BEST THRILLER REVIEW

The Bottom Line: A truly original approach to the serial killer genre by a promising new writer.

Rookie Killer is nothing less than a terrifying descent into the mind of a serial killer. The novel begins with a global confession from 33-year-old federal inmate Randi Nolan, Ohio’s first female serial killer. First-time novelist Judi Wallower uses Nolan’s best friend and fellow inmate Jax, the product of an unstable foster home, to tell Randi’s story. Together, they team up to write a book about Randi’s life.

Part therapy session, part confessional, the novel alternates between casual inmate conversations and straight-up storytelling with ease. More fascinating than how each murder took place is the motive, which stems, at least originally, from personal loss. Even better is Randi’s analysis of her attempts to evade capture, which inevitably border on narcissism: “I know all killers think they are the smart ones and they won’t be caught by the police…but in my case…it’s true…I will go down in history as the best, the smartest, most unpredictable rookie serial killer with the most uncommon, non-linking crimes unlike any other serial killer ever.”

If Rookie Killer has one Achilles heel, it’s a lack of suspense. With the details of Randi’s crimes told from the confines of a jail cell, Wallower must rely on her characters’ developmental arc to continuously add intrigue. From this perspective, the story works quite well, although she could certainly go farther with it. With such a well-developed character, let’s hope that there are plans for a sequel.

AUTHORS READING REVIEW

Rookie Killer by Judi Wallower, is a detailed and intriguing fictional account of Ohio’s first female serial killer that’s told as a narrative by the killer herself. The novel begins with the main character, 34-year-old Randi Nolan, locked up in Walkashaw State Prison in Montana unraveling how she got there and bragging about how she and her lawyer were able to keep her off of death row.   She has a lot of stories to tell having killed 12 individuals qualifying her as the first female serial killer in the state of Ohio.  The book is replete with details of the various killings and how Randi actually felt as she committed the murders. Wallower’s foray into writing from the perspective of the actual killer will be fascinating reading for those who wonder what makes a serial killer tick. This fictional serial killer is probably an excellent representation of the coldness and sickness that dwells in these depraved individuals. What led them into a life of depravity is the big question, but regardless of what it was, it can’t exonerate them from their actions. Wallower’s character shows little remorse for her crimes, which could be a result of the gruesome killings she witnessed as a teenager and the abuse she endured as a child.   Randi’s family created by Wallower is a very twisted household.  Her family is constantly a source of her rage and confusion. Randi’s narrative, which shifts between bragging, emotional confessions and simple storytelling walks you through the events that led up to her incarceration. Randi’s association and newfound friendship with fellow inmate Jax Murphy adds an element that allows the main character to tell her story more freely.  Jax’ exuberance is the necessary element to counteract Randi’s reserved nature.  Through her relationship with Jax, the reader is able to become intimately familiar with Randi’s background and a detailed account of her crimes. With the co-mingling of Randi’s personal account and the involvement of Jax Murphy, Wallower has created a chilling page-turner that is sure to keep the reader involved until the very end.