(reviewed by JD Jung)
NYC assistant district attorney Joel Marcus has made a lot of enemies as a prosecutor. Add to that, he is unhappily married, but stays because he loves his young son. To get through all this, he’s in a love affair with a fellow prosecutor, Karen, whom he often works cases with.
One day, he intervenes in a mugging involving an elderly Haitian woman, Sophie. In repayment, she performs a voodoo ceremony on him, whereby if he dies before the next full moon, his soul will pass into the body of the one physically closest to him at the time of death.
Her prophesy comes to pass, as Joel is soon killed by a hitman, Frank Davis. As in Sophie’s prediction, Joel takes over Frank’s body and Frank ceases to exist. He also takes on his speech pattern but not his history or point of view.
Karen, who was a witness to the murder, positively identifies Frank, so how does “Joel/Frank” hide from the law, and live Frank’s criminal and personal life? How does he convince Karen and others that he is actually Joel? How does he try to protect the innocent while finding out who ordered the hit?
While the premise might echo familiar themes, My Killer distinguishes itself through its well-crafted storytelling. The author weaves a compelling narrative that goes beyond the typical crime thriller. Joel’s quest to uncover the truth behind his murder leads him to confront the harsh realities some individuals face, simply to survive. He also discovers how some black men fall victim to police prejudice.
This well-written and structured novel provides more than thrills to crime novel enthusiasts. The author successfully delivers a fresh take on a familiar genre,
