Heather’s Bookshelf: ADAM
Author: JR Maren
Released: 03/01/26
Genre: Adult Psychological Thriller Novella
“The rule is satisfied. The plan is sound. The disposal is confirmed. The need is at its peak and the boundary is holding.
Four days.”
“ADAM: The Syllabus: Book 1” introduces Adam Cole, a consultant assigned a three-week position as part of a client-management team. The job’s going well, Adam’s contributing and settling into a routine.
He’s also busy ensuring he doesn’t make the same mistakes as those who killed before him.
Adam’s studied the failures of the infamous- Bundy, Nilsen, Dahmer- he’s learned from them all and resolved to be better. He’s accounted for every weakness and built a system he’s sure will work.
Putting his plans to the test, a young woman goes missing and the investigation leads to the same district as Adam. Will all of his planning result in getting away with his crimes or will he repeat the same fate as the killers who came before him?
Trigger Warning: references to violence
Overall, I found this to be a unique take on the serial killer genre. Written in the first-person, this novella feels more like diary entries than a typical serial killer thriller. Adam Cole is methodical, structured, and detail-oriented. He’s also aware of an internal need to kill. Determined to not make the same mistakes as the many notorious killers before him, Adam’s studied and then made a plan. The book covers the lessons he’s learned, the changes he’s made, and his meticulous approach to get away with his deepest, darkest desires. The prose can be redundant, which is also kind of the point, while also providing a source of tension for the reader. There’s a sense of dread about what Adam will either do or get away with that permeates the pages. The end of the story provides a sense of closure for this one episode in Adam’s journey. His interactions with DS Helen Marsh are very revealing in how Adam changes his words and behaviors on the fly. Much more of a psychological thriller than the typical gore associated with a serial killer novel, this one will leave you thinking…
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
Not your typical serial killer tale…more of a psychological thriller…a slow burn.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with JR Maren
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Find it for purchase here
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