Customer Reviews

Show of Evil

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

After reading Primal Fear, the gripping, skip-work-until-you-finish-it Martin Vail novel that pre-dates this book, I couldn't wait to get into "Show of Evil."

But once into it, I found it disappointing, not up to the high standards set by Primal Fear.

The story here seems to get lost, as if Diehl can't decide whether to write a straight sequel about Aaron Stampler (now "cured" of his mental illness), or a new mystery for Martin Vail to solve, with just hints of Stampler. The book gets better towards the end, when Diehl gets off the sidetracks and brings us Stampler in all his evil genius, and Vail's attempts to bring him down.

Another thing I questioned in the book is the dramatic change in some of the characters after Primal Fear. Vail, the great defense attorney, is now the DA? Venable and Vail, once sworn courtroom enemies, now sliding between the sheets together? I know 10 years is a long time, but some of the transformations seemed to stretch credulity.

And the close of the book, seeming to leave the door open for yet another sequel? Please, Mr. Diehl, move on to a new evil genius.

This isn't a bad read, and in parts is quite good. But it isn't "Primal Fear."

A one-two punch with Primal Fear. Make sure you read the super Primal Fear first then enjoy the continued story...it just keeps getting better. Left the door open for a continuance with another unexpected ending. I hope there is more!!!!

Primal Fear is one of my favorite books whose success should have warned me about the inevitable sequel. As with most follow-ups, Show of Evil, although a decent read in its own right, pales in comparison to its predecessor.

It is not as suspenseful or mind-boggling as the first - how could it be, since Aaron Stampler's true nature is known from the beginning. His plan becomes obvious in the prelude. Also, the romance between Martin Vail and Jane Venable seems too unlikely considering the events that took place ten years ago.

The book's most glaring flaw is its length. Diehl devotes far too much time to the Darby and Stoddard sublots. These filler sections concern minor characters in the novel and add nothing to the main plot - Aaron Stampler and his unknown accomplice. Show of Fear would have been much more effective as a novella.

Aaron Stampler remains a fascinating character, but any sequel deadens the impact of the closing line in Primal Fear. Aaron's last words are most powerful when the implications are left to the imagination.

I made the mistake of reading this one immediately after reading Primal Fear, which I mostly enjoyed. I was so disappointed by the way Diehl seemed to cut-and-paste descriptions and characterizations from Primal Fear. I found myself reading exactly the same words when the author referred to Vail's hometown, Guido's restaurant, and Jane Venable's killer courtroom attire. If you've read Primal Fear, give Diehl a rest before you pick up Show of Evil. Hopefully you've put his descriptions out of mind and the text will appear refreshing (as it was the first time) instead of replayed.

William Diehl's sequel to Primal Fear made dissapointing reading. There seem to be too many charaters in "Show of Evil" .The romance of Vail's associates is mundane and does not interest. Even the affair between Vail and her bete noire - Jane Veneble seems out of place for someone who has raed and enjoyed "Primal Fear". There are at least two sub plots the presence of which is unjustified. The sub plots divert the attention of the reader and the only purpose they serve is to increase the number of pages in the book.

Perhaps the only reason book is readable is because of the characterization of Aaron Stampler . If he was an innocent boy charged with murder in "Primal Fear", he is evil personified in this one.

I hope the sequel to this one is much better .

Oh, I am so tired of authors throwing together a book in order to capitalize on the success of a previous effort and/or movie!
This is the sequel to "Primal Fear", which was a suspenseful and gripping read. This novel can't decide what it wants to be. Diehl throws in sub plots that distract from his main story.

In the main plot,Aaron Stampler, the multiple personality, or possible faker, from "Primal Fear" is supposedly cured and about to be released from the mental hospital in which he has been incarcerated. However, murders are being committed that bear Stampler's unmistakeable MO. The people being killed are all connected to Stampler and their deaths appear to be revenge murders. Has he a disciple? If so how is he making contact? He has had no visitors for ten years, no outside contact at all, in fact. Martin Vail, Stampler's former defense attorney, is now the DA. He enlists the aid of Jane Venable, who prosecuted Stampler in the first case, to help investigate the new murders.
Surprise, surprise! The two fall in love.

The sub plots involving bodies found in a landfill, a wife murdered by an abusive husband, and a disgruntled employee killing her boss, go pretty much nowhere and harbor no surprises for the reader.

The writing is careless--how can anyone see a shadow looming up BEHIND her? The editing is sloppy, and the changes in the characters from one book to the next not very believable. The ending is straight out of a B horror movie and leaves room for yet another sequel--please no, no! I was very disappointed.

I absolutely love this book! It's very interesting, intriguing, and pure evil! Just like the kind of story that I want to expect but didn't expect from the beginning. I also love the way Stampler and Vail plays hide and seek! Brag a copy for yourself now! You won't be disappointed!!!

This brilliant sequel to "Primal Fear" establishes Diehl as one of the primo writers of the mystery/suspense genre. This novel has more plotlines than any I've ever read. Although some have said it loses focus, I don't think so. The different mysteries are well-conceived, and we want the killers to be brought to justice. In Darby's case, accused of killing his wife, we see what a sleezebag he is, and cheer Shana Parva on in her quest to bring him to justice. The case of Edith Stoddard, the executive secretary who admits to killing her lover/boss, is more difficult to cheer, because there's something fishy in her confession. The denouement of this particular crime is somewha nebulous, but still packs a punch. The main interest for all "Primal Fear" fans is the reappearance of Aaron Stampler. Someone is murdering people in the same grisly fashion Stampler did; only Stampler is locked up in maximum security and cannot be committing the crimes himself, so is there a copycat or an accomplice? And what about the identities of the newest victims? Hmmm....this is a crafty plot, indeed. If you think hard enough, you will be able to identify the culprit who is aiding Aaron.
Along with these plots, it's nice to see some romance develop for Martin Vain and Jane Venable and also Shana Parva and Flaherty. A well done book, with exciting sequences and some truly chilling ones, too. Will make all UPS drivers think twice about rural deliveries!

After riding the roller-coaster of a lifetime while reading 'Primal Fear' I just KNEW I had to get to know William Diehl better. When I found out that he had written a SEQUEL to one of the (in MY opinion) BEST legal thrillers of the past 20 years I nearly sprained my wrist reaching for my wallet to buy the thing. I have to say, it's a great 'whodunnit' filled with intrigue and suspense...but was it as good as 'Primal'?? Nope. Diehl raised the bar so high it was almost too high for even HIM to reach a 2nd time, and unfortunately even though this is a great legal murder/mystery, it's just not as good as the incredible 'Primal Fear'. Yes, this book can stand on it's own even if you haven't read 'Primal'. However by reading 'Show Of Evil' you may spoil the utterly shocking surprise that comes at the end of 'PF'. On it's own merits, 'S.of E.' is GREAT. I in NO WAY wish to say it isn't worth reading. In fact, if you are a fan of the genre at all, you OWE it to yourself to pick it up and be enthralled. Unfortunately book #3 (Reign In Hell) falls almost totally flat and nowhere near as entertaining as 'PF' OR 'S.of E.'. I have to say, the plot in this book really IS cool.

Show of Evil is a thrilling sequel to Primal Fear, and lives up to the demands of being a sequel to such an incredible book (few sequels achieve this)! I started reading it the day after I finished Primal Fear, so I was familiar with the characters and the story line. I was surprised by the changes in the story, i.e. the romance between Vail and Venable, but they were plausible based on the fact that it had been ten years since Vail defended Stampler. I have to agree with most of the others who have reviewed this book, however -- the story is somewhat cluttered by other plotlines that confuse the reader - the Darby case is never drawn to a satisfing close. Don't get me wrong - the story lines are interesting and the book is amazing! There are may chilling scenes, and the twists in the plot make it an engrossing read from start to finish. Highly recommended to anyone who wants a great read (and can handle some gory descriptions)!