01/24 "The Hand of Justice" by Shelby Thomas

The cover sheet suggests that Shelby Thomas's "The Hand of Justice" is a short story in the guise of a transcript from a tape recording from a serial killer. Based on what the reader is given, the tape recording is made by the killer, Douglas G. Sheridan. There is likely no one else (living) in the room, but I would infer that the recording is made recently after the last killing. The reason Sheridan gives for his crimes is the status of his victims as "dirty whores." Through his bumblings it becomes apparent that  he finds these women (and likely all women) unclean and a nuisance to be rid of. It ends with him telling people not to judge him as evil, though he believes he will probably go to hell.

While it is an interesting set-up, I don't know if it's the strongest way to wrap this piece of evidence, which is technically what it would be considered, I think. The strongest aspect of the story is the rambling colloquial, distanced dialogue from a person who believes in his own cause. Some issues revolve around his belief in himself, which I think would be more whole-hearted than it comes off. I'm not sure if he would think he'd go to hell. Also, if he is someone who needs to justify his crimes, I would like to see some sort of justification for the last murder. If she wasn't a dirty whore, why did he kill her? did she insult him? Did she find out and need to be killed to avoid being discovered. There is room to ramble and give more information. For now, I think it is a good idea that needs more meat on its bones.