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Zeke
Zeke is a dark novel of sexual obsession, psychological manipulation, and looming peril. Sue Cox is a naive college student who falls for the exciting new clerk at the local used bookstore. Captivated by Zeke’s brooding good looks and menacing but irresistible charisma, Sue capitulates to his will, leaving her wide open for exploitation. Zeke begins to exert subtle control and entices her to leave town with him. As they travel, his behavior grows more deviant and increasingly volatile. After Sue’s car is found deserted in an outlying cemetery, the police dismiss her parents’ concerns since it appears Sue left willingly. The Coxes immediately hire William Falstaff, a small-town private investigator. He begins his inquiry with only two first, to verify that Sue’s departure is voluntary; and second, to provide her family with information on her whereabouts. A simple case. However, he soon finds himself locked into a chase to save Sue’s life. Will he find her in time or will she become another victim of a cunning sociopath?
356 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2012
17 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 28, 2014
**3" I'M FEELING GENEROUS" STARS** 
DAMN!! I had such high hopes....okay, expectations for Zeke and while it was far from terrible my heart aches for all its wasted potential...
Oh' Zeke, If only your story didn't wait until the end to pick up steam... If only you would have shown your true colors sooner... If only you could have enlightened me with details from your childhood such as your up bringing... SHIT, your damn age would have been nice..
And Sue Bunny Einstein, Oh' where do I begin?..
HOW THE FUCK COULD YOU BE SO DAMN NAIVE?? How did you not notice his " I LOVE YOU's" meant zilch, diddly, nada? How did you come up with all those excuses for his behavior? How did you turn a nice girl like me into a judgmental bitch?
I found myself laughing at times I'm sure were intended to upset me. WHAT?? I have a sense of humor. Shoot me.
If verbal abuse and feeling sympathy for a heroine that had numerous signs AND opportunities to get the hell away from a psycho is your thing well then "MERRRY FRIGGIN CHRISTMAS". I'd prefer coal in my stocking then listen to one more excuse from Sue..
**P.S** I am harder on heroines than Jillian Michael's is on Biggest Loser contestants. PLEASE DO NOT let my comments sway you from reading the book.. THANK YOU :-)
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
DAMN!! I had such high hopes....okay, expectations for Zeke and while it was far from terrible my heart aches for all its wasted potential...
Oh' Zeke, If only your story didn't wait until the end to pick up steam... If only you would have shown your true colors sooner... If only you could have enlightened me with details from your childhood such as your up bringing... SHIT, your damn age would have been nice..
And Sue Bunny Einstein, Oh' where do I begin?..
HOW THE FUCK COULD YOU BE SO DAMN NAIVE?? How did you not notice his " I LOVE YOU's" meant zilch, diddly, nada? How did you come up with all those excuses for his behavior? How did you turn a nice girl like me into a judgmental bitch?
I found myself laughing at times I'm sure were intended to upset me. WHAT?? I have a sense of humor. Shoot me.
If verbal abuse and feeling sympathy for a heroine that had numerous signs AND opportunities to get the hell away from a psycho is your thing well then "MERRRY FRIGGIN CHRISTMAS". I'd prefer coal in my stocking then listen to one more excuse from Sue..
**P.S** I am harder on heroines than Jillian Michael's is on Biggest Loser contestants. PLEASE DO NOT let my comments sway you from reading the book.. THANK YOU :-)
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
February 13, 2013
3.5 stars
I don't even know what to say. It would be wrong to say that I enjoyed the story. It was interesting, but lacked a lot, both in character development and plot.
Zeke is the most hated, craziest and scariest psychopath-character ever, in my book.
I get what he saw in her. She was his newest project, something (yep, not someone) he used to amuse himself. And he was having a hell of a good time. The whole story just creeped the sh** out of me.
Heroine, Sue, is the dumbest character ever. Why? Because he was treating her like sh** from the get go, but as long as he said something nice afterwords, it was OK. But he never meant it. Some of the parts are written from his pov and you see that most of the time he is either amused, irritated or disgusted by her. Sick, just sick.
And she still could not believe how a guy like him could be with a girl like her. She was like:
She had loving parents and a good childhood, I just didn't get where that need for attention was coming from. Yes, her cousin called her ugly when she was little. But it's hard to believe that that could traumatized her for life. My cousin called me ugly once when I was little, I threw an apple at him. One week with a blue eye thought him a lesson and he never did it again :-D.
But for some reason I could not put the book down. I did skipped a lot, thought. The chapters with the detective Will was just boring. It was like reading a previous chapter just from his pov. You already know where they are, what they did and where they headed and he was just repeating the same thing.
Writing and editing wasn't something to brag about. A bit sloppy, if you ask me.
I still can't believe she went along with the things he suggested it. She was constantly justifying his actions. "Yeah, he did that and say that, and I didn't like it, actually I hated it, but he was so sweet to me afterwords.". How clueless can you be?
I was glad that later she came to her senses, but by that time it was too late.
The ending was... I don't know if you can call it a happy-ending. I guess in a way, everybody got their happy ending. It depends how you look at it.
All and all, creepy.
I don't even know what to say. It would be wrong to say that I enjoyed the story. It was interesting, but lacked a lot, both in character development and plot.
Zeke is the most hated, craziest and scariest psychopath-character ever, in my book.
I get what he saw in her. She was his newest project, something (yep, not someone) he used to amuse himself. And he was having a hell of a good time. The whole story just creeped the sh** out of me.
Heroine, Sue, is the dumbest character ever. Why? Because he was treating her like sh** from the get go, but as long as he said something nice afterwords, it was OK. But he never meant it. Some of the parts are written from his pov and you see that most of the time he is either amused, irritated or disgusted by her. Sick, just sick.
And she still could not believe how a guy like him could be with a girl like her. She was like:
She had loving parents and a good childhood, I just didn't get where that need for attention was coming from. Yes, her cousin called her ugly when she was little. But it's hard to believe that that could traumatized her for life. My cousin called me ugly once when I was little, I threw an apple at him. One week with a blue eye thought him a lesson and he never did it again :-D.
But for some reason I could not put the book down. I did skipped a lot, thought. The chapters with the detective Will was just boring. It was like reading a previous chapter just from his pov. You already know where they are, what they did and where they headed and he was just repeating the same thing.
Writing and editing wasn't something to brag about. A bit sloppy, if you ask me.
I still can't believe she went along with the things he suggested it. She was constantly justifying his actions. "Yeah, he did that and say that, and I didn't like it, actually I hated it, but he was so sweet to me afterwords.". How clueless can you be?
I was glad that later she came to her senses, but by that time it was too late.
The ending was... I don't know if you can call it a happy-ending. I guess in a way, everybody got their happy ending. It depends how you look at it.
All and all, creepy.
July 12, 2012
The powerful writing team of WodkeHawkinson is addictive. I was brought into their fictional world by the novel BETRAYED and was amazed at their innate ability to realize and describe harsh, harrowing and brutal scenes. BETRAYED had me turning pages faster than lightening and unleashed a hidden understanding of my unharnessed, voyeuristic nature. ZEKE, their newest offering, proved to be NO different.
I was lulled into an uncomfortable arena where a foreboding of danger lurked behind each new chapter. Sue, the protagonist of this novel is a young, naive girl from a small town trying to make good with her life. When she happens to bump into ZEKE working behind the counter of a local cafe bookstore, flames ignite in her vulnerable, romantic heart. Soon she falls headlong into an altered state, falling prey to this older, handsome, irresistible devil. Not only does Zeke kindle a match in Sue's insatiable longing, but he also frees her sexually in ways no man has ever done. Cement the deal. Little events begin to fester. The wary reader turns voyeur to this nubile girl's descent into a road-trip from hell. The last 100 pages had me zipping along to get to the book's chilling and dramatic conclusion. Not since reading Donald Ray Pollock's DEVIL ALL THE TIME have I been transported so easily and willingly into an anguished state of torture. Step into the manipulative mind of a lethal psychopath...ZEKE -- evil incarnate. You will not be able to put this book down.
I was lulled into an uncomfortable arena where a foreboding of danger lurked behind each new chapter. Sue, the protagonist of this novel is a young, naive girl from a small town trying to make good with her life. When she happens to bump into ZEKE working behind the counter of a local cafe bookstore, flames ignite in her vulnerable, romantic heart. Soon she falls headlong into an altered state, falling prey to this older, handsome, irresistible devil. Not only does Zeke kindle a match in Sue's insatiable longing, but he also frees her sexually in ways no man has ever done. Cement the deal. Little events begin to fester. The wary reader turns voyeur to this nubile girl's descent into a road-trip from hell. The last 100 pages had me zipping along to get to the book's chilling and dramatic conclusion. Not since reading Donald Ray Pollock's DEVIL ALL THE TIME have I been transported so easily and willingly into an anguished state of torture. Step into the manipulative mind of a lethal psychopath...ZEKE -- evil incarnate. You will not be able to put this book down.
December 22, 2012
Many women have had a Zeke in their lives - I met one many years ago who almost destroyed me emotionally, but fortunately not actually a murderous one. Wodke Hawkinson's Zeke, beautiful on the outside, truly monstrous on the inside, is one of the most disturbing characters I have encountered recently. Master manipulators have an uncanny instinct for finding vulnerable girls and women, playing them like fish on the end of a line, allowing just enough wriggle room then reeling them back into their emotional net.
Susan, uncertain about her place in the world, is the perfect victim for Zeke, who is "resting up" by servicing a local wealthy widow while he seeks out his next mark. Having worked on Susan's mind until she is ready to leave town with him, they embark on a dangerous course. Susan soon realises what Zeke is really like, but keeps denial in the forefront of her mind. How can she admit she has made a terrible error in judgement, especially after the increasingly depraved acts into which Zeke manipulates her?
The sense of foreboding which this novel engenders in the reader is a masterpiece of writing. Terror for Susan's plight had me forcing myself not to flip to the last pages to see if she survived her ordeal. I am glad I didn't because it would have spoiled the ending for me.
Well-written and superbly crafted, not for the faint-hearted.
Susan, uncertain about her place in the world, is the perfect victim for Zeke, who is "resting up" by servicing a local wealthy widow while he seeks out his next mark. Having worked on Susan's mind until she is ready to leave town with him, they embark on a dangerous course. Susan soon realises what Zeke is really like, but keeps denial in the forefront of her mind. How can she admit she has made a terrible error in judgement, especially after the increasingly depraved acts into which Zeke manipulates her?
The sense of foreboding which this novel engenders in the reader is a masterpiece of writing. Terror for Susan's plight had me forcing myself not to flip to the last pages to see if she survived her ordeal. I am glad I didn't because it would have spoiled the ending for me.
Well-written and superbly crafted, not for the faint-hearted.
July 9, 2013
What makes a woman stay with a controlling abusive and manipulating man?
Is it love? Is it fear? feeling no self worth.. this story is about just that.
Zeke is one of those men and more. He is incredibly good looking and oozes charm
Sue mesmerized by him, she can't believe he is interested in her. She is a quiet lonely girl with issues of her own. Once meeting Zeke she very quickly gets caught up with his controlling and manipulation of her.
"Their relationship must stay a secret" he says and he persuades her to leave her family and everything she knows to embark on a trip to nowhere.
Slowly she becomes more and more under his spell but only when she realises that her life is in serious danger does she eventuality see him for what he is.
Zeke is scary and the mind games he uses on Sue are frightening.
He is a sociopath..
But can Sue be rescued in time.
My Thoughts
Watching Zeke change was nail biting and terrifying. Sue was more than stupid even though the warning signs were there from almost straight way she chooses to ignore them, believing she is in love with him but leaving her in terrible danger.
This was a couldn't put down type of book..
The ending ...well lets just say...............
Is it love? Is it fear? feeling no self worth.. this story is about just that.
Zeke is one of those men and more. He is incredibly good looking and oozes charm
Sue mesmerized by him, she can't believe he is interested in her. She is a quiet lonely girl with issues of her own. Once meeting Zeke she very quickly gets caught up with his controlling and manipulation of her.
"Their relationship must stay a secret" he says and he persuades her to leave her family and everything she knows to embark on a trip to nowhere.
Slowly she becomes more and more under his spell but only when she realises that her life is in serious danger does she eventuality see him for what he is.
Zeke is scary and the mind games he uses on Sue are frightening.
He is a sociopath..
But can Sue be rescued in time.
My Thoughts
Watching Zeke change was nail biting and terrifying. Sue was more than stupid even though the warning signs were there from almost straight way she chooses to ignore them, believing she is in love with him but leaving her in terrible danger.
This was a couldn't put down type of book..
The ending ...well lets just say...............
July 31, 2012
Ever wondered how women end up in abusive relationships? Why it is they don’t just leave or how, exactly, they fall in love with an abusive person in the first place? Read Zeke by Wodke Hawkinson. I didn’t just read a story that had me on the edge of my seat; I read a story that so accurately the victim’s mental rewiring and abuser’s charming mental instability that I had to step back and remind myself that I was reading a fictional story.
It’s not often that I find a book that can evoke a strong emotional response from me; Zeke did. And it wasn’t just the brilliant writing: exceptional character building would be an understatement, engaging story fails to do this book justice, and to say that the story and characters were realistic couldn’t even come close to describing what I experience while reading Zeke. In fact, the story was so realistic that I felt as though I was simply reading another victim’s story.
As you may well know, I am an advocate for domestic violence victims. I am also a survivor of domestic violence, so Zeke really jumped off the page for me. He was a living, breathing, standing in my living room abuser for me. I had to take several breaks throughout the book, just to breathe and remind myself that I was safe. But there are women out there that are NOT safe. They are with real versions of Zeke. While not all of them are likely as mentally unstable as our male protagonist, they are all mentally unstable in one way or another. Anyone that has ever been in an abusive relationship could probably find a resemblance of their abuser in Zeke.
For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend this book to everyone. For those that are still healing from the trauma caused in an abusive relationship, Zeke may not be a suitable read. But I would recommend this book to anyone else that enjoys psychological, nail biting, edge of your seat books. I’d also highly recommend this book to any young woman who is just starting out in the dating world or to any woman that may be on the verge of entering an abusive relationship.
There are Zeke’s on every corner, ladies, and they don’t come with a sign. Instead, they are charming, handsome, sweet, and completely in “love” with you. But what you see on the surface is nothing more than an act; deep down, they only want to control you, and many of them, like Zeke, actually enjoy seeing you in pain.
It’s not often that I find a book that can evoke a strong emotional response from me; Zeke did. And it wasn’t just the brilliant writing: exceptional character building would be an understatement, engaging story fails to do this book justice, and to say that the story and characters were realistic couldn’t even come close to describing what I experience while reading Zeke. In fact, the story was so realistic that I felt as though I was simply reading another victim’s story.
As you may well know, I am an advocate for domestic violence victims. I am also a survivor of domestic violence, so Zeke really jumped off the page for me. He was a living, breathing, standing in my living room abuser for me. I had to take several breaks throughout the book, just to breathe and remind myself that I was safe. But there are women out there that are NOT safe. They are with real versions of Zeke. While not all of them are likely as mentally unstable as our male protagonist, they are all mentally unstable in one way or another. Anyone that has ever been in an abusive relationship could probably find a resemblance of their abuser in Zeke.
For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend this book to everyone. For those that are still healing from the trauma caused in an abusive relationship, Zeke may not be a suitable read. But I would recommend this book to anyone else that enjoys psychological, nail biting, edge of your seat books. I’d also highly recommend this book to any young woman who is just starting out in the dating world or to any woman that may be on the verge of entering an abusive relationship.
There are Zeke’s on every corner, ladies, and they don’t come with a sign. Instead, they are charming, handsome, sweet, and completely in “love” with you. But what you see on the surface is nothing more than an act; deep down, they only want to control you, and many of them, like Zeke, actually enjoy seeing you in pain.
August 8, 2012
Karen and PJ—the duo behind Wodke Hawkinson—have hit the sweet spot with Zeke.
This novel is a story of love gone wrong. It tells the tale of Sue, a shrinking violet (as my Mother would have called her) who falls madly in love with Zeke, a charismatic, bright and handsome clerk in her favorite bookstore.
Unlike so many books that I read these days (both indie and trad), the tension starts on page one. You, the reader, know that something is wrong with Zeke but you can’t quite put your finger on it. As the story progresses, the tension builds and you will not be able to put the book down. I found myself still reading at three o’clock one morning.
As a man, when I hear of women in abusive relationships, I usually wonder why they don’t just walk away. The authors do an excellent job in showing the emotions that persuade Sue to continue the relationship, while the reader is screaming at her to get out while she can.
As the novel progresses, you will keep asking yourself, ‘How far will Zeke go before Sue sees the light and runs from him?’ Without giving anything away, I can tell you it’s a long, long way and there is tension on every page as you take the journey with them.
This book gets five stars from me. I recommend it but will warn you that it is not for the faint of heart. The violence gets explicit.
This novel is a story of love gone wrong. It tells the tale of Sue, a shrinking violet (as my Mother would have called her) who falls madly in love with Zeke, a charismatic, bright and handsome clerk in her favorite bookstore.
Unlike so many books that I read these days (both indie and trad), the tension starts on page one. You, the reader, know that something is wrong with Zeke but you can’t quite put your finger on it. As the story progresses, the tension builds and you will not be able to put the book down. I found myself still reading at three o’clock one morning.
As a man, when I hear of women in abusive relationships, I usually wonder why they don’t just walk away. The authors do an excellent job in showing the emotions that persuade Sue to continue the relationship, while the reader is screaming at her to get out while she can.
As the novel progresses, you will keep asking yourself, ‘How far will Zeke go before Sue sees the light and runs from him?’ Without giving anything away, I can tell you it’s a long, long way and there is tension on every page as you take the journey with them.
This book gets five stars from me. I recommend it but will warn you that it is not for the faint of heart. The violence gets explicit.
August 21, 2014
Okay so now that I’m over the shock, I’m going to rewrite this review.
I think the reason this book effected me so much, is because my friend Nicole and I were looking for a dark erotica book and Zeke came up in our search. Going by the cover, we thought..”oooh this looks good!” She and I had no idea the dark road this would lead us on. Zeke started off being a strange, disturbed, god-like, handsome man and picked Sue for his “toy”. And of course Sue fell for him. Who wouldn’t? She was a homely, naïve, college girl that didn’t have any confidence in herself. Any girl could have been fooled by Zeke’s silver tongue. He was a master manipulator and she kept getting deeper and deeper into his trap. I STILL didn’t know what the trap involved! I thought..oh he’s going to leave her stranded and rob her money and she’ll be stuck out in the middle of nowhere… that kind of thing. NOPE! This book was much darker than that! The total shock of what happens and how Zeke really is, and even fooled me and Nicole, is why it gets 5 plus stars. I’ve even written to the authors asking if they would write a prequel to explain why Zeke is the way he is. They did respond and said it was a good idea….we’ll see if they actually go through with it. Oh yeah, and the cliché “Never judge a book by its cover”…so true.
I think the reason this book effected me so much, is because my friend Nicole and I were looking for a dark erotica book and Zeke came up in our search. Going by the cover, we thought..”oooh this looks good!” She and I had no idea the dark road this would lead us on. Zeke started off being a strange, disturbed, god-like, handsome man and picked Sue for his “toy”. And of course Sue fell for him. Who wouldn’t? She was a homely, naïve, college girl that didn’t have any confidence in herself. Any girl could have been fooled by Zeke’s silver tongue. He was a master manipulator and she kept getting deeper and deeper into his trap. I STILL didn’t know what the trap involved! I thought..oh he’s going to leave her stranded and rob her money and she’ll be stuck out in the middle of nowhere… that kind of thing. NOPE! This book was much darker than that! The total shock of what happens and how Zeke really is, and even fooled me and Nicole, is why it gets 5 plus stars. I’ve even written to the authors asking if they would write a prequel to explain why Zeke is the way he is. They did respond and said it was a good idea….we’ll see if they actually go through with it. Oh yeah, and the cliché “Never judge a book by its cover”…so true.
January 3, 2021
This book is a pretty extreme example of an abusive relationship. Sue is about as naive and gullible as she can possibly be and still be (mostly) believable (sorta), and Zeke is about as evil as they come. I know girls like Sue exist because I've seen them with my own 2 eyes - it's quite a head-scratcher to witness their behavior. Although I dont know any women like Sue personally, the Zekes of the world can spot them a mile away and they hone in on these girls like tigers on gazelles. The relationship between these two is the canvas the authors use to paint the picture of the unraveling of a mad-man. Zeke is painted as a gorgeous, sexy, sarcastic, charming, intelligent ASS - the kind of guy that knows his effect on certain kinds of women and uses it to get whatever he wants. From this starting point, we watch him work his dark magic, and as he does so his own psyche slowly unravels and we watch him disintegrate into more and more darkness.
October 21, 2013
What a sick book....yet I continued to read it. Why? The author definitely pulls you into the story and sets it up nicely. By the time it gets twisted and graphic your invested in the story and you need to know how it ends and oh boy the ending isn't what you want it to be. I gave it 5 stars for the mere fact that even though the story is disturbing you really have to read it until the end to see if the girl survives it all. OMG!!!!
July 10, 2012
This was a gripping story. I was truly unable to put the book down. The story introduces you to Sue, a sheltered and very naïve young lady. She’s experienced quite a bit of rejection and bullying in her young life and it’s left her quite insecure and fragile.
Along comes Zeke. It’s apparent that he’s up to no good right from the start. He’s got everything he needs to play on the emotions of a lonely young soul. His good looks and charm can win over even more sophisticated, older women. He’s very good at giving women what they want. His looks and sexual prowess work as his initial bait.
He knows exactly how to manipulate Sue. First, with an innocent friendship that is the start of the training/brainwashing. Zeke becomes her only friend. He keeps Sue at a distance, while she longs for him. He knows that his little peck on the cheek is bringing about explosions of yearning and desire.
When it fits in his plan, they become intimate. Sue reveals her most painful memories in private pillow talk. Zeke uses this information as tools and weapons to manipulate Sue, with the ability to inflict the most excruciating pain and humiliation.
He is quick to punish Sue if she steps out of line. At first it was just emotional abuse. It’s all part of the training. Sue is confused. She loves Zeke. She can’t believe that she is worthy to have him. She justifies all the little red flags.
You may find yourself yelling at Sue. “Sue! He’s a bad guy- run from him as fast as you can!” But Sue is already brainwashed.
Zeke convinces and tricks Sue into countless situations that are degrading and sick. It escalates and soon it’s apparent that Zeke is even more evil than you could imagine. When Sue finally realizes this, Zeke makes sure that she cannot leave him.
This book will stay with you for days. Pass it on to all the single women in your life. This should serve as a warning. There are many “Zeke’s” out there, just waiting…
Along comes Zeke. It’s apparent that he’s up to no good right from the start. He’s got everything he needs to play on the emotions of a lonely young soul. His good looks and charm can win over even more sophisticated, older women. He’s very good at giving women what they want. His looks and sexual prowess work as his initial bait.
He knows exactly how to manipulate Sue. First, with an innocent friendship that is the start of the training/brainwashing. Zeke becomes her only friend. He keeps Sue at a distance, while she longs for him. He knows that his little peck on the cheek is bringing about explosions of yearning and desire.
When it fits in his plan, they become intimate. Sue reveals her most painful memories in private pillow talk. Zeke uses this information as tools and weapons to manipulate Sue, with the ability to inflict the most excruciating pain and humiliation.
He is quick to punish Sue if she steps out of line. At first it was just emotional abuse. It’s all part of the training. Sue is confused. She loves Zeke. She can’t believe that she is worthy to have him. She justifies all the little red flags.
You may find yourself yelling at Sue. “Sue! He’s a bad guy- run from him as fast as you can!” But Sue is already brainwashed.
Zeke convinces and tricks Sue into countless situations that are degrading and sick. It escalates and soon it’s apparent that Zeke is even more evil than you could imagine. When Sue finally realizes this, Zeke makes sure that she cannot leave him.
This book will stay with you for days. Pass it on to all the single women in your life. This should serve as a warning. There are many “Zeke’s” out there, just waiting…
March 11, 2014
The cover art suggests this is erotic. This novel in NOT erotica. A web of Black literary Magic woven by these authors!
This review has taken me days of contemplation to write. I read a few reviews which said this is not realistic and the female could not be that dumb and this could never happen.. WAKE UP.. it CAN and DOES happen to young girls everyday!
My review: This novel is a stark rare look into the mind and of a psychopath.. you watch the progression of insanity; you have a front row seat watching the finesse used to cast the line, set the hook into a fragile innocence and the long slow reeling in of the line... the closer the line is reeled in the more the vulnerable innocence thrashes, finally realizing the consequences of being caught.
Look into yourself and remember when you were so young and ignorant of the evils of the world.. remember the crush on the oh so hot guy (girl) in school.. remember what it felt like to go along with the crowd.. to fit in.. remember the little voice you chose to ignore warning you not to toilet paper Mrs. Jones house.. but you did it anyway.. because you wanted the approval of going along with the crowd?
My warning: Not a novel for those who haven't the courage to look at the dark side of this life we are part of. You better have courage because it will stay in your thoughts... sneaking in.. for a very long time.
This review has taken me days of contemplation to write. I read a few reviews which said this is not realistic and the female could not be that dumb and this could never happen.. WAKE UP.. it CAN and DOES happen to young girls everyday!
My review: This novel is a stark rare look into the mind and of a psychopath.. you watch the progression of insanity; you have a front row seat watching the finesse used to cast the line, set the hook into a fragile innocence and the long slow reeling in of the line... the closer the line is reeled in the more the vulnerable innocence thrashes, finally realizing the consequences of being caught.
Look into yourself and remember when you were so young and ignorant of the evils of the world.. remember the crush on the oh so hot guy (girl) in school.. remember what it felt like to go along with the crowd.. to fit in.. remember the little voice you chose to ignore warning you not to toilet paper Mrs. Jones house.. but you did it anyway.. because you wanted the approval of going along with the crowd?
My warning: Not a novel for those who haven't the courage to look at the dark side of this life we are part of. You better have courage because it will stay in your thoughts... sneaking in.. for a very long time.
May 20, 2019
This is not a sweet romance. Very dark. Sue is captivated by Zeke and Zeke knew how to manipulate Sue. It had a great start, but I think some parts could have been edited out. I know the sequel is about Sue, but is there a book that is a prequel about Zeke's life? I would love to read that book.
Overall it was okay. There was something about the writing that did not flow.
Overall it was okay. There was something about the writing that did not flow.
February 24, 2014
What can I say truly about Zeke? He was gorgeous, charming, sexy, persuasive and CERTIFIABLY NUTS. The book described him as a sociopath. Um, no. A man who bites off a nipple and carves a woman up like a Thanksgiving turkey to have an orgasm is a PSYCHOPATH TO THE BONE. Nothing could bring him back from the evil in his soul. Was he born a bad seed? I could not put this book down. I needed to see what would happen next. This book must be read with the lights ON.
Sue was so young, so gullible, so trusting, so forgiving and yet such perfect prey for Zeke, which by the way was not his real name. She made excuses for every sick, degrading, unstable, demented thing he did to her and every situation he put her into.
And I'll admit, the bullshit he was shoveling her way was so damn good I actually started to believe it myself. He was a pathological liar. He lied as routinely as people get up to brush their teeth every morning. His manipulation games he had practiced to precision. NOTHING he said in the book, to Sue or anybody else, was the actual truth.
This book was chilling. He STOLE a dead man's identity. I kept asking myself throughout the book - WHAT IS HIS REAL NAME? WHAT'S HIS REAL STORY? When he took her to the grave of a prior victim, my blood ran cold. I knew he was giving Sue a message - YOU'RE NEXT, BITCH.
And the most alarming part? It could actually be a true story. There are men walking around like that RIGHT NOW, preying, watching for willing victims. And they never stop until they are caught.
So ladies out there - if a man doesn't want you to tell your family about him or your relationship in any way - RED FLAG.
And if I ever hear the phrase "it's all good" again I think I'll run for the hills screaming.
Excellent read.
Sue was so young, so gullible, so trusting, so forgiving and yet such perfect prey for Zeke, which by the way was not his real name. She made excuses for every sick, degrading, unstable, demented thing he did to her and every situation he put her into.
And I'll admit, the bullshit he was shoveling her way was so damn good I actually started to believe it myself. He was a pathological liar. He lied as routinely as people get up to brush their teeth every morning. His manipulation games he had practiced to precision. NOTHING he said in the book, to Sue or anybody else, was the actual truth.
This book was chilling. He STOLE a dead man's identity. I kept asking myself throughout the book - WHAT IS HIS REAL NAME? WHAT'S HIS REAL STORY? When he took her to the grave of a prior victim, my blood ran cold. I knew he was giving Sue a message - YOU'RE NEXT, BITCH.
And the most alarming part? It could actually be a true story. There are men walking around like that RIGHT NOW, preying, watching for willing victims. And they never stop until they are caught.
So ladies out there - if a man doesn't want you to tell your family about him or your relationship in any way - RED FLAG.
And if I ever hear the phrase "it's all good" again I think I'll run for the hills screaming.
Excellent read.
August 3, 2014
I don't have words to express my thoughts and emotions here. This book was mind-numbing (Yes, I am quoting Zeke here *shudder*).
At first, I too was attracted to our male hero/antihero/or whatever (cliche, I know), but as the story progressed I wanted to yell at the heroine. Like, seriously. How naive can you be? He is ....! Guh. No spoilers, right. Then I stepped back and tried to put myself in her shoes. Then I was like, okay. This can happen to a girl. Fall head over heels and be manipulated to such degree where you can't tell right from wrong.
The story picked up from the second half of the book and then everything was...Wow. Just wow. The story is not about love. Not really. Well, maybe it is. But it is deffinitely a story that will stick to me for a long time. This story is a perfect example of what naivity, gullibility and innocence can do to people. This is a story about how someone's looks and words can transform a person. How you can lose yourself in the process of trying not to lose someone. How that someone can make you go against everyone and everything. How you can end up so mixed up and so deep in someone's twisted mind that you can no longer get out of it, no matter how much you want it.
This is a story about growing up, I think. About realizing that not everyone with a pretty face and a honeyed tongue is good. This is a story about manipulation at its best. This is a story about insanity...and how one can get away with it.
5 creepy stars from me. This is something that I will certainly reread...
At first, I too was attracted to our male hero/antihero/or whatever (cliche, I know), but as the story progressed I wanted to yell at the heroine. Like, seriously. How naive can you be? He is ....! Guh. No spoilers, right. Then I stepped back and tried to put myself in her shoes. Then I was like, okay. This can happen to a girl. Fall head over heels and be manipulated to such degree where you can't tell right from wrong.
The story picked up from the second half of the book and then everything was...Wow. Just wow. The story is not about love. Not really. Well, maybe it is. But it is deffinitely a story that will stick to me for a long time. This story is a perfect example of what naivity, gullibility and innocence can do to people. This is a story about how someone's looks and words can transform a person. How you can lose yourself in the process of trying not to lose someone. How that someone can make you go against everyone and everything. How you can end up so mixed up and so deep in someone's twisted mind that you can no longer get out of it, no matter how much you want it.
This is a story about growing up, I think. About realizing that not everyone with a pretty face and a honeyed tongue is good. This is a story about manipulation at its best. This is a story about insanity...and how one can get away with it.
5 creepy stars from me. This is something that I will certainly reread...
August 15, 2012
"Zeke", by Wodke Hawkinson, is a dark and thrilling ride. Sue is a young college student who meets Zeke at the bookstore he works in. He's gorgeous and mysterious. Sue can't believe her good fortune that he wants to go out with her.
It will soon turn to misfortune as Zeke begins to manipulate her and play mind games. After a number of months of secretive dating he talks her into disappearing with him. When her parents realize she is missing and her car is found abandoned by a cemetery they hire a detective to find her. The detective soon realizes that her life is in danger and the race is on.
This is a chilling and very disturbing read. It is not for the faint of heart. The character of Zeke is twisted and evil. The writers did a fabulous job of slowly revealing his deranged personality. Sue was very believable as a young, insecure woman entranced by the handsome stranger. I liked that she did assert herself at times during the course of the story.
It is definitely a great read, just be forewarned that it is a dark story of sexual obsession and evil.
It will soon turn to misfortune as Zeke begins to manipulate her and play mind games. After a number of months of secretive dating he talks her into disappearing with him. When her parents realize she is missing and her car is found abandoned by a cemetery they hire a detective to find her. The detective soon realizes that her life is in danger and the race is on.
This is a chilling and very disturbing read. It is not for the faint of heart. The character of Zeke is twisted and evil. The writers did a fabulous job of slowly revealing his deranged personality. Sue was very believable as a young, insecure woman entranced by the handsome stranger. I liked that she did assert herself at times during the course of the story.
It is definitely a great read, just be forewarned that it is a dark story of sexual obsession and evil.
August 10, 2012
I heard about this book yesterday from a blogger whose recommendation was so good (tension on every page, psychological depth) I went to Amazon and read the sample. Hooked, immediately. I bought it, finished it five hours later--simply couldn't stop reading. Sure, it's got self-pubbed issues--could've used some editing for repetitions and a couple of minor continuity gaffes--but all in all it's an excellent read. The story flows effortlessly, the plot is riveting, the characters well-rounded and very human, and the exploration of the psychological aspects of abusive relationships is very well done. A shy girl meets a charismatic hunk and falls for him. From page three you want to jump inside and tell her NO! STAY AWAY! But you're forced to watch, nibbling at your fingernails, as he wraps her deeper and deeper into his web of control. That aspect of the psychology is done marvelously, in my opinion.
December 16, 2014
Don't know what to say about Zeke! Maybe we all know one to one extreme or the other. He was a master of control and manipulation. Very well written and engaging.
December 3, 2025
"Zeke" by Wodke Hawkinson is a dark and intense psychological thriller that explores themes of manipulation, exploitation, naivety, and the terrifying reality of falling for a dangerous individual. Due to its heavy subject matter, this book can be polarising. It serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding a narcissistic manipulator, clearly illustrating how the character engineers situations to gain complete control over another person.
The first half of the book reads more like an obsessive, dark, and toxic romance, while the second half shifts to psychological suspense, featuring chilling, terrifying moments. It is intriguing to view the story from both Zeke's and Sue's perspectives. From the very beginning, readers understand that Zeke is dangerous, but witnessing him systematically exploit Sue creates a powerful and agonising tension.
Zeke is a deeply twisted, evil, and deranged character, which ironically makes him compelling to read about in a thriller context. His ability to charm, manipulate, and control Sue is expertly portrayed. Witnessing Sue's genuine feelings adds depth to the narrative, making the psychological abuse and manipulation all the more disturbing.
The first half of the book reads more like an obsessive, dark, and toxic romance, while the second half shifts to psychological suspense, featuring chilling, terrifying moments. It is intriguing to view the story from both Zeke's and Sue's perspectives. From the very beginning, readers understand that Zeke is dangerous, but witnessing him systematically exploit Sue creates a powerful and agonising tension.
Zeke is a deeply twisted, evil, and deranged character, which ironically makes him compelling to read about in a thriller context. His ability to charm, manipulate, and control Sue is expertly portrayed. Witnessing Sue's genuine feelings adds depth to the narrative, making the psychological abuse and manipulation all the more disturbing.
February 5, 2021
Positives:
This book could come in handy for every mother that has a daughter and wants to learn about some warming signs for bad people.
Negatives:
The girl has a very solid homelife and future. That's why I can't see why she would fall for it. She's old enough to know better.
It didn't add anything to my life so I decided to stop reading after having read about 1/3 of it.
This book could come in handy for every mother that has a daughter and wants to learn about some warming signs for bad people.
Negatives:
The girl has a very solid homelife and future. That's why I can't see why she would fall for it. She's old enough to know better.
It didn't add anything to my life so I decided to stop reading after having read about 1/3 of it.
October 14, 2012
After reading
Betrayed also by: Wodke Hawkinson 'The same author of this book',
and reading the description of THIS book I am wondering when the real excitement will kick in.... I am half way thru the book ZEKE and it has been a slow read. Almost a job at times... Betrayed was so well written and very true to real life events I assumed this book would be a sinister story as well.. but I am still waiting for this 'thus far boring' book to shock me, scare me, or make me want to check the locks on my doors.... and windows.. yes it happends like that when your really scared 'when you know what is really out there in our world..from experience'
Brook, a Denver socialite, is abducted during a botched carjacking, and mistreated in the worst possible ways by her captors. She escapes, wandering injured, half-naked, and hopelessly lost in the Colorado wilderness at the onset of a harsh winter. Brook is nearly frozen and almost at the end of her endurance.
Lance, a wild-looking reclusive man who has shunned society, likes his solitary life deep in the wooded mountains. But his world is about to be turned upside down.
But..... after reading 1/2 of this book all I know is Zeke is a liar, a lazy gigglo not even that just whores himself out for a roof over his head... to a older lady who has money... she also loans him out to her friends also older women who have needs that need to be met... lol.. these things are revealed but not in depth, so we know Zeke works in a book store, Susie is his girl friend who we know from the description he will go nuts on her at some time.... and maybe kill her or plan to.. and susie is a college student who is dumb enough to eat up his lies only due to her poor self esteem?? I guess, From the desciption of Susan she is a nice looking girl so I don't undstand why she would allow his treatment and outright in your face lies... I don't know the book is just really boring at this point... even the sex scenes are boring.... and we can see that Zeke is not really a mentally stable person and Susan sees this but continues to stay with him in a relationship. So... the story does not add up at this point '1/2' way thru the book for me...
Will update after finished reading the book..
WELLL.... this did not end at all like I thought it would. The end is very scary, Susan has put her self in the hands of a killer she is so young and unexperienced she just believes every thing Zeke has to tell her.. she is scared of him and then she hears him say I love you bunny,, and thinks oh he loves me, he would never hurt me.. He sets her up for several attacks records them and then acts like they were jokes.... and talks her into accepting it. The end is a real shocker and if you do read this book you may not like the end cause the bad guy does not always get caught... No matter how many people are after him or what he does or how many people he kills. Let just warn all he is really sick.. Very sick... so you have been warned..
I would not catagorized this as a romance at all really, Susan might think she is in love but What Zeke has for her is not love and he does not have it for any woman. This is truley a crime/suspense novel and has element of sex involved. The author is known for some really shocking stories and the last one I read BETRAYED had a good out come this one did not so it was a unexpected outcome... VERY SCARY.
Betrayed also by: Wodke Hawkinson 'The same author of this book',
and reading the description of THIS book I am wondering when the real excitement will kick in.... I am half way thru the book ZEKE and it has been a slow read. Almost a job at times... Betrayed was so well written and very true to real life events I assumed this book would be a sinister story as well.. but I am still waiting for this 'thus far boring' book to shock me, scare me, or make me want to check the locks on my doors.... and windows.. yes it happends like that when your really scared 'when you know what is really out there in our world..from experience'
Brook, a Denver socialite, is abducted during a botched carjacking, and mistreated in the worst possible ways by her captors. She escapes, wandering injured, half-naked, and hopelessly lost in the Colorado wilderness at the onset of a harsh winter. Brook is nearly frozen and almost at the end of her endurance.
Lance, a wild-looking reclusive man who has shunned society, likes his solitary life deep in the wooded mountains. But his world is about to be turned upside down.
But..... after reading 1/2 of this book all I know is Zeke is a liar, a lazy gigglo not even that just whores himself out for a roof over his head... to a older lady who has money... she also loans him out to her friends also older women who have needs that need to be met... lol.. these things are revealed but not in depth, so we know Zeke works in a book store, Susie is his girl friend who we know from the description he will go nuts on her at some time.... and maybe kill her or plan to.. and susie is a college student who is dumb enough to eat up his lies only due to her poor self esteem?? I guess, From the desciption of Susan she is a nice looking girl so I don't undstand why she would allow his treatment and outright in your face lies... I don't know the book is just really boring at this point... even the sex scenes are boring.... and we can see that Zeke is not really a mentally stable person and Susan sees this but continues to stay with him in a relationship. So... the story does not add up at this point '1/2' way thru the book for me...
Will update after finished reading the book..
WELLL.... this did not end at all like I thought it would. The end is very scary, Susan has put her self in the hands of a killer she is so young and unexperienced she just believes every thing Zeke has to tell her.. she is scared of him and then she hears him say I love you bunny,, and thinks oh he loves me, he would never hurt me.. He sets her up for several attacks records them and then acts like they were jokes.... and talks her into accepting it. The end is a real shocker and if you do read this book you may not like the end cause the bad guy does not always get caught... No matter how many people are after him or what he does or how many people he kills. Let just warn all he is really sick.. Very sick... so you have been warned..
I would not catagorized this as a romance at all really, Susan might think she is in love but What Zeke has for her is not love and he does not have it for any woman. This is truley a crime/suspense novel and has element of sex involved. The author is known for some really shocking stories and the last one I read BETRAYED had a good out come this one did not so it was a unexpected outcome... VERY SCARY.
April 8, 2016
One of my friends that knows I love dark reads saw this and told me about it thinking I might like it. I do love the dark ones. I'm no stranger to the freaks and the psychos, but usually they have a certain romance factor. Zeke is EVIL.
When I first started reading it, I thought this isn't dark. Pfft. It starts out, idiot girl falling for master manipulator guy, Wha-wha-wha. But after she leaves with him, the story turns from potential dark fantasy to an inside scoop of my life with a sick fuck.
This book was so unlike anything I've read in...I don't even know. I was surprised by it and way beyond interested. I definitely could not put it down. It was like watching some episode of craziness on A&E except being behind the scenes, inside what really went down. I never knew what was going to happen next. Like total...just wow.
So much random insanity is in this book that I can't even explain it. If you lika-tha-darka for realz, this shiz is for you. But as I stated before, Zeke is not a prince in disguise. This is not a love story. Zeke is my first time with these authors, and I plan to revisit.
toni
very dark and crazy i loved it my review is at http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
March 18, 2013
Zeke: what a complete wack!!!
Not sure what genre this is classed as, my thinking is definitely not dark romance, more likely psychological thriller, possibly even horror!!!
Certainly not for the feint or weak hearted, as there are some truly gruesome elements.
What makes it worse is that i have read similar 'true' stories that are comparable to this, which only highlights the fact that there's a whole lot of crazy out there...
I initially thought that the writing was abrupt and the female lead (Sue) was insipid, 25% in and the writing started to flow a lot more easily and I began to understand Sue's train of thinking in her conscious need for self preservation.
One criticism i have for Sue's character would be that i would have liked to like her more. She lacked the initial character build up giving her a warmth that the reader could empathise with. I understand that she needed a certain vulnerability to her but i found myself thinking in the beginning 'how pathetic can one person be?' rather than feeling sorry for her.
The same goes for Sue's initial attraction to Zeke, yes he was extremely good looking, but i would have liked to have liked his character more too - obviously only at the beginning - so i could at least understand how Sue fell for him in the first place. But it was pretty early on that he was quite severe and harsh when he was with her. Which only left me wondering why she would continue before her feelings for him deepened.
Hmmmm, ratings: I didn't love this book, i'm not even sure i liked it, it's certainly worth more than just a 2 star 'ok', which is why i've given a fair 3 star. However i'm not sure if my ratings are due to my feelings for the content of the book rather than the story line itself or the writing which were both pretty remarkable in their storytelling.
Not sure what genre this is classed as, my thinking is definitely not dark romance, more likely psychological thriller, possibly even horror!!!
Certainly not for the feint or weak hearted, as there are some truly gruesome elements.
What makes it worse is that i have read similar 'true' stories that are comparable to this, which only highlights the fact that there's a whole lot of crazy out there...
I initially thought that the writing was abrupt and the female lead (Sue) was insipid, 25% in and the writing started to flow a lot more easily and I began to understand Sue's train of thinking in her conscious need for self preservation.
One criticism i have for Sue's character would be that i would have liked to like her more. She lacked the initial character build up giving her a warmth that the reader could empathise with. I understand that she needed a certain vulnerability to her but i found myself thinking in the beginning 'how pathetic can one person be?' rather than feeling sorry for her.
The same goes for Sue's initial attraction to Zeke, yes he was extremely good looking, but i would have liked to have liked his character more too - obviously only at the beginning - so i could at least understand how Sue fell for him in the first place. But it was pretty early on that he was quite severe and harsh when he was with her. Which only left me wondering why she would continue before her feelings for him deepened.
Hmmmm, ratings: I didn't love this book, i'm not even sure i liked it, it's certainly worth more than just a 2 star 'ok', which is why i've given a fair 3 star. However i'm not sure if my ratings are due to my feelings for the content of the book rather than the story line itself or the writing which were both pretty remarkable in their storytelling.
June 1, 2013
The blurbs don't tell you just how chilling this book actually is. It's dark and intense and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I knew from the moment Zeke was introduced how deviant he could be. I found the writing of his mood swings less than stellar, but they got the point across. Sue, a naive college girl desperate for a boyfriend, meets the tall dark and handsome Zeke while at the local used bookstore. The first half of the book catalog's their courting and we get a brief vision into the cracked psyche that is Zeke.
Because I know it sadly happens everyday I set aside my distaste for how trite and cliche Sue is as a character. I realize she somewhat has to be to set this psychological thriller in motion however it left me unable to truly connect with her. That doesn't mean I wasn't rooting to make sure she survived, but so many times I yelled at my Kindle for her to wise up and that was just in the first half of the book. In the second half I did start to feel sorry for her.
Zeke is scary. The ease at which his dark side was written was convincing. There is reason I can't pen psychological thrillers and it's because I am not nearly deviant enough. Especially not for a tale such as this. Zeke is sadistic and takes pleasure in hurting others. This sickness leads Sue astray and we have our story.
In the second half we are also introduced to Will Falstaff, an investigator hired to find Sue. His character is so underdeveloped and the details that are provided are useless and annoying. That's all I can say without giving away plot.
Overall I gave "Zeke" 3 stars because the writing was decent and it was a quick read. Some of the scenes were too dark for me and hard to read through. This book is certainly not for the faint of heart or those with a weak stomach.
I knew from the moment Zeke was introduced how deviant he could be. I found the writing of his mood swings less than stellar, but they got the point across. Sue, a naive college girl desperate for a boyfriend, meets the tall dark and handsome Zeke while at the local used bookstore. The first half of the book catalog's their courting and we get a brief vision into the cracked psyche that is Zeke.
Because I know it sadly happens everyday I set aside my distaste for how trite and cliche Sue is as a character. I realize she somewhat has to be to set this psychological thriller in motion however it left me unable to truly connect with her. That doesn't mean I wasn't rooting to make sure she survived, but so many times I yelled at my Kindle for her to wise up and that was just in the first half of the book. In the second half I did start to feel sorry for her.
Zeke is scary. The ease at which his dark side was written was convincing. There is reason I can't pen psychological thrillers and it's because I am not nearly deviant enough. Especially not for a tale such as this. Zeke is sadistic and takes pleasure in hurting others. This sickness leads Sue astray and we have our story.
In the second half we are also introduced to Will Falstaff, an investigator hired to find Sue. His character is so underdeveloped and the details that are provided are useless and annoying. That's all I can say without giving away plot.
Overall I gave "Zeke" 3 stars because the writing was decent and it was a quick read. Some of the scenes were too dark for me and hard to read through. This book is certainly not for the faint of heart or those with a weak stomach.
September 2, 2015
Well-written characters
“ZEKE” is a very mesmerizing story, because it feels like a story about a girl with an abusive, manipulated boyfriend; however he is really so much more…of a PSYCHO! I always enjoy character driven stories, and that is exactly what this is: the story of Susan Cox and her life after she met Zeke.
The book is a unsettling view of a man who I would categorize as (I am not a psychiatrist) a sociopath or some type of personality disorder, and the girl that got taken along for the horrifying ride. I do not want to give too much away, so I will just say that this is not a healthy romance and contains some rather disturbing events of rape and violence.
My only issues with the book are someone related. For starters, I know that a person of Zeke’s nature is unpredictable, but I don’t know if I believe he would have invested so much time and effort on Sue, especially before they hit the road. He seems too impulsive to put up with another person for very long. I guess then we would not have this story, so I am just going to assume that a person of Zeke’s ego enjoyed having someone to tag along to amuse himself with sexually that he could also manipulate and belittle. I just would think he would have gotten bore or fed up with her much sooner. Also, on the subject of pace, I am surprised it took Zeke as far into the story as it did to really show off his (extra) crazy side. I know all the signs are there early on, but he seems to go off the deep end later in the game than I would have predicted. I only complain about these factors, because when characters “act out of character” it removes me from the story.
All in all, if you are intrigued by the description of “ZEKE” you will most likely enjoy it granted you are not offended by the violent and sexual elements. If you are, you have been warned so go find another book!
“ZEKE” is a very mesmerizing story, because it feels like a story about a girl with an abusive, manipulated boyfriend; however he is really so much more…of a PSYCHO! I always enjoy character driven stories, and that is exactly what this is: the story of Susan Cox and her life after she met Zeke.
The book is a unsettling view of a man who I would categorize as (I am not a psychiatrist) a sociopath or some type of personality disorder, and the girl that got taken along for the horrifying ride. I do not want to give too much away, so I will just say that this is not a healthy romance and contains some rather disturbing events of rape and violence.
My only issues with the book are someone related. For starters, I know that a person of Zeke’s nature is unpredictable, but I don’t know if I believe he would have invested so much time and effort on Sue, especially before they hit the road. He seems too impulsive to put up with another person for very long. I guess then we would not have this story, so I am just going to assume that a person of Zeke’s ego enjoyed having someone to tag along to amuse himself with sexually that he could also manipulate and belittle. I just would think he would have gotten bore or fed up with her much sooner. Also, on the subject of pace, I am surprised it took Zeke as far into the story as it did to really show off his (extra) crazy side. I know all the signs are there early on, but he seems to go off the deep end later in the game than I would have predicted. I only complain about these factors, because when characters “act out of character” it removes me from the story.
All in all, if you are intrigued by the description of “ZEKE” you will most likely enjoy it granted you are not offended by the violent and sexual elements. If you are, you have been warned so go find another book!
March 21, 2013
Author: Wodke Hawkinson
Published by: W.H.
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4
Review:
"Zeke" by Wodke Hawkinson was some very dark suspenseful thrilled ride. Was this a love story gone bad? YES! It was of a student named Sue who falls deeply, madly in love with Zeke, who was a handsome, charismatic and smart clerk. Zeke wants to go out with her, however this soon turns to be as misfortune for Sues as Zeke starts to manipulate her in mind games. When her parents realizes that she is missing they hire a detective to fine her and this is where I say you will have to pickup this good read to find out what will
happen next. Truly one thing is for sure ...Zeke is very twisted and evil with a very deranged personality.
"Zeke" was definitely a good read especially if you are into a 'dark story of evil and sexual obsession. Now, with that being said this novel is not for the faint of heart! So, beware that the violence gets explicit.
May 17, 2016
Well written and well paced, not my usual genre.
Zeke is a master manipulator and ensnares a naive Sue. Sue is self-conscious and very happy to have caught the eye of such a good looking guy like Zeke. Over the summer Zeke manages to convince Sue to escape her current existence of living at home, working part time and attending college to go "underground" with him. He makes it sound like an adventure and the love sick Sue is completely enthralled by him. Soon enough things turn weird and Sue finds herself in a very bad predicament.
Zeke was a true sociopath and poor Sue was easily manipulated by him. It's easy to see this happening and scary at the same time. While it moved well, I felt like it was missing detail. We kind of skimmed the surface with their budding romance and constant narration tends to get boring for me. Again, this wasn't my usual type of read, but I enjoyed it well enough.
Zeke is a master manipulator and ensnares a naive Sue. Sue is self-conscious and very happy to have caught the eye of such a good looking guy like Zeke. Over the summer Zeke manages to convince Sue to escape her current existence of living at home, working part time and attending college to go "underground" with him. He makes it sound like an adventure and the love sick Sue is completely enthralled by him. Soon enough things turn weird and Sue finds herself in a very bad predicament.
Zeke was a true sociopath and poor Sue was easily manipulated by him. It's easy to see this happening and scary at the same time. While it moved well, I felt like it was missing detail. We kind of skimmed the surface with their budding romance and constant narration tends to get boring for me. Again, this wasn't my usual type of read, but I enjoyed it well enough.
October 28, 2015
Zeke is a psychological thriller and is a very chilling and disturbing read. It is a dark story of sexual obsession, twisted motives, and evil. There were elements about it that made me cringe in horror.
The story is about Sue. A young and insecure woman who meets and is seduced, quite cleverly, by a handsome man, Zeke. Zeke seems to have it all. He is charming, confident and good looking. From the onset, it's apparent that he is up to no good. He is dangerous and cunning as he plays with the emotions of lonely and vulnerable people.
As the story progresses, his psychopathic personality comes to light. Everything he does is scary; the things he makes Sue do and how he manipulates her is chilling.
In the case of Zeke, beauty is skin deep. He is truly a scary and disturbing character. At times, I had to stop reading as the scenes were too gruesome. I felt I couldn't abandon Sue, and I kept going till I got to the end. This well-written story is certainly not for the weak-hearted.
The story is about Sue. A young and insecure woman who meets and is seduced, quite cleverly, by a handsome man, Zeke. Zeke seems to have it all. He is charming, confident and good looking. From the onset, it's apparent that he is up to no good. He is dangerous and cunning as he plays with the emotions of lonely and vulnerable people.
As the story progresses, his psychopathic personality comes to light. Everything he does is scary; the things he makes Sue do and how he manipulates her is chilling.
In the case of Zeke, beauty is skin deep. He is truly a scary and disturbing character. At times, I had to stop reading as the scenes were too gruesome. I felt I couldn't abandon Sue, and I kept going till I got to the end. This well-written story is certainly not for the weak-hearted.
July 24, 2013
I really do not like to write the negative reviews. I do appreciate the auror's effort to write a book, to publish it etc. But sometimes I can't help it.
Zeke had an interesting blurb and I could see its potential. But there was none of it, sadly.
Where was the psychological manipulation? There have to be more than: your parents hate you and you don't need a proper education, let's have a nice trip around the country. The main male character was farfetched, the heroine - yes, stupid, but her stupidity can't be the excuse of her trust - she had her moments of clarity when she lied to him even in the beginning of their story. So was she stupid or poorly written?
Don't get me wrong - it's just my opinion. It's just me. I was expecting some good psychological motivation and got nothing.
Zeke had an interesting blurb and I could see its potential. But there was none of it, sadly.
Where was the psychological manipulation? There have to be more than: your parents hate you and you don't need a proper education, let's have a nice trip around the country. The main male character was farfetched, the heroine - yes, stupid, but her stupidity can't be the excuse of her trust - she had her moments of clarity when she lied to him even in the beginning of their story. So was she stupid or poorly written?
Don't get me wrong - it's just my opinion. It's just me. I was expecting some good psychological motivation and got nothing.
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