I'm normally not too much into thriller/suspense stories, but I read this one in high school and the storyline fascinated me, esp. since it was set in New York in the autumn. The characters of Kate, Adam, and little Jessica are fascinating. Kate also has an interesting life apart from her babysitting job; she's working on a thesis on Jane Austen. Adam reminds her a bit of one of Jane Austin's characters, but often seems aloof and formal. Jessica is a delight to read about; as a seven-year-old, she is portrayed realistically. I liked the unusual Cordell family setup also; instead of the tired old widowed dad storyline, I liked that the author had it be an uncle taking care of an orphaned niece. Also well-written and well-developed is the subplot of Kate finding out very interesting surprising things about the Cordell family, not only about Adam and Jessica, but about both of Jessica's deceased parents also. The spooky parts where strange calls start coming into the Cordell house while Kate is there and the bizarre incidents that threaten Jessica are masterfully crafted also to create a goose-bumpish feeling, esp. as the autumn afternoons grow shorter, darker, and colder and goes into early November. It was a good story overall, but the climax was a tad disappointing. It would have been much better if Kate had rescued herself and Jessica maybe in an unusual way especially since the story is told from Kate's point of view and readers are meant to assume that Kate is the hero of this story. But unfortunately Kate is just merely being knocked unconscious when the villain strikes her in the head with a blackjack and Adam miraculously shows up at just the "right" time and "rescues" Kate and Jessica and single-handedly takes down the villain with his bare hands while Kate lies unconscious nearby (an all too-common variation of the hackneyed male-rescues-helpless-female plotline). Kate doesn't even come to until the battle is all over, the villain is immobilized, and the police have arrived. What a climax gyp there. Another good possibility would have been to have both Kate and Adam take the villain down together. I just thought that climax was a tad of a letdown since throughout the rest of the book, Kate is a smart, resouceful woman. But I did like that the climax was appropriately set on a dark, cold Friday evening early November and that the villain who was threatening Jessica is someone totally unexpected that surprises readers.
Don't Walk Home Alone
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
When I started this book I couldn't put it down. It was very well written and the suspence was kept till the end. I can't tell you why I really liked the book or I'll give away the whole story so I'll just say this is a must read and Its now my new favorite book.
Don't Walk Home Alone
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
I think that this book is excellent. It is written in a mature manner and is tempting and alluring. It is full of suspence and keeps you on edge until the very end. It's a story full of romance and a mystery. I personally loved it. I was so anxious to find out who the killer was I almost flipped to the end. I fought the urge though, and was ultimately surprised to find out who it was. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good suspenceful thriller.
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