This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I Am The Night by Ethan Cross is a psychological tug-of-war between two killers - Ackerman, the serial killer and Marcus, a former homicide detective. The book starts out with a vivid glimpse into Ackerman's gruesome killing tactics, how he plays psychological games and tortures his victims. Meanwhile, Marcus inherits a ranch in the countryside and starts a new life, leaving his past in New York. When an innocent elderly neighbour gets killed in a similar grisly way like Ackerman's style,  Marcus gets himself entangled in Ackerman's games.

I love psychological thrillers and this book fulfills my love for that genre. While the book disects the psychology of murderers, especially notable infamous serial killers throughout history, using Ackerman's character, it also spuns out an exciting tale of revenge. I certainly loved the plot, and it would have been gripping, if not for the sudden changes in narrative perspective, after every chapter. It was confusing at first, this change in point of view. The book takes its own sweet time to come to the point, because it takes the first 50 pages trying to establish Ackerman's antisocial personality. I would have definitely given this book an extra star, if it wasn't so long.

From the first page itself, the story of the book makes you interested in knowing what happens to Ackerman, how is this calculating killer going to get caught, that it makes the book unputdownable from the very beginning. However, trigger warning alert - the book is filled with scenes of violence and a few graphic description of the murder victims. And, a great many fight scenes that become repetitive afterwards.

I liked how this book was told by the villain and the hero. I did find the hero, Marcus to be a bit annoying. I liked the pace and the twists. I liked the ending for Ackerman (the villain), but I didn’t like the ending for Marcus. I didn’t think he would choose what he did. I have a hard time with vigilantes and I didn’t like how the vigilantes won in this book. I don’t think you can ever justify becoming judge, jury and executioner.  I did like the pacing and the twists through out this book.

Francis Ackerman is a serial killer. He sets his victims up and forces them to ‘play a game‘ where the victim always ends up loosing. At the beginning of the book, he ties a police officer, his wife and child to chairs. Tells the police officer that only one of the three may walk away. Both the police officer and his wife agree with a look that their child must be the one to go free. So, the police officer shoots his wife. Ackerman offers him a new option. He can shoot himself, a quick death but will leave his child alone with a killer. Or run. Ackerman will give him a head start, but when he catches him, he will draw the death out and it will be brutal.

Marcus Williams is new in town. His aunt died and left him a ranch. He used to be a detective. But not anymore. He doesn’t talk about why. He doesn’t even like thinking about it. When Marcus decides to walk a pretty barmaid home, they are set upon by a bunch of guys. Marcus makes short work of that. Turns out the barmaids farther is the local sheriff.

At the end of a date, the barmaid decides to introduce Marcus to his new neighbour. Only to discover that she was brutally murdered moments before they arrived. Based on the murder scene, the killer must be Ackerman – or, is there another killer in town?

================

First off – WOW! This book – just – WOW.

When I first started reading, I was still on a high from a previous book, and the first couple of chapters of ‘I Am The Night‘ are hardly gripping. I was interested in the Ackerman parts a lot more than the Marcus ones. 

With Ackerman, you are neck deep right from the off, whereas the Marcus part is slower and more character built. At least to begin with.

However, this quickly evens out, and there were so many parts of this book that literally made my jaw drop. I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down, I was racing through the pages. I was seriously feeling 5-star, one of the best reads of the year type vibes, despite the slow start. It’s just that great.

This book, in so many ways, is an absolutely brilliant thriller.

Less great: There is a massive twist almost at the end. However, this is not the type of twist I approve of. I am hoping the rest of the books in this series will make this twist feel like less of a lazy resolution. There’s a second little twist right at the very end that I saw coming a mile off, but I liked that it happened even if I would have preferred not to have seen it coming.

The ‘less great’ part is why this book dropped down to a 4-star for me.

I loved the complexity of certain characters. Marcus appears little too perfect and clean-cut, to begin with. His secret definitely saves him as a character for me. Ackerman is a brilliant character. His backstory is flawless. Can a psychopath be made or is he born? Can anyone, regardless of what they do, find forgiveness and redemption in the eyes of God?

I can not wait to read the next instalment. I am thrilled to recommend this book to anyone who loves a thriller.

================

TW: There are some scenes of gruesome violence in this book.

Psychological mind games.

I gather that this is the first in the Ackerman Thrillers series . . . depicting the psychological mindset of a seriously twisted individual. Although I usually love this genre, it is only fair to point out that it is exceptionally graphic throughout, with gratuitous violence . . . not for the faint-hearted!

The plot revolves around the two main characters, Francis Ackerman Jr., a serial killer, and Marcus Williams, a former New York homicide detective. Although they are poles apart in their personalities, somehow their lives become intertwined.

Ackerman thrives on his lust for killing in the most heinous crimes imaginable. He is a vain psychopath, enjoying the fame from his serial killings. He sinks to the depths of depravity, frequently removing various body parts from his victims. His father, Ackerman Sr. is also an interesting character!

Marcus Williams is an entirely different character, but even he has a deep dark secret from his past whilst living in New York. Why are their lives so entwined? 

Throughout the book, both men encounter numerous killers, even some surprising characters. I feel that the author tries too deeply to shock his audience, so although some parts flowed smoothly, others just dragged for me. Overall, it was not an uplifting read.

Galadriel.

Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of this book to review.

I volunteered to read this book, through netgalley in exchange, for an honest review. 
My first time reading and Ethan Cross novel and I was impressed. It was a fast paced book with some plots that kept me on edge. Anyway who likes a thriller and action book this one is for you.

I volunteered to read this book, through netgalley in exchange, for an honest review. This book gets you in the head of two different killers. It is well written. The pacing of this story is good. It is a good psychological thriller. If you like reading about different killers then this is the book for you. This ebook is in stores now for $4.99 (AUD).

Thanks Net Galley

I have never heard of Mr. Cross but I enjoyed this clash of killers

With that clash there is a bit of violence to follow in the book but all within keeping of the basic story I thought.

Enjoy

This book was fantastic. It was a fast-paced thriller, however some people might find the violence a bit gruesome. The surprises happen very fast and catch you off guard. I was constantly turning the page and reading more because I just couldn’t get enough.

This is a psychological book about a serial killer and the former detective who is after him.
The action is full of twists and a little chaotic sometimes.
There are some gruesome scenes in the book that you should consider before reading the it.
Overall it was an interesting reading and maybe I will pick up the rest of the books too. 

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

The book opens strong with a murder which grips you right from the beginning. We then learn that the murderer is Francis Ackerman Jr, a well known serial killer. We follow a few of his kills and also the story of Marcus Williams, an homicide detective who has recently lost his job. Both of these men are more similar than they seem.

There is so much that goes on in this book and it is full of action. It is a proper cat and mouse chase and there is never a dull moment. I could definitely see it as a horror/action movie. Just when you think you are at the crux of the action, something else happens that leaves you in awe. It is really well written and everything comes around full circle.

This is the first book in the Ackerman series and it is a great introduction to him. We are given a deep backstory into the complexities and intricacies of his mind and why he kills. Most thrillers I read are series' based on the police officers hunting the killers but it is interesting to see it from the other side. I will definitely be picking up the rest of the books in series!

Violence is integral to this thriller, vividly depicted throughout, so be warned. This is more than a thriller about a serial killer and the ex-cop chasing him, both antagonist and protagonist are pawns in an immoral political game.

Flawed and relatable characters and a suspenseful and twisty plot make this an addictive read. The sense of menace pervades this story on many levels. The serial killer is evil, but the darkness, extends much wider, even the good characters have noir traits.

This is a grisly and gripping thriller that will satisfy the requirements of most thriller readers.

I received a copy of this book from Aries Fiction – Head of Zeus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I am the Night by Ethan Cross
Originally Published 2011 as The Shepherd
Shepherd Thriller #1 or Ackerman Thriller #1

Graphic, gritty and gruesome some of the opening scenes had me cringing and thinking about not continuing the story BUT I chose to keep going even though I wondered how Ackerman could do the things he did. I did eventually find out a bit about Francis Ackerman Jr. but am sure there is more to be learned in future books. Then there was Marcus Williams – a man that seemed the complete opposite of Ackerman. Why are they in the same book and what purpose, if anything, will their meeting up have. Once I got into the story I couldn’t put it down and have to say I am eager to tackle book two if/when I find a copy to read. 

What I liked: 
* The writing: felt like I was there within the story
* The twists and turns – there were many
* That I was surprised at the end of the story – I tend to read the end before I reach the last page and was still surprised
* Marcus: a good man that carried a heavy weight
* Ackerman: in spite of how wicked he was he grew on me and I really want to see what will happen to him as the series progresses. 
* That though this is a serial killer story it is not like most of its genre
* That I will be thinking about this story for quite a while. 

What I did not like: 
* Ackerman’s father – a heinous creature even more evil than his son
* That so many suffered and lost their lives…painfully

Did I enjoy this book? In the end I really did…in spite of the cringing and wanting to look through my fingers at times
Would I read more by this author/in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus-Aria for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

I have a weak spot for serial killer thrillers, so as soon as I read the blurb of I Am The Night I knew I HAD to read it. I've been looking forward to read it ever since, and I fully expected to have a brilliant time with this first book of a series that is being republished... Sadly, things weren't ment to be. I'm going to keep things short as I honestly don't have much to say about this book, but I'll try to explain briefly why this book ended up being such a disappointment for me.

Before I start, I have to say that my issues weren't with the fact that this is basically one of the most twisted serial killers I've met to this date. Trust me, this part I could highly appreciate and Ackerman's character and his background was actually the sole reason I kept reading. Why? Let's just say that I Am The Night is so ridiculously over the top and farfetched that your eyebrows will suffer a burnout long before you reach that final page. I don't mind a little lack of credibility if the entertainment factor makes up for it, but saying that I Am The Night took it one step too far would be the understatement of the century. The conspiracy plot, the constant deaths, the convenient 'romance' so the 'hero' has someone to save, the plot twists (if you can call them that), the constant POV switches, the ridiculous sequence of actions of basically every character in play... Oh yes, I had serious issues with just about every aspect of this story.

Is there more? Sadly, there is. I wasn't convinced by the writing at all, and the many POV switches made it harder to connect to the story and keep track of everybody. Especially since so much of the plot is extremely over the top and not credible at all, and it reads more like a poorly written Hollywood action movie that lacks imagination and tries to make up for it with plenty of violence and a ridiculous conspiracy plot. I confess that I started skimreading long before the final page, and sadly my time with I Am The Night turned out to be as fun as a trip to the dentist despite my love for serial killer thrillers. Oh well, at least I know for sure now.

Ackerman is a serial killer who loves his work. Williams is also a killer an ex homicide detective. One good and one bad. Now imagine if they have to work together to catch a very ingenious killer. Now begins a heart stopping game of cat and mouse. From the first page WHAM I was hooked. A really clever and original premise which which kept me reading late into the night. A real page turner which got my heart racing and tapping my kindle like a demented wood pecker. Loved it and so highly recommended. 
Thanks to Aria Books and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

This is really a 4.5 but I've rounded it up because I'm still thinking about it a day after finishing, and I've spoken to people about it - which only really happens if I've not enjoyed a book and need to vent, or if I have completely enjoyed a book and need to get my thoughts out of my brain! This book falls under the latter.

I Am The Night introduces us to Francis Ackerman Jr. - a prolific serial killer, who is questioning his existence and the reasons why he is what he is - and believes in destiny. The murder scenes are detailed and somewhat gory, but I like that because I enjoy horror as a genre, so I’m not bothered by that sort of imagery, but it may be too much for some. Plus, it is an internal part of who Francis is, and the writing drew me into his character straight away – I’d even go so far as to say that I liked Francis more than the other main character in the book! He is intriguing, honest, downright insane, but he’s amazingly real.

Marcus Williams is our other lead character, and as much as I thought he was great, for some reason I didn’t completely connect with him. I think this may be because of the way he reacts to the situations he finds himself in – and there are a lot of situations in this novel! Marcus is an ex-cop, who moves to a ranch, left to him by a recently deceased relative, to get a fresh start. Unfortunately, he gets a lot more than he bargained for when Ackerman murders someone in the town and he discovers the body.  Before long, Marcus finds himself embroiled in an inconceivable conspiracy that leaves him fighting to survive and hoping beyond hope that someone will believe his tale. 

As events conspire and our two lead characters are brought together, the questions of destiny, good and evil, life and death, purpose and morality are all explored before culminating in a dramatic conclusion that I didn’t see coming at all! The twists and turns in this novel keep you hooked until the last page. I literally could not stop reading - I was so intrigued as to what was happening and every time I thought I’d got it figured out Cross threw another curve ball into the mix.

I found Ethan Cross’s writing style easy to read, and the pace flowed brilliantly with the storyline. I could easily see this as a movie or a mini series as it really has that feel to it. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am very much looking forward to what I hope is an inevitable sequel.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger warning: while it is not a gore-fest, there are moments of gruesome violence in the book.

I’m giving this book 3 stars like I did the first time I read it. The story is good but it all comes across as a bit messy and ‘spaghetti western’. It is over the top and there is too much introspection by both of the leads. However, in the way of these things the author hones his craft and the following books are much better. How do I know this? Because I’ve read the whole series. This book was first published in 2011 as The Shepherd. At the end of the story where the author’s other books are listed, I see that The Shepherd is included. I would be disappointed if I bought this having read the earlier publication as they are identical.

And in a note to the publishers - while it is fine to ‘booby-trap’ review copies so they are very obviously review copies and therefore less likely to be shared around, the way this was done, by removing groups of letters (ff, fl, fi, and some of the th) made it difficult and frustrating to read, breaking up the flow in many cases. There are better ways of booby trapping.

Wow. I have been completely unable to put this one down. I have been completely gripped by this captivating and addictive read.

It's no secret, I love a true crime watch/read, this book has reminded me of those. What's better than a compelling serial killer who enjoys inflicting suffering on their victims. Ackerman reminds me so much of famous cases like Bundy.

With that said, I have found the murders in this one completely chaotic and unpredictable which as a reader has kept me completely hooked and constantly guessing where the author was taking this one.

This is my first read by this author, it definitely will not be the last. This book has definitely converted me as a fan of this author. This is a fantastic read which I highly recommend. A definite five star rating from me.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview I am The Night by Ethan Cross.  This is a terrifying novel - I was scared and could not put this book down.  
This is my first taste of these novels and if there are more, I am going to read them.  
Cross introduces the reader to two men - Marcus Williams and Frances Ackerman - both are violent men - one good and one bad.  When both men are drawn together, two world collide.  Ackerman is a serial killer and the opening introduces you to the violence and unrelenting killer instinct he possesses.  Marcus is an ex-cop who moves to Colorado because he has inherited a home.   Marcus has a past that haunts him so he is seeking some solace in the mountains of Colorado, but finds a murdered woman in the house next to his.  Although he notify s the police, Marcus feels that something is off, feels like he is being watched, and quickly learns that things are not what they appear.
 A cat and mouse game begins when Marcus soon faces a killer, Ackerman, that has no conscience and he kills just to kill.  But Marcus feels akin to this killer and knows that if he doesn't stop him, many people will die and it could be the ones he is starting to care about.  As he is drawn into a game he doesn't want to play, Marcus knows that someone is going to die and he will use all his skills to keep them alive.
Fast read, violent, and soooooo good. 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.

I chose this book, as I feel like it had the makings of a good thriller, and within the first few pages you are quickly plunged into a cat and mouse game.

Unfortunately, I struggled to finish the book, and this is why; within the first paragraphs, I noted that there were several letters missing from words ‘th’ missing from most of ‘the’, and all of the ‘f’s. I’m not sure if this is only on the kindle format, or whether or not it carries over, but it’s really distracting having missing letters with huge gaps in words. If I’m reading a book I don’t want to be trying to work out what the words are supposed to be. It made the reading a chore, and not an enjoyable experience at all and put me off finishing the book.

This is a shame as I feel like the book has promise, but the publishers/editors need to work on this.
I may try again In the future to see if this has been corrected, but if I’d bought the book, I’d have been returning it for a refund.