Mr. Monster (John Cleaver Books)
Gr 10 Up–This follow-up to Wells's I Am Not a Serial Killer (Tor, 2010) revisits Clayton County and its resident teenaged sociopath, John Wayne Cleaver, who in the earlier book saved his town from the vicious “Clayton Killer.” Only John's mortician mother knows the disturbing circumstances surrounding the ultimate demise of Mr. Crowley, serial killer and demon, at the hands of her son. Unfortunately, John's involvement jump-started an already-urgent desire to kill. In a valiant attempt at normalcy, he is able to keep it at bay with strict personal rules and pyromania as a release. But now “Mr. Monster” has tasted blood and wants more. New bodies, brutally tortured, turn up courtesy of Clayton's latest supernatural serial killer, who is curious about fellow demon Crowley's fate. Will “Mr. Monster” be satisfied if John defeats this mysterious new demon? Or will both demon and bloodlust destroy John just when he's managed something akin to a social life? Wells's grisly and cleverly narrated sequel explains just enough for new readers to jump right in, but fans will likely search out the first book and anticipate the third. Intelligent, self-aware, observant, John is a unique protagonist who inspires fear or sympathy at any given moment. His battle for control over his own violent nature manages to trump the external demon dangers, which–in this compelling, quick-paced, and chilling read–is a definite feat.–Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJα(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.