From Publishers Weekly
Exemplary writing and the methodical buildup of suspense rivet one's attentions on Dorn's first novel until it falls apart at the end. The author commands feeling for Linda Hammond, a divorcee, and her daughter Dana, 11. Life is pleasant in their small Midwest town until Jack Ryter grabs Dana on her way home and describes how they'll "have fun," after dark. Hours later, Dana escapes his car, arriving home safely but badly frightened. Alerted by Linda, the police arrest Ryter, and Lt. Willman, the detective handling the case, promises her that justice will be done. But Ryter, out on bail, remains an intolerable threat; he telephones Linda and swears unspeakable vengeance. Although Willman acts tirelessly to protect the woman and her little girl, Linda secretly begins to carry out a scheme to kill the child molester. The result, however, is incredible, and the denouement is a sad letdown. 35,000 first printing; $25,000 ad/promo; Preferred Choice Bookplan selection.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Linda Hammond, a divorced schoolteacher raising her teenage daughter Dana in a calm middle-class town, is plunged into sudden fear when Dana makes a narrow escape from a child molester. Charles Ryter, the attacker, is a despicable bullying drunkard with a horrible history of crime. As Ryter continues to threaten, Linda develops skills and cunning to counter his menace, and draws one sympathetic policeman into the effort. In the ordinary thriller, the reader must discover the villain. Here we have all the players from the beginning; what is unknown is howor whetherLinda can successfully resolve her nightmare. This is a disturbing, all-too-credible story, only partially flawed by the omniscient narrative voice that fails to bring the characters fully to life. For public libraries. Elsa Pendleton, M.L.S., Computer Sciences Corp., Ridgecrest, Cal.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
