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E.L. Pender #2
Fear Itself
The most terrifying novel you will read this year... Just as he's celebrating his last day on the job, FBI agent E L Pender receives a letter from Dorie Bell. Dorie is afraid. Last year she attended a convention for Persons with Specific Phobia Disorder. Since then, a couple of the delegates have died in suspicious circumstances. Carl Polander had acrophobia. Fear of heights. So what would he be doing on the 12th floor of the building the police say he jumped from? Mara Agajanian had haemophobia. Fear of blood. So how could she have cut her own wrists in the bathtub? Dorie, who suffers from an irrational fear of masks, wants Pender to look into these cases. She suspects there may be a twisted serial killer on the loose. Someone, who quite literally, enjoys scaring his victims to death. Dorie's right. But she has no idea just how close to her the killer is...
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2002
40 people are currently reading
849 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Nasaw
23 books147 followersJonathan Nasaw is the acclaimed author of Fear Itself and The Girls He Adored, both Literary Guild Selections. He lives in Pacific Grove, California.
Series:
* E.L. Pender
* James Whistler
Series:
* E.L. Pender
* James Whistler
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 16, 2017
Meh. (Updated with real words)
This takes the well-utilised serial murder-by-phobia idea and does absolutely nothing to make it fresh. Then there's the usual: Mr. Killer has a tragic childhood, kills everyone who helps him, makes lots of mistakes, then his stupidity eventually completely overwhelms the apparent intelligence that's kept him from notice for years.
It's a real shame because there's something about this series that draws me, but it just doesn't live up to what i'm expecting, and i'm not even sure why that is. I think it might be the writing, just too far to the wrong side of cheesy, and it doesn't have that flow, that feeling of real conversation or inner monologue to bring you into either the story or the people in it. Every joke or comment is slightly off, the beat is missed, and as a reader, you feel that misstep every time.
As much as I still like main character, I think this is it for me.
This takes the well-utilised serial murder-by-phobia idea and does absolutely nothing to make it fresh. Then there's the usual: Mr. Killer has a tragic childhood, kills everyone who helps him, makes lots of mistakes, then his stupidity eventually completely overwhelms the apparent intelligence that's kept him from notice for years.
It's a real shame because there's something about this series that draws me, but it just doesn't live up to what i'm expecting, and i'm not even sure why that is. I think it might be the writing, just too far to the wrong side of cheesy, and it doesn't have that flow, that feeling of real conversation or inner monologue to bring you into either the story or the people in it. Every joke or comment is slightly off, the beat is missed, and as a reader, you feel that misstep every time.
As much as I still like main character, I think this is it for me.
February 9, 2015
I really love his books, but they seem very hard to find....
April 3, 2025
Another solid entry in the Pender series about the hunt for a serial killer who preys on the fears of phobics. Pender is odd as usual and the cast of characters around him help keep things interesting. The ending is bittersweet but not totally unexpected. Just have to read number five to finish the series. Recommended for anyone who enjoys the genre, but start with the first.
November 13, 2009
This wasn't one of my favorites by this author. In the beginning, I enjoyed the mystery right up until the FBI figured out who the murderer was. Then the chase was on but the story dragged and was rather boring. I liked FBI agent Linda Abruzzi but wasn't all that enamored of E.L. Pender (the semi-retired agent). The murderer was a total freak but he really loved his Down Syndrome sister which was sweet but surprising in such a grisly murderer.
March 13, 2019
I've had my eye on Fear Itself for a long time, however I wasn't sure if I would like it enough to buy it full price. Luckily enough I found a copy second hand but of course it sat on my TBR pile for ages still. Well, I read it at last, and I genuinely really enjoyed it. I'd probably give it a high 4 stars however as it's an older book there is some language in it that made me uncomfortable. This book is exactly why I want to read more books outside of the young adult genre, the deaths were unique to each character, I thought it was pretty fast paced and I was eager to find out how it ends.
September 16, 2022
Favourite hidden gem
August 19, 2024
A book I "didn't" read 😉😉#nda
October 24, 2018
FEAR ITSELF By Jonathan Nasaw [E.L. Pender Series Book 2]
MY BOOK REVIEW FIVE STARS*****
I finished reading FEAR ITSELF last night, and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this dark psychological suspense thriller featuring the author's famous FBI sleuth whose forte is hunting down and exterminating serial killers.
Let's FACE it---not our "fear" yet---but just how difficult that it must be for an author to be gifted enough to "imagine" the existence of a truly original serial killer. But not just original, a serial murderer with a psyche that intrigues and yet horrifies us---and whose modus operandi and signature leaves an indelible impression that make him (or her) both unique and unforgettable.
Nasaw possesses that kind of incredible dark imagination, but equally as impressive, he is able to breathe life into his chilling creations, to endow them with a personae and to render his fictional villains in full Technicolor and in 3-D. They are so real that we can sometimes feel a slight chill or the hairs raise of the back of our neck before we shudder and close the book.
The author's penetrating research into the topic of phobias, and his ability to convey a number of blinding snapshots that illuminate a picture of what it must be like to live with this fear on a day to day basis is chilling enough without a sadistic psychopath showing up. He "lives" to turn the sharp edge of their own unique fear prescription toward them until they see their own worst nightmares reflected like a mirror and staring back at them. These emotional cripples are unfortunate hostages to their phobias, and our killer in this novel feeds upon their anxiety, their panic, and their terrifying all-consuming fear to satiate his own appetite for the sheer thrill of feeling so close to the purity of their terror. But his appetite is never whetted for long, and the cooling off period between his kills is getting shorter and shorter. This is especially frightening in that he has been operating with impunity for years and the authorities are unaware of his existence.
The colorful and ever entertaining FBI Agent Pender is readying himself for retirement in this novel, and the agency sends "Special Investigative Officer" Linda Abruzzi to fill his shoes... but not really. In fact, the computer age has pretty much erased the need for a physical liaison been the FBI and the locals. That "fits" because Abruzzi (formerly FBI Special Agent Abruzzi) was stripped of her title and her service weapon when she was diagnosed with MS and given a fatal diagnosis with progressive neurological impairment and increasing physical disability until the end of her shortened lifespan. Her bravery, sense of humor, strength of character, and dedication to her career was an inspiration. I couldn't seem to make myself remember that Abruzzi was a fictional character when I found myself smiling at one of Linda's reflections, or reaching for a tissue when she was talked to like a worthless embarrassment to the bureau.
Colorful characters seem to be Nasaw's wheelhouse. This was the second book of his that I read, and the first one I read was a veritable kaleidoscope of colorful characters. In any case, a witty and intelligent artist notices that several acquaintances of hers with phobias have been dropping like flies. Dorie contacts the FBI and crosses paths with Pender. He takes an immediate liking to the colorful and enchanting Dorie. She is handicapped by a paralyzing phobia of her own but is happy that someone is finally taking her seriously. Unfortunately, the killer is taking her the most seriously of all.
This story was well paced throughout, but toward the end of the novel the action kicks into overdrive. It is intense, a real page-turner, full of shocks, twists and surprises. I would have to say that the most dramatic, fascinating interactions were between the serial killer Simon and the physically impaired FBI Agent Linda Abruzzi as the book escalates toward its climax. I felt like biting my nails, I literally laughed out loud (and not once or twice), and I felt tears wetting my cheeks. That's a lot of emotion---and different flavors of feelings---to be extracted from a reader as the book winds down.
I've thought a lot about what this writer does that is just so darn great. I love his dark humor, but that goes without saying. I believe that one of his greatest talents lies in his unbelievable skill in writing great dialogue for his characters. If you have read his works you know exactly what I mean. And if you haven't (read any of Nasaw's books) I would highly recommend that you give him an opportunity to provide you with an enjoyable reading experience.
This is a really good book, and although it was very different from WHEN SHE WAS BAD, I would have to say that this novel also should be awarded a well deserved 5-STARS.
MY BOOK REVIEW FIVE STARS*****
I finished reading FEAR ITSELF last night, and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this dark psychological suspense thriller featuring the author's famous FBI sleuth whose forte is hunting down and exterminating serial killers.
Let's FACE it---not our "fear" yet---but just how difficult that it must be for an author to be gifted enough to "imagine" the existence of a truly original serial killer. But not just original, a serial murderer with a psyche that intrigues and yet horrifies us---and whose modus operandi and signature leaves an indelible impression that make him (or her) both unique and unforgettable.
Nasaw possesses that kind of incredible dark imagination, but equally as impressive, he is able to breathe life into his chilling creations, to endow them with a personae and to render his fictional villains in full Technicolor and in 3-D. They are so real that we can sometimes feel a slight chill or the hairs raise of the back of our neck before we shudder and close the book.
The author's penetrating research into the topic of phobias, and his ability to convey a number of blinding snapshots that illuminate a picture of what it must be like to live with this fear on a day to day basis is chilling enough without a sadistic psychopath showing up. He "lives" to turn the sharp edge of their own unique fear prescription toward them until they see their own worst nightmares reflected like a mirror and staring back at them. These emotional cripples are unfortunate hostages to their phobias, and our killer in this novel feeds upon their anxiety, their panic, and their terrifying all-consuming fear to satiate his own appetite for the sheer thrill of feeling so close to the purity of their terror. But his appetite is never whetted for long, and the cooling off period between his kills is getting shorter and shorter. This is especially frightening in that he has been operating with impunity for years and the authorities are unaware of his existence.
The colorful and ever entertaining FBI Agent Pender is readying himself for retirement in this novel, and the agency sends "Special Investigative Officer" Linda Abruzzi to fill his shoes... but not really. In fact, the computer age has pretty much erased the need for a physical liaison been the FBI and the locals. That "fits" because Abruzzi (formerly FBI Special Agent Abruzzi) was stripped of her title and her service weapon when she was diagnosed with MS and given a fatal diagnosis with progressive neurological impairment and increasing physical disability until the end of her shortened lifespan. Her bravery, sense of humor, strength of character, and dedication to her career was an inspiration. I couldn't seem to make myself remember that Abruzzi was a fictional character when I found myself smiling at one of Linda's reflections, or reaching for a tissue when she was talked to like a worthless embarrassment to the bureau.
Colorful characters seem to be Nasaw's wheelhouse. This was the second book of his that I read, and the first one I read was a veritable kaleidoscope of colorful characters. In any case, a witty and intelligent artist notices that several acquaintances of hers with phobias have been dropping like flies. Dorie contacts the FBI and crosses paths with Pender. He takes an immediate liking to the colorful and enchanting Dorie. She is handicapped by a paralyzing phobia of her own but is happy that someone is finally taking her seriously. Unfortunately, the killer is taking her the most seriously of all.
This story was well paced throughout, but toward the end of the novel the action kicks into overdrive. It is intense, a real page-turner, full of shocks, twists and surprises. I would have to say that the most dramatic, fascinating interactions were between the serial killer Simon and the physically impaired FBI Agent Linda Abruzzi as the book escalates toward its climax. I felt like biting my nails, I literally laughed out loud (and not once or twice), and I felt tears wetting my cheeks. That's a lot of emotion---and different flavors of feelings---to be extracted from a reader as the book winds down.
I've thought a lot about what this writer does that is just so darn great. I love his dark humor, but that goes without saying. I believe that one of his greatest talents lies in his unbelievable skill in writing great dialogue for his characters. If you have read his works you know exactly what I mean. And if you haven't (read any of Nasaw's books) I would highly recommend that you give him an opportunity to provide you with an enjoyable reading experience.
This is a really good book, and although it was very different from WHEN SHE WAS BAD, I would have to say that this novel also should be awarded a well deserved 5-STARS.
April 24, 2024
Książka jest drugą częścią z cyklu, w której bohaterem jest agent FBI Ed Pender.
Strach jest naturalną częścią naszej psychiki. Można go wypierać lub próbować nad nim zapanować. Czasami lubimy się bać oglądając horrory i filmy grozy, ale raczej robimy to z przyjemności i są to emocje kontrolowane. Bywają jednak takie lęki, które są przerażające, powodują poważne komplikacje zdrowotne, a nawet prowadzą do śmierci. Są to fobie, przybierają różne postacie, np. ofidiofobia - lęk przed wężami, arachnofobia - lęk prze pająkami czy też awiatofobia - lęk przed lataniem.
56-letni agent FBI E.L.Pender odchodzi na (prawie)emeryturę. W Wydziale Łączności swoje stanowisko odstąpił chorej na stwardnienie rozsiane Lindzie Abruzzi. Agent Pender otrzymuję list od niejakiej Dorie Bell. Kobieta cierpiąca na dziwaczną fobię (boi się masek) zauważyła, iż kilka osób poznanych na konferencji poświęconej fobii popełniło samobójstwo w dość nietypowy sposób. Jest przekonana, że to dzieło seryjnego mordercy. I ma niestety rację. Od tego momentu zaczyna się dramatyczny wyścig z czasem i walka o życie wielu ludzi. Wiele osób zginie zanim psychopata zostanie pokonany.
"Lęk pierwotny" to thriller psychologiczny. Bardziej dla czytelnika o mocnych nerwach. Dobrze się czyta, a historia wciąga niesamowicie. Można ją śmiało polecić.
Strach jest naturalną częścią naszej psychiki. Można go wypierać lub próbować nad nim zapanować. Czasami lubimy się bać oglądając horrory i filmy grozy, ale raczej robimy to z przyjemności i są to emocje kontrolowane. Bywają jednak takie lęki, które są przerażające, powodują poważne komplikacje zdrowotne, a nawet prowadzą do śmierci. Są to fobie, przybierają różne postacie, np. ofidiofobia - lęk przed wężami, arachnofobia - lęk prze pająkami czy też awiatofobia - lęk przed lataniem.
56-letni agent FBI E.L.Pender odchodzi na (prawie)emeryturę. W Wydziale Łączności swoje stanowisko odstąpił chorej na stwardnienie rozsiane Lindzie Abruzzi. Agent Pender otrzymuję list od niejakiej Dorie Bell. Kobieta cierpiąca na dziwaczną fobię (boi się masek) zauważyła, iż kilka osób poznanych na konferencji poświęconej fobii popełniło samobójstwo w dość nietypowy sposób. Jest przekonana, że to dzieło seryjnego mordercy. I ma niestety rację. Od tego momentu zaczyna się dramatyczny wyścig z czasem i walka o życie wielu ludzi. Wiele osób zginie zanim psychopata zostanie pokonany.
"Lęk pierwotny" to thriller psychologiczny. Bardziej dla czytelnika o mocnych nerwach. Dobrze się czyta, a historia wciąga niesamowicie. Można ją śmiało polecić.
May 17, 2017
I developed a (somewhat strange perhaps) affection/fascination with the whole serial killer/crime type genre many years ago when I first picked up and became enthralled with Jonathan Nasaws 'the girls he adored'.
Now maybe it's an age thing... or that in between back then and now, I've read many different twisted (and not so twisted) tales of killers and apparent good guy law enforcement agents that chase and inevitably catch or kill them, but I found 'Fear Itself' just a little bit, boringly predictable.
In seemingly typical Ed Pender story style, it builds rather easily throughout the book to a big(ish) final showdown between cop and bad guy at the end that can be seen coming from pretty much page 1.
Pender (who I personally picture as a mix of Bruce Willis and John Goodman) is a great character, readable and relatable enough to actually like the guy, but as overly and unnecessary descriptive as the phobias and medication stuff included when it came to Simons parts of the story, I found the character a little too stereotypical b-grade cop show killer.
Not an unenjoyable book to read, it's a bit of good fun easy reading if you're in to this type of thing, I just almost wish there was a some kind of unexpected twist or something.
3 starts.
Now maybe it's an age thing... or that in between back then and now, I've read many different twisted (and not so twisted) tales of killers and apparent good guy law enforcement agents that chase and inevitably catch or kill them, but I found 'Fear Itself' just a little bit, boringly predictable.
In seemingly typical Ed Pender story style, it builds rather easily throughout the book to a big(ish) final showdown between cop and bad guy at the end that can be seen coming from pretty much page 1.
Pender (who I personally picture as a mix of Bruce Willis and John Goodman) is a great character, readable and relatable enough to actually like the guy, but as overly and unnecessary descriptive as the phobias and medication stuff included when it came to Simons parts of the story, I found the character a little too stereotypical b-grade cop show killer.
Not an unenjoyable book to read, it's a bit of good fun easy reading if you're in to this type of thing, I just almost wish there was a some kind of unexpected twist or something.
3 starts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2018
A pretty decent B-grade crimey thriller. Not much to say about this, I wouldn't tell everyone I met to go and find a copy, but well worth a read if you ever come across it. I believe it's the second book in a series, but having not read the first, there's almost definitely no overlap to worry about. Also, if implausibility annoys you, this isn't for you, the body count is silly.
This book must've been written during the dotcom bubble, there's vague references to Google and Mapquest and things that seem so strange in 2017. The main guy has a mobile and I can't help but think of it as one of those massive Nokias from the late 90's with the fat aerial. I like stuff like that in oldish books.
One of the main things that grated on me here is how he crams a bunch of pompous wankiness into the writing. He's obviously very clever (I bet he plays chess ALL the time, while listening to Bach) and he'd obviously got a new floppy disk of Grey's Anatomy, so spatters this book with a bunch of Latin and medical nonsense that's a little unnecessary. Dan Brown does the same thing with Pope-ish facts and it drives me nuts.
3.5 stars. Perfect holiday read, but don't go spending £2k on a signed first edition.
This book must've been written during the dotcom bubble, there's vague references to Google and Mapquest and things that seem so strange in 2017. The main guy has a mobile and I can't help but think of it as one of those massive Nokias from the late 90's with the fat aerial. I like stuff like that in oldish books.
One of the main things that grated on me here is how he crams a bunch of pompous wankiness into the writing. He's obviously very clever (I bet he plays chess ALL the time, while listening to Bach) and he'd obviously got a new floppy disk of Grey's Anatomy, so spatters this book with a bunch of Latin and medical nonsense that's a little unnecessary. Dan Brown does the same thing with Pope-ish facts and it drives me nuts.
3.5 stars. Perfect holiday read, but don't go spending £2k on a signed first edition.
December 30, 2024
Se l'idea di un serial killer che si diverte a terrorizzare a morte le sue vittime appare tutt'altro che originale (già nel 1943 Woolrich sfiorò il tema, nel racconto "Le due amiche"), l'approccio morboso con cui il tema viene sviluppato riesce subito ad ingranare, con l'assassino di turno (svelato sin dalle prime pagine) che rapisce persone con diverse fobie per torturarle a forza di spaventi e non soltanto. Nasaw, puntuale a livello di scrittura e ben bilanciato tra ironia e cupezza, riesce a mantenere alto il ritmo, risultando incisivo senza indulgere troppo in sgradevolezze, descrivendo un universo senza eroi, in cui neppure i simpatici personaggi positivi riescono a farsi rassicuranti. Riuscita e narrativamente coraggiosa la svolta a metà romanzo, mentre lo scontro finale, alla luce della precedente ondata di sangue, viene risolto in maniera un po' sbrigativa.
***
***
April 30, 2025
"Angstspiel" von Jonathan Nasaw handelt von Angst als Mordinstrument. Es geht um Phobien unterschiedlicher Art. Der Hauptprotagonist ist ein Serienmörder, der seine Ofper mit ihren ganz persönlichen Phobie foltert und anschließend tötet. Die Geschichte ist sehr spannend geschrieben und man kann das Buch kaum weglegen. Wer bereits ein Buch von Nasaw gelesen hat, kennt wahrscheinlich E.L. Pender. Auch in dieser Geschichte spielt er eine tragende Rolle. Der Stil ist ähnlich, wie bei seinen vorherigen Werken. Die Charaktere sind authentisch und charismatisch dargestellt. Ich würde das Buch in die Kategorie Thriller einordnen, wobei es auch Tendenzen zum Horror hat.
July 22, 2025
I read one of the newer books in the series not realising it wasn't a stand alone book.
So I knew that I enjoyed this authors writing style, and I wasn't disappointed.
There's something about using people's worst fears to torture them that is such a perfectly evil concept to use to create a book.
Every step of the way I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. The characters are brilliant. I laughed out loud several times from the interactions between Pender and Dorie.
It would make a great film.
Perfect mix of action, horror, suspense and humour.
So I knew that I enjoyed this authors writing style, and I wasn't disappointed.
There's something about using people's worst fears to torture them that is such a perfectly evil concept to use to create a book.
Every step of the way I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. The characters are brilliant. I laughed out loud several times from the interactions between Pender and Dorie.
It would make a great film.
Perfect mix of action, horror, suspense and humour.
May 22, 2017
Despite being a huge fan of 'The Girls He Adored' and its sequel, I found this book underwhelming. If I get into a book I tend to read it quickly but this one took me quite a while.
The idea behind the killer was fabulous, enough to draw me in, but I just didn't feel thrilled or captivated by this book really. Parts were interesting but that's all.
I wouldn't let it put me of buying his other books in future since, as previously stated, I am already a fan.
The idea behind the killer was fabulous, enough to draw me in, but I just didn't feel thrilled or captivated by this book really. Parts were interesting but that's all.
I wouldn't let it put me of buying his other books in future since, as previously stated, I am already a fan.
April 16, 2022
I loved the story but I found it too long. I got to the end and I’m glad I did but it just seemed to go on forever. I nearly lost the will to live about 2/3 of the way through but stuck with it and am pleased that I did.
August 24, 2017
Loved this. It was a very unique story and I enjoyed reading it. I also really enjoyed that you know who the killer was almost right away. Kept my interest!
June 27, 2018
the tag line says its the most thrilling book you'll read all year..OK! was more of a comedy!
February 1, 2019
Couldn't put it down!!
June 26, 2019
I had a hard time making it through. The suspense was good, but missing something.
October 13, 2020
Will prob read again. Good suspense.
January 6, 2021
Nice beginning but at later stages,
personally found myself bit lost and wanted the Story to end.
personally found myself bit lost and wanted the Story to end.
February 6, 2021
I read this so many years ago (I think I was a teen) but bits of it are still stuck in my head. That, to me, is a sign of a great book.
March 19, 2021
Excellent
April 1, 2022
Read in 2003. A serial killer who tortures his victims with their own phobias.
February 5, 2023
A horror crime novel with a serial killer using phobias to scare his victims to death. Definitely gave me the creeps. With characters who really draw you in.
May 7, 2024
Eine Geschichte die einem wahrhaftig Angst und deren Facetten darstellt. Im Abgang aber leicht repetitiv.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2024
Good read. Quite full on at times and confronting. Kept me reading
December 23, 2023
Spannungsgeladener Thriller mit Super Story 😍❣️
July 3, 2024
I’m really disappointed after reading this. I loved the first book but can’t say this for the second. The plot sounded really intriguing to me as I hadn’t read a book with this premise before. I just didn’t really find Simon that engaging. And I think this book lacked the graphic details of the first book. Still loved Pender when he made an appearance and will continue on. Hopefully onwards and up? Bit of second book syndrome me thinks
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews