Helpful Score: 17
This was Charlaine Harris's second novel and was originally published in the early 80's. I'm a huge fan of Harris's (Southern Vampire, Aurora Teagarden series and more) but if you're used to her humor you may find this book lacking. It is a very dry book about a former model returning to her small Southern hometown to attend college and move in with her best friend. A serial rapist starts attacking women connected to the college, including main characters. I don't want to spoil anything but I was shocked at what the main characters went through, and as I have a hard time with fiction that deal in rape this short book took me a little longer to get through than it normally would. There is no humor in this book, and while there is a mystery the plot basically revolves around how the attacks emotionally impact the main character and those around her.
I later read in an interview with Harris in a mystery magazine that she was raped and writing this book helped her deal with that- and she still gets letters from other sexual abuse victims telling her how this book helped them- so I am very glad she wrote this novel. This is a well-written book, but do NOT expect the usual Charlaine Harris from this novel.
I later read in an interview with Harris in a mystery magazine that she was raped and writing this book helped her deal with that- and she still gets letters from other sexual abuse victims telling her how this book helped them- so I am very glad she wrote this novel. This is a well-written book, but do NOT expect the usual Charlaine Harris from this novel.
Helpful Score: 10
I'm a great fan of Charlaine Harris and thought this was a very strong story line. Just wanted to caution that the book deals with a serial rapist and contains much content on the experience of the women caught up in the nightmare. Not suggested for anyone who has a sensitivity to this type of content...it might be too disturbing. But, if you are like me, and thankfully have not had any personal experience in these topics, I found the book actually very compelling and really liked the ending (which was rather unusual for someone who writes rather lighter story lines). Recommended.
Helpful Score: 6
This is my first book by this author. I have (of course) heard about the whole HBO thing & her Sookie books, however I am pleased that I picked this one up first. It deals with sensitive subjects with a tender, Southern grace. It isnt' overly graphic or violent.
Since reading this I did read her first Sookie book and while it was quite different, I appreciate the authors writing and enjoy spending time with her books.
Since reading this I did read her first Sookie book and while it was quite different, I appreciate the authors writing and enjoy spending time with her books.
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoyed this book. It was much darker. Reminded me of her Shakespeare series some. She handled the subject matter very well. I didnt love the ending, I was left wanting I think. Almost all of the characters had such depth, I thought the mean guy ended up shallow for lack of a better word.
Helpful Score: 2
This book was pretty difficult to read. The writing was excellent in my opinion, just the topic matter was hard to read, I felt like I was going thru what the rape victims were at the time. I think Harris did write the book tastefully.
Helpful Score: 2
Charlaine Harris is a masterful story teller.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is an old, 1984, stand-alone book that predates Harris' fame and her well-known series'.
As someone else mentioned, this is a serious book with little or no humor. Secret Rage has a totally different tone than the Sookie Stackhouse or Aurora Teagarden books - it has none of the "frivolous" feel to it that those sometimes do. Harris examines numerous stereotypes and the ways in which violence, particularly rape, changes all of those involved - victims, friends, family, bystanders, investigators.
Very interesting book, well worth the read.
As someone else mentioned, this is a serious book with little or no humor. Secret Rage has a totally different tone than the Sookie Stackhouse or Aurora Teagarden books - it has none of the "frivolous" feel to it that those sometimes do. Harris examines numerous stereotypes and the ways in which violence, particularly rape, changes all of those involved - victims, friends, family, bystanders, investigators.
Very interesting book, well worth the read.
Helpful Score: 1
definitely from the dark side of charlaine harris' body of work. disturbing.
This was written before Charlaine Harris became "popular" and I have to say it is a great read. It's quick and easy and I read it in one sitting. If you like mysteries and/or cozies then I recommend this book. I have to say I love Harris's popular series but after reading some of her earlier works I love her writing even more. Great book!
Early Charlaine Harris, well worth reading. If you like her current works or want to read her non-fantasy you will enjoy this book.
Enjoyed this book, kept guessing until the end.
A good mystery, although it is about a rapist so if that bothers you, you probably shouldn't read this book. I liked it though.
Very simple, basic plot. A quick read, good, but could have been better. Definitely not Sookie Stackhouse or Harper Conolly, but likeable heroines anyway.
Not her best story, I wouldn't have read it if I knew the main character would be violently raped and almost killed. The romance is also quite a dud. Only picked it up because I like to read everything by an author once I like them. Yes it's a murder mystery that takes place in a small college town in Mississippi, but I didn't like it.
