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Prey of Desire
They said the disappearance of two high school students over 25 years ago was mystery that couldn't be solved.
No one ever said it shouldn't be.
Following the abrupt end of a relationship, college student Kimberly Bradford finds comfort in the friendship with her over-the-top neighbor, Mallory. And, Mallory encourages her to get back out there. She would of course if it weren't for the thrilling little love notes and gifts she's been receiving .
Kim thinks they're from her ex-fiancee, not realizing he's been murdered. Worse, whoever is sending her all the extra attention is not only in her inner-circle, but has a connection to that unsolved murder some 25 years ago. That connection puts her life in danger, and exposes secrets better left buried around her closest friends and family.
No one ever said it shouldn't be.
Following the abrupt end of a relationship, college student Kimberly Bradford finds comfort in the friendship with her over-the-top neighbor, Mallory. And, Mallory encourages her to get back out there. She would of course if it weren't for the thrilling little love notes and gifts she's been receiving .
Kim thinks they're from her ex-fiancee, not realizing he's been murdered. Worse, whoever is sending her all the extra attention is not only in her inner-circle, but has a connection to that unsolved murder some 25 years ago. That connection puts her life in danger, and exposes secrets better left buried around her closest friends and family.
227 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2014
206 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Gatlin
6 books159 followersJC Gatlin is a Mystery-Suspense Author hailing from Tampa, Florida. His last book, H_NGM_N: Murder is the Word, was published by Milford House Press in 2019 and won Gold in Mystery and Crime Fiction in the Florida Royal Palm Literary Awards. His next book, Darkness Hides, is releasing in 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 13, 2014
In Prey of Desire, author JC Gatlin weaves a riveting psychological thriller that keeps the reader sitting on the edge of their seat while turning the pages in anticipation of what would happen next. This intriguing page turner of a story transports the reader back twenty-five years to an unsolved mystery surrounding the disappearance and murder of two high school students, then fast forwards to the present questioning could this old mystery have a connection to a series of murders that are happening now?
This action packed story has fascinating characters, enough mystery interspersed with clues, and suspenseful twists and turns that easily draws the reader in, keeps them guessing, and holds them captive until the surprising conclusion. You can't help but get immersed in the mystery, it challenges the reader to try to figure out the motive and who the murderer is, while providing an intense and tension building storyline that is full of drama, dark humor, thrills and chills that will make it hard to put the book down. If you are a fan of exhilarating mystery / suspense / thrillers that makes you hold your breath, then this is definitely the book for you!
Prey of Desire is one hell of a gripping whodunit that is guaranteed to keep the reader on their toes.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
This action packed story has fascinating characters, enough mystery interspersed with clues, and suspenseful twists and turns that easily draws the reader in, keeps them guessing, and holds them captive until the surprising conclusion. You can't help but get immersed in the mystery, it challenges the reader to try to figure out the motive and who the murderer is, while providing an intense and tension building storyline that is full of drama, dark humor, thrills and chills that will make it hard to put the book down. If you are a fan of exhilarating mystery / suspense / thrillers that makes you hold your breath, then this is definitely the book for you!
Prey of Desire is one hell of a gripping whodunit that is guaranteed to keep the reader on their toes.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
July 24, 2014
JC Gatlin reprises his role in Designated Survivor as a master of the psychological thriller in his latest offering, Prey of Desire. Once again he proves that when it comes to teen heroes, no one quite gets inside their heads better to understand the mental machinations that will lead them into increasingly hot water. Fast paced, fun, and with his usual black humor for that extra shot of adrenaline.
June 29, 2014
I was given a copy of “Prey of Desire” by author J. C. Gatlin to review in exchange for an honest review. Also, I’m participating in a virtual book tour hosted by My Addiction is Reading. I was excited about reading this book simply for the fact it’s classified as a horror novel. I had been reading a lot of romance books lately and this was just what I needed.
*****
In “Prey of Desire” we are transported to May 24, 1974, in Black Moon Forest. Brian Williams, a popular senior and son of the wealthy state governor, is out for a late night swim with his girlfriend Bonnie. Somehow she accidentally drowns and in a state of panic, Brian carries her lifeless body to her father’s home. Her father and Brian carry her into the kitchen and place her on the table. Instead of calling the police, her father takes a spike awl and stabs Brian in the eye, killing him.
Then the final thing we hear being said by her father is, “Oh, Bonnie. If you forget me, there’s something I want you to know…”
Next thing we have advanced 25 years later. It’s December 31, 1999. Ross McGuire and his girlfriend Kimberly Bradford have had an argument and he’s dumped her off on the side of the road. Their engagement is now off. He had decided that it’s time to get on with his life. Only problem is, that he is still in love with her. They have broken up multiple times over stupid stuff and this was just another one.
Pulling into the Flying J, he parks his Camero and heads to the phone booth. With the engagement ring in hand, he debates even calling Kim and apologizing and making up. It’s when he calls and she answers the phone that all hell breaks loose. A hand has grabbed him around the throat, then a sharp pain hits him the eye and pierces his brain, killing him instantly.
The man who just murdered him picks up the receiver and listens to Kim on the other end. Having also picked up the engagement ring, he whispers into the receiver, “Oh, Kimberley. If you forget me, there’s something I want you to know…”
Kim knows that this is Ross calling to make up. It had been three weeks, four days and sixteen hours since they broke off their engagement. She has tried to move on with her life, but all she can think of is Ross. Even her best friend Mallory has tried to get her mind off him. They are supposed to be headed to a New Year’s Eve party at the Congressman’s estate.
Her dress is ruined by an exploding garbage disposal. She is hoping that her friend Mallory, by the way is also her neighbor, has something dashing to wear. Trying to get herself out of going, she isn’t able to convince Mallory that she’s just going to stay home. Addison, Mallory’s much older boyfriend, has set her up on a blind date with a doctor.
Arriving at the part late, Kim, meets the Congressman. His estate is the Black Moon Manor. His older brother had been murdered on this property 25 years ago. So people already feel the creepiness that encompasses the estate. Entering the mansion, Kim is blown away with how spectacular it all is. It’s when Addison informs her that her date won’t be attending due to a medical emergency, Kim decides to make the best of the situation and wander the house. It’s when she bumps into the dashing host, Congressman William Dietz, that Kim is smitten.
It’s when a letter is mysteriously handed to her that she starts to sense someone is watching her. Opening the letter it states, “If you forget me, there’s something I want you to know.” Believing its Ross, Kim is just beside herself with the thought of the two reconciling. Only problem is, she can’t spot Ross at the party. The waiter can’t describe the man who handed off the letter.
Time starts to progress and Kim starts seeing more and more mysterious events taking place in her life. The Congressman has been brutally murdered. He was stabbed in the eye and his body found inside his refrigerator. She has a kid in her English class following her. A book of poems has been found in her college books with the name Bonnie on the inside. Mysterious phone calls are occurring more and more frequently to her house. Plus, she always feels that someone is watching her.
It’s when the body of Ross is discovered that everything starts to escalate and Kim is trying to sort out what is actually going on in her life. Is someone stalking her? Why are people that she knows starting to show up murdered? Who is calling her house? Will she ever be able to get peace and find happiness?
*****
As I previously stated, I did enjoy this book. With it being outside the genre that I had been stuck in for a couple of months, it was nice to read something gory. I found that the book captured my attention from the start. The story moved fast, but was very easy to keep up with all that was going on.
I only had issues with how the book ended. I found that the ending was rushed. It was as if the murderer was exposed, then BAM, just over. I would had really liked to have learned more of how it all became focused around Kim. I was left with a lot of unanswered questions.
Other than this part, I did enjoy this twisted and sick story.
*****
In “Prey of Desire” we are transported to May 24, 1974, in Black Moon Forest. Brian Williams, a popular senior and son of the wealthy state governor, is out for a late night swim with his girlfriend Bonnie. Somehow she accidentally drowns and in a state of panic, Brian carries her lifeless body to her father’s home. Her father and Brian carry her into the kitchen and place her on the table. Instead of calling the police, her father takes a spike awl and stabs Brian in the eye, killing him.
Then the final thing we hear being said by her father is, “Oh, Bonnie. If you forget me, there’s something I want you to know…”
Next thing we have advanced 25 years later. It’s December 31, 1999. Ross McGuire and his girlfriend Kimberly Bradford have had an argument and he’s dumped her off on the side of the road. Their engagement is now off. He had decided that it’s time to get on with his life. Only problem is, that he is still in love with her. They have broken up multiple times over stupid stuff and this was just another one.
Pulling into the Flying J, he parks his Camero and heads to the phone booth. With the engagement ring in hand, he debates even calling Kim and apologizing and making up. It’s when he calls and she answers the phone that all hell breaks loose. A hand has grabbed him around the throat, then a sharp pain hits him the eye and pierces his brain, killing him instantly.
The man who just murdered him picks up the receiver and listens to Kim on the other end. Having also picked up the engagement ring, he whispers into the receiver, “Oh, Kimberley. If you forget me, there’s something I want you to know…”
Kim knows that this is Ross calling to make up. It had been three weeks, four days and sixteen hours since they broke off their engagement. She has tried to move on with her life, but all she can think of is Ross. Even her best friend Mallory has tried to get her mind off him. They are supposed to be headed to a New Year’s Eve party at the Congressman’s estate.
Her dress is ruined by an exploding garbage disposal. She is hoping that her friend Mallory, by the way is also her neighbor, has something dashing to wear. Trying to get herself out of going, she isn’t able to convince Mallory that she’s just going to stay home. Addison, Mallory’s much older boyfriend, has set her up on a blind date with a doctor.
Arriving at the part late, Kim, meets the Congressman. His estate is the Black Moon Manor. His older brother had been murdered on this property 25 years ago. So people already feel the creepiness that encompasses the estate. Entering the mansion, Kim is blown away with how spectacular it all is. It’s when Addison informs her that her date won’t be attending due to a medical emergency, Kim decides to make the best of the situation and wander the house. It’s when she bumps into the dashing host, Congressman William Dietz, that Kim is smitten.
It’s when a letter is mysteriously handed to her that she starts to sense someone is watching her. Opening the letter it states, “If you forget me, there’s something I want you to know.” Believing its Ross, Kim is just beside herself with the thought of the two reconciling. Only problem is, she can’t spot Ross at the party. The waiter can’t describe the man who handed off the letter.
Time starts to progress and Kim starts seeing more and more mysterious events taking place in her life. The Congressman has been brutally murdered. He was stabbed in the eye and his body found inside his refrigerator. She has a kid in her English class following her. A book of poems has been found in her college books with the name Bonnie on the inside. Mysterious phone calls are occurring more and more frequently to her house. Plus, she always feels that someone is watching her.
It’s when the body of Ross is discovered that everything starts to escalate and Kim is trying to sort out what is actually going on in her life. Is someone stalking her? Why are people that she knows starting to show up murdered? Who is calling her house? Will she ever be able to get peace and find happiness?
*****
As I previously stated, I did enjoy this book. With it being outside the genre that I had been stuck in for a couple of months, it was nice to read something gory. I found that the book captured my attention from the start. The story moved fast, but was very easy to keep up with all that was going on.
I only had issues with how the book ended. I found that the ending was rushed. It was as if the murderer was exposed, then BAM, just over. I would had really liked to have learned more of how it all became focused around Kim. I was left with a lot of unanswered questions.
Other than this part, I did enjoy this twisted and sick story.
August 27, 2014
First thing first: Does that cover model look like Jessica Khoury or what? Jessica, did you pose for this?
Now, on to the review.
I downloaded this book from my email and decided to start the first chapter before bed. Mind you, I had no one with me and the house was dark. So I started, having thought this was a cutesy little scandal-type book (I had just read a synopsis for that). And at the end of the first chapter, someone gets stabbed. WHAT?! Yeah. I almost had a heart attack. And then I still had to get some sleep.
I actually ended up reading this for two nights and then the rest in a day. It was that good. Phenomenal, really. The characters were definitely realistic and I enjoyed the mystery behind the notes. And let me tell you, JC Gatlin did the best job of keeping the reader in the dark. I loved that. I knew as much as Kim knew the entire time. Nothing less, of course, and not too much more. Sometimes the narrator hinted at things, but they weren't too big (except for one time. The exception proves the rule.).
The plot. Wow. This book was EXTREMELY well-plotted. Everything flowed perfectly and had a reason for being present. Kim goes to places not because it's simply part of her routine, but because they affect the entire story.
Pacing was well and the characters were beautiful. The setting worked really well with the story and each character was important in some way. Which I don't want to describe anything in detail because this is a SPOILER-FREE zone.
I was very excited about this book and I wasn't disappointed. From the start to the end, I was enticed. And on that subject, the ending? You can't put the book down during that part. It's impossible. I had to know what happened and the scene was perfectly paced out, a really difficult task I've found for fight scenes. The ending had somewhat of a cliffhanger, but more to the point of you can assume what happened but you aren't sure.
Oh, and Mr. Gatlin? If you are reading this (so flattered), may I inquire what happened to Michael and Grampa? Michael especially. You can't leave me hanging like that! (Haha, everyone else! You have to read the book to find out who I'm talking about!;) )
My Rating: 5 stars
Now, on to the review.
I downloaded this book from my email and decided to start the first chapter before bed. Mind you, I had no one with me and the house was dark. So I started, having thought this was a cutesy little scandal-type book (I had just read a synopsis for that). And at the end of the first chapter, someone gets stabbed. WHAT?! Yeah. I almost had a heart attack. And then I still had to get some sleep.
I actually ended up reading this for two nights and then the rest in a day. It was that good. Phenomenal, really. The characters were definitely realistic and I enjoyed the mystery behind the notes. And let me tell you, JC Gatlin did the best job of keeping the reader in the dark. I loved that. I knew as much as Kim knew the entire time. Nothing less, of course, and not too much more. Sometimes the narrator hinted at things, but they weren't too big (except for one time. The exception proves the rule.).
The plot. Wow. This book was EXTREMELY well-plotted. Everything flowed perfectly and had a reason for being present. Kim goes to places not because it's simply part of her routine, but because they affect the entire story.
Pacing was well and the characters were beautiful. The setting worked really well with the story and each character was important in some way. Which I don't want to describe anything in detail because this is a SPOILER-FREE zone.
I was very excited about this book and I wasn't disappointed. From the start to the end, I was enticed. And on that subject, the ending? You can't put the book down during that part. It's impossible. I had to know what happened and the scene was perfectly paced out, a really difficult task I've found for fight scenes. The ending had somewhat of a cliffhanger, but more to the point of you can assume what happened but you aren't sure.
Oh, and Mr. Gatlin? If you are reading this (so flattered), may I inquire what happened to Michael and Grampa? Michael especially. You can't leave me hanging like that! (Haha, everyone else! You have to read the book to find out who I'm talking about!;) )
My Rating: 5 stars
August 13, 2014
Kim Bradford‘s boyfriend, Ross, broke up with her. Or did she break up with him? But it wasn’t the first time they’d broken up over some silly lover’s quarrel, so after three weeks, four days and 16 hours (but who’s counting), she was thinking that Ross would contact her any moment. Until then, she was going to live her life and go out with whoever she wanted. She went with her friend Mallory and her boyfriend, Addison, to meet a blind date December 31, 1999 at a fabulous New Year’s Eve party. Then murders begin and she receives things – a poetry book, strange notes and yet stranger calls. She keeps thinking they are from Ross trying to contact her — trying to apologize. She has no idea that something from twenty-five years ago has resurfaced and she is right in the center of it.
This was a really good mystery. I was actually pretty thrown by who the ‘bad guy’ was. In many ways, this felt like a cozy, but it is more graphic than most cozies. A couple of pieces didn’t entirely mesh for me. For example, while at the New Year’s Eve celebration, Addison had disappeared for a time. When Kim saw him later at the party, he appeared ‘frantic and upset.’ It never came to anything, so it felt like a loose end. I rated Prey of Desire at 3 out of 5.
http://www.fictionzeal.com/virtual-bo...
This was a really good mystery. I was actually pretty thrown by who the ‘bad guy’ was. In many ways, this felt like a cozy, but it is more graphic than most cozies. A couple of pieces didn’t entirely mesh for me. For example, while at the New Year’s Eve celebration, Addison had disappeared for a time. When Kim saw him later at the party, he appeared ‘frantic and upset.’ It never came to anything, so it felt like a loose end. I rated Prey of Desire at 3 out of 5.
http://www.fictionzeal.com/virtual-bo...
June 22, 2014
Prey of Desire focuses on Kimberly Bradford’s life in a small Southern town. Gaitlin’s story idea is captivating and the story sounds intriguing – how can the death of two students 25 years ago be related to murders happening now and what does this all have to do with the main character of Kimberly? The finale was exciting and action-packed, but unfortunately, the suspense was not properly built-up in the story until that point. The mystery aspect could also use some work as some questions were not answered. It would be interesting to see more clues come out in this respect.
Although the writing was decent, there were generally too many details written. Who cares to which channel the television is turned? I found it hard to sympathize with the character of Kimberly as she seemed very immature for her age, especially considering her past. The relationship between Kimberly and Mallory was difficult to believe. The two were so very different and their discussions/interactions didn’t come across as realistic. There is definitely a lot of potential in this story and book that with proper editing and perhaps more attention to the mystery aspect could make it a great story.
I recommend this book to beach goers looking for an easy read on a hot, summer day.
Although the writing was decent, there were generally too many details written. Who cares to which channel the television is turned? I found it hard to sympathize with the character of Kimberly as she seemed very immature for her age, especially considering her past. The relationship between Kimberly and Mallory was difficult to believe. The two were so very different and their discussions/interactions didn’t come across as realistic. There is definitely a lot of potential in this story and book that with proper editing and perhaps more attention to the mystery aspect could make it a great story.
I recommend this book to beach goers looking for an easy read on a hot, summer day.
June 20, 2014
Right out of the gate, the prologue had me thinking 'HOLY FREAKING CRAP!!! This one is going to be good!!' Not only was it good, it was SPECTUCLAR! With so many twists and turns, it was practically impossible for me to guess who the murderer was until the very end. With well-developed characters and an intriguing plot, this one kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. My only complaint is that I would have liked to know the outcome of Zeus - this was a huge loose end for me but otherwise I loved the story. If you love a good mystery/suspense that will keep you guessing, then I would highly recommend Prey of Desire, but be warned, you will not be able to put this one down once you start, so be sure to clear the calendar!
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
- See more at: The Avid Book Collector
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
- See more at: The Avid Book Collector
July 30, 2014
*I received this book for review from the author, this in no way affects my thoughts as expressed in this review*
I was so excited to read this book! I have been a big fan of Mr. Gatlin since, not very long ago actually, I read his amazing novella. So, when I found out he had another book out I jumped at the chance to read it!
A prologue opens this book and from the first page I was hooked. JC just has a way with words, let me tell you. This book will make your head spin. I was constantly on the edge of my seat. I could not put it down. You will have so many guesses as to how the book will end but you will not see the ending coming. I absolutely loved it. If you are a lover of fantastic action-packed thrillers that make you think, ones that really make your mind work over time, well this is the book for you.
I considered myself a fan of this author from the first few pages of The Designated Survivor but reading Prey of Desire cemented it. He has definitely gone on my auto-read list and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for us next!
I was so excited to read this book! I have been a big fan of Mr. Gatlin since, not very long ago actually, I read his amazing novella. So, when I found out he had another book out I jumped at the chance to read it!
A prologue opens this book and from the first page I was hooked. JC just has a way with words, let me tell you. This book will make your head spin. I was constantly on the edge of my seat. I could not put it down. You will have so many guesses as to how the book will end but you will not see the ending coming. I absolutely loved it. If you are a lover of fantastic action-packed thrillers that make you think, ones that really make your mind work over time, well this is the book for you.
I considered myself a fan of this author from the first few pages of The Designated Survivor but reading Prey of Desire cemented it. He has definitely gone on my auto-read list and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for us next!
August 14, 2014
"Prey of Desire" is a book where right off, the reader knows there's going to be action and murder. Only a few pages into the book someone is killed in a gruesome manner. Our curiosity is aroused. Why was this man killed? and What happens to the killer?
The story moves twenty five years later when a college girl has just broken up with her fiance. Her friend tries to fix her up with another man and encourages her go get on with her life. She's at a New Year's Party when something major happens.
Not to reveal the suspenseful plot, I found the story enjoyable and I sympathised with the heroine. There was a major surprise and the novel was a fast moving, entertaining read.
3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
The story moves twenty five years later when a college girl has just broken up with her fiance. Her friend tries to fix her up with another man and encourages her go get on with her life. She's at a New Year's Party when something major happens.
Not to reveal the suspenseful plot, I found the story enjoyable and I sympathised with the heroine. There was a major surprise and the novel was a fast moving, entertaining read.
3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
October 13, 2014
It's 11pm and I just finished this book. Finished it in less than a day because it hooked me instantly. Mr. Gatlin wrote characters that came to life on the page in such a way that it sucked me into the story as if I was there with the protagonist experiencing everything she was going through. I found myself as a sleuth trying to figure out who the murderer or murderers were and their motive. Gatlin's writing style is sure to impress! I loved how each page was more enticing than the last and with just enough clues to tease you to keep reading until the next chapter. Before I knew it I finished the book because I needed to know how it was all going to pan out. I really did enjoy this book and I highly recommend it if you are into any mystery thrillers. It is absolutely a 1st class read.
September 1, 2018
Enough people have given a synopsis so I won't leave another. The book is an unexpected mix of chick lit and murder mystery, but I found the female characters a little stereotypical, especially Mallory who seems to be a completely shallow, immature individual, happy to live off various men and use them for money.
I also wondered how the heroine financed her life, if there was an explanation of how a college student supported herself in a town house with no job, I missed it.
Saying that, the author kept the suspense going about who the murderer was, right to the end, although a little more explanation about why he thought the heroine was a relative wasn't sufficiently explained.
All in all, an absorbing read, even if the female characters were a little stereotypical.
I also wondered how the heroine financed her life, if there was an explanation of how a college student supported herself in a town house with no job, I missed it.
Saying that, the author kept the suspense going about who the murderer was, right to the end, although a little more explanation about why he thought the heroine was a relative wasn't sufficiently explained.
All in all, an absorbing read, even if the female characters were a little stereotypical.
August 6, 2014
JC Gatlin had my attention within the first few pages. Prey of Desire starts off terrifying and bloody – absolutely perfect. I read the entire book in one sitting because there were so many twists and I just had to know what was going to happen next.
I thought Kimberly was a great character. She was a believable young lady and I felt for her throughout the story as she faced many odd and scary situations. This book has an excellent mix of people, young and old, creepy and kind, and the unstable. The wide variety also made it hard to pinpoint who the killer was and Gatlin did an awesome job with keeping it suspenseful.
JC Gatlin has a new fan for life.
I thought Kimberly was a great character. She was a believable young lady and I felt for her throughout the story as she faced many odd and scary situations. This book has an excellent mix of people, young and old, creepy and kind, and the unstable. The wide variety also made it hard to pinpoint who the killer was and Gatlin did an awesome job with keeping it suspenseful.
JC Gatlin has a new fan for life.
September 1, 2014
Prey of Desire is a psychological thriller that gets your attention from the very beginning.
The story is well written. It's descriptive but not so much that I was tempted to skip paragraphs as I often do. It's a good mystery with a lot of twists and turns. The ending was a big surprise!
The characters are each unique in their own way. Most of them are pretty crazy. I felt sorry for the main character, Kim, in a lot of ways but she's pretty immature and frustrating when it comes to men.
I recommend Prey of Desire to anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller.
The story is well written. It's descriptive but not so much that I was tempted to skip paragraphs as I often do. It's a good mystery with a lot of twists and turns. The ending was a big surprise!
The characters are each unique in their own way. Most of them are pretty crazy. I felt sorry for the main character, Kim, in a lot of ways but she's pretty immature and frustrating when it comes to men.
I recommend Prey of Desire to anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller.
June 29, 2014
loved it. it was great that the author left the last little bit until the end so you couldn't have it all figured out by then. while these books are good my favorites are the ones that hold out until the end, the author even leaves a few open. when it was all said and done I had the same thought as Kim's friend.
September 26, 2016
I enjoyed the characters. The story kept my interest, and also kept me guessing. Just when you think you know who the killer is, something happens to make you change your mind.
By the description of the book it sounded like Kim set out to solve this 25 year old mystery, but she didn't it only happened by accident.
By the description of the book it sounded like Kim set out to solve this 25 year old mystery, but she didn't it only happened by accident.
February 17, 2018
Waiting room mystery
This story read like a bad version of an old detective magazine published in the fifties. Good fluff to read while sitting in a waiting room for an appointment. Like a TV movie the plot was obvious and the ending easy to figure out.
This story read like a bad version of an old detective magazine published in the fifties. Good fluff to read while sitting in a waiting room for an appointment. Like a TV movie the plot was obvious and the ending easy to figure out.
March 1, 2018
Chilling weird
A real creepy story. I’m not sure about some of the characters though. The girl, Mallory, was way to frivolous and two predictable. All the characters, except the main character, were really weird.
A real creepy story. I’m not sure about some of the characters though. The girl, Mallory, was way to frivolous and two predictable. All the characters, except the main character, were really weird.
January 5, 2018
Second guessing
The book kept you guessing who the killer was. It jumped around a lot you really had to pay attention to your characters. The ending was kind of a disappointment.
The book kept you guessing who the killer was. It jumped around a lot you really had to pay attention to your characters. The ending was kind of a disappointment.
March 25, 2018
Okay
Not the best but I think the writer could get there. The plot was okay and the characters interest ing. But something was missing. I will try again.
Not the best but I think the writer could get there. The plot was okay and the characters interest ing. But something was missing. I will try again.
April 18, 2020
Love reading mystery books
August 20, 2024
This book was very irritating. It could have been better, there was potential. Some huge plot holes, though, and still the issue with the nonsense behavior of the main character.
June 6, 2025
loved the way this kept you guessing. the only thing i didn't care for was how abruptly it ended
February 1, 2017
Gaah! Had to quit at 50%.
February 27, 2017
very good
October 30, 2014
3.5 stars
A thriller should grab the reader from the beginning and Prey of Desire does just that although the squeamish should probably move right along to another book. To say the killings in the first few pages are gruesome is putting it mildly but they certainly lay the groundwork for the terror that is to come. Then there’s the sense of a stalker that adds a liberal dose of the creeps to the story, practically guaranteeing a bloodtingling tale.
Character development is somewhat lacking and I think the problem is that the author still has much to learn about writing from a woman’s point of view. Mallory borders on being very unlikeable, especially in her narcissism, but Kim is the one who surprises me in the first pages when she allows Mallory to bully her into doing things her way and, quite frankly, I don’t know of any woman of any age who would show up at a Congressman’s New Year’s Eve gala dressed the way she is. I was also uncomfortable with the emphasis on older men preying on younger women (while acknowledging that some of the women are not totally innocent) but this actually is why I wanted to continue reading after a less than auspicious beginning.
We all harbor certain fears or, at least, misgivings about the things that go bump in the night and one of the worst is the nebulous perception that something is wrong, the sort of thing that makes us feel as though we’re being watched or that something just isn’t right. It makes chills run up and down our spines even while we dismiss it as nerves or imagination. Despite too many plot failings, Mr. Gatlin makes good use of these fears and ends up with a story full of suspense.
Prey of Desire is an interesting blend of intriguing and mediocre but, in the long run, I’m not at all sorry I spent time reading it.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, October 2014.
A thriller should grab the reader from the beginning and Prey of Desire does just that although the squeamish should probably move right along to another book. To say the killings in the first few pages are gruesome is putting it mildly but they certainly lay the groundwork for the terror that is to come. Then there’s the sense of a stalker that adds a liberal dose of the creeps to the story, practically guaranteeing a bloodtingling tale.
Character development is somewhat lacking and I think the problem is that the author still has much to learn about writing from a woman’s point of view. Mallory borders on being very unlikeable, especially in her narcissism, but Kim is the one who surprises me in the first pages when she allows Mallory to bully her into doing things her way and, quite frankly, I don’t know of any woman of any age who would show up at a Congressman’s New Year’s Eve gala dressed the way she is. I was also uncomfortable with the emphasis on older men preying on younger women (while acknowledging that some of the women are not totally innocent) but this actually is why I wanted to continue reading after a less than auspicious beginning.
We all harbor certain fears or, at least, misgivings about the things that go bump in the night and one of the worst is the nebulous perception that something is wrong, the sort of thing that makes us feel as though we’re being watched or that something just isn’t right. It makes chills run up and down our spines even while we dismiss it as nerves or imagination. Despite too many plot failings, Mr. Gatlin makes good use of these fears and ends up with a story full of suspense.
Prey of Desire is an interesting blend of intriguing and mediocre but, in the long run, I’m not at all sorry I spent time reading it.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, October 2014.
October 27, 2014
In the Prologue of this scary novel we are witness to an accidental death and a horrific murder that gives me the creeps just to remember it. Obviously the murderer in this story is obsessed with something and not real attached to reality.
The tale continues more than 20 years later with another killing that seems totally unrelated except for the way it's done. A young man is the victim, killed while using a pay phone to talk to the girlfriend he regrets breaking up with. He of course doesn't show up to see her but she refuses to believe he has run off. Her best friend, a beautiful neighbor who cares more about sexy clothes and expensive gifts than her friend's missing boyfriend, tries to talk her into dating a shrink but he keeps standing her up. She isn't interested anyway.
Throughout the book I was relieved that the main character has a Doberman named Zeus who is of course protective of her. Most of the time she doesn't believe she's in danger and I kept talking to her (out loud) about her lack of brains. She's a college student and yet she acts too bubble-headed to be real to me.
There are several candidates for the title of creepy bad guy here and actually I dismissed him as fairly harmless but the big clue was staring me right in the face. Maybe I shouldn't be so quick to call someone else bubble-headed, eh?
I have a hard time coming to a decision about Prey of Desire. I suppose the modus operandi here is clever for a mystery writer but I struggled with it, still do actually. I've already mentioned my difficulty with the main character too but on the other hand if she hadn't acted as she did, there wouldn't be much of a story to tell.
Recommended with caveat about method of murders
Source: Partners in Crime Book Tours
The tale continues more than 20 years later with another killing that seems totally unrelated except for the way it's done. A young man is the victim, killed while using a pay phone to talk to the girlfriend he regrets breaking up with. He of course doesn't show up to see her but she refuses to believe he has run off. Her best friend, a beautiful neighbor who cares more about sexy clothes and expensive gifts than her friend's missing boyfriend, tries to talk her into dating a shrink but he keeps standing her up. She isn't interested anyway.
Throughout the book I was relieved that the main character has a Doberman named Zeus who is of course protective of her. Most of the time she doesn't believe she's in danger and I kept talking to her (out loud) about her lack of brains. She's a college student and yet she acts too bubble-headed to be real to me.
There are several candidates for the title of creepy bad guy here and actually I dismissed him as fairly harmless but the big clue was staring me right in the face. Maybe I shouldn't be so quick to call someone else bubble-headed, eh?
I have a hard time coming to a decision about Prey of Desire. I suppose the modus operandi here is clever for a mystery writer but I struggled with it, still do actually. I've already mentioned my difficulty with the main character too but on the other hand if she hadn't acted as she did, there wouldn't be much of a story to tell.
Recommended with caveat about method of murders
Source: Partners in Crime Book Tours
February 11, 2017
I found this book to be annoyingly satisfying. Let me explain: the grammar and punctuation and even the spelling were pathetically poor! The story itself, however, was gripping, interesting, engaging, and varied enough that it kept the reader guessing and trying to figure out with the bad guys were and how! My one main complaint, I don't think that the author ended it appropriately. She should have written a total conclusion and answered and ended the whole story; there were too many questions that, didn't necessarily need answering, but would've tied it all up.
I enjoyed the fact that, in fact, whereas the whole thing sort of went together, it was actually two or three different stories that were totally happening concurrently, and the characters were able to confuse and mix all of it. Overall, I really liked the book!
I enjoyed the fact that, in fact, whereas the whole thing sort of went together, it was actually two or three different stories that were totally happening concurrently, and the characters were able to confuse and mix all of it. Overall, I really liked the book!
May 20, 2015
I'm having a hard time putting J.C. Gatlin's Prey of Desire into a genre category. It definitely has elements of a thriller/mystery, but also focuses heavily on the relationship between the main character Kim and and her friend Mallory, and reminded me of a tame episode of Sex and the City. For the first half of the book, they seemed to be disparate elements. I felt like I was reading two separate books, touching only occasionally. Fortunately it came together in the last half, but the road getting there was a little bumpy for me.
I felt a little desensitized to the series of murders which opens the book, partly because the victims came and died so quickly that I never developed any emotional connection. I think that adding some personality quirks, making the victims more sympathetic by revealing some vulnerabilities, etc, might increase the level of shock and horror and escalate the "thriller" aspect of the story. I love rooting against a good villain, but never felt obliged to boo and hiss because I didn't feel I was given enough reason to.
The other issue for me was the punctuation, grammar and formatting errors that beset the version of the book I received. Lines of dialogue or bits of description were sometimes repeated. I'm willing to overlook a few editing mistakes, but there were enough to distract me from the flow. I think investing in a quality editor would really help bring the book to a different level.
Again, the last half of the story picked up dramatically, and I enjoyed the conclusion. Very exciting! The story as a whole had some really funny, laugh-out-loud moments too, especially from Mallory, which I appreciated as well.
I felt a little desensitized to the series of murders which opens the book, partly because the victims came and died so quickly that I never developed any emotional connection. I think that adding some personality quirks, making the victims more sympathetic by revealing some vulnerabilities, etc, might increase the level of shock and horror and escalate the "thriller" aspect of the story. I love rooting against a good villain, but never felt obliged to boo and hiss because I didn't feel I was given enough reason to.
The other issue for me was the punctuation, grammar and formatting errors that beset the version of the book I received. Lines of dialogue or bits of description were sometimes repeated. I'm willing to overlook a few editing mistakes, but there were enough to distract me from the flow. I think investing in a quality editor would really help bring the book to a different level.
Again, the last half of the story picked up dramatically, and I enjoyed the conclusion. Very exciting! The story as a whole had some really funny, laugh-out-loud moments too, especially from Mallory, which I appreciated as well.
April 5, 2016
In the first chapter, we're told of an 18 year old guy who runs from the lake with his girlfriend's lifeless body and the girl's father puts an awl through the young man's eye. The story picks up 25 years later but we know somehow this killing is related to the current story and we want to know how and why. It's New Years Eve. Kimberly Bradford's boyfriend Ross broke up with her 3 weeks ago and as he is dialing her phone number to make up with her, he is killed with an awl through the eye. Kimberly goes to a party on New Years Eve, dances with a congressman, and he's killed with an awl overnight. She begins receiving strange phone calls, notes and books of poetry. She doesn't know Ross has been killed and she thinks he is trying to make contact with her. Her best friend Mallory has a much older boyfriend who seems to be obsessive and stalking. For a long time, she doesn't figure out someone is killing people around her, but she really should recognize that fact in order to save her own life.
I liked Kimberly's faithful canine companion. Mallory seemed pretty immature most of the time and I kept waiting for something bad to happen to her. The ending of the book was certainly climactic!
I liked Kimberly's faithful canine companion. Mallory seemed pretty immature most of the time and I kept waiting for something bad to happen to her. The ending of the book was certainly climactic!
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