The Killing Cycle

Book Cover

CRIME DETECTIVE EROTICA LGBT SUSPENSE/THRILLER

2000s

Timothy Owen

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Submision Type

book

Logline

His latest victim was a little feistier than he had expected and now he is in deep shit. DNA everywhere, including under her fingernails! What is a boy to do? Well, head off to some isolated destination and try to stay out of trouble. Or at least, stop the trouble from being linked back to him.

Genre

Crime,Detective,Erotica,LGBT,Suspense/Thriller

Short Summary

Preface: A dark self-exposé of why the narrator believes he is special. Ch1: Our serial killer is giving a manicure to his latest victim. Primarily because his skin is under her nails, but hey, she is going to look so pretty afterwards and that makes him feel good. She deserves it.

Setting

South Africa, Alaska

Based on a True Story

No

Plot - Premise

Other

Plot - Other Elements

Twist

Mature Audience Themes

Incest,Sexual Abuse

Main Character Details

Name: Unrevealed

Age: 30

Gender: Male

Role: Protagonist

Key Traits: Badass,Charming,Complex,Confident,Crazy,Naive,Narcisstic,Funny,Manipulative,Unapologetic,Lone Wolf

Additional Character Details

Name: Darla - lead detective in charge of finding our main character

Age: 35

Gender: Female

Role: Antagonist

Key Traits: Confident,Leader,Skillful,Strong Moral Code,Decisive,Empathetic

Additional Character Details

Name: Craig - a rookie newly appointed to Darla's team

Age: 25

Gender: Lgbt

Role: logical

Key Traits: Aspiring,Charming,Clumsy,Engaging,Modest,Sexy,Strong Moral Code

Additional Character Details

Name: Simone

Age: 32

Gender: Female

Role: antagonist

Key Traits: Badass,Aggressive,Charming,Confident,Crazy,Villainous,Unapologetic

About The Author

Timothy Owen has been a professional writer since 2000. He featured regularly in a South African magazine writing humour and travel articles revealing insights into his own personal take on being gay in the 21st century. He has several books published via conventional publishing, vanity publishing and self-publishing. Amongst these are three novels and a few self-awareness guides aimed at both adult and YA audiences. After arriving in New Zealand in 2016 he took on the role of editor of Express magazine for a period of time, and started a writing group that has grown to over 400 members.

Target Audiences

Age: 18-34,35-54,55+

Target Gender: Universal,Female Leaning,Male Leaning,LGBT Leaning

Group Specific

Information not completed

Publishing Details

Status: Yes: self-published

Publisher: Timothy Owen

Year Published: 2011

Hard Copy Available

Yes

ISBN

1461111358

Genre

SUSPENSE, THRILLER, DRAMA

Brief

A psychopathic serial killer is enjoying his last kill while Detective Darla is getting closer to catching him. The killer is basking in his successful evasion of the police for so many years as another killer with similar style gains attention. Darla puts the pieces together but it is the other killer,Simone, that has it out for the mysterious murder. He killed her intended kill and she is coming for vengeance.

Overall Rating

GOOD

Point of View

FIRST PERSON

Narrative Elements

Authors Writing Style: GOOD

Characterization: GOOD

Commerciality: FAIR

Franchise Potential: EXCELLENT

Pace: GOOD

Premise: GOOD

Structure: GOOD

Theme: GOOD

Accuracy of Book Profile

Yes, the book accurately reflects the book.

Draw of Story

The story starts off with the unnamed serial killer giving a manicure to his latest victim. She is dead and he is cleaning any of his DNA from under her nails. He is not remorseful but ecstatic about his latest kill. The story shows the mind of a psychopath and it is intriguing.

Possible Drawbacks

This book is graphic and details rape and murder in a triggering way. Some of the scenes are hard to read because the killer has sexual rage towards women and is obviously extremely violent. To avoid this, it would be better to skip that and see the aftermath of what he has done once the bodies are found by the authorities. This book is filled with gruesome scenes as well as some intense sexual scenes that won't appeal to many audiences.

Use of Special Effects

THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS

Primary Hook of Story

The hook is that a psychopath serial killer is on the loose as has successful avoided police for almost 15 years.

Fanbase Potential

This could have a large fanbase because it's a crime drama. That genre is very successful and stories can be retold in a multitude of ways with becoming stale. This story details the kills which would draw horror and thrill seekers. It ends with a nice resolution with the bad guys caught and the mysteries solved.

Awards Potential

This does have awards potential if the serial killer role is played properly. This killer is not remorseful and unapologetic of his crimes. He sees himself above everyone and that is an interesting dynamic to be played. The inner workings of a successful serial killer is an explorations into the psyche of a unique mind.

Envisioned Budget

MEDIUM BUDGET

Similar Films/TV Series

SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, CRIMINAL MINDS, DEXTER

What’s New About the Story

The type of crimes the serial killer commits are pretty unique. He is described as having sexual rage against women ,mainly, and is satisfied by killing them in specific ways.

Lead Characters

The lead characters ideas about the world and his crimes make him stand out. He is a gay man that rapes, tortures and murders women who are mesustrating. He is blissfully happy while killing. His prejudices are also unique.

Uniqueness of Story

This isn't a rare gem because it is very similar to other books and stories of its genre. It has, however, been done well - even if it is a bit predictable.

Possible Formats

Film - Indie, Film - Streaming, Film - Studio, TV Series - Cable, TV Series - Limited Run / Mini-Series, TV Series - Streaming

Analyst Recommendation

CONSIDER

Justification

This is a consider rather than a higher grade because it is very violent. The way the killer kills his victim would be triggering to many especially its mostly directed towards women. It would need to be less graphic.