Book Review #5: Darkly Dreaming Dexter
19 January 2026
Title: Darkly Dreaming Dexter
Author: Jeff Lindsay
Publication Date: 05 May, 2004
Official Length: 288 pages
Score: ★★★☆☆
I am a huuuge fan of the Dexter TV series. The original, that is. The sequels that followed were... meh. The prequel I actually really liked too. But it's the original show, particularly the first few seasons, that I thought were superb. Great cast, great dynamic, Angel Batista is a ba-beast-a!
This book is good too. I could perfectly see myself drop in to the scene, I could see Dexter's face, Angel, LaGuerta, Deborah, Doakes! It was like watching the show for the first time, similar enough that I already knew the universe, different enough to feel fresh. Genuinely, I really liked it, but the reason I only gave it 3 stars is because I am pretty sure the only reason I like it so much is because of the show. If I read this first, I think I'd have a lower opinion.
The book is basically within Dexter's head, you're hearing his inner monologue, and he's kind of annoying. The book has a slightly more supernatural aspect to it than the show that I'm not actually a fan of. Instead of just being a very intelligent, albeit ruthless person, he's also got a soul-link or some shit so he can see what his brother sees. It felt excessive, I would've liked to have seen a more investigative angle to it, but Dexter's job was barely involved.
The whole book kind of felt rushed, too. Rita is there, but much less important and not properly explored as a character or sub-story, the whole thing with Dexter's brother is there, but the build up isn't very good and then it's over. I think it could've benefited from being twice the length, really work into those relationships. I haven't read the sequel so maybe that's exactly what it'll be, I think it would've been nice to have here though.
The characters that are detailed are done very well. I love Deborah, Doakes' appearances are brief but powerful, same with Masouka and Angel. I'd also say don't read it if you're squeamish, the descriptions of the murder scenes are pretty vivid!
Still, fourth book done and it's still January. I am really happy with my progress.