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Shatter
As Donna Wildman, a profiler for the Los Angeles County Police Department, becomes embroiled in the search for a serial killer who is targeting prostitutes, the trail begins to lead ever closer to the police force itself. Original.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
63 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Brian Harper
12 books5 followersA pseudonym used by Douglas Borton, aka Michael Prescott.
Douglas Child Borton, Jr. grew up in New Jersey and attended Wesleyan University, then moved to Los Angeles and pursued a career as a screenwriter. After working with several independent producers, he eventually switched to writing novels, a much less stressful occupation. He has published eight thrillers, from Comes the Dark (1999) to Mortal Faults (2006), and currently is at work on a new book. Today he divides his time between the Arizona desert and the Jersey shore.
Douglas Child Borton, Jr. grew up in New Jersey and attended Wesleyan University, then moved to Los Angeles and pursued a career as a screenwriter. After working with several independent producers, he eventually switched to writing novels, a much less stressful occupation. He has published eight thrillers, from Comes the Dark (1999) to Mortal Faults (2006), and currently is at work on a new book. Today he divides his time between the Arizona desert and the Jersey shore.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 3, 2015
2.5 stars for me. I absolutely love some of this author's more recent work. I have read several that I have a hard time putting down, but his writing has come a long way since Shatter, which was written sometime in the early- to mid-90's (Amazon makes the date of publication to Kindle easy to find, but as far as the original publication date goes, I often realize using context clues that I am actually reading something a quarter century old).
Compared to what I know Prescott is now capable of, this one was just dry and a little slow. Basically he's "framed" 3 different men for the crime. You're pretty sure it's one of them, and just when you're sure you have it figured out, he convinces you it's one of the others.
I wasn't left feeling terribly satisfied. It was okay while it lasted, but definitely forgettable. Instead, I'd put it back on the shelf and opt for any of the Abby Sinclair and/or Tess McCallum novels. It looks like he has another heroine or two out there that I need to explore as well.
Compared to what I know Prescott is now capable of, this one was just dry and a little slow. Basically he's "framed" 3 different men for the crime. You're pretty sure it's one of them, and just when you're sure you have it figured out, he convinces you it's one of the others.
I wasn't left feeling terribly satisfied. It was okay while it lasted, but definitely forgettable. Instead, I'd put it back on the shelf and opt for any of the Abby Sinclair and/or Tess McCallum novels. It looks like he has another heroine or two out there that I need to explore as well.
September 8, 2014
SEEMED LIKE EVERY CHARACTER WAS SHATTERED IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, MADE IT HARD TO CONNECT TO ANY OF THEM. ALL OF THEM CARRIED SUCH SORROW AND SADNESS. VERY REPETITIOUS THEY REHASHED THE SAME STUFF TOO MUCH DRAWING OUT THE ENDING (the whole book was like that).HARD TO CONNECT TO THE H/h OR ANY OF THEM I STRUGGLED TO FINISH THIS ONE. BUMMER! ;(
November 1, 2014
Struggled with how to rate this one. It was ok, didn't hate it and I'll probably look out for others by this author. It was instantly forgettable though - within an hour I realised I couldn't remember any character names, although the story was still fresh.
February 6, 2018
The Rag Doll Man masquerades as a police officer and patrols the streets looking for victims. LAPD Det. Donna Wildman is investigating and clues are pointing right back to her station. Could the killer be a fellow officer?
I have been a reader of Michael Prescott from his early days, when he was writing under the name Brian Harper. This was one of his early books. It is a fast paced page turner. Just when you think you have it figured out the author leads you down a totally different path. This is a good police thriller, suspense, mystery read.
I have been a reader of Michael Prescott from his early days, when he was writing under the name Brian Harper. This was one of his early books. It is a fast paced page turner. Just when you think you have it figured out the author leads you down a totally different path. This is a good police thriller, suspense, mystery read.
July 31, 2016
Uhm...wow. This book was an utter surprise. The author played me like a fiddle. Every time I thought I had it figured out, he threw in a twist. He implied the killer is one character in one chapter, then pulled the rug right out from under my feet in the very next chapter. (I actually had to reread the previous chapter to confirm the conclusion was drawn solely in my mind. It was.) He led me down a merry path, and I gladly followed. If they were ever going to do another True Detective series with McConaughey & Harrelson, this would be the perfect adaptation.
November 18, 2013
Excellent read! This story has so many twists and turns. Michael Prescott/Brian Harper is a master at manipulating his reader into whatever direction he wishes you to go. It was easy to believe any of the characters were the actual murderer. The climax is amazing, believable, and almost fun! This is a quick read, and I guarantee you'll enjoy it. I have a list of his books now so onward to another one.
January 30, 2014
This was a great book, I stayed up all night reading it. You'll be engaged as soon as the story begins. A girl is murdered in a small town outside of L.A. As the police and detectives try to find the killer, you're thrown into a well written mystery, because it could be any one of the characters you're getting to know. I'm an avid reader and this was a good one. I'll definitely be reading more of his work!
September 26, 2014
This was a rather good police who dunnit. There are a lot of characters who seem as though they could be the Rag Doll Killer. This follows the murder of two young prostitutes who have the unfortunate fate due to their youth and beauty. A profiler, Donna, is called in to narrow down the search. These are not squeaky clean police officers--all of them have flaws, and you will probably be glad that they are not in your neighborhood!
November 25, 2013
If you like a book with twists and turns throughout, then grab this book and prepare for a long reading session. You simply have to keep reading to find out who the real killer is. The character descriptions are great and you begin to believe you actually know the people. I highly recommend this book!!
April 8, 2014
I've read quite a few of Prescott's books and this wasn't my favorite. It is one of his earlier novels and so I will give him the benefit of the doubt about his writing ability improving and this not showing that improvement.
His characters didn't grab me although the story line did keep me reading the book. If you haven't read Prescot at all, then you will probably like this.
His characters didn't grab me although the story line did keep me reading the book. If you haven't read Prescot at all, then you will probably like this.
April 3, 2014
Mysteriously enticing
Mysteriously enticing
very good read. from the start the book gives you a lead on how it all unfolds. I thought I I was a step ahead. however every time I thought I knew where the book was going, I was surprised with something else. definitely worth reading.
Mysteriously enticing
very good read. from the start the book gives you a lead on how it all unfolds. I thought I I was a step ahead. however every time I thought I knew where the book was going, I was surprised with something else. definitely worth reading.
April 21, 2014
I like Mr. Prescott's writing and he includes wonderful detail about police investigations. The story was interesting and the pacing was good, however, I was disappointed I had figured out the ending. Even so, I would read another book by this author - especially since this is one of his older books.
April 17, 2015
Suspenseful and gripping
Michael Prescott always writes with clarity. The story is easy to follow and this story especially is a page turner. Great ending. Unexpected action. He is my favorite author. I am not a gun enthusiast so I don't understand all the detailed descriptions and think those are overdone but that single thing is my only criticism. It's a great read.
Michael Prescott always writes with clarity. The story is easy to follow and this story especially is a page turner. Great ending. Unexpected action. He is my favorite author. I am not a gun enthusiast so I don't understand all the detailed descriptions and think those are overdone but that single thing is my only criticism. It's a great read.
March 27, 2015
Good story line
This book was an easy read,however I thought it was too descriptive in spots. I found it hard to put down. Just when I thought I had figured out who the killer was, there was a twist in the story. I would recommend this book to my friends.
This book was an easy read,however I thought it was too descriptive in spots. I found it hard to put down. Just when I thought I had figured out who the killer was, there was a twist in the story. I would recommend this book to my friends.
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January 7, 2014Great Read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's fast paced and well written. It had me guessing until the very end. I definitely recommend it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's fast paced and well written. It had me guessing until the very end. I definitely recommend it!
April 8, 2014
ok police thriller
September 7, 2014
Excellent mystery
This plot kept me guessing up to the last few pages. I have already read one of Michael Prescott's books and will read more.
This plot kept me guessing up to the last few pages. I have already read one of Michael Prescott's books and will read more.
September 20, 2014
SHATTER
very good book as always
have read many of m. Prescott books. never been disappointed.
looking forward to more.
would recommend.
very good book as always
have read many of m. Prescott books. never been disappointed.
looking forward to more.
would recommend.
November 3, 2014
Keeps you guessing.
As the detective sleuths out the real killer, the reader has to weigh all the evidence as well to determine if she's right. Colorful writing.
As the detective sleuths out the real killer, the reader has to weigh all the evidence as well to determine if she's right. Colorful writing.
November 3, 2014
This mystery kept me guessing as to the identity of the "bad guy".
February 12, 2015
Not as good as his older books, but I was perplexed towards the end.
January 25, 2015
Amazingly good book! Tense, twisty, and hard to put down. Going to look for more by this author, that's for sure!
February 14, 2016
Entertaining
A good read. Plot a bit unrealistic and hard to believe Donna didn't have more of a clue about those around her but entertaining and solid climax ending.
A good read. Plot a bit unrealistic and hard to believe Donna didn't have more of a clue about those around her but entertaining and solid climax ending.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews