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Crazy
Someone is stalking star chef Emily Simonson. That someone wants her dead, but first, that someone wants her terrified. And that someone has figured out the perfect way to do it. Aspiring actresses who bear a resemblance to Emily are being murdered and before each murder, a warning is sent. But those warnings don’t tell who, where or when. Who is next? And when will it be Emily’s turn to die? CRAZY takes you into the mind of a fiendish killer who, fueled by Satanic fantasies and a mysterious Guardian, wreaks havoc in Hollywood. There’s a lunatic on the loose. Who will be the final victim?
- GenresMystery
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2012
5 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Ann Werner
19 books51 followersI have always had a voracious curiosity and loved doing creative things. The combination of the two has resulted in a lifetime of experiences. From the mundane to the ridiculous to the sublime, I've pretty much run the gamut. At one point in time I sold cemetery plots - that didn't last long - and I've also been a professional actor, my most notable role being Eliana on the soap opera Days of Our Lives for nearly seven and a half years. But books have always been my passion and I started writing in earnest in 1997, although I have been writing all of my adult life. I think entertaining people is one of the most important things one can do. When you're having a bad day, when your heart gets broken, when things seem bleak, you can always find a few minute's respite in the pages of a book or by watching your favorite TV show or movie. If I can provide that respite for someone, then I feel that I've done something worthwhile.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 2, 2012
I wrote it, so I guess I'm prejudiced but I've got to say, I think it's my best yet!
December 2, 2015
This is a classic thriller with many more twists and turns. The base of the storyline, outside of the stalking, the killing, and the violence, is quite original—Werner keeps readers on the edge of their seats throughout the entire ride, her excellent writing does not disappoint. It also helped that the cover photo really fit the story well. So simple yet full of that dark energy you get from the book.
Let me tell you about the plot before I dive into this review. We have a successful female lead named Emily Simonson. She’s a famous chef with a relaxed yet determined personality. Emily is someone every hard-working woman can relate to. Werner does a great job at laying out Emily’s character, she is not just our protagonist she’s an average woman. She has feelings, sarcastic wit, intelligence, and a great job too!
So Emily is heading to Southern California after working her buttocks off in New York. Werner’s writing really comes into play as she sets up the scene and background for the readers. We are taken through some of Emily’s fondest memories as she climbed the ranks in her career then the story progressively becomes more and more serious. Emily is harassed and tormented by threatening letters and then her lookalikes begin to drop.
The psychological part of the book comes into play once this happens. There’s voices in the character’s head, there are twisted signs of clear psychological and mental disturbance, all the makings of a CRAZY awesome horror novel. I liked the mystery, I enjoyed being guided through the mind of the killer and watching as the characters became more and more frustrated especially when tables were turned and surprises were revealed.
This is definitely a great book for any fans of horror and mystery. I think it’s twisted and dark but full of great writing. This is a true example of good literary talent, there is never a moment of peace for the readers or the characters. Emily is between a rock and a hard place, forced to pick and choose who she can trust—no one is safe. Her friends and associates; Chris, Monica, Gina, etc, even her bodyguard can come into question.
This book could have easily become another knife and slash, cut and stab novel but Werner stretches our imagination with her great detail and in-depth description. There is violence, there is a certain amount of shock but there’s also characterization, an interesting plot, a wonderful climax and a superb thrilling twist. Werner has put together a work of gory art and that’s a great compliment! I look forward to her future works and recommend this to readers who love a little blood and mystery.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Let me tell you about the plot before I dive into this review. We have a successful female lead named Emily Simonson. She’s a famous chef with a relaxed yet determined personality. Emily is someone every hard-working woman can relate to. Werner does a great job at laying out Emily’s character, she is not just our protagonist she’s an average woman. She has feelings, sarcastic wit, intelligence, and a great job too!
So Emily is heading to Southern California after working her buttocks off in New York. Werner’s writing really comes into play as she sets up the scene and background for the readers. We are taken through some of Emily’s fondest memories as she climbed the ranks in her career then the story progressively becomes more and more serious. Emily is harassed and tormented by threatening letters and then her lookalikes begin to drop.
The psychological part of the book comes into play once this happens. There’s voices in the character’s head, there are twisted signs of clear psychological and mental disturbance, all the makings of a CRAZY awesome horror novel. I liked the mystery, I enjoyed being guided through the mind of the killer and watching as the characters became more and more frustrated especially when tables were turned and surprises were revealed.
This is definitely a great book for any fans of horror and mystery. I think it’s twisted and dark but full of great writing. This is a true example of good literary talent, there is never a moment of peace for the readers or the characters. Emily is between a rock and a hard place, forced to pick and choose who she can trust—no one is safe. Her friends and associates; Chris, Monica, Gina, etc, even her bodyguard can come into question.
This book could have easily become another knife and slash, cut and stab novel but Werner stretches our imagination with her great detail and in-depth description. There is violence, there is a certain amount of shock but there’s also characterization, an interesting plot, a wonderful climax and a superb thrilling twist. Werner has put together a work of gory art and that’s a great compliment! I look forward to her future works and recommend this to readers who love a little blood and mystery.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
August 1, 2012
Retired actress Ann Werner has found her niche in writing psychological thrillers. With ‘CRAZY’ her third fiction novel, Ann delves into the dark mind of a killer creating a tense storyline that has her reader afraid to turn the page for fear of the next gruesome scene.
Emily Simonson is on the road to fame. Once a struggling actress, she cast aside her hopes of being a starlet for the tools of a chef, becoming a rising star in the ranks of celebrity chefs. With a bestselling cookbook, a successful restaurant, kitchen store and appearances on morning television shows, Emily has the world by its tail; or at least she thinks so. Amongst her world of adoring fans she has developed an enemy; a crazed stalker hell-bent on taking away Emily’s fame and her life no matter the cost.
When Emily receives a letter in the mail she opens the envelope to find a sheet of paper with the word ‘Bitch’ cut out from magazines little does she realize that moment will be the last time she doesn’t have to look over her shoulder wondering if she is going to wind up dead. That’s the moment when the game of cat-and-mouse was started by the stalker.
When want-to-be starlets that closely resemble Emily begin being murdered and the graphic images sent to Emily and television stations, she is forced to acquiesce to the police and hire a team of bodyguards for protection. The police need to find the killer before he/she can get to Emily and enact the horrific murder they have promised.
With Emily Simonson, Ann Werner has created a character any reader can love and relate to. The fear that consumes Emily leaps off the page pulling the heartstrings of her readers making them want to protect her from harm. Ann nails the mad dialogue between the killer and ‘guardian’ as they two conspire inside the killers mind giving the reader a glimpse of just how depraved that mind is.
The book could easily have been written as the typical slasher type horror, but Ann gives just enough gory detail to keep that from happening. What Ann has ended up with is a thriller that will keep her readers glued to the pages to see what happens next.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves to be dragged by the heels into a psychological game of cat-and-mouse. Whether you chose to root for the evil-doer or the victim you will enjoy the read.
Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the author for an honest review. Thanks Ann!
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July 25, 2012Riveting and Intense.
In the twilight world of post-dream Los Angeles, populated by failed actors and wannabe starlets, a serial killer stalks Emily Simonson. A rising culinary star, Emily is riding a wave of good breaks, from the success of her thriving restaurant to the publication of her best-selling cookbook to her increasing exposure on T.V.. Soon, though, she finds herself being harassed and tormented by threatening letters, grotesque packages, and worse. Who is doing this? And why?
CRAZY threads its suspense with claustrophobic and strangling tension, keeping the characters frantic even as it becomes apparent that the killer is among them. The escalation of atrocities only serves to heighten Emily’s fear and loathing, which hits a fever pitch after the maniac starts targeting Emily’s look-alikes. It stays there for page after riveting page until the final apocalyptic showdown.
I love the villain. Like the namesake book title, the villain is CRAZY. All the good stuff is here: voices in the head, psychotic self-centeredness, maniacal rationalizing, and even a touch of Satanism. The lockstep sequence of gruesome attacks is superbly paced, ramping up the dread in Emily’s mind as she navigates their impact on her life.
CRAZY is more than just a cut-em-up. In addition to its obvious thriller/suspense designation, it’s a little bit “literary”, too. CRAZY, in true cross-genre fashion, combines the best elements of both. The author Ms. Werner, by dwelling on the effect of the maniac upon Emily’s relationships, paints a fully-realized and three-dimensional portrait of her heroine. Emily is a strong woman in an impossible situation. Her friends Chris and Phaedra, her associates Monica and Gina, her watchmen Detective Walker and the hunky bodyguard Trevor, and everyone else in her life is of dubious influence. No one is above suspicion, but there are no easy discoveries. In true Hitchcockian fashion, CRAZY thus creates a powerful drama for the slasher crowd.
I thoroughly enjoyed CRAZY, and I am looking forward to Ms. Werner’s next opus.
In the twilight world of post-dream Los Angeles, populated by failed actors and wannabe starlets, a serial killer stalks Emily Simonson. A rising culinary star, Emily is riding a wave of good breaks, from the success of her thriving restaurant to the publication of her best-selling cookbook to her increasing exposure on T.V.. Soon, though, she finds herself being harassed and tormented by threatening letters, grotesque packages, and worse. Who is doing this? And why?
CRAZY threads its suspense with claustrophobic and strangling tension, keeping the characters frantic even as it becomes apparent that the killer is among them. The escalation of atrocities only serves to heighten Emily’s fear and loathing, which hits a fever pitch after the maniac starts targeting Emily’s look-alikes. It stays there for page after riveting page until the final apocalyptic showdown.
I love the villain. Like the namesake book title, the villain is CRAZY. All the good stuff is here: voices in the head, psychotic self-centeredness, maniacal rationalizing, and even a touch of Satanism. The lockstep sequence of gruesome attacks is superbly paced, ramping up the dread in Emily’s mind as she navigates their impact on her life.
CRAZY is more than just a cut-em-up. In addition to its obvious thriller/suspense designation, it’s a little bit “literary”, too. CRAZY, in true cross-genre fashion, combines the best elements of both. The author Ms. Werner, by dwelling on the effect of the maniac upon Emily’s relationships, paints a fully-realized and three-dimensional portrait of her heroine. Emily is a strong woman in an impossible situation. Her friends Chris and Phaedra, her associates Monica and Gina, her watchmen Detective Walker and the hunky bodyguard Trevor, and everyone else in her life is of dubious influence. No one is above suspicion, but there are no easy discoveries. In true Hitchcockian fashion, CRAZY thus creates a powerful drama for the slasher crowd.
I thoroughly enjoyed CRAZY, and I am looking forward to Ms. Werner’s next opus.
January 25, 2016
This is an incredible nail biter that leaves you at the edge of the seat. Ann did a fantastic job creating this intense story, that leaves you guessing for a good time. I found myself trying to figure out if it was one of the "obvious" people or someone I was not yet introduced to. The pace of this book is dead on drawing you deeper and deeper into this nightmare of Emily. Ann has an incredibly pleasant writing style that I really enjoyed. She is descriptive in the gory details, but not as much that someone with a weaker stomach couldn't handle it. Since the story is really amazing I wouldn't let the gore deter you. Most of it is really left to your imagination and what your own mind comes up with.
Emily, oh wow, now this is a heroine in the making. She is someone I could relate to and is rather believable considering what she is going through. Her response to her trials is right on I find, which makes this book not far fetched from the truth. Her supporting cast are a nice mix of people that definitely add to the story.
I think this book could very easily and quite nicely turned into a movie, along the lines of the Saw series. It is dark and very suspense. I can only highly recommend this to fellow horror lovers.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review.
Emily, oh wow, now this is a heroine in the making. She is someone I could relate to and is rather believable considering what she is going through. Her response to her trials is right on I find, which makes this book not far fetched from the truth. Her supporting cast are a nice mix of people that definitely add to the story.
I think this book could very easily and quite nicely turned into a movie, along the lines of the Saw series. It is dark and very suspense. I can only highly recommend this to fellow horror lovers.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review.
October 20, 2012
Great book! It was amazingly written and full of suspense and surprise. The character's were well devolped and interesting to read about. CRAZY was a page turner, and always kept you wondering who the killer really was, the main character Emily was also a joy to read about, her character was amazing and I really felt the emotions of the character's throughout the book. I really enjoyed this book:)
April 28, 2015
loved it
January 20, 2018
Lots of suspense
Emily Simonson’s career has taken off - a successful restaurant and kitchen shop, now expanding into television guest spots. But someone is envious of Emily’s success and intends to take it away from her My first book by Ann Werner is a psychological thriller that held my attention from beginning to end The characters were well drawn and the story moved along without dragging I would recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Ms. Werner
Emily Simonson’s career has taken off - a successful restaurant and kitchen shop, now expanding into television guest spots. But someone is envious of Emily’s success and intends to take it away from her My first book by Ann Werner is a psychological thriller that held my attention from beginning to end The characters were well drawn and the story moved along without dragging I would recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Ms. Werner
March 24, 2013
Book Review:
CRAZY by Ann Werner
Fiction, 327 pages
Publisher: Ark Stories
Copyright: 2012
Review by Renee James
CRAZY, the third novel by former soaps actress Ann Werner, is a tasty mystery centered on an emerging celebrity chef. Set in the Hollywood environs of southern California, the book picks up Emily Simonson's life at that magic moment when her cooking career has vaulted her into the fame and fortune she had never achieved as an actress. Her cookbook is hotter than a pizza oven, her restaurant and store are going gangbusters, and a major California television station is cultivating her for her own cooking show.
But there is a dark side to Emily's celebrity too. Her success has aroused the hatred of someone in her life, a hatred so deep the mysterious villain begins gruesomely murdering actresses who look like Emily and sending her the photos.
What makes CRAZY a compelling read is the way Werner weaves together several different stories. In the story of Emily's professional life we identify with her trepidations and thrill at her successes. Another story is the mystery of which of the people in her circle is the villain, and this part of the book is rich with teasing clues that keep us turning pages. And yet another story begins to unfold after we are exposed to the villain, and CRAZY becomes a tense countdown to the climatic clash of heroine and villain.
Along the way, Werner draws on her personal experience in television to take us behind the scenes in that industry, giving us glimpses of actors' lives, from acting schools to auditions to the business side of entertainment.
Emily Simonson is a richly textured heroine. Though others praise Emily's beauty, she is unaware of it and regards herself modestly. She is filled with the same doubts and uncertainties about herself that most of us carry into new endeavors. We see into her mind frequently as she ponders the growing body of questions in her life, from her business life to her love interest to the looming menace of her stalker.
CRAZY is a refreshing change of pace from the steady stream of formulaic mysteries served up by traditional publishers. It is a fun read with a compelling plot, great backdrops and plenty of dramatic tension.
--Renee James
CRAZY by Ann Werner
Fiction, 327 pages
Publisher: Ark Stories
Copyright: 2012
Review by Renee James
CRAZY, the third novel by former soaps actress Ann Werner, is a tasty mystery centered on an emerging celebrity chef. Set in the Hollywood environs of southern California, the book picks up Emily Simonson's life at that magic moment when her cooking career has vaulted her into the fame and fortune she had never achieved as an actress. Her cookbook is hotter than a pizza oven, her restaurant and store are going gangbusters, and a major California television station is cultivating her for her own cooking show.
But there is a dark side to Emily's celebrity too. Her success has aroused the hatred of someone in her life, a hatred so deep the mysterious villain begins gruesomely murdering actresses who look like Emily and sending her the photos.
What makes CRAZY a compelling read is the way Werner weaves together several different stories. In the story of Emily's professional life we identify with her trepidations and thrill at her successes. Another story is the mystery of which of the people in her circle is the villain, and this part of the book is rich with teasing clues that keep us turning pages. And yet another story begins to unfold after we are exposed to the villain, and CRAZY becomes a tense countdown to the climatic clash of heroine and villain.
Along the way, Werner draws on her personal experience in television to take us behind the scenes in that industry, giving us glimpses of actors' lives, from acting schools to auditions to the business side of entertainment.
Emily Simonson is a richly textured heroine. Though others praise Emily's beauty, she is unaware of it and regards herself modestly. She is filled with the same doubts and uncertainties about herself that most of us carry into new endeavors. We see into her mind frequently as she ponders the growing body of questions in her life, from her business life to her love interest to the looming menace of her stalker.
CRAZY is a refreshing change of pace from the steady stream of formulaic mysteries served up by traditional publishers. It is a fun read with a compelling plot, great backdrops and plenty of dramatic tension.
--Renee James
May 13, 2014
I enjoyed Crazy very much - was written in a classic fashion, along the lines of a Hitchcock thriller (a compliment). Crazy is a STORY, it's not just a thriller that jumps into blood and gore and goes nowhere. The book has a great story line that details the beginning, middle and end. So many writings just start off without a true journey but just gets you to the destination without substance.��
The main character Emily is a steel magnolia. She exemplifies grace under pressure without seeming like a fictional character, she's tough but doesn't feel manufactured. Emily carries herself with consistency throughout the book.��
The villain was a bit of a surprise and a welcomed surprise indeed. No spoilers here, you'll have to read Crazy to understand this comment. I liked this little twist in the story - definitely NOT predictable as most thrillers tend to be. I loved the way the villains thinking is methodical and the mental instability increases with each atrocity- appears very realistic in the mind of a stalker/serial killer.��
The graphic details were just enough to make the hair on the back of your neck rise - any more elaborate gory details would have taken away from the story line and turned it into just a blood and guts story.��
Crazy is a well written thriller measured to the climatic ending. The characters and plot weave well together and the ending is an apex of excitement which is a true sign of a well presented thriller.��
I would add this to your reading list or you will be truly missing out. ����
The main character Emily is a steel magnolia. She exemplifies grace under pressure without seeming like a fictional character, she's tough but doesn't feel manufactured. Emily carries herself with consistency throughout the book.��
The villain was a bit of a surprise and a welcomed surprise indeed. No spoilers here, you'll have to read Crazy to understand this comment. I liked this little twist in the story - definitely NOT predictable as most thrillers tend to be. I loved the way the villains thinking is methodical and the mental instability increases with each atrocity- appears very realistic in the mind of a stalker/serial killer.��
The graphic details were just enough to make the hair on the back of your neck rise - any more elaborate gory details would have taken away from the story line and turned it into just a blood and guts story.��
Crazy is a well written thriller measured to the climatic ending. The characters and plot weave well together and the ending is an apex of excitement which is a true sign of a well presented thriller.��
I would add this to your reading list or you will be truly missing out. ����
May 23, 2015
I have to be honest when I first started reading this book I didn't think that Emily and I were going to get along very well. I was so incredibly wrong! It is so refreshing to find a genuinely good person depicted with her flaws out and open to the world. Emily is sweet and caring, she is talented, she is beautiful. Emily also has a bad temper and can be quite sharp tongued at times. Even though it seems that She is getting everything she could have ever wanted it is done so in such a way that it is believable and Emily still has to make some very real decisions in order to keep her life on track.
The protagonist of the book very quickly insure us that they are a million steps beyond crazy as they chillingly taunt and torment poor Emily over and over again. With every encounter you get to loo a little deeper into a dangerously disturbed psyche as our protagonist plot out and execute their vile plans together in a manner you would expect to find in a volume of the most terrifying serial killers known to man.
The story itself was eloquently put together, it moves fluidly and draws you in a little more with every turn of the page. I can honestly say that I had trouble putting the book down to tend to my poor husband and children. (Don't worry, I did eventually feed them!)Ann definitely knows how to keep a person glued to a book. I am so glad I took the time to read this book and I look forward to reading more from Ann soon!
The protagonist of the book very quickly insure us that they are a million steps beyond crazy as they chillingly taunt and torment poor Emily over and over again. With every encounter you get to loo a little deeper into a dangerously disturbed psyche as our protagonist plot out and execute their vile plans together in a manner you would expect to find in a volume of the most terrifying serial killers known to man.
The story itself was eloquently put together, it moves fluidly and draws you in a little more with every turn of the page. I can honestly say that I had trouble putting the book down to tend to my poor husband and children. (Don't worry, I did eventually feed them!)Ann definitely knows how to keep a person glued to a book. I am so glad I took the time to read this book and I look forward to reading more from Ann soon!
June 29, 2012
CRAZY is a new twist on a serial killer. You haven’t read or seen this particular story before. Like American Psycho, the backdrop is not dark or dank as it is in Silence Of The Lambs (which I love). I like to describe it as “colorful macabre.” We are introduced to The Guardian early on and realize that the person stalking Emily is a very disturbed individual who has no real grasp on reality. As the serial killer executes the plan of terror with the intense determination of eventual victory, we are left to wonder just who hates Emily so much?
Tall blonde actresses who resemble Emily are being killed off in a gruesome fashion. The lunatic killer has a fierce, diabolical passion and absolute resolve. Dark humor adds a distinctive layer to the murders. The characters are well defined and it reads like a movie. The pace is swift and the story builds with a measured intensity that keeps the reader wondering how and if Emily can survive this nightmare that forces her to live in a prison of fear, terror and self-blame.
My favorite part of the book—as with any good thriller—is the creepy factor. I love scary stories. Some of the scenarios in CRAZY are pretty extreme, even the ones that aren’t bloody—especially the ones that aren’t bloody, are spooky.
Tall blonde actresses who resemble Emily are being killed off in a gruesome fashion. The lunatic killer has a fierce, diabolical passion and absolute resolve. Dark humor adds a distinctive layer to the murders. The characters are well defined and it reads like a movie. The pace is swift and the story builds with a measured intensity that keeps the reader wondering how and if Emily can survive this nightmare that forces her to live in a prison of fear, terror and self-blame.
My favorite part of the book—as with any good thriller—is the creepy factor. I love scary stories. Some of the scenarios in CRAZY are pretty extreme, even the ones that aren’t bloody—especially the ones that aren’t bloody, are spooky.
February 22, 2014
For the video review check out my vlog :) Written review below!
http://youtu.be/K_KCCA8jQZA
Who's stalking Emily? I must say I love a good thriller. Crazy was hard to put down and I was always guessing who could the stalker be. I did have my guess. Turns out I was right! Still even once I had my guess I still couldn't put down the book. The prologue will pull you in and the ending oh my goodness!!!! This book is a great thriller read and highly recommend it!
I was sent this book by the author for my honest review. All opinions and statements are my own. I was not paid for this review.
http://youtu.be/K_KCCA8jQZA
Who's stalking Emily? I must say I love a good thriller. Crazy was hard to put down and I was always guessing who could the stalker be. I did have my guess. Turns out I was right! Still even once I had my guess I still couldn't put down the book. The prologue will pull you in and the ending oh my goodness!!!! This book is a great thriller read and highly recommend it!
I was sent this book by the author for my honest review. All opinions and statements are my own. I was not paid for this review.
August 14, 2012
I whipped through it in two evening reads, moving quickly to discover who the crazy stalker was. While not perfect, the characters and story, as well as the insights into how things work in Hollywood, certainly culled from Ms. Werner's first hand experiences while working as an actress, certainly outweigh any minor technical problems. If you like your pool- or beach-side reading, taut, tense, scary and quick-moving, you can't go wrong with Werner's CRAZY.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews