have 2 serial killers. Also, what was this weird obsession with sh*t throughout the whole book?😩
Somehow I got really hooked to the story. One of the reasons could be detective Schroder, who I already met in other Cleaver’s books. Nevertheless, some things were a bit hard to believe, like it’s very doubtful that one town could have 2 serial killers. Also, what was this weird obsession with sh*t throughout the whole book?😩
November 8, 2020
This was great, the sequel to The Cleaner. Our serial killer is in jail and it's no fun. His killer girlfriend tries to bust him out. Dark humor and a good plot.
March 22, 2021
Again, just like #1, there are some really inappropriate moments. But with a dark sense of humour and knowing not to take offense, this is a great book. Maybe 1/2 star less than book #1 but good, nonetheless.
October 7, 2025
2,5⭐️ trop déçue, j’avais adoré le tome 1 mais là trop de longueurs… petit + pour la fin quand même mais il ne m’a pas tenu en haleine j’avais hâte de le finir…
October 25, 2015
It's official I just love Paul Cleave and his writing. The first book in this duology The Cleaner was my favourite book of the year and could possibly be one of my favourite books of all time. The story of me actually obtaining Joe Victim is a long one and I nearly didn't get it cos everywhere I looked it was going to cost me at least $20 and when you're on a book budget like I am $20 is a lot for just one book. I tried to convince myself that I really didn't need this book and that I didn't need to know what ended out happening with Joe but come on now who was I kidding. There was no denying it I needed this book in my life and I was so excited when it finally got here. Having finished it I can honestly say that it wasn't as good as The Cleaner but I still loved it and you know what I don't care how much Paul Cleave's books cost if I have to splurge out for them than I will definitely be doing that because it is certainly worth it.
When I say this book wasn't as good as the The Cleaner I think it was because we saw a far more vulnerable and dare I say dumber version of Joe. The thing that made you love Joe was his cleverness and his ability to outsmart everyone around him including the cops, however, in Joe Victim it was everyone else that was outsmarting Joe. Joe can be a very complex character but we didn't see that so much in Joe Victim. Melissa definitely stole the show in this book. I would've loved to have seen a little more of her and her backstory but I did enjoy what we got. The whole time that I was reading this I was imagining Melissa and Joe as Harley and Joker from the Batman franchise. I really don't know why it was just what kept on popping up in my head. I can't say I really liked the Carl Schroder parts but I did enjoy the Raphael parts. The ending was just amazing and I would've loved a few more chapters after the bloody wedding to really end it well.
It's always weird when you find yourself attached to two characters who are just such terrible people. Melissa and Joe are definitely both characters that stay in your mind even when you aren't reading the book. That is part of the reason why I desperately had to pick up this book because Joe was one of those character's that I just couldn't stop thinking about, This is definitely not my last Paul Cleave book it is only the beginning and I can't wait to see what my next Paul Cleave book is like and what crazy new characters it will bring.
http://harebearshangout.blogspot.com.au
When I say this book wasn't as good as the The Cleaner I think it was because we saw a far more vulnerable and dare I say dumber version of Joe. The thing that made you love Joe was his cleverness and his ability to outsmart everyone around him including the cops, however, in Joe Victim it was everyone else that was outsmarting Joe. Joe can be a very complex character but we didn't see that so much in Joe Victim. Melissa definitely stole the show in this book. I would've loved to have seen a little more of her and her backstory but I did enjoy what we got. The whole time that I was reading this I was imagining Melissa and Joe as Harley and Joker from the Batman franchise. I really don't know why it was just what kept on popping up in my head. I can't say I really liked the Carl Schroder parts but I did enjoy the Raphael parts. The ending was just amazing and I would've loved a few more chapters after the bloody wedding to really end it well.
It's always weird when you find yourself attached to two characters who are just such terrible people. Melissa and Joe are definitely both characters that stay in your mind even when you aren't reading the book. That is part of the reason why I desperately had to pick up this book because Joe was one of those character's that I just couldn't stop thinking about, This is definitely not my last Paul Cleave book it is only the beginning and I can't wait to see what my next Paul Cleave book is like and what crazy new characters it will bring.
http://harebearshangout.blogspot.com.au
August 17, 2015
This review will be brief since I finished the book some time ago. How long ago - how the hell should I know!! I'm old and not expected to remember these things.
The Paul Cleave books that I have read are all part of one ongoing story and, from my perspective, that adds to the reader's (me, in this case) enjoyment. Several of the main characters from earlier books have found their way into Joe Victim and several new and quite interesting characters have been added.
Cleave is known, amongst other things, for his acerbic wit. I would say that he went a bit overboard in this book. It didn't, by any measure ruin the story but his use of humour (spelled this way because Cleave is, after all, a New Zealander) did not add as much to the story as it typically has.
Humour, not withstanding, the book was, as far as I can recall, a very good read and deserving of a four rating. On my 1 to 10 scale of pure enjoyment (1 = didn't enjoy it at all and quit reading rather than periodically stopping to vomit; 10 = I enjoyed it so much that I started going to bed early so I could get back to it each evening), I would give Joe Victim an eight.
The Paul Cleave books that I have read are all part of one ongoing story and, from my perspective, that adds to the reader's (me, in this case) enjoyment. Several of the main characters from earlier books have found their way into Joe Victim and several new and quite interesting characters have been added.
Cleave is known, amongst other things, for his acerbic wit. I would say that he went a bit overboard in this book. It didn't, by any measure ruin the story but his use of humour (spelled this way because Cleave is, after all, a New Zealander) did not add as much to the story as it typically has.
Humour, not withstanding, the book was, as far as I can recall, a very good read and deserving of a four rating. On my 1 to 10 scale of pure enjoyment (1 = didn't enjoy it at all and quit reading rather than periodically stopping to vomit; 10 = I enjoyed it so much that I started going to bed early so I could get back to it each evening), I would give Joe Victim an eight.
April 15, 2022
Paul Cleave had always been an okay average writer; well enough that I would dabble here in there if he put something out and it fell into my box.
But holy smokes, The Cleaner series is crazy different and morbid.
I read the first book and immediately downloaded this second in the series. Not too often the second better than the first. Both defiantly a one sitting up all night read ....
Love when an author shows me up.
But holy smokes, The Cleaner series is crazy different and morbid.
I read the first book and immediately downloaded this second in the series. Not too often the second better than the first. Both defiantly a one sitting up all night read ....
Love when an author shows me up.
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