The Bride Collector

He loves them because they are beautiful.
He kills them because he loves them.

A virtuoso killer is carving a path of death across the west, intent on killing only the most beautiful women, all in the name of love. He has claimed six victims and slipped through the FBI’s fingers, each time leaving behind a hand written note and a bridal veil.

Special agent Brad Raines has hunted the Bride Collector from crime scene to crime scene, but each time finds himself one step behind. Desperate for help, Raines turns to the Center for Wellness and Intelligence, a private home for gifted, mentally-ill residents. There, he finds help in an unlikely group of four who eagerly agree to help him solve the case.

Raines is quickly drawn to an unlikely young woman named Paradise who struggles with psychosis. As they grow closer, he begins to see the world through her eyes. Together they enter the killer’s deadly game and begin to close in. But like Paradise, the Bride Collector is supremely gifted and he has a distinct advantage: This is his game.

Ted Dekker wrote a psychological thriller that had me on a roller coaster ride. This book takes many twists and turns. We know the identity of the killer right off and see what he does and why from his perspective. No character is ever safe from being the next vicitim which while shocking, kept me turning the pages. Once what was happening was so intense that I had to set the book aside for a few hours (that does not happen too often).  If you like thrillers, and can handle intense action, this book is for you.  If you get squeamish, you may have to pass on this one.