The Seduction

by Art Bourgeau

When a series of brutal rapes and murders terrorizes Philadelphia, a reformed ex-con finds himself hunted by both the police and the killer

Hardcover

First published March 29, 1988

Reviews

[Anna Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beyond its description. One that leaves you with no words, no explanation, but your jaw wide open. Could not put the book down.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t want to reveal much about The Seduction by Art Bourgeau in this review. It is a mystery that should be enjoyed by reading.

The book blurb says that “there is a mysterious, sadistic, but highly seductive killer on the loose in Philadelphia.” When some young girls are raped and murdered, not a whole lot of attention is paid. However, “when the killer turns to the well-known and well-heeled of fashionable Society Hill,” the crimes cannot be ignored. There is a variety of characters in this book. After reading just a few chapters, you will feel that you know them. I enjoyed learning about their actions and relationships.

I consider this to be a well written novel. The plot has many twists and turns. It retains your interest from beginning to end. It is set in Philadelphia and is exceptionally detailed, but it would take someone from Philadelphia to say whether those details are correct or not. I have only been to Philadelphia once, but I did have lunch at the Reading Terminal Market. So, I can vouch for the description of that place.

As noted in one of the other reviews, this is book is not widely available and the author is not well known. However, don’t let that stop you from reading. It is well worth your time.

[Tara Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a well written book, though it has its sections that are very good. I award this five stars because the plot is so well crafted and surprising in its twists, it is one I remembered since I read it twenty years ago. Yet reading it again, I was still as stunned as the first time at the killer's identity, and had to say aloud, "This is THAT book. OMG!" Wonderful ending, and very satisfying, the most important points of a thriller.

[Sarah Landa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bought this book at the beautiful used bookstore in Boston, the Brattle Book Shop for $2. The inside book cover hilighted all the rave reviews it received and the prominence of the author, but it is hard to obtain this book or find much about the author online.

[Lisa Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is kinky, but good for a first novel. You will never figure it out... until the author tells you. LOL.