A Perfect Evil (MIRA) [Import] [Paperback]

Alex Kava (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Mira Books; New Ed edition (March 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0778301044
• ISBN-13: 978-0778301042
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (113 customer reviews)

More About the Author

ALEX KAVA's two stand-alone novels and seven novels featuring FBI profiler Maggie O'Dell have been published in more than twenty countries, appearing on the bestseller lists in Britain, Australia, Poland, Germany, and Italy. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. Alex divides her time between Omaha, Nebraska, and Pensacola, Florida.
Photo credit Deborah Groh Carlin

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Almost Perfect Debut, August 3, 2000

By 

Michael Butts (Berkeley Springs, WV USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Perfect Evil (Hardcover)

Nebraska at Halloween Time. An unusual early winter storm. A serial killer on the loose. Alex Kava's "A Perfect Evil" uses this setting to unravel a disturbing and compelling story of perfect evil. I admit that I had a hard time putting the book down, finishing it in one day, so that's definitely a sign it's an above average thriller. The plot has been laid out in other reviews, so I won't bore you with more. I can't give the book five stars, though, for two reasons: the dialogue and description of Nick and Maggie's romance is reminiscent of a Barbara Caitland romance novel, which is out of place in such a graphic, well-plotted novel. It tends to lessen the suspense, even though the characters are well developed and likeable. I just wish Alex would have stayed more within the confines of her novel. The other is that even though Ms. Kava takes us on several "red herrings" and twists, the killer's identity is much too obvious early in the book. To her credit, she plants some other possible suspects, but if you've read mysteries a lot, the identity is way too easy to spot. The ending obviously leaves room for her sequel, coming next year: "Split Second." I don't know if she'll keep both Maggie and Nick for the sequel, but I hope she does. They are great characters who I really liked. They could ditch Christine though. Her "conversion" to a likeable character didn't work for me; she still remains a victim of her own ambition, and even though she transformed, I'll bet she returns to her real self if she's in the sequel! But, anyway, this is a very good debut, and one worth reading!

Michael Butts

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible page turner!, July 27, 2000

By 

Rachel (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Perfect Evil (Hardcover)

I honestly couldn't put this one down until I finished it and I'm not usually crazy about books with serial killers. Once I got to know the characters, I had to find out what happened to them.

And these are not picture-perfect characters. They make plenty of mistakes and do some rather stupid things. Sheriff Nick Morelli is incompetent as sheriff and even he knows it. But there's something charming about this guy, that makes you want him to do okay. Agent Maggie is tough but vulnerable, dealing with some scars from a past case where things got too personal with another serial killer she had been chasing. Then there's Christine, the news reporter, who should be fired for some of the things she does to get a story, yet you find yourself rooting for her.

I picked up an advance copy when I was at the Book Expo of America in Chicago earlier this summer, started reading it when I got home, and then wouldn't let my family talk to me until I finished. If you're looking for an entertaining page turner, I would highly recommend this one.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfectly wonderful!, August 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Perfect Evil (Hardcover)

Alex Kava really knows how to spin a yarn. From page one till the very end, the story moves swiftly under Kava's expert use of multiple points of view. The narrative is excellent, with many exciting moments and plenty of plot twists and turns. I disagree with the reviewer who called this a mystery. It's not; it's a suspense-thriller, and does not disappoint in that regard. If you want a mystery, read Perry Mason. If you want some thrills 'n chills, read A Perfect Evil. Agent Maggie O'Dell rocks! Hope to see her back in lots of future books. Watch out Grafton and Cornwell ... you've finally got some real competition.