Review by Ian Keogh
Serial opens with a sleazy fast food outlet manager coming on too strong to one of his teenage employees in a remote location. Terry Moore takes time to show just how badly that ends for him.
In combination with a title that more than hints at a serial killer, it establishes Jenni is exactly that, although it’s only right at the end that Moore reveals how an adult woman might be able to pass herself off as a teenage girl. Like so much about Serial, it’s clever.
Both primary characters are in fact serial killers, and followers of Moore’s work will be glad to see a return for the charismatic Zoe, last seen in Rachel Rising. However, readers can come to Serial cold without knowing it features a character Moore’s used before as all is explained. You may not learn why Zoe looks to be ten, but is in fact much older, but it justifies her resourcefulness and attitudes.
Moore’s storytelling is paced slowly, but is validly decompressed as we come to know the cast and their motivations. Down to the supporting cast, everyone’s purpose is well defined, although in Jenni’s case a little mystery is required to fuel the story. While it’s not Moore’s intention, there’s so much to admire about the sophisticated storytelling, full of neat little touches such as the growth of a dog indicating passing time.
It’s worth drawing attention to the plotting and writing because it can be underrated due to Moore being such an accomplished artist with such an attractive style. Delicate linework defines people so carefully, and Moore seems at home drawing whatever his story requires, be that the local woods or a mall office.
Given that one serial killer hunts another, the Dexter novels or TV show may have sparked the original idea, but structure, intimacy and pacing very much indicate a homage to the films of Alfred Hitchcock, although the levels of explicit violence are far greater.
You can buy Serial as individual paperbacks The Glass Tomb and Cat and Mouse, but having the entire story between two covers is far more satisfying for this bleak crime story well told and beautifully drawn. You’re not going find much better.
