Book/Series with a serial killer as a recurring character?

[Barbara]

Examples: Hannibal Lector, Dexter Morgan, Tom Ripley, Jeremy in the Carson Ryder series.

Specifically, I'm trying to find books or series where there's a recurring serial killer who's not the main antagonist, but some sort of chaotic neutral character who may even help the main character (such as in the example of Jeremy in the Carson Ryder series).

But I'll take general recommendations that fit the title as well. Thanks!

[Skye]

Good question:

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Any of the Serge Storms books, by Tim Dorsey will fit your description.

[Marian]

Have you read this one?

[shanghao]

There is the Young Kindaichi Case Files series with someone (won't spoil it for you) first appearing as the main culprit of a case, then subsequently appearing as the mastermind behind the murders. Sometimes he also cameos as an ally or antihero even.

However, this is a manga (Japanese graphic novel) series, a very popular one too which has spawned off movies and TV series.

The first relevant case here is the Magic Train case.

[[deleted user]]

How about Gretchen in the Archie and Gretchen series by Chelsea Cain? Also, The Mastermind who ends up being in several of the Alex Cross books by James Patterson. Can't name the character in case people are reading the series and haven't discovered who The Mastermind is yet.

[Gisela]

Mark Billingham's Tom Thorpe books has two books of the series with Stuart Nicklin, probably his most evil an manipulative killer. He meets Stuart Nicklin again in his latest novel "The Bones beneath" having put him away in his second novel "Scaredy Cat". Both very good novels.

[Jennifer]

Good suggestions. Glad I read this.

[Barbara]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

[Bryana]

The Gretchen Lowell/Archie Sheridan books are decent - it may not fit your description exactly, but the general concept seems to fit :)

[Chelsea]

I would also suggest the Gretchen/Archie series. Not exactly fitting your description, but she does tend to help Archie and sometimes the police. Definitely not a neutral character but it is one of my favorite series!

[Gitty]

Does anyone have any series to recommend that has a continual character along with her family and is involved with someone romantically? I loved jd Robb and Faye kellerman. I loved Allison Brennan and Lisa Gardner. I've read Jt Ellison and Tess gerritsen and James Patterson Womens murder club. Any others?

[Thomas]

Dana Stabenow's Kate Shugak series

[Gitty]

Thank u!

[Gitty]

Thank u!

[Gitty]

Thank u!

[[deleted user]]

Patricia Cornwell' s Scarpetta series I love these!

[D.J.]

Laurie Steven's Gabriel McRay Series
Deep into Dawn
Deep into Dusk

Great page turners and not only a serial killers with problems, but protagonist is broken as well.

[Gitty]

But continuing characters with romance?

[D.J.]

Yes. By the second book, the protagonist has finally let himself romantically feel for someone, and that person looks to help him heal.

Third book goes into this romantic bonding even more, and I know she is coming out with a fourth book.
This is a writer worth following.

[D.J.]

Got a story to tell as well.
At an airport waiting to catch a flight, I saw someone reading. Of course, I asked what book it was. It turns out the woman is a sister in the Catholic order and she loves serial killer novels.

[D.J.]

Anyone have a good recommendation on a book on criminal profiling?