Deep in the Woods by Nicholas Conde

DEEP IN THE WOODS by Nicholas Conde was an early serial killer novel. And deep in the woods is where it belongs. It's mostly competent. I did care enough about the main character -- a children's book author and illustrator, and to keep reading. Plus, there was a lot of material hinting at depths that ultimately weren't there.

Once you learn the puzzle, you realize it doesn't fit together.

Why did the mysterious private detective hunting the serial killer focus so much on the book writer? Yes, she was the killer's sister, but she knew nothing of value to him.

Aside from getting us hooked at the beginning, the killing of author's best friend is gratuitous and an unnecessary coincidence, since killer knew her.

I can't detail the violations of police procedures, but I'm sure a professional would total scoff at the lack of detail and organization.

The ultimate psychological/family secret which supposedly explained the serial killer doesn't even make sense. OK, his real father was mother's husband's good friend. So what? How did that play a role in making him a serial killer. Mother acted seductively toward him and didn't love sister as much? Why? Did she really love the family friend and not her husband? So how did that make boy a serial killer? How did the "seductiveness" (actual incestual acts not included) make him a serial killer? In final murders he's describing as raping the women, but that's not mentioned in regard to early murders. Why?

The author worked with some heavy material but was nowhere near up to it. Threw some good pieces into a stew pot but couldn't make them into an organized, emotional novel.

If you see this in a used book store and you're tempted to buy it . . . re-read THE RED DRAGON instead.