Customer Reviews

Scream Catcher

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Scream Catcher, Stone Gate Ink, e-book by Vincent Zandri is a mystery/terror story that, according to the front material and three reviews, has greatly impressed a number of people. Unfortunately, I am not one of them, and must issue a !!! SPOILER WARNING !!! for the rest of my review, although I shall attempt to avoid too many specifics.
The protagonist is Jude Parish, a former police officer, now a writer who lives with his pregnant wife and young son in Lake George, N. Y. He had a certain amount of psychological baggage to begin with because his parents had been killed and the town's Chief of Police had adopted him.
This is increased when, we assume, he became a cop because of this influence, but was relieved of this position because he `froze' in a situation where action might have saved the lives of a woman and her daughter. He now is reduced mentally to constant deep fear (of repeating the offense?) that is so strong he only can conquer it by physical exercise in the extreme.
Action begins when he leaves the gym and witnesses a murder committed by a serial murderer thought to be dead. His father wants him to testify and the results are horrific. Only a few other characters are prominent in the story and include a beautiful woman prosecutor with secrets to hide, a police informant/aid to the killer, and a couple of other police officers.
The reason for other readers to like the story no doubt stems from the fact that the plot is unusual, the action plentiful and the writing acceptable. My problems stem from the protagonist himself and matters of credibility.
First, Jude Parish is the most inept, disoriented and ineffectual protagonist I ever have encountered. He exhibits this in many ways. Examples: He suspects the killer is nearby and gets his shotgun, but keeps placing it against the wall outside his son's room when he enters. He also leaves it when he goes outside with his wife in a severe thunderstorm to bury a dead fish. Credibility: A snake is slithering toward him. He raises up his boot heel, brings it down on the snake's head and grinds the skin and cartilage into the earth. It has been pouring rain for hours and they are on soft ground to begin with and additionally the snake's reaction is that slow he can do this?
There is no doubt that Jude is an extremely mentally disturbed individual. Example: in a burning and smoke filled room he goes from window to window attempting to look out to the dock in a raging thunderstorm where he has not been able to see anything for several hours. With the amount of distress he exhibits here and in other areas, it is highly questionable whether he could continue even to function when subjected to the rigors described.
So to conclude, I can understand how readers who like something different and with action could enjoy Scream Catcher. However, I am amazed that they are so willing to accept such unbelievable activity by a subject even in a novel. Presentation as a subject of a psychological study of the effect of trauma on the human psyche, might be more relevant. Reviewed by John H. Manhold, award winning fiction/non-fiction author.

Zandri's done it again! After reading and loving Moonlight Rises, I had high expectations for Scream Catcher and the author didn't disappoint. First and foremost, Zandri is exceptional with words and his descriptions throw the reader headfirst into the story. I really appreciate an author that can get me so involved with the characters in a crime thriller, instead of being all about the action, which totally bores me. Even more impressive than his actual writing is Zandri's ability to successfully beat a dead horse (ah, that made me laugh). I really thought the whole 'murdering people just to hear them scream' thing was old news, but Zandri brought new light to it by creating a murderer that develops games using real screams from his victims. It was actually fairly disturbing to imagine how in-tune with killing game developers of that genre need to be and how people prefer the most realistic simulations. I guess it's probably common sense, but the detail in Scream Catcher really made me think about it more than ever.

Although I really enjoyed Scream Catcher, there were a few things I wasn't too crazy about. At first, I thought the mention of an iPhone was tacky, but it makes sense when you find out what the killer does and how tech-savvy someone like that would reasonably be (although it still wasn't necessary). I got over that after the first few chapters, but it was a bit off-putting until I learned more about the killer. Another thing that bothered me was how unbelievable a couple situations were. I expect a fiction novel to be just that, but it's difficult to lose myself in a story when I keep thinking, 'well, that would never happen'.

Despite a couple minor issues, I was still very impressed with Scream Catcher. The short chapters and cliff hangers between them make it hard to put down, so plan to set aside the entire day to finish it. You'll keep convincing yourself, "just one more chapter", then realize your kid's been at soccer practice for the last 8 hours or something. I'm not sure if that says more about what kind of mother I'd make or about how freaking awesome Vincent Zandri is, but I'm hoping it's the latter.

Reviewed by Brittany for Book Sake.

This is the second book I have read and reviewed of Mr. Zandri's and I was not disappointed. This book has a serial killer who is very clever and nasty. A witness to one of the Scream Catcher's murders, Jude has no idea what is in store for him until he decides to testify after the killer is arrested. The charges do not stick and the killer is free to go on his killing spree. What ensues is a fast paced, scary roller coaster ride of fear for Jude, his pregnant wife, his son and his father. The killer, self named The Black Dragon, is a video game developer who's recent game will target Jude and all he cherishes. Jude will do whatever it takes to rescue his family from this ruthless killer even with his own death if need be. I finished this book in two sittings and did not want to put it down. With twists and turns the author weaves a spellbinding story of revenge, murder and redemption. If you have not read anything by Vincent Zandri, you need to. Very scary stuff indeed.

Some people may think that I'm all out crazy to sing the praises about Vincent's books the way I do. And those people may just be right. I'm not scared to admit that Vincent Zandri's work is incredibly awesome. For a suspense author, he's got his stuff in the right place.

The thing that I love about Zandri's work is this: the adventure. Yep, the adventure. How can one have an adventure reading a Zandri novel?? Listen closely.....he fills it with fast paced, heart pounding amazing-ness that will leave the reader far from where they started. He sucks them, twists them up and sets them down in unknown places each time.

Scream Catcher. Just the name of this novel grabbed me. But, what is it really about? It's about a murderer. Duh. ;-) No, seriously. It is about a murderer but one who does things a little differently than most. He captures the moans and the screams of those that fall victim to his evil, on recording. He uses them for his games that he creates, and Jude Parrish is the one that races against time, to find this monster and save his family from falling into the trap, and becoming the next set of victims.

Each page turn brought a new spark to Jude's hunt. Each page turn brought me closer to the edge of my seat and my knuckles just a little bit whiter. My fear level rose with this Zandri novel like it hasn't done before. Wondering what the killer had in store for Jude and seeing the ending, well, this is one book that will be with me for a long time to come!

Suspense lovers, I highly recommend this book! It's filled with mystery, suspense, murder and twists that will leave you looking over your shoulder, turning the night light on, and questioning everyone you meet. This is definitely another great 5 Book worthy read from a best selling author!

Scream Catcher is another wonderful, fast-paced, intense suspense thriller from best selling author Vincent Zandri.

Jude Parish is a former cop who has witnessed a murder. He has a wife, a son, and a baby on the way, and he knows that getting involved will put them all in danger. But he knows that putting this killer away is the right thing to do. The killer is it for the game, and he didn't plan on leaving an eye witness alive, but now he wants to make him part of his game.

I very highly recommend this book. The writing is excellent with vivid descriptive writing that will make you feel the powerful emotions of the story. It's a great crime drama that is full of action and intense suspense, along with some great twists. This one will have you on the edge of your seat. Vincent Zandri has become a huge name and just keeps pouring out one best seller after another. If you haven't read any of his work yet, I strongly encourage you to check out his books!

Well it's pretty hard not to love a Vincent Zandri book and this one does not disappoint. The stories are never the 'norm' and the characters are people you can't help but like. I even liked the killer. Maybe admired his creativity is a better way to say it. I would look like a horrible person if I liked the killer! I was not sure I would like this book with the story revolving so much around a video game but I got hooked. The action never stops.

I thought the murderer forcing his victims to scream while he recorded it for use in his real life video games was amazing. I also sat on the edge of my seat reading about Jude trying to stay alive when he was thrown into one of those games. Imagine what Jude was feeling when he was in the midst of that "game" fighting for his life, literally and knowing that the wrong move would be the end of you and your family! Add to that having to disarm a bomb for good measure! Oh yeah, Jude has a problem with freezing up in times of crisis which is why he left the police force in the first place. So, he also has to find a way to overcome this overpowering feelings while staying alive! Can you say heart pounding? Trust me, yours will be pounding along with your fists clenching and your teeth being gnawed down from clenching them together in anticipation of what is to come!

A must read for any thriller lover. Thank you Mr. Zandri, you have done it again!

Damn you, Vincent Zandri.

I've barked at ol' Vince before for taking noir stereotypes and making them feel fresh (re: my review of Godchild). He's like the Green Day of crime fiction. He'll take a feel that isn't exactly new and turn it on its head. That's what makes him one of the best crime authors writing today. (Note: That's not an endorsement of Green Day.)

As a crime author myself who runs as far away from familiarity as possible (re: Cleansing Eden, 4 Killer Crime Stories in 4 Minutes, etc.), this bugs the crap out of me. You can't just recycle something that's been done before and make it exciting. That's, like, against the rules, right? The rules of Being an Author Club?

I am wrong. Vincent Zandri is right.

So I say, "Damn you, Vincent Zandri," before launching into a review of his new Scream Catcher. Damn you for taking my expectations, shoveling them in front of a steamroller and cackling at the bloody smear you wipe across your pages. Scream Catcher is one hell of a crime thriller novel.

The premise involves Jude, an ex-cop turned author (a move that, as in Concrete Pearl, quietly serves as a pantomime for the real Zandri), who witnesses a bizarre murder late one night. The killer appears to be hunting his victim in a gravel pit. Right before the kill shot, the killer holds up an iPhone and demands the victim scream.

These screams are recorded for use in the killer's popular video games. They add a dimension of realism that satisfies the killer's perverse personality.

For the same reasons, he puts his victims through real-world simulations of his video games in development. Jude tries his damnedest to avoid winding up in one, but sure enough the killer comes knocking.

Jude has to stay alive inside the killer's "game" long enough to save his family, disarm a bomb and overcome a fear of "freezing up" - something that cost him his job as a cop.

The whole "let's put a 'player' through a real-world video game" trope has been milked raw before, mostly in movies starring Gerard Butler. But as I said, this is Vincent Zandri. He knows how to make people grind their nails bloody. And he does. In spades.

Jude's marathon of pain through the killer's "game" has to be one of the most suspenseful chunk of pages I've ever read. If you need a thriller pick-me-up, you're not going to be disappointed with those passages.

I give Scream Catcher my full endorsement. This is a guaranteed good read.

The best quality of this novel was the high intensity. The reader will not have to read far before hitting plenty of action. The serial killer appears very realistic, the reader won't have to deal with a phony killer. The main character, Jude, was a likable character. He is protective, strong, and smart. The secondary characters were fun to get to know, particularly Jude's family. It isn't easy to make a character too personable in a thriller/mystery, but the author accomplishes that easily in this novel. One of Jude's best characteristics was his ability to admit his fear; too many characters are portrayed as "perfect." Jude's small imperfections were what made him so easy to like.

Many scenes were action-packed, very fast-paced. The reader will be entertained throughout the novel. There is always a note at the beginning of each chapter indicating the setting, day, and time; this is always helpful in a mystery/thriller book. The book is not very predictable, there are quite a few twists and surprises; the reader will be kept on his/her toes. Overall, this is a great book for reading on a long car drive or commute. This book is recommended to adult readers.

SCREAM CATCHER by Vincent Zandri
Published by StoneGate Ink
ISBN:
At the request of the author, an EPub galley was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (from author): Life is but a scream. Then you die.
Jude Parish was once a tough cop. But now he is afraid.
For reasons even he can't begin to fathom, the former violent crimes cop turned bestselling true crime author has acquired a fear-filled demon that's lodged itself inside him. A demon so real, so visceral, he can only imagine a slimy reptilian beast with scaly gray skin, black eyes, and razor-sharp fangs having taken up residence inside the place where his once confident and fearless soul resided.
Now, in the wake of his literary success, the ever anxious Jude is hoping to lead a quiet, peaceful life in the idyllic Adirondack vacation town of Lake George, New York with his new pregnant wife, Rosie, and Jack, his young son from a previous marriage. But when Jude becomes the accidental witness to a bizarre "kill game" in which the killer, video game designer and master of disguise, Hector "the Black Dragon" Lennox, insists on recording the screams of his victims prior to shooting them dead, the ex-cop's life is turned upside down.
When Lennox is arrested by the L.G.P.D. and Jude is asked to act as the state's "star witness," he has no choice but to fight his demon-fear and take on the role. But what he doesn't realize at the time is that the killer's arrest is actually the first chapter in what is a carefully designed and scripted kill game that will involve Jude's entire family.
How will the kill game end?
It will end not with a whimper, but a scream.

My Thoughts and Opinion: Where do I begin? I'm thinking that I should apologize in advance as this is not going to be like my typical reviews where I attempt to make them short, concise, and to the point but this book has me reeling. It all started in May of 2010 when I read a debut novel, Moonlight Falls, by an unknown author to me, Vincent Zandri and I was hooked. Since that time I have read every one of his books and he doesn't disappoint.

I wrote a pre review last week when I was quite surprised when I received this galley in my email. So I will start this review there.

(written on 07/28/11) If you are a reader of mystery's', thrillers, non stop action filled novels, mark your calendar for the release of this book!!! Vinzent Zandri has IT!!! Vincent Zandri is IT!!! Vincent Zandri is brillIanT!!! Just when you thought he reached the pinnacle in writing, he has found a higher mountain!!! He has raised the bar with Scream Catcher!! My heart was pounding at warp speed!!! And that's from reading 1/2 the book. It can only get better!!! In ten days...plan on spending the day reading....it's a page turning, can't put down novel.

Now that I have read the book in it's entirety, I can give a full review. Fantastic!!!! Zandri is a genious at story telling. Why does this book have me reeling? His inventiveness of writing style. I noticed a deviation immediately. It has the classic Zandri flair, short chapters, cliff hanging chapters, twists and turns, non stop action and page turning suspense. However, this had more drama, less quirky, quip dialogue and more of a psychological thriller plot. Masterful!!!!

In my pre review, I stated "it could only get better"...It did!!! Exceptional!!! His creative talent is phenomenal!!! Vincent Zandri and Scream Catcher are Champions!!!!

My Rating: 5