Customer Reviews

Blind Spot

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I was looking for information about a new Ariel Gold book when I found and was completely surprised at the negativity of these reviews posted on Amazon.com of this fourth book (Blindspot) in the series. Even though I started reading the series with this book, the writing was so intriguing that I was compelled to get the others and read them. I found the writing to be excellent as have my friends who are also eagerly awaiting the next book. Until then, we will re-read and wait. I suggest to all who found the fourth book confusing to re-read it and get the entire series. I hope that Ms. Mercer writes another one soon.

Judy Mercer writes a very realistic thriller starringa scarred protagonist whose affliction will not magically disappear in the foreseeable future. Ariel's problem makes her a simultaneously stronger yet vulnerable person who still hopes to one day have her memory restored. The story line is filled with action, powerful characterizations, and a complex plot. BLIND SPOT is a fascinating, pulse-pounding thriller that appeals to a mainstream audience even though New Age readers will appreciate the paranormal elements.

Rather than follow up on the really wonderful Fast Forward, with books that actually enlighten us as to what really happened to Ariel Gold and her dead twin sister Jane, Judy Mercer uses their story as a mere backdrop for new really dull and non pertinent adventures. The reader gets no closer to Ariel's missing years in this convoluted story about her blinded yoga teacher, a deadly assault & a mysterious letter from an old acquaintance that knew both girls. I just finished the book last night and keep asking myself what was that book about and why did she even have Ariel as the heroine. As another reviewer wrote, the villains were totally obvious--and boy was she right. There was no mystery, no suspense, and no romance with her former boss and worst of all, no resolution to the mystery of her missing life. Message to Judy Mercer: You can resolve the Ariel story for us and still have a series. Tie up the loose ends and then go on and write humdrum stories about Ariel Gold girl reporter.

When TV journalist Ariel Gold's friend, Laya, is blinded after using a bottle of eye drops, LAPD thinks it's a case of random product tampering. Ariel, however, is not convinced, especially after hearing Laya's story of surreptitiously witnessing a brutal beating from which the victim died. Ariel is almost afraid to tell Laya that the one witness who cooperated with the police has herself been murdered while Laya was hospitalized. As Ariel delves deeper into the facts of Laya's case, she can't help but wonder whether there isn't some link to a letter Ariel has received from a woman hinting at yet another murder. Trouble is, Ariel, who is an amnesiac, can't remember the letter writer. By the time she figures out the lady's identity, that lady, too, is dead. This story is delightfully well developed, including information on the breeding and training of guide dogs for the blind. The plot is pleasingly plump and the characters well defined, blending together to make a taut and satisfying mystery.

Blind Spot is an apt title for this novel, in which the heroine has many blind spots.... some due to amnesia, but more due to her almost unbelievable naivety. For those who read thrillers on a regular basis, there were blatantly obvious clues early on as to who the "good guys" were and who the "bad guys" were. I was very disappointed that this otherwise strong female protagonist exhibited such poor problem solving ability as well as little to no common sense.

This was the first book by Judy Mercer that I've read and my introduction to Ariel Gold. The function of a thriller is to keep you turning those pages, which this book did. I liked the parallel between Laya's blindness and Gold's lack of memory. Both women seemed to be grappling with a severe disability. Unfortunately, the main premise of the book was to find out who blinded Ariel's friend Laya. By the end of the book, we still didn't know; nor did there seem to be any explanation by authorities that if this was product tampering, why was there only one occurrence? The host of other characters from her father who I believed would prove to have killed her "friend" that wrote the letter to Charles who I came to think might be guilty just because he seemed the least likely were not very deep, on a par with most thrillers. Ariel's encounter with the character of Tiny with his ghetto rage kept making me wonder just how crazy Ariel might be. Reporters who want to live another day ought to be a bit smarter; and the coincidence of the police patrolling the area to save the day seemed to come out of nowhere. The paranormal aspects of Laya were unfortunately explained away at the end. She could have become an interesting companion character resource for Ariel. Hattie, the saucy but sincere servant, was on her way to San Francisco from Los Angeles when the book ended. I wonder if she got there. The book didn't make me reach for other Ariel Gold thrillers, but it was an entertaining puzzle. My favorite part of the book was thinking about how beautiful Jane's house must be! Perhaps "Architectural Digest" should be next on my list! Instead of "Blind Spot" the next book could be "Vacation Spot." Enjoy!

A lot of reviewers were pretty harsh on this book I think. I mean sure- we're all waiting for the book that deals with Ariel's amnesia- where she finds out about her "past life". But- that shouldn't stop us from enjoying the books that come before that. That's IF the author ever writes another book for the series that is. I certainly would like to read a final book about Ariel where she regains her memory!

Once again Mercer takes on two mysteries in one book- One dealing with Ariels friend Laya who has been blinded by what appears to be a very dangerous person. Of course Ariel steps in trying her help Laya figure out who is after her & catch this guy before he does further damage. The second story deals with a mysterious letter Ariel receives from a friend- one she knew before her memory loss. Here we see Ariel trying to dig up how she knew this woman and to get to the bottom of the meaning of this letter.

I enjoyed both plots- but here again I felt that Mercer is not talented enough to handle both well. I think perhaps trying one main plot might be best. The ending was not one I figured out, but I guess many did. The only thing with Mercer's endings is even though I don't guess them- they often leave me a bit disappointed. Like her explanations were a bit flimsy or cheap. It's the character of Ariel though that kept me reading the series. Overall I did enjoy the 4 books- even if they weren't the best I've read.

For a thriller, this book moved very slowly. I got very tired of hearing about the protagonist's trips back and forth from LA to the Bay, and all the mundane details of her life. Also, the ending was extremely predictable. I guessed the 'killer' from the moment she met him/her. Anyway, it's somewhat entertaining, and definitely kind of creepy, but not the best plot or writing.

...but after the first two novels (Fast Forward and Double Take), I was disappointed and bored with part 3 (Split Image) and part 4 (Blind Spot).

Judy Mercer must have felt the same as she never wrote a 5th part and obviously gave up on the series.

I recommend to read anything by Carlene Thompson, Mary Higgins Clark, Marjorie Dorner or Patricia MacDonald instead.

PLEASE NOTE: The following is an ammended review. In the previous version, the word GENTEEL was mis-spelled as GENTILE. Please make the appropriate change.

Thank you.

I've just completed reading BLIND SPOT by Judy Mercer. I'm not a critic...I'm just an ordinary person who loves to read. Perhaps I'll never review a book for Kirkus Reviews or Booklist but I do know a solid plot when I see one. I know if I like a character or I don't. Whether their throughline (sorry, that's a professional term relating to a character's motivation) is logical and appropriate. Did I mention the masterful ability Mercer has of engaging me? Her genteel way of leading me through the twists and turns of Ariel Gold's life, without pedantic plot devices or manipulative machinations. Mercer and her characters are like family to me. I accept them. I want to stay with them until the end. I love them. What more can a bibliophile ask?

As I said, I may never write a review for anyone other than my fellow readers. And, so I have.

To you my fellow readers or shall I say, book buyers: Thumbs up, Judy Mercer. Thumbs up, Blind Spot. Kirkus and Booklist...THUMBS DOWN!