From Publishers Weekly
The girl-stalked-by-serial-killer plot gets a fresh twist with an inventive premise: Marissa, self-conscious because one of her legs is shorter than the other, learns there are a lot of people in the world more unbalanced than she is. An orphan, she lives with her Uncle Paul, who operates a carousel and restores carousel horses. When a stranger with brooding blue eyes begins bringing different dates each week to ride the glittering carousel, Marissa can't stop herself from developing a crush. However, when the young women start disappearing, she suspects that he might not be ideal boyfriend material after all. Fuzzy peripheral players (e.g., Marissa's friend Gloria, one of the victims) don't inspire much reaction from the main characters, and the townspeople don't put up the expected hue and cry when their teenage girl population begins a precipitous decline. In fact, Uncle Paul thinks it's a fine time to leave his niece alone while he goes on an extended business trip. But even without consistent tension, there's enough here to keep the reader going. Some violence, threats of pseudo-religious sacrifices, dismembered toes and an ice pick add chills without getting too graphic, and a terrific climax proves Heisel (Wrapped in a Riddle) capable of first-rate suspense. Ages 14-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up?Marissa, a physically challenged teen, lives by the rule "if you can't outrun 'em, outsmart 'em." This principle helps her to handle ordinary situations related to a weak leg and, ultimately, to elude death. As an attendant at her uncle's carousel, Marissa notices a "heart-wrenchingly handsome" visitor who brings a succession of pretty girls to ride on the twirling animals. Eventually, she suspects a connection between the man and the disappearance of several local girls, including her classmate Gloria. The man is, in fact, a serial killer who abducts and nearly murders Marissa. In a chilling climax the courageous girl saves herself through clear-thinking and resourcefulness. The symbolism of the carousel animals is strikingly fitting to the theme. The characterization is strong and the story line riveting. Yet, the ritualistic killings are so diabolical that the narrative is off-putting. A comment made by Gloria after viewing the horror classic, Nosferatu, "I don't know if I liked it, but it was sure creepy," could be said of Eyes of a Stranger as well.?Pat Katka, formerly at San Diego Public Library
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
