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New Orleans #4
Absolute Fear
Every Serial Killer...
A serial killer is stalking the streets of New Orleans. The victims are killed in a ritual fashion, a series of numbers tattooed into their bodies. There are no clues, no connections except one: a crumbling old asylum that was once the scene of unspeakable madness--and is now the calling card of a new kind of fear.
Is Searching For...
Eve Renner knows Our Lady of Virtues Hospital well. As the daughter of one of its doctors, she spent her childhood exploring its secrets chambers, hidden rooms, and forbidden passageways. Now, somewhere in the decaying asylum lies the key to a betrayal from the past whose echoes are being felt with a vengeance--a crime beyond imagining that seems to lead to Eve herself.
The Perfect Victim...
As each new body is found and forgotten, memories surface, and Eve must race to put together a deadly puzzle, one terrifying piece at a time. A killer is watching, planning, luring her back to the ruins of Our Lady and the shocking truths hidden there. For the sins of the past must be revealed, and the price paid--in blood...
404 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
1387 people are currently reading
13970 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Jackson
271 books9,567 followersLisa Jackson is the number-one New York Times bestselling author of over ninety-five novels, including the Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya Series, the Pescoli and Alvarez Series, the Savannah series, and numerous stand alone novels. She also is the co-author of One Last Breath, Last Girl Standing, and the Colony Series, written with her sister and bestselling author Nancy Bush, as well as the collaborative novels Sinister and Ominous, written with Nancy Bush and Rosalind Noonan. There are over thirty million copies of her novels in print and her writing has been translated into twenty languages.
Before she became a nationally bestselling author, she was a mother struggling to keep food on the table by writing novels, hoping against hope that someone would pay her for them. Today, neck deep in murder, her books appear on The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly national bestseller lists.
With dozens of bestsellers to her name, Lisa Jackson is a master of taking readers to the edge of sanity—and back—in novels that buzz with dangerous secrets and deadly passions. She continues to be fascinated by the minds and motives of both her killers and their pursuers—the personal, the professional, and the downright twisted. As she builds the puzzle of relationships, actions, clues, lies, and personal histories that haunt her protagonists, she must also confront the fear and terror faced by her victims and the harsh and enduring truth that, in the real world, terror and madness touch far too many lives and families.
Visit http://www.LisaJackson.com where you can find a Media Kit with photos and more information.
Before she became a nationally bestselling author, she was a mother struggling to keep food on the table by writing novels, hoping against hope that someone would pay her for them. Today, neck deep in murder, her books appear on The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly national bestseller lists.
With dozens of bestsellers to her name, Lisa Jackson is a master of taking readers to the edge of sanity—and back—in novels that buzz with dangerous secrets and deadly passions. She continues to be fascinated by the minds and motives of both her killers and their pursuers—the personal, the professional, and the downright twisted. As she builds the puzzle of relationships, actions, clues, lies, and personal histories that haunt her protagonists, she must also confront the fear and terror faced by her victims and the harsh and enduring truth that, in the real world, terror and madness touch far too many lives and families.
Visit http://www.LisaJackson.com where you can find a Media Kit with photos and more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 710 reviews
October 5, 2021
Eve Renner receives a mysterious call from her friend Roy Kajak in the middle of the night, asking her to meet him at his uncle’s cabin. She leaves her boyfriend Cole Dennis behind and finds a gruesome scene at the cabin. She soon senses she’s in danger and in a flash, she’s shot but not before seeing Cole’s face in the window. Three months later, she returns to New Orleans following her recuperation and Cole is released from jail since the evidence against him is shaky and Eve’s memory of that night is faulty. However, it’s soon clear that whoever murdered Roy isn’t done and there’s a serial killer in their midst and the victims are all tied to the closed and abandoned Our Lady of Virtues Hospital.
Sound familiar? A serial killer in New Orleans with a descriptive name (The Reviver) who uses religious themes as part of his mission and is connected to that abandoned asylum…the same themes we’ve seen in the prior three books. And, the author continues to liberally use racial stereotyping throughout. Lastly, there are continuity errors that are inexcusable, making the resolution implausible.
My rating has very little to do with the story because I’m finding the repetition beyond tiresome. However, the relationship between Eve and Cole is interesting and the narrator, Joyce Bean, delivered an incredible performance. I listened at a faster speed level to get through it quicker. Otherwise, this would be a 2-star rated book. I’m only reading/listening because I’m participating in a group read of the series. Unfortunately, I think I’ll wave the red flag, signaling the end of my participation. This author is just not for me. 3.5 stars for the narrator.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Sound familiar? A serial killer in New Orleans with a descriptive name (The Reviver) who uses religious themes as part of his mission and is connected to that abandoned asylum…the same themes we’ve seen in the prior three books. And, the author continues to liberally use racial stereotyping throughout. Lastly, there are continuity errors that are inexcusable, making the resolution implausible.
My rating has very little to do with the story because I’m finding the repetition beyond tiresome. However, the relationship between Eve and Cole is interesting and the narrator, Joyce Bean, delivered an incredible performance. I listened at a faster speed level to get through it quicker. Otherwise, this would be a 2-star rated book. I’m only reading/listening because I’m participating in a group read of the series. Unfortunately, I think I’ll wave the red flag, signaling the end of my participation. This author is just not for me. 3.5 stars for the narrator.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
October 8, 2008
I enjoyed the story. Like every other book written by Lisa Jackson I think she goes into detail way too much, but I've learned where to skim through her words and where I need to pay attention. While I guessed part of what was going on, I definitely did not figure out the entire story of who the killer was and why until it was revealed and for that, I give the author kudos.
Yes, is some of the story far-fetched, absolutely! But it's FICTION, not true crime. IMO, it's like in the movies when someone enters a scary place and you find yourself yelling at the t.v. - don't go in there and they do (they always do). Of course they do, it's what sells, just like in books. Same goes with the part that everyone seems to be related to one another - I personally thought that part was downright hysterical (which means it's entertaining and isn't that what it is all about).
As for leaving things untied, I see how that happened with Eve's brothers, no real ending with them (which makes me think maybe something more will be explained in another book?). As for Eve's relationship with Cole, I thought there was nothing wrong with the way it ended. And of course the Epilogue sets up the next book, it's a series isn't it?
Yes, is some of the story far-fetched, absolutely! But it's FICTION, not true crime. IMO, it's like in the movies when someone enters a scary place and you find yourself yelling at the t.v. - don't go in there and they do (they always do). Of course they do, it's what sells, just like in books. Same goes with the part that everyone seems to be related to one another - I personally thought that part was downright hysterical (which means it's entertaining and isn't that what it is all about).
As for leaving things untied, I see how that happened with Eve's brothers, no real ending with them (which makes me think maybe something more will be explained in another book?). As for Eve's relationship with Cole, I thought there was nothing wrong with the way it ended. And of course the Epilogue sets up the next book, it's a series isn't it?
December 1, 2015
Absolute Fear, the 4th book in Lisa Jackson’s New Orleans Series, is a nail biting, terrifying, suspense filled story that leaves you shocked, surprised and chilled to the bone.
As with the previous book, Shiver, its set in New Orleans with Our Lady of Virtues, the abandoned mental asylum, playing an integral part in the story.
Eve Renner has suffered from amnesia since the night she found her friend murdered and the attempt on her life. She has a vague recollection of seeing her boyfriend at the place of the murder and believes he may be the killer.
Cole Dennis, sexy, smooth and successful attorney loses everything in his life when he’s arrested on suspicion for the murder and attempted murder. Released after not enough evidence to charge him, he’s not only almost destitute but more than angry towards Eve. Despite being advised by his lawyer to keep away from her, he decides that he needs to find out who set him up. Adding to his problems, after receiving a call from her father, he arrives at his house and discovers that he has been murdered in the same way as Eve’s friend was. A message written in blood slit throat and a number tattooed on his body.
Eve feels unsure about Cole being the killer and as they slowly begin to trust each other again, the killer strikes again, in the same way as the others before.
Everything that’s happening seems to point to Eve’s father, who had been the head psychiatrist at Our Lady of Virtues mental hospital and the doctor in charge of Faith Chastain, who had committed suicide 20 years ago.
Eve has recollections of the times she spent at the asylum as a child. She had seen and heard about the horrors that went on for a very long time.
She realizes that if she wants to get her life back, she will have to return to that dark and lonely and abandoned place, where she will find the answers to the dim memories she has and the secrets and the rumors of the horrors that took place there. The one scene where Eve enters the asylum was pretty freaky. I could almost taste her fear, feel the sense of evil and horror of the place…..
Detective Montoya and his partner, Rick Bentz, are racing against time in trying to unravel the killer’s puzzling clues before he kills again. The stakes increase when they discover that the ritualistic murders are linked to both Eve and Montoya’s now fiancé, Abby Chastain and that everything leads to Faith Chastain and Eve’s father.
A calculating, evil and twisted killer labeled by the press as The Reviver, he’s bent on revenge and killing the person/s responsible for what happened to him many years ago. He’s determined to pay them pay for their sins.
What amazed me was that until the very end I had no clue who the killer and what the reason behind the murders
was. When everything is revealed……wow, I was more than shocked!!!!
But wait, not everything is revealed at the end of this book…….there’s so much more than what I thought I had finally being given the answers to all those questions….which tells me that more revelations about the Our Lady of Virtues mental hospital are still to come
Another intricate and engrossing story by Lisa Jackson.
As with the previous book, Shiver, its set in New Orleans with Our Lady of Virtues, the abandoned mental asylum, playing an integral part in the story.
Eve Renner has suffered from amnesia since the night she found her friend murdered and the attempt on her life. She has a vague recollection of seeing her boyfriend at the place of the murder and believes he may be the killer.
Cole Dennis, sexy, smooth and successful attorney loses everything in his life when he’s arrested on suspicion for the murder and attempted murder. Released after not enough evidence to charge him, he’s not only almost destitute but more than angry towards Eve. Despite being advised by his lawyer to keep away from her, he decides that he needs to find out who set him up. Adding to his problems, after receiving a call from her father, he arrives at his house and discovers that he has been murdered in the same way as Eve’s friend was. A message written in blood slit throat and a number tattooed on his body.
Eve feels unsure about Cole being the killer and as they slowly begin to trust each other again, the killer strikes again, in the same way as the others before.
Everything that’s happening seems to point to Eve’s father, who had been the head psychiatrist at Our Lady of Virtues mental hospital and the doctor in charge of Faith Chastain, who had committed suicide 20 years ago.
Eve has recollections of the times she spent at the asylum as a child. She had seen and heard about the horrors that went on for a very long time.
She realizes that if she wants to get her life back, she will have to return to that dark and lonely and abandoned place, where she will find the answers to the dim memories she has and the secrets and the rumors of the horrors that took place there. The one scene where Eve enters the asylum was pretty freaky. I could almost taste her fear, feel the sense of evil and horror of the place…..
Detective Montoya and his partner, Rick Bentz, are racing against time in trying to unravel the killer’s puzzling clues before he kills again. The stakes increase when they discover that the ritualistic murders are linked to both Eve and Montoya’s now fiancé, Abby Chastain and that everything leads to Faith Chastain and Eve’s father.
A calculating, evil and twisted killer labeled by the press as The Reviver, he’s bent on revenge and killing the person/s responsible for what happened to him many years ago. He’s determined to pay them pay for their sins.
What amazed me was that until the very end I had no clue who the killer and what the reason behind the murders
was. When everything is revealed……wow, I was more than shocked!!!!
But wait, not everything is revealed at the end of this book…….there’s so much more than what I thought I had finally being given the answers to all those questions….which tells me that more revelations about the Our Lady of Virtues mental hospital are still to come
Another intricate and engrossing story by Lisa Jackson.
March 1, 2009
This book tries too hard. There are too many unexplained/unnecessary/underdeveloped characters, too much detail, too many elements of murder/suspense/psycho novels for one book, too far-fetched, too formulaic...didn't know it was part of a series until several pages into the book. Allusions to other situations/characters were made that didn't always work if one hadn't read the other book first. I had expectations from the book as Jackson is a "NY Times best-selling author". Well, the Times needs to be a bit more exclusive with that label because it is devaluing its meaning by slapping it on every written word. Be a bit more exclusive, like the GH seal of approval! Story gets one star for some redeeming elements in the book -- were it half the length and twice as good it might be salvageable. Get your hand off the mouse, Ms. Jackson! Whoever edited this at the publishing house should be fired!
Absolute Fear is the perfect example of why I need to learn it's ok to stop reading a book mid-way if I think it is ludicrous. Had I not been stuck at home two sick days in a row I would've trashed it. As it was, I was a captive reader. Psycho sex killer books, like their celluloid counterparts, are overdone, cliched, and trite. Shame on me for not pitching this thing.
Absolute Fear is the perfect example of why I need to learn it's ok to stop reading a book mid-way if I think it is ludicrous. Had I not been stuck at home two sick days in a row I would've trashed it. As it was, I was a captive reader. Psycho sex killer books, like their celluloid counterparts, are overdone, cliched, and trite. Shame on me for not pitching this thing.
September 27, 2021
The beginning of this book almost made me DNF it. It was another serial killer wrecking mayhem with a perverse and nasty mind. But, if you stay with it you will be rewarded with a great mystery and some very unlikely plot twists.
Another serial killer is stalking the streets of New Orleans and his tattooed victims are again linked to the abandoned, crumbling, insane asylum, Our Lady of Virtues Hospital. The first victim is a friend of Eve Renner and was a patient at the asylum. Next up is Eve's adopted father, a former doctor at the asylum. Yep, all trails lead back to that hospital, but it takes Bentz and Montoya a while to stop chasing red herrings and get with the program.
Cole Dennis is caught up in the insanity because he loves Eve and is trying to protect her. He knows that she is in danger, but getting her to trust him after he shoots her is asking a bit much. Anyway, Bentz and especially Montoya have him pigged as the killer, they just have absolutely no motive for him to have done it. They move on from him after more bodies show up and he has an alibi. Digging into the asylum's records reveals some shocking truths that impact everyone connected to the asylum and a killer is waiting to exact his final revenge.
Another serial killer is stalking the streets of New Orleans and his tattooed victims are again linked to the abandoned, crumbling, insane asylum, Our Lady of Virtues Hospital. The first victim is a friend of Eve Renner and was a patient at the asylum. Next up is Eve's adopted father, a former doctor at the asylum. Yep, all trails lead back to that hospital, but it takes Bentz and Montoya a while to stop chasing red herrings and get with the program.
Cole Dennis is caught up in the insanity because he loves Eve and is trying to protect her. He knows that she is in danger, but getting her to trust him after he shoots her is asking a bit much. Anyway, Bentz and especially Montoya have him pigged as the killer, they just have absolutely no motive for him to have done it. They move on from him after more bodies show up and he has an alibi. Digging into the asylum's records reveals some shocking truths that impact everyone connected to the asylum and a killer is waiting to exact his final revenge.
November 7, 2010
This is the second Lisa Jackson book that I have listened to on tape. I enjoy listening to them because she does a good job at keeping up suspense, and I wasn't expecting the killer to be who he was. Usually, I can pick out the killer at the beginning of the book.
However, I feel like the characters are sexed up way too much. The reader doesn't need to hear over and over again how the characters are sexy and beautiful, nor the repeated sexual thoughts of the killer. Once or twice would have been sufficient.
Even though I enjoyed the plot, I wish she had used her setting more. Besides some references to cities and food, this could have been set anywhere.
Gave this a two because it wasn't completely horrible, but it definitely is not my favorite. Probably won't read or listen another one anytime soon.
However, I feel like the characters are sexed up way too much. The reader doesn't need to hear over and over again how the characters are sexy and beautiful, nor the repeated sexual thoughts of the killer. Once or twice would have been sufficient.
Even though I enjoyed the plot, I wish she had used her setting more. Besides some references to cities and food, this could have been set anywhere.
Gave this a two because it wasn't completely horrible, but it definitely is not my favorite. Probably won't read or listen another one anytime soon.
December 31, 2009
I've read a few Lisa Jackson's books - this was, in my opinion, an even better read then the others.
I liked the setting - the mental hospital, the vague suggestion of secrets and wrong-doing, the fact that Eve, the main character, used to spy on the mental patients when she was a child. The whole book came across like a lite-horror movie to me, and it worked for this book.
I liked the chemistry between Eve and Cole, and how Jackson keeps you in suspense as to whether Cole tried to kill Eve. Overall the story flowed smoothly and consistently, I was on the edge of my seat and had to force myself to stop reading last night so I could get some sleep!
The only thing I felt was confusing and therefore impeded the flow of the book was all the coming out of the family tree in the end - half brothers, sisters, uncles, incest, priests, etc - I felt like I needed a flow chart to determine who belonged to who.
That was really my only dislike of the book - the ending leaves you waiting for the next book but not in a negative way - the ending is the new beginning for the next book. I look forward to reading it!
I liked the setting - the mental hospital, the vague suggestion of secrets and wrong-doing, the fact that Eve, the main character, used to spy on the mental patients when she was a child. The whole book came across like a lite-horror movie to me, and it worked for this book.
I liked the chemistry between Eve and Cole, and how Jackson keeps you in suspense as to whether Cole tried to kill Eve. Overall the story flowed smoothly and consistently, I was on the edge of my seat and had to force myself to stop reading last night so I could get some sleep!
The only thing I felt was confusing and therefore impeded the flow of the book was all the coming out of the family tree in the end - half brothers, sisters, uncles, incest, priests, etc - I felt like I needed a flow chart to determine who belonged to who.
That was really my only dislike of the book - the ending leaves you waiting for the next book but not in a negative way - the ending is the new beginning for the next book. I look forward to reading it!
June 3, 2023
It's been awhile since I have read a Lisa Jackson book so I forgot how addictive her writing is. She tells a damn good story. I picked this up because it's set in New Orleans which is my favorite setting in books. Montoya and Bentz are great characters. They are partners in the police department and they are Hunting a serial killer who has his sights set on Eve Renner. Family secrets come into play and some scandals are revealed which made for a wild ride and captivating story. I am glad I read this and would definitely recommend.
February 6, 2018
am Schluss hab ich sogar ein paar Tränen vergossen 😢
October 11, 2021
Loved this novel!
August 12, 2011
Still reeling from the thriller of "Lost Souls", I must admit that it took me some time to get into "Absolute Fear"but once I did, I was hooked. I had not realised it was actually the book before "Lost Souls" until certain references were made. The story had a great plot, I found, with a surprise twist at the end. But then I thought to myself when the killer was revealed, 'Do killers give such a long explanation of things before hitting their target?' I think not, but then again, it is a story, and I did get a lot of questions answered because of the explanation. However, I had made assumptions concerning the characters long before the truths were revealed.
I liked the twists and turns and the cliffhangers and climaxes. Very well written : )
I liked the twists and turns and the cliffhangers and climaxes. Very well written : )
June 23, 2012
This book must be a sequel or part of a series, but no mention of other books with the same characters is made anywhere on the jacket or in the introductory pages.
The story starts out with a bang, but the editing left something to be desired. One character puts on his heavy gloves twice in two consecutive paragraphs. Characters just seem to drop out of the story and new ones conveniently appear. A lot is missing between the conclusion of the last chapter and the epilogue, the story never really finishes. It moves, I kept reading, in suspense, waiting to see what was going to happen next.
This is not one that I will be passing on to my family book circle.
The story starts out with a bang, but the editing left something to be desired. One character puts on his heavy gloves twice in two consecutive paragraphs. Characters just seem to drop out of the story and new ones conveniently appear. A lot is missing between the conclusion of the last chapter and the epilogue, the story never really finishes. It moves, I kept reading, in suspense, waiting to see what was going to happen next.
This is not one that I will be passing on to my family book circle.
July 25, 2009
There are two books in this seriers that takes place in Lousiana. Great books! Very scary and suspenseful.
February 12, 2013
Very intriguing mystery.
April 26, 2022
The similarities with the previous books were too many and it ruined the experience. I love Lisa Jackson but it became boring. As a stand alone this would've been great, but as a part of a series - she needed something fresh and new in the plot twist.
The coincidences were not believable and made the story not realistic.
Two thumbs up for the creepy atmosphere and some creepy moments - Lisa Jackson is the best creating dark atmosphere.
The coincidences were not believable and made the story not realistic.
Two thumbs up for the creepy atmosphere and some creepy moments - Lisa Jackson is the best creating dark atmosphere.
February 6, 2010
Another great book by Lisa Jackson, kept me hooked from page one. I like how she brings back some of the same character's from previous books.
September 13, 2011
again another excellent book
July 22, 2020
Van begin tot einde boeiend en spannend.
July 29, 2016
Eve Renner is lured to a cabin in the woods and discovers Roy's brutally murdered body with the number 212 written in blood and is shot in the head at the cabin. At the time of the shooting she is positive that the shooter is her fiancé Cole who gets sent to prison.
After months of rehab in Atlanta staying with her brother Eve now has returned home to New Orleans on the same day that Cole gets set free on a technicality. Very involved story by one of my favorite authors. I give it an enthusiastic ★★★★★'s.
After months of rehab in Atlanta staying with her brother Eve now has returned home to New Orleans on the same day that Cole gets set free on a technicality. Very involved story by one of my favorite authors. I give it an enthusiastic ★★★★★'s.
May 25, 2021
Oooooh. I really enjoyed this book!
I've never read New Orleans series before. I won the giveaway!! Yes!! Thank you. Thank you!!
I like this setting. New Orleans and asylum! Serial killer, psychopath!
It was thrilling, chilling, creepy, fast building. Truths are unbelievable shocking that I couldn't imagine. Page turner!
I definitely will start reading from volume 1 of this series!
I've never read New Orleans series before. I won the giveaway!! Yes!! Thank you. Thank you!!
I like this setting. New Orleans and asylum! Serial killer, psychopath!
It was thrilling, chilling, creepy, fast building. Truths are unbelievable shocking that I couldn't imagine. Page turner!
I definitely will start reading from volume 1 of this series!
Read
December 13, 2015I wanted to buy the audiobook but I didn't because I don't like the narrator Joyce Bean. She is bad with male voices.
March 13, 2022
Oh my goodness! That is all I can say! Way to up the ante yet again! Love these characters for being so flawed and realistic! It just gets better and better. WTG Ms. Jackson! Well done!
July 29, 2023
so scary! gave me anxiety and kept me on the edge of my seat.
September 25, 2021
3.5 stars
Z - Secondary Character - Lynn Zaroster
Z - Secondary Character - Lynn Zaroster
November 15, 2023
Mind blowing
June 3, 2012
Kayla Palos
6/3/12
BG3
Absolute Fear
By: Lisa Jackson
“Absolute Fear” written by Lisa Jackson is about this girl named Eve. She is in love with this boy named Cole, and he has been convicted for murder. When she was little, she would explore her fathers work place. He worked in an asylum, so Eve would constantly be exploring the rooms, discovering secrets, and keeping secrets of her own. When new crimes are committed the common thing about them is, they are all tattooed a specific number. She believes that those numbers have something to do with Our lady of Virtues Hospital (the asylum). Once she uncovers a key to evidence about these murders, her thoughts and dreams are now scarred. She is practically handed evidence from her already dead friend, she had found years ago swimming in her own pool of blood. Eve went to New Orleans, to leave her past in the past and move on, but she can’t stop thinking about her lover Cole. Her secrets have been keeping him off the hook from attempted murder. But does she really know the truth? Or does she just not want to believe it?............
I liked this book ALOT.... it was constantly entertaining, had a lot to keep on, but it was exciting and overwhelming at the same time. I liked how Eve was mysterious and very much alert. Because she got shot, and it effected her memory, I think that is what made the book so long, because Cole was able to make it more of a challenge. I think the it was never really a dull moment. I know that because she was so scarred from everything that happened, she felt like she was a little but of prey as well. I think that she had a good character and it was played out well. She wasn’t too clingy, but she love Cole enough that it made it a good romantic but “horror” story too.
I would recommend this book to anyone 35 years and younger, maybe 40 at the most. I know that is more of a bigger novel, but it was still fun and thrilling. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 because it was just that good. It wasn’t cheesy, and it didn’t feel like it just ran on the same conflicts. Every chapter was like the same excitement as reading a new book, it kept me busy and wanting to read more, and I think that anyone would enjoy reading it.
6/3/12
BG3
Absolute Fear
By: Lisa Jackson
“Absolute Fear” written by Lisa Jackson is about this girl named Eve. She is in love with this boy named Cole, and he has been convicted for murder. When she was little, she would explore her fathers work place. He worked in an asylum, so Eve would constantly be exploring the rooms, discovering secrets, and keeping secrets of her own. When new crimes are committed the common thing about them is, they are all tattooed a specific number. She believes that those numbers have something to do with Our lady of Virtues Hospital (the asylum). Once she uncovers a key to evidence about these murders, her thoughts and dreams are now scarred. She is practically handed evidence from her already dead friend, she had found years ago swimming in her own pool of blood. Eve went to New Orleans, to leave her past in the past and move on, but she can’t stop thinking about her lover Cole. Her secrets have been keeping him off the hook from attempted murder. But does she really know the truth? Or does she just not want to believe it?............
I liked this book ALOT.... it was constantly entertaining, had a lot to keep on, but it was exciting and overwhelming at the same time. I liked how Eve was mysterious and very much alert. Because she got shot, and it effected her memory, I think that is what made the book so long, because Cole was able to make it more of a challenge. I think the it was never really a dull moment. I know that because she was so scarred from everything that happened, she felt like she was a little but of prey as well. I think that she had a good character and it was played out well. She wasn’t too clingy, but she love Cole enough that it made it a good romantic but “horror” story too.
I would recommend this book to anyone 35 years and younger, maybe 40 at the most. I know that is more of a bigger novel, but it was still fun and thrilling. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 because it was just that good. It wasn’t cheesy, and it didn’t feel like it just ran on the same conflicts. Every chapter was like the same excitement as reading a new book, it kept me busy and wanting to read more, and I think that anyone would enjoy reading it.
March 25, 2010
Unfortunately, this book is part of an ongoing series so I was initially confused upon reading this book. Thankfully, it wasn't too complicated and I knew I couldn't put the book down until I had read the last word on the last page.
In the aspect of crime-writing, Lisa Jackson's books wouldn't completely fit in as her books are more based on finding clues through old documents and other human sources, compared to other books where crime scenes and how they were processed was described in more details. However, that doesn't necessarily mean Absolute Fear is a bad read. On the contrary, is a good read, a damn good read, well, in my opinion, that is.
Instead of reading the usual crime scenes being described more vividly, Lisa Jackson tackle readers psychological-speaking with villains armed with a disturbed childhood or forced to go through a trauma, in other words, having mental issues. Absolute Fear is one such book that bring readers into a person's clearly disturbed mind. However, don't expect detailed explanation but only the story that causes them to kill.
Lisa Jackson also focuses a lot on the characters and is no doubt successful in bringing them to life. In certain parts of the story, I could almost imagine myself in the scenario, facing the same horror as the protagonist. Moreover, the author had managed to linked together a truly astonishing story and this is only for Absolute Fear which is a part of a series. This fact clearly illustrates how promising the other books will be.
Overall, Absolute Fear is an awesome read and definitely commendable although it may not appear to the liking of many but I'll remain steady in my own judgement.
In the aspect of crime-writing, Lisa Jackson's books wouldn't completely fit in as her books are more based on finding clues through old documents and other human sources, compared to other books where crime scenes and how they were processed was described in more details. However, that doesn't necessarily mean Absolute Fear is a bad read. On the contrary, is a good read, a damn good read, well, in my opinion, that is.
Instead of reading the usual crime scenes being described more vividly, Lisa Jackson tackle readers psychological-speaking with villains armed with a disturbed childhood or forced to go through a trauma, in other words, having mental issues. Absolute Fear is one such book that bring readers into a person's clearly disturbed mind. However, don't expect detailed explanation but only the story that causes them to kill.
Lisa Jackson also focuses a lot on the characters and is no doubt successful in bringing them to life. In certain parts of the story, I could almost imagine myself in the scenario, facing the same horror as the protagonist. Moreover, the author had managed to linked together a truly astonishing story and this is only for Absolute Fear which is a part of a series. This fact clearly illustrates how promising the other books will be.
Overall, Absolute Fear is an awesome read and definitely commendable although it may not appear to the liking of many but I'll remain steady in my own judgement.
October 28, 2017
This is part of a series. I believe each book is meant to be a stand alone but this book really delves into aspects of the previous book. Reading this book's predecessor would help understanding this one. In this one, Eve is called to her friend's house. When she gets there her friend is murdered and right before she is shot, she sees her lover.
The books in this series are connected by the investigators of the crimes. There is also a connection with a convent and mental institution that is now shut down. I like the use of the metal institution as a place that is suppose to help the helpless but unfortunately that is not the case. The institution has become a character in this series. I liked all the characters in this book and the author does a terrific job of building up the tension with the antagonist stalking our main character. I had no idea who the culprit was and that is what I want from a book of this genre. All the ingredients were there for a really enjoyable book. Then what went wrong? The main character's actions. She pissed me off so many times. First we get the tiresome trope of a person who is in mortal danger but refuses police protection. Does this ever work? Also, she vacillated with her feelings toward her lover so many times that I actually lost track of her current position with him.
This book could have been so much better. All the stuff was there for it except the actions of the main character and I could not get past them. If you take her actions with a grain of salt this could be an enjoyable read.
The books in this series are connected by the investigators of the crimes. There is also a connection with a convent and mental institution that is now shut down. I like the use of the metal institution as a place that is suppose to help the helpless but unfortunately that is not the case. The institution has become a character in this series. I liked all the characters in this book and the author does a terrific job of building up the tension with the antagonist stalking our main character. I had no idea who the culprit was and that is what I want from a book of this genre. All the ingredients were there for a really enjoyable book. Then what went wrong? The main character's actions. She pissed me off so many times. First we get the tiresome trope of a person who is in mortal danger but refuses police protection. Does this ever work? Also, she vacillated with her feelings toward her lover so many times that I actually lost track of her current position with him.
This book could have been so much better. All the stuff was there for it except the actions of the main character and I could not get past them. If you take her actions with a grain of salt this could be an enjoyable read.
April 9, 2011
Absolute Fear picks up where Jackson's beyond creepy Shiver left off. Jackson's frighteningly delish New Orleans series*, brings back the awesome detective duo Bentz & Montoya. Unfortunately, with that we revisit the disturbing Our Lady of Virtues Asylum. *Cue sinister music*. Really!
While Absolute Fear is part of a series, it’s not a prerequisite to read the other books in this outstanding series. Although, before immersing yourself in this spine-tingling indulgence, I would suggest it since there are countless components from the previous books that are exposed.
Allow me to introduce you to, Eve Renner. Eve is the adopted daughter of the head of Our Lady of Virtues Asylum.*shivers*. Eve used the hospital as her playground along w/ her best friend Roy Kajak. Eve unearths Roy's dead body & is almost killed herself.
Now, let me introduce you to Cole*sigh*. I was definitely enjoying all things Cole ;p. LOL!
Absolute Fear is an incredible thriller filled w/ nail biting suspense that is sure to steal your breath away.
While Absolute Fear is part of a series, it’s not a prerequisite to read the other books in this outstanding series. Although, before immersing yourself in this spine-tingling indulgence, I would suggest it since there are countless components from the previous books that are exposed.
Allow me to introduce you to, Eve Renner. Eve is the adopted daughter of the head of Our Lady of Virtues Asylum.*shivers*. Eve used the hospital as her playground along w/ her best friend Roy Kajak. Eve unearths Roy's dead body & is almost killed herself.
Now, let me introduce you to Cole*sigh*. I was definitely enjoying all things Cole ;p. LOL!
Absolute Fear is an incredible thriller filled w/ nail biting suspense that is sure to steal your breath away.
October 18, 2015
This book pretty much picks up where "Shiver" left off, a good read, good suspense, lots of angst tossed in, some red herrings, and twists and turns. The main story plays around the Asylum again and the nuns to an extent. Montoya and Bentz are tasked with finding a demented killer again. The main 2 characters are newbies to the series - good strong characters, not sure if they will be in future books, but they could very well be - don't want to give out any spoilers.
2 thumbs up and 4.5 stars
2 thumbs up and 4.5 stars
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