Son of a Serial Killer

Murder in the Genes #1

by Jams N. Roses, James Ross

Detective Inspector Summers hates dealing with drug addicts, thieves, violent men and women, rapists, child molesters and murderers. She wants to be a doctor in a surgery, saving the lives of the sick. Instead, she deals with the sick and twisted.

Finally, she gets handed the case she wants, the reason she joined the force…

A serial killer, nicknamed ‘The Phantom’ by the media, has been randomly killing for years, never leaving evidence and not close to being caught. Then one day, the frequency of murders in the city takes a turn for the worse.

Her investigations lead Summers closer to Ben Green, a troubled young man losing his mind and hearing voices, and his involvement to the case slowly becomes clear…

Psychological Thriller - Contains adult content – Sex & Violence – 18+

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Crime, Serial Killer, Mystery Thriller, Psychology

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2013

About the author

James Ross is a father of one and grew up in Hertfordshire, England. He has spent a few years living on the Costa del Sol, Spain, and currently resides in Nice, France.

With his acknowledged individual storytelling expertise, James Ross pens psychological thrillers with a difference, that twist and turn to deliciously devious and unexpected conclusions. Discover for yourself why James Ross is also being hailed as one of the most exciting of new writers in the young adult, psychological thriller, crime and contemporary fiction genres.

Find him on Facebook here - www.facebook.com/pg/JamesRossFiction
From the author...

"I love the creation of stories, and although I spend days and weeks and months working on a plot, it's the emotions of my characters that I enjoy delving into.

My first published novel, 'Get Clean', really has my heart and soul poured into it. Although I feel a bit naked by putting a story out there that contains so much of my life, I'm happy with the book, and a little proud of my first writing achievement.

Also available is 'Son of a Serial Killer'. This story was born in my mind when I was going through a difficult phase in my life. I felt let down by the person closest to me, and I was angry and upset. What better way to expel those emotions than to throw them into a book? The story itself isn't based on my life like my previous novel, but the emotions captured within the pages are feelings I had to battle with for far too long.

My third release, 'Extremely England', is something completely different. It's a satirical comedy poking fun at society and the way it is portrayed by the media - I enjoyed writing something that wasn't so dark for a change if I'm honest!

I am a big film fan, and would have to admit that I have an eye on the 'filmability' of my stories when writing them. One day..."

Reviews

[Jams Roses · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Robin Lee TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified PurchaseThis was my first time reading anything by this author..He wrote an, excellent, suspensful, emotional, psychological/thriller..A twisted, yet believable plot...Great character developement, where you actually feel the mental anguish, guilt, heart broken pain and confusion, throughout the entire story....Perfect depiction of mental illness, that can run through family bloodlines.....All wrapped up into a very shocking ending...

Detective Summer's and Kite, have been trying to capture the elusive serial killer the, "Phantom" for years, but he never leaves one clue at the scene of the crime..All of a sudden, there is now an increase of deaths in the city..Is it just the, "Phantom", a copy cat, or possibly even two killers now...
The detectives are running out of time...

Ben Green, is a young man that's been distraught and depressed over his fathers strange death, that certain witnesses claim, Graham Green, threw himself in front of the bus...On top of that Ben loses his job, walks in on his girlfriend cheating and gets to feel warm blood on his hands....When the day just can't get any worse, his mentally ill mother, summons him to their home and reveals, a terrifying, shocking secret..This ultimately, plunges Ben, into the darkest depths of anger and evil....

So, of course by now Ben is teetering on the edge and now hearing voices..Everyone surrounding him are either sociopaths, or psychopaths....So many, you will never be able to guess who the, "Phantom" killer is, until the very last page...

It's confusing be the "Son of a Serial Killer".....

4.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable read March 18, 2013
By S. Pearson
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified PurchaseI found this to be an enjoyable story, although some parts stretched credibility a tad.
The characters were well-written and believable; an interesting book to spend a few
hours with.

5.0 out of 5 stars Son of a serial killer May 22, 2013
By melody
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified PurchaseWell written, twisted read!! Characters are interesting and provoking. Does madness really follow bloodlines? All in all a very good read. Recommended!

[Petra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting idea, but focused too much on fast-past action and trying to shock in lieu of character development or a credible plot. 2.5 stars.

[Jams Roses · Rating 5 out of 5]

By melody - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Son of a Serial Killer (Kindle Edition)
Well written, twisted read!! Characters are interesting and provoking. Does madness really follow bloodlines? All in all a very good read. Recommended!

By pixie - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Son of a Serial Killer (Kindle Edition)
The title had me from the beginning, and I couldn't put the book down until it was done. Suspenseful, down to the last moment. Love how the author brought everything together in the end. If you are looking for a quick read, with a lot of suspense and action, then you are sure to love this book!

By Robin Lee - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Son of a Serial Killer (Kindle Edition)
This was my first time reading anything by this author..He wrote an, excellent, suspensful, emotional, psychological/thriller..A twisted, yet believable plot...Great character developement, where you actually feel the mental anguish, guilt, heart broken pain and confusion, throughout the entire story....Perfect depiction of mental illness, that can run through family bloodlines.....All wrapped up into a very shocking ending...

Detective Summer's and Kite, have been trying to capture the elusive serial killer the, "Phantom" for years, but he never leaves one clue at the scene of the crime..All of a sudden, there is now an increase of deaths in the city..Is it just the, "Phantom", a copy cat, or possibly even two killers now...
The detectives are running out of time...

Ben Green, is a young man that's been distraught and depressed over his fathers strange death, that certain witnesses claim, Graham Green, threw himself in front of the bus...On top of that Ben loses his job, walks in on his girlfriend cheating and gets to feel warm blood on his hands....When the day just can't get any worse, his mentally ill mother, summons him to their home and reveals, a terrifying, shocking secret..This ultimately, plunges Ben, into the darkest depths of anger and evil....

So, of course by now Ben is teetering on the edge and now hearing voices..Everyone surrounding him are either sociopaths, or psychopaths....So many, you will never be able to guess who the, "Phantom" killer is, until the very last page...

It's confusing be the "Son of a Serial Killer".....

By S. Pearson - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Son of a Serial Killer (Kindle Edition)
I found this to be an enjoyable story, although some parts stretched credibility a tad.
The characters were well-written and believable; an interesting book to spend a few
hours with.

By Lisa Major - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Son of a Serial Killer (Kindle Edition)
I think that the book captured what it would be like being a mentally ill person. Most definitely had a few surprises in the story.job well done.

By Jen Huurdeman - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Son of a Serial Killer (Kindle Edition)
I really enjoy thrillers , this was thriller plus . The son carrying on a family tradition from the ather - with a twist ...

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Son of a Serial Killer" by James N. Roses is an excellent psychological thriller.

The hunt for a serial killer - or his copy cat - lead the investigation to Ben Green, a man on the brink of sanity.
In the first few chapters we meet some rather unsavoury characters and this sets the tone of the book perfectly.
Both, Inspector Summers, and Ben are fantastic edgy characters to keep our attention. The characters are very well set up which helps us to care and engage with them individually.
The book also allows for some insight into mental illness. I wish I could tell you more about the twisted plot without spoiling this intense and suspenseful reading experience.

I enjoyed particularly the short chapters and the sharp style of writing that kept the action moving at a fast pace. There are many twists and turns in the plot and without giving too much away, the story is neatly wrapped up at the end, with a big surprise thrown in for good measure. I hope there is a sequel. Five stars.

Contains adult content – Sex & Violence

[King Samuel Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I did not see that coming! Firstly, this book is not for children. There are some strong languages, sex scenes and extreme violence. But if those do not bother you, then you have to read this thriller!
Detective Summers is hunting down the Phantom.
Ben Green is losing his mind.
Natalie is up to something. The mum is scary.
Some excellent characters play out this well written plot. Five stars all the way!

[Nikol · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book was a bore to read, there was no real mystery or artfulness to the writing.
This is the type a book someone would write if they have a good story in their head but lack the ability to put it in paper.

[Sonya Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy a good psychological thriller with a serial killer thrown in for good measure then this is the book for you. From the first page this novel had me totally absorbed as it moved between the obsessive detective intent on catching the killer responsible for her father's murder, and the strange character of Ben who you wouldn't wish to meet on the street at night.
It is easy to become complacent and imagine the ending will be predictable but this is one of the reasons this book is so engaging.
All along the reader doubts their own theories as we share in Ben's own thoughts about whether he is responsible for the deaths occurring around him and how much is down to the man he sees in the mirror looking back at him.
The characters are brilliantly created along with their warped natures, Ben's mother and his girlfriend, Natalie, included.
And the ending is cleverly mastered with the reader getting the impression that no amount of money is going to ensure Eve is given any kind of compensation for her predicament.
A fantastic read!

[Rebecca Trotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in the minimalist style that keeps the story moving forward at an organic fast pace.

What you think just happened isn't necessarily what just happened.

[Kady Monroe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This book was ok, not great but not bad either. The story was quite predictable and it wasn't difficult to guess who the serial killer was. Nice easy read, good for passing a few hours.

[Julia]

“Actions are sometimes performed in a masterly and most cunning way, while the direction of the actions is deranged and dependent on various morbid impressions - it's like a dream." This is a quote from Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s famous novel, Crime and Punishment, but it may as well be describing Ben Green, the troubled young protagonist of the novel “Son of a Serial Killer” by Jams N. Roses.

This novel is truly frightening, but not because of the string of murders that are being left unsolved. It is frightening and terrifying because of what is happening to Ben and what most of us are probably afraid of even if we don’t readily admit it. Ben is losing his mind and his sanity, and he knows it. He’s fighting back, trying to get back to his former self, normal, nice, and balanced, but that goal gets further and further out of reach as the story progresses. Just the thought of watching myself lose my mind and not being able to do anything about it sent chills down my spine.

Ben’s thinking patterns are placed at the center of this thriller, and it is Ben who largely drives the plot. One of the most powerful recurring images in this book is a mirror in which Ben sees not only his old familiar self but his new self, the personality full of malice and evil, that is gradually taking over his life. “What am I doing with my life?” and “What was I born to be?” are some of the questions that Ben asks of the reflection in the mirror. And it takes him a long time to find the right answers. The ending of the book is tragic by conventional standards, but I have to quote Dostoyevsky again who said, “the greatest happiness is to know the source of unhappiness,” and in that sense, Ben’s story ends happily.

But it’s not just Ben’s character that is interesting and multidimensional. So are the secondary characters. Detective Summers is fighting her own demons as she is trying to solve the case of The Phantom killer: not only does she have a personal connection to the case, but she also has trouble managing her stress level and resorts to self-destructive measures but effective to keep herself balanced, ironic and counterintuitive as it seems. The benefits of counterintuitive thinking is another strong theme in this novel. There’s a long-time girlfriend who turns out to be less loyal and less caring than a woman who was supposed to be just a one-night stand. There’s Ben’s complicated relationship with his parents, both of whom seem to love him and want the best for him, but that also turns out to be not the way he perceived most of his life.

The novel starts out with a quote about genetic disorders that are already present in a human being before birth, and it comes full-circle to that same point at the end when controversial questions are raised about life and death. Is it right to end a life if this life is bound to create more death once it is fully developed? Can our minds, medicated, self-medicated, or otherwise, be more powerful than the genetics we have inherited?

This novel is deeper and richer than one might think just by reading the sample on amazon. Some reviewers have commented that they were turned off by the graphic descriptions in the first few pages, but they should have kept reading. I believe that the intent of those first few pages is to alert the readers to the idea that this novel will not shy away from deepest and darkest corners of the human soul and the human existence. But despite a lot of the darkness, Ben’s story has a lot of hope to it, no matter how counterintuitive it may seem. But counterintuitive is one of the themes here, isn’t it? Definitely recommended.

[Karl Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Jams N. Roses has a talent for walking on the dark side and I have no hesitation whatsoever in awarding `Son of a Serial Killer' five stars.

Many years ago someone handed me a book to read with the words, "You might enjoy this." I can't remember what it was called now but it covered the true story of couple who picked up hitch-hikers in the California / Nevada desert areas, raped them, tortured them and inevitably killed them. I had no idea why this person felt I would enjoy this book but out of duty I read it, and against my better judgement found myself being so drawn to the main character that I started to feel sorry for the rapist-killer.

His upbringing was atrocious, and he was never, ever going to grow up to be a choirboy. Now as I set out to write a review of Serial Killer and not this other book, I mention this only in passing because Jams N. Roses has that same talent in that even though the reader knows the protagonist, Ben, is a killer he is drawn to him and desperately wants him to champion the evil forces within himself and return victorious.

And it is these evil forces that Roses defines so well, for the author explores the dark side of schizophrenia with a rare talent. Schizophrenia can be an alarming and agonising condition and Ben finds himself journeying through a world that is barren, demented and persecuted by distorted consciousness. He is disgusted and frightened by the face in the mirror.

However, if you think Ben is the only character in this book that is slightly unhinged, you're in for a treat. His girlfriend, Natalie, is a pure psychopath, working all the time towards whatever is in her own best interests with absolute no guilt feelings or capacity for remorse. She has no redeeming characters except her body which she uses to her advantage whenever she feels the need. The reader actually wants Ben to kill her.

But that isn't all. Roses explores cruel and detestable people as well as those who, to be less than delicate, are completely off their rocker. I won't spoil the story by giving away secrets, but you've got the detective inspector with the ubiquitous hip flask, her superior who is, as expected, on her case to `crack the case' and the mentally ill mother.

I thoroughly recommend this book.

[Stunatra · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. Not sure why it has all these great reviews. This read more like a first draft. It needs a lot of editing. There were so many unforgivable mistakes/typos. For example, no one sits.

"The young girl was sat on his car bonnet."
I'm not an English major, but to my ears, that does NOT sound correct. And it's used constantly!

"He saw that the young man was sat at his desk, using his telephone."

And on and on and on.

Not a lot of dialogue in the first half of the book. Characters are talking to each other but it's all in the narrative and not dialogue, like the writer is afraid to write dialogue (and sometimes the dialogue is awkward, as if to prove this point). Dialogue is how, we, the reader best get to know the characters.

The writer consistently explains the obvious, thinking the readers are idiots, and can't put two and two together. There isn't much reward for the reader.

This could have been a better read, maybe even a great read, with a thorough edit. I'd guess no one else read this other than the one who gave birth to it before it was published. Self published? Still, no excuses for the mistakes here.

One positive this book did have, was a great pace. And it was interesting enough for me to finish it in a day and a half.

Not something I can recommend, but I'm glad I got it free.

[R.P. Rochford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent psychological thriller though the writing style sometimes seems a bit strange because it is rather concise due to the many simple sentences the author uses. However, this unique style has a strong effect on the reader and it actually makes the story even more enjoyable.

Though the main character commits crimes in the novel, this is really the story of his struggle to find a right path among the influences of his own anger, the evil influence introduced through his mother's mental illness and the countermanding voice of his own conscience.

Other characters in the story introduce good and bad influences but, overall, it seems that evil will triumph unless the main character can find it in himself to take a desperate stand against it.

Overall, I think it's a great thriller, however, due to the extremely graphic description of sexual and murder scenes, some people might find it a bit offensive. So please, read the sample chapter before downloading it.

[Tuesday · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've mentioned in another book review that I have a special place in my reading loves for books about serial killers. This is totally my mother-in-law's fault for getting me hooked on true crime books many years ago. While the subject matter isn't something that I read a lot of, it's a nice change from what I normally delve into.

When I was asked to read and review Son of a Serial Killer I jumped at the chance. The concept and ideas behind the story really appealed to me. I found that while the above synopsis starts out discussing Detective Summers, the main character of the book really is Ben Green. It was his story that was told and the character in the book that I found I cared for the most. I could never figure out how a medical doctor could become a top detective and really wanted more background on Detective Summers.

While I liked Son of a Serial Killer, the lack of editing was distracting and took away from my enjoyment of reading - I know I could have really liked this book. I had to go back several pages a few times to get things straight. It took away from the reading rhythm I had going and for psychological thrillers, pace and rhythm are tantamount.

The book is extremely graphic (duh, it's about serial killers), which for me was not offensive at all, but it takes a lot to make me cringe. For those of you who are not into this kind of thing, it might be a good one to skip. For those of you who don't mind graphic writing, this might be a good little story to check out sometime in the future -- especially with the hopes that the author will do another edit sometime really soon.

[Simon Okill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Son of a Serial Killer by Jams N. Roses is a smart, slick, sick serial killer thriller. Once the opening chapters are dispensed with the story races along at a frantic pace, never letting up. This is in some part due to short chapters of which there are many and the tight writing style. The author gets right into the heart of the story and creates a great character in Ben Green, a young man left mentally derelict by the accidental death of his father. His mother has a severe mental disorder that drove his father into a deep depression and now it's Ben's turn.
The Phantom has been killing for some time in London and the police have no idea how to proceed with so little to go. Detective Summers is brought in and she gets right down to the task of catching the monster stalking the streets.
I will leave readers to figure out who the killer is as I do not want to leave a trail of spoilers to their identity.
This book would easily be a 5 star if not for the editing typos so I am giving it FOUR STARS which to be honest will not dissuade anyone from a thrilling death ride as I have to recommend this to all fans of Dexter.

[Danielle Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been a fan of serial killer books and movies. After reading and watching so many, a lot of them begin to seem the same. This book seemed different though. It was told through multiple points of view, although the main character is Ben. And Ben fears he is losing his mind, and he is turning into a monster. Part of me really sympathized with him even though I didn't want to.

This was an intriguing story that didn't hold anything back. The characters really seemed to come alive; there were ones that you really love to hate (Ben's girlfriend, Natalie, was at the top of my list). There were no perfect people in this book; even the main detective had some flaws. It definitely added some realism to this gritty story.

The plot moves at a fast pace, and there are quite a few twists that will keep you guessing and wondering how this is going to pan out. It was really an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to read a very good and very twisted thriller!

[Melody Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW

SON OF A SERIAL KILLER.

By Melody Dempsey

Son of a Serial killer is an edge of your seat thriller! This novel is VERY hard to put down! James takes your breath away with this action packed, emotional, thriller. This story of intrigue, mystery, murder, and yes, sex, sometimes very hot and steamy, has all of the elements of a great novel. The main character, Ben, who is a kind man, has a very dark secret. His life seems to spiral down after the death of his beloved father. This novel has plenty of twist and turns that are jaw dropping! I put this wonderful author, James Ross right up there with Stephen King, Dean Koons James Patterson, Mary Higgins Clark and Tina Wainscot! Son of a Serial Killer is a MUST read!!

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed the plot of the story. The dialogue was minimal though, but the context was intriguing. I wish there had been more than a couple days between Eve and Ben. I wanted to know much more about Ben's parents. With the story ending as it did, I am unsure if I would read a sequel. The ending was a HUGE surprise and kudos to the author but, I was disappointed. Sorry readers, no spoiler here. Just enough to say I saw it coming and it made me cry.

[Sameer Ketkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very glad I took a chance on this book. Roses uses short chapters to keep the story moving at a lightning pace, putting the thrill into this thriller/murder mystery. The story is dark, twisted, and full of blood, so if you aren't looking for a fairytale ending, this may be the book for you! I definitely recommend it!

[Charity Parkerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great surprise to find a new author to read! Jams N. Roses has written a great dark and twisted psycho thriller. The story begins with a bang, using short chapters to introduce us into the world of these intriguing characters, some of them even staying alive long enough to get to them well, maybe even too well. This was a great read and I'll be checking out the other titles from Roses.

[William O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced thriller

This thriller got off to a flying start from the very first chapter.

It's an intense thriller full of characters that I loved to read about, but would hate to have in my life in the real world.

The author put together a great story and kept me interested until the end.

[Jenny Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this fast-paced psychological thriller enough. It is dark, creepy, dangerous and a must read! 5 stars all the way.

[Shell Swinscoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

great story, couldn't put it down....grabs ya, scares ya & spits you out!!

[Enid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story. It was amusing to me though you might think it would be a serious topic.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book. Lots of blood and violence but a good plot as well. Great ending to a decent story.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. What a thrill ride. The twist at the end was really clever. For a great read get this book.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

VERY GOOD

[Leevora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good read. Nice plot twists. Interesting characters.

[Shemeka Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read. I was not expecting the ending.