What do you think?
Rate this book
Der Albtraum
Schwanger und auf der Flucht vor dem gewalttätigen Mann, dessen perverse Spiele sie an den psychischen Abgrund getrieben haben, kommt die junge Julianna Starr nach New Orleans. Hier will sie Adoptiveltern für ihr Kind finden. Als ihr die Agentur die Akte von Richard und Kate Ryan vorlegt, die ein Baby adoptieren wollen, verliebt sie sich sofort in Richards Bild. Julianna fasst einen perfiden Plan: Sie sucht Richards Nähe, nimmt einen Job in seiner Kanzlei an, will seine heimlichsten Wünsche herausfinden, um seine Ehe zu zerstören und Kates Platz einzunehmen.
Ein beklemmender Psychothriller um eine verhängnisvolle Affäre, meisterhaft aufgebaut von der Top-Autorin Erica Spindler.
Ein beklemmender Psychothriller um eine verhängnisvolle Affäre, meisterhaft aufgebaut von der Top-Autorin Erica Spindler.
Paperback
First published March 1, 1999
129 people are currently reading
1496 people want to read
About the author
Erica Spindler
99 books2,544 followersA New York Times and International bestselling author, Erica Spindler's skill for crafting engrossing plots and compelling characters has earned both critical praise and legions of fans. Her stories have been lauded as “thrill-packed page turners, white- knuckle rides and edge-of-your-seat whodunits.”
Erica loves meeting and interacting with her fans, both in person and online. She has a wicked sense of humor, an optimistic spirit and loves coffee, chocolate and red wine, not necessarily in that order.
In 2002 her novel Bone Cold won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence. A Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, she received a Kiss of Death Award for her novels Forbidden Fruit and Dead Run and was a four-time RITA® Award finalist. In 1999 Publishers Weekly awarded the audio version of her novel Shocking Pink a Listen Up Award, naming it one of the best audio mystery books of 1998.
Erica lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband and two sons.
Erica loves meeting and interacting with her fans, both in person and online. She has a wicked sense of humor, an optimistic spirit and loves coffee, chocolate and red wine, not necessarily in that order.
In 2002 her novel Bone Cold won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence. A Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, she received a Kiss of Death Award for her novels Forbidden Fruit and Dead Run and was a four-time RITA® Award finalist. In 1999 Publishers Weekly awarded the audio version of her novel Shocking Pink a Listen Up Award, naming it one of the best audio mystery books of 1998.
Erica lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband and two sons.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
April 5, 2013
I liked this book. I really, really did. But I didn’t like Richard. At all. He’s selfish, insecure, egotistical, and prone to bouts of jealousy. He’s not exactly husband material, even though Kate has been married to him for the past ten years, in what I can only assume was wedded bliss, until he found a bed more enticing than his own. Sure, he’s attractive for middle age, and he seems to take care of himself, but that doesn’t give him a license for adultery.
And I’d have to say for an ex-CIA officer, John Powers isn’t really all that appealing either. He takes child molestation and stalking and revenge and a sense of perverted justice to a whole new level, and as long as he has a gun or knife in his possession, he doesn’t care who gets in his way. Yeah, he pretty much has that whole evil thing down pat.
While Luke Dallas does have his finer moments, he starts out as a reasonably unlikeable character, and he’s become just a wee bit obsessed with rubbing his writing success in the face of Richard and Kate, to the point that his Christmas cards are filled with publicity announcements for his latest masterpiece. But he did change (and for the better) by the end of the novel, while Richard proceeded on his downward, self-obsessed spiral faster than Tiger Woods.
Right about now, you might be asking yourself why I gave CAUSE FOR ALARM four stars. Other than a group of unlikeable characters (all of which seemed to be male), this book held my attention from the first page to the last. The story provided enough twists and turns to rival a West Virginia holler, intriguing characterization (if you exclude about a handful of males), I could practically taste the humidity in the Mandeville, Louisiana setting, and the book moved as swiftly as an interstate highway.
If I didn’t already have more Erica Spindler novels in my Kindle, I’d certainly be adding a few more after this entertaining read.
And I’d have to say for an ex-CIA officer, John Powers isn’t really all that appealing either. He takes child molestation and stalking and revenge and a sense of perverted justice to a whole new level, and as long as he has a gun or knife in his possession, he doesn’t care who gets in his way. Yeah, he pretty much has that whole evil thing down pat.
While Luke Dallas does have his finer moments, he starts out as a reasonably unlikeable character, and he’s become just a wee bit obsessed with rubbing his writing success in the face of Richard and Kate, to the point that his Christmas cards are filled with publicity announcements for his latest masterpiece. But he did change (and for the better) by the end of the novel, while Richard proceeded on his downward, self-obsessed spiral faster than Tiger Woods.
Right about now, you might be asking yourself why I gave CAUSE FOR ALARM four stars. Other than a group of unlikeable characters (all of which seemed to be male), this book held my attention from the first page to the last. The story provided enough twists and turns to rival a West Virginia holler, intriguing characterization (if you exclude about a handful of males), I could practically taste the humidity in the Mandeville, Louisiana setting, and the book moved as swiftly as an interstate highway.
If I didn’t already have more Erica Spindler novels in my Kindle, I’d certainly be adding a few more after this entertaining read.
October 2, 2020
Geweldig boek!
February 13, 2015
For my Momma
My Momma's favorite writer and now I understand why. Mystery and intrigue till the very end. Keeps you guessing till the end.
My Momma's favorite writer and now I understand why. Mystery and intrigue till the very end. Keeps you guessing till the end.
November 30, 2016
Ich habe keine Ahnung, wann und wo ich „Der Albtraum“ von Erica Spindler gekauft habe. Das Buch lag ewig auf meinem SuB. Ich besitze es länger, als ich bei Goodreads angemeldet bin. Ich weiß, dass es während meiner intensiven Thriller-Phase bei mir landete, dann jedoch in Vergessenheit geriet, weil mein Interesse an diesem Genre abflaute. Als ich es jetzt hervorholte, waren meine Erwartungen bescheiden. Ich wollte damit lediglich eine Aufgabe des Lesebingos 2016 erfüllen: „Lies ein Buch, dessen Autor dieselben Initialen hat wie du“. Da Erica Spindler die einzige Autorin in meinem Regal ist, die dieselben Initialen hat wie ich, blieb mir keine andere Wahl.
Als Julianna New Orleans erreicht, ist sie 19 Jahre alt, allein und schwanger von einem Mörder. Sie versucht, sich an den Gedanken zu gewöhnen, bald für ein Leben außer ihrem eigenen verantwortlich zu sein. Es gelingt ihr nicht. Ihr Bauch wächst und mit ihm die Erkenntnis, dass sie keine Mutter sein möchte. Schon gar nicht die Mutter eines Kindes, dessen Vater völlig gestört ist. Sie wendet sich an eine Adoptionsagentur. Die Agentur empfängt Julianna mit offenen Armen. Es ist an ihr, eines der Paare auszuwählen, die sich mehr als alles andere auf der Welt ein Kind wünschen. Der Moment, in dem sie Richard und Kate Ryan erblickt, erscheint Julianna wie eine Offenbarung. Er ist der Richtige. Sie weiß es. Richard Ryan ist ihre Zukunft. Kate wird das Baby bekommen, das sie sich so sehr wünscht. Julianna wird Richard bekommen. Ein fairer Tausch. Sie fasst einen perfiden Plan, um Richard nach der Geburt des Babys für sich zu gewinnen, ohne zu ahnen, dass der Vater des Kindes, der Mann mit dem Codenamen Eis, bereits nach ihr sucht…
Ich bin ehrlich überrascht. „Der Albtraum“ war sehr viel besser, als ich erwartet hatte. Tatsächlich ist es nach langer Zeit endlich mal wieder ein wirklich guter Thriller. Nach langer Zeit habe ich beim Lesen endlich wieder diesen besonderen Nervenkitzel gespürt, der das Genre eigentlich prinzipiell auszeichnen sollte. Erica Spindlers Geschichte nahm mich völlig gefangen, sodass ich das Buch buchstäblich nicht mehr aus der Hand legen wollte und etwa 400 Seiten in einer einzigen Nacht gelesen habe. Ich denke, der Grund, warum „Der Albtraum“ mich dermaßen fesselte, ist, dass das Buch nicht dem ausgelutschten Schema F von „Ermittler_in vs. Täter_in“ folgt. Ich mochte es, einmal nicht munteres Rätselraten spielen und herausfinden zu müssen, wer denn nun der Mörder ist. Erica Spindler legt ihre Karten offen auf den Tisch. Sie stellt all ihre Charaktere zu Beginn des Romans vor und etabliert ihre verschiedenen Beziehungen zueinander. Meine Aufgabe als Leserin bestand nicht darin, zu ermitteln. Sie bestand darin, mich entspannt zurückzulehnen und zu beobachten, wie die Dinge ihren fatalen Lauf nehmen. Diese Distanz gefiel mir unheimlich gut, weil ich mich durch die deutlich wahrnehmbare Abwärtsspirale dennoch nicht ausgeschlossen fühlte. Besonders Juliannas Mission, Richard, den Adoptivvater ihres Kindes, zu verführen, empfand ich als super spannend. Sie spielt mit ihm, manipuliert ihn und drückt seine Knöpfe, ohne dass ihm ein Verdacht käme. Ich hätte ihr so viel Ehrgeiz, Perfidität und Cleverness gar nicht zugetraut, da sie auf mich anfangs verwöhnt, naiv und weltfremd wirkte. Ihre eiskalte Berechnung war beeindruckend, obwohl sie folglich nicht unbedingt einen Preis für Sympathie gewinnt. Wie von der Autorin beabsichtigt, war ich im Team Kate, die man wohl am ehesten als das Opfer der Geschichte bezeichnen könnte. Sie tat mir aufrichtig leid. Überhaupt war es sehr leicht, sich in die Figuren hineinzuversetzen, ihre Beweggründe und Bedürfnisse zu verstehen, da Spindler sie explizit und sauber ausformuliert denken und fühlen lässt. Dieser Aspekt geriet ein wenig unrealistisch, ich kann jedoch nachvollziehen, dass sie sich zugunsten der Bindung an die Charaktere für diesen Kniff entschied. Grundsätzlich ist die Geschichte dieses Thrillers selbstverständlich ohnehin sehr unwahrscheinlich, wenn auch nicht unmöglich. Es handelt sich um eine arg unglückliche Verkettung spezieller Umstände, die in der Realität so vermutlich nicht zustande käme. Meiner Meinung nach war der Hintergrund des Killers ein wenig viel des Guten, allerdings musste Spindler eine Erklärung für seine Motivation anbieten und sie hätte es schlechter machen können.
Zu guter Letzt möchte ich noch erwähnen, dass dieses Buch 1999 das erste Mal veröffentlicht wurde – bevor jede Privatperson Zugriff auf das Internet hatte. Ich fand es äußerst amüsant, wie schwierig das Beschaffen von Informationen für die Figuren dadurch ist. Es war nett, daran erinnert zu werden, dass es noch gar nicht so lang her ist, dass nicht jeder Fakt einfach gegoogelt werden konnte. Für mich hatte „Der Albtraum“ auf diese Weise einen unbeabsichtigt nostalgischen Charme.
„Der Albtraum“ bescherte mir eine nervenaufreibende Nacht. Es ist ein spannender Thriller, der ein hohes Tempo pflegt, ohne zu hetzen oder die Ereignisse zu überschlagen. Die Kausalkette, die Erica Spindler bis ins kleinste Detail ausarbeitet, ist nachvollziehbar und realistisch, sieht man von den unwahrscheinlichen Voraussetzungen selbiger einmal ab. Sie dringt tief in die Psyche ihrer Figuren ein und gestaltet anhand dieser eine mitreißende Tour de Force, die die Leser_innen sicher vom Sofa aus verfolgen können. Ich freue mich, dass es doch noch Thriller gibt, die mir viel Spaß bereiten.
Ich empfehle euch „Der Albtraum“, wenn ihr Lust auf psychischen statt physischen Thrill habt. Grausige Tatorte kann euch dieses Buch nicht bieten und auch nicht die allseits beliebte Suche nach dem/der Täter_in. Stattdessen handelt es von Manipulation und Obsession, von den dunklen Windungen eines verwundeten Geistes und schadhaften Beziehungen. „Der Albtraum“ liefert genau das, was der Titel verspricht: einen Albtraum.
October 11, 2014
I know that purists will be able to pick holes in this book but I continue to enjoy Spindler's books for their readability, the stories kind of sweep you along. This was a good psychological thriller with a bit of stalker thrown in - I don't know how I managed to read three stalker books in a row, go figure. This particular stalker is even more menacing as he is a CIA assassin gone rogue (yeah I know it's a little far-fetched). The tension is palpable throughout the book as the baddie seeks to exact revenge for what he sees as betrayal. A number of innocents get caught up in the deadly game. You can guess the rest...
July 3, 2015
I'm not sure how I missed this book but I'm glad I found it as if was rather good and kept me on the edge of my seat while trying to figure out what was going to happen next.
September 27, 2017
I came away from this book feeling a little bit confused if I'm honest. The writing,characterisation and story line were well written and I did enjoy the book while I read it. It was an engaging read, yeti can't help but feel that it was lacking something, and not something I can necessarily put my finger on. It was my first Erica Spindler book, and I will probably try another of hers. I just feel that the premise could have been so much more than it was.
March 29, 2019
The last part of the book was the best part...for me...there was a lot of action, the characters were charged up....there was a lot of potential for it to have been this way from the beginning but it wasn't. I liked most of the characters except for Richard - narcissistic idiot and "Stalker" Julianna - I liked her much better towards the end of the book and I felt for her. John was a psycho and actually wanted him to be more a part of the story - he added the "thriller" part. Everyone in this book had flaws and that's good because that's more realistic and easier to relate to. Overall it was good and kept me engaged from the start to the finish.
August 10, 2011
Visiting my local book store I searched for Erica Spindler novels as I’m a devoted fan and reader. Cause for Alarm was calling out my name and it didn’t take me long to read it once I got it home.
Published in 2005 I’m still not sure how this novel, and author, stayed hidden from me for so long but now that I’ve read a few of her books I need to read them all.
Life was perfect for so many of the characters in this novel and yet the underlying feeling it gave me was that even smiles can hide sadness.
Kate and Richard have the perfect life – money, love, a long future together. The only thing missing for Kate is a baby, for Richard the role of District Attorney and for both a good friend who was caught in the middle. Kate loved both men, for different reasons, but when Richard asked her to marry him she said yes, not realizing this may have been done for all the wrong reasons. I’m sure we’ve all looked back and wondered if we did the right thing when it comes to marriage, Kate is just being bombarded with reasons why she didn’t.
Discovering Richard’s inability to have a child didn’t stop the couple from having a family and Richard, although obviously and cruelly hesitant (to the readers, not Kate), agreed to adoption which happened much faster for them then he would have liked. Julianna, the mother of their child, came from a twisted relationship and trusted all would be righted by giving her child to Kate before whisking Richard away on her fantasy.
Hired killers, hired lovers, assassins, a best-selling author, coffee shop owner and lawyer make up the main characters of this book and are all so different each reader can fall in love, pretend to be, and hate their own one. The story also made me appreciate the humdrum and romance of my own life and inspires me to think outside the coffee cup when it comes to my future.
Thanks Erica Spindler, it was a ride I’ll never forget!
And, as always, thank you for reading,
Sarah Butland
Published in 2005 I’m still not sure how this novel, and author, stayed hidden from me for so long but now that I’ve read a few of her books I need to read them all.
Life was perfect for so many of the characters in this novel and yet the underlying feeling it gave me was that even smiles can hide sadness.
Kate and Richard have the perfect life – money, love, a long future together. The only thing missing for Kate is a baby, for Richard the role of District Attorney and for both a good friend who was caught in the middle. Kate loved both men, for different reasons, but when Richard asked her to marry him she said yes, not realizing this may have been done for all the wrong reasons. I’m sure we’ve all looked back and wondered if we did the right thing when it comes to marriage, Kate is just being bombarded with reasons why she didn’t.
Discovering Richard’s inability to have a child didn’t stop the couple from having a family and Richard, although obviously and cruelly hesitant (to the readers, not Kate), agreed to adoption which happened much faster for them then he would have liked. Julianna, the mother of their child, came from a twisted relationship and trusted all would be righted by giving her child to Kate before whisking Richard away on her fantasy.
Hired killers, hired lovers, assassins, a best-selling author, coffee shop owner and lawyer make up the main characters of this book and are all so different each reader can fall in love, pretend to be, and hate their own one. The story also made me appreciate the humdrum and romance of my own life and inspires me to think outside the coffee cup when it comes to my future.
Thanks Erica Spindler, it was a ride I’ll never forget!
And, as always, thank you for reading,
Sarah Butland
February 1, 2016
this is one roller coaster ride! exhilarating!
kate is a very strong woman. of the characters, i like her the most. she embodies the perfect mother and perfect wife until the very end, even when her life was shattered by julianna.
i feel pity for julianna because her life was ruined by the one person she believed had gave her love and everything. i hope someday she will move on and find the life she deserves.
happy ending!
kate is a very strong woman. of the characters, i like her the most. she embodies the perfect mother and perfect wife until the very end, even when her life was shattered by julianna.
i feel pity for julianna because her life was ruined by the one person she believed had gave her love and everything. i hope someday she will move on and find the life she deserves.
happy ending!
November 19, 2014
Fast paced, intense, addicting read. Spindler knows how to weave a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is my first Spindler novel and I am hooked. I am excited to read more by her. I highly recommend this book. Murder, mystery, love, survival... this book is one you won't soon forget. 5 Gold stars.
August 16, 2014
Loved every page of this book. Signature Erica Spindler -- filled with tension, suspense and human frailty and twistedness.
September 29, 2014
Good Book
This book was very good. it was suspenseful and a fast read. I buy all of this author's books. Great author.
This book was very good. it was suspenseful and a fast read. I buy all of this author's books. Great author.
February 16, 2015
Perfect beach read. Predictable but gripping and fast paced from beginning to end. I've added a new favorite suspense author to my repertoire.
November 25, 2015
I have not read this author before, but this book was brilliant, action, suspense, a thrilling read, now going to look for more of hers
February 15, 2016
I read one other book by Erica Spindler and truly enjoyed it, so I am looking forward to reading this one.
March 19, 2016
Excellent Look forward to reading more by this author.
February 6, 2015
A fantastic book. I couldn't put it down!
October 7, 2015
Once again, a good read!!
October 9, 2017
I loved the plot for this book. It’s nothing too fancy but Erica Spindler was clever with creating complications. At the centre we have Julianna Starr + Kate Ryan + Richard Ryan with a baby connecting them all together but Julianna wants Richard to be her lover, creating chaos in Kate and Richard’s marriage. But that’s not all. By getting involved with the Ryans’ lives, Julianna drags them into her conflict with the ‘man of unspeakable evil’, putting all their lives in danger… Exciting plot! My kudos to the author.
I think what I loved most about this book is the author’s way of ending almost every chapter with some kind of statement that makes me go: “You have no idea, girl”, or “Mmmmhm”. They’re not cliffhangers. They just hint at what is about to happen or about to go wrong. For example, this conversation between Kate and Richard at the end of a chapter:
“I just wouldn’t want anything to happen to us.”
“Nothing will, love.” He tossed his credit card onto the bill, then smiled at her. “That I can promise you.”
Hah! Yeaaa right, Richard. Nice touch, Erica Spindler. That’s not all that I loved about her writing. She did terrific work with the characters. How I feel about ‘tormented Julianna’ isn’t up to me. Due to her past, I pitied her at the beginning of the book. Then I admired her – she was determined and really good at reading people. Somewhere along the course of this book, the author made me hate Julianna and feel disgusted by her, love her, and ache to take away her pain and suffering.
I finished the book feeling satisfied with the ending, with the fates she wrote for each character. If you like having no loose ends in a book or having nothing left up to your imagination, you will love Cause for Alarm. I haven’t read any other Erica Spindler novels, but I happen to see one in the local library, I’ll grab it for sure.
Trigger warning(s): Rape, Pedophilia.
I think what I loved most about this book is the author’s way of ending almost every chapter with some kind of statement that makes me go: “You have no idea, girl”, or “Mmmmhm”. They’re not cliffhangers. They just hint at what is about to happen or about to go wrong. For example, this conversation between Kate and Richard at the end of a chapter:
“I just wouldn’t want anything to happen to us.”
“Nothing will, love.” He tossed his credit card onto the bill, then smiled at her. “That I can promise you.”
Hah! Yeaaa right, Richard. Nice touch, Erica Spindler. That’s not all that I loved about her writing. She did terrific work with the characters. How I feel about ‘tormented Julianna’ isn’t up to me. Due to her past, I pitied her at the beginning of the book. Then I admired her – she was determined and really good at reading people. Somewhere along the course of this book, the author made me hate Julianna and feel disgusted by her, love her, and ache to take away her pain and suffering.
I finished the book feeling satisfied with the ending, with the fates she wrote for each character. If you like having no loose ends in a book or having nothing left up to your imagination, you will love Cause for Alarm. I haven’t read any other Erica Spindler novels, but I happen to see one in the local library, I’ll grab it for sure.
Trigger warning(s): Rape, Pedophilia.
August 30, 2019
Wow this is all kind of messed up!!
A former CIA assassin, John Powers, starts off by trying to track down his "girl" Julianna Starr, when she disappears. It seemingly appears that John may be after Julianna because she ran away.
Julianna has run away from John once she uncovers some kind of secret, either that or she is running scared because she found something ugly or saw the ugly truth about John. Seriously, John is capable of some really despicable things, but we as the readers have no idea just how despicable and horrific. Child molestation/grooming, killing, etc basically nothing will slow him down.
The other story is of Richard and Kate, who are this seemingly perfect couple with everything, success, good home, good relationship and all around perfect life. Except one thing is missing... a baby to complete this perfect couple. So in comes little pet Julianna, who stumbles upon them while in search of an adoptive family for her baby girl. Julianna is no sweet doll, she becomes very calculating and obsessive as soon as she sees "Richard" and believe she deserves him and that her baby is the perfect exchange for Kate's perfect family.
Poor Kate, had no idea what is coming to her and her little family. Richard is a douche bag, for not only adultery (cause Kate is too busy and tired with the baby), the me me me mentality and always wanting to win. Their old friend Luke, at first I wasn't sure about him but as things progress rapidly I am glad he stepped up and did things that may or may not have helped them as they try to run away from John.
Overall, a very intense and gripping read.
A former CIA assassin, John Powers, starts off by trying to track down his "girl" Julianna Starr, when she disappears. It seemingly appears that John may be after Julianna because she ran away.
Julianna has run away from John once she uncovers some kind of secret, either that or she is running scared because she found something ugly or saw the ugly truth about John. Seriously, John is capable of some really despicable things, but we as the readers have no idea just how despicable and horrific. Child molestation/grooming, killing, etc basically nothing will slow him down.
The other story is of Richard and Kate, who are this seemingly perfect couple with everything, success, good home, good relationship and all around perfect life. Except one thing is missing... a baby to complete this perfect couple. So in comes little pet Julianna, who stumbles upon them while in search of an adoptive family for her baby girl. Julianna is no sweet doll, she becomes very calculating and obsessive as soon as she sees "Richard" and believe she deserves him and that her baby is the perfect exchange for Kate's perfect family.
Poor Kate, had no idea what is coming to her and her little family. Richard is a douche bag, for not only adultery (cause Kate is too busy and tired with the baby), the me me me mentality and always wanting to win. Their old friend Luke, at first I wasn't sure about him but as things progress rapidly I am glad he stepped up and did things that may or may not have helped them as they try to run away from John.
Overall, a very intense and gripping read.
July 12, 2023
I read another Erica Spindler some years ago and enjoyed it so this has been on my shelf for ages, waiting. I finally got around to it and it's another really compelling read.
Unlike most thrillers, where you can clearly see the baddies and goodies early on, this does a lot of twisting and it's down to the author's skill that she can change your sympathies when someone who does something bad, is later good, or vice versa.
Though dealing with some dark subject matter, it never gets too graphic as to disgust you into stopping reading, and that's a mistake I've seen other writers make. A lot of writing is knowing what to leave off he page as much as what to put on it. Ms. Spindler knows how to craft a thriller. If you haven't read her, I encourage you to give one of her books a go. Fortunately, for me as well as you, there's lots to choose from.
Unlike most thrillers, where you can clearly see the baddies and goodies early on, this does a lot of twisting and it's down to the author's skill that she can change your sympathies when someone who does something bad, is later good, or vice versa.
Though dealing with some dark subject matter, it never gets too graphic as to disgust you into stopping reading, and that's a mistake I've seen other writers make. A lot of writing is knowing what to leave off he page as much as what to put on it. Ms. Spindler knows how to craft a thriller. If you haven't read her, I encourage you to give one of her books a go. Fortunately, for me as well as you, there's lots to choose from.
March 17, 2022
This book was a pleasant surprise for me. From the moment I started the book until I finished the last page I was in shock. The characters were believable, relatable in shape or form, and they felt real. This has been the first mystery thriller that I’ve read that I’ve actually believed the conflict inside of it. And the threat coming for them actually felt like a threat because the author wasn’t afraid to kill off any of her characters.
Very well done, definitely worth a reread and I look forward to trying more books by this author.
Very well done, definitely worth a reread and I look forward to trying more books by this author.
April 28, 2024
Summary:
Kate & Richard Ryan adopt a baby girl to complete their family. However, Julianna Starr (the baby’s biological mother) is a girl with a troubled past & she decides that she wants Richard all for herself. She stalks him, insinuates herself into his family & is willing to do anything to make him hers. No-one is safe from her. Not even a newborn baby.
My Thoughts:
This is a brilliant book. However, don’t read it if you are thinking about adopting a child. It is quite alarming & it could make you change your mind.
My Rating: * * * *
Kate & Richard Ryan adopt a baby girl to complete their family. However, Julianna Starr (the baby’s biological mother) is a girl with a troubled past & she decides that she wants Richard all for herself. She stalks him, insinuates herself into his family & is willing to do anything to make him hers. No-one is safe from her. Not even a newborn baby.
My Thoughts:
This is a brilliant book. However, don’t read it if you are thinking about adopting a child. It is quite alarming & it could make you change your mind.
My Rating: * * * *
February 28, 2020
I've read a few of Erica Spindler's books but this one was my probably my favorite, it kind of reminds me of the movies I enjoy watching that has me on the edge of my seat while munching on popcorn and chips. It was definitely a long story so I did wonder if I'd get through it but it turned out to be one of those books where I'd tell myself 'just one more chapter'.
It was definitely a good book.
It was definitely a good book.
February 22, 2021
I really enjoyed the storyline of Juliana coming in and trying to steal Kate's life. There was a lot going on. Not sure how i feel about the whole assassin thing. I could not stand the Richard character. What an ass! Even before they had the baby he was sulking about it. I was not sorry when he died. I was kind of hoping for it.
But overall I did enjoy reading this book. It was quick and definelty action packed.
But overall I did enjoy reading this book. It was quick and definelty action packed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2022
3.5 stars
Obviously this is an older book. I enjoyed it. Definitely a fast read. I found it to be better than many new books in the psychological thriller genre. It’s exciting and kept me glued to the pages. Trigger warnings - read what the book is about before you jump in. 100% Satisfied with the ending. I will try to get more from this author. I was surprised the length of the book didn’t bother me. I do recommend this.
Obviously this is an older book. I enjoyed it. Definitely a fast read. I found it to be better than many new books in the psychological thriller genre. It’s exciting and kept me glued to the pages. Trigger warnings - read what the book is about before you jump in. 100% Satisfied with the ending. I will try to get more from this author. I was surprised the length of the book didn’t bother me. I do recommend this.
December 28, 2025
Shaking My Head
This could have been a good book but the editing was so terrible I couldn’t tell. To demonstrate….? I ? Couldn’t ? Te
?ll ?. I have read hundreds of books on kindle and have encountered some poor editing but this is beyond the pale. I can’t even begin to imagine how this could be approved ????????????"???????????????
This could have been a good book but the editing was so terrible I couldn’t tell. To demonstrate….? I ? Couldn’t ? Te
?ll ?. I have read hundreds of books on kindle and have encountered some poor editing but this is beyond the pale. I can’t even begin to imagine how this could be approved ????????????"???????????????
February 14, 2018
This book kept me on the edge of my seat to the point where I didn’t want to put it down. How would you feel if your surrogate was in love with your husband and would do anything to call him her own. What would you do? If you enjoy nonstop thrillers, this is definitely the book for you!
May 27, 2019
Definitely a page turner with at least two psychos and some infidelity. I had to smile at the baby's name being Emma Grace because my daughter's name is Emily Grace! I was so mad at Richard for being such a jerk after Emma was born!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews