The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker Summary
Overview of The Fourth Monkey
A serial killer's death reveals his twisted legacy in this ingenious thriller that James Patterson called "one of the most ingenious openings in years." Compared to "Silence of the Lambs," this Daily Mail-acclaimed masterpiece leaves readers asking: what horrifying secrets await in his final victim's diary?
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Key takeaways
A Game of Death and Deception
Detective Sam Porter's day begins with a text from his partner: "CALL ME-911." At the scene, what appears to be a suicide by bus turns into something far more sinister when Porter discovers a small white box tied with black string-the signature of Chicago's notorious Four Monkey Killer. Inside lies a severed ear, confirming his worst fears. But here's the twist-the dead man appears to be the killer himself, carrying a diary that begins with a chilling confession: "I'm a murderer. I have a genius IQ of 156. I kill for various reasons-necessity, hate, pleasure." The discovery sends Porter racing to protect potential victims, particularly fifteen-year-old Emory Conners, the secret daughter of wealthy businessman Arthur Talbot. What makes this thriller immediately gripping isn't just the gruesome details-it's how it subverts expectations. Most serial killer stories begin with the hunt for an unknown predator, but here, the killer is seemingly dead from page one. The mystery isn't who he is, but why he chose to die now and what his final act of vengeance will be. The ticking clock to find Emory alive creates an urgency that pulls you deeper into the darkness.
Early Influences: The Psychology of Criminal Development
Emory's Living Nightmare
The Philosophy of a Predator
The Wolf Among Sheep
Corruption Exposed
Breaking the Cycle
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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