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Mortal Fear
By day, Harper Cole works as a commodities trader...and at night he leads quite a different life, serving as a systems operator for an exclusive erotic on-line service that caters to the rich and famous. But a stranger has now penetrated the network's state-of-the-art security, brutally murdering six celebrated female clients. Falsely accused of these horrible crimes, Harper realizes he must lure an elusive madman into the open-and place everything he holds dear directly in the killer's path!
624 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 1997
2059 people are currently reading
4897 people want to read
About the author
Greg Iles
122 books7,206 followersGreg Iles spent most of his life in Natchez, Mississippi. His first novel, Spandau
Phoenix, was the first of seventeen New York Times bestsellers. His Natchez
Burning trilogy continued the story of Penn Cage, the protagonist of The Quiet Game,
Turning Angel, and #1 New York Times bestseller The Devil’s Punchbowl. Iles’s novels have been made into films and published in more than thirty-five countries. He was a
member of the lit-rock group The Rock Bottom Remainders.
Phoenix, was the first of seventeen New York Times bestsellers. His Natchez
Burning trilogy continued the story of Penn Cage, the protagonist of The Quiet Game,
Turning Angel, and #1 New York Times bestseller The Devil’s Punchbowl. Iles’s novels have been made into films and published in more than thirty-five countries. He was a
member of the lit-rock group The Rock Bottom Remainders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 686 reviews
September 28, 2008
Let me preface my review with this: I LOVE this guy's work. His books are engrossing and full of suspense. That said, this book literally drove me nuts. I couldn't put it down. The suspense was unreal. I'm not the best with words, so I'm sure this review sounds lame. All I can say is you will not be disappointed if you read this book.
September 30, 2025
An overly long series of sadly missed opportunities!
EROS is a high end, very expensive, intensely private and ultra-kinky erotic on-line chat room service. When several normally high frequency users of the service drop off line but continue to allow the almost exorbitant debits to be charged to their bank accounts, Harper Cole, the EROS systems operator, becomes suspicious and worried. As a skilled internet derivatives, commodities and futures trader, he is well aware of the power of money and is justifiably concerned that something has happened to this set of vanishing customers. Further investigation with the help of his colleague, Miles Turner (a very eccentric geek type with extraordinary computer skills) morphs these worries into an ironclad certainty that these customers have been murdered by another EROS customer whom they label "Brahma".
They also discover that Brahma has murdered a male EROS customer and stolen his on-line EROS persona to trap unwitting victims.
When they bring their suspicions to the attention of the authorities, local police and the FBI immediately place him and Miles as #1 and #2 on the suspect list for the string of brutal serial killings concentrating their efforts, of course, in this completely wrong direction. Cole and Turner realize that their own freedom, not to mention the lives of other EROS subscribers, depend on their trapping the killer themselves. Concocting an elaborate on-line false identity, they conduct an elaborate ruse to bring the killer into the open but time after time, the brilliant killer sniffs out his pursuers and remains one step ahead of them. They come to realize that they are now targets and, not only have they placed themselves in dire peril, but they've managed to endanger Cole's child, the mother of his child and his trusting wife.
Greg Iles has created a plot with the potential to sizzle off the page - sex, brutality, blood and guts, computer technology, cat and mouse games with an insanely brilliant and devious killer - but, sadly, MORTAL FEAR is actually an overly long, under-edited series of sadly missed opportunities.
MORTAL FEAR could have delved into the sociological ramifications of on-line sex as a form of infidelity. It didn't. MORTAL FEAR could have dug deeply into the legal issues of "right to privacy". It didn't. MORTAL FEAR could have discussed the psychological impact of incest on its participants and victims. It didn't. MORTAL FEAR could have provided some absolutely fascinating sidebars on the science of transplants, hemophilia and the pineal gland, in particular. It didn't. (I know, I know ... that came out of left field but if you actually bother to read MORTAL FEAR after reading this review, you'll discover how these things fit into Iles' plot!) MORTAL FEAR could have discussed the esoteric art of serial killer profiling in considerably greater detail. It didn't. On top of that, each and every one of his characters were quite flat. There was lots of action, lots of dialogue and lots of movement but none of it really seemed to lift the story off the page into believability.
Frankly, a poor effort overall in comparison to some of his other page turners such as TURNING ANGEL. Not recommended.
Paul Weiss
EROS is a high end, very expensive, intensely private and ultra-kinky erotic on-line chat room service. When several normally high frequency users of the service drop off line but continue to allow the almost exorbitant debits to be charged to their bank accounts, Harper Cole, the EROS systems operator, becomes suspicious and worried. As a skilled internet derivatives, commodities and futures trader, he is well aware of the power of money and is justifiably concerned that something has happened to this set of vanishing customers. Further investigation with the help of his colleague, Miles Turner (a very eccentric geek type with extraordinary computer skills) morphs these worries into an ironclad certainty that these customers have been murdered by another EROS customer whom they label "Brahma".
They also discover that Brahma has murdered a male EROS customer and stolen his on-line EROS persona to trap unwitting victims.
When they bring their suspicions to the attention of the authorities, local police and the FBI immediately place him and Miles as #1 and #2 on the suspect list for the string of brutal serial killings concentrating their efforts, of course, in this completely wrong direction. Cole and Turner realize that their own freedom, not to mention the lives of other EROS subscribers, depend on their trapping the killer themselves. Concocting an elaborate on-line false identity, they conduct an elaborate ruse to bring the killer into the open but time after time, the brilliant killer sniffs out his pursuers and remains one step ahead of them. They come to realize that they are now targets and, not only have they placed themselves in dire peril, but they've managed to endanger Cole's child, the mother of his child and his trusting wife.
Greg Iles has created a plot with the potential to sizzle off the page - sex, brutality, blood and guts, computer technology, cat and mouse games with an insanely brilliant and devious killer - but, sadly, MORTAL FEAR is actually an overly long, under-edited series of sadly missed opportunities.
MORTAL FEAR could have delved into the sociological ramifications of on-line sex as a form of infidelity. It didn't. MORTAL FEAR could have dug deeply into the legal issues of "right to privacy". It didn't. MORTAL FEAR could have discussed the psychological impact of incest on its participants and victims. It didn't. MORTAL FEAR could have provided some absolutely fascinating sidebars on the science of transplants, hemophilia and the pineal gland, in particular. It didn't. (I know, I know ... that came out of left field but if you actually bother to read MORTAL FEAR after reading this review, you'll discover how these things fit into Iles' plot!) MORTAL FEAR could have discussed the esoteric art of serial killer profiling in considerably greater detail. It didn't. On top of that, each and every one of his characters were quite flat. There was lots of action, lots of dialogue and lots of movement but none of it really seemed to lift the story off the page into believability.
Frankly, a poor effort overall in comparison to some of his other page turners such as TURNING ANGEL. Not recommended.
Paul Weiss
September 20, 2020
Explosive, complex and unique. Hannibal Lechter merges with technology
One of Greg's earlier stories which takes place during the days of dialup modems and CompuServe, he's created characters and a plot that evolve with each chapter. Driven by a theme of Trust, two best friends involved in an a digital 'erotic' meeting place for the affluent play detective in order to track down a serial killer, who's reminiscent of Lechter, yet far more devious. Subplots of incest, family, and loyalty spin as the frantic momentum builds.
Having read nearly ALL of Greg's stories, this one took me by surprise given how early in his career it was written. A thriller in all respects, as the reader nears the 'finish line', the pace quickens to the point where you're panting with each page turned. Greg's mysteries rank equally with the likes of Baldacci, Patterson, Grisham and others, though his diversity is far above. Well researched, paced and immersive, he's one of the best crime/mystery writers today and THIS is one of his best!
One of Greg's earlier stories which takes place during the days of dialup modems and CompuServe, he's created characters and a plot that evolve with each chapter. Driven by a theme of Trust, two best friends involved in an a digital 'erotic' meeting place for the affluent play detective in order to track down a serial killer, who's reminiscent of Lechter, yet far more devious. Subplots of incest, family, and loyalty spin as the frantic momentum builds.
Having read nearly ALL of Greg's stories, this one took me by surprise given how early in his career it was written. A thriller in all respects, as the reader nears the 'finish line', the pace quickens to the point where you're panting with each page turned. Greg's mysteries rank equally with the likes of Baldacci, Patterson, Grisham and others, though his diversity is far above. Well researched, paced and immersive, he's one of the best crime/mystery writers today and THIS is one of his best!
May 25, 2009
I am almost finished with this book and it is my least favorite of Iles' books. It is technologically outdated, and in 1997 it may have seemed pretty interesting, but not so much in 2009.
That aside, it is too long, and needs more vigorous editing. I skipped over pages of extraneous information. I think it would have been a much better read if it had been cleaned up.
The plot is not believable and the some of the characters do stupid things which irritated me. Of course, some of that is due to the use of technology as a device in the book.
That aside, it is too long, and needs more vigorous editing. I skipped over pages of extraneous information. I think it would have been a much better read if it had been cleaned up.
The plot is not believable and the some of the characters do stupid things which irritated me. Of course, some of that is due to the use of technology as a device in the book.
August 27, 2012
Give Greg Iles credit--he never writes the same book twice.
By day, Harper Cole is a self-employed commodities trader. By night, he's a system administrator and participant in the erotic on-line community EROS. Populated by highly successful and affluent people, the EROS offers discreet on-line connections for those seeking something or someone different.
Married to his high school sweetheart, Harper has his own sets of secrets--not just related to his communications on EROS but also to his personal and relationship history.
When Harper notices a pattern of women disappearing from the EROS boards and ending up murdered, he deduces a serial killer is targeting the group. Informing the authorities of this, Harper and his long-time friend and co-system admin Miles become the prime suspects in the murder. Harper is forced to help the authorities try to draw out the killer, leading him to take greater and greater personal and professional risks to try and smoke out the person or persons committing the crimes.
While some of the technological aspects of Mortal Fear are a bit dated (transmission of pictures across the Web is a new thing in the novel), the suspense and psychological depth of Mortal Fear are not. Harper has his secrets and things in his past he'd rather keep buried--things that will all come to light during the course of the story. Harper isn't necessarily the cleanest of heroes, but Iles does a nice job of getting us to root for Harper even as we recognize that the seeds he's sewn are beginning to bear fruit.
It helps that Iles keeps the story moving forward at a near relentless speed. In many ways, this is the book equivalent of a good Hollywood thriller movie--it rockets along, not slowing down to allow you to question too much of the logic or motivation of the situation. Characters in the novel make some spectacularly bad decisions during the story (Harper's attempt to flush out the killer by adopting personality traits from his sister-in-law to create an on-line profile, for example), but a lot of them come from characters not thinking through the consequences of their actions, as could and would happen in real life.
As with other works by Iles, this isn't one to start reading late at night because you'll find yourself saying, "Just one more chapter" until it's three in the morning and you realize the alarm will buzz a lot earlier than you expected.
Another winner from Iles.
By day, Harper Cole is a self-employed commodities trader. By night, he's a system administrator and participant in the erotic on-line community EROS. Populated by highly successful and affluent people, the EROS offers discreet on-line connections for those seeking something or someone different.
Married to his high school sweetheart, Harper has his own sets of secrets--not just related to his communications on EROS but also to his personal and relationship history.
When Harper notices a pattern of women disappearing from the EROS boards and ending up murdered, he deduces a serial killer is targeting the group. Informing the authorities of this, Harper and his long-time friend and co-system admin Miles become the prime suspects in the murder. Harper is forced to help the authorities try to draw out the killer, leading him to take greater and greater personal and professional risks to try and smoke out the person or persons committing the crimes.
While some of the technological aspects of Mortal Fear are a bit dated (transmission of pictures across the Web is a new thing in the novel), the suspense and psychological depth of Mortal Fear are not. Harper has his secrets and things in his past he'd rather keep buried--things that will all come to light during the course of the story. Harper isn't necessarily the cleanest of heroes, but Iles does a nice job of getting us to root for Harper even as we recognize that the seeds he's sewn are beginning to bear fruit.
It helps that Iles keeps the story moving forward at a near relentless speed. In many ways, this is the book equivalent of a good Hollywood thriller movie--it rockets along, not slowing down to allow you to question too much of the logic or motivation of the situation. Characters in the novel make some spectacularly bad decisions during the story (Harper's attempt to flush out the killer by adopting personality traits from his sister-in-law to create an on-line profile, for example), but a lot of them come from characters not thinking through the consequences of their actions, as could and would happen in real life.
As with other works by Iles, this isn't one to start reading late at night because you'll find yourself saying, "Just one more chapter" until it's three in the morning and you realize the alarm will buzz a lot earlier than you expected.
Another winner from Iles.
September 12, 2020
My first Greg Iles book and it was very good, if not a little too long. He might have wrapped it up sooner but the ending was excellent and abrupt at the same time.
Harper, Miles and the rest were solid characters. I’m not sure that this is a series but I suppose more stories can be told. I was engrossed and grossed out at the same time. There were plenty of sick offshoots throughout. Quite a story. It will be interesting to read more of Iles work.
Harper, Miles and the rest were solid characters. I’m not sure that this is a series but I suppose more stories can be told. I was engrossed and grossed out at the same time. There were plenty of sick offshoots throughout. Quite a story. It will be interesting to read more of Iles work.
February 4, 2008
Wow. This is the best suspense novel I have read in ages. I've got to thank Dave, who visited my site and recommended Greg Iles to me! If you like psychological suspense and you're familiar with the Internet (of course you are; you're here, aren't you??) you will devour this novel!
Harper Cole runs EROS, an online sex chatroom service, and begins to suspect foul play when women customers begin to disappear from the service but haven't canceled their expensive subscriptions. He discovers one of the women has been brutally murdered and suspects the killer is also an EROS client.
The dialogue is excellent, the storyline makes it almost impossible to put down, and the characters are well defined. And some of his descriptions of emotions and human nature were enough to make me
stop and marvel at how good this guy is. This happened about every 10 pages.
Harper Cole runs EROS, an online sex chatroom service, and begins to suspect foul play when women customers begin to disappear from the service but haven't canceled their expensive subscriptions. He discovers one of the women has been brutally murdered and suspects the killer is also an EROS client.
The dialogue is excellent, the storyline makes it almost impossible to put down, and the characters are well defined. And some of his descriptions of emotions and human nature were enough to make me
stop and marvel at how good this guy is. This happened about every 10 pages.
March 12, 2015
This is a great thriller. Sure some of the tech. talk (AOL, Compuserve) dates it, but no more than a book mentioning Facebook or Instagram written today, might be dated 10 years or so in the future. I certainly doesn't take away from the story, which works on a number of levels. This novel is better than your average, run-of-the-mill serial killer novel. The reasons the killer murders his victims are twofold and the way he hunts his victims is clever. This is an intelligent killer. I love the way he toys with the authorities, running circles around the police and FBI. Lots of surprises in this novel as well, especially what happens when the psychiatrist, Arthur Lenz, tries to trick the killer. I like the interplay between Harper Cole and the killer, as Cole tries to convince him he's a beautiful woman named Erin. It's a neat cat-and-mouse game, that doesn't end the way in which Cole expects. It's a very readable book and can be quite suspenseful at times. While not the most believable, it's a lot of fun and very entertaining. Worthy of four stars.
April 24, 2009
My least favorite read of a favorite author. Just didn't like the characters that much.
June 5, 2020
This is the 12th book by Greg Iles that I've read. I like his southern style characters. They are vivid and they stand out. He also seems to nail human emotion when building on the relationships. This realistic vibe firmly cements the believe-ability which goes a long way in keeping me connected to them....even in his chunkier books.
Now I will say that this one seemed a tad long at times. There was a point when they are closing in on the killer and I made the mistake of looking down at the remaining time left on my audio....and it still had 6 hours to go....WHAT? This author does love his tangents and there were plenty here. But still a decent story with amazing characters. So 4 stars.
Now I will say that this one seemed a tad long at times. There was a point when they are closing in on the killer and I made the mistake of looking down at the remaining time left on my audio....and it still had 6 hours to go....WHAT? This author does love his tangents and there were plenty here. But still a decent story with amazing characters. So 4 stars.
July 6, 2009
I really like Greg Iles, but this was not a good book and if his name wasn't on it, no one would be able to convince me he wrote it. I wish I had never bought it or wasted my time on it. yuck.
February 24, 2022
I’m a big fan of Greg Iles and have enjoyed every book of his that I have read until this one. Not my thing. Couldn’t get into it and decided to cut bait halfway through.
November 25, 2020
First off, let me say that if you don't have a strong stomach, this one probably isn't for you. This book is dark and graphic at times. It also will push through boundaries that some may not be able to handle.
I haven't come across a book like this yet. I'm still stuck in a fog over everything that happened in this book. Some parts had my jaw on the ground. I just didn't know what to think or how to feel. I'm sure that's what the author wanted from readers. There were many parts that left me a little stupefied. I felt like I was in a daze, in a good way.
I can't decide what to say and what not to say. This book has unusual sexual encounters, murder, bizarre characters and situations, some mystery, some over-the-top scenes, and a lot of suspense. I spent hours devouring the words on each page.
I will say there are a small handful of extra information that isn't needed for this story. Although I think that is true with many books, sometimes it can kill the mood in a book. That was the case for me. These few instances, these parts would have been better left out. They held no importance, just filler. Aside from that, I enjoyed this book. I plan to make my way through more of this author's books in the future.
I haven't come across a book like this yet. I'm still stuck in a fog over everything that happened in this book. Some parts had my jaw on the ground. I just didn't know what to think or how to feel. I'm sure that's what the author wanted from readers. There were many parts that left me a little stupefied. I felt like I was in a daze, in a good way.
I can't decide what to say and what not to say. This book has unusual sexual encounters, murder, bizarre characters and situations, some mystery, some over-the-top scenes, and a lot of suspense. I spent hours devouring the words on each page.
I will say there are a small handful of extra information that isn't needed for this story. Although I think that is true with many books, sometimes it can kill the mood in a book. That was the case for me. These few instances, these parts would have been better left out. They held no importance, just filler. Aside from that, I enjoyed this book. I plan to make my way through more of this author's books in the future.
May 14, 2010
With a little medical mystery, a little computer espionage and a lot of cybersex and murder, Mortal Fear is the ultimate thriller. A serial killer infiltrates Eros. Known by many usernames, he toys with women while trying to achieve a higher purpose. The main character, Harper, is a hero, a villain and a victim, being placed into every possible category during this constant race against time trying to save victim after victim. Harper's personal life, his job and his dalliances on Eros (the sex site he worked for) all come into play during the investigation.
This book is very long, but surprisingly faced paced. I was completely sucked in. The computer aspect of the book is interesting. Although clearly advanced for the time period, I felt a spark of nostalgia reading about how computers and the internet operated over a decade ago.
This is real crazy, mind-blowing stuff. There were lots of disturbing parts, mostly more psychological than gory, although gore certainly had its place too. Mortal Fear is definitely not for those squeamish about sexual crimes and taboos. Sex and high tech are melded to create an exhilarating and terrifying thriller.
This book is very long, but surprisingly faced paced. I was completely sucked in. The computer aspect of the book is interesting. Although clearly advanced for the time period, I felt a spark of nostalgia reading about how computers and the internet operated over a decade ago.
This is real crazy, mind-blowing stuff. There were lots of disturbing parts, mostly more psychological than gory, although gore certainly had its place too. Mortal Fear is definitely not for those squeamish about sexual crimes and taboos. Sex and high tech are melded to create an exhilarating and terrifying thriller.
November 13, 2019
This is an outstanding thriller by Greg Isles, from page one you are captivated by the story and connect with the characters You can't wait till you turn the page to see what is going to happen next.
Harper Cole trades commodities from his farmhouse. But at night, Harper serves as system operator for E.R.O.S., a highly exclusive, sexually explicit on-line service whose clients are shielded by a guarantee of absolute anonymity. Harper suspects that something is amiss when six female clients drop off the network.. But when a EROS client is decapitated in her mansion, Harper contacts the police.
They are as shocked as Harper to learn that all six women clients have been brutally murdered, each with a different weapon, and in a different city. And each time the killer has claimed the same bizarre trophy. They realize that the killer is using the client list to hunt and kill his victims, and Harper becomes the prime suspect.
He calls on Miles Turner who also works at E.R.O.S to help him catch this serial killer. Harper pretends to be a beautiful woman in the chat rooms to lures the killer. GREAT READ I RECOMMEND IT HIGHLY
Harper Cole trades commodities from his farmhouse. But at night, Harper serves as system operator for E.R.O.S., a highly exclusive, sexually explicit on-line service whose clients are shielded by a guarantee of absolute anonymity. Harper suspects that something is amiss when six female clients drop off the network.. But when a EROS client is decapitated in her mansion, Harper contacts the police.
They are as shocked as Harper to learn that all six women clients have been brutally murdered, each with a different weapon, and in a different city. And each time the killer has claimed the same bizarre trophy. They realize that the killer is using the client list to hunt and kill his victims, and Harper becomes the prime suspect.
He calls on Miles Turner who also works at E.R.O.S to help him catch this serial killer. Harper pretends to be a beautiful woman in the chat rooms to lures the killer. GREAT READ I RECOMMEND IT HIGHLY
September 29, 2009
Sometimes I find Greg Iles highly irritating, and this was one of those times. The hero in this book was a jerk, and even the excitement of the ending (showdown with a serial killer) couldn't make up for that fact. The hero, Harper Cole, sleeps with his wife's sister, and impregnates her. He spends the first 2/3 of the book trying to rationalize/justify and hide this fact. Then, once the truth is out, he bemoans the fact that he made the "mistake" of telling her the truth, and ruined his life. Well, no, Harper, telling the truth wasn't the mistake that ruined your life, it was SLEEPING WITH YOUR WIFE'S SISTER!!! Jeez.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2013
A bit longer than necessary. 8 of 10 stars
June 10, 2021
From his writing, it is obvious Greg Iles is an extremely intelligent man. He fills his novel Mortal Fear with classical references and historical allusions. Furthermore, he weaves a tale that includes a wealth of knowledge of computers and how they operate, plus medical procedures as well. All that makes for a complex story, a story of a serial killer who is stalking women via an online service designed for sexual gratification. Iles’s narrative is interesting, and it kept me reading to the very end. That being said, I truly wished for about two-hundred-fifty pages less of it. Classic novels often have pages numbered well past a thousand, and I’ve read many of them. These novels often were written in a pre-movie, pre-TV, era when readers wanted their stories to draw out, filling their days. Even as late as the 1990s, it was not uncommon to find a novel that was six hundred pages or more. So, since Mortal Fear was published in the late 1990s, I should not be grousing about its length. But this is a mystery novel, not some literary treatise. Mysteries should flow quickly, astounding us with twists and turns. I got quite bogged down by Iles and his extreme descriptions using those classical and historical allusions, his paragraph-long character descriptions telling metaphorically of what someone was wearing or what someone’s complexion looked like, and I particularly didn’t care for the computer lingo—although I admit that when the novel was written, perhaps readers needed to know more than computer-savvy readers know today. The characters in Mortal Fear are rich, the story is exciting and inviting, but oh how I wish it had been a much shorter, faster moving book.
August 29, 2019
A mystery written well enough that i wanted to know how it ended, so I kept reading even though every single character is insufferable
July 23, 2016
First of all, I was afraid that the publication date (1997) would handicap a book which plot relies heavily upon computer technology. I found it to be absolutely no problem as I was drawn into the story. Greg Iles is a terrific writer. I have been thoroughly committed to each of the now four books by him which I have read. The man loves to write. And he creates stories which have all the depth one could ask for as well as , in this case, all the nail-biting suspense and page-turning frenzy one could ask for in a thriller. I won't say anything about the plot except that it is very straightforward and the characters involved against a villainous serial killer are revealed in all of their flawed humanity. But despite their moral or other failings, they are all the good guys.
I have read a lot of reviews of Greg Iles works as I have continued to stick with him for a while. I have never been disappointed. He really is good and usually superb in each of his books. I cannot understand how he has critics who dismiss his gems as less than the great feats they are.
I have read a lot of reviews of Greg Iles works as I have continued to stick with him for a while. I have never been disappointed. He really is good and usually superb in each of his books. I cannot understand how he has critics who dismiss his gems as less than the great feats they are.
August 15, 2014
Greg Iles is one of my favorite writers but this book was a bit of a let-down. The plot is a bit tawdry and sordid, dealing with an psycho killer who stalks his victims in an exclusive pricey internet chat room. The book was written in the 1990s so the technology is almost ancient by today's standards (Modems, exchange of jpeg images - no face to face contact as with Skype or similar services). So as a period piece it has some interest. But the plot struck me as a bit strained and forced. Still interesting enough but not one of Iles better books.
January 24, 2013
One of the most disturbing beginnings of a book I have read. I almost stopped and moved on to something else -- but it was an audio book and I was busy. What luck. Ended up being a very good story that encouraged me to read more by Iles.
March 1, 2015
I had never heard of Greg Iles, until the book challenge and needed an author with my initials. Not only did we share the same initials, but we both went to the same school. It was a very well written book, with a few twists, I will read more of his books.
February 2, 2019
Greg Iles never fails to hold my attention..I love his writing..I first was introduced through the " Natchez Burning" and now I am working my back through his other books. If you want a fast paced ride..then this one is for you!!
January 12, 2009
POOH – hated this – WAY too odd and full of sex dreams - and that's ALL.
December 9, 2017
fue tal como yo me lo esperaba, e incluso mejor.
Es increíble el manejo psicológico y desarrollo que Greg Iles le da a sus personajes, en especial a su protagonista, harper, que ayuda trabajando en la empresa de EROS, y se ve involucrado en la desaparición y asesinatos de 7 mujeres que pertenecen a esa red. la historia está narrada en primera persona, de forma que podemos ver y meternos en la piel de harper, viendo cómo es su proceso de descubrimiento e infiltración. a su vez, el libro cuenta con unos pequeños capítulos introductorios donde parece ser que se envía correspondencia alguien con su padre, pero también formará parte de la identidad cuando se vaya descubriendo quién es el asesino.
Lo que me asombró fue su extensión: poco más de 600 páginas, pero sin que el libro se pierda, aunque las partes tediosas seguramente las llevaba las conversaciones que se daban dentro de EROS, .
todo parecía apuntar a Miles, pero iles nos da un giro de tuerca bastante bueno, y aunque a veces me ponía a pensar: joder, no dejan de citar al sexo... pero pues qué hacer? es parte de su trama jajaja. y vaya que lo supo desarrollar muy bien. Completamente recomendable si quieren pasar un estupendo rato que los entretenga, pero eso sí, a llevarla calmada con el libro porque es algo largo.
Es increíble el manejo psicológico y desarrollo que Greg Iles le da a sus personajes, en especial a su protagonista, harper, que ayuda trabajando en la empresa de EROS, y se ve involucrado en la desaparición y asesinatos de 7 mujeres que pertenecen a esa red. la historia está narrada en primera persona, de forma que podemos ver y meternos en la piel de harper, viendo cómo es su proceso de descubrimiento e infiltración. a su vez, el libro cuenta con unos pequeños capítulos introductorios donde parece ser que se envía correspondencia alguien con su padre, pero también formará parte de la identidad cuando se vaya descubriendo quién es el asesino.
Lo que me asombró fue su extensión: poco más de 600 páginas, pero sin que el libro se pierda, aunque las partes tediosas seguramente las llevaba las conversaciones que se daban dentro de EROS, .
todo parecía apuntar a Miles, pero iles nos da un giro de tuerca bastante bueno, y aunque a veces me ponía a pensar: joder, no dejan de citar al sexo... pero pues qué hacer? es parte de su trama jajaja. y vaya que lo supo desarrollar muy bien. Completamente recomendable si quieren pasar un estupendo rato que los entretenga, pero eso sí, a llevarla calmada con el libro porque es algo largo.
May 18, 2017
Greg Iles will always be one of my favorite authors; however, his books could be about 100-150 pages shorter and still deliver the huge punches that keep readers coming back. Mortal Fear was no exception - both to the greatness of the writing/story/characters, but also to the need to be shorter.
Harper Cole has a good life. He is wealthy, has two jobs he enjoys and a great wife. Well, but then we find out that all is not Paradise and there are a few glitches. First, he realizes that with his job at an online service, EROS, he may have information about EROS clients who are turning up dead. Second, he has a secret that has the potential of ruining his marriage (with the great wife). Third, there's more to his wife and, while it's not bad, necessarily, it's going to change Harper when he finds out. Fourth...well, you get the idea. Paradise usually has some crabgrass.
Illes writes the EROS murders story and weaves in all the issues from Harper's life and includes FBI agents, local police (who have known Harper and his wife their whole lives) and a psychiatrist who helps Harper come to grips with everything from exposing the killer to handling his marriage (with the great wife).
I would have given this book 5 stars except for the "gallop to the end" ending and the extra 100 pages I could have done without (my opinion). Still a book worth adding to your TBR list. It'll make you think twice about computers.
Harper Cole has a good life. He is wealthy, has two jobs he enjoys and a great wife. Well, but then we find out that all is not Paradise and there are a few glitches. First, he realizes that with his job at an online service, EROS, he may have information about EROS clients who are turning up dead. Second, he has a secret that has the potential of ruining his marriage (with the great wife). Third, there's more to his wife and, while it's not bad, necessarily, it's going to change Harper when he finds out. Fourth...well, you get the idea. Paradise usually has some crabgrass.
Illes writes the EROS murders story and weaves in all the issues from Harper's life and includes FBI agents, local police (who have known Harper and his wife their whole lives) and a psychiatrist who helps Harper come to grips with everything from exposing the killer to handling his marriage (with the great wife).
I would have given this book 5 stars except for the "gallop to the end" ending and the extra 100 pages I could have done without (my opinion). Still a book worth adding to your TBR list. It'll make you think twice about computers.
September 10, 2023
My dad gave me this one to read, as I am unfamiliar with this author. And wow, this was such a fast paced thriller! It’s a bit outdated (think 1990’s internet-times and how we have come in that regard), sadly, but if you can look past that, the concept behind this story is really fascinating and well written. It’s a little lengthier than I personally think it needed to be, but none the less, the story was really good. Once I started I couldn’t put it down, and the idea behind the “why” I couldn’t stop thinking about. 4.5 stars for me (not well versed in thrillers so maybe I’m easily impressed 🥰)
November 10, 2017
First, I really like Greg Iles as an author. I have read several of his books and they are great. They definitely go into dark places. Murder, sex, gore...all a big part of his plot. However, the thing I like about his writing is the suspense and the action which keep me riveted and reading for long periods of time.
So, now let’s talk about this book.
It was good. The problem is, it was total thriller overload. It was too much. It took me forever to finish because I would read a couple chapters and I couldn’t stick with it. There was a lot of build up and detail. Some of it we could have definitely done without. It is almost like eating a cake. You love this cake but it’s so sweet that the more you eat, the less you want because it’s totally taking over your senses. It’s too much!
This book hit a lot of topics like technology, serial killer, incest, medical breakthrough, chat rooms, etc. You definitely get an idea of what the underground life is like.
Until the end, I was only going to give this book a 3, but the ending was really good. I couldn’t penalize the author for that. It just may be a while before I pick up another Iles book.
So, now let’s talk about this book.
It was good. The problem is, it was total thriller overload. It was too much. It took me forever to finish because I would read a couple chapters and I couldn’t stick with it. There was a lot of build up and detail. Some of it we could have definitely done without. It is almost like eating a cake. You love this cake but it’s so sweet that the more you eat, the less you want because it’s totally taking over your senses. It’s too much!
This book hit a lot of topics like technology, serial killer, incest, medical breakthrough, chat rooms, etc. You definitely get an idea of what the underground life is like.
Until the end, I was only going to give this book a 3, but the ending was really good. I couldn’t penalize the author for that. It just may be a while before I pick up another Iles book.
April 17, 2023
Such a tough book to rate. As always with Iles, it was very well written and researched. I learned more about medical procedures and the state of computer technology in 1997 than I ever cared to. With that said, reading this book 26 years after it was written made for some cheesy chapters. I'm sure if you read it back in 97 it was some pretty cutting-edge stuff.
All in all I enjoyed the plot and ultimately still enjoyed the book, but it could easily have been trimmed 100-200 pages shorter, and I found the ending a little unsatisfying.
All in all I enjoyed the plot and ultimately still enjoyed the book, but it could easily have been trimmed 100-200 pages shorter, and I found the ending a little unsatisfying.
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