Killing Red

By Henry Pérez

Book Overview

A serial killer on death row has one final request: to be interviewed by reporter Alex Chapa. But what begins as a dream story soon turns into a nightmare for Alex, as a copycat killer is on the prowl and is ready to pay the ultimate tribute to his idol. Original.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786020326
• ISBN13: 9780786020324
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Pinnacle Books
• Length: 406 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 1.3" x 4.3"

Customer Reviews

Terrific thriller from a new author

First-time author Henry Perez writes like an old pro. Killing Red moves at a brisk clip, and there are plenty of surprises along the way. It's got an original protagonist, scary villians, and nice descriptions that always enhance the story, never impede it. The suspense never lags. I look forward to the next Henry Perez novel.

Three cheers for the Fourth Estate

This book grabbed me by the throat. I devoured its 400 pages in four readings, which is a new indoor record for me. Killing Red has, shall I say, the bones of a great thriller: troubled hero, damsel in distress, black-hearted central villain and a cast of characters every bit as colorful as "The Usual Suspects." Henry Perez adds to this mix great pacing and true suspense. I didn't see the last turn coming but it's a good one. This book surprised throughout with its humanism, humor and whodunit twists. Beyond that, Perez's treatment of his protagonist is first-rate. I really care about this guy and his all-too-real human weaknesses. Reporter Alex Chapa may have been born in Cuba but his willingness to take on his own dark past in his search for redemption makes him as 100% American as Rick Blaine. Somebody wants to kill Red but you just have the sense that ain't gonna happen on Alex Chapa's watch, even if he has no idea how he'll stop them. He's smart, resourceful and relentless, his brain and his heart his best weapons against the array of dark forces around him. I am definitely looking forward to another round of drinks at Prather's while I read Alex's next adventure. Hope it's soon.

Killer Debut Thriller

Alex Chapa is a veteran newspaper reporter struggling with the end of the newspaper era and of his own family. He is covering the upcoming execution of Kenneth Lee Grubb, serial killer of "demon" children on a self-proclaimed mission from God. The story of the capture and arrest of Grubb following the escape of a girl named Annie Sykes sixteen years ago made Alex's career. Now Grubb has requested an interview with Alex, to reveal that he has a copycat who is paying tribute to him by continuing his "mission", including making sure that Annie (whom Grubb called "Red") is finally dead. As Alex tries to juggle finding Annie in time to save her and breaking what could be a career-saving story, he realizes that not only is Annie in danger, but others as well. As I read Killing Red, I found it hard to believe that it was a debut effort. The maturity of writing and the very deft touch with a turn of phrase seemed to be far beyond that of a first-time author. Description is handled adroitly - enough to be vivid, not so much that it drowns out the story. The plot moves quite well and the characters are well-drawn and dimensional. Stylistically, I was reminded in a way of early Patterson (think Along Came a Spider or Cat and Mouse). If a suspense thriller is your kind of book - Henry Perez may well turn out to be an author lining your shelf in the future.

action-packed riveting thriller

Kenneth Lee Grubb kidnapped and killed nine children he believed were demons and also sanctioned by God's blessing needed to send back to hell. Only Annie Sykes escaped his execution; she gave the police his description and directions to his home. He was caught, tried and convicted to die. Reporter Alex Chapa covered the gruesome story for the Tri-Cities Bulletin fifteen years ago. That story gave him recognition that led to his current position with the more prestigious Chicago Record. Six days before the State executes him, Grubb calls Chapa inviting him to interview him. In between his boasts of being a weapon for the good of mankind, he informs him that a copy cat serial killer is repeating his murders; only this predator plans to finish the job he failed to complete, killing "Red" as he calls Sykes. Alex quickly learns there are nine people dead as homage by someone to Grubb. Chapa vows to find and keep Annie safe not fully understanding the devilish scheme of Grubb's "protégé". Readers will enjoy Henry Perez's strong first tale because the key characters come across as real. Grubb especially is a fascinating antagonist in a macabre sense as he invokes the need to be rid of demons for killing the children. Alex is a solid reporter, but proves he is made of the right stuff as he follows up on Grubb's rant risking his life to keep a woman he does not know outside of her childhood testimony safe. Fast-paced from the onset, readers will enjoy this action-packed riveting thriller as murder is done in the name of getting rid of demons that look like children. Harriet Klausner

Hooks you and doesn't let go

This book got me right away and it held me. I often lose interest in the middle part of a mystery but the momentum here kept me. The story line is realistic and at time even disturbing but it kept me locked in until the end. I had heard about this book months ago and when I got it I went through it in two sittings--something I never do. A fresh, no-cliche take on the mystery.