Grove Hanson was working as a sound mixer for a lounge act at a casino when he saw the note demanding that he choose. By choosing a person at random, he became a passive accomplice to murder as an entity he dubbed "Southpaw" took over and satiated its bloodlust. The killing of a young woman in Nevada necessitated a change in scenery, so Grove relocated to San Francisco. Despite the distance between him and his crimes, the command to choose would come again, along with more carnage. He needed to control his murderous appendage while being more selective in the choice of prospective victims, which led to Grove moving to Washington and finding work at a local penitentiary. However, as he learns to his chagrin, "Southpaw" has a will of its own, and once unleashed, it is a force that cannot be completely contained.

The timeless battle between good and evil plays out in the main character's heart and mind in this solid psychological drama with supernatural elements. The spirited narrative delivers more than its fair share of shocking moments from Grove's first kill onwards. Despite his role in the violence, the protagonist's remorse for his actions allows him to retain a hint of humanity. The story gains traction as the narrative shifts from Grove's perspective to Kelso Kollen, his former flame. As Kelso realizes what she has inherited, she believes she knows how to keep "Southpaw" happy and contained while picking righteous victims. The plot retains enough surprises to keep the reader hooked until the brilliant conclusion. Fans of the Dexter series, as well as movies such as Fallen and The Hidden, will enjoy this novel.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

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