Just so there is no confusion, this review is of the latest Dexter novel, not the final season of the TV show. I’ve only seen season 1 of the TV show, so I don’t have any opinions on the rest of the seasons of the show. Now as for the book, I wasn’t happy with Dexter’s Final Cut, especially the ending. It wasn’t as bad as Dexter in the Dark, but that’s not much to be proud of (that book was really bad). This book takes Dexter out of his element for most of the novel and puts him in contact with some other narcissistic people who learn to hide their true self, actors. Dexter’s on the movie set and helping out, but it’s not quite what he envisioned.
Dexter and his little sister Deborah have a new assignment. They will be the technical advisors for a couple of TV stars who are in town to film the pilot of a new show. Dexter gets to chaperone Robert Chase, who was big on some other TV shows (that Dexter’s wife Rita loved) and Deborah will be advising Jackie Forrest, a beautiful actress who even Dexter is smitten with. Jackie will be playing the tough-as-nails detective and Robert will be her foil, the forensic analyst she has to count on to make the cases. To add to the fun, Robert’s assistant on the show is played by a comedian Renny Boudreaux.
As always in Dexter novels, there’s a serial murderer on the loose who is killing women who look similar to Jackie. She has a stalker who isn’t happy about not getting to meet her and he’s in town. Frightened of the stalker, but unwilling to tell anyone (since she’s afraid it would be an excuse of the producers to get rid of her), Deborah talks Dexter into spending the night in Jackie’s hotel to guard her overnight (with Deborah guarding her during the day). Dexter allows himself to be talked into this arrangement for money, which will help pay for the new house he, Rita and the kids are moving into. But, slowly, Dexter starts getting more attached to Jackie and wonders if he’s too settled into his life.
The whole ending seems rushed and the ending screams for a sequel, but also could be the final scene if this is the final Dexter book. Dexter is as interesting as always and seems confused by his feeling for Jackie. But, as with all Dexter books, the supporting cast is flat and cardboard. The plot is mediocre at best and there is a Dexter murder in the book (as there is in every Dexter novel) that is short and confusing whether or not Dexter has the correct person. Dexter’s narration carries the book and is really the only thing worthwhile. The book has enough style to keep the story moving, but it really doesn’t have anything else to recommend it. And the ending is nothing short of a disappointment. Mildly recommended.