Status
Available
Call number
Call number
F KER
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Berkley (2005), Edition: Reprint, 406 pages
Description
When bizarre and cryptic messages are found on a pair of corpses in Mobile, Alabama, junior police detective Carson Ryder and veteran cop Harry Nautilus find themselves in a mysterious public-relations quagmire pitting public safety against office politics. With the body count growing, Ryder must confront his family's terrifying past by seeking advice from his brother, a violent psychopath convicted of similarly heinous crimes. Ryder finds himself falling for Ava, the striking pathologist processing the gruesome corpses. But Ava's past holds its own nightmarish secrets. Ryder and Nautilus come to realize someone close to them is the killer's ultimate target--and time is running out before the killer plans to strike again.
Subjects
Original publication date
2004
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User reviews
LibraryThing member KevinJoseph
For a first novel that sails in heavily charted waters (James Ellroy's L.A. Confidential and Nelson DeMille's alternating first-and-third person viewpoints come to mind), The Hundredth Man is surprisingly fresh and effective. That's because it does all the little things so well: humorous dialogue,
The only part that didn't work for me is a critical physical resemblance that's necessary to understanding the killer's motive but unknowable to the reader until revealed. All in all, though, this was a great read, and I'm looking forward to Carson Ryder's (and his evil alter ego Jeremy's) next adventures.
-Kevin Joseph, author of "The Champion Maker"
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insomnia-inducing suspense, multifaceted characters, and a tightly structured plot that navigates twists and turns a-plenty without veering off the rails.The only part that didn't work for me is a critical physical resemblance that's necessary to understanding the killer's motive but unknowable to the reader until revealed. All in all, though, this was a great read, and I'm looking forward to Carson Ryder's (and his evil alter ego Jeremy's) next adventures.
-Kevin Joseph, author of "The Champion Maker"
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LibraryThing member PirateJenny
Someone in Mobile is murdering people. Happens all the time. Not so much with the decapitation. And really not so much with the writing on the bodies. This seems to be a case for the newly-formed psychological investigation unit, made up of Ryder Carson and Harry Nautilus. Of course, there are
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political issues involved there, which make for some real interesting plot twists and oh, the red herrings! I absolutely did not see the identity of Mr. Cutter coming. I was very impressed. Show Less
LibraryThing member TerryWeyna
If you missed Jack Kerley’s The Hundredth Man (Signet, 396 pages, $7.99) when it first appeared last year, snatch it up now in paperback. This serial killer mystery, a first novel by Kerley, is a gem of the genre.
Carson Ryder is a detective whose star has risen very fast in the Mobile, Alabama,
Carson has a secret ingredient to add to the mix, his own special consultant. Add to that his attempts to help a new pathologist with talent to burn who seems intent on burning out, and it’s a compelling recipe.
One of the greatest strengths of this book is the attention Kerley pays to how an inept bureaucracy can screw things up so badly that people get hurt. Whether it’s because a macho boss has to maintain some sense of control over a detective who is brighter than he is, or because a boss thinks she can get excellent work out of her employees only by constant, debilitating criticism, or because politics always trumps performance, Kerley knows how the working world works. This lesson feels especially relevant in light of the news about FEMA, New Orleans and Louisiana officials and their reaction to Hurricane Katrina. Maybe if we paid more attention to those who know what they’re doing, and less to those who know only how to spit shine their shoes, fewer lives would be lost.
There’s no question that Kerley’s newest book, The Death Collectors, is high on my list of books to read next (an odd category of books in my house, encompassing approximately four shelves, similar to the infamous Rolling Shelves Rick gives us a glimpse of daily). With a bookstore gift certificate burning a hole in my wallet, I’m guessing that this new mystery will soon adorn my study like a new jewel.
Carson Ryder is a detective whose star has risen very fast in the Mobile, Alabama,
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police department. Because of his amazing success on a prior serial killer case, he and his partner Harry have been assigned to a new unit, the Psychopathological and Sociopathological Investigation Team – derisively nicknamed “Piss-It” for short. The new unit is supposed to have jurisdiction whenever a particularly ugly and insane-seeming murder comes along. Not too many cases meet those criteria, and the brass isn’t too crazy about the idea in any event, especially with Carson – something of a loose cannon – at the helm. Even when a case clearly falling within the scope of PSIT’s mission comes along, Carson and Harry find themselves dealing more with the chain of command, the paperwork, and the useless details than with the murders themselves.Carson has a secret ingredient to add to the mix, his own special consultant. Add to that his attempts to help a new pathologist with talent to burn who seems intent on burning out, and it’s a compelling recipe.
One of the greatest strengths of this book is the attention Kerley pays to how an inept bureaucracy can screw things up so badly that people get hurt. Whether it’s because a macho boss has to maintain some sense of control over a detective who is brighter than he is, or because a boss thinks she can get excellent work out of her employees only by constant, debilitating criticism, or because politics always trumps performance, Kerley knows how the working world works. This lesson feels especially relevant in light of the news about FEMA, New Orleans and Louisiana officials and their reaction to Hurricane Katrina. Maybe if we paid more attention to those who know what they’re doing, and less to those who know only how to spit shine their shoes, fewer lives would be lost.
There’s no question that Kerley’s newest book, The Death Collectors, is high on my list of books to read next (an odd category of books in my house, encompassing approximately four shelves, similar to the infamous Rolling Shelves Rick gives us a glimpse of daily). With a bookstore gift certificate burning a hole in my wallet, I’m guessing that this new mystery will soon adorn my study like a new jewel.
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LibraryThing member SonicQuack
It's disappointing when the actual investigation and hunt for a bloody serial killer is the least interesting part of a crime thriller. Kerley spends much of his time building the central character and his relationships with his co-workers, friends and family. The actual plot at times seems almost
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secondary, and where this approach may well be suited to a book within a series, in a standalone novel (or in this case the first in a series) then it can make for quite arduous reading. The main detective isn't particularly interesting either, however the political infighting within the police department is sharp and entertaining, offering an insight in to what Kerley is capable of. Overall, The Hundreth Man offers little fresh content, although there are definitely green shoots for the future. Show Less
LibraryThing member KAzevedo
Pretty good for a first novel, with some fresh characters and decent plot. I liked the character building and the story was fairly suspenseful. I will be interested to see how the series build as I come across the books, but I probably will not actively hunt for them.
LibraryThing member mikedraper
Young Mobile Police Detective, Carson Ryder is a rare man who searches the dark places to find the necessary answers. He and his partner, Harry Nautilus are ordered to the scene when a headless body is found in a park in southwest Mobile.
Both men are part of the newly formed Psychpathological
Capt. Terrence Squill is an ambitious autocrat. When he views the body in the park, he dismisses it as a homosexual meeting that ended in murder.
A second, decapitated body is found and where Squill was highly skeptical about the unit, he is ordered to incorporate it in his investigation team. Resenting their presence, he does as little as possible to assist them.
There is an interesting subplot as Ryder goes out of his way to help a character who is an alcoholic. The author does an excellent job describing the horrors ot that disease.
Another element in the story revolves around Ryder's brother who is locked up in a mental institution. He takes an interest in Ryder's case and seems to have the ability to give Ryder insights into the killer's reasoning and identity. This be-play reminded me of Hanibal Lecter.
The narrative is packed with unpredictable action and the characters are both interesting and appealing. Ryder is a compassionate and engaging lead character.
The story is a great reading experience.
Both men are part of the newly formed Psychpathological
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Sociopathological Investagative Team, called PSIT and referred to by other cops in a more colorful phrase.Capt. Terrence Squill is an ambitious autocrat. When he views the body in the park, he dismisses it as a homosexual meeting that ended in murder.
A second, decapitated body is found and where Squill was highly skeptical about the unit, he is ordered to incorporate it in his investigation team. Resenting their presence, he does as little as possible to assist them.
There is an interesting subplot as Ryder goes out of his way to help a character who is an alcoholic. The author does an excellent job describing the horrors ot that disease.
Another element in the story revolves around Ryder's brother who is locked up in a mental institution. He takes an interest in Ryder's case and seems to have the ability to give Ryder insights into the killer's reasoning and identity. This be-play reminded me of Hanibal Lecter.
The narrative is packed with unpredictable action and the characters are both interesting and appealing. Ryder is a compassionate and engaging lead character.
The story is a great reading experience.
Show Less
LibraryThing member pjh1984
I have read this book about 3 times simply because I forgot I read it. That is very unusual for me. I keep blanking out on this book. When I reach the same place in the book where I think "Why on earth did I bother", it hits me that I have read this before.
I can honestly say the plot is
Can I tell you anything about the book right now except the fact that I've read it and don't want to waste money buying it again if I throw out the 3rd copy I bought? Nope. So I think we can safely say, it was bad.
I can honestly say the plot is
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unmemorable. The dialogue is unmemorable. The writing is unmemorable. I only keep it around to remind myself I did read it so I don't pick up another copy at Goodwill or a booksale.Can I tell you anything about the book right now except the fact that I've read it and don't want to waste money buying it again if I throw out the 3rd copy I bought? Nope. So I think we can safely say, it was bad.
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LibraryThing member coku
Before I read "the hundredth man" I had read a few others of the books in this series and kept wondering, how the personal story of Carson and his brother started. This, and not the actual plot was the interesting part of this book for me.
I like series, where one encounters the same characters
I liked the book enough to read others in this series.
I like series, where one encounters the same characters
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time and again, but often I read a book without realizing, that it is one of a series and I missed the beginning of the story.I liked the book enough to read others in this series.
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LibraryThing member coku
Before I read "the hundredth man" I had read a few others of the books in this series and kept wondering, how the personal story of Carson and his brother started. This, and not the actual plot was the interesting part of this book for me.
I like series, where one encounters the same characters
I liked the book enough to read others in this series.
I like series, where one encounters the same characters
Show More
time and again, but often I read a book without realizing, that it is one of a series and I missed the beginning of the story.I liked the book enough to read others in this series.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Olivermagnus
The Hundredth Man introduces the reader to Carson Ryder, a Mobile, Alabama homicide detective and one of two detectives assigned to the Psychopathological and Sociopathological Investigative Team, or PSIT. PSIT is a unit created to investigate freakish homicides. The other half of the team is Harry
Ryder is an attractive character who lives in a house on stilts over the marshy salt waters outside the city. He also has a softer side. He has a psychopathic brother with multiple personalities. Jeremy, who resides in a secure unit within a mental institution, has special intuitive qualities and some unique insight into the PSIT cases. His ability to understand the workings of the depraved mind can be of tremendous benefit to Ryder. There is, however, a terrible price that Ryder must pay. I would read more in this series for this character alone.
This was a very interesting book and I understand the later ones are even better so I've already picked up the second book in the series.
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Nautilus, a more experienced detective. When a killer begins to leave headless corpses around the Mobile area, it seems to be exactly the situation for which PSIT was brought into existence. However, the team is kept on the sidelines by an egotistical police captain who never makes a move without checking to see what the political consequences will be. As Ryder and Nautilus surreptitiously investigate the killings, they soon discover that the trail of bodies seems to lead to an unexpected place.Ryder is an attractive character who lives in a house on stilts over the marshy salt waters outside the city. He also has a softer side. He has a psychopathic brother with multiple personalities. Jeremy, who resides in a secure unit within a mental institution, has special intuitive qualities and some unique insight into the PSIT cases. His ability to understand the workings of the depraved mind can be of tremendous benefit to Ryder. There is, however, a terrible price that Ryder must pay. I would read more in this series for this character alone.
This was a very interesting book and I understand the later ones are even better so I've already picked up the second book in the series.
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LibraryThing member Andrew-theQM
A reasonable start to the series which is quite enjoyable but is just missing something, it does build pace as the book goes on and builds great tension towards the end of the book. I like the central characters in the book. Hopefully just a faltering start with his first book, having read a later
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book in the series I know these get better, so I will be continuing with the series. 3.5 stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookishtexpat
I really enjoyed Kerley's writing style and characters. I love a good crime/detective novel, and Kerley sucked me into the world of Mobile, AL instantly. I genuinely like the characters of Carson and Harry, and was left guessing whodunnit until the end. This book addresses my obsession with things
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like Criminal Minds and I will be reading more Jack Kerley! Show Less
LibraryThing member Olivermagnus
The Hundredth Man introduces the reader to Carson Ryder, a Mobile, Alabama homicide detective and one of two detectives assigned to the Psychopathological and Sociopathological Investigative Team, or PSIT. PSIT is a unit created to investigate freakish homicides. The other half of the team is Harry
Ryder is an attractive character who lives in a house on stilts over the marshy salt waters outside the city. He also has a softer side. He has a psychopathic brother with multiple personalities. Jeremy, who resides in a secure unit within a mental institution, has special intuitive qualities and some unique insight into the PSIT cases. His ability to understand the workings of the depraved mind can be of tremendous benefit to Ryder. There is, however, a terrible price that Ryder must pay. I would read more in this series for this character alone.
This was a very interesting book and I understand the later ones are even better so I've already picked up the second book in the series.
Show More
Nautilus, a more experienced detective. When a killer begins to leave headless corpses around the Mobile area, it seems to be exactly the situation for which PSIT was brought into existence. However, the team is kept on the sidelines by an egotistical police captain who never makes a move without checking to see what the political consequences will be. As Ryder and Nautilus surreptitiously investigate the killings, they soon discover that the trail of bodies seems to lead to an unexpected place.Ryder is an attractive character who lives in a house on stilts over the marshy salt waters outside the city. He also has a softer side. He has a psychopathic brother with multiple personalities. Jeremy, who resides in a secure unit within a mental institution, has special intuitive qualities and some unique insight into the PSIT cases. His ability to understand the workings of the depraved mind can be of tremendous benefit to Ryder. There is, however, a terrible price that Ryder must pay. I would read more in this series for this character alone.
This was a very interesting book and I understand the later ones are even better so I've already picked up the second book in the series.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Bookmarque
So much conflict and tension within the department and across departments (that assistant ME is a piece of work - who talks to strangers like that?!, probably setting up a "love interest", bleah) that it's hard to stomach. Feels over the top. I understand giving Ryder a foe or creating a villain,
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but this is too much. It isn't pleasant to listen to and if it doesn't resolve and calm down, this will be the only book in this series I read and will probably return to audible. I read enough crime fiction to know that you don't have to lay it on this thick. Show Less
Pages
406