Necessary Evil [Paperback]

David A. Van Meter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1997

Having witnessed the brutal murder of the person closest to him in childhood, Billy McIlvain grows up dreaming of revenge and is so twisted by his hatred that he becomes a ruthless psychopath as a grown man. Reprint.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

NECESSARY EVIL David Meter. St. Martin's, $5.99 ISBN 0-312-95924-9. Debut thriller told from the perspective of an ex-con transformed into a brutal killer by a childhood trauma.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Billy McIlvain's most memorable childhood times were spent with his Philadelphia Main Line family, and he was happiest when celebrating his birthday with his beloved banker grandfather. Then on Billy's tenth birthday fishing trip, his grandfather is murdered. This nightmarish episode and the departure of his tennis pro father (when a sizable inheritance does not materialize) end forever any appearance of a "normal" life for him. Lacking emotional support from his alcoholic mother, the teenaged Billy becomes increasingly alienated-an alienation fueled by the need to avenge his grandfather's death. After doing time in prison, Billy seeks his father to make him pay for the early years of neglect. This wrenching first-person account intersperses Billy's pre-prison memories and letters to the dead grandfather with present-day events and fantasies. A powerful and compelling novel; for popular collections.
V. Louise Saylor, Eastern Washington Univ. Lib., Cheney
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St Martins Mass Market Paper (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312959249
• ISBN-13: 978-0312959241
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,653,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Set aside an afternoon and read this book!!!!, September 12, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Necessary Evil (Paperback)

The most horrific thing a child could experience has happened. There, right before his eyes, the most important person in his life is humiliated, beaten, and then killed. Adding insult to injury, the killers are set free and rewarded with a court settlement of his inheritance! If you ever wondered what serial killers are made of, you've found the perfect recipe. Billy never stood a chance with his alcoholic mother and abusive stepfather. Travel with Billy as he follows his misguided conscience and attempts to avenge all the wrongs in the world. You'll feel his pain and that of his victims!!!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book Ever!!, June 16, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Mt. Carmel, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Necessary Evil (Paperback)

This was a book I couldn't put down, I read it in one day. The main character Billy is an oddly mystifying man. He's got so many different characteristics he goes from being an average single working man to a sex crazed killer/stalker. This is one book everyone should read, definately could keep anyone intrested!!

5.0 out of 5 stars A noir masterpiece, November 6, 2011

By 

Frank McGrath (Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Necessary Evil (Paperback)

A chance reach of my arm in a second hand bookshop brought this book to me. It's rare for a thriller to tell the story from the killer's point of view - it demands deep empathy with the character and a thorough understanding of the psychology that has made him what he is. As we read, we learn, chapter by chapter how Billy McElwain is transformed from a loving and lovable child into a cold-blooded killer. It's packed with insight and wonderful descriptions - "jeans that fit her like shrink wrap" being one. Buy this book. You will not regret it.