Driven (Gavin Pierce Series #1) [Paperback]

W. G. Griffiths (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2002

Gavin Pierce, a homicide detective with the Nassau County Police Department on Long Island, is in hot pursuit of a serial killer. As Pierce's hunt for the unconventional maniac progresses, there is no shortage of clues, evidence...or victims. All of which point to a predator whose expertise is matched only by an unnerving ability to escape capture. With this exciting and spiritual thriller in the vein of Frank Peretti, W.G. Griffiths offers up a chilling tale of one man's desperate fight against an evil that is darker and more violent than any he has encountered before. And when the final curtain is at last raised on this paranormal drama -- the hunter finds himself the hunted.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Highly original touches and an impressive flair for atmosphere make this spooky supernatural thriller one that nudges readers to examine spiritual matters while delivering an outstanding level of suspense. Lobster fisherman Karl Dengler is inhabited by the demon Krogan, and partners with other demon-possessed people to commit horrific acts of violence. When Krogan destroys the New York Aquarium's tanks of whales and dolphins, Det. Gavin Pierce's grandfather is one of the spectators killed. In his quest for vengeance, Gavin joins forces with Amy Kirsch, a sassy, drop-dead gorgeous computer hacker who has a homespun "fortune cookie" saying for almost every occasion. Recovering alcoholic Karianne Stordal suffers from her own demon and is commandeered by Krogan to help him commit vehicular homicide. Under hypnosis, she provides clues that help unlock the murders. As Krogan continues his reign of terror, Gavin and Amy turn to a reluctant exorcist-turned-dairy farmer who has been victimized by Krogan in the past. The novel features a skillful mix of passages that entertain and frighten, and the plot is fast-paced and drenched in evil. Although the themes are strongly Christian, this is a solid crossover novel that should appeal to many readers of suspense and paranormal fiction.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Krogan is an ancient and evil warrior who exists in the modern world and kills his victims with cars, planes, and boats. When one of his victims is the grandfather of Nassau County homicide detective Gavin Pierce, the detective finds himself investigating a series of strange vehicular accidents instigated by a mysterious driver who is able to magically walk away. The accidents usually leave no other survivors, but Pierce is lucky enough to get testimony from a Norwegian airline stewardess that leads him to a previous victim willing to help in the hunt. He also gets help from Amy Krisch, the sister of one of Krogan's victims, who joins him in the supernatural battle that is the novel's climax. Mainstream crime fiction readers are likely to show little patience with the paranormal elements here, but for fantasy-horror fans or those who don't mind mixing genres, this otherworldly police procedural should have definite appeal. Gary Niebuhr
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Paperback: 357 pages
• Publisher: Warner Books (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446679402
• ISBN-13: 978-0446679404
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,428,244 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "A HEART-POUNDING ADRENALINE RUSH THAT WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS!", January 15, 2012

By 

Geraldine Ahearn "Author Geri Ahearn" (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Driven (Paperback)

Krogan, an unpredictable, repulsive murdering maniac embarks on a vicious, headline-grabbing killing rampage. The evil killer is on the loose to hunt his next victim and nothing will stop him. He is determined to punish anyone who crosses his path, or makes him look bad. Unlike most serial killers, he may be a psychopath, but there's something different about him. His trademark and his motives are chilling, making you feel as if simply knowing his existence will indeed cause many sleepless nights. Gavin, a homicide detective is so obsessed with catching Krogan in the act, that his 'motto' to shoot first and ask questions later would take effect immediately. Why was the detective bitter with Krogan, and what did the serial killer do to Gavin's grandfather? I highly recommend this gripping novel to all thriller lovers, who enjoy high-speed action with intense suspense as well as paranormal fiction. W.G. Griffiths weaves together an incredible, compelling story that moves like a speeding bullet. A Masterpiece, based on Spirituality, reincarnation, and past life experiences and that's only the beginning through this riveting story. After living in Long Island, New York, forty-five years, I am indeed a witness to the author's picture-perfect setting. W.G. Griffiths dives into the supernatural, creates intriguing characters and has the reader hooked in the first chapter. The reader not only becomes addictive and craves for more at the end, but this mesmerizing story will leave you to ponder on why these incidents happen. What did the Reverend do, and how does the villain survive all the car crashes? What does the turtle represent? What will it take to prevent ongoing brutal attacks against more innocent victims, does hypnosis help, and will justice be served? Who else will be drawn into the killers' explosive game in a race against time? "DRIVEN" is as exciting as CAPE FEAR, as bone-chilling as ALONG CAME A SPIDER, and as haunting as THE OMEN.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars childish, November 18, 2003

By 

Mavbd (San Clemente, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Driven (Gavin Pierce Series #1) (Paperback)

Moderately compelling plot line drowned in boring characters weakly drawn and juvenile writing. Actually, for young teens it's probably a moderately satisfying read. Only managed to finish it for lack of something else handy to read. The second book (takedown) is surprisingly even more shallow and comes off as nothing more than a harlequin romance with a slightly better plot line. So bad I just couldn't finish it, which is a rare thing for me. Got both books because they sounded interesting and had strong reviews. Simply shocked by the celebrity reviews; what, did these people even read this book or were they just bought off? If you are interested in supernatural detective cross-over novels, give F. Paul Wilson's Repairman Jack series a try, they won't insult your intelligence and are a heck of a lot more fun to read.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Original and Compelling villian, June 10, 2002

By 

Matt C. Albano (Fishers, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Driven (Gavin Pierce Series #1) (Paperback)

I have become less and less interested in reading fiction as of late because of it's perdictability and bland characters, but I must admit that Driven was a truly refreshing read. The primary characters Gavin Pierce and "Krogan" were original and certainly unpredictable. The supernatural undertones of the book were creative as well, and the dialogue throughout was very convicing. All in all, this was a fast-paced thriller with great suspense and it continually kept me guessing as to what would happen next.