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E.L. Pender #1
The Girls He Adored
For ten years, the charmingly disheveled veteran FBI Special Agent E.L. Pender has been investigating the apparently random disappearances of a dozen women across the country. The only detail the cases have in common is the strawberry blond color of the victims' hair, and the presence of a mystery man with whom they were last seen.
Then, in Monterey, California, a routine traffic stop erupts into a scene of horrific violence. The local police are stunned by a disemboweled strawberry blond victim and an ingenious killer with multiple alternating personalities. Pender is convinced he has found his man, but before he can prove it, the suspect stages a cunning jailbreak and abducts his court-appointed psychiatrist, Irene Cogan.
In a house on a secluded ridge in Oregon, Irene must navigate through the minefield of her captor's various egos -- male and female, brilliant and naive, murderous and passive -- all of whom are dominated by Max, a seductive killer who views her as both his prisoner and his salvation. Irene knows that to survive she must play along with Max's game of sexual perversion. Only then will she be able to strip back the layers to discover a chilling story of a shattered young boy -- and all the girls he adored.
A sexually charged thriller of extraordinary originality and page-turning suspense, The Girls He Adored moves furiously from the inner recesses of the psyche to its final, startling climax. Jonathan Nasaw brilliantly portrays two equally intense characters -- a deviant killer and the expert who can unlock his darkest secrets -- and introduces one of the most likable sleuths in recent fiction.
Then, in Monterey, California, a routine traffic stop erupts into a scene of horrific violence. The local police are stunned by a disemboweled strawberry blond victim and an ingenious killer with multiple alternating personalities. Pender is convinced he has found his man, but before he can prove it, the suspect stages a cunning jailbreak and abducts his court-appointed psychiatrist, Irene Cogan.
In a house on a secluded ridge in Oregon, Irene must navigate through the minefield of her captor's various egos -- male and female, brilliant and naive, murderous and passive -- all of whom are dominated by Max, a seductive killer who views her as both his prisoner and his salvation. Irene knows that to survive she must play along with Max's game of sexual perversion. Only then will she be able to strip back the layers to discover a chilling story of a shattered young boy -- and all the girls he adored.
A sexually charged thriller of extraordinary originality and page-turning suspense, The Girls He Adored moves furiously from the inner recesses of the psyche to its final, startling climax. Jonathan Nasaw brilliantly portrays two equally intense characters -- a deviant killer and the expert who can unlock his darkest secrets -- and introduces one of the most likable sleuths in recent fiction.
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 3, 2001
69 people are currently reading
4250 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Nasaw
23 books147 followersJonathan Nasaw is the acclaimed author of Fear Itself and The Girls He Adored, both Literary Guild Selections. He lives in Pacific Grove, California.
Series:
* E.L. Pender
* James Whistler
Series:
* E.L. Pender
* James Whistler
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
July 10, 2017
3.5 stars
Another long-time-later reread for me, one which pretty much matched my original evaluation. There's some huge potential in this, especially the DID character mostly under the control of alter Max, who is (collectively) beyond terrifying and pretty much the most dangerous and depraved kind of killer you don't ever want to meet. His voices and actions are not for the fainthearted, there's a lot of explicit sadistic and sexual violence in this so don't pick it up if that's not the kind of crime fiction you want to be reading. The other two main characters also have their positives, in particular the choice to make the FBI agent a disgraced, near retiree with the 'worst dress sense in the FBI', a welcome alternative to the young, dogged, good looking G-man.
The plot has a few leaps of imagination needed, uneven in its quality and engagement of reader attention. There's a lot of repetition of set phrases, which might not be something all readers notice but is one of my bugbears. It makes me feel like i'm a goldfish, needing reminders or flashcards about events or characters just so I remember what's going on. I'm not even sure that's why authors do it, maybe they just like the way these things sound, so they throw them in as much as possible. In any case (rant over), it's grating. Perhaps in this case, it's the result of an author early in his writing career. Since i'm moving straight on to the second in the series, i'll soon see if it continues.
Another long-time-later reread for me, one which pretty much matched my original evaluation. There's some huge potential in this, especially the DID character mostly under the control of alter Max, who is (collectively) beyond terrifying and pretty much the most dangerous and depraved kind of killer you don't ever want to meet. His voices and actions are not for the fainthearted, there's a lot of explicit sadistic and sexual violence in this so don't pick it up if that's not the kind of crime fiction you want to be reading. The other two main characters also have their positives, in particular the choice to make the FBI agent a disgraced, near retiree with the 'worst dress sense in the FBI', a welcome alternative to the young, dogged, good looking G-man.
The plot has a few leaps of imagination needed, uneven in its quality and engagement of reader attention. There's a lot of repetition of set phrases, which might not be something all readers notice but is one of my bugbears. It makes me feel like i'm a goldfish, needing reminders or flashcards about events or characters just so I remember what's going on. I'm not even sure that's why authors do it, maybe they just like the way these things sound, so they throw them in as much as possible. In any case (rant over), it's grating. Perhaps in this case, it's the result of an author early in his writing career. Since i'm moving straight on to the second in the series, i'll soon see if it continues.
October 27, 2008
This book appealed to my psychology background and was a real treat. Nasaw does a great job at creating a character who suffers from both the controversial Dissociative Identity Disorder phenomena and all of the implications that go with the disorder, and meshed it so brilliantly with Antisocial Personality Disorder in such a believable way. Max actually reminded me of a new and more twisted Hannibal Lector.
What I loved about this book is the amount of time and detail the author spends developing the antagonist. We go way back into Max’s childhood and learn of the repeated atrocities and abuse that played such a large role in shaping him into the monster he eventually became. You actually felt sorry for the little boy who lost so much at such a young age (which, albeit, doesn’t excuse him from becoming a serial killer when he grew up). So many criminal/forensic/thrillers spend so much time developing the protagonist and focusing on the mere chase of the “bad guy(s)” that they often neglect to fully divulge motives of the killer. Kudos to Nasaw for depicting such a fleshed out antagonist.
Overall the novel was very original, gripping, fast paced and completely disturbing, but made for an excellent holiday read. I will be eagerly looking forward to the rest of the series.
There are some very gory and graphic details given so cozy readers beware!
What I loved about this book is the amount of time and detail the author spends developing the antagonist. We go way back into Max’s childhood and learn of the repeated atrocities and abuse that played such a large role in shaping him into the monster he eventually became. You actually felt sorry for the little boy who lost so much at such a young age (which, albeit, doesn’t excuse him from becoming a serial killer when he grew up). So many criminal/forensic/thrillers spend so much time developing the protagonist and focusing on the mere chase of the “bad guy(s)” that they often neglect to fully divulge motives of the killer. Kudos to Nasaw for depicting such a fleshed out antagonist.
Overall the novel was very original, gripping, fast paced and completely disturbing, but made for an excellent holiday read. I will be eagerly looking forward to the rest of the series.
There are some very gory and graphic details given so cozy readers beware!
November 28, 2018
This started off as a four, by halfway had devolved into a three, and by the end had plummeted to a two.
While the writing is competent enough, a story with tons of promise is ruined by plain silliness.It's just too much and leaves readers like me feeling as if they have to wade through a pile of crap simply to get to the crux of a story which has potential without all the silliness.
Fiction is just that, fiction. It can push the boundaries, but it still has to feel plausible within the context of the world the author has created.
The antagonists/villains lack credibility while neither of the protagonists is particularly strong, likeable, or interesting.
That said, if you're a reader who can overlook the "you've seriously got to be kidding me" moments, the underlying premise is interesting as is the psychological topics explored.
And I should mention, I seem to be in the minority as this has received a fairly high average rating, so perhaps this just isn't a book for me (despite the fact that it was recommended to me by goodreads).
While the writing is competent enough, a story with tons of promise is ruined by plain silliness.It's just too much and leaves readers like me feeling as if they have to wade through a pile of crap simply to get to the crux of a story which has potential without all the silliness.
Fiction is just that, fiction. It can push the boundaries, but it still has to feel plausible within the context of the world the author has created.
The antagonists/villains lack credibility while neither of the protagonists is particularly strong, likeable, or interesting.
That said, if you're a reader who can overlook the "you've seriously got to be kidding me" moments, the underlying premise is interesting as is the psychological topics explored.
And I should mention, I seem to be in the minority as this has received a fairly high average rating, so perhaps this just isn't a book for me (despite the fact that it was recommended to me by goodreads).
January 12, 2011
Ed Pender, a frumpish special agent, is a bit of a joke at the FBI. He's spent years searching for a serial killer who favors strawberry blonds. Unfortunately, no bodies have ever been recovered and no one takes the agent seriously.
During a routine traffic stop, a deputy pulls over a man sitting next to a recently disemboweled woman with strawberry blond hair. Pender is sure this is his man. But before he can make the connection stick, the prisoner escapes. He kidnaps Dr. Irene Cogan, the court-appointed psychiatrist, who was to determine whether Max, who readily confessed to the murder, was fit to stand trial.
Max suffers from DID (dissociative identity disorder/ a.k.a. multiple personalities). Dr. Cogan has to use her expertise with the disorder to stay alive long enough for someone to find her or to escape.
--------------
Creepy to the 10th degree. The author does a great job of convincing the reader that this sadistic baddy could really exist. The violence was bad enough but the mind games were what really made this a great read. I’m really starting to appreciate the psychological thriller.
The book loses one star because of the ridiculous amount of acronyms. In a two-page chapter there were the following: bu-car, SAC, OPR, RA, BOLO, ASAP and KMA (okay, I got the last two). I got tired trying to remember what each one stood for.
One the other hand, the following passage makes me think the author was trying to infuse a little humor into the tale:
“…tell me everything you know about this murdering sack of shit before I open up a can of soup on you.”
“Soup? What’re you talking about, soup?”
“Alphabet soup. You know: FBI, ATF, DEA, IRS, INS…”
Actually, it is kind of funny.
During a routine traffic stop, a deputy pulls over a man sitting next to a recently disemboweled woman with strawberry blond hair. Pender is sure this is his man. But before he can make the connection stick, the prisoner escapes. He kidnaps Dr. Irene Cogan, the court-appointed psychiatrist, who was to determine whether Max, who readily confessed to the murder, was fit to stand trial.
Max suffers from DID (dissociative identity disorder/ a.k.a. multiple personalities). Dr. Cogan has to use her expertise with the disorder to stay alive long enough for someone to find her or to escape.
--------------
Creepy to the 10th degree. The author does a great job of convincing the reader that this sadistic baddy could really exist. The violence was bad enough but the mind games were what really made this a great read. I’m really starting to appreciate the psychological thriller.
The book loses one star because of the ridiculous amount of acronyms. In a two-page chapter there were the following: bu-car, SAC, OPR, RA, BOLO, ASAP and KMA (okay, I got the last two). I got tired trying to remember what each one stood for.
One the other hand, the following passage makes me think the author was trying to infuse a little humor into the tale:
“…tell me everything you know about this murdering sack of shit before I open up a can of soup on you.”
“Soup? What’re you talking about, soup?”
“Alphabet soup. You know: FBI, ATF, DEA, IRS, INS…”
Actually, it is kind of funny.
February 2, 2011
Years ago I read the Dean Koontz book, Intensity. It was freakin’ terrifying. I generally find Koontz to be a pretty reliable writer- delivering fast-paced and exciting suspense, sometimes with a dash of the supernatural. (Of late I find him a little wordy, but never mind that.)
I was hoping Nasaw’s book would offer me the same thrill ride as Intensity, you know- one of those page-turners that you carry with you everywhere and can’t put down. The Girls He Adored is well-written (as these sorts of books often aren’t) and the potential for some serious suspense exists and the three main characters, Irene Cogan (psychiatrist), E.L. Pender (FBI) and Ulysses “Max” Maxwell (total nutjob) are all interesting. But something is missing from this book.
Max has multiple personality disorder. He’s a violent killer who targets women with strawberry blonde hair. Pender has been on his trail for ten years, but it’s a difficult trail to follow because no one knows Max’s real name, plus he’s super intelligent. Then, by fluke, he gets caught and Dr. Cogan is assigned to see whether he is fit to stand trail. But Max is cunning and he escapes. And kidnaps Irene…and you can see where this is going.
If you’re interested in multiple personality disorder, you might find all the pycho-babble interesting. For me, when I read this sort of book- I want to feel my heart race. I want to be afraid for the characters. And I wasn’t.
I was hoping Nasaw’s book would offer me the same thrill ride as Intensity, you know- one of those page-turners that you carry with you everywhere and can’t put down. The Girls He Adored is well-written (as these sorts of books often aren’t) and the potential for some serious suspense exists and the three main characters, Irene Cogan (psychiatrist), E.L. Pender (FBI) and Ulysses “Max” Maxwell (total nutjob) are all interesting. But something is missing from this book.
Max has multiple personality disorder. He’s a violent killer who targets women with strawberry blonde hair. Pender has been on his trail for ten years, but it’s a difficult trail to follow because no one knows Max’s real name, plus he’s super intelligent. Then, by fluke, he gets caught and Dr. Cogan is assigned to see whether he is fit to stand trail. But Max is cunning and he escapes. And kidnaps Irene…and you can see where this is going.
If you’re interested in multiple personality disorder, you might find all the pycho-babble interesting. For me, when I read this sort of book- I want to feel my heart race. I want to be afraid for the characters. And I wasn’t.
July 31, 2017
The violence, much of it of a sadosexual nature, is overwhelming in this horrific crime thriller, but Nasaw's obviously done his research on DID, Dissociative identity disorder (aka multiple personality disorder) suffered by his central character Maxwell Ulysses. "Max" is a vicious kidnapper, torturer, rapist and murderer, who's been targeting strawberry blonde females for almost a decade. He also kills anyone who gets in his way - even if they're just giving him directions on the road.
Now, he's kidnapped psychiatrist Irene Cogan who was assessing him after he was caught by police having just disembowelled his latest victim. On the trail of this vicious killer is Ed Pender, an aging, unfit FBI agent - now out of favour with his by-the-book bosses. Pender's finally on his own in hunting "Max" while Irene Cogan will have to use all her psychological skills to keep herself from becoming the next victim. The rapid appearance & disappearance of the killer's many personalities makes the story somewhat confusing in places and I found much of the sexual sadism too much to stomach, but Nasaw keeps you reading on as you try to discover what this horrific individual will do next - and if he can be stopped.
Now, he's kidnapped psychiatrist Irene Cogan who was assessing him after he was caught by police having just disembowelled his latest victim. On the trail of this vicious killer is Ed Pender, an aging, unfit FBI agent - now out of favour with his by-the-book bosses. Pender's finally on his own in hunting "Max" while Irene Cogan will have to use all her psychological skills to keep herself from becoming the next victim. The rapid appearance & disappearance of the killer's many personalities makes the story somewhat confusing in places and I found much of the sexual sadism too much to stomach, but Nasaw keeps you reading on as you try to discover what this horrific individual will do next - and if he can be stopped.
February 28, 2021
Oh this was good. An old one that I reread and I was totally drawn into the story. The fact that it's old didn't matter. It worked!
August 3, 2018
This is often mentioned in best-of-subgenre lists, and there’s a reason why. I first read it when it came out years ago. On a whim I tracked it down to see if it was as good as I remembered. It very much is.
As far as I’m concerned if you want a good Hunting Serial Killers novel, you either pick Thomas Harris or this man right here.
As far as I’m concerned if you want a good Hunting Serial Killers novel, you either pick Thomas Harris or this man right here.
February 16, 2018
A heart-wrenching, twisted, thought-provoking, disgustingly descriptive page-turner. The short chapters from the different point of views make this a very fast read.
Trigger warning - rape, incest, child abuse/molestation, murder, and everything in between.
Trigger warning - rape, incest, child abuse/molestation, murder, and everything in between.
December 6, 2017
Stumbled upon a good mystery/crime novel after a long time. “The girls he adored” is a fast paced and interesting read. Kept me guessing whole time what’s gonna happen next. Also, the very little known facts about DID(Dissociate Identity Disorder) and its psychological impact has been portrayed skillfully. The graphic details of murder were harrowing and spine chilling. However, I think it added overall to the disturbingly dark "feel" of this novel.
August 12, 2016
4.5 rating for this. Also what do I say after reading this? Of course it would be a suggestion from GR, thanks a lot. Though it helps I heard nothing about this series.
Been reading suspense reads lately which was mostly for the Halloween month but now looks like I'm curious as to reading a bunch of these series I started.
This was a what did I just read kind of book. And yet I couldn't stop reading. It got weird, it got um what and what just happened moments. Oh and let's add creepy to that list there. That ending especially.
So yeah you got FBI agent Pender, therapist Irene and the ever changing multiple personality but at the same interesting Maxwell.
And from there, the mystery starts and you wonder where it will go from there. And the book goes there. Descriptions and all that. The writing got to say was pretty good. Even if the book was a little hard to read at times. Still this was an interesting suspense, somewhat fast paced, read.
Been reading suspense reads lately which was mostly for the Halloween month but now looks like I'm curious as to reading a bunch of these series I started.
This was a what did I just read kind of book. And yet I couldn't stop reading. It got weird, it got um what and what just happened moments. Oh and let's add creepy to that list there. That ending especially.
So yeah you got FBI agent Pender, therapist Irene and the ever changing multiple personality but at the same interesting Maxwell.
And from there, the mystery starts and you wonder where it will go from there. And the book goes there. Descriptions and all that. The writing got to say was pretty good. Even if the book was a little hard to read at times. Still this was an interesting suspense, somewhat fast paced, read.
April 6, 2012
This is a great scary book! I actually read this book years ago and I forgot the name of it and for the last year I have been trying to figure out the name of this book so I could read it again. I was so happy when I finally found it! This is such a weird plot and just very disturbing, but so original I couldn't help but be intrigued. I'm super excited to see that there is another book in this series. If you like scary books then this one is a keeper!
November 24, 2020
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 448
Publisher - Atria
Source - Bought years ago
Blurb from Goodreads
For ten years, the charmingly disheveled veteran FBI Special Agent E.L. Pender has been investigating the apparently random disappearances of a dozen women across the country. The only detail the cases have in common is the strawberry blond color of the victims' hair, and the presence of a mystery man with whom they were last seen.
Then, in Monterey, California, a routine traffic stop erupts into a scene of horrific violence. The local police are stunned by a disemboweled strawberry blond victim and an ingenious killer with multiple alternating personalities. Pender is convinced he has found his man, but before he can prove it, the suspect stages a cunning jailbreak and abducts his court-appointed psychiatrist, Irene Cogan.
In a house on a secluded ridge in Oregon, Irene must navigate through the minefield of her captor's various egos -- male and female, brilliant and naive, murderous and passive -- all of whom are dominated by Max, a seductive killer who views her as both his prisoner and his salvation. Irene knows that to survive she must play along with Max's game of sexual perversion. Only then will she be able to strip back the layers to discover a chilling story of a shattered young boy -- and all the girls he adored.
A sexually charged thriller of extraordinary originality and page-turning suspense, The Girls He Adored moves furiously from the inner recesses of the psyche to its final, startling climax. Jonathan Nasaw brilliantly portrays two equally intense characters -- a deviant killer and the expert who can unlock his darkest secrets -- and introduces one of the most likable sleuths in recent fiction.
My Review
I have had this on the shelves for a while and heard folk talk about it even longer. A bag guy is in jail, he is very very dangerous, on par with Lecter. court-appointed psychiatrist, Irene Cogan. is brought in to assess a prisoner witholding their identity but also presenting as multiple personality disorder (mpd)..............and stage set! FBI Special Agent E.L. Pender has been convinced for years there is a serial killer on the loose and risked much to prove it, could this guy be the one who has evaded him for years?
Guys this book is not for the faint hearted, the bad guy has multiple personalities, some cunning, some psychotic/murderous/naïve. This was a huge draw for me, I have read hundreds of crime books and mpd doesn't feature in many of them. This one was so compelling because they are all so different and getting to see how the psychiatrist assesses them and interacts with this bad guy was so good. There is a huge aspect of sexual deviancy/abuse/violence and real bottom of the barrel aspects of humanity so again NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED!
Compelling, shocking, twists, so so dark in some parts but it pulls the reader in from the very first pages, NEEDING to know where it is going to go. There are another four in the series, I have no idea where they are going to go but I am absolutely ordering book two (as we type), 4/5 for me this time. My first dance with this author, absolutely won't be my last!
Pages - 448
Publisher - Atria
Source - Bought years ago
Blurb from Goodreads
For ten years, the charmingly disheveled veteran FBI Special Agent E.L. Pender has been investigating the apparently random disappearances of a dozen women across the country. The only detail the cases have in common is the strawberry blond color of the victims' hair, and the presence of a mystery man with whom they were last seen.
Then, in Monterey, California, a routine traffic stop erupts into a scene of horrific violence. The local police are stunned by a disemboweled strawberry blond victim and an ingenious killer with multiple alternating personalities. Pender is convinced he has found his man, but before he can prove it, the suspect stages a cunning jailbreak and abducts his court-appointed psychiatrist, Irene Cogan.
In a house on a secluded ridge in Oregon, Irene must navigate through the minefield of her captor's various egos -- male and female, brilliant and naive, murderous and passive -- all of whom are dominated by Max, a seductive killer who views her as both his prisoner and his salvation. Irene knows that to survive she must play along with Max's game of sexual perversion. Only then will she be able to strip back the layers to discover a chilling story of a shattered young boy -- and all the girls he adored.
A sexually charged thriller of extraordinary originality and page-turning suspense, The Girls He Adored moves furiously from the inner recesses of the psyche to its final, startling climax. Jonathan Nasaw brilliantly portrays two equally intense characters -- a deviant killer and the expert who can unlock his darkest secrets -- and introduces one of the most likable sleuths in recent fiction.
My Review
I have had this on the shelves for a while and heard folk talk about it even longer. A bag guy is in jail, he is very very dangerous, on par with Lecter. court-appointed psychiatrist, Irene Cogan. is brought in to assess a prisoner witholding their identity but also presenting as multiple personality disorder (mpd)..............and stage set! FBI Special Agent E.L. Pender has been convinced for years there is a serial killer on the loose and risked much to prove it, could this guy be the one who has evaded him for years?
Guys this book is not for the faint hearted, the bad guy has multiple personalities, some cunning, some psychotic/murderous/naïve. This was a huge draw for me, I have read hundreds of crime books and mpd doesn't feature in many of them. This one was so compelling because they are all so different and getting to see how the psychiatrist assesses them and interacts with this bad guy was so good. There is a huge aspect of sexual deviancy/abuse/violence and real bottom of the barrel aspects of humanity so again NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED!
Compelling, shocking, twists, so so dark in some parts but it pulls the reader in from the very first pages, NEEDING to know where it is going to go. There are another four in the series, I have no idea where they are going to go but I am absolutely ordering book two (as we type), 4/5 for me this time. My first dance with this author, absolutely won't be my last!
May 23, 2018
3.75 stars. Psychiatrist Irene Cogan comes to the prison to interview and test a murdered "Max" suspected of having multiple personalities. She's an expert in this field but he's very cunning and might be fooling everyone.
FBI agent Pender has been tracking a serial killer of women with strawberry blond hair for almost 10 years. Pender is coming to interview this suspect when Max escapes from jail. Taking Irene as hostage, Max takes a murderous path back to his home base and the only way Irene will live is to match wits with several alters in one body.
This book from 2001 is the first in a series about agent Pender, who I liked. He reminds me of a dog with a bone who won't let go until it's finished. I'm not sure how I missed this series but I want to read more as I didn't get enough of Pender this time.
Note -- the book contains graphic killings, mutilations and sexual scenes.
FBI agent Pender has been tracking a serial killer of women with strawberry blond hair for almost 10 years. Pender is coming to interview this suspect when Max escapes from jail. Taking Irene as hostage, Max takes a murderous path back to his home base and the only way Irene will live is to match wits with several alters in one body.
This book from 2001 is the first in a series about agent Pender, who I liked. He reminds me of a dog with a bone who won't let go until it's finished. I'm not sure how I missed this series but I want to read more as I didn't get enough of Pender this time.
Note -- the book contains graphic killings, mutilations and sexual scenes.
April 23, 2023
Solid first entry in the Pender series about the hunt for a serial killer targeting strawberry blonds for reasons that become apparent as the story progresses. I had read the third and fourth entries a while ago and liked them so wanted to check out the one that started it all. A well-written procedural with a comprehensive look at disassociative identity disorder not found in most books of this type. The story grips you from the beginning and never lets up, with a satisfying conclusion that brings everything full circle. If you haven't checked out this series, you should. There's only five of them, the last in 2010. Not sure why Nasaw stopped. I will definitely get to the other two at some point.
February 13, 2019
Großartig 👌
June 10, 2017
The Girls He Adored
5 Stars
When a routine traffic stop results in the discovery of a disemboweled corpse, veteran FBI Agent, E.L. Pender, finally catches a break in a decade old serial killer investigation. Unfortunately, before Pender can prove a connection to his case, the suspect, who appears to be suffering from Multiple Personality Disorder, escapes police custody and abducts his court-appointed psychologist, Irene Cogan. As Pender searches for the two, Irene must navigate the twisted mind of a sadistic killer and uncover the origins of his psychosis before she becomes his next victim.
***Warning*: This book contains graphic and disturbing descriptions of murder and mutilation. It is not for readers who find this type of writing offensive.
An original and well-written psychological thriller with a gripping storyline and appealing protagonists.
The villain is deeply disturbed yet absolutely terrifying in his almost "normal" façade. The method of shifting POVs between the various personalities adds nuance to the characterization as the reader vacillates between feelings of pity and disgust toward him.
Pender is not the typical sexy FBI agent from romantic suspense or popular culture. He is balding, overweight and disheveled. Nevertheless, his dedication to the case (despite the opinions of his fellow agents), and determination to find Cogan before its too late makes him very likable.
Irene Cogan is an amalgamation of opposites. On the one hand, she is intelligent and resourceful in her attempts to stay alive while she plays mind games with her captor. On the other, she has some almost Stockholm Syndrome type reactions that bely her professionalism. These dynamics and her interactions with Maxwell makes for an engrossing reading experience.
Overall, an excellent page turner that provides an intriguing look into the mind of a psychotic killer.
5 Stars
When a routine traffic stop results in the discovery of a disemboweled corpse, veteran FBI Agent, E.L. Pender, finally catches a break in a decade old serial killer investigation. Unfortunately, before Pender can prove a connection to his case, the suspect, who appears to be suffering from Multiple Personality Disorder, escapes police custody and abducts his court-appointed psychologist, Irene Cogan. As Pender searches for the two, Irene must navigate the twisted mind of a sadistic killer and uncover the origins of his psychosis before she becomes his next victim.
***Warning*: This book contains graphic and disturbing descriptions of murder and mutilation. It is not for readers who find this type of writing offensive.
An original and well-written psychological thriller with a gripping storyline and appealing protagonists.
The villain is deeply disturbed yet absolutely terrifying in his almost "normal" façade. The method of shifting POVs between the various personalities adds nuance to the characterization as the reader vacillates between feelings of pity and disgust toward him.
Pender is not the typical sexy FBI agent from romantic suspense or popular culture. He is balding, overweight and disheveled. Nevertheless, his dedication to the case (despite the opinions of his fellow agents), and determination to find Cogan before its too late makes him very likable.
Irene Cogan is an amalgamation of opposites. On the one hand, she is intelligent and resourceful in her attempts to stay alive while she plays mind games with her captor. On the other, she has some almost Stockholm Syndrome type reactions that bely her professionalism. These dynamics and her interactions with Maxwell makes for an engrossing reading experience.
Overall, an excellent page turner that provides an intriguing look into the mind of a psychotic killer.
December 7, 2010
ummm, well....hmmm....I'm really at a loss for words here on how to review this book. It was very disturbing, hard to read but at the same time it was like the proverbial train wreck, you just couldn't look away, you just had to see and know what happened.
You know the deal on the book so i don't feel a need to rehash the whole DID psychotic details. What I feel the need to share is why on earth I could say I 'really like it' & give the book 4 stars when the abuse to women was terrible and extremely scary. But here we are agian, I am at a loss for words as to exactly why. It was a psychological thriller like no other i've read. It was disturbing, I know I've said that, but it freaking was. I think I'm still in a little post shock since I only finished the book 30 min ago.
My heart ached for the little boy that was so badly abused while my mind and self recoiled from the horrible monster that little boy had become. Sadder still was the fact that there where several times in his life that things could have changed for the better.
Irene, the psych doc, just annoyed the hell out of me for some reason. I can't really put a finger on why, she just struck a cord in the beginning with me and never got off it. Pender, Mr. G man, is a new fav. He is impossible not to like. I hear there is sequil, if he's in it I will have to read it. I liked him that much.
The author def made me feel a huge range of emotions during this book. I liked it, don't know if I really liked it, but it def deserves 4 stars or more. Great writing, great detail, couldn't put it down no matter how disturbing. It is a top of the line psych thriller.
You know the deal on the book so i don't feel a need to rehash the whole DID psychotic details. What I feel the need to share is why on earth I could say I 'really like it' & give the book 4 stars when the abuse to women was terrible and extremely scary. But here we are agian, I am at a loss for words as to exactly why. It was a psychological thriller like no other i've read. It was disturbing, I know I've said that, but it freaking was. I think I'm still in a little post shock since I only finished the book 30 min ago.
My heart ached for the little boy that was so badly abused while my mind and self recoiled from the horrible monster that little boy had become. Sadder still was the fact that there where several times in his life that things could have changed for the better.
Irene, the psych doc, just annoyed the hell out of me for some reason. I can't really put a finger on why, she just struck a cord in the beginning with me and never got off it. Pender, Mr. G man, is a new fav. He is impossible not to like. I hear there is sequil, if he's in it I will have to read it. I liked him that much.
The author def made me feel a huge range of emotions during this book. I liked it, don't know if I really liked it, but it def deserves 4 stars or more. Great writing, great detail, couldn't put it down no matter how disturbing. It is a top of the line psych thriller.
September 16, 2010
One cannot find a better thriller.
If you live on the Central Coast of California you will really love The Girls, as the action takes place there--between Big Sur and San Francisco with a jaunt to Oregon.
Nasaw is a much better writer than, say J. Patterson, who actually is a corporation of writers--how's that work?!
Nasaw develops his characters with great detail and depth. I've read some reviews by folks who are upset that he "gave away the ending", failing to understand that Nasaw writes psychological thrillers. His books are not "who done it's".
The review by Book Reporter does Nasaw's most recent book, The Boys from Santa Cruz, justice.
"THE BOYS FROM SANTA CRUZ is a character-driven novel, with Pender being the character in every sense of the word. A true fish out of water, he is good at what he does --- catching people --- but, as this tale reveals, he can be very wrong as well. There is a gallows humor that informs his dialogue, which is hysterically funny in spots, but there is a tragic pathos that lies just beneath the surface of every scene, threatening to break through. If you’re unfamiliar with Pender or with Nasaw’s work in general, THE BOYS FROM SANTA CRUZ is a dark and fabulous place to start" (J. Hartlaub, 2010.
If you live on the Central Coast of California you will really love The Girls, as the action takes place there--between Big Sur and San Francisco with a jaunt to Oregon.
Nasaw is a much better writer than, say J. Patterson, who actually is a corporation of writers--how's that work?!
Nasaw develops his characters with great detail and depth. I've read some reviews by folks who are upset that he "gave away the ending", failing to understand that Nasaw writes psychological thrillers. His books are not "who done it's".
The review by Book Reporter does Nasaw's most recent book, The Boys from Santa Cruz, justice.
"THE BOYS FROM SANTA CRUZ is a character-driven novel, with Pender being the character in every sense of the word. A true fish out of water, he is good at what he does --- catching people --- but, as this tale reveals, he can be very wrong as well. There is a gallows humor that informs his dialogue, which is hysterically funny in spots, but there is a tragic pathos that lies just beneath the surface of every scene, threatening to break through. If you’re unfamiliar with Pender or with Nasaw’s work in general, THE BOYS FROM SANTA CRUZ is a dark and fabulous place to start" (J. Hartlaub, 2010.
March 11, 2015
This was a very dark and twisted read. "Max" is violent psychopath suffering from DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) who is fixated on strawberry blonds. Nasaw does an incredible job telling the story from his, and his many personalities, point of view. It starts off a little difficult to keep them all straight but then you get into the flow and it becomes impossible to put the book down.
I would have given this book a four or even five star rating, because it was superbly creepy and entertaining, however it was a bit to rape-y for me. There were way to many violent scenes that could have used LESS descriptions in that area. Not one to shy away from the disturbing in books (or horror movies), this was just on the edge of "too much".
So be warned, not for the faint of heart.
I would have given this book a four or even five star rating, because it was superbly creepy and entertaining, however it was a bit to rape-y for me. There were way to many violent scenes that could have used LESS descriptions in that area. Not one to shy away from the disturbing in books (or horror movies), this was just on the edge of "too much".
So be warned, not for the faint of heart.
April 24, 2024
Książka jest pierwszą częścią z cyklu, w której głównym bohaterem jest agent FBI Ed Pender.
Po jedenastu latach ciągłych zaginięć truskawkowych blondynek policji udaję się schwytać psychopatycznego mordercę Casey'a. Zatrzymany zachowuję się bardzo dziwnie i zostaje do niego wezwany wyśmienity psychiatra, Irene Cogan. Po wielu testach, rozmowach i obserwacji doktor stwierdza u pacjenta dysocjacyjne zaburzenia osobowości (osobowość wielokrotna).
Sprawą zatrzymania Casey'a interesuję się też agent FBI Ed Pender, który tropi go od jego pierwszego porwania. By dowiedzieć się więcej o mordercy, prosi by go zamknięto w jednej celi ze sprawcą. Agent nie zdaje sobie sprawy jak niebezpieczny, bystry i inteligentny jest Maxwell. Wspólny pobyt w celi nie był dobrym posunięciem, gdyż więzień ucieka i o mały włos nie pozbawia agenta życia oraz porywa panią psycholog. Rozpoczyna się wyścig z czasem, gdzie ceną jest życie wielu ludzi.
Bardzo dobry thriller z wartką akcją i ciekawymi postaciami. Napięcie utrzymane jest na równomiernym poziomie. Gra pomiędzy sprawcą i ofiarą przyjmuje postać psychologicznej rozgrywki.
"Dziewczyny, których pożądał" to historia o dominacji, samotności, zagubieniu i niewyobrażalnej wręcz psychozie. Książkę czyta się z zapartym tchem. Polecam każdemu wielbicielowi powieści psychologicznych, thrillerów i kryminałów.
Po jedenastu latach ciągłych zaginięć truskawkowych blondynek policji udaję się schwytać psychopatycznego mordercę Casey'a. Zatrzymany zachowuję się bardzo dziwnie i zostaje do niego wezwany wyśmienity psychiatra, Irene Cogan. Po wielu testach, rozmowach i obserwacji doktor stwierdza u pacjenta dysocjacyjne zaburzenia osobowości (osobowość wielokrotna).
Sprawą zatrzymania Casey'a interesuję się też agent FBI Ed Pender, który tropi go od jego pierwszego porwania. By dowiedzieć się więcej o mordercy, prosi by go zamknięto w jednej celi ze sprawcą. Agent nie zdaje sobie sprawy jak niebezpieczny, bystry i inteligentny jest Maxwell. Wspólny pobyt w celi nie był dobrym posunięciem, gdyż więzień ucieka i o mały włos nie pozbawia agenta życia oraz porywa panią psycholog. Rozpoczyna się wyścig z czasem, gdzie ceną jest życie wielu ludzi.
Bardzo dobry thriller z wartką akcją i ciekawymi postaciami. Napięcie utrzymane jest na równomiernym poziomie. Gra pomiędzy sprawcą i ofiarą przyjmuje postać psychologicznej rozgrywki.
"Dziewczyny, których pożądał" to historia o dominacji, samotności, zagubieniu i niewyobrażalnej wręcz psychozie. Książkę czyta się z zapartym tchem. Polecam każdemu wielbicielowi powieści psychologicznych, thrillerów i kryminałów.
May 15, 2021
THE GIRLS HE ADORED [2001] By Jonathan Nasaw
My Review Four Stars****
I just finished reading the book that most readers would agree is the crown jewel amidst this author's colorful and captivating arsenal of serial killer thrillers featuring veteran FBI Agent E.L. Pender. It is certainly his most well known novel of psychological suspense, and it did foster a host of devotees who heaped lavish praise on this original and intriguing journey into the mind of a most definitely novel serial killer.
THE GIRLS HE ADORED was originally published nearly two decades ago, and when released in 2001 the novel was inevitably compared against the perhaps unreachable high bar set by the genius of Thomas Harris, first with RED DRAGON in 1981 and then with its sequel SILENCE OF THE LAMBS in 1988. Perhaps unfairly, I personally believe that critics will always use the works of Thomas Harris noted above as a yardstick to measure all the serial killer thrillers that would follow.
That said, I became acquainted with the works of Nasaw (notably his E.L Pender book series) after reading an article on Britain's Crime Fiction Lover that had been carried in their newsletter back in 2013 (SERIAL KILLER NOVELS TEN OF THE BEST). WHEN SHE WAS BAD [2007] the sequel to the more popular THE GIRLS HE ADORED was listed as a recommended read. I subsequently read the book at the time I ran across the article in 2017 and simply LOVED it.
I reviewed the book on Amazon November 30, 2017 and I was flattered that it is listed as a Top Review. To quote a section of said review:
I INVESTIGATED THIS CHOICE PRIOR TO PURCHASE, SINCE JONATHAN NASAW WAS A "NEW AUTHOR" TO ME. THE FIRST THING I LEARNED WAS THAT THERE IS DOGGONE NEAR A CULT FOLLOWING ASSOCIATED WITH HIS FIRST NAIL-BITING THRILLER FEATURING FORMER FBI AGENT E. L. PENDER, NAMELY THE GIRLS HE ADORED. IN FACT, ITS SEQUEL (WHEN SHE WAS BAD) WAS GENERALLY SPEAKING A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT TO THE LOYAL FANS OF THE FIRST BOOK. REVIEWS INCLUDED READERS THAT HAD LOVED THE FIRST ONE SO MUCH THAT IT HAD BEEN RE-READ OVER THE YEARS.
ARMED WITH THE ABOVE INSIGHTS I PURCHASED THE RECOMMENDED NOVEL (THE SEQUEL WHEN SHE WAS BAD)---REASONING THAT I COULD NOT BE DISAPPOINTED OR LET DOWN BECAUSE I HAD NOT READ THE FIRST BOOK. THIS WOULD PERMIT ME TO EXAMINE MY FEELINGS ABOUT THE READING EXPERIENCE WITHOUT UNDUE NEGATIVE INFLUENCES. SO, HERE GOES---
I LOVED it. In 2018 I read all of the E.L. Pender books with the exception of the first one. Generally speaking, all of them were worthwhile reads, albeit like the strength of a storm the force and excellence of the series petered out significantly toward the end. But I have a habit of "saving the best for last" (and not just relative to reading book series), so I didn't read the cult classic that started all the fuss until March of 2019. This maiden voyage of Nasaw's new protagonist E.L. Pender sets itself apart from its contemporary competition in a number of ways. First, Pender is perhaps the antithesis of what readers have come to expect in the FBI Agents who are presented in the bulk of serial killer novels. Pender is older, overweight, homely, and has the unenviable distinction of being credited as the worst dressed FBI Agent in the bureau. The character development of Pender is adequate in that we learn enough about Edgar to marvel at his independent mind set, admire his tenacity for never doubting his own instincts about the missing women over the period of a decade, and to admire his sense of empathy and his commitment to pursuing the truth that lie at the end of the road. That said, Pender's back story and character development are comparatively much better handled by the author in his sequel When She Was Bad.
This inaugural novel which introduces the dogged, highly intelligent underdog FBI Special Agent Pender is much more about the hunted than the hunter. The engine that drives the plot line, keeps the reader's attention riveted, and maintains a relentless momentum toward an explosive conclusion stems almost entirely from the interplay between court-appointed psychiatrist Irene Cogan and an apprehended violent criminal who Irene has been hired to meet and evaluate. The prisoner who calls himself "Max" is of course the dominant alter who controls a host of weaker identities. Irene is a recognized expert in the specialized field of DID (formerly known as MPD or Multiple Personality Disorder). It is her confrontation with the narcissistic sociopathic master manipulator alter Max that keeps us fascinated. This is especially true when she is abducted by this monster and her very survival depends upon her clinical expertise and her intuition. In a principal way it is Irene rather that the tenacious Pender on "Casey's" trail who is the primary protagonist of the novel. Her clinical approach to her captivity kept me entertained, in the way that black humor often does in an inappropriate situation. However, I did not find myself liking Irene 100% of the time, and her scientific decision at the conclusion of the book (which flew in the face of caring about others, or even herself for that matter) really rattled my cage. The takeaway from the Epilogue was totally predictable.
In summary, Nasaw created a well researched novel that featured a likable, colorful, and original FBI Agent, an ingenious and creative serial killer who was fascinating as often as he was chillingly sadistic, violent, and cunning, and a pragmatic psychiatrist who learned the meaning of the admonition "Be careful of what you wish for, you just might get it".
The sequel in this instance (When She Was Bad) allowed the reader to get to know Pender better, doubled the fun of dealing with "multiples", and was just overall a more exciting and memorable reading experience. That is my rationale for awarding four stars and not five stars.
My Review Four Stars****
I just finished reading the book that most readers would agree is the crown jewel amidst this author's colorful and captivating arsenal of serial killer thrillers featuring veteran FBI Agent E.L. Pender. It is certainly his most well known novel of psychological suspense, and it did foster a host of devotees who heaped lavish praise on this original and intriguing journey into the mind of a most definitely novel serial killer.
THE GIRLS HE ADORED was originally published nearly two decades ago, and when released in 2001 the novel was inevitably compared against the perhaps unreachable high bar set by the genius of Thomas Harris, first with RED DRAGON in 1981 and then with its sequel SILENCE OF THE LAMBS in 1988. Perhaps unfairly, I personally believe that critics will always use the works of Thomas Harris noted above as a yardstick to measure all the serial killer thrillers that would follow.
That said, I became acquainted with the works of Nasaw (notably his E.L Pender book series) after reading an article on Britain's Crime Fiction Lover that had been carried in their newsletter back in 2013 (SERIAL KILLER NOVELS TEN OF THE BEST). WHEN SHE WAS BAD [2007] the sequel to the more popular THE GIRLS HE ADORED was listed as a recommended read. I subsequently read the book at the time I ran across the article in 2017 and simply LOVED it.
I reviewed the book on Amazon November 30, 2017 and I was flattered that it is listed as a Top Review. To quote a section of said review:
I INVESTIGATED THIS CHOICE PRIOR TO PURCHASE, SINCE JONATHAN NASAW WAS A "NEW AUTHOR" TO ME. THE FIRST THING I LEARNED WAS THAT THERE IS DOGGONE NEAR A CULT FOLLOWING ASSOCIATED WITH HIS FIRST NAIL-BITING THRILLER FEATURING FORMER FBI AGENT E. L. PENDER, NAMELY THE GIRLS HE ADORED. IN FACT, ITS SEQUEL (WHEN SHE WAS BAD) WAS GENERALLY SPEAKING A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT TO THE LOYAL FANS OF THE FIRST BOOK. REVIEWS INCLUDED READERS THAT HAD LOVED THE FIRST ONE SO MUCH THAT IT HAD BEEN RE-READ OVER THE YEARS.
ARMED WITH THE ABOVE INSIGHTS I PURCHASED THE RECOMMENDED NOVEL (THE SEQUEL WHEN SHE WAS BAD)---REASONING THAT I COULD NOT BE DISAPPOINTED OR LET DOWN BECAUSE I HAD NOT READ THE FIRST BOOK. THIS WOULD PERMIT ME TO EXAMINE MY FEELINGS ABOUT THE READING EXPERIENCE WITHOUT UNDUE NEGATIVE INFLUENCES. SO, HERE GOES---
I LOVED it. In 2018 I read all of the E.L. Pender books with the exception of the first one. Generally speaking, all of them were worthwhile reads, albeit like the strength of a storm the force and excellence of the series petered out significantly toward the end. But I have a habit of "saving the best for last" (and not just relative to reading book series), so I didn't read the cult classic that started all the fuss until March of 2019. This maiden voyage of Nasaw's new protagonist E.L. Pender sets itself apart from its contemporary competition in a number of ways. First, Pender is perhaps the antithesis of what readers have come to expect in the FBI Agents who are presented in the bulk of serial killer novels. Pender is older, overweight, homely, and has the unenviable distinction of being credited as the worst dressed FBI Agent in the bureau. The character development of Pender is adequate in that we learn enough about Edgar to marvel at his independent mind set, admire his tenacity for never doubting his own instincts about the missing women over the period of a decade, and to admire his sense of empathy and his commitment to pursuing the truth that lie at the end of the road. That said, Pender's back story and character development are comparatively much better handled by the author in his sequel When She Was Bad.
This inaugural novel which introduces the dogged, highly intelligent underdog FBI Special Agent Pender is much more about the hunted than the hunter. The engine that drives the plot line, keeps the reader's attention riveted, and maintains a relentless momentum toward an explosive conclusion stems almost entirely from the interplay between court-appointed psychiatrist Irene Cogan and an apprehended violent criminal who Irene has been hired to meet and evaluate. The prisoner who calls himself "Max" is of course the dominant alter who controls a host of weaker identities. Irene is a recognized expert in the specialized field of DID (formerly known as MPD or Multiple Personality Disorder). It is her confrontation with the narcissistic sociopathic master manipulator alter Max that keeps us fascinated. This is especially true when she is abducted by this monster and her very survival depends upon her clinical expertise and her intuition. In a principal way it is Irene rather that the tenacious Pender on "Casey's" trail who is the primary protagonist of the novel. Her clinical approach to her captivity kept me entertained, in the way that black humor often does in an inappropriate situation. However, I did not find myself liking Irene 100% of the time, and her scientific decision at the conclusion of the book (which flew in the face of caring about others, or even herself for that matter) really rattled my cage. The takeaway from the Epilogue was totally predictable.
In summary, Nasaw created a well researched novel that featured a likable, colorful, and original FBI Agent, an ingenious and creative serial killer who was fascinating as often as he was chillingly sadistic, violent, and cunning, and a pragmatic psychiatrist who learned the meaning of the admonition "Be careful of what you wish for, you just might get it".
The sequel in this instance (When She Was Bad) allowed the reader to get to know Pender better, doubled the fun of dealing with "multiples", and was just overall a more exciting and memorable reading experience. That is my rationale for awarding four stars and not five stars.
March 24, 2025
I have never read Nasaw before, but, WOW, I am now a believer. This was staggeringly good. Short, pithy chapters. Lean writing that still paints a vivid picture of everything going on. A villain to rival Hannibal Lector. A totally unique and appealing hero. And so emotional ... when you read a lot of cop/FBI/serial killer thrillers, you can get pretty hardened to the plight of the victims, but I was feeling these women's pain and terror to the point of tears. All the cliches describing thrillers are true in "The Girls He Adored," with the tension sill threatening to drive you crazy until the final paragraph. Make that BEYOND the final paragraph. And, yes, it is brutal. It is rough. But you never get the sense any of it is gratuitous and the worst bits are described in aftermath, which makes it a little easier to take. I had to stop a few times and come back to some especially disturbing scenes.
August 13, 2020
Wow. As if being a serial killer isn’t enough now we have one who has multiple personalities. This was a fabulous book. So many great characters and such an interesting storyline with the multiple personalities. The only problem is the switching between the alters made the book a little bit confusing because he would go in and out with these different selves and many times it was hard to realize that’s what was going on. Suspense and thrill of this book was nonstop but some of it might be hard for some readers to take with a bit of the crew some and some of the sexual issues. However, it made this killer seem so much more unique and fascinating. What a great and different unique read. I loved it aside from parts of the book that were confusing in some of the ways it was written.
April 15, 2025
"Die Geduld der Spinne " von Jonathan Nasaw ist ein Thriller über einen Mörder, der mehrere Persönlichkeiten hat. Durch Gewalt in der Kindheit hat sich seine Persönlichkeit aufgespaltet in mehrere verschiedene Persönlichkeiten. Nun ist der Psychopath auf der Suche nach rothaarigen Frauen. Diese werden von jeder seiner Persönlichkeiten misshandelt bis zum Tode.
Ein sehr spannender Thriller mit vielen überraschenden Wendungen. Besonders interessant fand ich die Darstellung der Krankheit. Die Geschichte ist sehr brutal und grauenvoll, also eher nichts für schwache Nerven.
Es gibt auch noch einen 2 Teil "im Auge der Schlange". Dieser ist eine direkte Fortsetzung zu dieser Geschichte. Man kann die Bücher aber unabhängig voneinander lesen.
Ein sehr spannender Thriller mit vielen überraschenden Wendungen. Besonders interessant fand ich die Darstellung der Krankheit. Die Geschichte ist sehr brutal und grauenvoll, also eher nichts für schwache Nerven.
Es gibt auch noch einen 2 Teil "im Auge der Schlange". Dieser ist eine direkte Fortsetzung zu dieser Geschichte. Man kann die Bücher aber unabhängig voneinander lesen.
March 6, 2021
Creepiest characters ever. The horrifying deeds. God, I would love to forget this. I have never taken this long to read a book, I needed breaks for my own sanity. I was asked so many times why I had such a weird expression while reading, well yes, what can I do when creepy stuff happens on the pages? I dislike the way the epilogue kind of paves the way for a possible sequel. Max is just Too scary and Too creepy especially because he has no feelings , no guilt for the deeds, justifies his actions easily and is too charmingly psychopathic. I’m done, my sanity has been affected and I am taking up a thriller draught, much needed. I need to read some fluff to recuperate.
July 8, 2017
The main character has multiple-personality disorder. It is described on the front cover as "Dark, inventive and relentlessly nasty."
It was good but disturbing. The person who wrote this has done a lot of research into multiple personality disorder and I found the explanation of how the alters ordered themselves inside the body fascinating.
Of course two of those personalities were serial killers so I guess you can see what happened to the girls he adored.
It was good but disturbing. The person who wrote this has done a lot of research into multiple personality disorder and I found the explanation of how the alters ordered themselves inside the body fascinating.
Of course two of those personalities were serial killers so I guess you can see what happened to the girls he adored.
January 1, 2018
Scary stuff !
What goes on in Mr Nasaws head to come up with these ideas? Very dark,the different personalities made it very real and scary,I loved it,great story,well written, and I went on to do my own research into DID, which I found fascinating,but also sad. I have read all of Jonathan Nasaws books and you're always guaranteed a good story with a start,middle and end,but this one has stayed with me long after I closed the last page. Great!
What goes on in Mr Nasaws head to come up with these ideas? Very dark,the different personalities made it very real and scary,I loved it,great story,well written, and I went on to do my own research into DID, which I found fascinating,but also sad. I have read all of Jonathan Nasaws books and you're always guaranteed a good story with a start,middle and end,but this one has stayed with me long after I closed the last page. Great!
January 26, 2019
A bit of light reading. A decent beach read should someone need one. Seemed as if most of the story similar to so many others, but still relatively entertaining. I only gave it 2 stars because it isn't really my type of story, but others should not take this as a diss. I think many readers will like it {hopefully too the low starts will keep GR from flooding me with suggestions for books I will never want to read}.
April 8, 2019
This was an awesomely different psychological thriller. Instead of focusing on the murder victims, the focus is on the serial killer after he is incarcerated. The story follows a brilliant, yet terribly damaged man who has split into several personalities. A psychologist is brought in to give him a quick diagnosis, but she just happens to fit his modus operendi. It's a cat and mouse game where at times, the mouse chases the cat, and the reader empathizes with the antagonist.
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