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Dexter #8
Dexter Is Dead
After seven national bestsellers and eight seasons as one of the most successful shows on television, New York Times bestselling author Jeff Lindsay bids a thrilling farewell to his uniquely twisted and beloved serial killer, Dexter Morgan. Dexter Is Dead is the definitive conclusion of the character who has become a global icon.
Dexter Morgan has burned the candle at both ends for many years. Blood spatter analyst . . . husband . . . father . . . serial killer. And now, for the first time, his world has truly collapsed. Dexter is arrested on charges of murder. He has lost everything—including his wife, his kids, and the loyalty of his sister. Now completely alone, Dexter faces a murder charge (for a crime . . . ironically . . . he did not actually commit). His only chance for freedom lies with his brother, Brian, who has a dark plan to prove Dexter's innocence. But the stakes are deadly, and the epic showdown that lies in Dexter's path may lead, once and for all, to his demise.
Jeff Lindsay's trademark devilish wit and cutting satire have never been sharper. Dexter Is Dead marks the end of a beloved series, but is also Dexter's most satisfying and suspenseful outing yet.
From the Hardcover edition.
Dexter Morgan has burned the candle at both ends for many years. Blood spatter analyst . . . husband . . . father . . . serial killer. And now, for the first time, his world has truly collapsed. Dexter is arrested on charges of murder. He has lost everything—including his wife, his kids, and the loyalty of his sister. Now completely alone, Dexter faces a murder charge (for a crime . . . ironically . . . he did not actually commit). His only chance for freedom lies with his brother, Brian, who has a dark plan to prove Dexter's innocence. But the stakes are deadly, and the epic showdown that lies in Dexter's path may lead, once and for all, to his demise.
Jeff Lindsay's trademark devilish wit and cutting satire have never been sharper. Dexter Is Dead marks the end of a beloved series, but is also Dexter's most satisfying and suspenseful outing yet.
From the Hardcover edition.
304 pages, ebook
First published April 9, 2015
279 people are currently reading
12903 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Lindsay
80 books4,322 followersJeff Lindsay lives in 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. Several of his earlier published works include his wife as a co-author.
Jeff graduated from Middlebury College, Vermont, in 1975, and Celebration Mime Theatre's Clown School the same year. He received a double MFA, in Directing and Playwriting, from Carnegie-Mellon University, and has written 25 produced plays. He has also worked as a musician, singer, comedian, actor, TV host, improv actor, and dishwasher.
Lindsay is best known for writing the Dexter series of novels. Several of his earlier published works include his wife as a co-author.
Jeff graduated from Middlebury College, Vermont, in 1975, and Celebration Mime Theatre's Clown School the same year. He received a double MFA, in Directing and Playwriting, from Carnegie-Mellon University, and has written 25 produced plays. He has also worked as a musician, singer, comedian, actor, TV host, improv actor, and dishwasher.
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July 15, 2015
Dexter finds himself incarcerated in a correctional facility, ironically, for murders he did not commit. His wife, his girlfriend and future meal ticket, as well the pedophilic actor who was putting the moves on Astor, Dexter’s stepdaughter. It seems as though everyone is against Dexter, and wishes to do him harm. Especially Detective Anderson, whose sloppy attempts at manipulating evidence are responsible for Dexter’s current predicament. Even his sister has turned her back on him. Where is the so-called family loyalty demanded by the rules according to Harry? Gone with the wind, apparently.
Assistance comes from an unusual source, his sociopathic brother Brian, who arranges for a top-notch lawyer, who gains Dexter’s release. Hooray! Except not. It seems Dexter has just stepped into a hornet’s nest of Biblical proportions, and bodies seem to follow in his wake, ones he did not cause. As if to compound matters, his children and Deborah’s son have been kidnapped, and the race is on to rescue them before the kidnappers take out Dex and Brian.
This is the last book in the series, and as such I felt obligated to read it, despite having despised the one that came before. But… O.M.G…. I want that time back, and to un-know what I just read.
I’m sorry but this book stunk to high heaven. It had long stretches of super boredom, of Dexter’s deep introspection and what not, and whereas I normally can enjoy such perambulations through the mind of Dexter, this was off. Way off. It felt as though Lindsay forgot how to write Dexter properly. Like he’d substituted a “margarine” Dexter for the “butter” version. It may look similar, and taste somewhat close, but the composition is not the same and leaves something to be desired.
I know Dexter enjoys his meals, but good Lord, he seems to have become a real glutton in this one. Food tours? Seriously? And maybe that has to do with his lack of employment, but I don’t think so. Not to mention, the normally acute Dexter failed to pick up on clues that I got right off the bat, like a certain vehicle that seems to be everywhere. And the time he caught his lawyer speaking Spanish to someone over the phone. I know, in Miami, that’s not suspicious. But under the circumstances, it is.
The only redeeming point, and for which I gave it the single star I did (that and you can’t rate below a 1) are the scenes with Brian, which I’ve longed for for some time. However, these don’t make up for the rest of the book. Even characters such as Deb and Vince Masuoka are mere shades of their normal selves.
And the ending…. Is beyond horrible. The title does say it all, and believe it, he is. I’m glad. I wouldn’t want him to be embarrassed any more than he must be at such an ending. Mr. Lindsay, I am ashamed of you for permitting this to happen, and also, where is your editor, and why didn’t he or she tell you how bad it really was, to save you from making such a mistake? He/she did you a great disservice.
I know Dexter aficionados will read it for the same reasons I did – because it’s Dexter, and Dexter is awesome, and for closure for the series. Well, closure is all well and good, but boredom is another matter, and indignation that one of my favorite serial killers should go out with a decided whimper, when he should have had a bang.
My suggestion is to not read the book and remember Dexter fondly.
Assistance comes from an unusual source, his sociopathic brother Brian, who arranges for a top-notch lawyer, who gains Dexter’s release. Hooray! Except not. It seems Dexter has just stepped into a hornet’s nest of Biblical proportions, and bodies seem to follow in his wake, ones he did not cause. As if to compound matters, his children and Deborah’s son have been kidnapped, and the race is on to rescue them before the kidnappers take out Dex and Brian.
This is the last book in the series, and as such I felt obligated to read it, despite having despised the one that came before. But… O.M.G…. I want that time back, and to un-know what I just read.
I’m sorry but this book stunk to high heaven. It had long stretches of super boredom, of Dexter’s deep introspection and what not, and whereas I normally can enjoy such perambulations through the mind of Dexter, this was off. Way off. It felt as though Lindsay forgot how to write Dexter properly. Like he’d substituted a “margarine” Dexter for the “butter” version. It may look similar, and taste somewhat close, but the composition is not the same and leaves something to be desired.
I know Dexter enjoys his meals, but good Lord, he seems to have become a real glutton in this one. Food tours? Seriously? And maybe that has to do with his lack of employment, but I don’t think so. Not to mention, the normally acute Dexter failed to pick up on clues that I got right off the bat, like a certain vehicle that seems to be everywhere. And the time he caught his lawyer speaking Spanish to someone over the phone. I know, in Miami, that’s not suspicious. But under the circumstances, it is.
The only redeeming point, and for which I gave it the single star I did (that and you can’t rate below a 1) are the scenes with Brian, which I’ve longed for for some time. However, these don’t make up for the rest of the book. Even characters such as Deb and Vince Masuoka are mere shades of their normal selves.
And the ending…. Is beyond horrible. The title does say it all, and believe it, he is. I’m glad. I wouldn’t want him to be embarrassed any more than he must be at such an ending. Mr. Lindsay, I am ashamed of you for permitting this to happen, and also, where is your editor, and why didn’t he or she tell you how bad it really was, to save you from making such a mistake? He/she did you a great disservice.
I know Dexter aficionados will read it for the same reasons I did – because it’s Dexter, and Dexter is awesome, and for closure for the series. Well, closure is all well and good, but boredom is another matter, and indignation that one of my favorite serial killers should go out with a decided whimper, when he should have had a bang.
My suggestion is to not read the book and remember Dexter fondly.
January 10, 2020
‘’blood blood BLOOD’’
DEXTER IS DEAD
''It wasn’t supposed to end this way.''
me @ the series finally. Yes I’m STILL mad.
FINALLY FINISHED IT!!! Took me like 50years. I just had to someday finish the series because FUUUCK the series finale sucked. Fucking abomination. I just needed an ok ending. At this point the bar is almost nonexistent…. IIIIIII loved this ending. May be because of the show’s being garbage...
''-But I didn’t kill anybody.
-This time!''
Debs love ya and I see your point but free my boi. He is somehow innocent and he is family u cunt.
My babe Brian is back. Ugh I missed him. Also at this point I’m kinda on his side. Should have totally killed Debs.
7 and 8 should have been one fucking book. 7 was kinda eh and probably only existed to set up the story for 8... Aside from book 7 which was a mess, I’ve rated all the other 5stars *I’m not gonna count book 3 because what the fuck was that JEFF!!!! FUCKING DEMONS? REALLY?*... I don't have taste I guess.
''It wasn’t supposed to end this way.''
me @ the series finally. Yes I’m STILL mad.
FINALLY FINISHED IT!!! Took me like 50years. I just had to someday finish the series because FUUUCK the series finale sucked. Fucking abomination. I just needed an ok ending. At this point the bar is almost nonexistent…. IIIIIII loved this ending. May be because of the show’s being garbage...
''-But I didn’t kill anybody.
-This time!''
Debs love ya and I see your point but free my boi. He is somehow innocent and he is family u cunt.
My babe Brian is back. Ugh I missed him. Also at this point I’m kinda on his side. Should have totally killed Debs.
7 and 8 should have been one fucking book. 7 was kinda eh and probably only existed to set up the story for 8... Aside from book 7 which was a mess, I’ve rated all the other 5stars *I’m not gonna count book 3 because what the fuck was that JEFF!!!! FUCKING DEMONS? REALLY?*... I don't have taste I guess.
November 27, 2015
Oh this was such a good ending!! I am a fan of the TV show and didn’t know if I would be able to jump into this last book in the series by Jeff Lindsay. I was so disappointed in the TV series ending that I wanted to read how the author really wanted Dexter’s story to end.
I was not disappointed. This was the same Dexter that I had grown to love (well loosely speaking when you’re talking about a murdering sociopath). However the more I read the more I enjoyed the book. Dexter is portrayed in the book as a true sociopath, he has no feelings one way of the other. In the show the last season showed Dexter having too much love and caring, for his girlfriend, Deb, his child, and that is not the true nature of a sociopath from what I’ve read from psychiatric sources.
We find Dexter jailed for a crime he didn’t commit and a police detective who is forging documents, evidence, etc, anything he can do to put Dexter away. But, cheers here, Dexter’s long lost brother not only posted bail for him but got him the most accomplished criminal lawyer in Miami. The plot thickens, of course, and we find that brother Brian has another motive for getting Dexter released.
There are gangs, drugs, and corrupt police and government officials involved in it all. Detective Anderson has planted evidence, forged multiple documents, done everything he can to finish off Dexter. It seems that the entire police force is rooting to put Dexter away.
But wait, Dexter has a friend. Vince from the lab can’t abide by incorrect documents and people forging his signature. There is a point when we think, well perhaps Dexter will get away once again.
I won’t plant spoilers but the novel is action packed with lots of ruminations by Dexter on himself and what he has done to so many people. He has no remorse and still has the will to live, still believes that he can outsmart anyone, out plan anyone and he usually does . . . .
I would recommend this book for fans of the book series but also TV fans who want to get to know the Dexter that the author intended and the much more satisfying ending.
I was not disappointed. This was the same Dexter that I had grown to love (well loosely speaking when you’re talking about a murdering sociopath). However the more I read the more I enjoyed the book. Dexter is portrayed in the book as a true sociopath, he has no feelings one way of the other. In the show the last season showed Dexter having too much love and caring, for his girlfriend, Deb, his child, and that is not the true nature of a sociopath from what I’ve read from psychiatric sources.
We find Dexter jailed for a crime he didn’t commit and a police detective who is forging documents, evidence, etc, anything he can do to put Dexter away. But, cheers here, Dexter’s long lost brother not only posted bail for him but got him the most accomplished criminal lawyer in Miami. The plot thickens, of course, and we find that brother Brian has another motive for getting Dexter released.
There are gangs, drugs, and corrupt police and government officials involved in it all. Detective Anderson has planted evidence, forged multiple documents, done everything he can to finish off Dexter. It seems that the entire police force is rooting to put Dexter away.
But wait, Dexter has a friend. Vince from the lab can’t abide by incorrect documents and people forging his signature. There is a point when we think, well perhaps Dexter will get away once again.
I won’t plant spoilers but the novel is action packed with lots of ruminations by Dexter on himself and what he has done to so many people. He has no remorse and still has the will to live, still believes that he can outsmart anyone, out plan anyone and he usually does . . . .
I would recommend this book for fans of the book series but also TV fans who want to get to know the Dexter that the author intended and the much more satisfying ending.
January 9, 2018
Before we delve into this, I just want to say I almost didn't review this book. Because I am used to being disappointed with Mr. Lindsay by now. That disappointment has been one constant of our reader/writer relationship, abusive one at that. Mostly due to the fact, he was never as good as the very thing he inspired. The show's Dexter far surpassed the author's originally fresh idea. Not really Lindsay's fault, but you know. Not really blaming but really blaming him; in fact, shoot the messenger. This is Not Sparta. So it's not that. I almost didn't go this way. But I am feeling as Whimsical as Winston, so yeah, let's do this anyway and in many ways. Maybe taking many turns, and many turns of the moon, to see what we'd get.
So this final chapter, last words. Listen. All Lindsay had to do was to come up with something mildly better than the badly written last season of Showtime's Dexter. Just terrible, horrible way to finish off this truly unique take on serial killers. Huge disservice to the fans. So here was his chance to one-up the TV writers, since this was his signature. Surely, he could have improved upon that abysmal season finale, that lumberjack bullshit. He could have cooked up something better than what they botched, butchering it and not in the true Dexter fashion. Which was always neat. Because our Dexter was a Neat Monster.
A shame really. But he could not do it, could he? Cigarette dangling from his mouth. King Kong got nothing on hi....actually, Kong got everything on him, including the combined talents of lovely Maika Monroe and Brie Larson.
Jeff Lindsay could not fix that ending, it's all about the endings, for me at least. Finish right, you know. He could not make Dexter's Death beautiful. In finality. He no Poe. He's no Robert M Ball, that's for damn sure. You had one job Lindsay, just one job. To best his own posterity should have been natural, but he came up short. He didn't give his character a good end. To sum up, unnecessarily, Mr. Lindsay refused to redden Dexter's last smile.
The show's runners and Michael C Hall had the right of it. Their idea how to conclude this was better and no, I am not going to tell you here what that was; Google it. No wait, that was David Duchovny's idea for a Hank Moody ending. He wanted him to be dead by the time the show was done. Okayyyy, moving on.
What has Lindsay's Dexter given us, other than impel an excellent show, perhaps then our new found love for alliterations? Maybe. Okay, I understand these books were more about the light touch and Dexter's soliloquy and sometimes funny but untrue inner monologue. Narrating false things, exaggerating how he views the world. How the world viewed him was no exaggeration. I want the superhero serial killer in the books too. Sigh. Give me the heroes who surrendered. The defeat of heroes is the only thing my palate can tolerate nowadays anyway.
I don't why this irritates me so much. I mean, Lindsay's Dexter bumbles through life with utter lack of self-awareness. Thinking, saying, believing things that are just not true. OK, I get that it is about mild humor and general fluffiness wrapped around something dark and sinister. Books' Dexter pretty much does things that make him feel good and pretends that he doesn't care about such trivialities, that he is above all that.
But the thing is, he is not that clever, smart, good looking or sexy. Where the show's Dexter is more about his Dark Appetite and yeah, he is a superhero truly. Here's the thing, I only read the books after experiencing the TV series, big mistake, I just can't get over Hall's Dexter.
It's weird, both the very last episode and this novel featured a drowning, both drownings were supposedly ambiguous. I guess Deborah in both mediums was the best thing about Dexter, a pure joy. Too bad how they handled her character in both cases was lame. Now that I think about, July has always been a Dexter month. Anyways, the title of this book is Dexter is Dead, funny. Dexter may be dead but it is Lindsay who drove the final nail into this coffin. I'll forever grudge him that, Dexter deserved a proper end.
I don't know why it still irks me. I am no stranger to strong shows ending weak. Bang bang, sure, but no boom boom. Leaving me completely dissatisfied. Look at the sublime the A team, I thought it would be perennial, but nope. It ran out of steam before it could finish. And despite a great season, seven Game of Thrones has been going steadily stale, especially since they outpaced the books and now it is mostly fan service. Even True Detective was not immune from a decline in quality. Season one was phenomenal like Styles, but the second season was so poorly reviewed, I didn't even bother watching it. Also, I mean, who didn't hate the final chapter of Hemlock Grove? It was desultory, to say the least. Even the soundtrack was lackluster. I mean come on. In the past, they have given us such great music. Like The Kongos and Little Red Lung, hellllo. But OST was dross in the third season. And they went out of their way to make it unbearable and undo all the appeal of their characters. It's like the showrunners were burning it all down to ground. There was this scene I did like though. Where they were in a restaurant and the walls had these Day of the Dead wallpaper, that was pretty cool. That reminds me, looking forward to Pixar's Coco, though they have been on a steady stale themselves lately too. The Only Fount of Creativity they are not anymore, sad to say. Case in point, um the Good Dinosaur. Can anyone tell me what that was? True Blood, another show that had a dull and insipid final season. But hey it gave us Warpaint, a gift that just keeps on giving. I LOVE them. Their song LOVE IS TO DIE in July of 2014 featured in the penultimate episode sealed the deal for me, still addicted. You know what, Jenny Lee looks a lot like Shannyn Sossamon. Oh shit, they are totally sisters! In fact, Sossamon is one of the founders and a former band member of Warpaint. Whoa. Funny little life, eh.
Anyhoo, hoping the last season of Penny Dreadful is good, or good enough. I hope it proves to be redeeming.
This review didn't go the way you thought it would go, did it.
Hehehe.
Anyway back to Dexter.
2008 : First and Second seasons. Very best writing and favorite seasons.
2008: Third season. It was nice to see Senator Organa interacting somewhere other than Alderaan. Very well acted.
2009 : This is the BEST Dexter entry ever. THE BEST. Excellent in a way that they possibly couldn't top this and they didn't. Watching this, you knew it will only go downhill from here. And it did.
2010 : Beginning of an End. But I accidentally found my very first Dexter novel. It is definitely one of my most cherished serendipitous moments.
2011 2012 2013 : Meh. Plus, I felt Hannah Mckay storyline was boring.
Codicil: Final words, bottom line. The show and the book series differ vastly. obviously, they are different, but the books can still be fun and enjoyable if we take them as such.
Might I remind you, the opening sequence of Dexter was Pitch Perfect. Sometimes, I miss that more than the show itself. It was like the background music of a life I was never going to have.
What I didn't bury, I let it drown.
February 5, 2017
Out With a Whimper
Disappointment, thy name is Jeff Lindsay. It was abundantly clear long ago that Lindsay had fallen into a rut with his Dexter series, that the magic had gone away and he was just going through the motions. I mean honestly, it reached the point where virtually every book had the same ludicrous ending: Dexter's stepkids are kidnapped by the bad guy. To call it stultifying would be a colossal understatement.
Then along came Dexter's Final Cut, and it appeared Lindsay may have been attempting to invigorate his flagging franchise. You see, at the close of that installment, Dexter's not-so-beloved wife, Rita, was killed. The possibilities, they were endless. How would Dexter handle single fatherhood without dearly devoted Rita? How would he get by in the world without the woman who provided his primary cover as a normal family man? For the first time in a long while, I found myself actually looking forward to seeing where Lindsay was going with the story.
You can imagine, then, that news that the next installment was to be Dexter's grand finale came as as bit of a surprise. Why invigorate a franchise just to retire it? It didn't really make sense. Still, one couldn't deny that Lindsay hadn't seemed interested in the series in a long time, so maybe this was an opportunity for him to end the series on a high point. That possibility was juicy enough for me to get excited. What was even more exciting? That the premise of Dexter is Dead finds Dexter in jail for Rita's death and several of the other murders that happened at the end of Dexter's Final Cut. We were going to get to see Dexter literally wrestling with the difficulty of Rita's death and staring down the possibility of indirectly answering for the wealth of sins he's committed across the years.
That would have potentially been a great book. If only Jeff Lindsay had possessed even the slightest interest in writing it. Instead, the whole jail storyline becomes a subplot with alarming speed. Instead of focusing, Lindsay forces Dexter to juggle his murder investigation with an utterly ludicrous subplot involving a drug lord who is displeased with Dexter's brother, Brian. Brian agrees to bankroll Dexter's legal needs if Dexter will help him fight off the drug lord's goons, track down the drug lord, and kill him. Have I mentioned that none of this drug business makes the least amount of sense? And guess--just guess--which plotline Lindsay is more excited about? Just as you start wishing Lindsay would just choose one storyline and stick with it, he does. And he chooses the wrong one. He chooses the nonsensical supervillain storyline he's already written a hundred times.
You'll never guess what happens next. THE KIDS GET KIDNAPPED. I wanted to throw the book across the room in anger and frustration. The fact that I didn't just goes to show how little I had invested in this world anymore. And honestly, if this weren't the final Dexter book I might have just quietly put the book down and gone about my life, never looking back or thinking about picking up another one of Jeff Lindsay's Dexter books ever again anyway.
Was it worth staying for the last page? Not particularly. I get no joy in saying that I stuck it out to the end. There's no payoff or reward for loyalty to be found in this series. You know, I don't ask for a happy ending or a lot of theatrics. It's just sad when an author clearly doesn't care anymore, hasn't been putting in the effort for a long time, and then doesn't even give you the dignity of a half-assed finale. You'd think Lindsay could have at least faked some enthusiasm for one measly book to do a proper goodbye, instead of falling on all the tired cliches he'd already worn out several books earlier. Even Dexter's goodbye is a tedious paint-by-numbers.
Grade: F
For more Dexter, check out my blog Supposedly Fun.
Disappointment, thy name is Jeff Lindsay. It was abundantly clear long ago that Lindsay had fallen into a rut with his Dexter series, that the magic had gone away and he was just going through the motions. I mean honestly, it reached the point where virtually every book had the same ludicrous ending: Dexter's stepkids are kidnapped by the bad guy. To call it stultifying would be a colossal understatement.
Then along came Dexter's Final Cut, and it appeared Lindsay may have been attempting to invigorate his flagging franchise. You see, at the close of that installment, Dexter's not-so-beloved wife, Rita, was killed. The possibilities, they were endless. How would Dexter handle single fatherhood without dearly devoted Rita? How would he get by in the world without the woman who provided his primary cover as a normal family man? For the first time in a long while, I found myself actually looking forward to seeing where Lindsay was going with the story.
You can imagine, then, that news that the next installment was to be Dexter's grand finale came as as bit of a surprise. Why invigorate a franchise just to retire it? It didn't really make sense. Still, one couldn't deny that Lindsay hadn't seemed interested in the series in a long time, so maybe this was an opportunity for him to end the series on a high point. That possibility was juicy enough for me to get excited. What was even more exciting? That the premise of Dexter is Dead finds Dexter in jail for Rita's death and several of the other murders that happened at the end of Dexter's Final Cut. We were going to get to see Dexter literally wrestling with the difficulty of Rita's death and staring down the possibility of indirectly answering for the wealth of sins he's committed across the years.
That would have potentially been a great book. If only Jeff Lindsay had possessed even the slightest interest in writing it. Instead, the whole jail storyline becomes a subplot with alarming speed. Instead of focusing, Lindsay forces Dexter to juggle his murder investigation with an utterly ludicrous subplot involving a drug lord who is displeased with Dexter's brother, Brian. Brian agrees to bankroll Dexter's legal needs if Dexter will help him fight off the drug lord's goons, track down the drug lord, and kill him. Have I mentioned that none of this drug business makes the least amount of sense? And guess--just guess--which plotline Lindsay is more excited about? Just as you start wishing Lindsay would just choose one storyline and stick with it, he does. And he chooses the wrong one. He chooses the nonsensical supervillain storyline he's already written a hundred times.
You'll never guess what happens next. THE KIDS GET KIDNAPPED. I wanted to throw the book across the room in anger and frustration. The fact that I didn't just goes to show how little I had invested in this world anymore. And honestly, if this weren't the final Dexter book I might have just quietly put the book down and gone about my life, never looking back or thinking about picking up another one of Jeff Lindsay's Dexter books ever again anyway.
Was it worth staying for the last page? Not particularly. I get no joy in saying that I stuck it out to the end. There's no payoff or reward for loyalty to be found in this series. You know, I don't ask for a happy ending or a lot of theatrics. It's just sad when an author clearly doesn't care anymore, hasn't been putting in the effort for a long time, and then doesn't even give you the dignity of a half-assed finale. You'd think Lindsay could have at least faked some enthusiasm for one measly book to do a proper goodbye, instead of falling on all the tired cliches he'd already worn out several books earlier. Even Dexter's goodbye is a tedious paint-by-numbers.
Grade: F
For more Dexter, check out my blog Supposedly Fun.
July 16, 2015
I really wanted to like this book. I mean, I have been waiting for it for a year. Once a year, I get my Dexter fix and knowing this was the last chapter of his story, I was all but staring at my Kindle waiting for it to appear.
Then I began reading.
The beginning was so slow, if it had been any other book by any other author, I would have put it down. If half of the story is Dexter thinking to himself in a jail cell, then clearly you were simply trying to fill space.
Once Dexter was released into the great big world, the story picked up, but still it was missing the usual zing of a Jeff Lindsay novel. Yes, Dexter was hilariously self-centered as he always is. Yet the story was slow, forced. I was okay with the ending. It was fitting, in my opinion. The journey was a little rocky.
Adios, Dear Dexter. We shall miss your Dark Passenger and everything that goes with it. The stilted conversations, the phony emotions, your hunger pains.
Then I began reading.
The beginning was so slow, if it had been any other book by any other author, I would have put it down. If half of the story is Dexter thinking to himself in a jail cell, then clearly you were simply trying to fill space.
Once Dexter was released into the great big world, the story picked up, but still it was missing the usual zing of a Jeff Lindsay novel. Yes, Dexter was hilariously self-centered as he always is. Yet the story was slow, forced. I was okay with the ending. It was fitting, in my opinion. The journey was a little rocky.
Adios, Dear Dexter. We shall miss your Dark Passenger and everything that goes with it. The stilted conversations, the phony emotions, your hunger pains.
July 15, 2015
This really seamed like a case of... "I have to tie up the loose ends of the previous book but I do not feel like putting a lot into it"
The plot was simple and predictable. No real in depth stories or characters. Just felt smashed together and rushed.
As a huge Dexter fan I like how it ended but the book its self was not worth the read.
I expected so much more from Jeff Lindsay. This was amateurish at best and at worst it was a poor way to cap of a series.
I will miss Dexter but I will not miss this book.
The plot was simple and predictable. No real in depth stories or characters. Just felt smashed together and rushed.
As a huge Dexter fan I like how it ended but the book its self was not worth the read.
I expected so much more from Jeff Lindsay. This was amateurish at best and at worst it was a poor way to cap of a series.
I will miss Dexter but I will not miss this book.
January 6, 2019
3.5★s
Dexter is Dead is the eighth and final book in the popular Dexter series by American author, Jeff Lindsay. Dexter Morgan, blood spatter expert with the Miami Dade Police Force (and everyone’s favourite serial killer), is being held in Turner Guildford Knight Correctional Centre. He knows he’s innocent (this time) of the murders (see Dexter’s Final Cut), but how to convince anyone when he has been held for two weeks with no sign of a lawyer, an arraignment or even his sister, the ever-scowling Sergeant Deborah. It’s all the work of his nemesis, Detective Anderson, Dexter is certain.
With Rita dead, Deb wants custody of Astor, Cody and Lily Anne, and nothing further to do with the brother she’s now disowning. Eventually released, courtesy of a high-power lawyer arranged by brother Brian (and funded how, exactly?), Dexter finds himself struggling to maintain his liberty (surprisingly, his colleague, Vince Masuoka is of assistance) and his life (thanks to Brian’s activities, Dexter is on a drug lord’s hitlist). Yep, life’s being a real bitch for Dexter. And then, to complicate things further, estranged Deb rings wanting Dexter’s help after all: the kids have been kidnapped.
After a very slow start (Dexter is sure that two weeks in detention has slowed his brain, and maybe Lindsay’s too?) in which Dexter expends brain power on the quality of mattresses, the action hots up: two dead bodies in Dexter’s hotel room, a car bomb, Dexter is cuffed and slapped, perforated by glass slivers, sets a clever trap or two to lure out drogas, and then a grand finale involving a Mexican drug lord, a very expensive yacht and a big boom. There’s still some black humour and dry wit to entertain, and it’s no spoiler to reveal that, true to the title, at the end Dexter is definitely dead. The series was flagging a bit, so it’s fitting to bid Dexter Rest In Peace.
Dexter is Dead is the eighth and final book in the popular Dexter series by American author, Jeff Lindsay. Dexter Morgan, blood spatter expert with the Miami Dade Police Force (and everyone’s favourite serial killer), is being held in Turner Guildford Knight Correctional Centre. He knows he’s innocent (this time) of the murders (see Dexter’s Final Cut), but how to convince anyone when he has been held for two weeks with no sign of a lawyer, an arraignment or even his sister, the ever-scowling Sergeant Deborah. It’s all the work of his nemesis, Detective Anderson, Dexter is certain.
With Rita dead, Deb wants custody of Astor, Cody and Lily Anne, and nothing further to do with the brother she’s now disowning. Eventually released, courtesy of a high-power lawyer arranged by brother Brian (and funded how, exactly?), Dexter finds himself struggling to maintain his liberty (surprisingly, his colleague, Vince Masuoka is of assistance) and his life (thanks to Brian’s activities, Dexter is on a drug lord’s hitlist). Yep, life’s being a real bitch for Dexter. And then, to complicate things further, estranged Deb rings wanting Dexter’s help after all: the kids have been kidnapped.
After a very slow start (Dexter is sure that two weeks in detention has slowed his brain, and maybe Lindsay’s too?) in which Dexter expends brain power on the quality of mattresses, the action hots up: two dead bodies in Dexter’s hotel room, a car bomb, Dexter is cuffed and slapped, perforated by glass slivers, sets a clever trap or two to lure out drogas, and then a grand finale involving a Mexican drug lord, a very expensive yacht and a big boom. There’s still some black humour and dry wit to entertain, and it’s no spoiler to reveal that, true to the title, at the end Dexter is definitely dead. The series was flagging a bit, so it’s fitting to bid Dexter Rest In Peace.
September 15, 2024
I can definitely say I prefer this ending to the tv show, but the story overall was better in the books, even though I loved Seasons 1-5 of the show before it got "weird."
However, it was hard to love this book because Dexter wasn't as witty and didn't make me laugh as much, and there was so much slow movement. I feel it was intentional, given the content and what he was going through, but it wasn't grabbing me the way previous books have, and I wanted Dexter to grab me until the VERY END!
For that, I cannot rate more than a 4/5.
Dexter was a brilliant series, and I wanted more books.
It was great to learn more about Vince, even if Deborah pissed me off the whole story.
However, it was hard to love this book because Dexter wasn't as witty and didn't make me laugh as much, and there was so much slow movement. I feel it was intentional, given the content and what he was going through, but it wasn't grabbing me the way previous books have, and I wanted Dexter to grab me until the VERY END!
For that, I cannot rate more than a 4/5.
Dexter was a brilliant series, and I wanted more books.
It was great to learn more about Vince, even if Deborah pissed me off the whole story.
August 10, 2015
Dexter is cursed. There just doesn't seem to be a way to close out his stories in a way that truly satisfies. First it was the tv series, and now it's the books.
Now, of course, if i were just going to be comparing apples to apples, by comparing the end of the tv series to the end of the books, I can unequivocally recommend the book without qualm.
We still have the dolorous dementia of a drowning Dexter, all friendless, family-less, and fraught with firearmed foes and one steadfast psychopath of a brother to watch his back. Such things are pretty damn good, minus the somewhat slow start, and the main body of action kept me glued to my seat. It's the end, on the other hand, that's cursed.
The end of the previous novel pretty much hamstrung Dexter, anyway, so it's not hard to see that this final novel is a swan song. But there's the rub: We're still meant to see him as our dark hero when there's nothing left for him to be heroic about, except for maybe the third or fourth recycled plot of having to save his children. Even here, we barely got to see any of them on stage before Dexter is going all heroic against deep odds and (Here's the spoiler alert)
Is it as bad as all that? No. Not really. It's pretty standard stuff, actually, and I really wanted a much grander send off for down-in-the-dumps Dexter. You know, something to really showcase and give a sound-off to all his favorite fans out there, like me.
Is this a sour grapes moment? Possibly. But I really think he deserved better.
Overall, the novel was quite good, notwithstanding the beginning and the end. It jumped back to life. Too bad it had to die so ... sad.
Now, of course, if i were just going to be comparing apples to apples, by comparing the end of the tv series to the end of the books, I can unequivocally recommend the book without qualm.
We still have the dolorous dementia of a drowning Dexter, all friendless, family-less, and fraught with firearmed foes and one steadfast psychopath of a brother to watch his back. Such things are pretty damn good, minus the somewhat slow start, and the main body of action kept me glued to my seat. It's the end, on the other hand, that's cursed.
The end of the previous novel pretty much hamstrung Dexter, anyway, so it's not hard to see that this final novel is a swan song. But there's the rub: We're still meant to see him as our dark hero when there's nothing left for him to be heroic about, except for maybe the third or fourth recycled plot of having to save his children. Even here, we barely got to see any of them on stage before Dexter is going all heroic against deep odds and (Here's the spoiler alert)
Is it as bad as all that? No. Not really. It's pretty standard stuff, actually, and I really wanted a much grander send off for down-in-the-dumps Dexter. You know, something to really showcase and give a sound-off to all his favorite fans out there, like me.
Is this a sour grapes moment? Possibly. But I really think he deserved better.
Overall, the novel was quite good, notwithstanding the beginning and the end. It jumped back to life. Too bad it had to die so ... sad.
February 1, 2019
I think this is probably one of those books where you either love it or you hate it. I had been pretty disappointed with the three of the last four books in this series so I did not go into this with high hopes, but I ended up absolutely loving it.
I think that in order to really like this book you have to like Brian, or at least find him interesting as a character. I had always really liked him on the TV show and was disappointed that 1. he died in season one and 2. although he didn't die in the books they also didn't really DO much of anything with him either. Pretty much all I had ever wanted was Brian and Dexter killing people together so this was right up my alley.
On the other side of that, my main 'problem' with this book was Deb. I absolutely love Deb - probably more in the TV show than here, but still - so I was pretty annoyed that she was so quick to just leave Dexter to rot in jail at the beginning. I guess it is a huge moral struggle with her being a cop and all, but again I was pretty disappointed that she found out about Dexter killing people way earlier in the books than the show but Lindsay still didn't actually DO anything with it until much later. Still, she definitely came around towards the end of the book and I absolutely love how the whole final showdown went.
Overall I think this is a much better ending to the series than the TV show came up with. I'm sure some people will disagree but I think it takes guts to and most authors are afraid to do it even when it makes the most sense. Definitely glad that I finally finished this series after so many years!
I think that in order to really like this book you have to like Brian, or at least find him interesting as a character. I had always really liked him on the TV show and was disappointed that 1. he died in season one and 2. although he didn't die in the books they also didn't really DO much of anything with him either. Pretty much all I had ever wanted was Brian and Dexter killing people together so this was right up my alley.
On the other side of that, my main 'problem' with this book was Deb. I absolutely love Deb - probably more in the TV show than here, but still - so I was pretty annoyed that she was so quick to just leave Dexter to rot in jail at the beginning. I guess it is a huge moral struggle with her being a cop and all, but again I was pretty disappointed that she found out about Dexter killing people way earlier in the books than the show but Lindsay still didn't actually DO anything with it until much later. Still, she definitely came around towards the end of the book and I absolutely love how the whole final showdown went.
Overall I think this is a much better ending to the series than the TV show came up with. I'm sure some people will disagree but I think it takes guts to and most authors are afraid to do it even when it makes the most sense. Definitely glad that I finally finished this series after so many years!
November 3, 2015
I won this book (audio book) through a Goodreads giveaway.
This is the first audio book I won and it took me a while to get through. (I read faster than a CD plays, but anyhow...)
Jeff Lindsay, the author, narrated the book and he did an excellent job with different voices for the characters. Dexter comes across as the character he is, a bit egotistic, arrogant at times, but always self-effacing. It's all an act of course because the real Dexter is a sociopath, incapable of normal human emotions. (A fact Lindsay/Dexter reminds us of at least once a chapter.) In fact, the main fault I found with this book is the constant reminders of who everyone is: Brian, the brother; Deborah, the sister; Anderson, the corrupt detective out to get Dexter; Cronauer, Dexter's lawyer. A lot of the story - and the writing - is fully over the top. There is no such thing as exaggeration - it's all exaggeration, and all for effect. So, it's entertaining to listen to, but sometimes I'd go oh my God, tell us for the eightieth time about Dexter's 'dark passenger.' It gets - to paraphrase Dexter - 'a bit much.'
And yet the book as a whole is fairly entertaining. Dexter is framed for a crime he didn't commit and spends several chapters in prison, complaining about the food, the accommodations, all of it. Brother Brian eventually gets Dexter out using money he stole from a drug lord. Brian also gets Dexter a high-priced lawyer, and shows a lot more 'brotherly love' than a sociopath really should. (Since Brian's a serial-killing sociopath just like Dexter.) There are two attempts on Dexter's life, a little bit of a mystery about who wants him dead. Deborah is estranged from Dexter; and Dexter has lost custody of his kids. A lot is going on here and it all ends in a tremendously complicated scene involving a boat, four kidnapped children and a bomb.
I think Dexter dies at the end, but wait...does he? It's one of those maybe-yes, maybe-no type endings that can really go either way. I guess it depends if Mr. Lindsay has another book in him - or if his publisher wants to pay him for one more.
Entertaining, but even as Dexter would say, the whole thing's rather silly, isn't it?
This is the first audio book I won and it took me a while to get through. (I read faster than a CD plays, but anyhow...)
Jeff Lindsay, the author, narrated the book and he did an excellent job with different voices for the characters. Dexter comes across as the character he is, a bit egotistic, arrogant at times, but always self-effacing. It's all an act of course because the real Dexter is a sociopath, incapable of normal human emotions. (A fact Lindsay/Dexter reminds us of at least once a chapter.) In fact, the main fault I found with this book is the constant reminders of who everyone is: Brian, the brother; Deborah, the sister; Anderson, the corrupt detective out to get Dexter; Cronauer, Dexter's lawyer. A lot of the story - and the writing - is fully over the top. There is no such thing as exaggeration - it's all exaggeration, and all for effect. So, it's entertaining to listen to, but sometimes I'd go oh my God, tell us for the eightieth time about Dexter's 'dark passenger.' It gets - to paraphrase Dexter - 'a bit much.'
And yet the book as a whole is fairly entertaining. Dexter is framed for a crime he didn't commit and spends several chapters in prison, complaining about the food, the accommodations, all of it. Brother Brian eventually gets Dexter out using money he stole from a drug lord. Brian also gets Dexter a high-priced lawyer, and shows a lot more 'brotherly love' than a sociopath really should. (Since Brian's a serial-killing sociopath just like Dexter.) There are two attempts on Dexter's life, a little bit of a mystery about who wants him dead. Deborah is estranged from Dexter; and Dexter has lost custody of his kids. A lot is going on here and it all ends in a tremendously complicated scene involving a boat, four kidnapped children and a bomb.
I think Dexter dies at the end, but wait...does he? It's one of those maybe-yes, maybe-no type endings that can really go either way. I guess it depends if Mr. Lindsay has another book in him - or if his publisher wants to pay him for one more.
Entertaining, but even as Dexter would say, the whole thing's rather silly, isn't it?
July 20, 2015
4-stars
Having just finished minutes ago, I'm not sure what I think about this. But I'm pretty certain I'm not happy with the ending. In fairness, I'm not sure I'd be happy with any ending, though. Lindsay created a perfect vehicle for his wit and humor, and I'm sad to see it go. The series overall has been great and has provided much enjoyment for me and many others, and for that I truly thank him.
Having just finished minutes ago, I'm not sure what I think about this. But I'm pretty certain I'm not happy with the ending. In fairness, I'm not sure I'd be happy with any ending, though. Lindsay created a perfect vehicle for his wit and humor, and I'm sad to see it go. The series overall has been great and has provided much enjoyment for me and many others, and for that I truly thank him.
July 23, 2015
A once promising series slithers off into the sibilant sunset.
April 6, 2020
And I thought the show ending was a flop?!
That was gold compared to this.
That was gold compared to this.
July 7, 2015
Jeff Lindsay's novels featuring serial killer Dexter Morgan have not only become a bestselling book series, but they have also spawned a critically and commercially successful television series. Despite this success, the novels have continually decreased in quality, culminating in a disappointing cliffhanger in the previous novel Dexter's Final Cut. I was ready to give up on this series, but was too intrigued by the title of this novel to not give it a read. After a two year hiatus, Lindsay returns to bring the saga of Dexter Morgan, the affable psychopath, to a definitive conclusion.
After years of living a double life, Dexter Morgan finds himself in the very place that he has so diligently avoided. By day, Dexter is a forensic scientist for the Miami Police Department. By night, a serial killer. Focusing his "dark passenger" on those who truly deserve death, mostly criminals, Dexter has maintained a low profile. But now all of that has changed. In a darkly ironic twist of events, Dexter's wife and the man who murdered her are both dead, and Dexter is the only suspect. Take growing circumstantial evidence, add a lead detective's personal vendetta, and you've got one damning case against everyone's favorite murderer. As a result, Dexter finds himself locked in a maximum security prison facing an eternity of confinement for a murder he did not commit.
In the previous novel, Dexter went from amiable perpetrator to adulterous prick, making him very difficult to root for. Fortunately, Lindsay corrects this error by stacking the deck completely against him. Beyond the wrongful arrest, the police department is manipulating evidence, falsifying documents, and threatening anyone who dares to question their methods. As diabolical as Dexter's actions are, it is even more deplorable to see the justice system abused in this way. Normally, Dexter's adopted sister Deborah would be the first person to step in and help her only surviving family member, however Dexter's actions in the previous novel have left her unwilling to speak to her brother. With all hope seemingly lost, Dexter finds himself with only one person to turn to. . . his murderous brother Brian.
It is refreshing to see an author bring a bestselling series to a definitive conclusion. Like most popular fiction series, the Dexter saga has had its ups and downs. With this final novel, Lindsay recaptures all of the elements that made Dexter a thoughtful, engaging, and satisfying read. Dexter's witty inner dialogue makes him surprisingly accessible. As much as readers can find small ways to identify with the character, Dexter is still a psychopathic killer who has no empathy. Throughout the series, Dexter was motivated by not revealing his secret and keeping his family safe. But he was never able to truly connect to the "family" he camouflaged himself with. By freeing his protagonist from the bonds of his elaborate facade, Lindsay allows Dexter to finally express his genuine thoughts with unapologetic honesty. In the end, Dexter receives a fitting conclusion that is true to the essence of this darkly intriguing character and satisfying to the fans who have read or watched his story over the last eleven years.
After years of living a double life, Dexter Morgan finds himself in the very place that he has so diligently avoided. By day, Dexter is a forensic scientist for the Miami Police Department. By night, a serial killer. Focusing his "dark passenger" on those who truly deserve death, mostly criminals, Dexter has maintained a low profile. But now all of that has changed. In a darkly ironic twist of events, Dexter's wife and the man who murdered her are both dead, and Dexter is the only suspect. Take growing circumstantial evidence, add a lead detective's personal vendetta, and you've got one damning case against everyone's favorite murderer. As a result, Dexter finds himself locked in a maximum security prison facing an eternity of confinement for a murder he did not commit.
In the previous novel, Dexter went from amiable perpetrator to adulterous prick, making him very difficult to root for. Fortunately, Lindsay corrects this error by stacking the deck completely against him. Beyond the wrongful arrest, the police department is manipulating evidence, falsifying documents, and threatening anyone who dares to question their methods. As diabolical as Dexter's actions are, it is even more deplorable to see the justice system abused in this way. Normally, Dexter's adopted sister Deborah would be the first person to step in and help her only surviving family member, however Dexter's actions in the previous novel have left her unwilling to speak to her brother. With all hope seemingly lost, Dexter finds himself with only one person to turn to. . . his murderous brother Brian.
It is refreshing to see an author bring a bestselling series to a definitive conclusion. Like most popular fiction series, the Dexter saga has had its ups and downs. With this final novel, Lindsay recaptures all of the elements that made Dexter a thoughtful, engaging, and satisfying read. Dexter's witty inner dialogue makes him surprisingly accessible. As much as readers can find small ways to identify with the character, Dexter is still a psychopathic killer who has no empathy. Throughout the series, Dexter was motivated by not revealing his secret and keeping his family safe. But he was never able to truly connect to the "family" he camouflaged himself with. By freeing his protagonist from the bonds of his elaborate facade, Lindsay allows Dexter to finally express his genuine thoughts with unapologetic honesty. In the end, Dexter receives a fitting conclusion that is true to the essence of this darkly intriguing character and satisfying to the fans who have read or watched his story over the last eleven years.
July 26, 2020
**Read for Jordan Ford's Summer Reading Challenge 2020. Prompt 17: A book with a thrilling mystery in it**
July 12, 2015
Dexter Morgan, R.I.P.
By Bob Gelms
Recently I got to happily spend a few days with one of my favorite fictional characters, Dexter Morgan. He is sometimes thought of as America’s favorite serial killer. He only kills people who deserve it, people who have fallen through the criminal justice cracks. In a bizarre, twisted turn of conventional literary practice, Dexter is a hero.
Dexter has spent eight years on television and this latest book by Jeff Lindsey represents the eighth outing in book form. Dexter Is Dead is the last, the end, a fait accompli. I don’t know how to hide the ending of a book with that title so I won’t. As Edward G. Robinson once said on the silver screen, “Is this the end of Rico?” Well, no, but it is the end of Dexter. And as befitting the end of what has become something of an American icon, everything is turned upside down.
At the end of this last book, besotted in blood, Dexter is taken into custody and thrown in jail, accused of a heinous crime he didn’t even get a chance to commit. Detective Anderson has it out for our boy. Anderson has manufactured evidence that points unambiguously to deadly Dexter. It sure looks like dear Dexter will be spending the rest of his life in prison if not, in fact, receiving the injection to oblivion from the state.
Just when all hope is lost, darling Dexter is bailed out of jail and the best criminal lawyer in Miami has been hired to represent him. Who could have done such a thing; who could afford such a thing? It is someone we have forgotten about, the other serial killer in the family, Dexter’s brother Brian.
In a typical Brian move, he has stolen a LOT of money from a dangerous drug dealer and desperately needs Dexter’s help but has neglected to tell Dex the whole story, resulting in Dexter being out on bail when he would have been safer in prison. Both their lives are in definite danger and attempts are made to kill them. The drug dealer kidnaps Dexter’s kids and Deb, Dexter’s sister, is also put in harm’s way. Brian takes this all in as if it’s some kind of lark. When everything works out in the end it gives new meaning to the phrase, “If you are going to go down, go down in flames.” The ending is spectacular and everything is brought to some kind of major conclusion. Let’s say that Dexter is not coming back for a book nine.
Mr. Lindsey’s humor and satire are in full bloom, which brings to mind a couple of final points I’d like to make. The TV version of the Dexter Morgan character was brilliantly acted but actually was only a shadow of the Dexter Morgan character in the books. Dexter is funny in the novels. He is sarcastic, satirical, dreadfully dark and self-deprecating. His comments about the moral dilemma in which he usually finds himself could be included in a tome on how to act in a civilized world. Twisted…I know. Entertaining…undeniably so.
The books and the TV show were running the story forward simultaneously but not at all in synch. This was bothersome to me because I much preferred the novels. I though the stories on the TV Dexter were a little on the lightweight side. I’ll give an exception and a big thumbs-up to the year that John Lithgow was on the show. That year was superb and those stories regularly creeped me out.
In the end there is a striking satirical element to darling Dexter in the books. He is a most American character. For what is more American, I ask you, than getting a morality lesson from a serial killer. He is resourceful and self reliant in a way that makes me think he read Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay that identifies self-reliance as a major American character trait.
It was a great run and now it’s done. I mourn dearly departed Dexter but I won’t forget him and, I would like to add, he doesn’t survive to become a lumber jack in the Pacific Northwest. Thank God.
By Bob Gelms
Recently I got to happily spend a few days with one of my favorite fictional characters, Dexter Morgan. He is sometimes thought of as America’s favorite serial killer. He only kills people who deserve it, people who have fallen through the criminal justice cracks. In a bizarre, twisted turn of conventional literary practice, Dexter is a hero.
Dexter has spent eight years on television and this latest book by Jeff Lindsey represents the eighth outing in book form. Dexter Is Dead is the last, the end, a fait accompli. I don’t know how to hide the ending of a book with that title so I won’t. As Edward G. Robinson once said on the silver screen, “Is this the end of Rico?” Well, no, but it is the end of Dexter. And as befitting the end of what has become something of an American icon, everything is turned upside down.
At the end of this last book, besotted in blood, Dexter is taken into custody and thrown in jail, accused of a heinous crime he didn’t even get a chance to commit. Detective Anderson has it out for our boy. Anderson has manufactured evidence that points unambiguously to deadly Dexter. It sure looks like dear Dexter will be spending the rest of his life in prison if not, in fact, receiving the injection to oblivion from the state.
Just when all hope is lost, darling Dexter is bailed out of jail and the best criminal lawyer in Miami has been hired to represent him. Who could have done such a thing; who could afford such a thing? It is someone we have forgotten about, the other serial killer in the family, Dexter’s brother Brian.
In a typical Brian move, he has stolen a LOT of money from a dangerous drug dealer and desperately needs Dexter’s help but has neglected to tell Dex the whole story, resulting in Dexter being out on bail when he would have been safer in prison. Both their lives are in definite danger and attempts are made to kill them. The drug dealer kidnaps Dexter’s kids and Deb, Dexter’s sister, is also put in harm’s way. Brian takes this all in as if it’s some kind of lark. When everything works out in the end it gives new meaning to the phrase, “If you are going to go down, go down in flames.” The ending is spectacular and everything is brought to some kind of major conclusion. Let’s say that Dexter is not coming back for a book nine.
Mr. Lindsey’s humor and satire are in full bloom, which brings to mind a couple of final points I’d like to make. The TV version of the Dexter Morgan character was brilliantly acted but actually was only a shadow of the Dexter Morgan character in the books. Dexter is funny in the novels. He is sarcastic, satirical, dreadfully dark and self-deprecating. His comments about the moral dilemma in which he usually finds himself could be included in a tome on how to act in a civilized world. Twisted…I know. Entertaining…undeniably so.
The books and the TV show were running the story forward simultaneously but not at all in synch. This was bothersome to me because I much preferred the novels. I though the stories on the TV Dexter were a little on the lightweight side. I’ll give an exception and a big thumbs-up to the year that John Lithgow was on the show. That year was superb and those stories regularly creeped me out.
In the end there is a striking satirical element to darling Dexter in the books. He is a most American character. For what is more American, I ask you, than getting a morality lesson from a serial killer. He is resourceful and self reliant in a way that makes me think he read Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay that identifies self-reliance as a major American character trait.
It was a great run and now it’s done. I mourn dearly departed Dexter but I won’t forget him and, I would like to add, he doesn’t survive to become a lumber jack in the Pacific Northwest. Thank God.
October 19, 2015
Well this is it. The long-awaited finale. But much like the TV show based off the series, the ending was a bit unsatisfactory. Not as awful as the TV series, mind you, but still not too great. I wasn't expecting much though, as these books got progressively worse with each installment. But I made it and it feels good to complete a series, particularly one this long.
May 30, 2018
I have to say the TV series is more delightful in dealing with Dexter's death. Despite the differences between the show and the book series, this one still gets only 3 stars.
The author's reading is OK for this book as the core characters of Dexter, Deb and Brian are the main voices we hear. I still would recommend reading the book rather than listening to the audiobook.
The continual use of D-words to describe Dexter has been a constant throughout the series just bordering on inane. The lapse, for me, was how the author tries to get masterfully eloquent in describing the ending. I notice this occurrence in numerous books, especially at the start or the end of the story. While Lindsay does sprinkle it in a little bit at a time in his stories, the ending felt like a push to get all of his eloquence onto paper before it was all over.
Dexter didn't really impress me with his intelligence. A few glaring oversights and foibles were just too obvious for even a person of average intelligence.
Overall, a decent series, but just not going down as an all time favorite. I don't regret my time listening to the series in the least, but I do wish I had read them for myself.
The author's reading is OK for this book as the core characters of Dexter, Deb and Brian are the main voices we hear. I still would recommend reading the book rather than listening to the audiobook.
The continual use of D-words to describe Dexter has been a constant throughout the series just bordering on inane. The lapse, for me, was how the author tries to get masterfully eloquent in describing the ending. I notice this occurrence in numerous books, especially at the start or the end of the story. While Lindsay does sprinkle it in a little bit at a time in his stories, the ending felt like a push to get all of his eloquence onto paper before it was all over.
Dexter didn't really impress me with his intelligence. A few glaring oversights and foibles were just too obvious for even a person of average intelligence.
Overall, a decent series, but just not going down as an all time favorite. I don't regret my time listening to the series in the least, but I do wish I had read them for myself.
May 30, 2015
I am such an absolute fan of the Dexter novels so it was with great delight that I was given the newest edition last month from the publishers. Thank you.
This final installment ends in a way that's fitting for the best serial killer ever; Dark Dexter, our dashing, devious hero. As a fan of the books and a viewer of The Showtime series, my heart lies with the novels. Showtime rarely got right, and in the end gave us one of the most disappointing final seasons in recent television history. Lindsay in marvelous effort gives fans want they've hoped for: a great ending for an even greater character.
I don't want to give anything away, but I do want to emphasize that this last novel is as perfect a Dexter as any of the previous Dexters. There are no shortcuts. Perhaps it's even better. Better because of Brian and Deborah. Better because even though Dexter claims to be inhuman, we see his humanity even more than previous books. For all of Dexter's protestations, he is our favorite dark hero, and he is human.
Bon voyage, dearest Dexter.
This final installment ends in a way that's fitting for the best serial killer ever; Dark Dexter, our dashing, devious hero. As a fan of the books and a viewer of The Showtime series, my heart lies with the novels. Showtime rarely got right, and in the end gave us one of the most disappointing final seasons in recent television history. Lindsay in marvelous effort gives fans want they've hoped for: a great ending for an even greater character.
I don't want to give anything away, but I do want to emphasize that this last novel is as perfect a Dexter as any of the previous Dexters. There are no shortcuts. Perhaps it's even better. Better because of Brian and Deborah. Better because even though Dexter claims to be inhuman, we see his humanity even more than previous books. For all of Dexter's protestations, he is our favorite dark hero, and he is human.
Bon voyage, dearest Dexter.
October 19, 2017
it was good.
January 9, 2016
No one likes this, so naturally, I take the opposing position and actively liked this book. There was sarcasm, intelligent references that made me feel dumb at moments (something not easily achieved in most literature), a strong critique of the legal system, and food porn. If I were a more sophisticated writer, I would hope to write like this. I was not overly keen on the plot to the previous book, but this one did what it could with that premise. As much as I dislike the show, I adore this book series. If Dexter wasn't a psychopath, I'd probably be in love with him. So, kudos to the author.
The only thing I really didn't like was Because I honestly don't think it fits the progression of the series, and also, because I selfishly want what I want.
The only thing I really didn't like was Because I honestly don't think it fits the progression of the series, and also, because I selfishly want what I want.
May 20, 2016
Mám velmi špatnou náladu.
Och ne, já jsem naštvaná.
Rve mi srdce, že to musím říct.
Tahle. Kniha. Je. Obří. Sloní. KAKANEC!
-_-
Dexter celou dobu plave ve sračkách. A paradoxně... za věci, které neudělal. Och, já chudáček Dexter.
0% potravinářské folie
0% sklíček
0% monstrozního killingu
0% toho, co mám na Dexterovi ráda
0% zabijáckých hlášek
-> Do strany 250 jsem se zvládla parádně vytočit. Zbytek jsem nebyla schopna vnímat s čistou hlavou.
"KURVA JEŽÍŠI, DEXTERE, CO SE TO S TEBOU DO PRDELE STALO? - Deb"
Jestli existuje nějaký veliký fanda Dextera žijící v Šenově, jsem to já.
Takže mám návrh.
Jdu zbaštit kus buchty od maminky.
A pak.
Pak budu předstírat, že jsem tuhle blbost nikdy nečetla.
Jop.
Och ne, já jsem naštvaná.
Rve mi srdce, že to musím říct.
Tahle. Kniha. Je. Obří. Sloní. KAKANEC!
-_-
Dexter celou dobu plave ve sračkách. A paradoxně... za věci, které neudělal. Och, já chudáček Dexter.
0% potravinářské folie
0% sklíček
0% monstrozního killingu
0% toho, co mám na Dexterovi ráda
0% zabijáckých hlášek
-> Do strany 250 jsem se zvládla parádně vytočit. Zbytek jsem nebyla schopna vnímat s čistou hlavou.
"KURVA JEŽÍŠI, DEXTERE, CO SE TO S TEBOU DO PRDELE STALO? - Deb"
Jestli existuje nějaký veliký fanda Dextera žijící v Šenově, jsem to já.
Takže mám návrh.
Jdu zbaštit kus buchty od maminky.
A pak.
Pak budu předstírat, že jsem tuhle blbost nikdy nečetla.
Jop.
September 14, 2024
As a whole, I would recommend the show before the book series. The show is a classic for me. This is my 5th time rewatching it, (09/2024)
It could just be how amazingly Michael C Hall played Dexter, that you could admire his character and appreciate his quirks. In the books, however, a lot of his inner thoughts and charm was missing.
The deaths and non-deaths of some of the characters were missing, whereas the show made them so much better. This writing wasn't terrible, it just wasn't as good as the tv show made the characters and some of the moments.
Do I recommend binging the book series? Absolutely not. I only did it, on 3x the speed on Libby during a recovery period after being sick and in bed.
Would I recommend binging the tv show? Absolutely. Always.
It could just be how amazingly Michael C Hall played Dexter, that you could admire his character and appreciate his quirks. In the books, however, a lot of his inner thoughts and charm was missing.
The deaths and non-deaths of some of the characters were missing, whereas the show made them so much better. This writing wasn't terrible, it just wasn't as good as the tv show made the characters and some of the moments.
Do I recommend binging the book series? Absolutely not. I only did it, on 3x the speed on Libby during a recovery period after being sick and in bed.
Would I recommend binging the tv show? Absolutely. Always.
July 26, 2015
Forget Season 8, which deserves a lot of the negativity it gets. This here, this way-too-short final novel in Mr. Lindsay's series, is the true swan song of Dexter Morgan. It's short, and yet it really has no idea how to stop the action from keeping on coming. From the beginning, picking up from the cliffhanger Book 7 left us with three years ago (has it really been that long? The show was still running at that time!), all the way to the Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot ending, Dexter's last ride never ceased to amaze or entertain.
And thus, like many other great series, I hereby bid Dexter's adventures ave atque vale.
And thus, like many other great series, I hereby bid Dexter's adventures ave atque vale.
September 11, 2021
Well, I'm glad that's over. I ended up skimming through a good chunk of this one because it was so boring and I just didn't care anymore. Overall, though, I'm glad I read the series, especially as part of a readalong with a great group of people.
September 26, 2024
Eh.. well I finished the series.. Dexter was not even remotely likeable at the end of it all..
June 23, 2024
Finished the series and..... I loved it! I've never actually seen the show (crazy huh) but the books were well worth the read!
October 9, 2020
Dex is in trouble. I know, Dex is ALWAYS in trouble, but this time the law has finally caught up with him – ironically, for crimes he didn’t commit – & Deb is nowhere to be seen. Has Dexter lost the one relationship that really means something to him?
As to be expected, the final instalment of Dexter’s saga is filled with close calls, law enforcement just getting in the way & ruining everything, Dex in the wrong place at the wrong time, lots of talk of food & Miami traffic, & even more situations that will have you asking how in the hell this is possibly going to end well.
It also features a wonderful family reunion that I didn’t realise I was desperate for until I saw it happening.
All of the murder & mayhem aside, I like Dexter. He’s a good guy. Again, let’s just ignore his obvious faults, okay? And to see him have a chance to truly be himself, to share these experiences & feel no judgement and instead, find camaraderie as these Dark Passengers flexed their wings together; to see Dex in awe of another’s killing room and just having the most fun ever – it almost brings a tear to the eye.
As the ending of the book drew closer, the tension really started to build & Lindsay is a master at balancing these stressful moments with Dexter’s offbeat humour – this is probably one of the things I’ll miss the most about this series.
As an ending to a series there were some things that felt a little incomplete but I cannot say definitively whether that is Lindsay not tying up loose ends or me having forgotten that they had already been tied up previously.
And how do I feel about the actual ending itself? Honestly, I’m still unsure. Mostly because the stupidly hopeful ‘look for a happy ending everywhere’ part of me is choosing to hold onto that hope, rather than accepting what I think actually happened.
The real question though – is the book ending better than Dexter the Lumberjack? Well it’s not like that’s hard to beat but yes, yes it is.
As to be expected, the final instalment of Dexter’s saga is filled with close calls, law enforcement just getting in the way & ruining everything, Dex in the wrong place at the wrong time, lots of talk of food & Miami traffic, & even more situations that will have you asking how in the hell this is possibly going to end well.
It also features a wonderful family reunion that I didn’t realise I was desperate for until I saw it happening.
All of the murder & mayhem aside, I like Dexter. He’s a good guy. Again, let’s just ignore his obvious faults, okay? And to see him have a chance to truly be himself, to share these experiences & feel no judgement and instead, find camaraderie as these Dark Passengers flexed their wings together; to see Dex in awe of another’s killing room and just having the most fun ever – it almost brings a tear to the eye.
As the ending of the book drew closer, the tension really started to build & Lindsay is a master at balancing these stressful moments with Dexter’s offbeat humour – this is probably one of the things I’ll miss the most about this series.
As an ending to a series there were some things that felt a little incomplete but I cannot say definitively whether that is Lindsay not tying up loose ends or me having forgotten that they had already been tied up previously.
And how do I feel about the actual ending itself? Honestly, I’m still unsure. Mostly because the stupidly hopeful ‘look for a happy ending everywhere’ part of me is choosing to hold onto that hope, rather than accepting what I think actually happened.
The real question though – is the book ending better than Dexter the Lumberjack? Well it’s not like that’s hard to beat but yes, yes it is.
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