The Sculptor

by Gregory Funaro

Paper Book, 2010

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Series

Sam Markham (1)

Genres

Publication

New York : Kensington Publishing Corp., c2010.

Description

Fiction. Suspense. Thriller. HTML:Killing Is An Art In life, they were flawed. In death, they are perfect works of art--killed, preserved, and carefully molded into replicas of Michelangelo's most celebrated creations. Only The Sculptor can bring forth their true beauty and teach the world to appreciate his gift. He Is The Master FBI Special Agent Sam Markham has a reputation for tracking serial killers, but this artful adversary is meticulous, disciplined, and more ruthless than any he's encountered. The only clue is a note dedicating the latest "statue" to Cathy Hildebrant, an art historian who shares Sam's fear that the killing has just begun. And She Is The Perfect Subject In a quiet Rhode Island town, The Sculptor shapes his latest macabre creation, waiting for Cathy to draw nearer so that his message can be understood at last. And the only way to save her is for Sam to unlock a psychopath's twisted mind before his final, terrifying masterpiece is revealed. . . "Funaro provides clever plotting and plenty of suspense." --John Lutz, New York Times bestselling author "Fast-paced, exciting. . .Funaro delivers gasp-out-loud terror and relentless suspense. A genuine page-turner!" --Kevin O'Brien, New York Times bestselling author "It reminded me of why I loved Silence of the Lambs so much." --Gregg Olsen "A stone cold thrill ride! Unique and unexpected twists make this one a keeper!" --Lisa Jackson, New York Times bestselling author.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member WeeziesBooks

"The Sculptor" by Gregory Funaro is an ‘I can’t put it down…’ serial killer page-turner book. It is filled with all of the elements that would make it a good thriller movie. It has romance, terror, twisted relationships, art history and a bit of science.

A fanatic and psychopathic serial

killer is inspired by Brown University Art History Professor Cathy Hildebrant’s book on Michelangelo. In the killers own demented way he makes mental connections to his own fantasies, desires and obsessions and creates his own art. Funero weaves in information about the methods used by the sculptor to create his art but it isn’t overdone and provides a much needed break in the face paced action of the novel.

The book is fairly graphic and contains descriptions of sexual satisfaction using strong language and describing very twisted relationships. A developing friendship between the FBI Special Investigator and the Professor add tension and personal connections in the story. The ending of the story may allow for sequels in the future.
I highly recommend this book for those who like thrillers and don’t mind a bit of the macabre.

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LibraryThing member msgail1953

Eerie, disturbing. Mr. Funaro has a talent for grabbing your attention and not letting loose. I was enthralled. Highly recommended. I am amazed that this is is Mr. Funaro's first nove.

LibraryThing member ctfrench

A hunt for a deranged killer begins when a replica of Michelangelo’s Bacchus, formed from human corpses, is discovered in a topiary garden. FBI Special Agent Sam Markham contacts art historian Cathy Hildebrant for two reasons: she published a book on Michelangelo’s work and the killer dedicated

the sculpture to her. Hildebrant is brought into the investigation as a consultant, working closely with Markham. Both grieving the loss of their spouses - Hildebrant through divorce and Markham through death - are somewhat surprised at their attraction to one another. The media quickly learns of the macabre sculpture and dubs the killer The Michelangelo Killer. When another statue is discovered, this one a replica of the Pieta, the killer leaves a message calling himself The Sculptor. Through extensive research, Markham and Hildebrant begin uncovering clues as to The Sculptor’s identity. The killer, now seeing Hildebrant’s aid to the FBI as betrayal, begins to plan his next sculpture, one utilizing Hildebrant’s body.

Funaro delivers a galvanizing thriller, packed with suspense around a mystery readers will enjoy trying to solve. Woven into the story are intriguing historical facts about Michelangelo and his works of art which enrich the read. Characterization is exceptional and the plot moves at a fast pace and with such intensity the reader will be vested throughout the book. An excellent debut thriller.

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LibraryThing member IntrinsiclyMe

Such a great plot for a serial killer. It goes into a lot of detail that makes you feel like you're riding along with the characters. The history of the killer is truly tragic and his methods are fascinating.

LibraryThing member Ronrose1

I enjoyed this book with it's unusually creepy serial killer. The thought of turning his victims into works of art mirroring those of Michelangelo was very disquieting. The characters were very engaging. The Sculptor was a very complex character, his many layers gradually peeled back for the reader

as the story progresses. The heroes, Sam Markham, the FBI behavioral analyst and Dr. Catherine Hildebrant, whose book on Michelangelo has inspired the Sculptor's "art", are a bit less complicated, but none the less strong characterizations. Why is it that villainy seems to require higher (or is it lower) degree of depth of character? Perhaps we have more fun and freedom when we create in the dark zone. The detail given to Michelangelo's works and the interpretation of his art is very enlightening. It contributes to the story, while not slowing down the suspense. I was a little disappointed with the ending, as I could see it coming and it had what I felt was a familiar feel about it. This was in contrast to the originality of the villain and his gruesome acts. Highly readable and very entertaining.

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LibraryThing member marcejewels

I enjoyed this one, it is creepy, graphic and disturbing, in my opinion not scary though. OMG the beginning really grabbed me, The Michelangelo Killer creating amazing sculptures to display and it was people inside of them, WOW. The description in the book had you right there with the victims,

being tortured by The Sculptor, but with love and perfection.

The serial killer used a book as his motivation and the detectives used this through out the investigation and the author went into detail of art history, I thought this was good and I enjoyed it but it may be a bit to much detail for others. Everyone having different interpretations and trying to figure out the Michelangelo Killer was interesting, I kind of wish I had it also.

The suspense I enjoyed was the huge WHY and in the ending the author did an amazing job at bringing it all together. I did find the the whole scene when they met the Sculptor completely unbelievable but still enjoyable.

I would love to discuss this one further with any bloggers that have read or will read it. I enjoyed the premise, I was completely intrigued.

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LibraryThing member dsdmd

Mr. Funaro certainly knows how to write a psychological thriller. This is a bit less gruesome than his previous book, The Impaler, but still has its element of horror. The Sculptor is picking his victims based on how close their physical characteristics will match the sculptures he is re-creating

from the people he kills. He basically turns them into the sculptures. It is one of those books that grabs hold and you don't want to put it down until you find the ending. I have a feeling there may be more to follow. I certainly hope so.

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LibraryThing member Timothy_Dalton007

Very gripping thriller that never takes a slow turn. I was very pleased with this book. The ending slightly surprised me with the way that it was wrapped up. It was a little change from the normal. I think the author could have expounded on it a little more for my taste, but I don't think that

would have been the point. This novel was more of a psychological thriller rather than a pulse pounding shoot 'em up. I would award this book with a 4.25, but given the whole star 1/2 rating system I will have to settle for 4.

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LibraryThing member SenoraG163

Excellent fast paced, edge of your seat thriller. WOW. I look forward to more from Mr. Funaro! Thank you for a great book.

LibraryThing member macjest

This about a serial killer who poses his kills like statuary from Michelangelo. He dedicates his work to an art history professor who then works with the FBI to track him down. This is the first work for this author and is pretty good except his dialogue needs some work. The art professor talks

much too stilted like she's reading from an art history slide.

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