** spoiler alert ** 
 Really, this should be like 3 1/2 stars. The reason being that, while the beginning was a bit slow, the ending was intense, unforgiving, and carnal. I really didn't dig the way Dan Wells felt it necessary to walk me through the world of serial killers, because it felt very contrived. Then again, it's Pop Fiction, meaning that the major demographic for this book likely aren't as familiar with these disturbed individuals as I am. But still, it does a great job of painting out some powerful imagery, and there are more than just a few scenes in this book that will leave you feeling disturbed. By no means is this novel a limp-wristed affair. 
 What threw me off was the introduction of a supernatural element to the story. I can't even begin to tell you how surprised I was, and it wasn't unpleasantly so. The monster John Wayne Cleaver has to face is quite terrifying, and his relationship to the creature just intensifies it. Apparently, this isn't the only adventure we get to enjoy with John, and I wouldn't mind checking out its sequel. I'm not sure if it'll have that supernatural element to it as well, but if it was anything like this first novel, it'll probably be a good read.