laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Fear Nothing
3 Stars
As is evident from my previous reviews, the D. D. Warren books are rather hit and miss. Unfortunately, this one is more of a miss than a hit.
Similar to the other books in the series, Gardner narrative style employs alternating perspectives - third person POV for Detective D. D. Warren and first person POV for the secondary protagonist, Dr. Adeline Glen. The switch between these POVs is quite smooth (usually one chapter for each), and it is easy to follow along with the thoughts and motivations for each character. That said, readers unfamiliar with this style may become confused.
While D. D. is not an easy character to like, she has matured over time and become more appealing in recent installments. Thus, the problem with this book actually lies with Adeline. Although she initially comes across as quite sympathetic due not only to her physical disability (she cannot feel pain), but also her familial history as the daughter of a serial killer and the sister of a convicted murderer, it rapidly becomes clear that Adeline is seriously disturbed herself, which makes it difficult to identify with her.
The plot revolving around The Rose Killer, a murderer apparently connected to Adeline and her sister, has potential yet becomes more and more bizarre as the events unfold. One never really gets a feel for either the crimes or the investigation mainly due to the focus on Adeline's problematic psyche. This makes it virtually impossible to care about the killer's victims or identity (which is pretty easy to figure out), and the resolution is anti-climactic and unsatisfying.
All in all, not one of Gardner's better books (although the parts with D.D. and her family and colleagues are enjoyable). Hopefully, the next one will be better.
3 Stars
As is evident from my previous reviews, the D. D. Warren books are rather hit and miss. Unfortunately, this one is more of a miss than a hit.
Similar to the other books in the series, Gardner narrative style employs alternating perspectives - third person POV for Detective D. D. Warren and first person POV for the secondary protagonist, Dr. Adeline Glen. The switch between these POVs is quite smooth (usually one chapter for each), and it is easy to follow along with the thoughts and motivations for each character. That said, readers unfamiliar with this style may become confused.
While D. D. is not an easy character to like, she has matured over time and become more appealing in recent installments. Thus, the problem with this book actually lies with Adeline. Although she initially comes across as quite sympathetic due not only to her physical disability (she cannot feel pain), but also her familial history as the daughter of a serial killer and the sister of a convicted murderer, it rapidly becomes clear that Adeline is seriously disturbed herself, which makes it difficult to identify with her.
The plot revolving around The Rose Killer, a murderer apparently connected to Adeline and her sister, has potential yet becomes more and more bizarre as the events unfold. One never really gets a feel for either the crimes or the investigation mainly due to the focus on Adeline's problematic psyche. This makes it virtually impossible to care about the killer's victims or identity (which is pretty easy to figure out), and the resolution is anti-climactic and unsatisfying.
All in all, not one of Gardner's better books (although the parts with D.D. and her family and colleagues are enjoyable). Hopefully, the next one will be better.
queathy12's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really interesting read--I almost didn't see the end coming. The concept of someone who isn't able to feel pain being related to a serial killer will always grab my attention--especially when she is a pain management specialist.
ldockham's review against another edition
2.0
I did not enjoy this book as much as some of the other books I this series, as the nature of the murders was to disturbing for my liking.
bxermom's review against another edition
5.0
Best Lisa Gardner book ever! Took me longer to read since I'm back working and I've been sick but when I was reading I didn't want to put it down. I studied nature vs nurture in school and it played a huge part of this story. Never thought I'd say I felt sorry for a killer or understood their actions but this book made me do just that. We really need to know and understand the ways we affect our children by what we say and do to or with them, what we allow them to watch and read and with whom we allow them to hang with. Every single thing makes them who they are. Lots to think about even as I return the book to the shelf. WOW Lisa Gardner. You are one of the best.
hsimonton's review against another edition
3.0
too gruesome, I like the characters and detective work but this was too gruesome for me
aloudy16's review against another edition
3.0
this was a decent murder mystery of who did it. it was a lot of build up of a few characters but didnt start to introduce key people until towards the end.