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Killer's Diary
"The more she reads, the less she wants to know. "
A murderer is stalking the Windy City, carving out the eyes of his victims as grisly souvenirs. When shy Ellen Gordon finds a diary left behind in a coffee shop, she can t keep from reading it. And when she meets the author in person, he s just as charming as his writing. Only when she reads further does she find clues to the identity of Chicago s terrifying serial killer. Could it be the author himself? Ellen will have to uncover the truth about her new boyfriend quickly if she doesn t want to become the killer s next victim.
A murderer is stalking the Windy City, carving out the eyes of his victims as grisly souvenirs. When shy Ellen Gordon finds a diary left behind in a coffee shop, she can t keep from reading it. And when she meets the author in person, he s just as charming as his writing. Only when she reads further does she find clues to the identity of Chicago s terrifying serial killer. Could it be the author himself? Ellen will have to uncover the truth about her new boyfriend quickly if she doesn t want to become the killer s next victim.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
32 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
Brian Pinkerton
21 books78 followersBrian Pinkerton is the author of Abducted, Vengeance, Rough Cut, Killer’s Diary, How I Started the Apocalypse, Bender, Anatomy of Evil and The Gemini Experiment. Select titles have also been released as audio books, ebooks and in foreign languages.
Brian’s short stories have appeared in anthologies including Chicago Blues, PULP! and Zombie Zoology. His screenplays have finished in the top 100 of Project Greenlight and top two percent of the Nicholl Fellowship of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His academic background includes the Iowa Writers Workshop and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. His web site, brianpinkerton.com, includes his cartoon series The Ruts.
Brian’s short stories have appeared in anthologies including Chicago Blues, PULP! and Zombie Zoology. His screenplays have finished in the top 100 of Project Greenlight and top two percent of the Nicholl Fellowship of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His academic background includes the Iowa Writers Workshop and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. His web site, brianpinkerton.com, includes his cartoon series The Ruts.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 30, 2019
Lately, I have been trying to clear older books off my kindle and was in the mood for a mystery novel to break up the romance books I had been reading recently. Killer's Diary was a 2013 read and in it, we meet an awkward and shy girl named Ellen. In a way, Ellen reminded me a bit of myself as she is bookish and lives a quiet life and finds it hard to make friends. One day, she is in the coffee shop and finds a notebook. Once she gets home, she opens it hoping to find out who the owner is but she starts reading it and soon Ellen finds herself not only immersed into the notebook but also finding it like a common soulmate as she too had a horrible childhood. Whilst Ellen is reading this book, there is a serial killer targeting woman in Chicago. As the notebook goes along though, Ellen starts to read into similarities between the diary's owner and the serial killer and wonders if they are the same person. What will happen though when Ellen finds the owner and starts to fall in love? Is Ellen falling head over heels for a serial killer and if she's not careful will Ellen be reported as the next victim? Find out in the Killer's Diary by Brian Pinkerton.
May 12, 2016
I've read the previous reviews and, although I hate to do it, I've given this book only two stars. I really wanted to abandon it because life is too short to read bad books but it managed to keep me reading, thus, the two stars. I really dislike it when an author asks me to suspend reality and all common sense. First, Ellen picking up the notebook and keeping it was just not plausible. I can't imagine finding an item at a coffee shop and not just leaving it at the counter for the owner to return and claim it. It wouldn't dawn on me to keep it. Second, even if I had lost all sense of morality by keeping it and then reading it and then somehow connecting the content to recent attacks, I was again asked by the author to lose all common sense by not turning it in to the police. Third, the dialogue between Ellen and Peg was probably the most idiotic conversation I've ever read. These two women are supposedly terrified about the killer on the loose and they talk as if this were a parlor game. Why would anyone, believing they were dealing with an incredibly dangerous human being, take him on themselves and not involve the police? Just didn't make any sense.
July 28, 2017
Killer's Diary grabbed hold of me from the first page and hung on relentlessly until it finally released me at the very end. Along the way, I had an exciting, dark journey into the mind of a killer. But who was it? I thought I had it all neatly worked out, and that made me suspicious. I couldn't be right. But it all added up to me being right. But then... The author is a master at gripping psychological suspense. His complex characters and their disturbed, difficult lives meant every one of them had secrets, dark memories and hidden agendas. I was drawn in completely and glad of a lengthy train journey so I could carry on reading undisturbed. One of the best novels I have read this year. I can't fault it.
December 2, 2020
I didn't guess the killer which is always a good sign of a great story. I did work out who it wasn't if that makes sense which kept the mystery going. I was drawn into the story and wanted to know more. Her life hadn't got off to the best off starts and how her relationship with Charles develops is very heartwarming.
I listened to an hour a day and wanted to know more but was paceing myself as part of me did not want it to end.
The narration was really good.
I will be looking for more from both this author and narrator.
I was given a free copy of this audible in exchange for an honest review which I have done so.
I listened to an hour a day and wanted to know more but was paceing myself as part of me did not want it to end.
The narration was really good.
I will be looking for more from both this author and narrator.
I was given a free copy of this audible in exchange for an honest review which I have done so.
September 9, 2023
3.5:
She knew the answer. The notebook differed from the written works around her in a fundamental way: It was never intended for outside eyes.
A quick thrilling and unpredictable book. I liked!
She knew the answer. The notebook differed from the written works around her in a fundamental way: It was never intended for outside eyes.
A quick thrilling and unpredictable book. I liked!
November 13, 2017
I don't think I would have ever come across this book if it hadn't been for BookBub. That awesome website subscription has introduced me to a lot of books that were buried underneath the heavy marketing of other books.
I really liked the atmosphere and the fact that the protagonist works at a bookstore. I could find myself relating to her on some levels, whilst sympathizing with her on others.
My main issue was the last quarter of the novel, which is why I had to knock down some stars in my rating. The ending felt rushed and the resolve convenient. I had a hard time putting the killer together with the prior chapters that were from his point of view. I get that this was supposed to be a mind-effery, but unfortunately I find that it kind of failed.
*on a different note, doesn't the girl on the cover look just like Nina Dobrev?
There is almost no proper backstory to the love interest. So he kind of fell flat at one point. The romance became borderline cheesy as well.
I would say the novel had a strong first half - but really, this is just what I find. There were definitely a lot of other things I enjoyed in this novel. I'd still recommend it to other readers as this was also a very quick read. I was glued to the pages and had a hard time putting it down. Worth a try!
I really liked the atmosphere and the fact that the protagonist works at a bookstore. I could find myself relating to her on some levels, whilst sympathizing with her on others.
My main issue was the last quarter of the novel, which is why I had to knock down some stars in my rating. The ending felt rushed and the resolve convenient. I had a hard time putting the killer together with the prior chapters that were from his point of view. I get that this was supposed to be a mind-effery, but unfortunately I find that it kind of failed.
*on a different note, doesn't the girl on the cover look just like Nina Dobrev?
There is almost no proper backstory to the love interest. So he kind of fell flat at one point. The romance became borderline cheesy as well.
I would say the novel had a strong first half - but really, this is just what I find. There were definitely a lot of other things I enjoyed in this novel. I'd still recommend it to other readers as this was also a very quick read. I was glued to the pages and had a hard time putting it down. Worth a try!
August 26, 2022
This was a very good Thriller. It caught my attention from page 1. The writting was very smooth. Ellen was a great mc. I liked how a bookstore was part of the setting. This is a murder mystery that's very original, and had some twist and turns. The killer in this book takes out his victims eyes, so some scenes has some gore.
August 5, 2017
This book, even though it was short, kept me on the edge of my seat. It started slowly but gained speed! And at the ending climax the person who was doing all the killing wasn't the person I thought it would be. It was quite a shock, surprising to find out who and also very, very sad as well.
I would have preferred it to be longer, hence the 4 stars because it seemed rushed in some places, but all in all it kept my attention with the twists and turns and the deep mystery.
I think the moral to the story is to never read a book by its cover.
I would have preferred it to be longer, hence the 4 stars because it seemed rushed in some places, but all in all it kept my attention with the twists and turns and the deep mystery.
I think the moral to the story is to never read a book by its cover.
August 6, 2022
This started out kinda bland and the main character, Ellen, had me rolling my eyes a ton. I kept thinking "this woman is so ridiculous and embarrassing in every way." with the way she was obsessing over this stranger, Charles. I wasn't sure how this was going to turn out in the long run, but once I got about half way through the book, I was trying to start piecing the puzzle together in my head. The story ended up REALLY captivating me and I really liked how it ended. If you like books with mystery, crime, romance and drama, then this is a great read for you!
August 17, 2017
This book was not as good as I expected. I didn't find any horror or suspense. I was thinking all the way through about the lack of common sense possessed by Ellen. The way she behaved spoiled the story for me. There was too much detail about Ellen's early life. Her situation could have been explained using fewer words.
October 4, 2020
I´m really sorry to say this, but the book started out slow and I thought it boring. I also didn´t really like style of the writing. It got a little better at the end with an okay twist but I don't really would recommend it.
July 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, the way the author slowly builds up the tension and built on the characters. I would definitely seek out this author again.
September 24, 2017
Hard to put down a book with so many twists and turns yet still not giving any hint as to who the killer was. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
December 23, 2017
This novel is a little excessively graphic in its portrayal of violence, but overall, it is an engrossing story.
September 24, 2019
This was a great read! I real page turner. It was a gripping story and very well written.
June 6, 2022
Fantastic
This was an exciting, action packed and adrenaline filled read. Just when you think you've figured it out, there's a huge twist
This was an exciting, action packed and adrenaline filled read. Just when you think you've figured it out, there's a huge twist
June 29, 2025
I thought I had an idea where this story was going, but I was happily wrong.
December 24, 2025
AWESOME plot twist near the end. I highly highly highly recommend.
March 18, 2024
Different. Interesting main character.
March 18, 2017
Excellent story! A great read for those who love fast-paced yet detailed crime stories.
December 1, 2012
What do you get when you mix two people who had abusive up bringing and are socially awkward, a serial killer and a diary found in a coffee shop ? You get a murder mystery that you won’t be able to put down.
Ellen was abused as a child and finally escaped with her brother who had had enough.
Charles was also abused and escaped a life that was not his own.
Ellen finds a diary at her usual coffee shop and can’t resist taking it and then reading it. What she finds is highly disturbing but compelling at the same time. She can relate to the authors upbringing and the feelings that creates. She determines that she wants to meet that person.
In the meantime love strikes as a stranger enters her life. But while she is excited to have someone in her life he is a mystery. He tells her about himself but what he says doesn’t seem to be true.
Meanwhile in the City murders are happening and it appears there is a serial killer at large.
Could Ellen have the diary of that killer ?
Who and what is Charles ?
Are Ellen’s few work friends at risk ?
Is Ellen at risk ?
Who truly is the serial killer ?
Easy and fast read in this book will get you the answers to this question. Watch out for the twist at the end. I never saw it coming !
Recommended
Ellen was abused as a child and finally escaped with her brother who had had enough.
Charles was also abused and escaped a life that was not his own.
Ellen finds a diary at her usual coffee shop and can’t resist taking it and then reading it. What she finds is highly disturbing but compelling at the same time. She can relate to the authors upbringing and the feelings that creates. She determines that she wants to meet that person.
In the meantime love strikes as a stranger enters her life. But while she is excited to have someone in her life he is a mystery. He tells her about himself but what he says doesn’t seem to be true.
Meanwhile in the City murders are happening and it appears there is a serial killer at large.
Could Ellen have the diary of that killer ?
Who and what is Charles ?
Are Ellen’s few work friends at risk ?
Is Ellen at risk ?
Who truly is the serial killer ?
Easy and fast read in this book will get you the answers to this question. Watch out for the twist at the end. I never saw it coming !
Recommended
November 14, 2015
If you haven't read this book yet, do yourself a favor and get it now. Brian Pinkerton is swiftly emerging as one of my favorite authors, as his understanding of what makes a memorable story is astonishing. The knowledge that the greatest horror and evil is the human capacity for it, not anything that goes bump in the night.
In the main character, Ellen, I saw an echo of myself and my love for solitude and books. I fell for her character as though she were my little sister, wanting what was best for her and feeling protective when I thought I knew the direction the story was heading. Oh, Brian, you sneaky little minx! To avoid spoilers for those who haven't read it, let me just say that the twist was a wonderful (horrible?) one that I feel as though I should have suspected, but didn't. I loved everything about this story and look forward to reading many more from the author.
In the main character, Ellen, I saw an echo of myself and my love for solitude and books. I fell for her character as though she were my little sister, wanting what was best for her and feeling protective when I thought I knew the direction the story was heading. Oh, Brian, you sneaky little minx! To avoid spoilers for those who haven't read it, let me just say that the twist was a wonderful (horrible?) one that I feel as though I should have suspected, but didn't. I loved everything about this story and look forward to reading many more from the author.
Read
May 19, 2016I'm not giving this book a star rating yet, because I need to think on it a little more before I make that decision. I had a general idea about 70% through the novel of how I was going to rate and review... And then I finished the book.
I finished the effing book! I finished the book and it was amazing! If I were to only rate the ending it would be a 5 star hands down.
The more I think about the Killer's Diary the more I love it. Ellen is a shy bookworm (
I finished the effing book! I finished the book and it was amazing! If I were to only rate the ending it would be a 5 star hands down.
The more I think about the Killer's Diary the more I love it. Ellen is a shy bookworm (
May 1, 2016
Notebook Nightmares
This was one of the best books I've read in a long time. The sixpence was there from the first page to the last. I had a hard time putting it down so I just kept reading until I was done!
This was one of the best books I've read in a long time. The sixpence was there from the first page to the last. I had a hard time putting it down so I just kept reading until I was done!
December 26, 2013
My first Pinkerton. I really enjoyed this book. I'll be looking for more of this author's work.
May 2, 2016
Twist
Love it when the twist takes me by surprise! I enjoyed this book very much. Thought the characters were engaging. The dumpster scene was sorry and graphic. Awesome.
Love it when the twist takes me by surprise! I enjoyed this book very much. Thought the characters were engaging. The dumpster scene was sorry and graphic. Awesome.
June 16, 2016
It was ok
The book started out slow and I thought boring. Picked up near the end but I don't think it was worth reading the boring part.
The book started out slow and I thought boring. Picked up near the end but I don't think it was worth reading the boring part.
Read
July 7, 2016Super good, really enjoyed this book.. looking forward to reading others by this author.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews