Name: Confessions of a Gentleman Killer
SKU: 5592
Price: 16.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.00 (1 reviews)

Confessions of a Gentleman Killer

Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 1 customer rating

(1 customer review)

London, 1843

The papers call me “The Gentleman Killer.” I wrapped the throat of my first victim in a silk scarf. That’s what passes as a gentleman these days.

How do you reconcile a man capable of deep, tender love, a health reformer, assistant to the future British Prime Minister, and the son-in-law of a wealthy industrialist, but who kills in a blood rage? I’m told I have a philosopher’s mind, that I’m ambitious. Yet always there’s a downfall.

I leave judgement to you. My name is Kilcairn, and these are my confessions.

London. 1843

He hadn’t planned to become a murderer. In fact, he had dreamed of graduating from Oxford, settling down with Cecilia, the love of his life, opening a small law practice, having a child, and stealing away from his overbearing in-laws.

But that’s not what happened. A brilliant man with a philosopher’s mind. Ambitious and capable, but also gentle and thoughtful. Kilcairn, by public standards, was a health reformer, assistant to the future British Prime Minister, and the son-in-law of a wealthy industrialist. But, when his life begins to unravel, blood lust overtakes him and his life of crime begins. Was the urge always there? If not, who pulled the string that began his demise?

A character study of one serial killers mind, Confessions of a Gentleman Killer asks readers just what motivates a man who, otherwise, would be the perfect gentleman.

1 review for Confessions of a Gentleman Killer

Rated 5 out of 5

Otis Elliott – September 8, 2020

This book is a thriller, a killer read. It is a fascinating blend of psychology, will power, carnality, adventure, a tale of true love, deceit and deeply-rooted internal struggles. The main character borders on genius with a Beowulfian dragon fighting within his charming physique that can’t be tamed. Johnny Payne has the ability to weave any scene or dialog with verisimilitude to make the reader believe in the historical reality of his characters. There is excellence to be found in the protagonist but usually it is of the opposing kind, the contrary to a Homeric Arete. Does that mean he’s irredeemable? You’ll discover on the last page. I got an advanced copy to read of this novel and read it in one sitting. I love the poetic quality of Payne’s writing as well as its wittiness and rawness, which is found in both its physical and emotional worlds. Is there a gentleman killer lurking inside all of us?