Dexter by Design (Dexter Series #4)

This is an amusing satirical Dexter thriller

Miami Police department forensic technician Dexter Morgan has just returned from his honeymoon with his wife Rita in Paris. However, he has no time to ease back into his role of studying blood splatter patterns. Two corpses brutalized in a way that only Dexter would appreciate (especially the fruit "basket" designer body) have been found on the beach; a sacred part of Miami unlike the streets.

Dexter's sister Sergeant Deborah is investigating the homicides when a suspect Alex Doncevic stabs her before fleeing the scene. Dexter assumes Alex is the serial killer and murders him; not out of sibling love or loyalty but because he is an avenging angel murdering murderers. However, to his shock his homicide of Doncevic appears on You Tube while Dexter also realizes the serial killer remains free to keep playing with him.

This is an amusing satirical Dexter thriller as his latest caper is a bit more personal than usual. Although the plot is thin and the climax feels forced, Dexter and his straight foil Doakes make for a delightfully droll dark dueling duet as the serial killing technician balances a wife with his homicidal activities.

Harriet Klausner

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Very good

Finally, in the 4th book, we have returned to the Dexter that we grew to love in books 1&2. Book three was an anomaly. But, the fourth was full of dastardly dark Dexter delights. I do so enjoy the alliteration that Dexter uses to describe himself.

Dexter demonstrates for (all of us) that balancing home, work and a hobby can be difficult. And, sometimes it results in a crazed serial killer artist stalking you. Dexter the hunted was a fun turn about from the usual hierarchy in these stories.

The beginning was disturbing. I thought that the ending brought the story around full circle. The end did seem a bit rushed. It was still good, though.

You need to have a strong stomach, and a dark sense of humor to enjoy this installment in the Dexter series. I recommend it.

-AvidReader

Read this book! The stories are fascinating!

I have read this book a few times and the story is great with each read. The books are almost better than the Showtime program, DEXTER. Slightly different story lines between the two.

Dexter

Snorebpervy blossom oh dont touch me tjere ih

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Not as good as expected...

I am a huge Dexter fan and did enjoy reading the first three books in this series. As Dexter is not on Showtime right now I thought I might be ae to get my fix by reading this. For some reason this book could not hold my interest and I had to push my way through it. It did not seem as original or well thought out as the Dexter I'm used to and I was able to predict much of the plot. I don't think that I'll be buying the other books of the series.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

His Story Continues

What can I say? It's Dexter. Strong plot and well written as always. You either love Dexter or you hate him. As for me, I'm in for the ride.

Quick and fun read.

Dexter is not for the feint of heart, but Jeff LIndsay still manages to make Dexter likable. The book is definitely darker than the series, but there are also some elements that are funny (not laugh out loud funny, more smirk funny). Dexter's relationship with his sister in the book is more interesting than in the TV series. More complex. This is definitely a worthwhile series to check out.

GOOD STUFF

I am still having nightmares from this twisted tale! Not to worry! I have already started book 5! lol Love the BOOK series very much. TV rots your brain and distorts the story and makes the charcaters strangers. Jeff Lindsay, you are on a roll! Thank you.

not one of the best imo

A bit predictable and drawn out. Once things got interesting Lindsay goes and cleans it up quickly with a bow.

good read

This is another good book in the Dexter series. Dexter is such a fascinating character that will keep you reading, and keep you trying to figure out what will happen next. He is one of the few serial killers that you will be cheering for.

NOT Recommended - Not your usual Story line

The isn't like the other books in the Jeff Lindsay "Dexter" series. I skimmed thru the wordy parts. I like and recommend the other books in the series that I have read,so far.

Can't read

Purchased book, but it won't download. Would really like to read it.

Eh, stick with the Showtime series

The book really felt pointless with his anticlamatic finale.

After two great book to start the series I think Lindsay has run out of gas.

Not bad.

I was a huge fan of the first three Dexter books, so I bought the fourth without a second thought. The writing style isn't quite up to the standard set by the first three, but the story is interesting enough that it warrants a read if you're a Dexter fan. Definitely a read before you buy kind of book, though.

First One In Series I Read. It Made Made Want To Read Them All!

Excellent Book. If you have been watching the series then you will be familiar with most of the characters, that and the premise though is the only thing they have in common. The book is funny, lough out loud funny at times, which is very different from the show. The characters are not as crude as on the television series, although the character of Deb is still as vulgar. The children (Cody and Astor) are interesting with their Dark Passengers in training. This is an easy read, perfect for a rainy day. I didn't want to put it down and finished the book within the day. After reading you just crave more Dexter. I can't wait for more.

Love this series

YAY!!!!! the 4th & not-so-final dexter book. i can tell based on the ending that there will most definitely be a 5th. lindsay did such a good job mixing things up again. i loved it. if you read the 1st 3, you will not be disappointed!!

Dexter slays me

A great recovery for Dexter after the last weaker novel. Better than the series. I am waiting for the next one already

Different from the others

Dexter wasn't comfortable in his skin in this book but it was very good. Read it in a day. I had to know what happened next.

Dexter by Design

Dexter by Design is one of Jeff Lindsay's masterpieces that left me wondering what will happen next. Through out the book, it explains the different aspects of Dexter's personality.
After coming from a honeymoon in Paris, Dexter Morgan is welcomed back to Miami by a series of grotesque murders and a sister who recently found out what he truly is.
One major thing the book contained was a series of plot twists that kept the reader guessing, which is one element of all authors should have in their arsenal when writing. Also it stuck to the aspect in which, Dexter is figuring out how to live in society. Although it had a good story line and plot, it dragged on at some parts.
Over all Dexter By Design was a good read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoies murder mysteries.

I love Dexter!

The fourth entry in the Dexter series finds Dexter juggling his job, his family, and his "hobby" in hs quest to have it all. The characters are entertaining and offbeat. The plot, although somewhat predictable, ends with a surprise that will add another layer to the family dynamics. Dexter is a charmer, it's always a treat to see into his twisted world.