Rating: 
Summary: Work of Art:
Review: This book will grip you from the start and your only chance to put it down is through lack of sleep, Starling's character's become part of your memory, as if you really know them, Graphic content, and this book just keep's you guessing, if he continue's to write with such power he will surely be one of the best, I can't believe this is his first book.
Rating:
Summary: Hannibal Lecter has nothing on this protagonist!
Review: Keep the lights on as you read this novel by Boris Starling. It is evocative of Silence of The Lambs....but it may be even more violent. I enjoyed the book....but it is not for the faint of heart.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous serial killer thriller!
Review: One hot May morning, two corpses are found brutally slain in two different areas of London. One has been hanged, and the other has been savagely beaten, but that the killings are linked is indisputable. Both bodies had one thing in common: from each one the tongue has been removed, and a silver spoon placed inside the mouth as a replacement. Enter Red Metcalfe, a policeman who has faced down killers like this before and won. Carefully he selects his team and the investigation into a killer who leaves absolutely no clues begins in the face of a sweltering London summer. In the coming months, several more shocking killings occur, and Red's sense of frustration and desperation heighten, until he discovers something that throws the whole case up in the air, casting it in an even more disturbing limelight. It is clear that these deaths are not just committed by a violent madman bent on blood and destruction. This killer is on a mission. This killer has something to say. This killer has a message. And this is killer is going to go on spreading it... This is an astounding debut novel. It's absolutely breathtaking in its scope, and certain aspects - namely the cunning and cleverness and originality of some bits of the plot - of it are almost guaranteed to blow you away. Red Metcalfe is a lead character as tormented as almost any you will find, but that is what makes him the best at what he does. And, in common with all the most popular fictional protagonists, he is very likeable in spite of his flaws, and immensely human because of them. The writing is succinct, and has a very powerful forward thrust that propels the reader through a narrative which constantly both shocks and horrifies. It's written, in true James Patterson style, with very short chapters. In less talented hands, this device can make novels seem disjointed, but Starling uses the device to it's full capacity, giving the novel a strange flow as the reader is pulled from scene to scene, unable to tear themselves away. However, unlike James Patterson, the writing quality is far better, the characterisations more deep and advanced, and the plotting is stronger and much cleverer, and yet the book looses none of its thrills. The final solution is very clever, and all at once everything suddenly falls into place making a wonderful deluded kind of sense, and also a surprise, but isn't very original upon reflection, which is a slight shame but an extra "twist" in the last couple of chapters adds one final powerful kick. And even if the identity of the killer isn't all that original, the rest of the book is, and the denouement and climax are still very tense and exciting. Overall, an excellent serial killer novel. Original, with strong characters and plotting. Few novels are as good as "The Silence of the Lambs" (since I read it I've read about three that are, including Jonathan Nasaw's "The Girls He Adored"), however, this one most definitely comes very, very close. Some would say Starling is one to watch. I wouldn't. I'd say he was one to go out and read. Now.
Rating:
Summary: The Truth about this book
Review: Ive been reading murder mysteries for as long i as i can remember, and when i say this is one of the best book ever written, i mean it. U get lost in this book, nothing else matters until u finish it and when u do, u feel guilty, because its over. read this, i swear u will love it. This is challenging Silence of the Lambs for best suspense ive ever read.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome, just awesome
Review: I have to admit, I really liked this book. I liked the twist of how all the victims were tied together. And, the ending was a surprise--I didn't expect it to be like that. I have recommended it to several friends and still continue to suggest it. If you want a book that is big on suspense, this one is for you.....
Rating:
Summary: Not Your Standard Mystery Formula
Review: Wow - did this book keep me glued to its pages! As an avid reader of mysteries I found Starling's characters engaging in the way that they transcend the standard roles of killer & detective -- as does the story line itself. Starling has a wonderful imagination and creates a new, fresh and intriguing M.O. for his villain. I loved this book and will look for others written by him whenever available.
Rating: 
Summary: Darn good read
Review: Messiah is a pretty good read. This is the story of a serial killer. He picks his victims carefully, and each murder fits the victim and the twisted mind of the Killer. The victims don't know each other, but hey have once common link. Now I won't be saying what that link is, b/c I dont' want to give anything away. But I will say this...the murders are twisted, graphic and can only be thought up from the mind of a mad man. The murders are very orginal. Once you find out what the killer's movtives are, you'll be blown away. I know I was.
I just had one -small- problem with this book. To me, a serial killer book needs to have contact with the police. He or she needs to be taunting the police. A good example of this is the first few books to John Sanford's "Prey" series. To me, that's what drives a serial killer book.
Now that being said, if you start this book, I don't think you'll be sorry. This books has some wonderful writing, a great plot, and wonderful characters that the reader cares about, even the killer.
Do yourself a favor and start Messiah....and don't answer the door after dark.
Rating:
Summary: You Won't Be Able To Put It Down
Review: This is one of the best suspense, serial killer books I have read in a long time. I read this book on recommendation from one of the lists here on Amazon. It was a fast read, gripping, and scary all at once. I read over a hundred pages on the last night just to finish. The story flips back and forth between a family struggle and tracking a killer. The two stories were equally appealing and exciting. You will love it. The only thing else I can say is that I hope Boris Starling is locked somewhere writing more book - I can't wait to read them.
Rating:
Summary: BIG BANG AT THE END THEORY
Review: FIRST AND FOREMOST THIS BOOKS MURDER THEORY MAKES OTHER WORKS SUCH AS SEVEN AND SILENCE OF THE LAMBS LOOK LIKE QUICK GAMES OF CONNECT FOUR. IT IS A FAST PACED READ, FILLED WITH TWISTS AND GREAT DETAIL ON THE SPECIFIC MURDERS IN THEIR TIME FRAMES. ONE PROBLEM I DID HAVE WITH THE BOOK HOWEVER IS HOW IT COMES TO A QUICK BANG ENDING. IT LEAVES THE READER WANTING MORE. . . RED AND HIS ACCEPTED ROLE BOTHER ME. BUY THIS BOOK, PUT IT IN YOUR COLLECTION, AND BE AFRAID OF IT WHENEVER YOU CROSS PATHS WITH IT ON YOUR BOOKSELVES!! IT WILL HAUNT YOU AND MAKE YOU WONDER.
Rating:
Summary: Boris Starling is brilliant, so is the 'Messiah'!
Review: Far much better than 'The Silence of the Lambs' or my favourite 'The Third Deadly Sin' by Sanders. Excellent serial killing story with an unusual pattern. Would make a bone-chilling movie, although I do not know how one could stand seeing the crime scenes that are defined only with words in the book. I have not seen copies translated into local language hence pity the chances of Starling's getting known to the readers are weak , contrary to Stephen King, Koontz, etc. I sympathized with Redfern Metcalfe. First when arguing with his mother, who defined what he did as an example of disloyalty to the family, then when arguing with his wife, result of her lack of realization certain things. The man finds answers to the questions concerning killings in his mind, as the successful Silver Tongue has left no any single clue to think about or work on - well his being extremely careful , making sure no single 'dust' is left behind has turned out to be a clue that the killings could be done almost by only policeman, as finally mentioned by the lady cop. And you again realise how a pervert can act so normally. Still this pervert's mind is a mystery, beyond my understanding, in spite of the clear descriptions of what he thinks. I am trying to find Starling's 'Storm' , but two are never enough for a talented writer. Come on Mr Starling.
| 
