For several years, Michael C. Hall gripped audiences worldwide with his brilliant performance as Dexter Morgan on Showtime’s Dexter. Dexter works as a forensic analyst for Miami police but moonlights as a serial killer who takes down murderers who have not been adequately punished by the justice system.
The show about the beloved vigilante ended in 2013, and fans have been clamoring for a revival ever since. Whether that comes to pass or not is anyone’s guess, but there are several books you can read in the meantime. Here are five titles you should check out if you are a fan of Dexter:
Thinner by Richard Bachman
Thinner is one of Stephen King’s most recognizable novels, even though he wrote it under his pseudonym. It’s the story of a lawyer who accidentally kills a Romani woman in an accident, but escapes punishment due to his wealth and powerful friends.
However, he gets cursed by the victim’s father, making him lose weight uncontrollably until he atones for what he has done. While not necessarily about vigilantism, Thinner explores the corruption and inequality in the American justice system, making its psychology and ethos similar to that of Dexter’s.
A Cold Dark Place by Toni Anderson
Where Dexter Morgan has to go out in the dead of night to crusade for justice, Mallory Rooney does it in daylight with an FBI badge. She is out searching for her sister’s killer but ends up discovering a vigilante who is dedicated to killing serial killers and pedophiles. That’s how she comes into contact with Alex Parker, kicking off the Cold Justice series.
The book makes for an exciting read with an insightful look into what justice means and whether vigilantism is the correct way to exact it or not.
Never Go Back by Lee Child
Jack Reacher is perhaps the most popular vigilante of modern-day literature. The 6’5” former army major drifts through America, living by his own rules off the grid. More importantly, Reacher’s rules extend to the people around him as well. If he sees anything he doesn’t like, he will set it right – usually with fists.
You can start your Reacher adventure with any book from the long-running series, but Never Go Back sees the behemoth vigilante in top form, defying both police and the military on his way to doing the right thing.
They Never Learn by Layne Fargo
They Never Learn is the story of Scarlett Clark, an English professor at a prestigious college. While she’s a well-respected teacher, none of her peers or students are aware of her secret life as a serial killer.
Rather than hunting murderers who have escaped the law, Fargo’s anti-heroine looks for the vilest man on campus each year and takes him out. When the school begins to investigate, Clark tries to hide by volunteering to help with the investigation. However, her secret begins to unravel when a student tries to do the same for revenge.
The Son by Jo Nesbo
The Son is a great novel about corruption and decay in public offices and the ramifications it has on society. Nesbo, famous for his Harry Hole novels, tells this story through the eyes of Sonny Lofthus, a man who spent a dozen years in prison for crimes he did not commit.
Finally free, Lofthus begins to navigate Oslo’s corruption-riddled underbelly, trying to get justice for the time he had to spend in prison. It’s a chilling read that will leave you questioning society and its morals.
Vincent Salera
Founder @ World's Best Story™ amplifier of creativity & fun!
