Their sarcastic humor and loving looks at each other are pretty dry, and their steps through the case are somewhat predictable. The detectives chasing down the killer is actually probably the weakest of the lot. These are pretty much the story lines that make up the first book in the series. Meanwhile, O’Connor and Maddison team up with Deucalion to track down the killer and to get one step closer to Victor. Randal is determined to escape from Victor’s lab, Hands of Mercy, to find Arnie and discover what brings him happiness. Victor has also created a New Race Member known as Randal Six, who also has qualities of an autistic child. Carson’s brother, Arnie, suffers from autism and spends his time building an elaborate castle from Legos.

They are quick-witted and smart, and they are also attracted to each other. Young detectives Carson O’Connor and Michael Maddison are on the case. However, a serial killer is upon them – killing both Old and New Race members and collecting body parts. He now goes by the name of Deucalion and he comes to New Orleans to find Victor and discover what he has been doing. While Victor has become the monster, his first monster has become more human. And Victor’s first creation – the monster – is also still alive. She wonders why he collects fine art – all created by humans – if he hates the Old Race so much. But Erika loves to read and begins to question Victor’s motives. He’s even on his fourth wife, Erika, who is the perfect servant. To Victor, they are the perfect humans and he will conquer the world with them. Sexual gratification, achieved by having sex with any member of the New Race because they lack the needs for attraction, only brings them self satisfaction and they are all sterile. He is creating a New Race to live upon us and eventually wipe out the “Old Race.” His new creations have two hearts, no scars, and lack the ability to feel certain emotions such as the urge to kill or harm themselves. He’s rich and living in New Orleans, and he has perfected his ability to create life.

Victor Frankenstein, now known as Victor Helios, has survived the last 200 years since Mary Shelley first wrote about him. Sure, it may not hold much literary merit or be an engrossing read that really makes you think, but it still holds a certain amount of entertainment value that I liked. It’s a fast page turner thanks to its short chapters, lots of dialogue, and lack of detail. I finished it in record time for me – just 7 days. This is only the second book from Koontz that I’ve read, and since this one introduces his Frankenstein series, it certainly won’t be the last.

The prodigal son dean koontz