The Flower Man

Rating:
Summary: Important topic, but completely unrealistic story
Review: This book read like a script for one of those "Lifetime Original Movies" on the Lifetime Channel: a woman tries to protect her daughter from a [...] stalker, and no one believes her, but she perseveres and is the only character (including the police) who can manage to "trick" the stalker into being caught!

It also felt a little bit like the movie Pacific Heights, in that the stalker manages to steal the security alarm code, and enter the family's home seemingly whenever he feels like it. While we're on the topic of borrowing ideas, the family dog is kidnapped and his bloody ears are left in the childrens' playhouse - Fatal Attraction, anyone?

The main character, Britt, is likeable enough, as is her friend Angie, but her life is so unrealistically perfect that it's hard to take the story seriously - Britt is an actress with a small theater company, she's tall, slender and blond, she's "a full-time mom" according to the back cover of the book, she has a fantastic herb and flower garden, from which she makes beautiful wreaths at holidays for friends and relatives, and even sells some on consignment in local stores, and finally she freelances at home doing human resources work for companies. Sheesh, do any of you who have 2 children at home really think you could effectively manage human resources work in your home, for not one company, but a couple? Oh, and did I mention that her husband is incredibly hunky and good-looking, and is "a great lover", when not preoccupied by his job as chief financial officer at a high-tech industrial firm.

Finally, the "perp" is easily recognizable the very first time he's introduced. I kept thinking that it couldn't possibly be him, because it was so obvious, and that a fantastic surprise ending was in store, but NOOOO!

Having said that, I'm glad the author chose to address this topic, since it is one that is both timely and has origins since the beginning of time. The Foreword of the book was really quite good, explaining the origins behind many child stalkers. Unfortunately, the Foreword also points out that these predators work alone, which completely undermines the story.

If you're looking for a good twist ending, try Jeffrey Deaver. If you like detective stories, try the "Prey" series by John Sandford.


Rating:
Summary: Glad I got my local bookstore to order this for me!
Review: This book was so suspenseful that I was able to finish it in one sitting. Having a daughter of my own, it is a parents worst nightmare to have your child stalked. It literally gave me chills! I almost did not read it, because of the fact that is was such a real thing and hit too close to home. But, I am glad I did, Ms. Anders has become one of my favorite authors. I have also read Another life, which was awsome, too. You will not be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Draws you in and never lets you go until the last page....
Review: What a great book. Anyone who picks this book up will not get up out of their chair until they are finished reading it. Loved the characters and the story was well written and kept you guessing throughout. Love this author. Also just finished her book "Another Life" and it is great too. Wish she had a few more under her belt so that I could just order them and all read them one right after another.

Rating:
Summary: As always Donna Anders delivers a suspense filled book
Review: what would you do if your daughter was being stalked and it was harmining your whole family and your relationship with your husband Britt is pretty well an ordinary woman caught up in unordinary circumstances! I thought this book was really great.
But the again I haven't read a book by this author I have ever been disappointed in! unfortunately she doesn't have much out!
But when she does I'll be eager to read her new novel!