Perfect Nightmare: A Novel

Book Description

If you open your house to strangers, who knows who might come in. And what they might be after. Or whom. Now, ponder the unthinkable and surrender to your darkest dread, as sinister storyteller extraordinaire John Saul weaves a heart-stopping tale of lurking terror and twisted intent.

Every parent’s nightmare becomes reality for Kara Marshall when her daughter, Lindsay, vanishes from her bedroom during the night. The police suspect that the girl is just another moody teenage runaway, angry over leaving behind her school and friends because her family is moving. But Lindsay’s recent eerie claim–that someone invaded her room when the house was opened to prospective buyers–drives Kara to fear the worst: a nameless, faceless stalker has walked the halls of her home in search of more than a place to live.

Patrick Shields recognizes Kara’s pain–and carries plenty of his own since he lost his wife and two children in a devastating house fire. But more than grief draws Patrick and Kara together. He, too, senses the hand of a malevolent stranger in this tragedy. And as more people go missing from houses up for sale, Patrick’s suspicion, like Kara’s, blooms into horrified certainty.

Someone is trolling this peaceful community–undetected and undeterred–harvesting victims for a purpose no sane mind can fathom. Someone Kara and Patrick, alone and desperate, are determined to unmask. Someone who is even now watching, plotting, keeping a demented diary of unspeakable deeds . . . and waiting until the time is ripe for another fateful visit.

From the Hardcover edition.

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Customer Reviews:

No Thanks........2007-09-16

I can only drum up the courage to give this novel two stars. The storyline is old but what I really didn't like was the wordy writing. This was not tight writing and certainly not a typical Saul piece of work. I guess what turned me off was the character inconsistencies...especially the girl's father. Anyway, I don't recommend this one.

Gratuitously icky, even for a horror novel.......2007-09-08

Many years ago, when I was a teenager, I read a bunch of John Saul books: Suffer The Children, Punish The Sinners, Cry For The Strangers, Comes The Blind Fury....I found the books as formulaic as the titles: prologue-- something evil and awful happens 50 or 100 years ago. Story-- ghost of the wronged individual takes over the body of modern-day person who then wreaks revenge on the townspeople. Epilogue-- just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...Here It Comes Again. But besides that, the thing that bothered me most was Saul's lingering descriptions of the most horrible details of suffering and misery, particularly that of children. I thought, he enjoys this way too much.

SO-- Perfect Nightmare-- I fiugred it must be 25 years since then, surely Saul's writing must have got better for him to be popular so long. I had a few hours to kill while my car was being repaired, so I read this. Yes it's suspenseful, the characters are well-developed, the writing style is just fine--- but still, those cringe-inducing descriptions of torment! These things could easily be left to the reader's imagination with the same effect. It's creepy--- a hair's-breadth away from literary S&M porn.

Some Thrills & Chills, but Not Saul's Best.......2007-04-16

John Saul, the author of Black Creek Crossing, Manhattan Hunt Club, and The Right Hand of Evil brings to us yet another chilling story of a predator stalking the streets of suburbia, sating his twisted desires on the blood of the innocent. The tension is high and the narrative taut, and though A Perfect Nightmare doesn't quite live up to other Saul thrillers, it's suspenseful enough to keep the reader up late at night, wondering what's hiding under the bed or in their closet.

Constructed in a unique manner, the narrative splits, giving a first person look into the mind of a killer as he meticulously hunts his prey. The chills are authentic, the fear palpable as the madman circles closer to his choice prey; young Lindsey Marshall, sixteen year old daughter to Kara and Stephen. Distracted by their stressed marriage and the pressure of finding a new home, they are unaware of the danger circling their family, like a silent, deadly shark...until it's too late.

The wealthy Patrick Shields knows all too much about loss; his wife and daughter's perishing in a fire just a year prior. When Lindsey Marshall is abducted, he is compelled to help Kara in any way he possibly can, even if only to help himself get over the loss of his own family. As he and Kara begin to investigate the darkness swirling around them, however, they are both confronted with an evil hiding much closer to home than originally thought, and whether or not they'll survive will depend greatly upon whether or not they will be able to stand against the darkness in the end.

A Perfect Nightmare is constructed in unique fashion, switching from the third person narrative of the main plot to the frenzied first person rambling of the kidnapper that stalks this Long Island suburb. This part of the novel is handled well; the shifts are smooth, and the first person musings of a madman add suspense to the storyline. This, however, is not one of Straub's better works; overshadowed by much better page turners such as The Right Hand of Evil and The Manhattan Hunt Club, especially.

A plot twist very late in the novel comes abruptly, and I suppose it could be read two different ways - shocking, unexpected, wrenching...everything John Saul stories have become known for. However, for some reason it didn't sit well with me; there are very little clues leading up the twist, which makes it feel a little out in left field, plus the resolution of the narrative was just not fulfilling. In suspense novels like this, emotional highs and lows...especially the lows, because they make us feel and associated with the main characters, producing empathy....are necessary, but in A Perfect Nightmare, the late plot twists leaves a bad taste in the mouth that almost overwhelms the whole story itself.

However, though it doesn't end greatly, A Perfect Nightmare is an engaging enough mystery to keep you figuring it out until that last, fateful plot twist. Just make sure you leave the light on....and make sure those doors are locked at night.

Not bad, but not Saul's usual standard.......2007-02-15

This book seemed to be geared toward a younger reader audience. There's nothing wrong with that, but I think it should be touted as a young-adult genre so that adult expectations aren't so high. I would have loved it a pre-teen. As an adult, it seemed rather mild and even a little hokey, especially for John Saul. What happened to his "Nathaniel" or "Suffer the Children" storylines? Maybe he's getting bored? Teenagers between 12 and 17 years-old would really enjoy this book.

Not worth it........2007-02-02

Saul has always been a dark writer, and I've enjoyed many of his books (Shadows, God Project, Creature)
This one turned my stomach when I read several portions. And when it didn't, it was just plain boring. Don't waste your time or money on this one.

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Perfect Nightmare : A Novel
by John Saul
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OW9ZAA

Book Description

Newly-installed Santa Fe police chief Kevin Kerney receives a deadly welcome when a U.S. ambassador's ex-wife is brutally stabbed to death in her home. But before Kerney can begin to investigate, the FBI closes the case with trumped-up evidence. And the harder Kerney hunts for the truth, the more he knows that he may not survive the chase.

"McGarrity does for New Mexico what James Lee Burke does for Louisiana...He's a natural born storyteller."(David Morrell)

"In mixing thriller with mystery, McGarrity has struck solid gold." (Houston Chronicle)

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"Michael McGarrity's novels combine taut drama with a high-octane plot and vivid, superbly drawn characters to create one of the most critically acclaimed series in modern mystery fiction. Now, in Under the Color of Law, Kevin Kerney is back in Santa Fe, newly installed as police chief, when a U.S. ambassador's estranged wife is found murdered in her multi-million dollar home. Before he can mount a proper investigation, an FBI antiterrorism team arrives, takes control of the inquiry, and forces Kerney to watch from the sidelines as the crime scene is sanitized, potential witnesses disappear, and the case is cleared with trumped-up evidence. Warned off, put under surveillance, and threatened with reprisals under the rubric of national security, Kerney balks at accepting the whitewash and begins a soft probe that points to a covert intelligence coverup. Convinced that unscrupulous government agents are acting outside the law, Kerney begins his own clandestine hunt for a hard target that will lead him to the truth about the Terrell homicide, knowing full well he might not survive the chase. "

Customer Reviews:

bone-chilling story.......2006-05-28

the 'national security' seems to become the green light for all kinds of authorities to do whatever they like and it's exactly what we are facing right now daily. when the communism took over russian , china and other eastern europe countries, their big word was 'the people', everything is for the peoples' interest. i still remembered when doctor zhivago came back to his home and found his house was confiscated 'by the people', he just ripped off that notice from the door and cursed: 'by the people?! i am also one of the peoples!' so the national secruity voodoo term being used by most of the governments now is actually the sameold sameold crap as the commuinist countries used to be implemented to do whatever they like to do in the (dis)guise of the law.
kevin kerney in this novel has to make some unwanted compromises under the excuse of 'national security' too and that's not quite appealing at all. this series so far is the best series i've ever read, and master storyteller, michael mcgarrity, never disappointed me. i just love the plot, the dialogue and scenario a lot. to me, the stories about this police chief of santa fe and that deputy chief of new mexico's state police are far better than what john sanford delivered in his 'prey' series.

A great series.......2005-09-25

I ordered one book in the series and ended up ordering all books featuring Kevin Kerney, What a pleasure to read books with good stores and I enjoy the characters, especially his wife, Sara.

If you want good reading, order the entire series and enjoy

Black Helicopters.......2005-06-06

Michael McGarrity's name showed up in an article about "mystery writers." I ordered books by 4 different authors. I doubt I'll do that again...I'll stick to the Prey series and Coben.
While I enjoyed the trials and tribulations of the main character, I did NOT for one second enjoy/believe the government conspiracy aspect of the book. Sorry, Mr. McGarrity...but no more of you !

UNDERCOVER COLORS.......2004-04-19

This sixth entry in the Kevin Kerney series once again demonstrates the talents of writer Michael McGarrity. Kerney is embroiled this time with a huge government coverup. The first victim: Phyllis Terrell, the estranged lascivious wife of ambassador Harrison Terrell. Looks like her murder might have been an act of passion. Kerney's investigation however reveals a close connection with the murder of a priest as well. McGarrity brings back officious undercover agent Charles Perry, a brief appearance by Enrqiue de Leon, Kerney's nemesis from two previous books, and of course, Kerney's wife, Sara. Sara, now pregnant, is considering leaving the service so she and Kevin can build a better life together.
Again, McGarrity uses fellow police officers to aid Kerney, and with his usual flair for scene and substance, pulls off another remarkable entry in this excellent series.
Outstanding!

Colorful characters and a new direction.......2003-07-29

When I finished this novel from Michael McGarrity in the continuing saga of detective Kevin Kerney, it tooks me a few days to formulate how to write this review. All of it was positive and I couldn't be happier with the novel, however, I didn't know what angle to expound on that hasn't been discussed so many times about his prior novels.

Then it dawned on me. It was a departure from the norm of these novels. Certain loose ends were tied up once and for all, the ending wasn't what one would expect...that is, it wasn't neat and tidy. Also Kerney has progressed quite a bit, and author McGarrity introduced new ideas that surely will breathe life into the main character and makes for many sequels down the road.

But most importantly was the introduction of many new characters. While this was and still is a Kevin Kerney novel, McGarrity debuts several new characters in this installment, and I was surprised how fleshed out they all became. In some aspects this just wasn't a Kerney novel. Two other detectives come into their own and a good deal of written word was on the following of their exploits. It was like reading the same novel from 3 different and varying perspectives which was quite unique. Only at the end was it clear they were all after a common goal, and it was done brilliantly.

Again, the ending was a nice change. The CIA and a covert black-op organization aren't always fighting for good, or are they? The events that unfold force the reader to constantly re-evaluate the 'color' of law, and even though this novel takes place in New Mexico...events taken place here will shape how US policy effects other regions and Kerney's decisions he will never know what ball he sets in motion.

Book Description

This volume is produced from digital images from the Cornell University Library Samuel J. May Anti-Slavery Collection

Equal Justice Under Law: An Autobiography

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Inspirational personal history by American Legal Icon

Equal Justice Under Law: An Autobiography
Constance Baker Motley
Manufacturer: Farrar Straus & Giroux (T)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

African-American & Black | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Lawyers & Judges | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Civil Procedure | Procedures & Litigation | Law | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0374148651

Amazon.com

Much like the Delany sisters of Brooklyn, Constance Baker Motley was one of the first black women to overcome the barriers of race and sex to become a leading figure in her field of expertise. In the mid '60s, Motley became the first black female senator, the first black woman elected to the office of Manhattan borough president, and the first woman appointed to the federal bench. Now a senior judge in a U.S. District Court of New York, Motley looks back on a lifetime of unprecedented achievements and gives personal testimony to some of the greatest moments in the civil rights movement in her autobiography, Equal Justice Under Law. Her story is an impressive one: she dramatically recounts sitting on-stage with her son as Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech and recalls the traumatic times in Mississippi that led to the murder of her colleague and friend, Medgar Evers. She served on the NAACP's Legal Defense and Education Fund, fought alongside Thurgood Marshall in Brown v. Board of Education, and made 10 other appearances before the Supreme Court. Fascinating as Motley's life has been, those with some prior knowledge of civil rights may fare best with this book, considering its weighted language and complex prose--an expected caveat, considering the author has spent her life steeped in the language of law.

Book Description

This wise and affecting memoir is the inside story of the great efforts leading up to the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 and the fight to implement it-and its implications for affirmative action and black poverty today.

A black woman who moved in the corridors of power in the middle of this century, Constance Baker Motley has been a pioneer in both black civil rights and women's rights. As the key attorney assisting Thurgood Marshall at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, she argued a dozen cases before the Supreme Court (winning all but one), and her representation of James Meredith in his bid to enroll in the University of Mississippi made her famous. Subsequently, as Manhattan borough president and a U.S. district court judge, she has fulfilled the highest aspirations of our legal and political system.

This book, the most detailed account to date of the legal conflicts of the civil rights movement, is also an account of Motley's struggle, as a black woman, to succeed, a record of a life lived with great courage and responsibility.

Customer Reviews:

Inspirational personal history by American Legal Icon.......1998-11-21

The book was best when the Judge provides her perspective on events and personalities known to most of us only through news accounts. I enjoyed the book which was a quick read and left me hoping Judge Motely would write another book with greater detail of some of the very interesting episodes in her career. The author's career is remarkable and tracks the major events of the civil rights movement through the eyes of a women who appears to be uneasy with the role model label. I had been looking for a book on Judge Motely after reading several books concerning the civil rights movement. It is remarkable that Judge Motely has not been the subject of biographers. Her story is unique. The book would be useful for lawyers, legal buffs and those searching for true role models. It avoids legalease and is written in a manner which made it a very easy read.

The Waco whitewash: The Mt. Carmel episode told by an eyewitness to the trial, tragedy, treachery, tyranny, treason, this government's crimes under color of law

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The Waco whitewash: The Mt. Carmel episode told by an eyewitness to the trial, tragedy, treachery, tyranny, treason, this government's crimes under color of law
Jack DeVault
Manufacturer: Rescue Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006PHMZU

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The meaning of "under color of" law
Steven L Winter
Manufacturer: University of Michigan Law School]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Average customer rating:

A nice collection of stories...

Have you ever read Forgotten Realms Antalogy?

Have you ever read Forgotten Realms Antalogy?

A good collection for newcomers

The Best of Tales, Volume Two
Margaret Weis , and Tracy Hickman
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Anthologies | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Hickman, Tracy | ( H ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Weis, Margaret | ( W ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Anthologies | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Bertrem's Guide to the Age of Mortals: Everyday Life in Krynn of the Fifth Age (A Dragonlance(r) Novel)

The Players of Gilean (Dragonlance)

Dragons in the Archives: The Best of Weis & Hickman (Dragonlance Anthology)

Heroes and Fools (Dragonlance Tales of the Fifth Age, Vol. 2)

The Odyssey of Gilthanas (Dragonlance Reader's Companion)

ASIN: 0786927003
Release Date: 2002-02-01

Book Description

The legendary times of the Kingpriest, the Reign of Istar, and the War of the Lance. Tales of the wrath of gods, the clash of dragons, the emergence of foul villains and shining heroes.

Here are collected the best short stories of the Dragonlance Tales II series. For new readers, this is your invitation to a world of wondrous adventure and fantasy, while for longtime followers of the Dragonlance saga, this is a collector's edition of indispensable stories.

This volume includes an exciting fast-play adventure by Tracy Hickman set in the world of Dragonlance.

Dragonlance fans will be thrilled to read this follow-up to The Best of Tales, Volume One.

Contents

"Six Songs for the Temple of Istar" by Michael Williams
"The Voyage of the Sunchaser" by Paul B. Thompson and Tonya C. Carter
"The Three Lives of Horgan Oxthrall" by Douglas Niles
"Filling the Empty Places" by Nancy Varian Berberick
"The Goblin's Wish" by Roger E. Moore
"Off Day" by Dan Parkinson
"Ogre Unaware" by Dan Parkinson
"Clockwork Hero" by Jeff Grubb
"No Gods, No Heroes" by Nick O'Donohoe
"Colors of Belief" by Richard A. Knaak
"Lorac" by Michael Williams

Customer Reviews:

A nice collection of stories..........2002-02-17

While this book is not one of the better Dragonlance books, it does have its high points. It is filled with some interesting stories, many of which are filled with the humor and action that is needed to keep a reader hooked. One thing that is enjoyable about this book, is that it doesn't have stories just thrown in it to fill up space. It is an enjoyable read the whole way through. Many people don't like reading Dragonlance if it isnt by Wies and Hickman, and I could agree most of the time, there have been few authors that could rival their genius in the world of Krynn, but this book brings together a nice collection of stories to keep the reader entertained the whole way through. This book is definately a must for anyone who loves Dragonlance, or is just a fan of the fantasy genre.

Have you ever read Forgotten Realms Antalogy?.......2000-03-30

Have you ever read Forgotten Realms Antalogy? I find this book similar to Forgotten Realms Antalogy, but it has more interesting stores, to my veiw. It'll be interesting to all who love fantasy and Dragonlance. If you have not read Dragonlance Saga, you'll like this book. If you alrady read Dragonlance, than it is samething you should know: here I would say purifed Dragonlance, it's that you like in it.

Have you ever read Forgotten Realms Antalogy?.......2000-03-30

A good collection for newcomers.......2000-03-30

An excellent collection if you are new to the series. This book includes some of the best stories from the Tales Trilogies. The best stories are those by Weis&Hickman and Berberick. Altogether, a great introduction to the magical world of Krynn.

Touchstones: Reflections on the Best in Children's Literature, Volume Two: Fairy Tales, Fables, Myths, Legends and Poetry (Touchstones)

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Touchstones: Reflections on the Best in Children's Literature, Volume Two: Fairy Tales, Fables, Myths, Legends and Poetry (Touchstones)
Perry Nodelman
Manufacturer: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Children's Literature Guides | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0810825627

Book Description

Contains critical essays about works of children's fairy tales, myths, and poetry, covering Aesop, Hans Christian Andersen, Asbjornsen and Moe, Richard Chase, Padraic Colum, the Norse myths, Walter de la Mare, the Brothers Grimm, Joel Chandler Harris, Joseph Jacobs, Andrew Lang, Edward Lear, Mother Goose, Charles Perrault, Howard Pyle, and others.

Customer Reviews:

Great concept, bad title.......2001-07-01

This would be a much better book if the author would change the title. While the title may accurately reflect the feelings of some siblings, the book might get left around the house and generate some hurt feelings. Because of this, I keep it in my closet bookshelf, not in my waiting room.

Once past the title, the book has wonderful, amusing illustrations and the text keeps elementary school siblings interested. The sister eventually does come to appreciate her impulsive brother, but kids will keep coming back to that title...

My Brother's a World-Class Pain: A Sibling's Guide to ADHD/.......2000-10-04

This book did not quite meet my expectations. I have a daughter who is almost six and a son, who has ADHD, who is eight. Perhaps for an older child, this book would be appropriate. However, I found that I skimmed pages to try to find something that my daughter could relate to. More illustrations, in color, and less text would be more appropriate for children ages four to six. Perhaps more of a story line. Overall, I think she did get some useful insights out of it, but reading it to her was not an easy task. It is very wordy and comes across as written by an acadamician for a child. If I could, I would rate it 2.5 stars. I think the need is great for a book that addresses the siblings of children with ADHD. Perhaps one aimed at the younger child would help fill the need.

This book is great!.......2000-08-04

The big sister in this book is a great story teller! She explains in kids' words the condition her brother has and how they handle it. She is candid in saying it often bothers her, which is good because siblings can often bear the brunt of ADHD family/home problems. It's important that kids know what happens if they have a brother or sister with ADHD, what to expect, and how they can even help. My seven-year-old daughter has gained a lot of wisdom from it in trying to understand her cousin who has this condition! I recommend it.

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