Serial K Returns by Brian Gallagher

Craig Breedlove went through tremendous childhood trauma. His parents forced him into the church and therein he met his tormentor. After laying low for a few months and re-emerging with a more urgent thirst, he decides to focus his efforts on ridding the earth of scumbags who molest children. Pure scum of the earth who wear robes and lead churches. Craig, or more aptly Milo Van Dolah, assembles a small army of critically disturbed individuals who are to engage with him on the new endeavor. The group consists of an idiot moron, crazy psychopath and other winning personalities. Craig is killing for a noble purpose at first but it soon becomes frantic killing to tie up loose ends and self preservation. Who will survive the wrath of Milo/Craig? Is there a chance for rehabilitation after receiving a little bit of genuine care and concern from lovely but tough Lea Pucci? 

Lea Pucci and Ryan O’Callahan were married and then they divorced but now they are at it again. They are both with the FBI but Ryan retires at the beginning of the book. His retirement is not devoid of action. It only lasts as long as he has to travel down to his new town. Will their rekindled love survive the stress of the multiple ordeals? 

Serial K Returns by Brian Gallagher is a gripping thriller about a serial killer who survives a previous FBI investigation by framing former partners. The book has a natural flow. Descriptions in this book are vivid. If the reader closes their eyes, they can smell pine on Big Crooked Lake Lane. The story is well crafted and tantalizing to the reader. Every page literally forces the reader to turn to the next one and the next one after that. The author does a good job of showing a different facet of Craig. He is the villain but the reader gets to understand his reasons for being the way he is. Empathy for the villain brings a little discomfort and that only goes to enhance the narrative. The dialogue especially those between Lea and Ryan are easy and natural. This quality gives the characters in the book relatability. 

It is a little disconcerting how Lea is always right on the money with her deductions. Maybe it is possible for a profiler to be that good but even the best get it wrong once or twice. This made the story a little hard to believe. Another thing is how Deagan always showed up right on time. Is anyone really that lucky to be saved in the nick of time by the same person?

This book gets 4.5 out of five. It is a great story with great characters written in simple language. The intense action and thrilling progression make for a great literary experience. It has everything from murder to action to romance. Brian Gallagher has done a very good job on this one.