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Summer of Fear
When reporter/crime writer Russell Monroe finds his former lover brutally slain in an apparently ritual style, he suspects a connection to other recent murders in the county. Somehow, the case never appears on the police blotter - although Russell saw his former colleague, homicide chief Marty Parish, leaving the scene of the crime - and soon all evidence of the death disappears. Meanwhile, a string of killings continues in the same gruesome style, and Russell becomes the contact of the deranged man responsible. As Monroe gets dangerously entangled in this deadly intrigue, he must fight for his life while watching his wife fight for hers against a terminal brain tumor.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1993
64 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
T. Jefferson Parker
99 books852 followersT. Jefferson Parker is the bestselling author of 26 crime novels, including Edgar Award-winners SILENT JOE and CALIFORNIA GIRL. Parker's next work is coming-of-age thriller, A THOUSAND STEPS, set for January of 2022. He lives with his family in a small town in north San Diego County, and enjoys fishing, hiking and beachcombing.
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February 15, 2021
"And her face! Amber's lovely, ageless, beguiling face - somehow lifted back now, flaplike, hinged on only one side, turned almost down, as if contemplating her own hair afloat in that pond of blood."
Summer of Fear (1993) is the eleventh novel by T. Jefferson Parker that I am reviewing here on Goodreads and the first one that I am unable to recommend. The overly complex setup gradually turns into a mess of an implausible plot.
The narrator, Russ Monroe, an ex-cop, is a moderately successful true-crime writer. He is telling the story of the Summer of Fear, in which he himself plays a major part. Amber, his ex-lover and the mother of his daughter, is killed; Russ finds her body. The words "SO JAH SEH," "AWAKEN OR DIE IN IGNORACE," and "MIDNIGHT EYE IS RETURN" are spray-painted on the walls at the scene of the crime. Moreover, Russ sees a friend of his, Marty, the Captain of Detectives of the Orange County Sheriff's Homicide Division, leaving the scene. Marty also happens to be the victim's ex-husband. Russ faces another drama: his wife is dying of brain tumor. Russ' and Amber's grown-up daughter is visiting after a long absence in his life
All this is just a part of the setup. We also have a suspected serial murderer, who calls himself Midnight Eye, on the loose in Orange County. Two couples have been murdered in a similar way, and Russ soon will be at the scene of yet multiple murder (apparently he has access to crime scenes because of his police connections):
I have discovered from the author's website that he wrote the book as a "howl of protest" about his wife's struggle with cancer and death from brain tumor, a pained cry against the randomness of illness and crime. It is hard to imagine the degree of tragedy and horror that Mr. Parker had to endure. He has my wholehearted sympathy, but I have to be truthful in the review: I am unable to recommend the novel.
Two stars.
Summer of Fear (1993) is the eleventh novel by T. Jefferson Parker that I am reviewing here on Goodreads and the first one that I am unable to recommend. The overly complex setup gradually turns into a mess of an implausible plot.
The narrator, Russ Monroe, an ex-cop, is a moderately successful true-crime writer. He is telling the story of the Summer of Fear, in which he himself plays a major part. Amber, his ex-lover and the mother of his daughter, is killed; Russ finds her body. The words "SO JAH SEH," "AWAKEN OR DIE IN IGNORACE," and "MIDNIGHT EYE IS RETURN" are spray-painted on the walls at the scene of the crime. Moreover, Russ sees a friend of his, Marty, the Captain of Detectives of the Orange County Sheriff's Homicide Division, leaving the scene. Marty also happens to be the victim's ex-husband. Russ faces another drama: his wife is dying of brain tumor. Russ' and Amber's grown-up daughter is visiting after a long absence in his life
All this is just a part of the setup. We also have a suspected serial murderer, who calls himself Midnight Eye, on the loose in Orange County. Two couples have been murdered in a similar way, and Russ soon will be at the scene of yet multiple murder (apparently he has access to crime scenes because of his police connections):
"The smell was strong. Both bodies - smallish dark-skinned bodies - were opened and emptied like drawers. Their contents were everywhere [...]"To me, the entire setup is so contrived that it has the feel of a cheap TV series. What's worse though, is that this setup devolves into a preposterous plot, with ridiculous plot twists, which I am reluctant to even allude to. This pains me because I love Mr. Parker's writing. I have very highly rated several of his novels. For instance, I have found his California Girl, winner of the 2005 Edgar Award, not that far from a masterpiece of the genre. Summer of Fear, on the other hand, in places reads almost as a parody of an actual crime novel, despite the accomplished prose, notable especially in the earlier parts of the story.
I have discovered from the author's website that he wrote the book as a "howl of protest" about his wife's struggle with cancer and death from brain tumor, a pained cry against the randomness of illness and crime. It is hard to imagine the degree of tragedy and horror that Mr. Parker had to endure. He has my wholehearted sympathy, but I have to be truthful in the review: I am unable to recommend the novel.
Two stars.
March 30, 2015
I missed this when it came out in 1993, at a time when the serial killer novel was fresh and satisfying to a good boy like me -- as well as a great lesson in manners. And as a product of its time all the basic elements are here, probably more than needed. In fact, it is an overstuffed work, and one star less in quality than Parker's best work, like Silent Joe, Red Light, and Black Water. (However, it is not as preposterous as his most recent books in the Charlie Hood series, as that is a difficult criterion to match.)
"Overstuffed" works. The excessive serial killer, a looney, anti-immigrant, anti-black, anti-Semitic, anti-LGBT (before the acronym!), a loner (uh-oh), way before his time. He is made of cardboard scraps, it seems to me; yet today he could serve in Congress. Then there is the narrator, a writer-reporter, used-to-be cop, married to his much younger great love, but still torching for his beautiful bombshell of a feckless ex. Her name is Amber Mae. His current wife is no tramp, of course, but she is dying of cancer and is about to have a critical brain operation, a step he cannot pay for. (Even a health insurance investigator turns up to turn the screws.) There is a beautiful and questionable adult daughter (a child with the haunting-but-feckless ex), who appears for the purpose of confusing things. She hates the mother, i.e., the h-b-f ex, who has dragged her around the world as her beautiful accoutrement until her lovely youthful scent overwhelms the mother's appeal to suitors. Still, she is opaque to us and to her father, the writer, used-to-be cop. She is pretty opaque to everyone. There is also a malicious homicide cop, who is also an ex of the haunting ex, and he does evil things to the writer, out of suspicion and, um, malice. And there is also a scholarly narcissist (redundant?), a noted serial killer expert who is advising the police on subtle strategies -- oh and yes, he too is an ex of the haunting ex who seems to be everybody's ex -- and yet he seems pretty straight and trustworthy ... but ... but ...
No review here, but enough parts lying around in the second paragraph for anyone to assemble the entire plot without my help. It's easy! Also, it's California, where serial killers are plentiful and diverse, so it's difficult to go wrong in expecting the expected. Had I read this as a younger man it probably would have been more enticing than now. Parker can write, as his finer books demonstrate. But this serial-killer genre novel really does not even aspire to transcend the genre or to define it.
Oh, one more thing. Remember the haunting ex? Well, there is also the milkman, the postman, a plumber ... no, not really! Just a joke! But feel free to imagine them as even more exes, just outside the plot.
"Overstuffed" works. The excessive serial killer, a looney, anti-immigrant, anti-black, anti-Semitic, anti-LGBT (before the acronym!), a loner (uh-oh), way before his time. He is made of cardboard scraps, it seems to me; yet today he could serve in Congress. Then there is the narrator, a writer-reporter, used-to-be cop, married to his much younger great love, but still torching for his beautiful bombshell of a feckless ex. Her name is Amber Mae. His current wife is no tramp, of course, but she is dying of cancer and is about to have a critical brain operation, a step he cannot pay for. (Even a health insurance investigator turns up to turn the screws.) There is a beautiful and questionable adult daughter (a child with the haunting-but-feckless ex), who appears for the purpose of confusing things. She hates the mother, i.e., the h-b-f ex, who has dragged her around the world as her beautiful accoutrement until her lovely youthful scent overwhelms the mother's appeal to suitors. Still, she is opaque to us and to her father, the writer, used-to-be cop. She is pretty opaque to everyone. There is also a malicious homicide cop, who is also an ex of the haunting ex, and he does evil things to the writer, out of suspicion and, um, malice. And there is also a scholarly narcissist (redundant?), a noted serial killer expert who is advising the police on subtle strategies -- oh and yes, he too is an ex of the haunting ex who seems to be everybody's ex -- and yet he seems pretty straight and trustworthy ... but ... but ...
No review here, but enough parts lying around in the second paragraph for anyone to assemble the entire plot without my help. It's easy! Also, it's California, where serial killers are plentiful and diverse, so it's difficult to go wrong in expecting the expected. Had I read this as a younger man it probably would have been more enticing than now. Parker can write, as his finer books demonstrate. But this serial-killer genre novel really does not even aspire to transcend the genre or to define it.
Oh, one more thing. Remember the haunting ex? Well, there is also the milkman, the postman, a plumber ... no, not really! Just a joke! But feel free to imagine them as even more exes, just outside the plot.
June 7, 2008
This was different from Parker's other novels that I've read. Although it is a mystery it is much more metaphysical than the usual in the genre. Characters are complex. The plot is well defined and has many twists and turns. It is not a quick read, but the reader will stay up late trying to learn what happens next.
June 17, 2024
"Summer of Fear" by T. Jefferson Parker is a gripping thriller that keeps you on edge from start to finish. Set against the backdrop of a scorching California summer, Parker weaves a tale of suspense and mystery that explores the dark secrets of a small town. The characters are well-developed, and the plot twists keep you guessing until the final pages. Parker's descriptive prose vividly captures the atmosphere, making it a compelling read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling ride. Overall, "Summer of Fear" is a must-read for fans of suspenseful novels with a strong sense of place.
September 10, 2023
Audio book review. I have read several of the other books. They have been great. I like them because I live in the same area and it makes them more real. This book's plot was a mishmash of things where the reader had to suspend reality to the max. The main reason for the low stars is the reader was just awful. He ... spoke ... so ... slowly ... I ... had ... trouble ... focusing ... on ... the ... story.
April 6, 2025
phenomenal
I have loved everything this author has written. I couldn’t put this one down. I’ve lived in Laguna so it felt like all of this was happening in my back yard. The characters are all so real- Isabella is a joy to know. This is a book so gripping and intense, definitely one for your library
I have loved everything this author has written. I couldn’t put this one down. I’ve lived in Laguna so it felt like all of this was happening in my back yard. The characters are all so real- Isabella is a joy to know. This is a book so gripping and intense, definitely one for your library
December 21, 2021
This is my second T. Jefferson Parker. Although I did not enjoy it as much as my first, it won't be my last. Crime writer, Russ Monroe is drawn into the case of a vicious serial killer in a hot California summer while his own wife battles her own war with brain cancer.
December 30, 2025
I picked this book up at a garage sale & at first I didn’t think I was going to like the book. Towards the middle of the book, I couldn’t put the book down. Kept me guessing who really was the killer.
February 21, 2021
Read in 1993. An ex cop turmed crime writer stumbles on the scene of a serial murder and he is drawn in to the hunt. Suspenseful and chilling. One of my favorites that year.
June 4, 2021
Pretty good thriller about a retired detective turned reporter who has a wife with cancer, an ex wife that he is blessed with and a serial murderer who is wreaking havoc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2021
Ex cop turned writer involved with a serial killer. His ex wife and daughter involved with murder plot while his current wife suffering with brain cancer-based in Laguna Beach, CA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2021
Read 2008
October 21, 2022
Fun, summer read.
January 20, 2024
This book had me going in many different directions. I did not see the ending coming...Some of it a little far fetched but that why its fiction
July 15, 2024
Incredibly gory details and main characters that just never grabbed and held me.
September 1, 2025
This took me forever to read. Wasn’t horrible, but slow at times and the writing was very condensed.
January 9, 2015
I have been trying to read the books I have missed by this author, T. Jefferson Parker, since I enjoy his writing immensely. This particular novel has a complicated plot, a lot of action, interesting characters and also philosophical points to ponder.
It takes place in Orange County, CA, mostly in Laguna Beach, and the time span covers the summer months in a year sometime in the 1990s. At this particular point in time, the area is being plagued by a series of horrific murders which the law enforcement agencies were slow to realize were serial killings. The main character in the story, Russell Monroe, is a journalist and former police officer. He names the killer the Midnight Eye. The victims have been families, and there were two at the beginning of the story. To complicate matters, Monroe's former significant other, and mother of his only child, appears to be a victim of this killer also. But things are not always as they seem. The relationship between Monroe and his former lover and child, is strained, to say the least. At this point in time, he has been happily married to his wife, a completely different woman,for several years, and she is battling brain cancer. This section of Orange County is growing by leaps and bounds but a lot of the characters in this story grew up together when the area was still rather small and actually had orchards of oranges. That fact makes the story quite complicated due to the relationships between many of the main characters.
I found one particular description of the philosophy of Mr. Monroe quite interesting. He states that he thinks that God and mathematics are one, and he believes that certain people are closer to God than others; thus the reason why certain people seem to be "chosen" for good purposes and evil purposes. Basically, he seems to think the events in a person's life comes down to simple luck. Why did his wife get brain cancer when other people did not? And he is angry at the self-help gurus who basically state that a person is responsible for acquiring the disease; thus also responsible for curing it. I found that extremely interesting, as I know of a ten year old girl and a non-smoking person in their 20s who both died of lung cancer in Orange County. Neither one had exposure to secondhand smoke either. That is just one example that gave me food for thought in this novel.
I read this book in one sitting, and although it does get rather complicated in its plot, I thought it was very well written.
It takes place in Orange County, CA, mostly in Laguna Beach, and the time span covers the summer months in a year sometime in the 1990s. At this particular point in time, the area is being plagued by a series of horrific murders which the law enforcement agencies were slow to realize were serial killings. The main character in the story, Russell Monroe, is a journalist and former police officer. He names the killer the Midnight Eye. The victims have been families, and there were two at the beginning of the story. To complicate matters, Monroe's former significant other, and mother of his only child, appears to be a victim of this killer also. But things are not always as they seem. The relationship between Monroe and his former lover and child, is strained, to say the least. At this point in time, he has been happily married to his wife, a completely different woman,for several years, and she is battling brain cancer. This section of Orange County is growing by leaps and bounds but a lot of the characters in this story grew up together when the area was still rather small and actually had orchards of oranges. That fact makes the story quite complicated due to the relationships between many of the main characters.
I found one particular description of the philosophy of Mr. Monroe quite interesting. He states that he thinks that God and mathematics are one, and he believes that certain people are closer to God than others; thus the reason why certain people seem to be "chosen" for good purposes and evil purposes. Basically, he seems to think the events in a person's life comes down to simple luck. Why did his wife get brain cancer when other people did not? And he is angry at the self-help gurus who basically state that a person is responsible for acquiring the disease; thus also responsible for curing it. I found that extremely interesting, as I know of a ten year old girl and a non-smoking person in their 20s who both died of lung cancer in Orange County. Neither one had exposure to secondhand smoke either. That is just one example that gave me food for thought in this novel.
I read this book in one sitting, and although it does get rather complicated in its plot, I thought it was very well written.
June 11, 2015
I've been foraging around for Jefferson Parker books ever since I read California Girl, Silent Joe and The Fallen. After discovering and devouring those 3 novels, I felt I'd stumbled onto a not so well known writer of excellent thriller/mystery books, and yippee - he's written so many of them!
And admittedly, Summer of Fear was written before those 3 excellent novels, so perhaps the author was still finding his feet when writing Summer of Fear. All the ingredients are there -- ex-cop turned writer embroiled in professional and personal tangles of both his own making (both deliberate and inept) and the truly horribly circumstantial-could-have-happened-to-any-poor-sod. He's on the case of a maniacal serial killer wreaking horror and havoc in the county, fending off an obsession with a wickedly selfish ex-wife, wrangling a distant and up til now estranged and barely legal 18 year old daughter, fending off an evil health insurer whilst trying to keep the heart & soul of his beloved young wife with brain cancer. Oh and beating off an unfair murder wrap his good friend from the academy is bringing against him.
You know, just an ordinary every day kind of life in Laguna, California.
So there are all these ingredients, but they're a bit obvious and the brush strokes are just a little too visible. Recalling it in my head, movie style (as I do, perhaps other readers do, too - create a movie in your head of the characters and action you are reading about), it makes sense. But reading it word by word, it had a slightly clunky feeling to it, a bit murder by numbers. Just a touch. Enough to make you notice and wish it was better.
Which is why it's so great that T Jefferson kept on writing, because his later books show a smoothness that this earlier version doesn't quite manage.
And admittedly, Summer of Fear was written before those 3 excellent novels, so perhaps the author was still finding his feet when writing Summer of Fear. All the ingredients are there -- ex-cop turned writer embroiled in professional and personal tangles of both his own making (both deliberate and inept) and the truly horribly circumstantial-could-have-happened-to-any-poor-sod. He's on the case of a maniacal serial killer wreaking horror and havoc in the county, fending off an obsession with a wickedly selfish ex-wife, wrangling a distant and up til now estranged and barely legal 18 year old daughter, fending off an evil health insurer whilst trying to keep the heart & soul of his beloved young wife with brain cancer. Oh and beating off an unfair murder wrap his good friend from the academy is bringing against him.
You know, just an ordinary every day kind of life in Laguna, California.
So there are all these ingredients, but they're a bit obvious and the brush strokes are just a little too visible. Recalling it in my head, movie style (as I do, perhaps other readers do, too - create a movie in your head of the characters and action you are reading about), it makes sense. But reading it word by word, it had a slightly clunky feeling to it, a bit murder by numbers. Just a touch. Enough to make you notice and wish it was better.
Which is why it's so great that T Jefferson kept on writing, because his later books show a smoothness that this earlier version doesn't quite manage.
April 15, 2010
This was my first book by Parker, and I was impressed enough that I will definitely be reading more of him. He has several that I can't wait to get my hands on!
Summer of Fear - If I had known beforehand that the main character's wife had terminal brain cancer, I never would have picked this book up; I typically avoid reading anything to do with scary diseases at all costs. I'm really glad that I gave the book a chance, though. Russ's undying love for his wife was a beautiful thing (definitely closer to that of golfer Phil Mickelson than of scumbag John Edwards.) The care and support Russ showed for Isabella was uplifting and sweet and kept it from being too depressing.
Russ is an ex-cop-turned-crime writer who gets wrapped up in the middle of two parallel murder cases, one being the works of a serial killer, the other being the brutal slaying of someone connected to him in his personal life. He realizes that he is being framed for the latter, so he must find out who killed her in order to save himself. At the same time, he is working closely with the police to try to stop the serial killer, who has begun to contact him personally. There are many graphic descriptions of the crime scenes, gross stuff, so if you have a weak stomach you might want to skip over those particular paragraphs. There is also some animal abuse that was bothersome to me, and I personally skipped over those parts.
Not necessarily edge-of-your-seat suspense, but good writing, full of emotional substance, good character development, and keeps you guessing about who the villians are. I do recommend it.
Summer of Fear - If I had known beforehand that the main character's wife had terminal brain cancer, I never would have picked this book up; I typically avoid reading anything to do with scary diseases at all costs. I'm really glad that I gave the book a chance, though. Russ's undying love for his wife was a beautiful thing (definitely closer to that of golfer Phil Mickelson than of scumbag John Edwards.) The care and support Russ showed for Isabella was uplifting and sweet and kept it from being too depressing.
Russ is an ex-cop-turned-crime writer who gets wrapped up in the middle of two parallel murder cases, one being the works of a serial killer, the other being the brutal slaying of someone connected to him in his personal life. He realizes that he is being framed for the latter, so he must find out who killed her in order to save himself. At the same time, he is working closely with the police to try to stop the serial killer, who has begun to contact him personally. There are many graphic descriptions of the crime scenes, gross stuff, so if you have a weak stomach you might want to skip over those particular paragraphs. There is also some animal abuse that was bothersome to me, and I personally skipped over those parts.
Not necessarily edge-of-your-seat suspense, but good writing, full of emotional substance, good character development, and keeps you guessing about who the villians are. I do recommend it.
June 27, 2025
This is now one of my favorite tales from T. Jefferson Parker. Russ Monroe, crime-writer, finds himself a prime suspect in the investigation of the murder of his former mistress while he holds strong suspicions about his competitor and successor for the dead women’s attentions – the homicide detective seen by Monroe surreptitiously leaving the victim’s house just before Monroe discovered her body. Meanwhile, Monroe becomes the conduit for communication between the police and a serial killer terrorizing the communities around Laguna Beach, CA. As if that weren’t enough for an entertaining Parker plot, Monroe’s wife Isabella is dying and her needs for time and direct care weigh heavily on Monroe as he tries to support her, to avoid arrest, to prevent further serial murders, and to come to terms with the impending loss of his beloved wife.
The plots twist and intertwine. The murders are gruesome. The relations between old-friends, detective and crime-writer are strained to the breaking point. There is love and death in the air. It all takes place in the warm and inviting setting of sunny southern California. Thanks, again, Jeff Parker!
Upon re-reading while traveling in 2019, I must marvel at the compelling, heart-wrenching prayer uttered by Russ Monroe while swimming with his wife. See Chapter 21, p. 240 in the 1994 paperback edition. I’m still loving Jeff Parker’s books, generally, and this one in particular.
The plots twist and intertwine. The murders are gruesome. The relations between old-friends, detective and crime-writer are strained to the breaking point. There is love and death in the air. It all takes place in the warm and inviting setting of sunny southern California. Thanks, again, Jeff Parker!
Upon re-reading while traveling in 2019, I must marvel at the compelling, heart-wrenching prayer uttered by Russ Monroe while swimming with his wife. See Chapter 21, p. 240 in the 1994 paperback edition. I’m still loving Jeff Parker’s books, generally, and this one in particular.
March 12, 2015
I remember seeing this book on my mother's bookshelf when I was growing up, so when I stumbled across it in the library, I figured I'd give it a shot.
I was vaguely aware with T. Jefferson Parker as an author, but I'd never read any of his books. I must say that, as an introduction, Summer of Fear is a really quite good. If the rest of his books are as well-written as this, I'm very interested in reading more of his work.
Summer of Fear reads more like a thriller than a mystery, but the mystery elements are entertaining by themselves. Never mind that I saw the ending coming within the first third of the book; indeed, the "twist" is not the draw here. Parker's writing is entertaining if not technically exemplary, and I presume (since this is an early example) would get better with later books.
Summer of Fear is on the edge of my wheelhouse. I'm more partial to horror or hard-boiled mysteries than this kind of slasher/thriller/mystery, though I've read a number of books like this over the years. As an example of the type, Summer of Fear is a recommendable and enjoyable read, but not one I'd suggest as a first read. There are better ones out there (for all I know, even within the author's canon), but if you like the crime thriller as a concept, this is a book worth reading.
I was vaguely aware with T. Jefferson Parker as an author, but I'd never read any of his books. I must say that, as an introduction, Summer of Fear is a really quite good. If the rest of his books are as well-written as this, I'm very interested in reading more of his work.
Summer of Fear reads more like a thriller than a mystery, but the mystery elements are entertaining by themselves. Never mind that I saw the ending coming within the first third of the book; indeed, the "twist" is not the draw here. Parker's writing is entertaining if not technically exemplary, and I presume (since this is an early example) would get better with later books.
Summer of Fear is on the edge of my wheelhouse. I'm more partial to horror or hard-boiled mysteries than this kind of slasher/thriller/mystery, though I've read a number of books like this over the years. As an example of the type, Summer of Fear is a recommendable and enjoyable read, but not one I'd suggest as a first read. There are better ones out there (for all I know, even within the author's canon), but if you like the crime thriller as a concept, this is a book worth reading.
August 28, 2014
Crime writer Ross Monroe lives in a house on stilts in Laguna Canyon. His wife is suffering from a malignant brain tumor and Monroe's health insurance has stopped paying her claims. On July 3 the night the story begins, there is a hot wind blowing up the canyon and Ross is sitting in his car outside of the house of a long-ago girlfriend, Amber Mae Wilson, the mother of Ross's only child, Grace. A man leaves the house, a handkerchief in his hand wiping prints away as he leaves.
In Orange County, CA, it is the summer of fear as yet another serial killer terrorizes the citizens. Monroe enters the house after observing a member of the Orange County Sheriff's Dept leaving, and finds the body of Amber Mae in her second floor bedroom, with red spray paint words on the wall identifying the killer as "The Midnight Eye".
In Orange County, CA, it is the summer of fear as yet another serial killer terrorizes the citizens. Monroe enters the house after observing a member of the Orange County Sheriff's Dept leaving, and finds the body of Amber Mae in her second floor bedroom, with red spray paint words on the wall identifying the killer as "The Midnight Eye".
June 29, 2015
this was vacation reading ...it was ok but I just felt there wasn't one believable character in the story and that the story itself was just over the top. Honestly, Marty doesn't go to jail for what he does? And Russ is constantly having his own pity party - don't get me wrong - what's going on with is wife is horrible but why is that even in the story- He could be a happily married guy and that plot wouldn't change - he could be single and only the very end would need adjustment.
and the dialog reads so phony and fake to me...especially with Amber - another unreal character...
(Amber) Russ, do you believe in miracles?
(Russ) No
(Amber) What is it you hold on to late at night, when the devil's grabbing at your soul?
(Russ) His throat.
(Amber) Do you feel anything tender inside at all?
(Russ) Tenderness would unravel me.
Just really? Really?
and the dialog reads so phony and fake to me...especially with Amber - another unreal character...
(Amber) Russ, do you believe in miracles?
(Russ) No
(Amber) What is it you hold on to late at night, when the devil's grabbing at your soul?
(Russ) His throat.
(Amber) Do you feel anything tender inside at all?
(Russ) Tenderness would unravel me.
Just really? Really?
May 14, 2016
Ik vraag me af of het meest waarachtige inzicht in iemands persoonlijkheid niet wordt verkregen aan de hand van de dingen waarvan hij of zij houdt, of het leven, in de meest elementaire vorm, niet een tijd is om te ontdekken wat die dingen zijn en wie deze mensen zijn. Hoewel Parker een vlotte pen voert en zijn verhalen prettig leesbaar zijn, krijg je bij zijn derde boek het idee: alweer zo'n lugubere moordenaar. Elk ander "normaal" mens zou allang volledig over de rooie zijn als hij zou meemaken wat de hoofdfiguur in dit boek meemaakt. Weer Orange City, de stadsuitbreiding, alcoholmisbruik, rijke mensen en zo verder. Zijn boeken moet je niet achter elkaar lezen.
September 10, 2012
Love me some T Jeff, and I can't believe I missed this one until now.
It is, as usual, a suspenseful, gory, intense summer read. I love how his books take place in S. Cal, this one is Laguna. It is very graphic....and the second plot line about the brain-cancer stricken wife is heartbreaking. The main character Monroe's soul-searching in the face of adversity and mahem completes the richness of the tapestry T.Jeff weaves.
Good plot twists and believable, fallible characters make it interesting.
Highly recommend.
It is, as usual, a suspenseful, gory, intense summer read. I love how his books take place in S. Cal, this one is Laguna. It is very graphic....and the second plot line about the brain-cancer stricken wife is heartbreaking. The main character Monroe's soul-searching in the face of adversity and mahem completes the richness of the tapestry T.Jeff weaves.
Good plot twists and believable, fallible characters make it interesting.
Highly recommend.
October 23, 2015
This book is a great book to read. I've read Parker's books for years now and so far this is my favorite one out of all. This novel has a difficult plot in my opinion, but it has a lot of action and the characters are phenomenal. The setting takes place mostly at Laguna Beach, C.A. I have also come to realize that Parkers books are like puzzles that you have to solve or unscramble while your reading. If your the person that loves to read mysteries and thrillers, then this is a great book for you to read!!
May 11, 2011
Finally finished it after the drive for Mother's Day weekend (10 audio discs). It had quite the twist at the end that I wasn't expecting and I liked the way it resolved everything in the end. I could have done without the language and both my husband and I became confused when the author went off on back stories and then out of no where came right back to the story. But overall, a good murder mystery read (or in our case "listen").
July 20, 2014
I got this book by accident, as I was going to get Summer Of Fear by Lois Duncan to donate to a kid's book drive. I had no knowledge of the author when I received the book. Overall, I enjoyed it, a mystery thriller with twists and turns. The gore was a bit much for my taste, but the setup was handled very well. I was unable to suspend my disbelief in only one major area- that cops covering up a murder would only get a handslap when found out. I will look for other Parker books to enjoy.
October 21, 2016
I'd rate this a strong 4 star book. An early book of Parker's, he tells the story of Russ Monroe, former deputy and now journalist, who is fighting to keep his wife alive in her battle with a brain tumour. But a serial killer has other plans for Russ and he is soon involved in a race to find the killer before he kills again. There is also a plot to frame Russ for another killing. An interesting read.
March 9, 2010
Parker's "Summer of Fear" is a thriller to say the least. From the first page, Parker pulls you into the main character life thus thrusting you on a roller coaster ride which keeps you fasten to your seat until the end. I'm sure it was one of, if not the scariest book I've ever read...and I loved every minute of it.
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