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Dexter By Design summary
Brief summary
Dexter By Design is a thrilling crime novel by Jeff Lindsay. Follow Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter analyst and secret serial killer, as he navigates the art world and hunts down a new kind of killer in Miami.
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Dexter By Design
Summary of key ideas
Artistic Murders and Dexter's Dark Passenger
In Dexter By Design, written by Jeff Lindsay, we find our favorite Miami blood-spatter analyst, Dexter Morgan, on his honeymoon in Paris with his new wife, Rita. But as fate would have it, Dexter finds himself in the middle of a gruesome murder scene at a local art exhibit. The victim, a local artist, is found painted in his own blood, and the scene is a horrifying work of art, leaving Dexter both fascinated and repulsed.
Back in Miami, Dexter's life returns to a semblance of normalcy. He resumes his job at the Miami Metro Police Department and tries to adjust to married life. But the artistic murders continue, now in Miami, and Dexter is drawn into the case, intrigued by the killer's unique approach. The murderer seems to be using the city itself as a canvas for his grotesque art, and Dexter's Dark Passenger, his inner voice that drives him to kill, is growing restless.
The Art of Killing
As the story progresses, Dexter becomes increasingly involved in the investigation, despite the risks it poses to his carefully guarded secret life. His sister, Deb, a detective in the Miami Metro, is also working on the case, and Dexter must work hard to keep his true nature hidden from her. At the same time, he finds himself admiring the killer's artistry, even as he knows it's morally wrong.
Meanwhile, Dexter's personal life takes a hit when his wife, Rita, discovers his secret stash of blood slides, mementos from his past kills. Rita, who has always been against violence, is horrified and demands an explanation. Dexter, who has always considered himself a monster, is forced to confront the consequences of his actions on his loved ones.
A Deadly Showdown
As the novel nears its climax, Dexter, with the help of his Dark Passenger, finally identifies the artist behind the murders. The killer turns out to be a disillusioned art student who sees himself as a misunderstood genius. He views his murders as a form of performance art, and he plans to make Dexter his final masterpiece. In a deadly showdown, Dexter manages to outwit the killer and save his own life, but not without severe injuries.
In the end, Dexter is left to ponder the nature of his own dark desires and the fine line between art and murder. He realizes that his own need to kill is not so different from the killer's need to create, and he wonders if he can ever truly control his Dark Passenger. The novel leaves us with Dexter once again embracing his dark side, ready to face whatever artistic horrors the future may hold.
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What is Dexter By Design about?
Dexter By Design is a thrilling novel by Jeff Lindsay that delves into the world of everyone's favorite serial killer, Dexter Morgan. In this book, Dexter finds himself immersed in the art scene of Miami as he investigates a series of gruesome murders that seem to be inspired by famous works of art. With Lindsay's signature dark humor and gripping storytelling, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Dexter By Design Review
Dexter By Design (2009) delves into the life of Dexter Morgan, a blood-spatter expert for the Miami Police Department who leads a secret life as a vigilante serial killer. Here's why this book is worth picking up:
- Offers a unique perspective on the mind of a serial killer, exploring Dexter's internal moral struggles and his code of ethics.
- Intertwines suspenseful crime-solving plots with Dexter's personal life, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
- Brings a fresh take on the typical crime thriller genre by adding a darkly humorous element that adds depth and intrigue to the story.
Who should read Dexter By Design?
Readers who enjoy dark and suspenseful crime fiction
Fans of the "Dexter" TV series looking for more stories about the character
Those interested in exploring the psychology of a vigilante serial killer
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Book summaries like Dexter By Design
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Dexter By Design FAQs
What is the main message of Dexter By Design?
The main message of Dexter By Design revolves around the complexities of the human psyche and the fine line between justice and vengeance.
How long does it take to read Dexter By Design?
Reading Dexter By Design typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Dexter By Design a good book? Is it worth reading?
Dexter By Design is worth reading for its gripping plot twists and exploration of morality within a dark, suspenseful narrative.
Who is the author of Dexter By Design?
Jeff Lindsay is the author of Dexter By Design.
What to read after Dexter By Design?
If you're wondering what to read next after Dexter By Design, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher