Writer friend and return guest poster Stuart R. West has a seriously deranged and hilarious post that is perfect for Friday the 13th. Stuart is celebrating the release of his latest thriller THE SECRET SOCIETY OF LIKE-MINDED INDIVIDUALS. Welcome, Stuart!
Serial killers are people, too.
First of all, I’d like to thank Katie for allowing me to step up on my soap-box. Look, I know I have an up-hill battle, campaigning for serial killers’ rights. But, here’s the deal. The serial killers I’ve written about in my newest book, The Secret Society of Like-Minded Individuals, are an interesting lot, people you may like to get to know. Um, just be very careful around them; hide the sharp utensils during dinner gatherings.
My protagonist, Leon, is just about the most well-adjusted, highly moral, nice-guy serial killer you’re ever gonna’ run across. (And you probably don’t wanna’ run across many of them, just saying.) He only kills those who need it, he has his reasons. Okay, okay, so he has a few issues. Still, all in all, not a bad guy.
On the other hand, we have Cody, aka “the Denver Decapitator,” Leon’s nemesis. Sure, he’s young, immature, cocky, and yanking the world by the tail. But there’s something about the guy. Something unspoken, some sort of humanity lurking beneath his rough, soul-patched veneer. He’s just got an odd way of showing it.
Let’s talk about the “Good Samaritan Killer.” Well…I really can’t without giving away spoilers. A big surprise. But they’re human, only too much so. (Wait, did I say “they?” Heh. Read the book and find out.)
“The Mad Doctor?” Such an ugly nom de plume, one he’s not fond of. After all, he kills in the name of love. Why can’t everyone just get along? It’s complicated.
Wait, look over there, it’s “Donny and Marie,” the two most charmingly psychopathic hit-men you’re ever gonna’ run across. It’s not just a job to them, we’re talking fun and games.
And fun and games is what you’re gonna’ get with The Secret Society of Like-Minded Individuals. A lot of people who’ve read it had their doubts at first, believing it might be a bit too much for their tender psyches to take. I understand. But they all agreed…they were in for a big surprise. Suspense, thrills, action, surprises–heck, even romance–and a light dusting of dark humor.
Here, author Heather Brainerd (of the exceptional Jose Picada mystery series) sums it up best: “I really, truly, and almost surprisingly loved SSLMI. I was a little scared of the whole serial-killer-as-protagonist concept, but it was awesome. Looking forward to the next one.”
See? SO, the next time you meet a serial killer (assuming you survive the encounter), just remember that they’re people, too. Shake their hand (don’t linger! And don’t look ‘em in the eye!), pat ‘em on the back, and give ‘em an “attaboy.”
Okay, maybe not, but you know what I mean.
THE SECRET SOCIETY OF LIKE-MINDED INDIVIDUALS blurb:
Leon Garber has his reasons for ridding the world of abusive people, call it justifiable homicide.
Opportunity comes knocking from Like-Minded Individuals, Inc., a global company fulfilling the needs of people like Leon. LMI’s clientele are provided with new identities, security, and even lists of potential “projects.” But let’s not call it “serial killing.” Such a nasty business. For Leon, it’s a dream come true.
However, LMI’s put a target on Leon’s back. He has no idea why.
LMI, the police, sanctioned hitmen, and a vicious psychopath are after him. He collides with other Like-Minded Individuals: The Good Samaritan Killer, The Mad Doctor, Donnie and Marie (don’t ask). Heads are chopped, dropped and swapped as Leon fights for his life. But nothing will keep Leon from finishing his current project. Nothing. Not even the chance to fall in love with the woman of his dreams.
Sometimes a killer business idea is just that. Killer.
Amazon link: The Secret Society of Like-Minded Individuals
About the Author:
For more about Stuart check out his Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Stuart-R.-West/e/B00B419X5C/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Or his blog: http://stuartrwest.blogspot.com/
I’m not sure I should thank Stuart for being on the blog today…but I guess I better if I don’t want to end up on the wrong side of serial killers! 😉
Thank you, Katie, for letting me pontificate about the softer side of serial killers. Of course it’s not true (or is it?). I like to live vicariously (or do I?) through my characters. Just ask my wife (or is she a wig on a broomstick in the attic?).
Happy Friday the 13th!
Fun discussion, Stuart. Looking forward to your book. A wig on a broomstick in an attic. There’s a creepy story in there somewhere.
Jeff, clearly I’ve been watching too much “Psycho” lately. Then again, there’s the guy who I used to work with who I sat behind in church. His arm was always around his “wife.” But she never moved. Never saw her face. She never stood. Just a red wig. Huh.
I loved this book! Such a fun read–definitely perfect for Friday the 13th 🙂
Thanks, Meradeth! I think you and I have the same definition of “fun.” Heh.
Yep! Serial killers are people, too! Interesting pov