Dead Eyes

Dead Eyes

Actress Chris Callaway finds her life threatened by a stalker whose attack leaves her blind, and it is up to Beverly Hills police detective Jon Larsen and Danny Devere, a gay friend, to track the would-be killer YA-Rising movie star Chris Callaway has it all: youth, good looks, a blossoming career, and a generous income. She also has an increasingly ardent fan whose anonymous attentions are beginning to alarm her. They take the form of daily deliveries of roses and little notes. After being temporarily blinded in an accident at the construction site of her unfinished new house, she contacts the police about the mysterious watcher. Enter Beverly Hills Police Detective Jon Larsen, an expert on stalkers. Almost simultaneously, Chris's admirer becomes more aggressive. As she struggles to maintain a sense of normalcy, she also discovers a growing attraction between herself and Larsen. The tension builds as the emboldened stalker moves against both Larsen and Chris's best friend. The exciting conclusion is reached when a trap is set for the villain with the actress herself as bait. Employing skills learned both before and after her accident, she contributes significantly to her own rescue during the climactic fight scene. YA mystery lovers will enjoy the plot twists and Woods's energetic writing style. Carolyn E. Gecan, Thomas Jefferson Sci-Tech, Fairfax County, VA Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. With several best-sellers and a miniseries or two to his credit, Woods has proven his ability to manipulate the ingredients of the formula thriller. All the pieces are once again in place in his latest effort: glamorous Hollywood setting, beautiful heroine, strong hero, romance, sex, light humor, and plenty of suspense. Actress Chris Callaway is being stalked by someone who calls himself Admirer. At first, Admirer's notes and gifts are flattering, but soon his constant attention starts to seem threatening, especially when Chris temporarily loses her sight in a fall and can't defend herself against his unwelcome advances. When a bloody dog's head arrives, it's clear that Admirer is no ordinary fan. Jon Larsen, the police detective assigned to the case, finds himself not only determined to find the stalker, but also romantically attracted to the sightless but nonetheless chipper and gutsy actress. Frankly, Woods' success is a bit puzzling. Like many of his earlier books, this novel works as mindless airplane reading--and eventually could become a suitably melodramatic miniseries--but as a thriller, it's riddled with weaknesses: the plot is inane, the dialogue is all syrup and schmaltz, the characters are stereotypical, and the climax is utterly predictable. None of that, however, will keep Woods' fans away. Emily Melton