Darkly Dreaming Dexter- Review

So as mentioned in my Craig Ferguson biography review, I haven't branched out  much from Middle school or YA books in the past year or so.  It's been a definite binge that I can't seem to drag myself away from for even one book.  The binge before this was when I spent two years only reading historical non-fiction, so yah, I have a habit of doing a genre all out.  But lately I've been tempted by a lot of great looking books that don't fall into YA or Middle School reading.  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is currently on loan to me via my good friend in reading, Jenna.  But the hubby absconded with it before I could settle down with it, so I decided to pick up our other loaner from Jenna, Darkly Dreaming Dexter.

Now I know what you're going to say, I love the show, have seen all the seasons, so why in heavens name would I revisit them through the books?  I too love the TV show, and because Dexter has quickly become a beloved serial killer, near an dear to my heart I had to read the originating story by his witty creator Jeff Lindsay.  If only to see what the humble beginnings were.  The happy surprise? Although the book is very similar to season 1, there are A LOT of differences and some of them pretty major.  Someone dies for instance, who is still alive and causing havoc in the TV series.  And I hear that books 2, 3, 4 and 5 only navigate further and further away from the TV series.

Some of the things I loved about Darkly Dreaming Dexter which differed from the TV series (no spoilers I swear!):           

• -Dexter's internal dialogue, although in the show to a certain extent, in the book it's just that much more so.  Although I didn't do a formal count, there seems to be more internal dialogue then external dialogue in the book, making  you as much a passenger as his "Dark Passenger".
• - Dexter's total naivety.  Yes, again, I know this is present to some extent in the TV series, but seriously...it is laugh our loud in the book.  He is easily twice as naive in the books and it makes for some of the funniest moments
• -LaGuerta, yes that nasty SOB is in the book, and can I just say, she's twice as nasty, down right evil almost, ohhhh and I loved it!

So to sum up, I loved this book, really really enjoyed it.  Whipped through it in just over 24 hours and am excited for the next one!  Obviously I knew where it was going to some extent, yet I was repeatedly surprised and still totally entertained.  Its funny and intelligent and so shockingly original that it's hardly surprising they've spun out an entire popular TV series out of it.  If you like Dexter, you'll love the original.

Darkly Dreaming Dexter, By Jeff Lindsay
Published by Vintage, Aug 2009 (reprint)