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Video Kill
A former actress, Allison Rocca knows her husband, Tony, a screenwriter, has been extra busy lately. And news reporter Katy knows her ex, Chief Detective Sam Ladera, is desperately hunting the Video Killer. Still, each woman senses something unusual about the men's behaviour. But as they attempt to find the truth, they unwittingly draw closer to the lens of a calculating madman searching for his next leading lady.
410 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 1989
107 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Fluke
135 books8,604 followersLike Hannah Swensen, Joanne Fluke grew up in a small town in rural Minnesota where her neighbors were friendly, the winters were fierce, and the biggest scandal was the spotting of unidentified male undergarments on a young widow's clothesline. She insists that there really are 10,000 lakes and the mosquito is NOT the state bird.
While pursuing her writing career, Joanne has worked as: a public school teacher, a psychologist, a musician, a private detective's assistant, a corporate, legal, and pharmaceutical secretary, a short order cook, a florist's assistant, a caterer and party planner, a computer consultant on a now-defunct operating system, a production assistant on a TV quiz show, half of a screenwriting team with her husband, and a mother, wife, and homemaker.
She now lives in Southern California with her husband, her kids, his kids, their three dogs, one elderly tabby, and several noisy rats in the attic.
Series:
* Hannah Swensen
While pursuing her writing career, Joanne has worked as: a public school teacher, a psychologist, a musician, a private detective's assistant, a corporate, legal, and pharmaceutical secretary, a short order cook, a florist's assistant, a caterer and party planner, a computer consultant on a now-defunct operating system, a production assistant on a TV quiz show, half of a screenwriting team with her husband, and a mother, wife, and homemaker.
She now lives in Southern California with her husband, her kids, his kids, their three dogs, one elderly tabby, and several noisy rats in the attic.
Series:
* Hannah Swensen
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
June 10, 2023
Two movie buffs want to sell a script to a big production company. It's titled Video Kill. At first they are declined but when real murders start with a killer filming his victims, their idea is the hottest thing in town. Why does the killer do this? Can he be stopped? You come across almost all of Hitchcock's back catalogue and major movies. Problem is you know about the killer (his childhood and upbringing) too soon and the story with too many characters involved becomes a bit repetitive. To be honest, a real Hitchcock like for example Psycho is a bit more compelling in my opinion. Nevertheless an interesting read and warmly recommended to every Hitchcock fan.
August 28, 2013
This wasn't the kind of murder mystery I have come to associate with Joanne Fluke, from her Hannah Swenson mysteries. I did go into this reading, knowing it wasn't going to be a cozy book, like the other Joanne fluke books I have read. This is a serial killer murder mystery. I read the Hannah Swenson books for something light, after reading a dark book.
The video killer is making movies of murders he is committing, that he has taken from Alfred Hichkcock movies. The author throw suspicion on two partners, who are trying to sell a TV version about a video killer. Fluke throws in some ambition and divorce, and a coming together again of two of the couples. I thought it was a pretty good story. I did have my suspicions about the killer early on, but thought it could have been others. I did figure out the killer towards the end, as Fluke gave clearer clues. This book isn't as dark as the other serial killer books I have read. It did end to quickly.
The video killer is making movies of murders he is committing, that he has taken from Alfred Hichkcock movies. The author throw suspicion on two partners, who are trying to sell a TV version about a video killer. Fluke throws in some ambition and divorce, and a coming together again of two of the couples. I thought it was a pretty good story. I did have my suspicions about the killer early on, but thought it could have been others. I did figure out the killer towards the end, as Fluke gave clearer clues. This book isn't as dark as the other serial killer books I have read. It did end to quickly.
May 20, 2013
This was an excellent read. I suspected almost everyone and was close to the end before I knew who really did it. As much as I love Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swenson books she has a real flair for the more serious murder mysteries.
May 18, 2019
Assurdo.
Fa parte della collana horror di Urania, ma di horror non c’è proprio nulla.
Ma fosse solo un questo il problema!!
Sembra un thriller scritto da un ragazzino che di thriller ne avrà letti forse una decina e tra quelli se è stato fortunato avrà letto qualcosa del grande Fitzek. Ma solo perché nell’ultima pagina, nelle ultime due righe si scopre che l’assassino ha una doppia personalità. Del tipo. Ma io non sono Ciccio!! Io sono Pippo!!! Fine
Proprio così.
Cioè miei cari e da tanto tempo amati, tipi di Urania;
Questa ok, ve la perdona, ma guai cacchio se mi ritrovo una altra roba simile. Bah!
Fa parte della collana horror di Urania, ma di horror non c’è proprio nulla.
Ma fosse solo un questo il problema!!
Sembra un thriller scritto da un ragazzino che di thriller ne avrà letti forse una decina e tra quelli se è stato fortunato avrà letto qualcosa del grande Fitzek. Ma solo perché nell’ultima pagina, nelle ultime due righe si scopre che l’assassino ha una doppia personalità. Del tipo. Ma io non sono Ciccio!! Io sono Pippo!!! Fine
Proprio così.
Cioè miei cari e da tanto tempo amati, tipi di Urania;
Questa ok, ve la perdona, ma guai cacchio se mi ritrovo una altra roba simile. Bah!
October 12, 2015
I've been on a kick for horror and mystery. It might be because it's October, but I just need to freak out. Anyway, that's why I checked out this audio book from the library. If you don't know, I love listening to audio books when exercising or doing chores. It keeps out the monotony.
I have mixed feelings about Video Kill. The mystery wasn't really there because I did have the killer pegged quickly. However, I didn't get my suspicions confirmed until the end. There were moments that I was second guessing myself. But, like I said, the mystery wasn't really there. The characters seemed to go through their day to day life and fell into their own insecurities and suspicions. The police officer didn't seem to do much in the way of investigating.
However, this book was written in the 80's. A time when DNA was still in its infancy. So, perhaps in the means of physical evidence it would be difficult. But, the police officer didn't seem to question anyone involved with the Video Killer screenplay or movie. Something I would have done if I was investigating a serial killer.
The book felt like a homage to Hitchcock. The murders were similar to Hitchcock's films and the characters do make reference to it. This honestly kept me going. I love Hitchcock and I loved listening to Video Kill.
Was I surprised? No. Did I find the ending exciting? Yes. It had action and felt like a final scene you would see in a Hitchcock film. I also liked the viewpoints of the victims as they were being killed.
I think what really gave me the creeps about this book wasn't the Hitchcock references, but the fact the killer video taped his murders. He made snuff videos. That's creepy, disgusting, and if the book was written today; I am sure the killer in this book would have downloaded the videos into the internet. Yet another disturbing factor that could leave a person awake at night.
In all, it wasn't a bad book. It was predictable. There were times that it was boring too. I didn't have an emotional attatchment to any of the characters. Really, it was a book to kill time with (pun intended).
I have mixed feelings about Video Kill. The mystery wasn't really there because I did have the killer pegged quickly. However, I didn't get my suspicions confirmed until the end. There were moments that I was second guessing myself. But, like I said, the mystery wasn't really there. The characters seemed to go through their day to day life and fell into their own insecurities and suspicions. The police officer didn't seem to do much in the way of investigating.
However, this book was written in the 80's. A time when DNA was still in its infancy. So, perhaps in the means of physical evidence it would be difficult. But, the police officer didn't seem to question anyone involved with the Video Killer screenplay or movie. Something I would have done if I was investigating a serial killer.
The book felt like a homage to Hitchcock. The murders were similar to Hitchcock's films and the characters do make reference to it. This honestly kept me going. I love Hitchcock and I loved listening to Video Kill.
Was I surprised? No. Did I find the ending exciting? Yes. It had action and felt like a final scene you would see in a Hitchcock film. I also liked the viewpoints of the victims as they were being killed.
I think what really gave me the creeps about this book wasn't the Hitchcock references, but the fact the killer video taped his murders. He made snuff videos. That's creepy, disgusting, and if the book was written today; I am sure the killer in this book would have downloaded the videos into the internet. Yet another disturbing factor that could leave a person awake at night.
In all, it wasn't a bad book. It was predictable. There were times that it was boring too. I didn't have an emotional attatchment to any of the characters. Really, it was a book to kill time with (pun intended).
June 26, 2013
I picked this up at the library because I was looking for serial killer books from a women's POV and the back copy paints this book as being about two women investigating a helping catch a serial killer.
False. Advertising.
One of them doesn't show up until halfway through and the other is almost terminally stupid. Neither one could even generously be considered a main character. (ie. someone who drives the story) Really this book is about their husbands and it’s a darned good thing teh menz are around because ladies sure are useless! And mostly prostitutes of some flavour. Ugh.
The writing was okay as this book marched to a very predictable ending which managed to be completely devoid of any suspense. I basically skimmed the last 20 pages.
As a public service to correct the misleading back copy I’ve written a new blurb:
“A bunch of very important men work very hard and do important things while all the women just fuck the men to get what they want. Because they’re all big whority-whores. And also women make bad choices with their silly little women brains and also get murdered because FAME! But don’t worry, the men-folk will get this all sorted out after a satisfying body count!”
Infinite. Rage-filled. Ugh.
False. Advertising.
One of them doesn't show up until halfway through and the other is almost terminally stupid. Neither one could even generously be considered a main character. (ie. someone who drives the story) Really this book is about their husbands and it’s a darned good thing teh menz are around because ladies sure are useless! And mostly prostitutes of some flavour. Ugh.
The writing was okay as this book marched to a very predictable ending which managed to be completely devoid of any suspense. I basically skimmed the last 20 pages.
As a public service to correct the misleading back copy I’ve written a new blurb:
“A bunch of very important men work very hard and do important things while all the women just fuck the men to get what they want. Because they’re all big whority-whores. And also women make bad choices with their silly little women brains and also get murdered because FAME! But don’t worry, the men-folk will get this all sorted out after a satisfying body count!”
Infinite. Rage-filled. Ugh.
June 5, 2015
3.75 stars. In this standalone book, friends and partners Tony and Erik are screenwriters pitching a movie idea to a major studio. The movie idea involves a serial killer who films his murders live. The studio rejects the idea but buys an option when Tony says the studio will be begging to buy the script within one year. Eleven months later, the murders begin. Someone named Brother videos his first murder as he kills an actress in the shower. Brother is re-enacting Hitchcock movies as he attempts to improve on his works.
Most of the characters in this book are hiding secrets from their friends and spouses. So we have lots of misconceptions about whodunit. The book is not too suspenseful so it was a quick read. The characters are quite likeable.
Most of the characters in this book are hiding secrets from their friends and spouses. So we have lots of misconceptions about whodunit. The book is not too suspenseful so it was a quick read. The characters are quite likeable.
June 19, 2019
Being familiar with Fluke’s Hannah Swenson series, I was excited to find that to wrote thrillers and Video Kills is not a disappointment. Hard to put down and full of suspense that leaves the reader guessing until the very end. Originally released in 89 this rerelease has some issues as in references to some of today’s actresses yet then the technology and lack there of remaining from the original release. At times some of the characters are easily mixed up as to whom is who however with the imagery and mystery of what’s going to happen next these few flaws can easily be overlooked.
September 2, 2016
Più giallo che horror, un po' troppo romance tra le tre coppie di protagonisti (personaggi peraltro non proprio memorabili) e l'identità dell'assassino che riprende i suoi delitti rifacendo i film di Hitchcock è fin troppo facile da indovinare, ma la tensione durante gli omicidi, descritti dal punto di vista delle vittime, c'è e regala più di un brivido estivo. Così così.
August 26, 2016
Nessun altro aveva avuto la possibilità di vedere il loro contenuto a eccezione della persona che li aveva girati. E questo significava che R...o N... erano il Video Killer!
February 12, 2019
An interesting premise, a crossover between reality and movies... with a Hitchcock-style serial murderer.
Two screenwriters have developed a movie idea that involves a serial killer who records his murders and leaves the video at the murder scene. The idea is mostly rejected by the producer, but then a year later the movie is brought to the forefront when it starts happening in real life. Soon, everyone is a suspect, and the author keeps you guessing up until the very end.
This is my first non-baking Fluke book, and the writing styles could not be more different. The books themselves have quite different feel about them. There is the typical lack of technological knowledge (but this is 1989, so it's understandable), but then there's also blatant misogynist messages, and of course much more gruesome murders. I kept thinking, just pick up your cellphone! But I guess they didn't exist back then. The story is told from multiple perspectives, but it's mostly about men taking care of the important things, while lying to women. And the women are helpless, yet manipulative. I'm glad Fluke decided to write from a woman's perspective. Now if only Hannah could act with a bit more sense...
Two screenwriters have developed a movie idea that involves a serial killer who records his murders and leaves the video at the murder scene. The idea is mostly rejected by the producer, but then a year later the movie is brought to the forefront when it starts happening in real life. Soon, everyone is a suspect, and the author keeps you guessing up until the very end.
This is my first non-baking Fluke book, and the writing styles could not be more different. The books themselves have quite different feel about them. There is the typical lack of technological knowledge (but this is 1989, so it's understandable), but then there's also blatant misogynist messages, and of course much more gruesome murders. I kept thinking, just pick up your cellphone! But I guess they didn't exist back then. The story is told from multiple perspectives, but it's mostly about men taking care of the important things, while lying to women. And the women are helpless, yet manipulative. I'm glad Fluke decided to write from a woman's perspective. Now if only Hannah could act with a bit more sense...
January 27, 2022
This book was both a joy and a disappointment to read for me.
From the opening line of the book I was hooked, could not put it down. The character perspectives for a crime/mystery novel was refreshing and the characters themselves were engaging. The fact that almost every character introduced was connected in one way or another was clique but interesting.
For the most part this book was a pleasure to read, until the ending. It ended so abruptly that it was shocking to stare that the last few pages.
I've read novels by Joanne Fluke before, and I've never noticed her abruptly end her books in this way before, though it has been years since I've read any of her other novels.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone wanting a different take on a crime/mystery novel.
And for anyone concerned about the booking being a gritty, lewd, or gory book, I can assure them that this one is not that at all.
From the opening line of the book I was hooked, could not put it down. The character perspectives for a crime/mystery novel was refreshing and the characters themselves were engaging. The fact that almost every character introduced was connected in one way or another was clique but interesting.
For the most part this book was a pleasure to read, until the ending. It ended so abruptly that it was shocking to stare that the last few pages.
I've read novels by Joanne Fluke before, and I've never noticed her abruptly end her books in this way before, though it has been years since I've read any of her other novels.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone wanting a different take on a crime/mystery novel.
And for anyone concerned about the booking being a gritty, lewd, or gory book, I can assure them that this one is not that at all.
April 24, 2019
The book kept me semi interested, but the ending seemed rush and everything was tied up too neat with a little bow like the author was rushed or ran out of steam. I also found the characters especially the female characters unfortunately to be too cliche and wooden. The dialogue between Katy and Sam was something out of an awful romance novel. Who talks like that? It wasn't natural at all.
May 12, 2019
This wasn't the usual Joanne Fluke book with the baking and everything being innocent. Joanne originally wrote scarier mysteries, but I've seen her in person, and she said that she had nightmares after writing her scarier mysteries, and her husband would make her hot cocoa to help soothe her. But after a while he wasn't as sympathetic, so she started writing the more innocent ones.
May 19, 2019
Interesting story but the author jumps from one place to another and it takes a a minute to realize that she has moved to a different part of the story with different characters. She did weave the mystery so that you were guessing along with the characters, even though you had more information than the characters did.
January 30, 2020
This was a very good book & it did keep my interest. There was a unique reveal for the killer. Never saw it coming at all. I just say though now that I know who the killer is why did all of the people act like they didn’t know him? From what I read it seemed like necessary pretty well known in the Hollywood industry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2023
Suspenseful!
I took a star off because I don't know who edited this, but they missed several spelling mistakes and they switched povs without a clear segue!
The story was fantastic with a surprise ending though which is why I gave it 4 stars. It is hard to read because of the above but the mystery was excellent!
I took a star off because I don't know who edited this, but they missed several spelling mistakes and they switched povs without a clear segue!
The story was fantastic with a surprise ending though which is why I gave it 4 stars. It is hard to read because of the above but the mystery was excellent!
January 14, 2019
Goo book! I did figure out the murderer early on but I think that comes from reading so many books. The plot was slightly predictable but still enjoyable since it was well written. To many typos which simple proof reading would have caught.
March 4, 2021
This was written well before Joanne Fluke wrote the Hannah Swenson series that I love so much. It's a page turner, suspenseful and what an ending! Definitely one that I'll lend out as a "read and return" book.
September 2, 2017
I liked the Hannah Swenson series. The Hitchcock plot was good, but I didn't like this mysteries portrayal of women. They just went off with a man they barely knew and believed a lying husband.
October 20, 2017
It was a good premise but not very scary.
January 6, 2019
very well written, but really scary not really my type of story to read
April 26, 2020
Good plot. Many stories weaved around the main idea, the Hitchcock movies.
June 4, 2020
Who would have thunk.
Totally unexpected ending.
Totally unexpected ending.
August 14, 2020
Another book with a spilt personality? That's three so far. Time for a new idea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2020
Did not finish too violent
March 7, 2021
Fun read. Good concept.
August 7, 2021
Meh…it was okay—I had figured out the killer about half-way in…I do like how she wrapped it up at the end…I still like her Hannah Swenson books much better!
Read
October 7, 2022Listened to this e-book. Excellent story of a film producer that recreates Hitchcock death scenes only better cinematography wise. Good characters and nice plot line. Overall good story.
November 5, 2022
Definitely weird and maybe boring at first but then it got really good. I’d definitely recommend getting at least 60 pages in before making an opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews