A review by laurenjodi
Fear Nothing by Lisa Gardner
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.