I would like to thank Netgalley and Hampton Creek Press for an advance copy of The Sixth Wicked Child, the third and final novel in the 4MK series.

The Sixth Wicked Child takes place immediately after the events of its predecessor, The Fifth to Die. Detective Sam Porter is back in Chicago and under suspicion so FBI agent Frank Poole is now in charge of the 4MK investigation. Trying to make sense of all the information he has he is soon under pressure when more bodies are found and Anson Bishop hands himself in with an alternative take on events.

This is an interesting read which I came to love after a difficult introduction. The problem with this series is that it is one story told over three novels. I have read all the novels in order but it has a been a while since I read them so I was hazy on the detail and that left gaping holes in my knowledge at the start of this one. I wish the author had printed a “the story so far” summary at the beginning or I had re-read the others before embarking on this one as it would have left me less confused. This is a series that must be read in order and preferably in close proximity to keep the detail fresh.

I must admit that I initially planned to rate this novel at 3* because of this confusion but it started to grow on me and from about half way through I was all in. The novel is told from many points of view, mostly the investigators, and they all have a very different perspective on events. For the reader this is great as you never know what is true and what isn’t, who can be trusted or how you are being manipulated. It is a real tour de force. This narrative is intercut with excerpts from Anson Bishop’s diaries from his childhood and this is an absorbing, gripping tale but is it true? The novel has twist upon twist, culminating in an explosive, unexpected (what else?) ending where everything is explained and squared away (sort of). The reader is never on firm ground.

The whole series has been a rollercoaster and Mr Barker is to be commended for his imagination, skill and ingenuity in creating it.

The Sixth Wicked Child is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

"...everything is normal when you don't know any better." Isn't that the truth!

First and foremost, if you have not read the previous books in this series, do not attempt this one. I mean this in the best possible way. You seriously do not want to miss a thing. The other two books set this book up perfectly plus you will be missing a mountain of back story (plus two really great books). Whew, is all I can say after finishing this one. When it comes to this book, forget what you know, what you think you know or where you think this book is going. This is Barker's ride and he is clearly in the driver's seat. He takes us down a path which continues to be dark, twisted and highly addictive. As with the previous books, this book is extremely well thought out, perfectly paced with twist and turns keeping up the suspense and tension. Diary entries, back stories, a detective with a past he can't remember, and a serial killer who is highly intelligent, always a step ahead of the police. He clearly has a plan, but what is it? Plus, Bishop has a detective hot on his trail, but is the detective to be trusted? Are there other killers out there? Who can you believe when everything and everyone you thought you could trust suddenly doesn't look or seem too trustworthy?

As this book continues, we learn more about the pivotal players, their past and their connection to each other. This one isn't for the faint of heart. It deals with heavy and sensitive subjects, thankfully without a lot of detail. "Father, forgive me" but I thought this book was riveting.

Captivating and a real page turner, this one did not disappoint. There are a lot of people in this book and a lot going on, no wonder Barker had sticky notes all over his house to keep this story straight. He continues to deliver and finished this series strongly. I can't wait to see/read what else he has up his sleeve!

Another plus of this series is its originality. Sure, there are lots of books out there about serial killers and cat and mouse chases but this one stands out and on its own. Barker is an intelligent writer who has great character development. All his characters are distinct and interesting - even the unlikable ones are extremely captivating. Plus, I have never read one of his books and felt as if i have read this one before, kwim? Ever read a book, and think "been there, read that - just with different names and different locations?" Not here, again, this book gets high marks for originality.

Can I just say, I am slightly jealous of the people who have not read this series, as they will get the chance the read the books back to back. While reading this one, I was wishing I went back and re-read the previous ones, but I couldn't help myself, I had to dive in. I wonder what it must be like to spend so much time writing a book to have people dig in and read it so fast. I purposely read this one slow so I could wrap my head around everything. I was surprised a couple of times and didn't see things coming which is always plus.

A brilliant end to a brilliant series.

Highly recommend.

Thank you to J.D. Barker, Hampton Creek Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Sixth Wicked child is an excellent end to the 4MK trilogy!
I was hooked when I read The Fourth Monkey (2017). The Fifth to Die (2018) built on the SUSPENSE of finding out who the players really were and how it all would end. The Sixth Wicked Child (2019) continued to build the suspense until the very end. I found that I could not put down any of the superbly plotted novels.
WARNING: non-stop TENSION from the first page to the last. Well written and well plotted with lots of twists and turns leading to an entertaining conclusion.

5 stars

This is the final entry into J.D. Barker's 4MK trilogy. It starts out with a bang. The book has a large number of characters of which to keep track. I strongly suggest that the series be read in order of the publication to get the full impact of the story. So much is going on. There are stories within stories, tendrils going in several directions at once in this book. The reader almost needs to make a chart.

Several murders are committed not only in Chicago, but also in South Carolina. They are very similar, but must be the work of more than one person. Does Anson Bishop, the main suspect, have a partner? How could he have physically done all the murders?

Meanwhile, CSI Edwin “Kloz” Klozowski and Detective Claire Norton are in lock-down with several other people – employees and their families, at a Chicago hospital suspected of having SARS which Anson Bishop is supposed to have set loose. Detective Sam Porter is being held at the police station for breaking out a woman from prison in the last book and worse – he is suspected of her murder.

Anson Bishop turns himself in to Chicago Detective Brian Nash and tells a fantastic story to lead FBI Agent Frank Poole. At the same time more bodies are turning up – four more at the hospital alone, both inside and outside the locked down facility. How could this happen? The locations where the murders have occurred have had their video cameras scrambled and important locks are unlocked. Prisoners are escaping.

This book confounds the reader in some ways. Just when you think you've finally figured out who the 4MK killer is, the book instills doubt into your choice. Put on your thinking caps and fasten your seat belts for you'll go on a ride with this novel. Mr. Barker doesn't just tell a story, he paints pictures with his words. The reader is there in the action right along side of the characters – either rooting for them or giving them the raspberry. Then one must think about what makes a serial killer? Is it environment? Are people just born that way? Or perhaps a combination of both? Always thinking as I read along, I was entranced. I truly enjoyed this book and it makes a very fitting end for the series. More please, Mr. Barker.

I want to extend a hearty thank you to both NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press/IBPA Members' Titles for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely killer (!) book for me to read, enjoy and review.

Oh. My. God. What an exhilarating, jaw-dropping, crazy and spectacular ride! J. D. Barker has ended the Four Monkey Killer trilogy on a bigger note than the gigantic one I was already anticipating. Not content with blowing our minds at the end of book two and leaving us wondering what on earth happens next for months, he now returns and takes everything you were thinking after the previous books’ revelations and pulls the rug from under you once more. I got book whiplash from all the twists and turns. Nothing you think you know is true. No one you trust is reliable. And you have no idea what to expect as you hold on for dear life while reading this final installment.

Picking up where book two ends we soon catch up with the events of the last book and are immersed in the gruesome and brutal 4MK serial killings, a threat to unleash a virus on the general population, and the hunt for the truth about the person, or persons, behind these events. As before the story is told by multiple narrators in the present day with flashbacks in the form of Anson Bishop’s diaries; though this time we don’t know if they are real or elaborate forgeries created to distract from the real Four Monkey Killer. We also now have two suspects - Anson and Detective Sam Porter. Sam has spent years obsessively hunting 4MK but new evidence suggest this may have been a rouse and he is more involved than his team want to believe. Both men protest their innocence. Both men point their finger at the other. But who is telling the truth and who is chasing who in this deadly game of cat and mouse?

Before you read this book it is vital you read The Fourth Monkey and The Fifth To Die as knowing what happened in the previous books is the only way to make sense of what happens in this one. When reading a book series, one of my favourite aspects is getting to know the recurring characters. Over the course of this trilogy I’ve particularly come to love Detective Sam Porter. He’s a well respected member of his team, dedicated cop and while he might bend the rules a little to catch the bad guy, you know he’s a good man and a good Detective. So it seemed anyway. One of the hardest parts of this book for me is having all that crumble as his true involvement with 4MK is questioned. The idea of him being the Four Monkey Killer sickened me and I honestly read this book dreading that outcome. I didn’t know who to believe and it remained that way right until the final sentence.

I’ve always liked the use of diaries written by Bishop to tell his backstory and even though these were unreliable in this book, they were still some of my favourite parts to read. Learning more about what the diaries claim happened when Bishop went into the foster system, his friends and budding relationship with Libby humanised him more than previous books. He wasn’t as cold, calculated and strange and I thought that was a great way to also make the reader unsure if he was 4MK or is innocent like he claims.

The Sixth Wicked Child takes you to some of the darkest corners of human nature, the despair, depravity and cruelty that lies hidden behind closed doors and the masks people wear every day. The writing and plotting is once again exquisite, cunning and captivating. The author is the master of the dark psychological thriller and has created one of the best book series I’ve ever read. I’m sad that it’s over but excited to see what he writes next. I know I will be first in line to read it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hampton Creek Press and J.D. Barker for an ebook copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This is the shattering finale to the 4MK trilogy - a jet propelled serial killer thriller that will leave you breathless.
In this final part of the series, the author J.D. Barker seems like a master magician switching the action from various locations with a half dozen characters speeding the action along.
As the body count rises, Detective Sam Porter is placed in a Kafkaesque situation as he battles to remember his past while on the run from police and the FBI who now believe he is a murderer. Meanwhile, Anson Bishop, the man originally labelled "The Four Monkey Killer" surrenders to the police claiming that Porter is the real killer.
Bodies are found in Chicago and South Carolina, all with a cardboard sign next to them which reads "Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil, Do No Evil.". Many of the bodies have the words "I Am Evil" carved on their heads.
Porter's colleagues are divided over whether he is innocent or guilty, but all are caught up in the chaos of a major criminal investigation which has the added problem of a hospital on lockdown with scores of possible SARS virus victims being held in quarantine.
FBI Special Agent Frank Poole and Chicago Police Detective Nash struggle to uncover evidence of scores of crimes which stretch back decades in the past.
Meanwhile, Porter wades through pages of Anson Bishop's childhood diaries, detailing painful memories of the sexual abuse of children in care and a major child prostitution ring. The plot switches from present to past and back over and over as the truth is slowly uncovered and we learn who is guilty and who is being used as a pawn in an evil game devised by a murderous psychopath.
You'll need all your wits about you to follow this horrific story which is definitely not for the faint of heart. And, before anyone asks, there's no way this is a stand-alone. J.D. Barker has produced a highly original crime thriller that will leave the reader drained. Highly recommended.

My thanks to the publisher Hampton Creek Press and to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.

This series is one of my fav. I am sorry to see it end. The author does a good job of tying everything together. Along the way doubt is placed and you start to question everything. What is true and what is not? Once again we get the diary which has been shown to be a very successful story telling tool in this series. Run do not walk to read this final installment.

#TheSixthWickedChild #NetGalley.
First of all thank you netgalley for sending me this ARC for my honest review.
I have been waiting a long time for the conclusion to this trilogy and it did not disappoint. A race against time to find the virus, Porter in a real predicament and Bishop throwing curve balls left, right and centre. So many view points, so many webs spun at times it was hard to keep up. I could not put this crime thriller down, I literally couldn't read it fast enough, because of that I will reread as I need to get it clear in my head. I really enjoyed this and the other two books. This book ties up the lose ends to what I would call a heart thumping thriller. Well done J.D Barker.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, J.D. Barker, and Hampton Creek Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

As the riveting 4MK trilogy comes to an end, J.D. Barker offers the most explosive novel to date. Chilling in its delivery and full of unexpected twists, fans of the series should brace themselves as all the pieces finally come together. As the 4MK cases continues to gain momentum, the obvious suspect remains Anson Bishop, who turns himself in to the authorities. However, there are more victims that keep emerging, a single message binding them all together in his sick and twisted web. While this would seem to be a slam-dunk case, the fact that the bodies appear almost simultaneously on opposite sides of the country is an issue, denoting that this could not be the work of a single man. While minds stir about this, a hospital becomes the scene of a lockdown, as a virus makes its way through the air and chooses even more victims to add to the horror. While trying to shed some light on the entire situation, Chicago PD and FBI investigators listen to Bishop tell a complex story from his past, one that could reveal more about the real killer than first suspected. All comes to light in a set of diary entries, which could prove to be the best piece of evidence on offer. If he is to be believed, Bishop can finger a rogue cop as the real killer and the one with the greatest motive to shut the investigation down. Trouble is, everything is marred in a fog and what is on paper seems too outrageous to accept. Truths will be revealed and a killer’s identity shall be unmasked, but it may be too much for some to accept as they attempt to wrap their minds around what’s gone undetected and how many other lives have been cut short. A troubling novel, though one that fits right into the series and allows Barker to show just how sadistic things can get with a serial killer, given the opportunity. Recommended to series fans and those who want out of their comfort zone.

The concept for this series caught my attention when it was released and I knew I would have to find the time to add this to my ever-growing list of books to read. From the outset, the story pulled me in and kept me wanting to know more, especially since the serial killer stood out as being highly unique in their actions and the thrill of the chase. Returning as a quasi-protagonist again, Sam Porter offers the reader some insight into his personality and desire to get this killer off the streets. While there is no time for backstory, the reader does learn some interesting aspects about his life as well as how he is seen by his colleagues. Porter has little time for banter, wanting to get to the root of the matter, but fearful of tripping up and costing the investigation its best lead. He will have to remain level-headed and stay the course, or risk it all. Anson Bishop remains the other character to share the spotlight, though Barker seems to want to share the glory all around. Depicted as the mastermind killer, Bishop has a lot to say and won’t let himself face all the blame without opening up one more can of worms. What he reveals is both troubling and shocking, proof that may turn the case on its head, should anyone want to listen. In a story packed with interesting characters, Barker leaves no stone unturned in an attempt to flesh-out the truth, chilling the reader as the plunge deeper. The story remained strong throughout, climbing in its intensity through short chapters that tease just enough to keep the reader wanting to know more. I love this technique, as I find myself devouring things without being able to stop, promising myself and those around me that “one more chapter” will do. Matched with that, use of a diary to tell a captivating backstory leaves nothing to the imagination. In. trilogy set over six days, any reader wishing to binge the series can do so and feel the full impact of the story, allowing Barker to take over control and leave the reader at his mercy. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and the series, which brings together some great writing, strong narrative guidance, and a plot that has more twists than it does answers. Not to be missed, for those who have the stomach for the adventure.

Kudos, Mr. Barker, on another great book. I have loved everything of yours to date and cannot wait to discover more.

Volumes 1 and 2 had such great twists that I was looking forward to number 3. While the ending itself is great, the rest of the novel is a little too convoluted for my taste. Too many bodies, too many murders, too many suspects... At this point I'm invested in the characters and worry about them, but sometimes it was hard to see where they were going. Once again, nothing is what it seems but, after too many surprises, I started struggling to follow everything that was going on. The final third is suspenseful and I actually really enjoyed the big reveals. All the loose ends are tied and it all makes sense. I just wish that the rest of the plot had been more straightforward. It's still a great ending and I may have been a little too tough since I really, really loved the previous installments.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Hampton Creek Press!

Wow, the third book in this trilogy does not disappoint. After a slow start setting the scene from the end of the second book, the author takes us on a roller coaster of a ride with a plethora of dead bodies and suspects which keeps us guessing until all is revealed at the end. This is one of my favourite series of all time, I never re-read books but I might have to this time to savour it all again.

I would recommend this to anyone who want's a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat it's a real page turner. It is not one those mysteries that that you have figured by page ten. Definitely will surprise you. I would certainly recommend you read all three of these books. Great characters and brilliant book.

Oh my God!! What an extraordinary book this is!! And now how do any other book live up to the comparison of this entire series. When I read the first book in this series I had written "One of the best, if not the best thriller that I've read for a long time." in the review of that book. And honestly this series just kept getting better and better. This is by far the best series I have ever read and I doubt if any other series will ever be able to replace it. This piece of work is literally the work of a master and his genius is evident in the pages. Every word, every sentence, every page, every chapter is a masterpiece and an exhilarating experience. J.D. Barker just toyed with the audience and all that I did during and after every chapter was to say "damn!!" and "what in the hell is going on!!" Every time I tried to guess the heading of the story I found that I was nowhere close to being correct and in reality it just took off in another direction. When I finished the book all I could say to myself was "What in the hell did I just read!!" Hats off to you Mr Barker. You have always been one of my favourite authors from when I was introduced to you after reading the first book and now I can proudly say that you definitely are my favourite author of all time and I can't wait to see what sort of journey you decide to take us on next. But I can say for sure that you have one star-struck passenger who's already prepared to board that ship when it arrives. And heart-felt thank you to you. And a big thank you to NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book in exchange of my honest review.

I hadn't read the previous two books but I really enjoyed reading this. The characters were great and I liked the mystery.

In an ideal world I would have reread the first two books immediately before this one but to be honest I couldn’t wait I to get stuck in as soon as it hit my kindle. This is book 3 of the 4MK trilogy and you really need to have read the first two. I did have some concerns on the way through this one about where the author was going with it but ultimately I think he had the right ending. This is a great trilogy and I’m a bit envious of those new readers who will be able to read all three back to back. Prepare to have your mind blown.

Holy Monkey! What a thrilling tale to tie the previous two stories together. Don’t let the length fool you. It’ll draw you in and tare your brain in multiple directions. Each time I expected one out come to find out it went in a whole new direction. I felt so many emotions on this final ride I’m sad to see it end. I’ll certainly be rereading this series again and again!

Hello, my name is Yvonne and I'm addicted to serial killer thrillers. Don't ask me how, don't ask me why, but every time I see the word serial killer mentioned in a blurb, my heart starts beating faster and I can't help myself but to read the whole story as soon as possible. The more disturbing, twisted and gruesome the serial killer, the happier I end up feeling after I finish it... I'm not sure what that says about me and my (possibly?) disturbing mindset, but you won't be able to stop me from getting my dose of serial killer thrillers like you can't you keep me from my cheese or chocolate either. And addicted or not, there is no doubt that this trilogy is the crème de la crème when it comes to serial killer thrillers. Holy cow, what a read!

The first thing you have to know about this trilogy is that it's an absolute must reading the three books in order, because you won't be able to follow the story or get the references otherwise. Rather than three separate stories, we deal with one big plot devided into three parts and past information is crucial to keep following Sam Porter and Anson Bishop's story and properly enjoy the ride. And with each book being more twisted and brilliant than the previous one, you will be in for a treat with all three if you haven't started them yet. Exactly because this is such a fluid story divided into three parts, it is very hard to discuss the plot and character developments without giving away the plot twists of the previous two books while discussing The Sixth Wicked Child. I will keep it short to avoid spoilers, but if you haven't read the first two books yet, I suggest you skip the rest of this review just to be on the safe side.

Remember those giant cliffhangers at the end of book one and two? The Sixth Wicked Child picks up right where the second story left, and starts with a bang at that. From the very first page, I found myself glued to my seat and I couldn't help myself devouring those pages like there was no tomorrow. 560 pages might seem a bit long for a thriller, but trust me, you won't find a boring minute in this brilliant final episode of the 4MK trilogy and you will enjoy every suspenseful minute of the ride. You thought the first two books were intense? Guess what, J.D. Barker found a way to take the intensity up a notch and make this third book the strongest 4MK yet. Disturbing, twisted, dark, hair-raising, shocking and one heck of a crazy ride: this series is not for the weak-hearted and it will include a healthy dose of graphic scenes, abuse and violence in general.

As for the characters... I've grown close to Sam Porter, Ansom Bishop and the others over time and I enjoyed seeing them develop in The Sixth Wicked Child. I love how this final book gives us the necessary background information of Ansom's childhood and connects all the dots that were still missing. The main characters are basically all flawed, but described and developed in such a way that you cannot help yourself rooting for them and hoping everything will turn out to be okay in the end. The Sixth Wicked Child makes multiple references to the first two books, and it was great seeing everything connect and work towards the big finale. There will be a lot of twists and intense moments involved, and with the help of the diary and different POVs it's easy to get the full scope of what is happening. Guessing those twists will be another matter though, and this story will definitely have a few plot twist bomb surprises for you in store. If you have a taste for dark and disturbing thrillers and haven't had the chance to meet 4MK yet, I can highly suggest remedying that ASAP. Why? All of the above, but in short: this series is an absolute must-read for serial killer thriller fans. Go, go, GO!

What a fantastic read!!!! This is the third and final book in the 4MK killer Triology. After reading the first two books The Fourth Monkey and The Fifth To Die which I awarded an easy five stars, I could not wait to start reading this one. From page one I was hooked and find it very hard to put down I WANTED TO KNOW THE TRUTH!!!!! This book had me changing my mind after each each chapter, I had my suspect no I haven't got a clue. I spent most of this read sat on the edge of my seat and tapping my kindle like a demented wood pecker. This is one hell of a rollercoaster of a read, plenty of heart in your mouth moments. Gripping, got my heart racing and oh yes a brilliant ending to this fantastic and so addictive Triology. An easy five no hell TEN stars AND SO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Personally the best trilogy i have ever read. A must read you will not be disappointed!!!!
I would like to thank the author, Hampton Creek Press and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

What the hell did I just read !! So twisted and clever this is a book with a devastatingly fiendish plot and it was perfect ...just 100% perfect that’s the only way I can actually describe this stunning book and just when you think it can’t get any better it damn well does and it just blew my mind !!! Superb writing that just took my breath away and fabulous characters what more can you ask for in a novel and this one has it all and a whole lot more.
I knew when I first started reading it was going to be good, I had loved both the previous books in the series and given them both 5 stars but I wasn’t prepared at all for just how absolutely superb this conclusion to the 4MK series was going to be and wow and wow again Mr Barker you have the mind of a genius and I just wish I had a a larger vocabulary to give you the praise you deserve but I guess you can tell I loved the book and it’s my top read of this year. The amount of times my jaw dropped while reading and the words “well I didn’t see that coming” came out of my mouth was astounding and this is why I class this book as a perfect read.
Many, many thanks J D Barker for giving me so much pleasure reading this whole series and please never stop writing you are an amazing author.
So if you haven’t read this series then please don’t miss out you are in for a real treat ..all the stars and more from me.
My thanks to NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle ARC of The Sixth Wicked Child.

I love mysteries, especially serial killers. It's hard to write a good serial killer, because you want him or her to be smart, witty, and diabolical but remain within the constraints of logic and reason.

In the final conclusion to the 4MK trilogy, Anson Bishop's past is finally revealed and the final puzzle piece to his twisted plan is put into motion as readers are offered insight into his childhood and his reason behind all the blood and destruction.

If there's one thing I love more than a serial killer mystery series, its a killer you sympathize with who is out for vengeance, not senseless killing just because.

The Sixth Wicked Child takes up exactly where the second book ended;

Porter's colleagues are quarantined at the hospital while Porter has been arrested and at the precinct.

His co-worker Nash, and FBI Agent Poole is still tracking Bishop, who gives himself up to the authorities, but with an agenda.

Each detective sets off on his investigative path leading to shocking reveals, more deaths and the cruelest twist of all: a horrible misunderstanding.

The twist was good, though I suspected it was coming, because I believed in Sam Porter's credibility as an honest man and good cop.

I liked Clair and Nash, even Poole began to grow on me. I didn't like Bishop, but I sympathized with him and it got me thinking, like the author noted was the catalyst for writing the series: is a serial killer born or made?

The short chapters ratchet up the tension and urgency as more bodies are discovered and Bishop and Porter pursue their own agendas, eventually leading each of them right back to where it all began.

The finale was satisfying, tying all the loose ends, demonstrating that no one leaves unscathed after all the horror and bloodshed.