NetGalley Top Reviewer

NetGalley Top Reviewer
NetGalley Top Reviewer

Sunday, August 11, 2019

A Predator and a Psychopath by Jay Kerk

Note: aspects of this novel can be very disturbing. The following are mentioned, discussed, described in detail, or hinted at -- pedophilia, abuse, incest, rape, stalking, invasion of privacy, and sexual activity both on and off page. Much of it was extremely distasteful.

What it's about: This book is divided into narratives by two main characters, Jason and Jerry. Both speak in the first person so be sure to check which one is speaking. Jason Stankovic is confined to Jackson's Psychiatric Functional Rehabilitation Center for treatment after being found "not guilty by reason of insanity" after being accused of murdering his wife and incestuous relations with his daughter. He has a good lawyer, his best friend, Luke. The problem with Jason is that he can't remember anything about the crime and therapy and medication hasn't helped. He starts to make progress with a psychiatrist, Dr. Gary Thompson. Jerry is the worst of sexual predators and especially loves little girls. He's a stalker and is quite clever with his manipulation and covert activity. He's writing a manifesto explaining how superior men like him are and just how they will take over and transform the world. He intends to do his part to spread his seed. He's currently looking for a special alpha female to join him in creating this paradise.  If I say too much more, it will be obvious and spoil the book for you so I'll have to stop here and wonder if you will come to the same conclusion as I did. In any event, at a point in the book, the story converges.

Should you read it? I don't know. It's quite long and drawn out and full of disgusting thoughts and behaviors. Jason and Jerry are repugnant and I detested both of them. But...oh, I can't say more except to tell you to look at the title. Read carefully for the clues, hints, claims. The thing is, the ending is so abrupt and leaves you hanging so you aren't even going to know for sure if you "got it" after all. I can't face the thought of a sequel as I wouldn't want to read more. I hope that the author's point for writing this was to provide a caution to parents to protect and monitor their children's interaction with other adults. All of them. There is depravity in this world and vigilance is a must.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the author for providing this e-book ARC to read and review. I need to go take a shower and find my happy place to get rid of the thoughts and images and worry in my head.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series. Author's first published work.
Genre - psychological thriller

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