I am what I am, and isn't it a lovely night to dissect a child killer? 
 I rarely say that a movie was better than the book, but here I'm saying it. The TV series was better. Much better. 
 In the show the crimes were more interesting and elaborate, even spectacular, the characters were alive, the investigation was absorbing. And Dexter was this bad guy who actually was doing good, killing other killers, taking care of his sister, his girlfriend and her kids. Living by the Code of Harry. 
 The book was bleak and empty in comparison. I didn't get the dreaming part, it just felt ridiculous to me instead of darkly insane. I'm also doubtful about the ending(view spoiler)[ I think Deborah is too straight to be okay with Dexter's secret (hide spoiler)]. And worst of all, the characters were tiny specks on the background, almost nonexistent, while Dexter's egomania played the mainstage. 
 Also I didn't enjoy the writing, a phrase like: "The panic was trying to claw out of his eyes, down his face, into his mouth to speak, but--" even didn't make me laugh, let alone bring suspense. 
 Overall: 2.5 stars.