Bonded by Death by Jared A. Rogers

Bonded by Death by Jared A. Rogers
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Contemporary
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Slicing up dead bodies is one thing, but befriending the person responsible for creating them is another. Dr. Warren Gates has taken over as the King County Medical Examiner as the hunt for a dangerous serial killer begins and at each crime scene, the murders are as much gruesome as they are bizarre. Along with an unrecognizable branding, the victims are left with no fingers or toes. The professional precision in which the mutilations occur immediately grabs Warren’s interest, but what he doesn’t know, is that he’s about to be more involved than examining the leftovers

Warren’s life is turned upside down when the killer reveals himself in a desire to become friends. However, the relationship also comes with a unique offer, if Warren can figure out the reason for the murders, the killer promises to stop. With the cops, his wife, and the killer themself breathing down his neck the game is more dangerous than it seems. Is it genuine? Is it a sick joke? The bigger question is, how many bodies will pile up in Warren’s lab before he finds out?

Bonded by Death is original and unpredictable. It lives up to its name—thriller—by keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Dr. Warren Gates is a medical examiner and is very focused on his job. During his autopsies, he can separate himself from the death of the person before him to get the job done.

There is a serial killer on the loose, and Dr. Gates is the one who receives the victims afterward. His job alone is well-explained and detailed enough for readers to feel like they’re in the room with him. His assistant is peppy and adds interest to the story. She has intriguing insights and methods to her work alongside the doctor. The other characters are perfect and bring out the best or the worst in Dr. Gates.

Things take an unexpected turn. The killer introduces himself to the doctor. This is where the book differs from others of the same genre. Dr. Gates gets deeper and deeper involved, and his trouble and doubts about his future add tension to this different story.

If you like thrillers and want a different take on things, why not give this book a try?