Meet Dexter, a polite wolf in sheep's clothing...a monster who cringes at the site of blood...a serial killer whose one golden rule makes him immensely likable: he only kills bad people.

Dexter Morgan isn't exactly the kind of man you'd bring home to Mom. Though he's playful and has a wonderfully ironic sense of humor, Dexter's one character flaw (his proclivity for murder) can be off-putting. But at heart Dexter is the perfect gentleman, supportive of his sister, Deb, a Miami cop, and interested only in doing away with people who really deserve his special visit. Dex is quite good-looking but totally indifferent to (and, frankly, a bit puzzled by) the attentions paid to him by women. Despite the fact that he can't stand the sight of blood, he works as a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami police department, a job that allows him to keep tabs on the latest crimes and keep an eye open for his next quarry.

Dexter's well-organized life is suddenly disrupted when a second, much more visible serial killer appears in Miami. Dex is intrigued, even delighted, by the fact that the other killer appears to have a style reminiscent of his own. Yet he can't help but feel that the mysterious new arrival is not merely invading his turf, but reaching out to him as well. This new killer seems to be doing more than copying Dexter — he seems to be saying, "Come out and play." Dexter's secret life makes for a lonely existence...even a lovable monster can be intrigued by the prospect of finding a friend.

Introducing one of the most witty and original narrators in years, Jeff Lindsay's Darkly Dreaming Dexter is a fresh, surprising, and brilliantly executed novel that is sure to receive wide acclaim.

"It's been years since there's been a thriller as original as this one by Lindsay, who takes a tired subgenre...and makes it as fresh as dawn....A gripping, deliciously offbeat novel that announces the arrival of a notable new talent." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

"After finishing this novel, readers will have only one thing to say: Wow! Dexter...is one of the genre's most original, compelling characters to appear in years." Booklist (Starred Review)

"A witty, grisly debut....Cheap fun: a guilty pleasure few monster-addicts will be able to resist." Kirkus Reviews

"The plot has some nice twists....But the real appeal of this macabre tour-de-force is Dexter's sardonic voice, so snappy and smart, and yet so full of self-loathing that we hate ourselves for laughing." Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review

"Lindsay's tale is daring and unexpectedly comedic. The writing is lively and the plot steps away from the common ground in which many thrillers are rooted." Carol Memmot, USA Today

"[O]ne of the most likable vigilante serial killers in recent thriller literature....Like other charismatic killers — Hannibal Lecter, say, or Tom Ripley — Dexter has a set of motives that are tough to untangle. But his quest proves weirdly convincing..." The New Yorker

"With his charming, morbid wit and compelling candor, Dexter is a less pompous Lestat....A macabre gem that will appeal to more than just the Thomas Harris crowd; highly recommended." Library Journal

"[A]n original and darkly compelling novel, not in the least because of the voice of its narrator....[R]eaders who have the stomach for its raw glory are going to find they like it very much." Robin Vidimos, Denver Post

"[A] delight to read....This ghoulish, fascinating tale, narrated by Dexter, will grip readers and make a lasting impression....Most of all, [it] is thrilling in its new spin on the overwrought, often trite, serial killer novel." Wanda J. DeMarzo, Miami Herald

"Lindsay's at his best when Dexter comments on the foolishness of the humans around him, less so when he's navel gazing....That aside, there's still a lot to like in this promising start of a twisted new detective series." Ron Bernas, Detroit Free Press

"The story is totally original. The characters are beautifully drawn, particularly Dexter, who is tremendously likable, his hobby notwithstanding....Take this one to the beach with you. It's perfect." Jean Heller, St. Petersburg Times

"[T]his well-written debut [is] a refreshing change of pace....Lindsay has a deft literary touch and his dark humor infuses Darkly Dreaming Dexter from beginning to end. This is a work that will have people reading, and talking, for some time to come." Joe Hartlaub, BookReporter.com

Meet Dexter Morgan, a polite wolf in sheep's clothing. He's handsome and charming, but something in his past has made him abide by a different set of rules. He's a serial killer whose one golden rule makes him immensely likable: he only kills bad people.

Meet Dexter Morgan, a Hannibal Lecter in sheep's clothing — a monster who cringes at the sight of blood, a serial killer whose one golden rule makes him immensely likable: he only kills bad people. Told in the voice of Dexter himself, this fast-paced, fresh, and funny thriller is sure to receive wide acclaim.

The Basis for a New Showtime(R) Original Series Starring Michael C. Hall

(Sundays at 10pm ET/PT - starts Sunday, October 1, 2006 at 10pm ET/PT)

Meet Dexter Morgan, a polite wolf in sheep's clothing. He's handsome and charming, but something in his past has made him abide by a different set of rules. He's a serial killer whose one golden rule makes him immensely likeable: he only kills bad people. And his job as a blood splatter expert for the Miami police department puts him in the perfect position to identify his victims. But when a series of brutal murders bearing a striking similarity to his own style start turning up, Dexter is caught between being flattered and being frightened-of himself or some other fiend.

Jeff Lindsay lives in South Florida with his wife and three daughters. He is currently finishing a second novel featuring Dexter.