Full disclosure, I received a copy of this book via Booksirens, however, have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own
Unlucky number Seven
When the body of prolific serial killer Keith Victor is discovered at the Santa Monica Pier several questions are raised. What happened to him? How did his body get dumped there without anyone noticing and most importantly where is his latest victim Chrissy Weeks?
Right around the same time that Victor’s body is discovered, Weeks walks into a police station several miles away. After a series of routine questions, she maintains that Victor drove her to the police station and dropped her off… an impossible feat for someone who was dead at the time. As Weeks continues to weave a tale of release, murder and escape she quicky goes from victim to suspect. And with her story changing to include previously hidden details, depending on her audience the probability that Victor’s seventh victim was his downfall becomes apparent. With Police Detectives Granger and Nichols on the case they slowly begin to piece together the puzzle, but even though they know who their culprit is, technicalities and personal challenges slow down their progress. When the final arrest is made this case can only be described as a bizarre case of hunter becoming the hunted for reasons almost as messed up as the reason Keith Victor found himself a serial killer to begin with.
When I first saw this title, my interest was piqued. Always a fan of police procedurals and serial killers the title jumped out at me. I don’t think I have ever read a story centering around a survivor in quite this manner. Overall Weeks seems basically unscathed for being held by a notorious serial killer for several weeks. The details of her escape and the mysterious KJ’s help was also something unique but all is not as it seems. Weeks is far from a victim and for me the real twist was the revealing of her identity and how it relates to Victor’s prior victims. I spent quite a bit of time trying to speculate why Weeks survived. My speculations ranged anywhere from sheer luck to KJ’s betrayal, or even that Victor targeted another serial killer unknowingly. When the true reason was finally revealed it was not something that I had expected or contemplated.
Not a particularly hard read, Killer Dead, Victim Alive is enjoyable and can be completed in a few days. For those who like to chase down the “why” of the story in all its convoluted complex reasonings this would be a recommended read. It should also be noted that this title appears to be part of a larger “Serial Killer Anthology” by Michael Geczi. After reading Killer Dead, Victim Alive I would be interested in backing into a few earlier novels to see if they are as good as this one was.
Jennly Reads 