Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Fear never dies

Theodore Glenn loves to inflict pain . . . both on his victims and on those who later find the mutilated corpses. At his trial seven years ago, Glenn vowed vengeance on Detective Will Hooper, the cop who nabbed him, and beautiful Robin McKenna, the stripper whose testimony put him behind bars.

When a catastrophic disaster sets Glenn free, he blazes a freshly bloodied path across San Diego County. But the death he craves most is Robin McKenna’s.

Putting aside their past troubled relationship, Will rushes to protect Robin, now a savvy businesswoman operating an upscale club. As the killings mount and Glenn proves a master manipulator, Robin and Will become snared in a twisted web of horror. But the shocking truth is even worse: The evil they are to face is even deadlier than they fear.

448 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 29, 2008

354 people are currently reading
3948 people want to read

About the author

Allison Brennan

110 books5,286 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.

In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.

RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.

With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.

You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.


Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,964 (40%)
4 stars
1,837 (37%)
3 stars
893 (18%)
2 stars
138 (2%)
1 star
41 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,594 reviews1,328 followers
December 2, 2019
Theodore Glenn is handsome, charming and a stone cold serial killer. He was so arrogant that he defended himself at his own trial. Of course, he lost and was sentenced to death. Unfortunately, seven years later, while waiting for his last appeal, the prison was affected by an earthquake and this deadly villain escaped. He’s fixated on those who were responsible for him being sent to prison, specifically Robin McKenna and Detective Will Hooper. Robin was a former stripper who testified against him and Will led the investigation that brought him to justice. What most people don’t know is that Will was involved with Robin during that time and he has a special plan for the both of them.

Glenn is one of those serial killers that sends chills down your spine. He’s calm and methodical, the kind that you know is deadly and resourceful. I just knew that he would wreak havoc before capture so that’s in the background throughout the entire story! He was imprisoned for the brutal murders of three strippers and Robin’s roommate so she knows she’s prey. She and Will have a romantic history that he blew up and Robin can’t seem to forgive and forget.

I really liked this story as it includes flashbacks to seven years ago when the women were murdered and Robin & Will had a relationship. There’s an unexpected turn of events involving one of the murders that added another mystery on top of the effort to recapture Glenn. He’s clever and vindictive so everything about the story was unpredictable. I felt off balance the entire time and just rolled with what was happening in the moment. The narrator was really good, especially her ability to manage the male voices very well. It was a great listening experience and a strong story to lead off the series.

Posted on Blue Mood Café
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,452 reviews264 followers
July 12, 2017
Revenge was the only thing on Theodore Glenn's mind as he escaped from prison. He was on the hunt for Detective Will Hooper and Robin McKenna and it would just be a matter of time before he found them.

This is the first book I've read by Allison Brennan and it won't be my last. This definitely was a fast paced thriller which I couldn't put down. If you like reading thrillers, mysteries or suspense books, then I suggest you give this one a go, I'm certain it won't disappoint you. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Shawna.
3,803 reviews4,733 followers
October 17, 2010
5 stars – Romantic Suspense

This was my first read by author Allison Brennan, but it won't be the last. Her style reminds me a lot of one of my favorite writers of dark, chilling romantic suspense, Karen Rose, especially the case solving and the uber creepy villain. I would have liked a bit more romance between the H/h, Detective Will Hooper and his witness, former stripper Robin, but the moments they shared were emotional and steamy. It's an intense, thrilling romantic suspense read, and I'm excited to have found another great RS author. 5 stars!
Profile Image for Melissa.
530 reviews
November 26, 2019
Theodore Glenn was convicted of murder 7 years ago and in court he threatened revenge on those who put him there: Detective Will Hooper, Robin McKenna and others. When an earthquake destroys areas of the prison Glenn is in he is able to escape and go after them. Now Will and Robin must put aside their past failed relationship and feelings to help catch him.

Theodore Glenn is a truly despicable character. The murders he committed are described well by the author and make the reader almost feel the pain the girls endured. I think Glenn is the perfect example of a psychopathic serial killer. He’s smart and charming and was able to deceive many people around him. Robin McKenna never trusted him and I can believe that. Some people are able to see deception in another person’s eyes.
Will Hooper annoyed me a bit. I can understand him wanting to apologize to Robin for the things he said 7 years ago, but I feel like he said it too much and tried too hard for her forgiveness. The two of them come from different backgrounds and I can see the relationship not working for them back then. The chemistry between them now is fresh and coming from more mature people.
The Kincaid family returns throughout the book and I loved that most of them played a role in the search for Glenn. Carina makes a great partner for Will. I liked how they weren’t afraid to speak their minds with each other, but I think Will should have trusted her more about his relationship with Robin.
The ending was quick and expected. A little too quick for me. Robin made some very stupid mistakes that I don’t think someone who has been expecting something like this to happen would make.
Profile Image for Inês Beato.
381 reviews54 followers
March 27, 2017
Allison Brennan… Finalmente encontrei uma autora que escreve bons romances policiais ao estilo de Karen Rose! Killing Fear tem os ingredientes para um excelente thriller de suspense: um bom enredo, crimes horrendos, um leque de personagens carismáticos, bem construídos e desenvolvidos, assim como uma dose q.b. de romance, tão característicos da dita autora que eu tanto gosto.
Resumindo, Allison Brennan foi uma grande descoberta para começar o ano e será, certamente, uma autora para continuar a acompanhar.
Profile Image for Gina.
447 reviews132 followers
May 3, 2008
Incredible!

If you're familiar with the author and had read her previous 'Evil' trilogy, you'll be familiar with some of the characters in this one; Carina and Nick, Julia and Connor, and Dillon. I'm glad they were part of this book.

I had read Crystal's review on this one and had to pick it up. I'd read the previous trilogy and loved it, so this was pretty much a no-brainer. I'm glad I did.

Brennan has a way of creating fictional characters that seem absolutely real. I could feel Robin's fear, her courage, her motivation to be able to take care of herself. I could feel Will's determination to bring Glenn down.

And Glenn scared me - right out of the book, he scared me. I had never read a character as alive as this one; a sadistic sociopath with absolutely no remourse for what he's done or is about to do. His goal is to hurt Robin, a former stripper that saw Glenn for what he was and disliked him. He sees himself as above everyone else and hates Robin for choosing Will over him. He gave me the shivers!

And I agree with Crystal on the ending. Way too rushed! All of it squeezed into three chapters. Had it been stretched out a little with a little more action, this book would be a perfect 5-star. Excellent book! If you like thrillers, you'll love this book!
Profile Image for Elaine Nickolan.
652 reviews6 followers
July 10, 2023
3.5 star read
As Sheldon Cooper would say "revenge is a dish best served cold". Such is the case in this story.
Theodore Glenn is convicted of murder, but he vows revenge on everyone that helped to put him away, especially Robin, who ID'D him from a sketch which led to his arrest. Robin is also the woman he was obsessing about during his killing spree.
When a fluke of nature allows Glenn to escape from death row he makes good on his vow. However, there's a twist with the number of victims and the cop in charge, Hooper, must decide what is the truth and what is just a head game Glenn is playing again.
Good story line and I like the twists thrown in.
This would have been a solid 4 but I felt the author decide to throw in some really explicit sex detail that wasn't needed for the story to progress.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
October 12, 2014
I can't even imagine how horrible it would be to have your friends turn up dead, and you suspect the creep that can't seem to take his eyes off of you. Or maybe the only worse thing would be when that same creep escapes jail, throwing your sense of safety out the window, 7 years later and coming straight for you, because you are at the heart of his troubles. This sadly is Robin's life.

Robin tries her best to show a brave face, but Theodore's guerrilla tactics make it hard for her to live her live. Her business is effected, she is back to going to the range all the time again, and she is brought back into the presence of a former lover, one who has the potential to break her heart all over again, but who also has the possibility of making this threat go away as he is the detective on the case, back then and now.

It is interesting to see the past in flashbacks, while the story in present continues. We see how all the parties involved were doggedly pursuing the case.

I really liked Will when we first met him in previous books, but didn't really realize just what a man whore he was until this book. Before there was just the hint that he was a ladies man, but we sure see things in a different light here. He may have been a gentleman about it, but he still plowed his way through all the women in the area.

I really liked Robin, for someone who was put through hell she clawed her way out. I loved how she stripped to pay for classes, then continued to stay true to what was really important for her, but then gave it up for those same reasons.

I did like the 2 of them together, but it almost seemed anti-climatic. The mystery was much more interesting in this one.

Profile Image for Donna.
2,370 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2020
3.5 stars. In this romantic suspense from 2008, Detective Will Hooper and witness Robin McKenna helped to convict Theodore Glenn of the murders of four women 7 years ago. Now an earthquake at San Quentin prison allows him to escape. Vengeance belongs to him.

Robin is a former stripper who bought the club and turned it into an urban dance nightclub and gentleman's bar called the Eighth Sin. I was never clear on where she got the money to buy everything -- the club, her home, her mother's house. That was an unanswered question for me and one sentence could probably have explained it.

The author did a good job in showing Glenn as an egomaniac and sadistic sociopath who sliced up his victims. I had no idea who an additional killer might be until the reveal.

One note - - killing of cats both mentioned and in scenes multiple times.
Profile Image for Sheila Myers.
Author 16 books21 followers
March 25, 2016
Thrilling and suspenseful. When I started reading "Killing Fear", I thought I'd be reading yet another novel about a convicted felon tracking down and killing the people who put him in prison. What I got was much more exciting. I enjoyed the way Allison Brennan added the psychological game the killer played with his intended victims. Also interesting is the new case related to the older crimes.
Profile Image for Lisa.
507 reviews5 followers
August 22, 2017
Loved it !!!! Wow great book!!!!!
Profile Image for Patricia.
443 reviews11 followers
April 12, 2019
Hooked on Allison Brennan's writing, there always a page turner!!! This one is a 3 book Series, but after reading this one, I need a break, this one was pretty brutal.....
Profile Image for Nicole Hetzel-Gaus.
66 reviews
April 19, 2021
Unfortunately, this was my least favorite Allison Brennan book I've read so far. Still love her as an author obviously, and the romance was nice. But the suspense/mystery part was just not hitting this time.
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,516 reviews159 followers
July 14, 2022
Killing Fear
4.5 Stars

Seven years ago, Theodore Lawrence Glenn was convicted of murdering four exotic dancers and swore revenge against those responsible for his imprisonment. Now he has escaped and Robin McKenna, the main prosecution witness, and Will Hooper, the detective who put Glenn away, are reunited and must get past their personal issues if they are to survive the machinations of this sadistic killer.

Wow! This book is incredibly gritty and realistic. The plot has several intertwined threads that come together to form a strong and cohesive whole. Some of the past events are told in flashback, which reinforces characterization and does not distract the reader from the progression of the present day storyline.

The author does not shy away from portraying both the personal and professional weaknesses of her characters. Robin and Will’s relationship, past and present, is intensely emotional and engrossing. She is a strong and independent heroine whose success is even more significant given the adversity she has faced while he is prototypical ladies’ man who has finally met his match.

The sociopathic Glenn is also a phenomenal character and one of the most diabolical villains I have ever encountered. Nevertheless, some of the secondary characters could have been better developed, as the lack of sufficient detail regarding their backgrounds makes it difficult to fully grasp the import of certain developments within the investigative subplot.

In sum, a fast-paced and exciting read with riveting twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Be warned, once you pick it up it will be very difficult to put it down again.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,980 reviews98 followers
October 28, 2014
Seven years ago, Theodore Glenn was convicted of the murders of four strippers. Sent to San Quentin, Theodore vowed revenge against Will Hooper, the detective who arrested him, and Robin McKenna, a stripper who testified against him. A sudden earthquake brings down some walls at the prison and several inmates escape. Theodore gets his chance to return to San Diego and get even with those he believed wronged him. When Will Hooper hears the news of the escape, he contacts Robin to warn her. They once had a relationship, but it ended when Will did not trust Robin's claims that she had no past relationship with Theodore Glenn. Now Will is asking for her forgiveness and trying to keep her safe from the killer who is looking for both of them.

The first book in Allison Brennan's Prison Break series is a good one. Theodore acknowledges that he tortured and killed three strippers, but claims that the fourth one was not his victim. His warped mind believes he would have been found not guilty if someone hadn't set him up to take the fall for the fourth victim. When this information comes to light, matters get complicated. Not only are the police trying to prevent Theodore from killing more people, but they must now discover who really murdered Robin's roommate seven years ago. My rating: 4 Stars.

Profile Image for Kristine Davila.
432 reviews29 followers
May 19, 2017
5 fearful stars!

Robin had been haunted since her friends end up dead after being tortured and mutilated by Theodore Glenn. They all believed that Theodore had ruthlessly killed four of her friends. But after a tragic disaster Theodore had escaped prison and played with Robin and Will by saying he hadn't killed Anna, the fourth victim. He shamelessly played all of them, as if he is way above their intelligence and capabilities.

The fear and the chill were true while reading this. It helped that the detectives and Vigo Hans (NBI profiler who helped them analyze the case), explained how Theodore will make his next move. It felt you had become part of the team because it was well narrated. I admire how Allison Brennan told this chilling story. And with that, I can't wait to read the other two books of the series and all Brennan novels.

The love story between Will and Robin was not an added interest but the main thing, however, it doesn't feel like the thrill was being compromised because of it. I was hooked from the first page until the last.
Profile Image for Awilk -never sleeps- .
1,033 reviews6 followers
March 16, 2012
Allison Brennan wrote a fascinating story about a serial killer, and I for one, couldn't put it down. I don't always enjoy books when I know who the bad guy is, but this story had a twist which kept me reading until late into the night.
Detective Will Hooper was a wonderful character, and Robin was my favourite heroine in a long time.
My first Brennan book, but definitely not my last.
Profile Image for Sheila.
2,212 reviews220 followers
September 1, 2013
When prisoner Theodore Glenn makes threats against all those involved in catching a convicting him of 4 murders no one thinks much of it until an earthquake allows him to escape. He is systematically killing off witnesses, jurors, lawyers, cops. Very intense. Another great book by Allison Brennan
49 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2018
pick the series up... and get the rest of her series. the lady is awesome! i remember the first books i ever read of hers, The Hunt, The Prey and The Kill. i was hooked. then i found another series, See No Evil, Hear No Evil and Speak No Evil. Allison delivered yet again. and continued.
Profile Image for Tara Kable.
207 reviews9 followers
April 6, 2014
O man this was a good one! My first by Allison Brennan but definately wont be my last! I loved how she puts the reader in the head of a serial killer! Cant wait to read more of this author...
66 reviews
May 4, 2017
Great book!! It keep you guessing the whole time. It is a must read!!
Profile Image for Nikki H. Rose.
878 reviews92 followers
February 2, 2020
To think that the first book by Allison Brennan I read involved the character Max Revere just baffles me. All of Brennan's series follow the Kincaid family - one member or sometimes multiple - even if they aren't the main character or focus. But the Max Revere series is different, as it only had one book that crossed over to the Kincaid clan.

Killing Fear is the first book of the Prison Break trilogy. Carina and Dillon Kincaid are included, but this story clearly follows Carina's police partner, Will Hooper. 

The Prison Break trilogy follows the No Evil trilogy, as Patrick Kincaid is already in a coma, where he was when No Evil ended - all due to a trap that had been set for those trying to rescue the youngest Kincaid, Lucy.
---
The Plot
Killing Fear starts off from the perspective of the criminal Theodore Glenn. No only is he guilty for murdering a number of people, but now he has managed to escape prison after only seven years of serving time. 

But he isn't trying to escape. Not the country, anyway. Instead, he has his mind set on the same goal that evaded him seven years ago: getting Robin McKenna, the only girl to ever turn him down. The only girl to see him for who he was. The only girl to ever make him feel anything - most of which was rooted in anger.

Glenn is fueled by the reactions of his victims. He likes to watch. He likes to see the pain that he has managed to cause. And because of this, he makes sure to know his victims well. He knows their weaknesses. He knows how to make them hurt. And so he's tormented Robin McKenna for the past seven years, after killing a number of her friends.

But Glenn isn't the only criminal in this book. In fact, part of what is driving him is an attempt to clear his name. He admits to murdering three girls, but claims to have been set up for the fourth girl that had ultimately led to his conviction. Evidence was planted, or so he says. But the M.O. (modus operandi … AKA method of working) matches. If it wasn't Glenn, whoever did it wanted Glenn to go down for this murder, too.

Will Hooper is working double time trying to get to the truth of what happened seven years ago, catch a prison escapee, and put his life back on track from where it had been put on hold seven years ago when Robin McKenna had walked out of his life.

But Glenn won't stop until he has Robin. Or Will. He knows that they will be each other's biggest weakness, and he plans to exploit that to the best of his ability.
---
Allison Brennan never ceases to amaze me in her writing. Since the story started out with knowing who the murderer had been, it was impressive that she was able to maintain the audience's interest, constantly building the suspense despite already having the answers. Then she throws in a few curveballs to make readers realize that they don't have all of the answers afterall.

Definitely a brilliant writer, Brennan's books, trilogies, and series are all worth reading. I cannot recommend her enough.
Profile Image for Khadzino.
28 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2019
Ooooh was this book lovely! Will Hooper, Carina's cop partner and best friend finally got a book of his own! Boy was it steaamy. First in the Prison series we see Will in court for a crime that was actually set back for Carina's own book. Theodore Glenn was Will white whale. Moby Dick if you will and when he escapes he goes after everyone that had anything to do with him being put away. Including previous character Julia Chandler and Will's flame Robin. Robin four friends were actually killed by the serial killer and when he escape Will cant help but fear for her life.

What makes this book so fun is that it continues on from the evil series. Firstly I cannot believe its been 8 months since poor Patrick has been in jail. Poor baby.. I hope he wakes up soon! Secondly we find out that Theodore has admitted to the killing of the three murders but not the fourth :O What shocking game is this killer playing?

But oh was it heart breaking losing a recurring character. Jim Gage, previous lover to Carina Kincaid was shot brutally after finding out one of his own was actually being the killer of the fourth murder. Shock and horror. Not to mention she was actually a ex lover of Will. Poor Will the guilt he will be playing over this will be immense

Beautiful woven characters were also set up for the next coming books and I can see Han Vigo has actually been the most set up character yet!

I would say you can enjoy the book starting from this series but I would be lying esp if you are like me and want to see how the characters are actually set up previously. Trust me its fun when a character is only mention by name and you lit up with excitement because of how familiar you are with them!

Enjoy this book :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,374 reviews7 followers
February 29, 2020
The twists to this story kept coming and unfolded to a brilliant conclusion. Robin and Will met during a serial killing case seven years ago and are now reconnecting as the killer escaped from prison. The story is fast paced and full of more murders, questionable evidence, taunting letters and some of my favorite characters from other AB stories. Robin and Will do have a romance that plays a strong role in this story and in the killers fixation on them, but it also does not take over the story and how the killer (s) worked. Great read and looking forward to the next book to see if we get any more answers on the prison break individual who was capturing others who escaped!
Profile Image for Brenda.
187 reviews
January 13, 2021
Some prisoners break free of San Quentin prison when an earthquake breaks down the walls.
This novel tells the story of one of those prisoners, Theodore Glenn, who had been sentenced for the murder of 3 women. He had vowed revenge on those who had sent him to jail, just after his court sentencing, and he has had time to plan.
Robin McKenna, a former exotic dancer, was one of the main witnesses in his trial. She has improved her business to a trendy club, but still has nightmares about Theodore. The policeman involved in the case is also her former lover, and they are thrown together again to thwart this serial killer.
Profile Image for Terrie.
1,047 reviews30 followers
July 20, 2018
This was a waste of time. I can't believe it has such high ratings. It is SO full of cliches and the 'bad'guy is just a cardboard egocentric psychopath, but BORING! Nothing about this story felt original or creative......just rehashed parts and dialog from a hundred other thrillers. And don't get me started on the lame love story co-plot. I skipped about 100 pages in the 2nd half and skimmed and skipped to the end to see if it got any better.....it didn't. It's the first of a trilogy and I definitely won't be reading any more. Definitely not recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.