Watch Me: They Said She Couldn't Catch a Serial Killer. She Said...

If you like a strong minded, intelligent and very capable woman who is fed up with the limits and pettifogging details of today's rule-bound society, then you'll love the growth and daring of Special FBI Agent Janet Louise Fletcher. Like all mystery stories, this book deals with the chaos of criminals who know no rules and who operate in a rule-dominated society that is increasingly restricted and victimized by "the rights of criminals." All mystery stories are based on the premise of a hero who solves a crime with logic and perseverance to restore the normal peaceful and orderly function of society. This is no exception. Today, life is not so simple. The question of guilt or innocence often takes second place to whether all of the accused's rights have been respected. One very good defense attorney once told me he could get an acquittal for anyone "because every prosecution involves thousands of separate and intricate procedures, and the police merely have to get one wrong for the accused to go free." Anyone remember why O.J. Simpson was aquitted? It's what Fletcher faced as the book opens. The book is about her solution, which was very practical if somewhat unorthodox. The underlying element of the book is even more interesting. Some people have an innate desire to hurt the object of their love -- whether it's a spouse, a job, or even a friend. It's not a lack of caring, instead it's a cry to be able to say, "You love me despite the horrible things I do to you and all the pain and misery I cause." They need proof they are loved despite their betrayals and the pain they inflict; in a curious way, it's very much an expression of caring.Remember the saying "It is sometimes easier to be forgiven than to get permission in the first place." Think of Fletcher as operating on this principle. In other words, "Even though I hurt you terribly, please forgive me." For Fletcher, it covers her education, career and job. She loves and believes in her work, yet she is bitterly frustrated in watching the judicial system throw away months of her best efforts to nab the most devious of criminals. So, counting on forgiveness, she plunges into risky behaviour intended to force her superiors to take extra-special steps to let her know she's still appreciated. Sound complicated? Okay, think of 'The Matrix" films which are a magnificent screed against the dangers and excesses of modern technology. Yet, these films are beautifully crafted using the most modern, complex and manipulative technology. It's nothing new. Metropolis, in the 1920s, took the same approach and became a film classic. It is hardly surprising to use the techniques we fear to destroy the results we fear. Why? Because The Matrix, like Metropolis, like 'Watch Me,' is built around an exceptionally fine story that will keep you up late reading -- then keep you awake in bed wondering just how much of it is feasible and real. Holt is a masterful story teller, and this is a good st

Jaded thriller addict that I am, I picked up Watch Me thinking 'oh spare me, another dated cyber-cops-and-robbers, mouse-turns-vampire thing'. By page 90 I'd not only double-locked the doors, but made sure the dead bolts were set as well. This is a very satisfying and complex tale of pure human evil, carefully set in a wide variety of real and virtual locations, ranging from Vancouver to the dregs of cyberspace. Jay Fletcher, the leading lady, is morally ambiguous but lethally effective as she confronts a web of serial killers frighteningly disguised as normal people in our midst. Is this a disturbing book? Yes, definitely - what are the limits of legal protection? Is vigilantism justifiable, and if so, who decides? Holt's style is taut and spare: an excellent read in a safe place!

Not sure who A.J. Holt is, but I'm reasonably certain that this isn't a first novel. It's written way too well for starters. Characters, dialogue, points of view, plot, realism, everything is top-notch. One of the best novels that I have read in quite a while...almost like a James Patterson novel for deep-thinkers. :) Very highly recommended!

I loved this book. I am an avid reader and this is one of my favorite books. I stayed up all night to finish it and was late getting to work. I have loaned this book out to many friends - who have also enjoyed it. Now I want to know - WHERE IS THE SEQUEL???? I AM IMPATIENTLY WAITING AND LOOK EVERY MONTH AT THE BOOKSTORE FOR ONE - PLEASE MAKE ANOTHER

Recommended to me by a friend who reads at least 40-50 books a year,(I read only 30), this book was certainly one of the top five spell-binding books I have ever read. As much as I have enjoyed the James Paterson books I felt this book was a cut above. Exciting story, excellent characters, jumps around in time without losing you, this book has it all. My only complaint is where is the sequel!!!!