"Darkly Dreaming Dexter" is a novel written by Jeff Lindsay, first published in 2004. It is the first book in the Dexter series, which gained significant popularity and was later adapted into the successful television series "Dexter." The novel follows Dexter Morgan, who works as a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department. Dexter is also a vigilante serial killer who targets other murderers who have escaped justice. However, Dexter has a code instilled in him by his adoptive father, Harry, which limits his victims to those who are themselves killers and have evaded legal consequences. The story unfolds as Dexter becomes involved in the investigation of a series of murders, which bear a striking resemblance to his own methods. This leads Dexter to confront his own identity and past, as well as the dark forces that shaped him into who he is. Lindsay's novel is known for its dark humor, exploration of morality, and the complex character of Dexter himself. It delves into themes of justice, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The success of the novel spawned a series of books continuing Dexter's story, as well as the aforementioned television adaptation that ran for several seasons.
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