The Killer (Wilson novel)

The Killer is a crime novel written by Colin Wilson, published in 1970. It centers on Gerard Sorme, a philosophy student and writer living in London, who becomes entangled in a series of brutal murders. Sorme is initially fascinated by the psychology of killers and attempts to understand their motivations, drawing on his knowledge of philosophy and criminology.

As the murders escalate and the police struggle to find the perpetrator, Sorme becomes increasingly involved, even suspecting himself at times. The novel explores themes of existentialism, the nature of evil, the duality of human nature, and the dangerous allure of violence.

Wilson uses Sorme's intellectual investigations into the killer's mind to explore broader philosophical questions about free will, determinism, and the meaning of life. The Killer blends elements of the crime thriller with Wilson's characteristic philosophical inquiry. The narrative follows Sorme's attempts to unravel the mystery while also grappling with his own internal conflicts and anxieties. The conclusion of the novel offers a resolution to the murders but also raises unsettling questions about the potential for violence that exists within all individuals.