Let's face it . . a large body count does not make up for bad writing. Even though it seems like descriptions of different methods of killing someone are what readers and publishers want, it is not going to last.  The only thing that lasts is a good story.  I hate wasting time reading a book where you no sooner are introduced to a character before their head is exploded and the killer watches the brains ooze down the wall.  I would love to find a mystery series where NO ONE IS DEAD and yet the mystery is intriging and ongoing.  Give me a good story. .  not a masacure.