Helpful Score: 3
Having read "Where Serpents Lie" and "The Fallen", I decided to go back and read Mr. Parker's books in chronological order. This is his third tome and my fifth Parker read.
Mr. Parker has the unique ability to draw the reader into the mystery surrounding the story he's trying to tell. In this case, there are two: The protagonist is not only trying to solve a murder that hits very close to home, but also assist the police in solving a serial murder spree - which may or may not be directly connected to his own case. The interactions that follow, including the touch of dealing with a terminally ill wife (that he adores) are very well put to print. I personally enjoy this kind of mystery and rank this one up to some of the best. Unlike "Little Saigon", which had more characters than you could shake a stick at, Mr. Parker kept the cast of "Summer of Fear" to a manageable size. Plot development was excellent, and I'm glad that he improved the quality of the dialogue between them.
All is not great, however. I wouldn't recommend this book to someone looking for really tight plotting in the hunt for a serial killer. Many novels dealing with serial killers can be too gruesome and grueling to read, which sometimes has a fascination all its own. Where this book shines is the way in which Mr. Parker weaves a web of conflicting emotions surrounding multiple adult relationships. Mr. Parker does a remarkable job allowing us to peer into the life of someone watching as a loved one suffers a debilitating, potentially terminal illness.
While there are a few plot weaknesses in "Summer of Fear", I would recommend this novel if you truly appreciate a good character study in the way people interact under multiple stress loads.
Mr. Parker has the unique ability to draw the reader into the mystery surrounding the story he's trying to tell. In this case, there are two: The protagonist is not only trying to solve a murder that hits very close to home, but also assist the police in solving a serial murder spree - which may or may not be directly connected to his own case. The interactions that follow, including the touch of dealing with a terminally ill wife (that he adores) are very well put to print. I personally enjoy this kind of mystery and rank this one up to some of the best. Unlike "Little Saigon", which had more characters than you could shake a stick at, Mr. Parker kept the cast of "Summer of Fear" to a manageable size. Plot development was excellent, and I'm glad that he improved the quality of the dialogue between them.
All is not great, however. I wouldn't recommend this book to someone looking for really tight plotting in the hunt for a serial killer. Many novels dealing with serial killers can be too gruesome and grueling to read, which sometimes has a fascination all its own. Where this book shines is the way in which Mr. Parker weaves a web of conflicting emotions surrounding multiple adult relationships. Mr. Parker does a remarkable job allowing us to peer into the life of someone watching as a loved one suffers a debilitating, potentially terminal illness.
While there are a few plot weaknesses in "Summer of Fear", I would recommend this novel if you truly appreciate a good character study in the way people interact under multiple stress loads.
"Taut suspense and incredible drama surround this startling and poignant story...Will have readers double-locking their doors every night." Ocala Star Banner
"A wrenching emotional journey...Parker is a talented writer who bouilds suspense peice by intricate piece." Philadelphia Enquirer
"A wrenching emotional journey...Parker is a talented writer who bouilds suspense peice by intricate piece." Philadelphia Enquirer
In the twisted world of a serial killer...anything can happen...and no one is safe.
Good read, love this auther
I like Jefferson Parker who done its Lots of twists and turns. 3 stars
It's a scorching California summer,and cop-turned crime writer Russ Monroe has stumbled onto the hottest story of his career. A vicious serial killer is massacring entire families, leaving once-peaceful communities paralyzed with fear.
The police are keeping the murders under wraps, and Munroe has a desperate need to know why. Because he just found the bludgeoned body of the latest victim-his beautiful ex-lover. And because the two men observed at the murder scene have become rivals for the role of prime suspect. On is Laguna Beach's homicide detective. The other is Munroe himself...
My first novel by Parker and I enjoyed it.
The police are keeping the murders under wraps, and Munroe has a desperate need to know why. Because he just found the bludgeoned body of the latest victim-his beautiful ex-lover. And because the two men observed at the murder scene have become rivals for the role of prime suspect. On is Laguna Beach's homicide detective. The other is Munroe himself...
My first novel by Parker and I enjoyed it.
Hard to put down.............you just have to keep reading!!
