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Followed
After a dinner with friends, psychologist Phil Stanton and his wife Cathy are followed by a white pickup truck. Phil thinks he loses their pursuer, but when they reach their remote home, the pickup truck is right behind them again. Megan, Phil and Cathy's 14-year-old daughter, steps onto the front porch to see what's happening. Phil tells Megan to go back inside, and as he calls the police, the truck turns around and leaves. The police arrive, but there isn't much they can do because Phil doesn't have the truck's license plate number or a description of the driver.
The stalker knows where Phil, Cathy, and Megan live now, and over the next few days, the terror Phil treats a mysterious patient with violent tendencies who issues a threatening warning; Phil is haunted by nightmares; and Cathy hears him murmuring strange things in his sleep. Soon Cathy discovers clues that lead her to believe Phil may know who their stalker is and why he has chosen them.
Dark things are beginning to turn up from Phil's past...and his stalker is just getting started.
The stalker knows where Phil, Cathy, and Megan live now, and over the next few days, the terror Phil treats a mysterious patient with violent tendencies who issues a threatening warning; Phil is haunted by nightmares; and Cathy hears him murmuring strange things in his sleep. Soon Cathy discovers clues that lead her to believe Phil may know who their stalker is and why he has chosen them.
Dark things are beginning to turn up from Phil's past...and his stalker is just getting started.
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First published January 8, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 4, 2025
So for all fans of a movie like Cape Fear, this is right up your alley! The atmosphere and uneasiness that Lukens creates here is so well done. You're literally just sitting on the edge of your seat as you follow these characters deeper and deeper into this maddening abyss of conflicted feelings. I really enjoyed how the story's point of view transitioned seamlessly from Phil to Cathy, and, almost to a point, Grady. It kept the perspective fresh and interesting, leaving the reader unsure of who was doing what exactly. Unfortunately their daughter, Megan, who seemed like a glorified pawn throughout, did not have her own time in the spotlight, which would have been another welcomed addition. And another high compliment that I'll pay towards the author is how he skillfully detailed the trauma response of Phil during the first portion of the book, i.e. renewed alcoholism, nightmares, paranoia, lashing out at his loved ones, acting irrationally, etc. Coming from someone who's trauma-ridden like myself, I could feel myself in Phil's situation, reacting in very similar ways, which kept me personally engaged with him. The ending is left open, which I felt indifferent about. Just not sure it was totally necessary, especially after how everything unfolded and how much the family was put through. But this was one book that any fans of thrillers will have a field day with.
February 25, 2018
Terrific book!
Mark Lukens has done it again. This book was so deliciously scary and suspensful. I could not stop reading, needing to find out what was going to happen in every page. This is not a paranormal or creature feature book but has all the elements of terror to be a true horror story. Goosebumps and cold chills galore! The psychological suspense is so true to life that you are glad to remember this is fiction. I now am a confirmed fan of this author and will eventually read all his books. I highly recommend this book to all readers who would like a high dose of adrenaline with their suspenseful mystery book list! I rated this 4 1/2 stars🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐!!
Mark Lukens has done it again. This book was so deliciously scary and suspensful. I could not stop reading, needing to find out what was going to happen in every page. This is not a paranormal or creature feature book but has all the elements of terror to be a true horror story. Goosebumps and cold chills galore! The psychological suspense is so true to life that you are glad to remember this is fiction. I now am a confirmed fan of this author and will eventually read all his books. I highly recommend this book to all readers who would like a high dose of adrenaline with their suspenseful mystery book list! I rated this 4 1/2 stars🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐!!
July 14, 2021
Phil is a psychologist and he loves his job and family. He has a wonderful life. So happy.
One day, he is followed home by a mysterious, white truck. He tries to lose the truck, but it follows him home. Now he knows where he lives.
Who is inside the truck? Why is he following him? What is he going to do? How does he protect his family?
Wait and see…
One day, he is followed home by a mysterious, white truck. He tries to lose the truck, but it follows him home. Now he knows where he lives.
Who is inside the truck? Why is he following him? What is he going to do? How does he protect his family?
Wait and see…
November 6, 2021
Suspense and Nail-Biting Tension!
A small backstory without giving away spoilers:
Dr. Phil Stanton and his wife, Cathy are on their way home when a truck pulls out in front of them almost causing them to wreck. Phil decides to flash his lights and honk his horn as he goes around the truck, but he never expects for the truck to start following them. Phil goes into panic mode as he tries to get home at a high rate a speed with the truck right on his tail.
When they finally arrive home with no truck in sight they breathe a sigh of relief.....until the truck shows up then it is once again panic mode for all of them as it seems that the Stantons have a stalker on their hands and things are about to go haywire for all involved!
Who is the stalker? Why has this person followed the Stantons home? What is the motivation behind the stalking? No spoilers here as you will need to read the book!
Thoughts:
This book was constant tension and suspense in the beginning of the story with the stalker which kept me glued to my kindle in the first part of the book. The story kind of dragged along though about the middle of the book with the Stantons and the police trying to figure out why the stalker was after the Stantons, but then the last 60% of the book was one huge nail biter as the suspense kicked up to full throttle!
There was a major twist near the end of the book which drove my tension meter up and shocked me out of my shoes as I never saw it coming at all! Giving this book four "Terror Tension" stars!
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
A small backstory without giving away spoilers:
Dr. Phil Stanton and his wife, Cathy are on their way home when a truck pulls out in front of them almost causing them to wreck. Phil decides to flash his lights and honk his horn as he goes around the truck, but he never expects for the truck to start following them. Phil goes into panic mode as he tries to get home at a high rate a speed with the truck right on his tail.
When they finally arrive home with no truck in sight they breathe a sigh of relief.....until the truck shows up then it is once again panic mode for all of them as it seems that the Stantons have a stalker on their hands and things are about to go haywire for all involved!
Who is the stalker? Why has this person followed the Stantons home? What is the motivation behind the stalking? No spoilers here as you will need to read the book!
Thoughts:
This book was constant tension and suspense in the beginning of the story with the stalker which kept me glued to my kindle in the first part of the book. The story kind of dragged along though about the middle of the book with the Stantons and the police trying to figure out why the stalker was after the Stantons, but then the last 60% of the book was one huge nail biter as the suspense kicked up to full throttle!
There was a major twist near the end of the book which drove my tension meter up and shocked me out of my shoes as I never saw it coming at all! Giving this book four "Terror Tension" stars!
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
November 19, 2019
Thrill ride!
Suspenseful and thrilling. And just when you think you've got the bad guy all figured out--BOOM--a twist in the plot with a juicy back story.
Suspenseful and thrilling. And just when you think you've got the bad guy all figured out--BOOM--a twist in the plot with a juicy back story.
March 12, 2019
3 MEH stars audio and story.
September 16, 2018
It was really good and surprising. Then at the very end when all was well, the Author kept the evil going. Been done too much and everyone needs a happy ending if they can find one.
September 29, 2021
Followed...
I haven't read a book that grabbed me as quickly, or left me constantly changing my mind as to who's who and what's what and still leaves me surprised at the ending since the classics of Stephen King. The characters are very believable, with normal faults as well as strengths. The story has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and changing your mind, but not too many so that you get confused and lost. I am so thrilled that I chose this book, which I read in one sitting, that I'm going to see what else Mark Likens has written. I'm hoping that his other books are as skilfully written so that I'll have a new favorite author in this genre (something I've been looking for that has been slow and until now missed by one thing or another!). Anyone who wants a great read that grabs a hold of you from the first page and doesn't let go read this book...it's a must read for anyone that likes this genre. But be warned, even after you've finished Followed you will keep thinking about it and after a while you'll probably pick it up to read again. I know I will!!! Thank you Mr Lukens for writing such an awesome book, it was well worth the wait! I look forward to the next one of your books and hope it's as skillfully written...
I haven't read a book that grabbed me as quickly, or left me constantly changing my mind as to who's who and what's what and still leaves me surprised at the ending since the classics of Stephen King. The characters are very believable, with normal faults as well as strengths. The story has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and changing your mind, but not too many so that you get confused and lost. I am so thrilled that I chose this book, which I read in one sitting, that I'm going to see what else Mark Likens has written. I'm hoping that his other books are as skilfully written so that I'll have a new favorite author in this genre (something I've been looking for that has been slow and until now missed by one thing or another!). Anyone who wants a great read that grabs a hold of you from the first page and doesn't let go read this book...it's a must read for anyone that likes this genre. But be warned, even after you've finished Followed you will keep thinking about it and after a while you'll probably pick it up to read again. I know I will!!! Thank you Mr Lukens for writing such an awesome book, it was well worth the wait! I look forward to the next one of your books and hope it's as skillfully written...
June 30, 2019
Great book
This author has that unique ability to keep you going from page to page eager with anticipation for the next line. I found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading ready to get back to it. You know it’s a good book when I’m wanting to stop playing cookie jam to get back to it. Everyone that knows me personally knows I’m a cookie jam fanatic and very competitive. If I’m chancing the other players catching and beating me the book is outstanding in my opinion and I’ve read thousands of books. Hats off eager to see what happens next!!! Mark your name is now added to my mental rolodex for books to read.
This author has that unique ability to keep you going from page to page eager with anticipation for the next line. I found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading ready to get back to it. You know it’s a good book when I’m wanting to stop playing cookie jam to get back to it. Everyone that knows me personally knows I’m a cookie jam fanatic and very competitive. If I’m chancing the other players catching and beating me the book is outstanding in my opinion and I’ve read thousands of books. Hats off eager to see what happens next!!! Mark your name is now added to my mental rolodex for books to read.
July 3, 2018
Blast!
From the first sentence, you know that this book is going to be different from anything you have ever read before. The writing blasted through the pages.
From the first sentence, you know that this book is going to be different from anything you have ever read before. The writing blasted through the pages.
August 21, 2018
Could Not Suspend Disbelief
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
I really wanted to like this book, because it started as a murder mystery with horror elements. This is a new-to-me author, so I began by reading slower than I would’ve with an author I know. Red flags went up:
1. If you kill someone when you’re 17 years old, wouldn’t you remember the victim’s first and last names?
2. Carlos is referred to by his given name. Other authors have withheld surnames for their own purposes.
3. How did Carlos get to see a health care provider? Even with a genuine-looking ID, he needs a health insurance card. No insurance, no care. He needs a real phone number, because providers call with appointment reminders.
4. An unknown person insists on an appointment without a referral? For a psychologist in a strip plaza? I’d be suspicious enough to ask how, what, where, and why.
Other problems and questions that I had as I read:
1. Carlos fled a stop, was chased by three officers, crashed his truck, and disobeyed orders. None of the Florida cops shot him, even if Welles said not to. Was Carlos Ramirez a WHITE male with dark eyes and dark hair?
2. Why don’t police call him “Ramirez,” not Carlos?
3. Didn’t the police interview him in hospital? Did he die?
4. Didn’t police figure out sequence of events after interviewing Cathy, Phil, and on-scene officers?
5. There were no retrofitted restraining devices in Carlos’ truck, which hit a tree at speed. Did he not suffer grievous injuries requiring hospitalization?
6. Didn’t Carlos ask the police about “Grady” or about his daughter?
7. Was the girl in the trunk unidentified after 2 months?
8. I find it hard to believe that Carlos of Phil’s office is the same as Carlos after the accident. I doubt it’s a DID case, so he’s a sociopath/psychopath with superb acting skills?
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
I really wanted to like this book, because it started as a murder mystery with horror elements. This is a new-to-me author, so I began by reading slower than I would’ve with an author I know. Red flags went up:
1. If you kill someone when you’re 17 years old, wouldn’t you remember the victim’s first and last names?
2. Carlos is referred to by his given name. Other authors have withheld surnames for their own purposes.
3. How did Carlos get to see a health care provider? Even with a genuine-looking ID, he needs a health insurance card. No insurance, no care. He needs a real phone number, because providers call with appointment reminders.
4. An unknown person insists on an appointment without a referral? For a psychologist in a strip plaza? I’d be suspicious enough to ask how, what, where, and why.
Other problems and questions that I had as I read:
1. Carlos fled a stop, was chased by three officers, crashed his truck, and disobeyed orders. None of the Florida cops shot him, even if Welles said not to. Was Carlos Ramirez a WHITE male with dark eyes and dark hair?
2. Why don’t police call him “Ramirez,” not Carlos?
3. Didn’t the police interview him in hospital? Did he die?
4. Didn’t police figure out sequence of events after interviewing Cathy, Phil, and on-scene officers?
5. There were no retrofitted restraining devices in Carlos’ truck, which hit a tree at speed. Did he not suffer grievous injuries requiring hospitalization?
6. Didn’t Carlos ask the police about “Grady” or about his daughter?
7. Was the girl in the trunk unidentified after 2 months?
8. I find it hard to believe that Carlos of Phil’s office is the same as Carlos after the accident. I doubt it’s a DID case, so he’s a sociopath/psychopath with superb acting skills?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2019
Eyes watching you
This author has a way of telling a story by building on a psychic reaction based on key issues. In this tale , we have a family of three, the mother,an artist who paints abstracts,a young tween and the father who is a successful psychologist with his own office. He got to this point in life, by both his scholastic ability and his friendship with Travis, who was the son of the richest family in his town. When the two were teenagers, they had attended a party where alcohol was freely served. When they left the house after two am, neither of them were sober but Travis assured Phil, our main character, that they would be alright getting home since they would be driving on the deserted back roads. As they were driving on the unlit dark road, a girl on a. bike, suddenly deaths in front of the car and despite effort to stop, the car, the girl and the bike are hit and she is tumbled over the front of the car,and thrown to the road behind them. Phil gets out to check on the girl who is still alive but seriously hurt from the impact but Phil notices that she has other injuries,too, but forgets these details in the drama of calling for help and being charged with recklessness driving and the procedure of the trial, which Travis's parents hired a lawyer who represented them and got them off with a fine and no jail time.
Unbeknownst to these two boys and their families, there was a single observer to their accident, who had been chasing the girl and now swears a vendetta against them for taking away his prey (the girl). The story tells us how he kept track of the two boys to exact revenge, plus how Phil and family,escape him, but become a target for another because of what happened accidentally, again.
This author has a way of telling a story by building on a psychic reaction based on key issues. In this tale , we have a family of three, the mother,an artist who paints abstracts,a young tween and the father who is a successful psychologist with his own office. He got to this point in life, by both his scholastic ability and his friendship with Travis, who was the son of the richest family in his town. When the two were teenagers, they had attended a party where alcohol was freely served. When they left the house after two am, neither of them were sober but Travis assured Phil, our main character, that they would be alright getting home since they would be driving on the deserted back roads. As they were driving on the unlit dark road, a girl on a. bike, suddenly deaths in front of the car and despite effort to stop, the car, the girl and the bike are hit and she is tumbled over the front of the car,and thrown to the road behind them. Phil gets out to check on the girl who is still alive but seriously hurt from the impact but Phil notices that she has other injuries,too, but forgets these details in the drama of calling for help and being charged with recklessness driving and the procedure of the trial, which Travis's parents hired a lawyer who represented them and got them off with a fine and no jail time.
Unbeknownst to these two boys and their families, there was a single observer to their accident, who had been chasing the girl and now swears a vendetta against them for taking away his prey (the girl). The story tells us how he kept track of the two boys to exact revenge, plus how Phil and family,escape him, but become a target for another because of what happened accidentally, again.
September 15, 2018
Not bad
Ok, I really got hooked on the first pages of this book. It drew me into the story. The story moves along quickly and I was there for it. The suspense is good. However, there were things I didn't like such as the author tends to repeat a lot. There will be a statement and then it will be repeated again in a different way, sometimes two to three times like the author thinks the reader is either stupid or he's trying to extend the book. It's a short book and comes to its conclusions early. It's a bit simplistic in nature, a bit amateurish I'd say. There are also some key elements left unexplained. Was the detective really a cop? Why did he wait so long to go after Phil? Why did he choose the guy in the truck, and why was that guy so cocky and self assured when he visited Phil's office if he was also a victim? Why kill the daughter? It makes me angry so little is explained, it just ends abruptly. Needs work.
Ok, I really got hooked on the first pages of this book. It drew me into the story. The story moves along quickly and I was there for it. The suspense is good. However, there were things I didn't like such as the author tends to repeat a lot. There will be a statement and then it will be repeated again in a different way, sometimes two to three times like the author thinks the reader is either stupid or he's trying to extend the book. It's a short book and comes to its conclusions early. It's a bit simplistic in nature, a bit amateurish I'd say. There are also some key elements left unexplained. Was the detective really a cop? Why did he wait so long to go after Phil? Why did he choose the guy in the truck, and why was that guy so cocky and self assured when he visited Phil's office if he was also a victim? Why kill the daughter? It makes me angry so little is explained, it just ends abruptly. Needs work.
May 17, 2018
Another thrill ride by Lukens
If you like physiological thrillers, you'll love this story. Quick pacing, lots of action, and plenty of suspense. This book had me flipping through pages faster and faster as I approached the end. Excellent book! Mark has become another favorite author of mine and i have read about 4 of his novels and few short stories over the past two years. I bought a bunch of his books and been getting to them when I can. Looking forward to reading "Sightings" next. I highly recommend him!
If you like physiological thrillers, you'll love this story. Quick pacing, lots of action, and plenty of suspense. This book had me flipping through pages faster and faster as I approached the end. Excellent book! Mark has become another favorite author of mine and i have read about 4 of his novels and few short stories over the past two years. I bought a bunch of his books and been getting to them when I can. Looking forward to reading "Sightings" next. I highly recommend him!
June 3, 2018
Great read.
This is the first time I have ever given a review on a book but this book is one of the best I have read in awhile. The characters are so real and could be people you know. The writing is done well and the story line flows so smoothly. This is a book you won't put down until you have finished the last words. Please don't read this at night since you won't go to sleep when you have finished reading. You will be hearing the rumble of a truck outside in front of your house. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Thanks Mark for a great story.
This is the first time I have ever given a review on a book but this book is one of the best I have read in awhile. The characters are so real and could be people you know. The writing is done well and the story line flows so smoothly. This is a book you won't put down until you have finished the last words. Please don't read this at night since you won't go to sleep when you have finished reading. You will be hearing the rumble of a truck outside in front of your house. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Thanks Mark for a great story.
February 9, 2019
Thrilling to the end!
I picked this book up on a whim and couldn't put it down once I started reading! The plot is intense and had me on the edge of my seat. I love the psychological conflict the main characters went through, along with the terrifying conflict of the story. Had me guessing and taking notes when something odd popped up. Great story flow as well. I'll be checking out more of Mr. Lukens work!
I picked this book up on a whim and couldn't put it down once I started reading! The plot is intense and had me on the edge of my seat. I love the psychological conflict the main characters went through, along with the terrifying conflict of the story. Had me guessing and taking notes when something odd popped up. Great story flow as well. I'll be checking out more of Mr. Lukens work!
October 5, 2019
What goes around ... !!
This book has me gripped from the first page and that is a rare thing for me.
A psychologist gets himself into a tizzy over being followed home by a truck.
His wife can't understand why he's so upset but soon even her imagination starts to work overtime.
Why is he having nightmares and who is Dolores, the name he cries out in his sleep?
👍 Great read in trying to figure things out!
This book has me gripped from the first page and that is a rare thing for me.
A psychologist gets himself into a tizzy over being followed home by a truck.
His wife can't understand why he's so upset but soon even her imagination starts to work overtime.
Why is he having nightmares and who is Dolores, the name he cries out in his sleep?
👍 Great read in trying to figure things out!
May 12, 2018
Suspense and a twist couldn't put this one down!
am always excited when I see a new book t read from Mark Lukens. This one was hard to put down. Even though this has more to it I am so not honking at someone if they cut me off in traffic anyte soon!
am always excited when I see a new book t read from Mark Lukens. This one was hard to put down. Even though this has more to it I am so not honking at someone if they cut me off in traffic anyte soon!
July 13, 2018
A real thriller!
The author kept me in suspense throughout the whole book. Definitely a page-turner! I am now a fan of the author’s work. The storyline was not shallow, and I can imagine this story becoming a movie someday. Great job!
The author kept me in suspense throughout the whole book. Definitely a page-turner! I am now a fan of the author’s work. The storyline was not shallow, and I can imagine this story becoming a movie someday. Great job!
July 18, 2018
Mark Lukens does it again!
“Followed” is s great story. I was hooked from the very first page. This story is mainly a psychological thriller, nothing supernatural about it. And that makes it even scarier!
“Followed” is s great story. I was hooked from the very first page. This story is mainly a psychological thriller, nothing supernatural about it. And that makes it even scarier!
July 22, 2018
stalker level 1000
What a ride! Definitely kept mfr reading desperately trying to figure out the WHO and WHHHHY of things. Phil aggravated me with his determination to keep secrets and the ending left me sadly looking for the chapter?! Loved the adrenaline rush this story gave.
What a ride! Definitely kept mfr reading desperately trying to figure out the WHO and WHHHHY of things. Phil aggravated me with his determination to keep secrets and the ending left me sadly looking for the chapter?! Loved the adrenaline rush this story gave.
August 24, 2018
Disturbing
A chappaquidic event. Teenage horrible event resurfaces and has dire consequences. A well laid out tale that has surprises and truths. Should the kids have gotten off so easy. A good tale. Keep it up
A chappaquidic event. Teenage horrible event resurfaces and has dire consequences. A well laid out tale that has surprises and truths. Should the kids have gotten off so easy. A good tale. Keep it up
November 8, 2018
A good suspense book, moved along pretty well. Some of it was predictable, like the ending. A lot of times I think writers may have a sequel in mind. It's a good quick read I had a good time reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2019
despite a serious need for some more editing and every character inexplicably having some sort of ESP, i DID like this book - until the ending. it doesn't make a lot of sense to me, but i'm still giving three stars because the twist with the villain was nice.
January 5, 2020
Great Read!
I have read many of Mr. likens books. This one was pretty darn good. Suspenseful. Thought I had it all figured out. Of course I didn't.
Can't wait to start another one!
I have read many of Mr. likens books. This one was pretty darn good. Suspenseful. Thought I had it all figured out. Of course I didn't.
Can't wait to start another one!
February 19, 2020
Good suspense
I enjoyed the suspense played out with the Dr. and his wife. Especially with him being a psychologist and being tormented from things in his past. Would have liked to see more from the psychopath or background on Dolores but was entertained without it!
I enjoyed the suspense played out with the Dr. and his wife. Especially with him being a psychologist and being tormented from things in his past. Would have liked to see more from the psychopath or background on Dolores but was entertained without it!
April 20, 2020
Not often I am moved to write a review but this was a great book, so great I finished it in just two hits in two days. Engaging from the start, believable characters and it kept me guessing right up until the end. Just couldn’t put it down. Great thrilling read, many thanks to the author.
November 16, 2020
Suspenseful
This book hooked me the second I started and didn't let up. I could feel the internal struggle Phil experienced when his past came back to haunt him. This is not the first book I've read by Lukens and it certainly won't be the last.
This book hooked me the second I started and didn't let up. I could feel the internal struggle Phil experienced when his past came back to haunt him. This is not the first book I've read by Lukens and it certainly won't be the last.
December 31, 2020
First book by this author. A great read, keeps you wanting to read, a thriller that makes you keep asking questions, and that made me keep reading.
Some reviews said this book was scary, I wouldnt say that, although it does have some vidid descriptions, and some great tension scenes.
Can't wait to read another
Some reviews said this book was scary, I wouldnt say that, although it does have some vidid descriptions, and some great tension scenes.
Can't wait to read another
March 16, 2022
This book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. Very fast paced and quick to read. Right from the beginning I was intrigued on what would happen next. If you’re looking for a quick thriller this would be a good one to read. I would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews