The Lesson of Her Death

Another great example of the lesson I've learned when exploring thriller writers: always go back to their first books, those early works upon which their reputations were built...Hunter, Burke, Connelly,Deaver,Ross MacDonald,the list goes on. Here Mr. Deaver shows a ferociously understated intelligence in his grasp of character-especially those perversions of character which make this novel read at moments like a fictionalized psychology text from hell....ain't it great??? And, as I said, understated and believable every step of the way. Especially believable are the procedural aspects of small town law enforcement and their inexperience when confronted with atrocities beyond their ken, and the wonderfully wicked views of the dark side of academia. Also a pitch perfect characterization of a decent person of mediocre intelligence, without resort to parody or patronization...not an easy task. Very High recommendation.

I don't know how people get it into their heads that early Deaver books are not as good as his later ones. ALL of his early books are of an incredibly high class, equally as good as his more recent. They are slightly different, in tone perhaps, but the quality remains the same. This is an idea book...there is so much of interest going on at once. It is the kind of book i adore...the kind with a central core plot, but one with many other subplots (usually to do with simple events in the lives of the characters) all orbiting around that core-plot, but never really touching it. It makes the books rather realistic, and such a feast for the reader. So much is happening, just like real life. (For another brilliant example of this, check out "Cry Wolf" by Tami Hoag, which is one of my favourite books of all time.)Deaver's writing is very good, and his characters are great. Very human. He gets into everyones head, and shows us inside, so incredibly well that it looks remarkably easy. I have not met an author who actually can get inside his characters heads so well, and make whats in there seem so simple and ration, especially in the heads of his killers. The plot is good...interesting, exciting, twisting. There are some nice subtle twists, although they are not quite as pronounced or as shocking as in some of his other novels. Indeed, the identity of the killer is discovered in the final 100 ish pages, and there is no real surprise about their identity from then on. (Which, having found out so early, you would expect there to be.)If anything, this book is perhaps a bit too long. But not much...This is not Deaver's book, but that doesnt really clarify matters at all. As all of his books are exemplary, and much better than most authors working today. (Hence the fact that it still garners a five star rating.) However, it may not be quite as good as such classics as "A Maiden's Grave" or "The Empty Chair" it is still a hig class, enjoyable read. If you are new to Deaver, this is probably good place to start and ease yourself into the water.

This was published just before Jeffery Deaver got "bestseller" status and it is a good, solid read. Better than PRAYING FOR SLEEP but a little below anything after A MAIDEN'S GRAVE. That being said, I enjoyed this book. The first 1/4 is a bit slow with set-ups and a whole bunch of different characters. But once Deaver throws them all together, the ride really picks up! I can see parts of THE EMPTY CHAIR in this novel and even Rhyme's motto about evidence is worshipped of the lead Detective in this one. The plot is basically a whodunit...being who killed a college girl, another girl a year earlier, who's leaving polaroid pictures of the Detective's little girl IN HIS HOUSE and signed with threats? A lot of questions and the 517 paperback pages are needed to answer them all. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Deaver throws in his patented twists and turns and you don't know which side is up! A very solid and enjoyable read. Check it out to see how Deaver got to where he is. I've read all of his books except the 3 before this one. Got get yourself a copy!

Jeffery Deaver is the master of suspense. I have yet to read one of his books that has not kept me up all night reading by flashlight. [email protected] is wrong, by the way, Jeffery Wilds Deaver is the same author who wrote The Bone Collector and The Coffin Dancer. I must also whole heartedly agree with [email protected]. It is a shame that many of Jeffery Deaver's books are no longer in print but I keep scouring the used book stores in hopes of finding a treasure - namingly an out of print Deaver book. Lessons of Her Death is a perfect example of Deaver's work - smart, engrossing and well written (plot line and characters). He also makes you feel for both the victim as well as the villain - Deaver shows you what is behind the eyes of a mad man. This was another Deaver book with plot twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend getting into Mr. Deaver's world

I must whole heartedly agree with [email protected]. It is a shame that many of Jeffery Deavers books are no longer in print but I keep scouring the used book stores in hopes of finding a treasure - namingly an out of print Deaver book. Lessons of Her Death is a perfect example of Deaver's work - smart, engrossing and well written (plot line and charcters). This was another book with plot twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.