Joe Victim: A Thriller by Paul Cleave
Fiction
What it’s about: Joe Middleton, serial killer, whom we previously met in The Cleaner, is now in jail, awaiting trial. Because of him, politicians running in the upcoming elections are looking to bring back the death penalty in time for his sentencing. And Joe still thinks he can just pretend to not remember committing all his murders and the jury will find him innocent by reason of insanity. References from the previous book are woven into the narrative so this can be read as a standalone.
Other characters of note: Melissa, Joe’s “girlfriend” who has reasons for wanting Joe out of jail; Carl Schroeder, fired ex-cop; Rafael, father of one of Joe’s victims; “The Sally” who was instrumental in Joe being caught; and Joe’s mum, oblivious to his plight and focused on her upcoming nuptials.
Some observations: This is NOT for the faint of heart. Best enjoyed on audio because the narrator does such a fantastic job. You’ll never eat another sandwich before checking what’s inside… And, as the previous book, very dark humor.