Absolute Fear (A Rick Bentz/Reuben Montoya Novel Book 4)

So, this is categorized as a romantic suspense book, but I wouldn't classify it as a romance. There is a relationship history between Eve and Cole, and they do more or less get back together as the story progresses; however, there are little to no romantic elements present. If you prefer more heat and steam in your stories, just be aware that you won't find those here. That being said, it wasn't a bad story. I love a good mystery/suspense book (though romantic suspense is my favorite genre), and this one had some good mystery elements. I did feel like some aspects of the story were underdeveloped, though. I kind of thought the resolution of the whole thing near the end was a bit rushed and we weren't given as many details as I would have liked. For instance, what happened with Eve's brothers? The epilogue definitely sets things up for the next book in the series. I've been reading the books in order, and I do recommend reading them in that way just so you'll have all of the background details that are necessary for fully understanding everything that's going on from book to book. All in all, not a bad read. I took off a couple of stars because it isn't actually a romantic suspense (though it's billed as one) and because of the underdeveloped and/or rushed-feeling aspects I mentioned.

This book is boring and the narration too obvious. I bought it because I have “Ominous” from Lisa Jackson and it’s really a good story but my expectations were too high for this one. I had no choice but to read it since it’s too late now to return it.

By the end of this book, it seemed that everyone in it was related to everyone else and about the only person who wasn't a blood relative to the killer(s) and/or victims was the reader, and the family tree was so convoluted I began to question my own lineage. And wasn't it convenient that all the people involved in the cover up or frame up or who were unwitting victims all had names that were palindromes? What about the tatoos? Honest, I knew what the tattoo meant the first time it was mentioned and the second time and the third time. I wanted to scream at the detectives in this one: Wake up, idiots! And these were detectives I liked in previous works by Lisa Jackson. This book was kind of interesting for the excitement end of it, but the mystery was no mystery (except when the ultimate bad guy turned out to be someone we hardly even meet in the book) and the romance between Cole and Eve was simply ridiculous. He was so abnoxious, I can't believe Eve was so shallow as to have any interest in him at all. On the other hand, why would this intelligent rising star of a lawyer be wasting his time with such a self-destructive airhead as Eve Renner? Maybe it was because he managed to lose his apparently substantial amount of accumulated wealth in about a month. He lost his house, his car...Everything and for what? Because he was a suspect? Cole definately needed a better financial planner. Okay, he had a great body and she was willing to do the deed with him whenever oppurtunity knocked. I wonder how their relationship will be in twenty years when he isn't the great hunk anymore and she's still hopping into bed with any stud who has a little animal magnetism. I don't know what to make of the explanation of the 'phantom' sperm. That was just way too convenient for the bad guy. Then there was Kristi, who found out late in the book how she was related. Kristi quit her day job on the off chance that she might be successful as a writer of true crime stories. Did she ever stop to think she might have to live for maybe a couple weeks before she started receiving royalty checks? How about an advance check if she had even started to write something? I don't know how that works, but can an unpublished, unknown and even unstarted writing writer earn a living? Anyway, I continue to count myself a Lisa Jackson fan, but this one was close to puting me over the edge and saying no more. I look forward to her next novel, but ABSOLUTE FEAR was not up to her usual standards. Bring on LOST SOULS! Maybe I'll re-read SHIVER or THE MORNING AFTER. Those are Lisa Jackson at her best.

Another great book by Lisa. She never fails to deliver scary, exciting and heart racing thrillers. It was hard to put down with a surprise on who the killer was. Didn't see that coming. Love this series and can't wait to read the next book.

An Older Book Published!!, But An Amazing Read !! I’ve read All Of Lisa Jackson Books and this was a Good One!!

Okay, talk about twists and turns. It includes characters you have grown to love. Add a couple of new ones that just twist your heart. The asylum is still standing. There is horrible murders occurring and no leads. Read this.

Each book brings more depth to the story! And this is one of those “ can’t wait to read more” series!

The story line was very exciting and that part I loved. I also loved the location, New Orleans. However, I feel too much description of the romance parts. I am more into the suspense and could definitely have lived without the romance aspect of the characters. Ok, so they are in love but I don't need to read it detail by detail. I am not sure if I will continue to read Lisa Jackson books for this reason. I just want the thrill of the chase!

Absolute Fear is a book full of twists and turns leading it's readers on a great adventure. I really enjoy Lisa's books they always keep myself interest. This book took a turn in the last chapters that I had not expected but lead to a great ending. I can't wait to start the next book in the series.

Love this book. I have read all the books related to this storyline and loved them. Keeps you guessing throughout the whole book. Great read.

So, this is categorized as a romantic suspense book, but I wouldn't classify it as a romance. There is a relationship history between Eve and Cole, and they do more or less get back together as the story progresses; however, there are little to no romantic elements present. If you prefer more heat and steam in your stories, just be aware that you won't find those here. That being said, it wasn't a bad story. I love a good mystery/suspense book (though romantic suspense is my favorite genre), and this one had some good mystery elements. I did feel like some aspects of the story were underdeveloped, though. I kind of thought the resolution of the whole thing near the end was a bit rushed and we weren't given as many details as I would have liked. For instance, what happened with Eve's brothers? The epilogue definitely sets things up for the next book in the series. I've been reading the books in order, and I do recommend reading them in that way just so you'll have all of the background details that are necessary for fully understanding everything that's going on from book to book. All in all, not a bad read. I took off a couple of stars because it isn't actually a romantic suspense (though it's billed as one) and because of the underdeveloped and/or rushed-feeling aspects I mentioned.

This book is boring and the narration too obvious. I bought it because I have “Ominous” from Lisa Jackson and it’s really a good story but my expectations were too high for this one. I had no choice but to read it since it’s too late now to return it.

By the end of this book, it seemed that everyone in it was related to everyone else and about the only person who wasn't a blood relative to the killer(s) and/or victims was the reader, and the family tree was so convoluted I began to question my own lineage. And wasn't it convenient that all the people involved in the cover up or frame up or who were unwitting victims all had names that were palindromes? What about the tatoos? Honest, I knew what the tattoo meant the first time it was mentioned and the second time and the third time. I wanted to scream at the detectives in this one: Wake up, idiots! And these were detectives I liked in previous works by Lisa Jackson. This book was kind of interesting for the excitement end of it, but the mystery was no mystery (except when the ultimate bad guy turned out to be someone we hardly even meet in the book) and the romance between Cole and Eve was simply ridiculous. He was so abnoxious, I can't believe Eve was so shallow as to have any interest in him at all. On the other hand, why would this intelligent rising star of a lawyer be wasting his time with such a self-destructive airhead as Eve Renner? Maybe it was because he managed to lose his apparently substantial amount of accumulated wealth in about a month. He lost his house, his car...Everything and for what? Because he was a suspect? Cole definately needed a better financial planner. Okay, he had a great body and she was willing to do the deed with him whenever oppurtunity knocked. I wonder how their relationship will be in twenty years when he isn't the great hunk anymore and she's still hopping into bed with any stud who has a little animal magnetism. I don't know what to make of the explanation of the 'phantom' sperm. That was just way too convenient for the bad guy. Then there was Kristi, who found out late in the book how she was related. Kristi quit her day job on the off chance that she might be successful as a writer of true crime stories. Did she ever stop to think she might have to live for maybe a couple weeks before she started receiving royalty checks? How about an advance check if she had even started to write something? I don't know how that works, but can an unpublished, unknown and even unstarted writing writer earn a living? Anyway, I continue to count myself a Lisa Jackson fan, but this one was close to puting me over the edge and saying no more. I look forward to her next novel, but ABSOLUTE FEAR was not up to her usual standards. Bring on LOST SOULS! Maybe I'll re-read SHIVER or THE MORNING AFTER. Those are Lisa Jackson at her best.

Another great book by Lisa. She never fails to deliver scary, exciting and heart racing thrillers. It was hard to put down with a surprise on who the killer was. Didn't see that coming. Love this series and can't wait to read the next book.

An Older Book Published!!, But An Amazing Read !! I’ve read All Of Lisa Jackson Books and this was a Good One!!

Okay, talk about twists and turns. It includes characters you have grown to love. Add a couple of new ones that just twist your heart. The asylum is still standing. There is horrible murders occurring and no leads. Read this.

Each book brings more depth to the story! And this is one of those “ can’t wait to read more” series!

The story line was very exciting and that part I loved. I also loved the location, New Orleans. However, I feel too much description of the romance parts. I am more into the suspense and could definitely have lived without the romance aspect of the characters. Ok, so they are in love but I don't need to read it detail by detail. I am not sure if I will continue to read Lisa Jackson books for this reason. I just want the thrill of the chase!

Absolute Fear is a book full of twists and turns leading it's readers on a great adventure. I really enjoy Lisa's books they always keep myself interest. This book took a turn in the last chapters that I had not expected but lead to a great ending. I can't wait to start the next book in the series.

Love this book. I have read all the books related to this storyline and loved them. Keeps you guessing throughout the whole book. Great read.

This is the 5th book I have read by Lisa Jackson. I downloaded all the series of Rick Bentz & Reuben Montoya. I thought I would be able to read these over several months however I finish one and can't wait to start the next one in the series. I really like Lisa's writing style as it makes it easy to follow the characters and some of them move from book to book in the series. You feel like your following their life.

This book suffers from some implausible connections and story lines. There are developments and scenes that are both repetitive to Shiver and to earlier in Absolute Fear itself. The introduction of new character Kristi is interesting. Shiver was more dense, more spell binding, not just because it started the story line, but because of better writing. Absolute Fear is worth reading in paperback, but probably from the library. I enjoyed it, but it's a long ways from Shiver in quality and even further from Elizabeth George or James Lee Burke. P

Absolute Fear, as all of Lisa Jackson's works, kept me glued to my chair! I can't say for sure what exactly made this one top the others; but maybe the love between Cole and Eve, and maybe the fact that I can just never figure out "who done it"! I'll think I have it all figured out and then I'm surprised at the end. I love the chemistry between Bentz and Montoya, and I like the way Ms Jackson doesn't make them out to be always right; she portrays them to be hard-working cops who sometimes "bark up the wrong tree", but always get it figured out in the end. Absolute Fear was great reading!

Read Lisa Jackson books and love them !!!!

"Cold-Blooded" and "Shiver", the previous two books in this series, were very good. This one, not so much. Not enough info on: *Eve's relationship with Cole before the shooting. *What happened to Eve and Cole in the three months after the shooting. *What really happened with Cole on the night of the shooting, because the few lines it was covered in were unclear. Not enough development of the male and female leads. Ex: Did Eve work? If not how did she get her money? As someone else pointed out why did Cole lose his house, car, job, money and possessions when he hadn't even been indicted yet? His attorney was a friend so he would have gotten a break on that fee and Cole was an attorney also so he would have been able to do a lot of the work on his own. Now we have two women in the TSTL (too stupid to live), dumber than a box of rocks, don't have two brain cells to rub together category. Eve had found her friend brutally murdered with a tattoo carved into him, she'd been shot and almost died. Then her father was murdered in the same manner as her friend (also with a tattoo) and Eve has been targeted by the killer. Yet she went running around on her own, meeting a friend at a restaurant and then into a deserted insane asylum. TSTL Kristi's dad is a cop and she's mad at him because he won't give her privileged details on a current investigation so she can write a true crime book. Kristi had been kidnapped, chained to a wall, and almost died because of the serial killer that had been after her. Yet there she is, a year or so later, wandering alone around the same insane asylum as Eve, not at the same time, taking pictures of the area where a nun had just been found also carved up and dead. TSTL Other reviewers have brought up the fact that the insane asylum plot is getting really old and I agree; its way past time for it to go away. Then there's the now dead priest who was taking advantage of women and fathering kids all over the place. This is just plain insulting! There have been cases of abuse by priests lately, but the vast majority of priests are good, spiritual people who believe in their calling. This part of the plot was particularly distasteful! I realize New Orleans is not a huge city but it's not Mayberry so having all these people related to each other goes way past the bounds of being even slightly credible. Fortunately I bought this book used!

Wonderful book. Love these characters, the plot,and the setting!! Well written and eAsy to follow. Kept me guessing, right to the end. Would recommend to all adult readers.

This mystery was one that I did not want to end. Surprise around each corner. Would highly reccomend Absolute Terror to lovers of mysteries!

Recieved open and used cd set.......very disappointed....

I was under the impression that I was familiar with this author, and liked her writing. This must be an earlier attempt or when she was first starting out. I wish I had checked out the sample first. This is a TOTAL waste of time and money. I quit reading before she even made it home. This book is filthy and I don't recommend it to anyone.

I couldn't put this book down! It is the best so far from this author. However, I strongly recommend reading 'Shiver' before reading 'Absolute fear'.

maybe because it is a continuing gottabuythenextone this one seemed flat and repetitious though the story in itself was a good one .memories of the abuse that went on in asylum's from teenage years was brought forth . ms Jackson has done better.

Good read

Absolute fear is what the serial killer instills throughout New Orleans. Our Lady of Virtues Asylum and Faith Chastain continue to have a foothold in the murders being committed. Although this is a fabulous, suspenseful read I could not give this novel 5 stars as the author leaves the reader not knowing the impact surrounding Eve's brothers and Anna.

Good condition! Great deal for the money!

Great read

The killings continue in New Orleans as the web of family connections among the main characters expand in ways that blow your mind. How 's Jackson connects the dots with murder and romance continues to impress. Enjoy book 4.

My favorite book of all time. I have read it many times I had to buy it on kindle because I wore out my book.

great product, fast shipping

I just started reading this author 3 books ago and this book is my favorite to date. The crimes and suspense were superb. So good i am onto the next immediately! Bravo Lisa awesome read!

This was a really good book. The story line kept you in suspense till the end. I'm not sure why this author has a habit of repeating some information. Multiple times you read about what type of car has been issued seems to just be adding to the word count.

very good

I really enjoy Lisa Jackson's books where she does a series using the same plus a few chracters. This is a good reading series!

Another awsome book by lisa

Very suspenseful, can't put the book down read! Twisted serial killer, comes full circle in the story surrounding a 20 year old suicide, all the dots are expertly connected! Kathleen Davis

Series had quite a good bit of offensive language. Do not like the GD or F language. Don't know why writers think they have to use this language to make a story good! I would have enjoyed the whole Rick Bentz series more if not for the fowl language.

The plot really did get better as the story went along but I did think some of the characters were stupid and naive. Not the best work from this author about this series but was entertaining.

I enjoyed this book as much as her other books. She is a very talented author, who has a gifted way of keeping her readers in suspense throughout her books. I enjoy her series on Bentz / Montoya.

I really like Lisa Jackson story telling. The Benz & Montoya series is real suspenseful. Just the kind of books I like. I highly recommend to anyone who likes trying to guess why .

I enjoyed the first book well enough that I read 2, 3, and 4....they got pretty mundane. Took place in the same exact location. How many psychos can hang out in an abandoned mental institution.

have read all the rick bentz /reuben montoya books more please lisa jackson just does not write a bad book all are wonderful!!!!!

Lord! How much more can I take! The suspense keeps getting better and better! I love all the people and DON'T want to lose any of them. I already have next book then have to wait till payday if I can. WONDERFUL BOOKS!

I am not one for writing book reviews, so this will be short. I enjoy this author and love her series. This was was no different. I liked it a lot.

As usual. Lisa Jackson does it again. Good read with twists and turns that surprise you. I would recommend this book, and her others, to any reader that likes mysteries....

Great read. Always love to read all of her books

great to deal with fast ship

I love all of Lisa Jacksons books and would highly recommend them to anyone who loves a good, well-written mystery. I look forward to more Rick Bentz/Reuben Montoya books. She makes these characters really come to life.

Lisa Jackson keeps you interested, keeps you guessing and keeps you coming back for more. I would recommend her books to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with that something extra only she adds to her books.

It was a great book of three that Lisa Jackson wrote. I love reading all of her books that continue on and on about the detectives. Bentz/ Montoya.

Anything Lisa Jackson writes is gold To me. I am Slowly but certainly reading everyone of her novels she is the BEST See your review on the site

Intricate story line! Wow! Could not put this book down! A must read! Sick twisted minds and lots of family questions answered in this book!

I thought the book was very good, and I would tell everyone to read it. I have read a lot of Lisa Jackson's books and found them to hold my interest and read until I finish the book.

what a read

Lisa Jackson is an amazing writer I love all her books once you start one you can't put it down and can't wait to read the next book love love love her books

Another typical plot and not much to engage the reader. I've read other novels by Jackson which make the reader work to figure them out. this is not her best work.

Enjoyed this book. If you have read the other three in the series then you will find this one somewhat preditable but a good read nonetheless.

absolutely loved the way the family was all drawn together and the truth came out.....so very complicated! good ending good read

I enjoyed it

I enjoyed her books for a while but they're all the same. Does Lisa Jackson have something going on with psycho. hospitals? And why do all of the bad guys speak the same; gravelly voices with the words always hissing? it's really getting old.

A Rick Bentz/Reuben Montoya Novel Book... This series of books seem to be almost a repeat of each one.

kept my attention all the time. I was surprised at the end.

This one is crazy good! I can tell you this for a fact. You are in for a real treat. Hold on to your sofa for sure.

As always she does not disappoint. Awesome book!

And yet another wonderful book. I really love to read Ms. Jackson's work but it is really hard to put one of her books down so my housework suffers. ha!

Scary fun read. Well written. This book kept you in suspense until the end. Would recommend it tom those who like thrillers

I have Always enjoyed reading lisa Jackson's books. This is another example of how well she keeps you engaged and eager to continue reading

A+

So far, I can't wait to get it back in my hands.

Love this author! I really like being able to order my kindle books and have them in my kindle with in a few minutes.

This was the first book I have read by Lisa Jackson. It was very good and held my interest. I read it in one day. I love mysteries.

Kept me on the edge of my seat. I had a difficult time putting the book down.

Another good read in the series.

This one is the next book after Shiver. It was a page turner and had a great twist at the end. Looking forward to reading Lisa Jackson's next one Lost Souls.

Good

Good book, kept my interest!

Lisa Jackson is a great author and I enjoy all her books, but the News Orleans series has been wonderful..

I think absolute fear is a very good book . story has so many twists and turns. keeps reader guessing.

awesome series, worth buying, must read, very addictive, may be same basic story line but done so well youre still pulled right in.

Love Lisa Jackson books

great

good read

Kept me riveted throughout. Many twists and turns.

A book full of suspense, exciting, holds your interest through whole book

Absolute Fear was very similar to Shiver. There is a lack of variety among the characters and the plot. Many of the characters seem to be carbon copies of each other.

Can't put it down grabs you from the first chapter

Good reading

Great book!!

I love this Author, but this was to violent for me.

Great read!

Really like this series of books by Lisa Jackson...

Really good book, it was filled with mystery,romance,horror,secrets. It was everything that a book needs although I really wish they would have gotten married Eve and Cole.

I like Lisa Jackson's books.

Awesome book awesome writer I have pretty much all of her books her and her sister Nancy Bush are the only books I do read they are totally awesome I can't speak enough about how good a writers they are you can't go wrong with their books

Couldn't stop reading!

Excellent book

Will keep you on edge of your seat!

Great story of the interesting cases with Bentz & Montoya. Loved it!

Loved this book...Lisa Jackson never disappoints!

Very good book

Great book, very suspensival

I like the series, New Orleans makes a great setting for murder mystery. Good quick mystery read. They all would be better with more character development.

This is a good Lisa Jackson book, but no where near her best. Typical plot and typical romantic ending.Very little real suspense. Lisa can write better than this.

Same plot & characters and locale

Loved it!

great book

This book is mind-boggling and filled with suspense! The story line has many twists and turns. The main characters are well developed. Is it realistic? Of course not, but I read it for its entertainment value, and it met my expectations!

I like all the books in this series. Keeps you guessing through the whole book. I love the Louisiana setting.

I would reccomend it to anyone that enjoys a good action feeled mystery. It kept me guessing until the end. I wasn't thrilled with the ending, but can see that it can lead up to another book, so it was OK.

Suspenseful

Love me some Lisa Jackson. Love the books set in New Orleans. I have read them all.

I enjoyed this novel by Jackson. It is the sequel to Shiver and links many of her characters from previous books that you would not have had to read to enjoy this book. Mystery, thriller, and a bit of romance with nary a slow down. Great read.

Great book!

Couldn't put it down. characters and story line worked well together. I immediately ordered another Lisa Jackson book. Totally recommend it

Another great read by Lisa Jackson!

Lisa Jackson is one of my fave authors! Enjoy most if not all of her books

Absolute Fear by Lisa Jackson is book 4 of her New Orleans Bentz/Montoya series has been my favorite in this series so far. But I still have 3 more books to go...

Returned sent in book former wanted on cd

An excellent read.

Loved it! But I truly enjoy all of Lisa Jackson's books! Great characters and story line I was into the story from start to finish.

Another great book by Lisa Jackson

good book

very slow paced, taking forever to finish, im just not interestef enough in yhe plot to want toget through it

Great book in the series

please be informed .that we already have this book. thank you larry beechler -labentertainment@bellsouth.net

Not one of her best.

She, a great mystery writer and easy to read and follow. Sometimes a little too graphic.

Not to much romance to make someone bored or uncomfortable, and it won't lose you from the actual plot which is something I look for in these kinds of books.

Bought the next in the series!

Cliff-hanger, depressing story set around psychiatric hospital. This story has several twists that do not get answered. Ending: Bentz's daughter Kristi awakes from her coma and see's her father dead. She knows he will soon die. I doubt I will re-read it. I do look forward to other works by this author.

Great author and series. I really enjoyed book after book in the New Orleans series. I wIish there were more!!!!!!!

I loved this book!! It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! The romantic edge gave just the right amount of sexiness to it. I would recommend it to people who like to be thrilled! The mystery added a lot too!!

I didn't want to but the book down

Loved this book and after finishing it immediately ordered Lost Soul!!

I agree with the comments by Prolific Reader...it's time to get away from the old asylum and find a new story line. Based on the epilogue, it sounds like that's not going to happen. I also agree that almost everyone in the book acted dumb: The cops trying to get Cole, Cole for never pointing out to Eve (or resenting) that she cost him his house, money, job and car, and Eve and Kristi for making stupid decisions. Her plots, characters, and general writing were better before she started on this continuing series about the asylum. One problem is the books come out a year apart and the last one wasn't memorable enough for me to immediately relate to all the backstory she put in Absolute Fear.

Fast read - held your interest

It was a excellent way to keep the story going on these chracters. Can't wait for the story to continue.

Did not enjoy ist as much as some of her other books. Contrived

Very good reading .loved the characters

Great twists!

I love Lisa Jackson's books they hold you attention

Loved this book-for a good mystery pick up a Lisa Jackson book.she's right up there with the best of them.

Love all her books! :-)

Absolute Fear hook me from the first page and certainly kept me up late at night reading it. Lisa Jackson never disappoints.

Love her books

Could not put down

A page turner. I did not want to put it down. Kept me guessing til the end. It was a must read.

Book was the same story line as those preceding it. Some of the happenings were unbelievable and an insult to the readers intelligence. It rains a lot in New Orleans in this book for May; people put on sweaters --in May no less; times of events don't coincide from paragraph to paragraph. This was the last book of Lisa Jackson 's I'll be reading.

It was a great book to read,It started where the other left off. It kept me guessing

Was a great story. You can never go wrong reading Lisa Jackson. Her stories always suck you in. Would recommend

Very good book you don,t know who did it until the very end. Lots of twists and hummingbird book loved it

I couldn't put this book down, it was great!!!!

Since other reviews have pretty much covered the plot I will go to what I thought of the characters in this story. Eve isn't too bad except like most of Ms. Jackson's lady characters, she knew someone was after her to kill her so what does she do, she rushes right to the old asylum and then later out at night to a resturant to rescue her sister-in-law, totally ignoring any danger. Dumb! Then there is Kristy who is a homicide detective's daughter who aspires to be a crime writer and expects her dad to totally ignore ethics by divulging all of the gory details of the murders he is investigating and then goes to the one place she knows is off limits, again the asylum. Plus she thinks she is so clever that the nut feeding her information from the police dept. is to be trusted instead of telling her dad what the guy is doing? Dumber! Then we get to the cops, Bentz and Montoya, who run in circles and couldn't find a clue if the murderer tatooed it on their foreheads. Why? Because they are so wrapped up in hanging something on Cole that they don't bother with actually looking for the right person until several people are murdered and still want to hang it on Cole if all possible. Dumbest! Had the mastermind not finally gotten around to trying to kill Eve himself, he would have never been caught. Finally after Anna being a major character in the story, she is murdered but then after finding her body, not another word about her. What about the brothers? Too many storylines that weren't wrapped up at the end. AND like a few other critics, Ms. Jackson really needs a better proof reader. The spelling of Carmengia for her dad's car is way off. I have read most of Ms. Jackson's books but this continuing saga of the patients and lunatics still rambling around that old asylum is getting a bit stretched to say the least. Who ever heard of former patients becoming nurses and nuns at the same institution where they were incarcerated for treatment?

❤*(¯`'•.¸.•''¯)*(¯`'•.¸.•''¯) I love ALL Lisa Jackson's books! The story line keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.(¯`'•.¸.•''¯)*(¯`'•.¸¸.•''¯)*❤

Wow.. a thriller that kept me reading for hours. Lisa Jackson is a writer who can captivate your mind Bravo!!

This book was as awesome as the first book of hers that I read and now I'm getting reading to read another book of hers.

I finished this book but almost stopped a few chapters from the end I was so sick of the ridiculous behavior of the characters. Eve is maddening. She thinks her lover shot her and he would have been in prison except her story wasn't solid enough to go to court so the guy gets out. Meanwhile, he's lost his job as an attorney, possibly his license, his home, and car, and all his worldly goods. Still, he goes running back to her against his attorney's advice with no obvious resentment of any kind - just sweet, and loving and patient. She, on the other hand, is on and off. She's has a legal order to keep him away, then she cancels it. She's constantly hot and wants him to take her to bed, or cold and ordering him out of her life. She takes no sensible advice from anyone. None of the women in the story do - they are foolish people every step of the way. It's insulting.

This book picks up where the last one kind of ended. Montoya and Bentz are on the case. Eve Renner found her friend murdered and she was attacked at the same time. Eve has no memory of what happened or who attacked her. As eve works on figuring out what happened that night, Our Lady of Virtues plays a part in the story with its history and secrets including Faith Chastain. I have to admit that I was surprised as to who the killer was and other things that were revealed at the end. I am looking forward to borrowing the next book in this series.

I usually like her books but this one really sucked. I can't remember where I bought it but the author really fell down on this one. ALL the players pretty much did the most stupid possible things they could do. I call these types of books GROANERS. You know what is going to happen. I could not finish the book after the third idiot doing the third or tenth most stupid possible thing. I threw the book at the wall. Don't waste your money unless you just LOVE groaners. UGH! Lisa, try again, girl. This one is bad.

There’s a lot going on in this novel, some good, some bad, some a bit confusing. In this novel Abby Chastain discovers she might have a long lost half-sister in Eve Renner. Eve’s father used to be the head of Psychiatry at Our Lady of Virtues Mental Hospital. Eve is nearly killed by a tattooed freak psychopath, and she suspects the killer is her boyfriend Cole Dennis, who was present when she was assaulted. People continue to get killed and conveniently enough Abby’s boyfriend Reuben Montoya is the lead detective on the case. The plot is a bit convoluted and sometimes messy. I generally don’t like serial killer novels because they are so overdone and usually poorly executed. Absolute Fear is better than most that I have read. Having said that, the novel still has its flaws. The serial killer lacks believability and there are clear plot and logic holes laced throughout. However, there is enough intrigue to keep the novel going. I would tentatively recommend it, but with lowered expectations. Carl Alves – author of Blood Street

The Story Eve was called one night by a friend, upon arrival she found her friend dead and a gun pointed at her. The last face she saw was her boyfriend Cole. Cole was arrested for murder and attempted murder. Cole was a hot shot lawyer, now he's lost everything. Three months after the murder, Eve is finally heading home to New Orleans. The same day Cole is released, charges dropped. Not enough evidence to convict. Eve starts getting mysterious phone calls with creepy messages. The same day someone plants newspaper articles in her car - all about Faith Chastin. Faith was a patient of Eve's father at the mental hospital. Someone's out to get Cole and Eve. Out of options Eve turns to Cole to to protect her and help her end the madness. Detective Montoya and Bentz are on the case, still unsure of Cole. Bentz's daughter Kristi is also on the case out to write a book, despite of Rick Bentz's requests to stay out of it. Danger follows all them all to one goal that remains unseen. Thoughts I love Lisa Jackson's stories. She's an excellent romantic suspense/mystery writer. I set out to read a few chapters and before I knew it the book was over. The pace is fast enough to keep people captivated. Jackson is really good at misdirection when it comes to the plots and the evil doers. The plot is complex with multiple story lines and points of view. Its complex, but simple. It isn't hard to follow or comprehend. I didn't guess who has behind this. Cole and Eve have a complicated by undeniable attraction. Eve quickly understands that Cole would never hurt her. They are unable to stay apart, both are still in love. This story connects so many New Orleans characters together, I'm really glad I read it. The next in these story lines MALICE is another fantastic read to those interested.

Eve Renner has been living a nightmare for the past three months. Her friend was killed, she was shot and believes her fiancé, Cole Dennis, is responsible. Fighting to regain her memory (she only remembers bits and pieces about what happened that night) and her life, Eve must determine the truth. As people around her start dying, all she knows for sure is that the events are connected and appear to be related to the closed asylum, Our Lady of Virtues Mental Hospital. As the story unfolds, and the truth revealed, we see that all is more complicated that it initially appeared. There are several things that made this an interesting read.....there's a psychopathic killer, who calls himself the "Reviver", who tattoos himself and his victims ( and who believes that "God is speaking to him"); a lot of killing; some entertaining Detectives (Montoya & Bentz); a decent mystery and some shocking twists and turns. There is also romance, violence, suspense and drama. There is everything you need to make this a decent story and an entertaining read. However, there were a few issues that I will mention about the story: (1) I wondered why Cole was so prominent throughout most of the novel (even figured out most of the mystery before the police) and then was barely mentioned towards the end. He was not really the hero, just part of a group of heroes. (2) There was mention of some phantom "sperm" (once) and the explanation that was given at the end was a tad bit far fetched. It seemed a little "thrown in there". And (3) maybe you have to read the other books to really understand some of the characters and where they are coming from. For example, I didn't really know the whole Bentz storyline or anything about his deceased brother who was a priest; so when they started weaving that into the storyline, I felt like I really needed to read some of the other books to really understand it. But with all that said, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the sequel!

This was my second book by Lisa Jackson (her latest Tell Me was excellent). I read the audio version of Absolute Fear (and have not read the others in the series, which I will read later as sure would be helpful). This could be a standalone; however, looking forward to reading Shiver and her previous books. As her other book, this was definitely a thriller filled with suspense – the narrator did an outstanding job with the characters. The setting was a mental hospital with lots of secrets to uncover and bad deeds. Eve was the main character who spied on mental patients when she was a child with her best friend Roy. Eve/Cole was a good combo and the book was very intriguing; however, the ending was rather strange as replayed it a few times to make sure I had not missed anything. Assume it will pick up with the following book (New Orleans 5 & 6). A thrilling mystery with lots of twists, and turns and dead bodies along the way. You just never know who is out for revenge and the lengths they will go to get their way!

When Eve Renner gets a phone call from an old friend with a mysterious message, she rushes to meet him and instead finds him brutally murdered, and the killer still lurking in the house. Minutes later, she sees her boyfriend's face through a window, and is stunned to see him pointing a gun at her. That's all she remembers when she wakes up in the hospital, the rest of her memory taken by temporary amnesia. As she tries to rebuild her life, Eve is about to be thrust into a murderer's treacherous game and things get quite a bit worse before they get better. Eve has always known that she was adopted, but not who her parents were. Now someone is leaving old newspaper clippings in her car about a woman who jumped to her death at the mental hospital Eve's father, a psychiatrist, worked in, and a string of savage murders that seem to be connected somehow to the old asylum are keeping the police and coroner's office busy. Meanwhile, Eve's ex-boyfriend is out of jail and doing his best to convince Eve that he didn't try to kill her that night, and something in Eve believes him although her eyes and memory tell her differently. This is your standard romantic suspense thriller, I guess, although I probably don't read enough in the genre to say that with certainty. It's pretty well done, at any rate. There are many points of view used - Eve's, the killer's, Cole's (the boyfriend), and the two detectives working the case. This is the first thing of Lisa Jackson's that I've read, but she's published many books as far as I know (not a rookie, in other words). Although I'm not a big reader of this particular kind of novel, if I had to guess I'd say it's probably one of the better ones and Jackson more talented than many of her colleagues. The story is fast-paced and well-structured, and Jackson seems to be a pretty seasoned pro.

I enjoyed the story. Like every other book written by Lisa Jackson I think she goes into detail way too much, but I've learned where to skim through her words and where I need to pay attention. While I guessed part of what was going on, I definitely did not figure out the entire story of who the killer was and why until it was revealed and for that, I give the author kudos. Yes, is some of the story far-fetched, absolutely! But it's FICTION, not true crime. IMO, it's like in the movies when someone enters a scary place and you find yourself yelling at the t.v. - don't go in there and they do (they always do). Of course they do, it's what sells, just like in books. Same goes with the part that everyone seems to be related to one another - I personally thought that part was downright hysterical (which means it's entertaining and isn't that what it is all about). As for leaving things untied, I see how that happened with Eve's brothers, no real ending with them (which makes me think maybe something more will be explained in another book?). As for Eve's relationship with Cole, I thought there was nothing wrong with the way it ended. And of course the Epilogue sets up the next book, it's a series isn't it?

SHIVER, the first book I read in this series, was my introduction to Lisa Jackson. Instantly, she was my newest, most favorite author. When ABSOLUTE FEAR came out, I was first in line to get a copy. Though some of the characters from the first book were there, such as Det. Reuben Montoya, his partner, Rick Bentz, and Abby, we found out Abby has a half-sister, Eve Renner. There was an attempt on Eve's life and though amnesia has taken away most of her memory, her last memory is of Cole Dennis, her lawyer boyfriend, trying to kill her. Cole is released for lack of evidence and the bodies start stacking up. Det. Reuben Montoya and Rick Bentz try to puzzle out the killer's cryptic clues before he strikes again, but they believe Cole guilty. Cole eludes the police and tries to find the killer on his own. Even though the end is solid, the author let's you know, this isn't the end. What I liked best: the characters and the twists and turns. The book isn't predictable and that's what I like most about Lisa Jackson's writing. What I liked the least: too many dry spots. I ended up skipping through the story to get back to the action. Even with the dry stops, I will be back in line waiting for the next installment of this series.

Eve Renner sustained a gunshot wound upon discovering her childhood friend slain in a remote cabin, and the last face she saw before passing out was that of her jealous lover, attorney Cole Dennis. With evidence lacking, and Eve being an unreliable witness due to partial amnesia, he's set free after three months and told not to bother Eve, but he can't keep away from her. Despite a restraining order, he seeks Eve out after he is summoned to the house of her father only to find him murdered in the same manner. When more bodies pile up, all bearing different numbers tattooed on their foreheads, the police realize that they might have been hasty in trying to pin the first murder on Cole. All the victims have a history with now-defunct Our Lady of Virtues mental hospital, and there appears to be a link between Eve and the suicidal Faith Chastain, whose death figured prominently in Jackson's "Shiver". You have to suspend belief that a high powered attorney can lose everything including the clothes on his back when he hasn't even been indicted, or that his lover can be so quick to forgive him, or that the same town can have a pious serial killer in their midst not once but twice in a single year (make that three times since the door has been left open for another sequel). My chief complaint was that the story is too close in plot to "Shiver," and that detracts from the story, as it gives it an all too familiar "been there, done that" theme, in fact, I thought a couple times there that I'd already read the story, particularly the setting and the police officers in charge. However, Jackson is a master at weaving an intricate plot (and knows her Catholicism), and I found myself digging in late into the night to discover the identity of the mastermind behind the killings.

This book kept me on the edge through the entire book. Constant peaks and breath holding suspense are the standard state of mind when reading this book. I liked the characters and the plot was superb. I was very glad I read this book and am glad to review it. highly recommend reading this suspense novel.

I've read a few of the reviews and many have stated that there were some aspects of this book that were unrealistic... true. When I buy fictionally based books, I'm looking at the entertainment value, not whether or not the story is correct in procedures or religious practices. As far as the entertainment value of this book is concerned, it was good and I enjoyed it, but was a little disappointed in the sudden ending. The build up was pretty suspenseful, and then BAM! The story ended without much of an detailed explanation of what happened to the main characters, with the exception of Kristi, who I had a hard time caring about throughout the telling of the Absolute Fear since she seemed like a sidekick throughout the book. The book was a little long, so I'm wondering if the meat of the ending wound up on the editing room floor in an effort to save a few pages of text. All in all, I'm giving this book 3 stars. A good read, but not excellent/outstanding. I think it's predecessor, Shiver, was a much better book. Better character details, and a lot better ending!

I've read several of Lisa Jackson's books, and while I've liked the Bentz/Montoya stories, I thought this book was her worst by far. It started very slow and didn't really pick up until close to the end. The storyline was confusing from the get go because so much had happened already before the book began, and the author didn't do a good job of recapping it. She also didn't do a good job of weaving in previous storylines, so someone reading this book without having read the others in the series would have no idea what was going on with Faith, Abby, Father James, etc. The story went on too long and the way everyone ended up being related to each other was just beyond the realm of believable. It actually turned the book into a joke. Too many ends were left hanging. What happened to Eve's brothers? Her father's will? Why the tattoos? What happened with Eve and Cole? They were the main characters through the book, but the whole wrap-up was about Kristi, setting up the author's next book with a cliffhanger, but not bothering to wrap things up for the main characters that we just spent nearly 500 pages reading about. The book was also poorly edited, just like "Shiver." On one page, Montoya is talking to Bentz, Eve and Cole at Eve's house. On the next page, he's getting annoyed that Bentz hasn't yet shown up for their meeting with Eve and Cole, and Bentz is at the police station interviewing a possible witness. And this seems to continue in the next book of the series, as during the preview, it says on one page that Kristi and Olivia don't get along, then on the very next page it says they get along but aren't close. Don't waste your money on this one.

I have not read any of the other Lisa Jackson books in this series, so I was new to everything, the characters, the mental hospital. I picked this book up just because I have heard Lisa Jackson is a good author and I decided to give her a try. I started the book and could not put it down. I read it in a day. True I was a little disgusted at the "soap operish" conclusion of everyone turning out to be related to each other and yes I thought both Kristi and Eve were very stupid to roam around the hospital at night, but in real life there are people out there who are like that - look at the people who don't lock their car doors or make sure windows and doors are locked at night or who jog at 3 am in cities where rape and murder are prevelant. It does happen. The story kept me turning the pages and not wanting to put the book down to find out how things turned out in the end so with this reader - the author accomplished what she set out to do. The book was bought, was read and I have now started my search for her other books.

I think the book was good with a nice unexpected twist in the end. This was my first book with Lisa Jackson, and I'll probably read more in the future. However, there were some things I didn't like about this book. 1.I didn't like that you never really got to know Eve (I mean, who was she?) 2.The relationship between Eve and Cole was very predictable. 3.SPOILER ALERT!! There were some unanswered questions like how did Cole make that phone call when there was no service in the cabin? What was the point of all that killing? Why did her brother use someone else to do it? Why did he do it in the first place? What happened to Eves brothers? Why did her sister in law have to die (I mean how was that significant to the killer?) Otherwise, I liked the book. It was pretty entertaining for the most part, but the book was so thick that you would expect the author to tie together all the loose ends at the end of the book which UNFORTUNATELY she didn't.