So I kept my promise to myself, and two weekends ago went to the book shop and bought, Darkly Dreaming Dexter, and it's sequel, Dearly Devoted Dexter. Darkly Dreaming Dexter is the first book of the series that follows serial killer, who only kills the bad guys that deserve it, as he deals with some of his own internal conflicts as a new, flashy, serial killer wanders into his neighbourhood. Dexter is torn between admiration for this new predator, do what he does best.

I'd have to say the show is rather 'loosely' based on the book. The book was an excellent read I have to say. I finished it off in a couple of nights, which is unusual for me. Darkly Dreaming Dexter formed the basis for season one of the TV show Dexter, although after both watching series one and reading the book. If you've watched the show, but have decided to give the books a miss because you think you know what is going to happen, then think again. There are a number of differences between the book and TV series.

* WARNING: WHAT FOLLOWS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR BOTH SEASON ONE OF DEXTER AND THE BOOK DARKLY DREAMING DEXTER *

Firstly, the TV series contains a large number of sub-plots that are not dealt with at all in the book. For example, the book deals almost exclusively with Dexter's investigation of the "Tamiami Butcher", or the "Ice Truck Killer" in the TV series. Very little is made of his relationship with Rita, there are no appearances by her ex-husband, Deb does not 'date' Rudy, Angel is another lab tech, and not a Detective.

Another major change in the book is that for a large part of the novel, the reader is led to believe that Dexter himself may be committing the “Tamiami Butcher” murders. The novel makes numerous references to Dexter having a 'Dark Passenger' within him, which is not even mentioned in Season One. Dexter describes the 'Dark Passenger' as often riding in the backseat of his consciousness until the urge to kill overwhelms him and he lets the 'Dark Passenger' take the steering wheel.

There are other far less subtle differences between the novel and the TV show, but if you want to know more you'll need to read the book!

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